cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atomistic modeling of solubilization of carbon nanotubes by non-covalent functionalization with poly( p-phenylenevinylene- co-2,5-dioctoxy- m-phenylenevinylene)

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to analyze the process of solubilization of the armchair, metallic (10,10) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) functionalized with poly(p-phenylenevinylene-co-2,5-dioctoxy-m-phenylenevinylene) (PmPV-DOctOPV) polymer in toluene. Inter- and intra-molecular atomic interactions in the SWCNT + PmPV-DOctOPV + toluene system are represented using condensed-phased optimized molecular potential for atomistic simulation studies (COMPASS), the first ab initio forcefield that enables an accurate and simultaneous prediction of various gas-phase and condensed-phase properties of organic and inorganic materials. The results obtained shows that due a strong bonding between the SWCNTs and the PmPV-DOctOPV, a homogeneous toluene suspension of the SWCNTs functionalized with PmPV-DOctOPV, obtained via processes such as the sonication, is stable and can be used for separation of the SWCNT bundles into individual nanotubes.
Unidirectional mechanical cellular stimuli via micropost array gradients

Diverse cellular processes are influenced by the mechanical properties of the substrate. Here we introduce the methodology of constructing micropost array gradients to investigate the effects of unidirectional substrate stiffness cues on living cells. Experimental results revealed preferential cell migration in the direction of increasing micropost stiffness.
Seismic reflectivity of mylonite zones in the crust

Deep fault zones are characterized by mylonitic rocks with strong preferred orientation of constituent minerals and retrograde mineral assemblages. Sonic velocities are consequently lower (for propagation directions normal to mylonite foliation) than in surrounding unmylonitized rocks. Synthetic seismograms computed for low-velocity, near-horizontal, thick mylonite zones of complex, laminated geometry show multicyclic reflections with amplitudes up to twice those generated by a single interface. Seismic characteristics of mylonite zones are sufficient to produce reflections in crystalline rocks, provided noise levels are relatively low.
Behavior authoring for crowd simulations

There has been growing academic and industry interest in the behavioral animation of autonomous actors in virtual worlds. However, it remains a considerable challenge to automatically generate complicated interactions between multiple actors in a customizable way with minimal user specification.
Fibrous twists and turns: early ceramic technology revealed through computed tomography

While the emergence of pottery manufacturing is a wide-spread historical occurrence, and one that has garnered the attention of archaeologists for decades, we know very little about how these ancient vessels were created. Through the application of radiographic scanning and computed tomography this paper provides insights into the manufacturing techniques used by the earliest potters in North America. While x-rays have been used to investigate ceramic manufacturing techniques for decades, this paper provides a reassessment of radiography in light of advances in both computed tomography and reconstructive software.
Stress state in turbopump bearing induced by shrink fitting

The stress generated by shrink fitting in bearing-like geometries is studied. The feasibility of using strain gages to determine the strain induced by shrink fitting process is demonstrated. Results from a ring with a uniform cross section reveal the validity of simple stress mechanics calculations for determining the stress state induced in this geometry by shrink fitting.
Do high-density patches of coarse wood and regenerating saplings create browsing refugia for aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) in Yellowstone National Park (USA)?

Abstract Following the extensive 1988 fires in Yellowstone, a mosaic of high-density patches of fallen logs and regenerating lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex Wats.) saplings developed in the landscape. Such patches could potentially provide browsing refugia for post-fire aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) seedlings. We asked two primary research questions: (1) Do elk ( Cervus elaphus L.) reduce their use of high-density patches of coarse-wood and pine saplings? and (2) Are the abundance, height, and probability of presence of aspen positively related to the density of coarse wood or pine saplings? We visited 65 sites distributed across density gradients of downed wood and regenerating saplings. At each site, aspen seedlings were counted along five 50 m × 2 m belt transects. The height, basal diameter and presence of browse damage were recorded for each individual. Fallen logs and elk fecal pellet groups were counted along the same transects. Aspen seedlings were heavily browsed throughout the study area and were less likely to be found near high-elevation meadows. Variation in elk pellet densities was not explained by the density of logs at the scale of the transect or the site. The height of aspen seedlings was not related to density of logs, pine saplings or elk fecal pellet groups. However, taller aspen were found at higher elevations and with more open meadow in the landscape. This suggests that later snowmelt and alternative forage may reduce browsing pressure on aspen. Given that some of the sites had densities of pine saplings in excess of 60,000 stems ha −1 and densities of downed logs greater than 2000 logs ha −1 , these results suggest that fire-induced coarse wood and pine saplings will not create broad-scale browsing refugia for aspen in the landscape of the Yellowstone plateau.
Low-Input Production of Biomass from Perennial Grasses in the Coastal Plain of Georgia, USA

Warm-season perennial grasses are a promising source of biomass for energy production in Southeast USA, and low-input production is desirable. With only residual fertility in the soil and no irrigation, this test compared biomass yields of eight grasses under low-input production: L 79–1002 energycane (Saccharum hyb.), Merkeron and N51 napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.), three clones of giant reed (Arundo donax L.), and two switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) lines. For the first 2 years napiergrass maintained dry matter (DM) yields over 25 Mg DM ha−1 year−1, and energycane yielded over 20 Mg DM ha−1year−1 for 3 years. Switchgrass yields were lower (8.6 Mg DM ha−1 year−1 average of 4 years), but the biomass contained less moisture at harvest than the other, larger-stemmed grasses. Switchgrass biomass also had the lowest concentrations of N, K, and ash. Average yields of giant reeds were also low (6.4 Mg DM ha−1 year−1), while ash and N concentrations were relatively high compared with switchgrass and energycane. In 4 years of production, energycane and napiergrass removed between 269 and 386 kg N ha−1 and 830–1,159 kg K ha−1, while the other grasses removed significantly less of these nutrients. Giant reed removed 126 kg N ha−1 and 193 kg K ha−1, and switchgrass removed 83 kg N ha−1 and 140 kg K ha−1. In Southeast USA, it is possible to produce biomass from perennial grasses with minimal inputs but the high nutrient removal rates of some species suggest that it may not be sustainable for long periods of time.
Understanding material interactions in marine environments to promote extended structural life

Abstract Corrosion in marine environments is affected by how and to what extent seawater interacts with materials, by the choice of material, and by design of components, systems, and structures. Seawater is a complex, naturally buffered fluid that covers much of the Earth’s surface. The chloride content and the dissolved oxygen content in seawater promote competing processes of passivation and the breakdown of passivity. Seawater is a living medium where microbiological organisms thrive and attach to virtually all materials leading to biofilm formation and micro- and macrofouling. Microbiological activity may accelerate corrosion processes or act as a passive barrier. Biofilms have been shown to ennoble materials in seawater after an induction period. The behavior of materials, particularly metals and alloys, in marine environments generally depend on the chemical composition, the stability of the oxide film, metallurgical and processing parameters, and the effectiveness of any applied protection and mitigation measures. Materials selection and appropriate design can avoid, delay, or minimize the occurrence of several forms of corrosion. The proper choices require an complete understanding of materials, design factors, the type of marine environment, and the relevant corrosion control methodologies in order to promote increasing service life to marine structures. This paper will discuss some of the parameters that affect materials performance and some effective measures by which alloys can be protected in selected marine environments.
Single-cell MALDI: a new tool for direct peptide profiling

Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) is a rapid and sensitive analytical approach that is well suited for obtaining molecular weights of peptides and proteins from complex samples. MALDI-MS can profile the peptides and proteins from single-cell and small tissue samples without the need for extensive sample preparation, except for the cell isolation and matrix application. Strategies for peptide identification and characterization of post-translational modifications are presented. Furthermore, several recent enhancements in MALDI-MS technology, including in situ peptide sequencing as well as the direct spatial mapping of peptides in cells and tissues are discussed.
Das zünden eines thyristors bei schnellem spannungsanstieg

Zusammenfassung Es wird eine Methode zur quantitativen Erfassung des d u /d t -Verhaltens entwickelt, und es wird die Abhangigkeit des kritischen d u /d t -Wertes von den Thyristorparametern untersucht. — Hierzu wird das Ladungssteuerungsmodell so erweitert, das es auch auf Transistoren mit nicht idealem Emitterwirkungsgrad und arbeitspunktabhangigen Parametern anwendbar ist. Die erforderlichen Daten werden mestechnisch an einer Thyristortetrode (BRY 21) ermittelt. Sperrstrome und Tragervervielfachung werden nicht berucksichtigt. Mit diesem Modell und dem aus zwei Transistoren bestehenden Ersatzschaltbild eines Thyristors wird bei vorgegebenem Anfangs- und Endwert der Anoden- und Kathodenspannung die kritische Anstiegsgeschwindigkeit mit einem Computer berechnet (linearer Spannungsverlauf). Es ergibt sich eine sehr gute Ubereinstimmung zwischen den theoretischen Ergebnissen und den Messungen. — Aus weiteren Berechnungen folgt, wie stark das d u /d t — Verhalten von den Parametern der Teiltransistoren (Emitterwirkungsgrad, Transportfaktor, Raumladungskapazitaten der pn- U berg a nge , Laufzeit der Minoritatstrager in der Basis) abhangig ist. Eine Verschlechterung des Emitterwirkungsgrades beim schnellen, die grosere Stromverstarkung besitzenden Transistor ergibt die wirkungsvollste und technologisch am einfachsten zu realisierende Verbesserung. Die Uberlegungen zeigen zudem, das analog hierzu das d u /d t -Verhalten bei beliebigem Spannungsverlauf und der durch einen Gatestrom ausgeloste Zundvorgang beschrieben werden kann.
Carbon isotope fractionation of sapropelic organic matter during early diagenesis

Abstract Study of an algal, sapropelic sediment from Mangrove Lake, Bermuda shows that the mass balance of carbon and stable carbon isotopes in the major organic constituents is accounted for by a relatively straightforward model of selective preservation during diagenesis. The loss of 13 C-enriched carbohydrates is the principal factor controlling the intermolecular mass balance of 13 C in the sapropel. Results indicate that labile components are decomposed leaving as a residual concentrate in the sediment an insoluble humic substance that may be an original biochemical component of algae and associated bacteria. An overall decrease of up to about 4‰ in the δ 13 C values of the organic matter is observed as a result of early diagenesis.
Performance of African American Preschool Children From Low-Income Families on Expressive Language Measures

The purposes of the study were to determine (a) the ability of two spontaneous language measures, mean length of utterance in morphemes (MLU-m) and number of different words (NDW), to identify African American preschool children at low and high levels of language ability; (b) whether child chronological age was related to the performance of either group; and (c) the relationship between maternal education and the performance of children on MLU-m, NDW, and on the Expressive Communication (EC) subscale of the Preschool Language Scale–3. Analyses revealed that children with low language abilities performed lower on the language sampling measures than did those with high language abilities. Using MLU-m and NDW successfully classified 72.1% children with low language abilities and 75.4% children with high language abilities. Children’s MLU-m and NDW were positively related with age. Children differed in their expressive language measures related to maternal education levels.
SEMIPARAMETRIC ESTIMATION OF MULTIPLE EQUATION MODELS

This paper proposes a semiparametric estimator for multiple equations multiple index (MEMI) models. Examples of MEMI models include several sample selection models and the multinomial choice model. The proposed estimator minimizes the average distance between the dependent variable unconditional and conditional on an index. The estimator is √N-consistent and asymptotically normally distributed. The paper also provides a Monte Carlo experiment to evaluate the finite-sample performance of the estimator.
Temporary bridge plating of the medial column in severe midfoot injuries

Severe crush injuries to the midfoot often involve comminuted cuneiform or tarsal navicular fractures. Treatment principles for the bony injury of the crushed midfoot include maintenance of the medial column length and alignment, as well as appropriate stable fixation after open or closed fracture reductions. This is especially important because outcomes after midfoot injuries are related to the stability of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Treatment options include closed reduction and isolated K-wire fixation, limited open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires, screw fixation directed from the navicular to the cuneiforms, spanning external fixation between the talus and the first metatarsal, or combinations of these techniques. Limited internal fixation combined with external fixation may be difficult or impossible in comminuted fractures secondary to the small size and large number of bony fragments. Also, the external fixator is a potential source of pin tract infections. We propose a temporary internal bridge plating technique of the medial column of the foot using an 8- to 10-hole, 2.7-mm reconstruction plate between the talar neck and the first metatarsal, which may provide adequate temporary internal stabilization until bony healing occurs.
Consequences of thermal change on the myofibrillar ATPase of five freshwater teleosts

Myofibrillar ATPase activity was measured in the epaxial musculature of five freshwater species of fish acclimated to extremes of temperature within their tolerance ranges. Changes in the enzyme activity were apparent in carp, tench and roach, cold acclimated fish (10°C) having higher enzyme activity levels than hot acclimated fish (28°C). Such changes were not apparent in eels or brook trout. Alteration of the enzyme activity took less than 4 weeks, and was totally reversible. This suggests that seasonal adaptation to environmental temperatures is possible, thus maintaining locomotory efficiency.
The relationship between personality adjustment and success in remedial programs in dyslexic children

Abstract Dyslexic and a normal group consisting of 104 children each were matched with reference to age, income, intelligence, and sex. Specific personality dimensions including self-concept, achievement motivation, general manifest anxiety, test anxiety, and behavior deviance were measured. Dyslexic children showed poorer adjustment in all areas of personality. Comparison of results within the dyslexic group showed that children who are successful in remedial training show better emotional adjustments than unsuccessful dyslexic children. A stepwise multiple regression analysis employing personality variables and overall success in remedial language training was computed. Classroom behavior and self concept were found to correlate with success and yielded a multiple correlation of .544. Results are discussed with reference to remediation and treatment.
Effect of Aging on the Metabolism of Pyruvate and 3‐Hydroxybutyrate in Nonsynaptic and Synaptic Mitochondria from Rat Brain

: Age-dependent changes in the oxidative metabolism in nonsynaptic and synaptic mitochondria from brains of 3, 12, and 24-month-old rats were investigated. When pyruvate and malate were used in conjunction as substrates, a significant reduction in State 3 respiration was observed in both mitochondrial populations from 12-and 24-month-old rats compared with 3-month-old animals. A similar age-dependent reduction in the oxidation of [1-11C]pyruvate was also observed in nonsynaptic and synaptic mitochondria from senescent rats. Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity (both active and total) was, however, not decreased in the two mitochondrial populations from brains of 3, 12, and 24-month-old rats. When DL-3-hydroxybutyrate plus malate were used as substrates, a decrease in State 3 respiration was observed only in synaptic mitochondria from 24-month-old rats compared with 3- month-old animals. Similarly, an age-dependent reduction in the oxidation of 3-hydroxy[3-11C]butyrate was also observed only in synaptic mitochondria from 12-and 24-month-old rats. However, a significant reduction in the activities of ketone body-metabolizing enzymes, namely, 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, 3-ketoacid CoA transferase, and acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase was observed in both mitochondrlal populations from 12- and 24-month-old rats compared with 3 month-old animals. These findings show that specific alterations in oxidative metabolism occur in nonsynaptic and synaptic mitochondria from aging rats. The data also suggest that in addition to alterations in enzyme activities, permeability of anions (e.g. pyruvate) across the inner mitochondrial membrane may be altered in nonsynaptic and synaptic mitochondria from senescent animals.
Net ecosystem production and organic carbon balance of U.S. East Coast estuaries: A synthesis approach

Net ecosystem production (NEP) and the overall organic carbon budget for the estuaries along the East Coast of the United States are estimated. We focus on the open estuarine waters, excluding the fringing wetlands. We developed empirical models relating NEP to loading ratios of dissolved inorganic nitrogen to total organic carbon, and carbon burial in the sediment to estuarine water residence time and total nitrogen input across the landward boundary. Output from a data-constrained water quality model was used to estimate inputs of total nitrogen and organic carbon to the estuaries across the landward boundary, including fluvial and tidal-wetland sources. Organic carbon export from the estuaries to the continental shelf was computed by difference, assuming steady state. Uncertainties in the budget were estimated by allowing uncertainties in the supporting model relations. Collectively, U.S. East Coast estuaries are net heterotrophic, with the area-integrated NEP of −1.5 (−2.8, −1.0) Tg C yr−1 (best estimate and 95% confidence interval) and area-normalized NEP of −3.2 (−6.1, −2.3) mol C m−2 yr−1. East Coast estuaries serve as a source of organic carbon to the shelf, exporting 3.4 (2.0, 4.3) Tg C yr−1 or 7.6 (4.4, 9.5) mol C m−2 yr−1. Organic carbon inputs from fluvial and tidal-wetland sources for the region are estimated at 5.4 (4.6, 6.5) Tg C yr−1 or 12 (10, 14) mol C m−2 yr−1 and carbon burial in the open estuarine waters at 0.50 (0.33, 0.78) Tg C yr−1 or 1.1 (0.73, 1.7) mol C m−2 yr−1. Our results highlight the importance of estuarine systems in the overall coastal budget of organic carbon, suggesting that in the aggregate, U.S. East Coast estuaries assimilate (via respiration and burial) ~40% of organic carbon inputs from fluvial and tidal-wetland sources and allow ~60% to be exported to the shelf.
Advanced fluorescence microscopy methods for the real-time study of transcription and chromatin dynamics

In this contribution we provide an overview of the recent advances allowed by the use of fluorescence microscopy methods in the study of transcriptional processes and their interplay with the chromatin architecture in living cells. Although the use of fluorophores to label nucleic acids dates back at least to about half a century ago,1 two recent breakthroughs have effectively opened the way to use fluorescence routinely for specific and quantitative probing of chromatin organization and transcriptional activity in living cells: namely, the possibility of labeling first the chromatin loci and then the mRNA synthesized from a gene using fluorescent proteins. In this contribution we focus on methods that can probe rapid dynamic processes by analyzing fast fluorescence fluctuations.
Slope seeking: a generalization of extremum seeking

This work introduces slope seeking, a new idea for non-model based adaptive control. It involves driving the output of a plant to a value corresponding to a commanded slope of its reference-to-output map. To achieve this objective, we introduce a slope reference input into a sinusoidal perturbation-based extremum seeking scheme; derive a stability test for single parameter slope seeking, and then develop a systematic design algorithm based on standard linear SISO control methods to satisfy the stability test. We then extend the results to the multivariable case of gradient seeking. Finally, we illustrate near-optimal compressor operation under slope seeking feedback through a simulation study upon the well-known Moore–Greitzer model of compressor instability. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thyroid Storm: An Updated Review

Thyroid storm, an endocrine emergency first described in 1926, remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. No laboratory abnormalities are specific to thyroid storm, and the available scoring system is based on the clinical criteria. The exact mechanisms underlying the development of thyroid storm from uncomplicated hyperthyroidism are not well understood. A heightened response to thyroid hormone is often incriminated along with increased or abrupt availability of free hormones. Patients exhibit exaggerated signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism and varying degrees of organ decompensation. Treatment should be initiated promptly targeting all steps of thyroid hormone formation, release, and action. Patients who fail medical therapy should be treated with therapeutic plasma exchange or thyroidectomy. The mortality of thyroid storm is currently reported at 10%. Patients who have survived thyroid storm should receive definite therapy for their underlying hyperthyroidism to avoid any recurrence of this potentially fatal condition.
Toward effective discussion of discipline and corporal punishment during primary care visits: Findings from studies of doctor-patient interaction

Corporal punishment is widely practiced despite evidence of its harm to children. Clinicians can more effectively counsel alternatives if they: are clear in their own minds about the risks of corporal punishment and its boundaries with reportable child maltreatment; appreciate parents' justifications for corporal punishment and offer corresponding alternatives; demonstrate their interest and expertise in matters of child behavior and family dynamics; practice communication techniques that elicit discussion of psychosocial topics and facilitate mutual problem solving; let parents take the lead in tailoring alternative disciplinary strategies to the family's unique needs; start early helping parents understand child behavior in general and their child's temperament and development in particular. Clinicians as a group should demonstrate a united stand against the use of violence within families. Both undergraduate and continuing medical education should involve training in communication skills in general and problem-solving techniques in particular. Pediatricians need more time during their training to learn about child behavior and family dynamics.
Product Change Intensity in the Personal Computer Industry: A Study of Firm-Supplier Innovation

In this paper, we develop a conceptual model to investigate external factors deemed to be critical to the frequency by which a firm releases new products - a phenomenon we refer to as "change intensity". Using data collected through a cross-sectional survey administered to 55 firms in the personal computer (PC) industry, and employing hierarchical regression, we examine the relationship between the rates of change in suppliers' component innovations and manufacturers' product innovations, and how that relationship is affected (moderated) by firm-supplier relationship closeness and competitive rivalry. Our results show that a firm's rate of product change is positively related to its key supplier's rate of component change. The results further suggest that the linkage between a firm's innovation frequency and that of its key supplier's is stronger for firms that have closer relationships with their suppliers and for firms that perceive themselves as facing higher levels of competitive rivalry. The study demonstrates the critical role played by suppliers in driving innovation in the PC industry, while also underscoring the importance of formal or informal alliances with suppliers and industry competition in fostering high product change intensities. More research is needed to determine if these findings are limited to the fast-moving PC industry
Scanning Near‐Field Microwave Microscopy of VO2 and Chemical Vapor Deposition Graphene

Near-field scanning microwave microscopy (SMM) is a near-field technique, which enables probing local electric properties of materials, i.e., complex permittivity. Recently, this technique was incorporated into a commercially available atomic force microscope (AFM), providing a new powerful imaging mode in the suite of AFM techniques. AFM probe-surface distance control allows routine acquisition of near-field microwave images with a lateral resolution better than 100 nm, which was previously unattainable. In this paper, work performed with an AFM-based SMM system at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at ORNL is reviewed. As an introduction, a brief general overview of the near-field microwave microscopy is provided followed by a description of the SMM system. Application of the technique to studies of metal-insulator phase transition in single-crystalline nanoplatelets of vanadium dioxide is illustrated. Further, the capabilities of SMM in its application to imaging of conductivity inhomogeneities in single- and few-layer graphene samples grown via different chemical vapor deposition (CVD) routes is demonstrated. The imaging of graphene illustrates the specific nature of contrast in the SMM, where the signal is described by complex numbers. To facilitate the interpretation of the contrast, a simple graphical scheme inspired by standard Nyquist plots is proposed.
A Faustian Bargain? The Growth of Management and Its Relationship with Related Disciplines

In an effort to respond to concerns regarding academic rigor expressed in the 1950s, management researchers turned to more established disciplines to help develop a stronger intellectual climate. W...
Linking horizontal and vertical transports of biomass fire emissionsto the tropical Atlantic ozone paradox during the Northern Hemisphere winter season: climatology

The horizontal and vertical transport of biomass fire emissions in West Africa during November 1998 through February 1999, are examined using all available data including wind, fire, aerosol, precipitation, lightning and outgoing longwave radiation. Ozonesonde data from the Aerosols99 Trans-Atlantic cruise are also included with rain and wind analyses. The results here support earlier studies that ozone and ozone precursors associated with biomass burning are confined to the lower troposphere primarily due to the lack of deep convection over land areas. Ozone and its precursors are horizontally transported equatorward or towards the west by winds in the 1000-700 hPa layers. However, rising adiabatic motions associated with the diurnal evolution of the West African n can transport ozone and its precursors vertically into the free troposphere above the marine boundary layer. Moreover, lightning from South America, Central Africa and mesoscale convective systems in the Gulf of Guinea can lead to elevated ozone mixing ratios in the middle and upper troposphere.
THE EFFECT OF REPUTATION ON THE DECISION TO JOINT VENTURE

This paper focuses on the impact that reputation has on the decision to proceed with a strategic alliance. Employing reputation constructs adapted from the Fortune Corporate Reputation Survey, we manipulated a target firm’s reputation in an experimental design. The subjects were placed in the role of CEO of the partner firm and asked whether they would engage in the alliance. Findings indicate that (1) reputation is a multidimensional construct, (2) the personal information-processing characteristics of the decision-maker mediate the reputation effect and may suppress the reputation information, (3) subjects may compensate weaker elements of reputation for stronger ones when making decisions, (4) product and management reputation are the most important factors, and (5) reputation is a factor affecting the decision regardless of whether the proposed target is a supplier or a competitor. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed Task Assignment in Mobile Sensor Networks

We study the task allocation problem: how a set of mobile agents can best monitor a convex region and at the same time localize events such as biochemical threats that appear in the region. As the agents move towards an event to localize it, the coverage of the region deteriorates; on the other hand, if an agent does not help in localizing an event, it will take longer for other agents to localize it. The decision on how an agent should trade off localization and coverage depends on a particular network deployment. We show how different deployments can be parametrized and propose a distributed algorithm to solve the task allocation problem. The algorithm is shown to be stable and scalable, and is shown to converge to an optimal equilibrium position. The proposed parametrization of the task allocation problem depends on the number of agents in the network; we thus present a fast and robust algorithm based on consensus protocols for estimating this number.
COPII-dependent export of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator from the ER uses a di-acidic exit code

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a childhood hereditary disease in which the most common mutant form of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) ΔF508 fails to exit the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Export of wild-type CFTR from the ER requires the coat complex II (COPII) machinery, as it is sensitive to Sar1 mutants that disrupt normal coat assembly and disassembly. In contrast, COPII is not used to deliver CFTR to ER-associated degradation. We find that exit of wild-type CFTR from the ER is blocked by mutation of a consensus di-acidic ER exit motif present in the first nucleotide binding domain. Mutation of the code disrupts interaction with the COPII coat selection complex Sec23/Sec24. We propose that the di-acidic exit code plays a key role in linking CFTR to the COPII coat machinery and is the primary defect responsible for CF in ΔF508-expressing patients.
Relative Abuse Liability of Indiplon and Triazolam in Humans: A Comparison of Psychomotor, Subjective, and Cognitive Effects

Indiplon [N-methyl-N-[3-[3-(2-thienylcarbonyl)-pyrazolo[1,5-alpha]pyrimidin-7-yl]phenyl]acetamide; NBI 34060] is a positive allosteric GABA(A) receptor modulator that is under development for the treatment of insomnia. This study compared the abuse potential of indiplon, a compound with preferential affinity for GABA(A) receptors containing an alpha(1) subunit, with triazolam in 21 volunteers with histories of drug abuse. Placebo, triazolam (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg), and indiplon (30, 50, and 80 mg) were studied in counterbalanced order under double-blind conditions at two different residential research facilities. Both drugs impaired psychomotor and cognitive performance and produced similar dose-related increases in participant and observer ratings of drug strength. The onset of action of both drugs was rapid (30 min); however, the duration of action of indiplon (3-4 h) was shorter than that of triazolam (4-6 h). The profiles of subjective effects of triazolam and indiplon were similar; however, a maximum of 52% of participants identified indiplon as a benzodiazepine or barbiturate, compared with 81% of participants after 0.75 mg of triazolam. On participantrated subjective effects relevant to sedation, the slope of the triazolam dose-effect curve was significantly steeper than that of indiplon. Neither the largest doses of indiplon and triazolam nor the slope of the indiplon and triazolam dose-effect curves were significantly different from each other on any of the same-day or next-day measures of positive drug effects or next-day measures of reinforcing effects. Together, these data suggest that although the abuse potential of indiplon is not different from that of triazolam at these doses, psychomotor and cognitive impairment after large doses of indiplon might be less.
Rapid Thermal Annealing of High Energy Si Implants Into GaAs

Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) technology offers potential advantages for the processing of ion implanted GaAs. High energy implants of 300 keV or above are used for power MESFETs as well as in the ohmic contacts for low noise devices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and characterize the RTA of Si implants into LEC GaAs using implant energies of 300keV and above, and a range of doses from 2.3 ×1012 to 3×1014 /cm2. The wafers were analyzed using capacitance-voltage and Hall measurements. Factors which cause variability in pinchoff voltage are identified and an RTA process comparable to conventional furnace annealing is presented for low dose implants. Superior implant activation is observed for higher dose implants through the use of higher annealing temperature.
Noise, drift, and calibration in optical flux monitoring for MBE

Sources of error in optical flux monitoring (OFM) for MBE are identified and measured. The primary challenge in measuring atomic flux by OFM is to reduce the effects of signal drift during the measurement. To reduce long term drift we have (1) used an additional reference beam to measure the transparency of the optical path and (2) chopped the atomic beam at low frequencies (2 Hz) with the effusion cell shutters and performed phase-sensitive detection on the absorption signal. With the chopped beam technique, we have essentially eliminated long term drift from our measurements. We have also measured the errors introduced by changes in the relationship between absorption and growth rate that occur as the effusion cell is depleted.
Ions near the air/water interface: I. Compatibility of zeta potential and surface tension experiments

Abstract A simple Structure Making/Structure Breaking (SM/SB) Modified Poisson Boltzmann approach is used to describe the distribution of ions in the vicinity of an air/water interface, which is assumed to be a layer possessing a thickness of a few A. The interface is assumed to be depleted of SM ions, and the adsorption of SB ions on the interface is taken into account via Langmuir adsorption equations. Outside the interface, the ions are assumed to obey a modified Poisson–Boltzmann distribution, which includes the screened image forces. The adsorption constants of SB ions, determined by fitting the existing zeta potential data, are further used to determine the surface excesses of salt ions and the dependence of the surface tension on added salt. The number of sites available for the adsorption of OH − and H + ions, considered the water molecules of the interface, is (by more than two orders of magnitude) smaller than the available sites in an ice-like layer. This result suggests a (much) lower density of water at the hydrophobic air/water interface than in the bulk. The model can qualitatively explain the dependence of the surface tension upon addition of salt determined experimentally: a large decrease at low concentrations, due to the formation of a double layer, a large increase at intermediate concentrations, where the screened image forces (being less screened than the double layer forces) dominate, and a slower increase at large concentrations, where both double layer and image forces are screened and the ion hydration forces dominate. However, for large surface potentials, the accumulation of ions in the double layer (either as adsorbed on the interface or in the ion clouds in the vicinity of the interface) leads to large surface excesses of ions and consequently to a surface tension that decreases upon addition of salt up to large concentrations, in contrast to experiment. According to the present model, only the zeta potentials experiments that predict low surface potentials and small adsorption of salt anions on the surface are compatible with the surface tension experiments.
Phase I/II study of bortezomib-BEAM and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for relapsed indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, transformed, or mantle cell lymphoma.

Abstract A phase I/II trial was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of adding bortezomib to standard BEAM (BCNU, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Eligible patients had relapsed/refractory indolent or transformed non-Hodgkin lymphoma or mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) that was relapsed/refractory or in first partial (PR) or complete remission (CR). Patients received bortezomib on days −11, −8, −5, and −2 before ASCT. Phase I had 4 dose cohorts (.8, 1, 1.3, and 1.5 mg/m2) and 3 patients were accrued to each. Any nonhematological ASCT-related toxicity >2 on the Bearman scale occurring between day −11 and engraftment defined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). After the MTD has been reached, another 20 patients were enrolled at this dose to determine a preliminary overall response rate (ORR). Patients who were in CR or PR at day +100 were considered responders. The study enrolled 42 patients through August 14, 2009. The median age was 58 (range, 34 to 73) years, with 33 males and 9 females. The most common diagnoses were MCL (23 patients) and follicular lymphoma (7 patients). The median number of prior therapies was 1 (range, 0 to 6). The median follow-up was 4.88 (range, 1.07 to 6.98) years. Thirteen patients were treated in phase I and 29 patients were treated in phase II. The MTD was initially determined to be 1.5 mg/m2 but it was later decreased to 1 mg/m2 because of excessive gastrointestinal toxicity and peripheral neuropathy. The ORR was 95% at 100 days and 87% at 1 year. For all 38 evaluable patients at 1 year, responses were CR 84%, PR 1%, and progressive disease 13%. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 83% (95% CI, 68% to 92%) at 1 year, and 32% (15% to 51%) at 5 years. Overall survival (OS) was 91% (95% CI, 79% to 96%) at 1 year and 67% (50% to 79%) at 5 years. The most common National Cancer Institute grade 3 toxicities were neutropenic fever (59%), anorexia (21%), peripheral neuropathy (19%), orthostatic hypotension/vasovagal syncope (16%), and 1 patient failed to engraft. Compared with 26 MCL in CR1 historic controls treated with BEAM and ASCT, PFS was 85% and 43% for the BEAM group versus 87% and 57% for those who received bortezomib in addition to standard BEAM (V-BEAM) at 1 and 5 years, respectively (log-rank P = .37). OS was 88% and 50% for the BEAM group versus 96% and 72% for V-BEAM at 1 and 5 years, respectively (log-rank P = .78). In conclusion, V-BEAM and ASCT is feasible. The toxicities were manageable and we did not observe any treatment-related mortalities; however, we did observe an excess of autonomic dysfunction and ileus, which is concerning for overlapping toxicity with BEAM conditioning. Determining relative efficacy of V-BEAM compared to BEAM would require a randomized trial.
Rapid speaker adaptation for embedded large vocabulary dictation system with sparse training materials

In this paper, a novel tree-structural maximum a posteriori mapping (SMAP) algorithm is proposed for embedded large vocabulary speech dictation system. A two level tree is created by classing the Gaussian mixtures of a large HMM set into several classes, and an adaptation table is created for each class by MAP observed Gaussian mixture with adaptation data. Based on the adaptation table, the other unobserved Gaussian mixtures are rapidly adapted with negligible computation cost. The experiment results show that the SMAP is better than the conventional MAP estimation even with much less adaptation materials. We have implemented this algorithm on a cellular phone. For 40 short adaptation utterances (about 200 words), the total computation time for adaptation is reduced from about 10 minutes to less than 8 seconds.
Comparative study of the early embryonic cytology and nucleic acid synthesis of Ambystoma mexicanum normal and o mutant embryos.

Maternal effect mutations are useful tools which may aid in determining how the morphogenetic organization of the egg cytoplasm controls the plan of early development. One of the most interesting of the several maternal effect genes in the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, is the o gene. It is unique in that all embryos of o/o females are affected in identical fashion, uniformly stopping development during gastrulation just when the main events of organ formation should be initiated. This paper is an investigation of the cytology, karyotype, and nucleic acid synthesis in mutant and control embryos and provides some important clues as to the mechanism of action of the o+ gene. Cell division and DNA synthesis in mutant embryos are sharply reduced at the mid-late blastula stage. At this time in normal embryos, RNA synthesis is activated but is not in embryos of o/o females. The evidence from classical hybridization experiments and experiments with enucleated embryos suggests that this RNA synthesis is necessary for gastrular morphogenesis to take place. Thus the product of the o+ gene, the o+ substance, may be a stored regulator involved in genome activation during the late blastula stage which is required for the succeeding events of gastrulation. How it is involved in regulation remains to be worked out.
Defining Top-of-the-Atmosphere Flux Reference Level for Earth Radiation Budget Studies

To estimate the earth's radiation budget at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) from satellite-measured radiances, it is necessary to account for the finite geometry of the earth and recognize that the earth is a solid body surrounded by a translucent atmosphere of finite thickness that attenuates solar radiation differently at different heights. As a result, in order to account for all of the reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation from the planet by direct integration of satellite-measured radiances, the measurement viewing geometry must be defined at a reference level well above the earth s surface (e.g., 100 km). This ensures that all radiation contributions, including radiation escaping the planet along slant paths above the earth s tangent point, are accounted for. By using a field-of- view (FOV) reference level that is too low (such as the surface reference level), TOA fluxes for most scene types are systematically underestimated by 1-2 W/sq m. In addition, since TOA flux represents a flow of radiant energy per unit area, and varies with distance from the earth according to the inverse-square law, a reference level is also needed to define satellite-based TOA fluxes. From theoretical radiative transfer calculations using a model that accounts for spherical geometry, the optimal reference level for defining TOA fluxes in radiation budget studies for the earth is estimated to be approximately 20 km. At this reference level, there is no need to explicitly account for horizontal transmission of solar radiation through the atmosphere in the earth radiation budget calculation. In this context, therefore, the 20-km reference level corresponds to the effective radiative top of atmosphere for the planet. Although the optimal flux reference level depends slightly on scene type due to differences in effective transmission of solar radiation with cloud height, the difference in flux caused by neglecting the scene-type dependence is less than 0.1%. If an inappropriate TOA flux reference level is used to define satellite TOA fluxes, and horizontal transmission of solar radiation through the planet is not accounted for in the radiation budget equation, systematic errors in net flux of up to 8 W/sq m can result. Since climate models generally use a plane-parallel model approximation to estimate TOA fluxes and the earth radiation budget, they implicitly assume zero horizontal transmission of solar radiation in the radiation budget equation, and do not need to specify a flux reference level. By defining satellite-based TOA flux estimates at a 20-km flux reference level, comparisons with plane-parallel climate model calculations are simplified since there is no need to explicitly correct plane-parallel climate model fluxes for horizontal transmission of solar radiation through a finite earth.
Region Relaxation in a Parallel Hierarchical Architecture

Over the past decade the range of image analysis applications has greatly broadened. Usually the first steps of processing involve the transformation of a large spatial array of pixels into a more compact description of the image in terms of visually distinct syntactic elements and their characteristics. These “low-level” processes may achieve the desired goal directly or may serve as the input to a further set of interpretation processes.
Carcinoma of the Cervix After Supravaginal Hysterectomy

Summary 1. Carcinoma of the cervix after supravaginal hysterectomy behaves similarly to the same disease when the fundus is retained. 2. Its response to treatment is no worse than that of “cervix” cancer in general, and in some clinics is better. 3. Approximately 40 per cent of “stump” cancers recognized three years after subtotal hysterectomy, or within six months of the appearance of the first symptoms, were living and well five years after treatment. 4. Subtotal hysterectomy appears to improve the chance of cure if performed before carcinoma of the cervix has been acquired. 5. The probable development of vesicovaginal fistulas is greater than when the fundus is present. Fistulas are more often due to the disease than the result of treatment. 6. Meticulous examination of the cervix should be made a part of every gynecologic examination. Areas which are abnormal should be removed for histologic study. These principles are no less important when removal of the fundus is contemplated. 7. Complete hysterectomy is an excellent manner of dealing with disease of the cervix when the fundus is to be removed. However, in the hands of those whose experience is limited, supravaginal hysterectomy, combined with trachelectomy, is satisfactory and less hazardous.
Office Depot E-Business (Abridged)

This case is an excellent illustration of offline/online integration. Office Depot used its supply chain, systems integration, and existing offline channel strengths to overcome competitive online threats from pure Internet players and other office-products-category players. Students get to consider the critical strategic options for overall strategy, pricing, product line, promotion, and business integration.