cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extensional rheology of concentrated poly(ethylene oxide) solutions

The shear and extensional rheology of three concentrated poly(ethylene oxide) solutions is examined. Shear theology including steady shear viscosity, normal stress difference and linear viscoelastic material functions all collapse onto master curves independent of concentration and temperature. Extensional flow experiments are performed in fiber spinning and opposed nozzles geometries. The concentration dependence of extensional behavior measured using both techniques is presented. The zero-shear viscosity and apparent extensional viscosities measured with both extensional rheometers exhibit a power law dependence with polymer concentration. Strain hardening in the fiber spinning device is found to be of similar magnitude for all test fluids, irrespective of strain rate. The opposed nozzle device measures an apparent extensional viscosity which is one order of magnitude smaller than the value determined with the fiber spinline device. This could be attributed to errors caused by shear, dynamic pressure, and the relatively small strains developed in the opposed nozzle device. This instrument cannot measure local kinematics or stresses, but averages these values over the non-homogenous flow field. These results show that it is not possible to measure the extensional viscosity of non-Newtonian and shear thinning fluids with this device. Fiber spin-line experiments are coupled with a momentum balance and constitutive model to predict stress growth and diameter profiles. A one-mode Giesekus model accurately captures the plateau values of steady and dynamic shear properties, but fails to capture the gradual shear thinning of viscosity. Giesekus model parameters determined from shear rheology are not capable of quantitatively predicting fiber spinline kinematics. However, model parameters fit to a single spinline experiment accurately predict stress growth behavior for different applied spinline tensions.
Modulation of native TREK-1 and Kv1.4 K+ channels by polyunsaturated fatty acids and lysophospholipids.

The modulation of TREK-1 leak and Kv1.4 voltage-gated K+ channels by fatty acids and lysophospholipids was studied in bovine adrenal zona fasciculata (AZF) cells. In whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, arachidonic acid (AA) (1–20 µM) dramatically and reversibly increased the activity of bTREK-1, while inhibiting bKv1.4 current by mechanisms that occurred with distinctly different kinetics. bTREK-1 was also activated by the polyunsaturated cis fatty acid linoleic acid but not by the trans polyunsaturated fatty acid linolelaidic acid or saturated fatty acids. Eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), which blocks formation of active AA metabolites, failed to inhibit AA activation of bTREK-1, indicating that AA acts directly. Compared to activation of bTREK-1, inhibition of bKv1.4 by AA was rapid and accompanied by a pronounced acceleration of inactivation kinetics. Cis polyunsaturated fatty acids were much more effective than trans or saturated fatty acids at inhibiting bKv1.4. ETYA also effectively inhibited bKv1.4, but less potently than AA. bTREK-1 current was markedly increased by lysophospholipids including lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC) and lysophosphatidyl inositol (LPI). At concentrations from 1–5 µM, LPC produced a rapid, transient increase in bTREK-1 that peaked within one minute and then rapidly desensitized. The transient lysophospholipid-induced increases in bTREK-1 did not require the presence of ATP or GTP in the pipette solution. These results indicate that the activity of native leak and voltage-gated K+ channels are directly modulated in reciprocal fashion by AA and other cis unsaturated fatty acids. They also show that lysophospholipids enhance bTREK-1, but with a strikingly different temporal pattern. The modulation of native K+ channels by these agents differs from their effects on the same channels expressed in heterologous cells, highlighting the critical importance of auxiliary subunits and signaling. Finally, these results reveal that AZF cells express thousands of bTREK-1 K+ channels that lie dormant until activated by metabolites including phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-generated fatty acids and lysophospholipids. These metabolites may alter the electrical and secretory properties of AZF cells by modulating bTREK-1 and bKv1.4 K+ channels.
Progress and prospects for high efficiency and gigacount per second detectors for quantum repeaters using superconducting nanowire detectors

We describe our work on superconducting nanowire detector arrays and how they may be adapted to meet the requirements for implementing a quantum repeater.
EXPLORING LINKAGES BETWEEN MANUFACTURING STRATEGY, BUSINESS STRATEGY, AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY

In recent years there has been an increased emphasis on the development of manufacturing and business strategies. In spite of that high level of emphasis, limited empirical research has been published on the linkage between manufacturing strategy, business strategy, and organizational performance. Our study examines that linkage. Our main contribution lies in (i) building constructs for some important elements of manufacturing strategy and business strategy and (ii) testing the impact of linkage between manufacturing strategy and business strategy on organizational performance. The study is based on 175 responses from senior executives in manufacturing organizations.
Inability to restore resting intracellular calcium levels as an early indicator of delayed neuronal cell death

The hippocampus is especially vulnerable to excitotoxicity and delayed neuronal cell death. Chronic elevations in free intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) following glutamate-induced excitotoxicity have been implicated in contributing to delayed neuronal cell death. However, no direct correlation between delayed cell death and prolonged increases in [Ca2+]i has been determined in mature hippocampal neurons in culture. This investigation was initiated to determine the statistical relationship between delayed neuronal cell death and prolonged increases in [Ca2+]i in mature hippocampal neurons in culture. Using indo-1 confocal fluorescence microscopy, we observed that glutamate induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i that persisted after the removal of glutamate. Following excitotoxic glutamate exposure, neurons exhibited prolonged increases in [Ca2+]i, and significant delayed neuronal cell death was observed. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) channel antagonist MK-801 blocked the prolonged increases in [Ca2+]i and cell death. Depolarization of neurons with potassium chloride (KCl) resulted in increases in [Ca2+]i, but these increases were buffered immediately upon removal of the KCl, and no cell death occurred. Linear regression analysis revealed a strong correlation (R = 0.973) between glutamate-induced prolonged increases in [Ca2+]i and delayed cell death. These data suggest that excitotoxic glutamate exposure results in an NMDA-induced inability to restore resting [Ca2+]i (IRRC) that is a statistically significant indicator of delayed neuronal cell death.
Energy efficiency via incentive design and utility learning

Utility companies have many motivations for modifying energy consumption patterns of consumers such as revenue decoupling and demand response programs. We model the utility company-consumer interaction as a principal-agent problem and present an iterative algorithm for designing incentives while estimating the consumer's utility function.
An enhanced 90nm high performance technology with strong performance improvements from stress and mobility increase through simple process changes

In this abstract we present a highly manufacturable, high performance 90nm technology with best in class performance for 35nm gate-length N and P transistors. Unique, but simple and low cost, process changes have been utilized to modulate channel stress and implant profile to generate enhanced performance with no additional masks. High drive currents of 1193uA/um and 587uA/um are obtained for nMOS and pMOS transistors respectively at 1.2V Vdd and an Ioff of 60nA//spl mu/m. An industry leading 90nm technology CV/I of 0.61 ps and 1.12ps are obtained for nMOS and pMOS transistors respectively. An aggressively scaled 12/spl Aring/ EOT plasma-nitrided, cluster gate dielectric is used. Process conditions are optimized to obtain high drive current, good Vt roll-off control and simultaneously meet reliability requirements.
On duality for entropy constrained programs

Abstract We consider linear programming models with an entropy constraint. Duality is used to transfer the nonlinear constraint to the objective in the dual, which may then be readily solved. A numerical example is given.
Development of texture in poly(ethylene terephthalate) by plane-strain compression

Abstract Morphological alterations induced by plane-strain compression of semicrystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) at 190°C were studied using small-angle and wide-angle X-ray diffraction techniques, polarized light microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Based on the observations, a scheme of texture development is outlined. An initially spherulitic morphology transforms into one that comprises stacks of fragmented crystalline lamellae with lamellar normals oriented towards the flow direction. After some initial deformation by interlamellar sliding in the amorphous material (100)[001] chain slip operated throughout the remainder of the deformation. Up to a compression ratio of 2.6 the (100)[001] chain slip mechanism orients lamellar normals towards the compression axis. Further deformation caused fragmentation of the thinned-out lamellae and subsequent reorientation of lamellar normals towards the flow direction. Pole figure analysis indicated cooperative activity of the (100)[001] chain slip and (100)[010] transverse slip during the later stages of texture development. The (100)[010] transverse slip mechanism controlled the orientation of the crystal structure in a plane orthogonal to the flow direction. There was no evidence of (010)[001] chain slip during texture development. At a compression ratio of 3.3 pole figure analysis revealed the existence of a dual unit cell orientation that renders an overall orthotropic symmetry to plane-strain compressed PET.
Carbohydrate Metabolism of Streptococcus salivarius. II. Manometric Measurements of Oxygen Consumption under Various Temperature, pH, and Substrate Concentration

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUAMETABOLISMO DE HYDRATO DE CARBON DE Streptococcus salivarius. II. MESURATIONES MANOMETRIC DEL CONSUMPTION DE OXVGENO SUB VARIE CONDITIONES DE TEMPERATURA, pH, E CONCENTRATION DE SUBSTRATO.—Le objectivo del presente studio esseva obtener datos quantitative relative al metabolismo oxydative de Streptococcus salivarius. Culturas pur, isolate ab le bucca human, esseva mantenite in le medio Trypticase no. 2 durante 18 o 22 horas. Le cellulas esseva recolligite e resuspendite in tampon phosphatic (0,1 N, pH 7,0). Iste suspension esseva usate pro le mesurationes del acceptation de oxygeno.Sub conditiones acidic e a temperaturas de infra 15 C, le addition de substratos non promoveva le respiration. Le acceptation maximal de oxygeno esseva observate con un pH approximativemente neutre e al temperatura del ambiente. Le concentration de sucro non afficeva le quantitate de oxygeno consumite.
Adhesion aspects of levulinic‐acid‐modified furan polymers to crystalline zinc phosphate metal surfaces

The nature of the interfacial interactions between functional levulinic-acid-modified furan resin coatings and crystalline zinc phosphate hydrate films deposited on carbon steel surfaces has been systematically investigated. The typical surface topography of the highly crystallized zinc phosphate films was found to be characterized by the presence of a dendritic microstructure array of interlocking triclinic crystals. This structure acts significantly to develop mechanical interlocking bonds with the functional blend polymer which penetrates into the open surface structure of the films. Both the thickness of deposition film and the polar H2O molecules of hydrate at the outermost film surface sites play essential roles in wetting by the functional liquid resin. When the polarized furan polymers spread on the oxide film surfaces, the carboxylate groups derived from the levulinic ester and acid molecules react to form strong hydrogen bonds with the crystallized H2O molecules on the hopeite film. This formation of hydrogen bonding was shown to be a major factor affecting the chemical intermolecular attractions. A formulation consisting of 95 parts furan to 5 parts levulinic acid was found to yield the optimum protective coating. More than 5 parts levulinic acid resulted in the transformation of the characteristics of the polymer film from hydrophobic to hydrophilic.
Experiences with microsurgical reconstruction of the inferior alveolar nerve.

Abstract In select cases, immediate or delayed inferior alveolar nerve reconstruction is indicated. The current state of the art indicates that when nerve reconstruction is to be undertaken, optimal results are achieved via microsurgical instrumentation. Specific technical and biologic considerations that have been found to be relevant in microsurgical reconstruction of the inferior alveolar nerve are discussed.
Rearrangements of pterinosomes and cytoskeleton accompanying pigment dispersion in goldfish xanthophores

Abstract The cytoskeleton of goldfish xanthophores contains an abundance of unique dense structures (400 nm in diameter) that are absent in goldfish nonpigment cells and are probably remnants of pterinosomes. No major difference in protein composition between xanthophores and nonpigment cells (without these structures) was found that could account for these structures. In xanthophores, these structures are foci of radiating filaments. The addition or withdrawal of ACTH causes a radical rearrangement of the xanthophore cytoskeleton accompanying redistribution of carotenoid droplets, namely, the virtual exclusion of these dense bodies with associated filaments from the space occupied by the carotenoid droplet aggregate vs. a relatively even cytoplasmic distribution of these structures when the carotenoid droplets are dispersed. These changes in cytoskeletal morphology are not accompanied by any major changes in the protein or phosphoprotein composition of the cytoskeleton.
Program planning for an assisted living community.

Occupational therapy has long had a vested interest in activity programming for the elderly. During the past, this interest has been largely confined to adult day care centers for community dwelling elderly, and to nursing homes for long term care of the elderly. In light of the interest generated by the recent entry of assisted living into the housing continuum, program models and understanding of the population of people who choose this option are of interest. This article introduces one model of wellcare for assisted living residents and describes a population of 626 residents in approximately 30 Morningside assisted living communities dispersed over the Southeast. The Healthy Generation model outlined in this article emphasizes five separate but inter-related domains that have been shown to impact the quality of life of aging individuals. Through the use of a multidimensional instrument, these domains (intellectual, social, physical, spiritual and emotional) are surveyed at the time each resident move...
First separation and characterization of cis and trans 1,2-bisaryloxy perfluorocyclobutanes

Abstract 4-Bromotrifluorovinyloxybenzene (4-Br-TFVE) undergoes cyclodimerization upon heating at 150 °C affording cis and trans isomers of 1,2-bis(4-bromophenoxy)hexafluorocylcobutane. Stereoisomers were separated by selective crystallization, confirmed by single crystal X-ray, and further characterized by NMR. Remarkable difference in the solid state structures include aryl to aryl dihedral angles of 12° for the trans isomer and 88° for the cis isomer. Polymers containing roughly equal amounts of cis and trans fused perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) rings should be expected to have low crystallinity due to the marked difference in the two unit cells as is observed.
Evolving analog controllers for correcting thermoacoustic instability in real hardware

Previous research demonstrated that Evolvable Hardware (EH) techniques can be employed to suppress Thermoacoustic (TA) instability in a computer simulated combustion chamber. Though that work established basic feasibility, there were still significant questions concerning whether those techniques would function in the real world. This paper presents the results of the next incremental step between controlling in pure simulation and controlling a real combustion chamber. In it, we will examine issues involved with using EH methods to learn to control a hardware analog circuit model of a combustion chamber. In so doing, we establish that the basic methods work when interfaced to real hardware and uncover some interesting, potentially critical, differences between simulation and real environments. We will also establish that both the EA methods and the underlying reconfigurable hardware can be expected to learn effectively in noisy control environments and that they are well-suited for upcoming use in a live engine.
Control of MEMS Nanopositioners With Nano-Scale Resolution

Several approaches for the precision control of micro-scale positioning mechanisms, or MEMS nanopositioners, are presented along with initial experimental results which demonstrate nano-scale positioning resolution. The MEMS nanopositioners discussed in this paper are novel precision mechanisms comprised of a bent-beam thermal actuator and a flexure mechanism for each degree of freedom (DOF). These mechanisms can be used for a host of ultra-precision positioning applications, including nanomanipulation, scanning probe microscopy, high-density data storage and beam steering arrays. Concentrating on a 1 DOF MEMS nanopositioner, empirical static and dynamic models have been derived using characterization data obtained from experiments with optical and laser probe microscopes. Based on these models, three control approaches have been developed: 1) a quasi-static nonlinear open-loop controller, 2) a nonlinear forward compensator, and 3) a nonlinear PI controller. Simulation and initial experimental results are presented, and the benefits of each of these approaches are discussed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Silencing the experience of change

Perceptual illusions have often served as an important tool in the study of perceptual experience. In this paper I argue that a recently discovered set of visual illusions sheds new light on the nature of time consciousness. I suggest the study of these silencing illusions as a tool kit for any philosopher interested in the experience of time and show how to better understand time consciousness by combining detailed empirical investigations with a detailed philosophical analysis. In addition, and more specifically, I argue against an initially plausible range of views that assume a close match between the temporal content of visual experience and the temporal layout of experience itself. Against such a widely held structural matching thesis I argue that which temporal changes we are experiencing bears no close relation to how our experience itself is changing over time. Explanations of the silencing illusions that are compatible with the structural matching thesis fail.
Social Support, Motivation, and the Process of Juvenile Reentry: An Exploratory Analysis of Desistance

Many scholarly works and studies have explored the experience of reentry and desistance for adult offenders, but fewer studies have focused on these processes among juvenile offenders. Using qualitative case studies of juveniles released from secure confinement, this study explores the desistance process during juvenile reentry by examining how social support is used during the process. The authors propose that motivation, derived from both agentic resolve and reinforcement from social support networks, is necessary for successful desistance.
Pheromone biosynthesis in the bark beetle, Ips paraconfusus, during feeding or exposure to vapours of host plant precursors

Abstract The quantities of trans- verbenol , myrtenol, and the pheromone, cis- verbenol , in the hindguts of males and females were found to increase in linear proportion following exposure to increasing concentrations of vapour of the host plant precursor, (−)-α-pinene. Males produced significantly more of these compounds than females. Differences between males and females in the ratios of compound production were indicated. The concentrations of myrcene, α-pinene, and other monoterpenes volatilized in male nuptial chambers in ponderosa pine were quantified as well as the amounts in phloem. Males do not appear to ingest sufficient phloem to obtain enough of the host plant precursor, myrcene, to account for production of the pheromones, ipsenol and ipsdienol, but they may consume additional amounts of myrcene in oleoresin/xylem. Comparisons of ipsenol, ipsdienol and cis- verbenol production in males when feeding or exposed to precursor vapours at various concentrations indicate that under natural conditions myrcene used in pheromone biosynthesis primarily enters the beetle via the digestive tract.
The effects of El Niño on the foraging behavior of lactating California sea lions (Zalophus californianus californianus) during the nonbreeding season

We compared the nonbreeding-season foraging behavior of lactating California sea lions (Zalophus californianus californianus (Lesson, 1828)) at San Miguel Island, California, during El Nino conditions in 1993 and non-El Nino conditions in 1996. Lactating females were instrumented with satellite-linked time–depth recorders between January and March in 1993 (n = 6) and 1996 (n = 10) and data were collected through May in each year. Females foraged northwest of the colony, up to 367 km from it and 230 km from the California coast. Mean dive depths ranged from 19.5 to 279.3 m, but most females achieved dives deeper than 400 m. Most females fed exclusively in the offshore habitat, traveled farther from the colony, spent more time traveling, made deeper and longer dives, and terminated lactation earlier during the 1993 El Nino. The results suggest that prey were concentrated in the offshore habitat and located farther from the colony and deeper in the water column during El Nino. Females did not change their fo...
Effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids on neuronal function.

Diets deficient in linoleic acid (18∶2n−6), or that have unusual ratios of linoleic acid to α-linolenic acid (18∶3n−3) induce changes in the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of neuronal and glial membranes. Such changes have been linked to alterations in retina and brain function. These functional effects are presumed to follow from the biochemical consequences of modifying membrane PUFA content; known effects include modifications in membrane fludity, in the activities of membrane-associated, functional proteins (transporters, receptors, enzymes), and in the production of important signaling molecules from oxygenated linoleic and α-linolenic acid derivatives. However, despite the demonstration that central nervous system function changes when dietary PUFA intake is altered, and that in general, membrane PUFA content influences membrane functions, little work has focused specifically on brain and retina to reveal the underlying biochemical bases for such effects. This review examines this issue, looking at known effects of dietary PUFA on neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and attempts to identify some approaches that might promote productive investigation into the underlying mechanisms relating changes in dietary PUFA intake to alterations in neuronal and overall nervous system functioning.
A cAMP-induced increase in the motility of demembranated bull sperm models

Abstract cAMP is shown to be directly involved in activating the motile apparatus of bull sperm. Triton X-100-extracted, demembranated (modeled) bull sperm are motile in the presence of ATP. Addition of cAMP to motile demembranated preparations of sperm produced a measured increase in motility. Maximal stimulation was obtained with 8–30 μM cAMP present in the mixture. The stimulation is of the same relative magnitude as obtained by addition of theophylline or caffeine to intact (membrane-bound) sperm. Modeled sperm show no sensitivity to theophylline. The response of the modeled sperm to the addition of cAMP was dependent upon the length of storage of the sperm and the condition of the sperm prior to modeling. Although modeled sperm show no sensitivity to theophylline, theophylline treatment of sperm prior to modeling increases the motility of the models produced and eliminates the sensitivity of the models to cAMP. Inhibiting the energy metabolism of the sperm prior to modeling greatly enhanced the sensitivity of the models to cAMP. We conclude that the effect of cAMP on modeled bull sperm reflects a naturally occurring balance which controls the motility of bull sperm, and that cAMP exerts its stimulatory action directly on the motile apparatus.
Downward causation in fluid convection

Recent developments in nonlinear dynamics have found wide application in many areas of science from physics to neuroscience. Nonlinear phenomena such as feedback loops, inter-level relations, wholes constraining and modifying the behavior of their parts, and memory effects are interesting candidates for emergence and downward causation. Rayleigh–Benard convection is an example of a nonlinear system that, I suggest, yields important insights for metaphysics and philosophy of science. In this paper I propose convection as a model for downward causation in classical mechanics, far more robust and less speculative than the examples typically provided in the philosophy of mind literature. Although the physics of Rayleigh–Benard convection is quite complicated, this model provides a much more realistic and concrete example for examining various assumptions and arguments found in emergence and philosophy of mind debates. After reviewing some key concepts of nonlinear dynamics, complex systems and the basic physics of Rayleigh–Benard convection, I begin that examination here by (1) assessing a recently proposed definition for emergence and downward causation, (2) discussing some typical objections to downward causation and (3) comparing this model with Sperry’s examples.
Las vitaminas en la alimentación animal

Cada dia se nota mas y mas la importancia del contenido de vitaminas en la alimentacion animal. Numerosos y modernos estudios demuestran el papel trascendental de las avitaminosis o enfermedades de carencia en todos los climas, por cuanto la alimentacion a que son sometidos los animales, esta intimamente ligada a las producciones del suelo y a las condiciones economicas locales.Como una guia aproximada, y por considerarlo interesante, publicamos a continuacion dos cuadros que muestran el contenido en vitaminas de los diversos alimentos. En la seccion Revista de las Revistas, publicamos un resumen del importante estudio de Marck y Welmann, sobre las avitaminosis.
A variational multiscale a posteriori error estimation method for mixed form of nearly incompressible elasticity

This paper presents an error estimation framework for a mixed displacement–pressure finite element method for nearly incompressible elasticity. The proposed method is based on Variational Multiscale (VMS) concepts, wherein the displacement field is decomposed into coarse scales that can be resolved by a given finite element mesh and fine scales that are beyond the resolution capacity of the mesh. Variational projection of fine scales onto the coarse-scale space via variational embedding of the fine-scale solution into the coarse-scale formulation leads to the stabilized method with two major attributes: first, it is free of volumetric locking and, second, it accommodates arbitrary combinations of interpolation functions for the displacement and pressure fields. This VMS-based stabilized method is equipped with naturally derived error estimators and offers various options for numerical computation of the error. Specifically, two error estimators are explored. The first method employs an element-based strategy and a representation of error via a fine-scale error equation defined over element interiors which is evaluated by a direct post-solution evaluation. This quantity when combined with the global pollution error results in a simple explicit error estimator. The second method involves solving the fine-scale error equation through localization to overlapping patches spread across the domain, thereby leading to an implicit calculation of the local error. This implicit calculation when combined with the global pollution error results in an implicit error estimator. The performance of the stabilized method and the error estimators is investigated through numerical convergence tests conducted for two model problems on uniform and distorted meshes. The sharpness and robustness of the estimators is shown to be consistent across the test cases employed.
Algebraic optimization for nested relations

The commutative properties of nested relational operators in the context of optimization are examined. It is explained why commutativity is hard in algebras for nested relations. Six mutual dependencies between nested relations and other conditions are introduced, and an algebraic characterization of nested relational operators is given in terms of constraint satisfaction. The results contrast with the algebraic properties of relational operators. It is suggested that algebraic attempts should be pursued cautiously for the query optimization of nested relational models. >
Subjective preferences for the red color of stop signs: implications for the design of high-intensity-discharge headlamps

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Industry Affiliation Program for Human Factors in Transportation Safety
Boosting Density Estimation

Several authors have suggested viewing boosting as a gradient descent search for a good fit in function space. We apply gradient-based boosting methodology to the unsupervised learning problem of density estimation. We show convergence properties of the algorithm and prove that a strength of weak learnability property applies to this problem as well. We illustrate the potential of this approach through experiments with boosting Bayesian networks to learn density models.
Molecular-based optical devices

A brief overview is presented of recent advances in the investigation of materials for the development of all-optical logic devices using nonlinear, bistable and threshold materials. The emphasis is on organic materials because of their flexibility, processability, and strong potential for future growth. These materials make possible the development of novel architectures capable of rapid parallel information processing and suitable for applications such as artificial intelligence, neural networks, and pattern recognition. >
Commutation torque ripple minimization for permanent magnet synchronous machines with Hall effect position feedback

A permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with sinusoidal flux distribution is commonly commutated using discrete rotor position feedback from Hall sensors. A commonly used stator current excitation strategy used in such a system is a six-step current waveform. Application of sinusoidal current waveforms is shown to produce smooth torque in the PMSM. This paper shows how a pseudo-sensorless rotor position estimator may be used with Hall sensors to provide sinusoidal current excitation in place of six-step currents to reduce the torque ripple associated with the six-step strategy. Performance evaluation of the rotor position estimator in a PMSM drive is provided through simulation.
Reference urodynamic values for stress incontinent women.

Objective To determine reference urodynamic values for preoperative urodynamic studies in women undergoing surgery for pure or predominant stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and Methods Six hundred fifty-five women with pure or predominant SUI were enrolled in a multicenter surgical trial and were randomized to undergo a Burch or autologous fascia sling procedure as part of the Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network (UITN) Stress Incontinence Surgical Treatment Efficacy Trial (SISTEr). Preoperative free uroflowmetry, filling cystometry, and pressure flow studies were performed in all women using a standardized research protocol and standardized urodynamic interpretation guidelines. We define the normal range of urodynamic values in this population as the values that encompass 95% of the results. Results In 655 women undergoing filling cystometry in the standing position, baseline vesical and abdominal pressures were between 12 and 60 cm H2O. The upper limit of detrusor pressure increase during bladder filling to maximum cystometric capacity was 16 cm H2O. Ten percent of women who qualified for stress incontinence surgery with a positive cough stress test on physical exam did not demonstrate urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and less than 10% of subjects in this study demonstrated detrusor overactivity. Conclusions Results from a large cohort of women with SUI are now available for quantitative plausibility assessments or as reference values when interpreting urodynamic studies. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:333–340, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary Mucormycosis (Phycomycetes) Successfully Treated by Resection

Pulmonary mucormycosis (Phycomycetes) is an uncommon fungus infection complicating diabetes mellitus, leukemia, lymphoma, and other debilitating diseases. A review of the literature revealed that of 21 diabetic patients in whom Phycomycetes occurred without underlying malignancy, only 7 survived. These 7 underwent operation. This report concerns another patient with pulmonary mucormycosis who was successfully treated by pulmonary resection.
Avl9p, a Member of a Novel Protein Superfamily, Functions in the Late Secretory Pathway

The branching of exocytic transport routes in both yeast and mammalian cells has complicated studies of the late secretory pathway, and the mechanisms involved in exocytic cargo sorting and exit from the Golgi and endosomes are not well understood. Because cargo can be sorted away from a blocked route and secreted by an alternate route, mutants defective in only one route do not exhibit a strong secretory phenotype and are therefore difficult to isolate. In a genetic screen designed to isolate such mutants, we identified a novel conserved protein, Avl9p, the absence of which conferred lethality in a vps1Δ apl2Δ strain background (lacking a dynamin and an adaptor-protein complex 1 subunit). Depletion of Avl9p in this strain resulted in secretory defects as well as accumulation of Golgi-like membranes. The triple mutant also had a depolarized actin cytoskeleton and defects in polarized secretion. Overexpression of Avl9p in wild-type cells resulted in vesicle accumulation and a post-Golgi defect in secretion. Phylogenetic analysis indicated evolutionary relationships between Avl9p and regulators of membrane traffic and actin function.
Counterpoint: In Favor of Mandatory Influenza Vaccine for All Health Care Workers

Health care workers (HCWs) who have contact with patients have an increased risk of exposure to vaccinepreventable diseases and of spreading those diseases to vulnerable patients. Maintenance of immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases is an essential part of disease-prevention and infection-control programs [1]. Influenza is the most common vaccine-preventable disease, and nosocomial transmission is frequently identified in health care facilities; yet, voluntary vaccination policies permit HCWs to put patients at risk of influenza, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Together, influenza and pneumonia are the seventh leading cause of death overall in the United States. Deaths due to influenza and pneumonia greatly exceed the death toll from AIDS, and these illnesses rank in the top 10 causes of death for every decade of life. Annual epidemics of influenza result in ∼40,000 deaths and 1200,000 hospitalizations in the United States [2, 3], accounting for the winter increase in US mortality rates [4]. The greatest toll is on persons 65 years of age and those with underlying chronic illnesses—precisely the population in our hospitals, intermediate care facilities, and long-term care facilities. Vaccination is the primary means of preventing influenza. Inactivated influenza vaccine is safe and effec-
Designing semantics-preserving cluster representatives for scientific input conditions

In scientific domains, knowledge is often discovered from experiments by grouping or clustering them based on the similarity of their output. The causes of similarity are analyzed based on the input conditions characterizing a given type of output, i.e., a given cluster. This analysis helps in applications such as decision support in industry. Cluster representatives form at-a-glance depictions for such applications. Randomly selecting a set of conditions in a cluster as its representative is not sufficient since distinct combinations of inputs could lead to the same cluster. In this paper, an approach called DesCond is proposed to design semantics-preserving cluster representatives for scientific input conditions. We define a notion of distance for conditions to capture semantics based on the types of their attributes and their relative importance. Using this distance, methods of building candidate cluster representatives with different levels of detail are proposed. Candidates are compared using the DesCond Encoding proposed in this paper that assesses their complexity and information loss, given user interests. The candidate with the lowest encoding for each cluster is returned as its designed representative. DesCond is evaluated with real data from Materials Science. Evaluation with domain expert interviews and formal user surveys shows that designed representatives consistently outperform randomly selected ones and different candidates suit different users.
Bandwidth enhancement using nonlinear inductors

It is shown that a radiating element can potentially have a bandwidth wider that the maximum bandwidth defined by Chu's fundamental limit if the linear time invariant (LTI) assumption does not hold. A nonlinear inductor is employed to study the behavior of a non-LTI resonator as a narrow-band antenna equivalent. A ferrite core is used to construct a nonlinear inductor with current-dependent inductance. We use a cubic function to model the i-ϕ profile, which results in Duffing equation. Numerical results show that nonlinearity can increase the resonator's bandwidth compared to the linear case.
Supporting multimedia learning with visual signalling and animated pedagogical agent: moderating effects of prior knowledge

An experiment examined the effects of visual signalling to relevant information in multiple external representations and the visual presence of an animated pedagogical agent APA. Students learned electric circuit analysis using a computer-based learning environment that included Cartesian graphs, equations and electric circuit diagrams. The experiment was a 2 visual signalling, no visual signalling×2 visual APA presence, no visual APA presence between-subjects design, resulting in four experimental conditions: visual signalling with APA presence APA+S, visual signalling without APA presence S, no visual signalling with APA presence APA and no visual signalling without APA presence C. Signalling was provided via gestures of the APA in the APA+S condition and via dynamic arrows in the S condition. To investigate potential moderating effects of prior knowledge on APA presence and visual signalling factors, middle school students were grouped into low prior knowledge LPK and high prior knowledge HPK groups using scores on a domain pre-test. Results revealed that LPK students had higher post-test scores after learning with visual signalling, resulting in equivalent post-test performance to their HPK counterparts. LPK students also had higher post-test scores, higher ratings of graphics understanding and lower perceived difficulty ratings in conditions that included the visual image of the APA. Conversely, HPK students had better post-test scores after learning without the APA. These results indicate that the effectiveness of visual signalling techniques and the visual presence of an APA is dependent on learner characteristics, including prior domain knowledge.
Cost-Effectiveness of Genetic Testing for Monogenic Diabetes

Diagnosing monogenic forms of diabetes provides an opportunity to deliver personalized genetic medicine. The most common monogenic causes of diabetes can be treated with therapeutic options targeted to genetic type that are cheaper and less burdensome than standard diabetes care, improving quality of life and potentially providing cost savings for individual patients. However, the most common forms of monogenic diabetes are rare and have a similar clinical presentation as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. As a result, identifying patients with monogenic diabetes in the population will require testing strategies that acknowledge the population-level costs and health effects of genetic testing. Cost-effectiveness analysis is a health economic method that has shed light on the economic value of routine testing for monogenic diabetes. This chapter reviews recent analyses and remaining questions regarding the cost-effectiveness of testing strategies for monogenic diabetes. Studies of the long-term clinical and economic consequences of monogenic diabetes genetic screening strategies will inform clinical recommendations and coverage decisions in order to translate diabetes genetics knowledge into care that improves health outcomes at a reasonable cost.
Utilizing Creative Expressive Techniques and Group Counseling to Improve Adolescents of Divorce Social-Relational Capabilities

AbstractAdolescents of divorce present challenges for mental health counselors unfamiliar with issues this population encounters. Problems such as negative societal perceptions and low behavioral self-efficacy can combine, causing long-lasting problems. Specifically, adolescents of divorce appear to be at risk for developing inadequate social/relational capabilities. To improve adolescents’ relational and social competencies, the authors advocate for a creative combination of expressive techniques and group counseling. This brief, six-week intervention may be a viable, creative tool for counselors working with this distinct client population.
In vivo volumetric imaging of biological dynamics in deep tissue via wavefront engineering

Biological systems undergo dynamical changes continuously which span multiple spatial and temporal scales. To study these complex biological dynamics in vivo, high-speed volumetric imaging that can work at large imaging depth is highly desired. However, deep tissue imaging suffers from wavefront distortion, resulting in reduced Strehl ratio and image quality. Here we combine the two wavefront engineering methods developed in our lab, namely the optical phase-locked ultrasound lens based volumetric imaging and the iterative multiphoton adaptive compensation technique, and demonstrate in vivo volumetric imaging of microglial and mitochondrial dynamics at large depth in mouse brain cortex and lymph node, respectively.
Learning Curve/Experience Curve Theory

This note describes the theory underlying learning curves. The note includes the derivation of the assumed mathematical relationships, some worked-out example problems, and several tables of factors that simplify solution of problems. This note and related materials can be used as part of the Workforce Planning Module.
Use of a portable air disinfecting system to remove seeded coliphage in hospital rooms

Health care–associated infections are a major problem worldwide, and the airborne route is believed to be a contributory source of secondary health care–associated infections. This study examined the efficacy of a portable air disinfecting system to remove seeded coliphage virus from the air in hospitals rooms. Aerosolized coliphage concentrations were not statistically different between treatment and no treatment measurements. However, future research should focus on additional investigations in the patient rooms that incorporate fomite and air testing alongside portable air filtration devices.
Disposition of anesthetic and anesthetic-related agents in ruminants.

Many factors may influence the actions and fates of anesthetic and anesthetic-related agents in ruminant animals. These considerations need to be taken into account when these drugs are employed clinically. Some of the major principles governing the disposition of CNS-active drugs are reviewed, with special emphasis on the uniqueness of ruminant animals. General pharmacokinetic considerations are also covered as a preamble to a commentary on the kir1etic characteristics of anesthetic and anesthetic-related agents that are commonly used in domesticated ruminants.
Humor Orgies as Ritual Insult Putdowns and Solidarity Maintenance in a Corner Donut Shop

In-group members can display a sense of solidarity by earning license to direct verbal putdowns toward one another in the presence of others. An explanation of the process by which in-group members...
On N+2 Mutually Orthogonal Hyperspheres in Euclidean N-Space

(1934). On N+2 Mutually Orthogonal Hyperspheres in Euclidean N-Space. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 41, No. 7, pp. 424-438.
Hall and Seebeck profiling: Determining surface, interface, and bulk electron transport properties in unintentionally doped InN

A method for depth profiling of the resistivity, carrier concentration, carrier mobility, and Seebeck coefficient is proposed. This method is based on the measured sheet resistance, Hall coefficient, and Seebeck coefficient of a series of samples with different thicknesses, and data analysis based on multilayer models. We applied this profiling to separate the bulk electron transport properties---concentration, activation energy, mobility, and Seebeck coefficient---of unintentionally doped $n$-type InN from the contribution of the parasitic surface electron accumulation layer and a highly conductive interface region. The $\ensuremath{\approx}200$-nm-thick interface region shows a high but rapidly decreasing carrier concentration. The dependence of the Seebeck coefficient on electron concentration was extracted. The limits and applicability of this method to extract $p$-type InN transport properties are discussed.
Development path to fusion energy using direct drive with the krypton-fluoride laser

Direct-drive fusion with lasers is an attractive avenue for fusion energy. Simulations indicate there is potential for robust targets that have sufficient gain for energy. The envisioned power-plant laser systems would be highly modular allowing for development and testing of full-scale components prior to building the plant. In the United States there is an integrated program to develop the technologies for laser fusion energy including: high-repetition drivers (Electra krypton-fluoride (KrF) laser at NRL and Mercury diode-pumped solid-state laser at LLNL), target injection and fabrication, final optics, reaction chamber design and materials. This program takes advantage of the existing investment in lasers and target design by the Department of Energy as part of the stockpile stewardship program. Here we will discuss NRL contributions to the laser-fusion program including research on the KrF technology and the needed advanced target designs. We will also discuss our vision for a relatively low-risk and lower-cost development path to a fusion power plant using lasers.