cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unsolvated Lanthanide Metallocene Cations [(C5Me5)2Ln][BPh4]: Multiple Syntheses, Structural Characterization, and Reactivity Including the Formation of (C5Me5)3Nd1

Divalent (C5Me5)2Sm reacts with AgBPh4 in toluene to form [(C5Me5)2Sm][BPh4], 1, in ca. 60% yield. The solid-state structure of 1 consists of a trivalent (C5Me5)2Sm bent metallocene unit with a 2.702(3) A average Sm−C(C5Me5) distance that is oriented toward two of the phenyl rings of the [BPh4]- anion with 2.825(3) and 2.917(3) A Sm−C(o-Ph) distances. 1 can also be obtained from reactions of Et3NHBPh4 in arene solvents with the trivalent samarium precursors (C5Me5)2Sm[CH(SiMe3)2] (>50% yield) and (C5Me5)2Sm(η3-CH2CHCH2) (2) (>95% yield). 1 reacts with LiCH(SiMe3)2 in benzene to produce (C5Me5)2Sm[CH(SiMe3)2] in over 95% yield. The reaction of 1 with KC5Me5 in benzene constitutes a new synthesis of the sterically crowded complex (C5Me5)3Sm, which is formed in over 90% yield. This reaction provides a convenient way to make (C5Me5)3Ln complexes with lanthanides which do not have a reactive divalent oxidation state. To enhance the ease of preparing (C5Me5)3Ln complexes from LnCl3, an improved synthesis of the...
A note on the flow through porous solids at high pressures

In this study we propose an equation for the flow through a porous solid that includes the equations due to Darcy and Brinkman as special sub-cases. The model is particularly well suited for describing the flow when the range of the pressure is sufficiently large, as it takes into account the possibility that the viscosity and the drag coefficient can be functions of the pressure. We can see a marked departure in the pressure field with respect to the classical Darcy solution with a narrow boundary layer within which the pressure suffers most of its drop.
Towards a Self-Calibratable IMU

In this paper, we propose a method that might enable an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to self-calibrate. Self-calibration of IMU is important for: sensing accuracy, reducing manufacturing costs, recalibration upon harsh environmental changes, recalibration after long-term dormancy, and reduced dependence on global positioning systems. What is unique about our technology is that it is the first to offer post-packaged calibration of displacement, force, system stiffness, and system mass. The IMU considered in our study consists of three pairs of accelerometer-gyroscope systems located within the xy-, xz-, and yz-planes of the system. Each pair of sensors oscillates 90 degrees out of phase for continuous sensing during turning points of the oscillation where velocity goes to zero. We demonstrate self-calibration using preliminary data, and we model IMU accuracy and uncertainty through sensitivity analysis.© 2012 ASME
WHAT ONE HAS HEARD AND SEEN: INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE IN A LATE EIGHTH-CENTURY MISCELLANY

AbstractThis paper is a case study of the Feng shi wenjian ji 封氏聞見記 (Record of Things Heard and Seen by Mr. Feng) by Feng Yan (fl. 750–800). Because of the views on contemporary political and social life its diverse materials offer, scholars have often treated this collection as an important reservoir of historical information. Here I examine the work as an innovative project undertaken by Feng Yan within a particular historical context. Combining the traditional reportage-style miscellany and the genre of the discourse (lun 論), Feng Yan transforms the wenjian ji into a new mode of independent intellectual exploration. He not only creates an order of knowledge that decentralizes court authority, but also establishes a distinct style of analytical inquiry to achieve what he considers to be a true understanding of the world’s diverse phenomena. His strategies of organization and discussion illustrate an emergent trend of using the miscellany as a flexible yet serious medium of self-expression in the late me...
Calculated effects of interface grading in GaAs-Ga1−xAlxAs quantum wells

Abstract Effects of interface grading on energy levels of electrons in GaAsGa 1− x Al x As quantum wells have been estimated using both a tight-binding formalism and an effective-mass Hamiltonian of the BenDaniel-Duke form. Graded interfaces a few atomic layers thich have only a small effect on energy levels in both schemes. Self-consistent calculations for electrons in a relatively wide (40 nm) quantum well show how the lowest levels change from those characteristic of the empty well to those characteristic of two weakly coupled heterojunctions as the electron density is increased.
Carving the Clock at Its Component Joints: Neural Bases for Interval Timing

Models of time perception often describe an “internal clock” that involves at least two components: an accumulator and a comparator. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to test the hypothesis that distinct distributed neural networks mediate these components of time perception. Subjects performed a temporal discrimination task that began with a visual stimulus (S1) that varied parametrically in duration of presentation. A varying interstimulus interval was followed by a second visual stimulus (S2). After the S2 offset, the subject indicated whether S2 was longer or shorter than S1. We reasoned that neural activity that correlated with S1 duration would represent accumulator networks. We also reasoned that neural activity that correlated with the difficulty of comparisons for each paired-judgment would represent comparator networks. Using anatomically defined regions of interest, we found duration of S1 significantly correlated with left inferior frontal, supplementary motor area (SMA) and superior temporal regions. Furthermore, task difficulty correlated with activity within bilateral inferior frontal gyri. Therefore accumulator and comparator functioning of the internal clock are mediated by distinct as well as partially overlapping neural regions.
Crystal structure of the low temperature form of bismuth niobium oxide [α-BiNbO4]

Single crystals of low temperature form of BiNbO4 (α-form) are grown from BiOF flux below 900°C. The crystals are colorless, trapezodial in shape and electrically insulating. The compound has orthorhombic [a = 5.673 (2), b = 11.714 (4) and c = 4.978(2) Ȧ] symmetry with a centric space group Pnna (No. 52) and z = 4. The crystal structure was solved by means of single crystal x-ray diffraction and refined to R = 0.031. Both Bi and Nb have distorted octahedral oxygen coordination. The NbO6 octahedra are linked over four corners and thus the structure can be viewed as consisting of sheets of [NbO4]3− units separated by Bi3+ cations. The structure of α-BiNbO4 is essentially same as that of the low temperature form of α-Sn2+W6+O4.
On the deification of Confucius

Abstract In contrast to Krishna, Gautama, and Jesus, who were deified early by their devotees, the elevation of Confucius came much later in the development of Confucianism. Even here, as Section I of the paper demonstrates, most Confucian philosophers saw him only as a great sage. In their recent book Thinking Through Confucius, Roger Ames and David Hall make the claim that tradition and specific texts demand that Confucius be considered a deity. The two texts, neither from Confucius himself, involve, as I show in Section II, a mistranslation in the first and a misreading of figurative language in the second. Ames and Hall's case is not only weak, but also puzzling, because they argue vigorously for a fully naturalised interpretation of T'ien that makes a traditional concept of God impossible. Section III contains a discussion of the Confucian triad of heaven, humans, and earth, in which humans are not deified and gods are not humanised. I contend that Christian and Indian incarnational theologies upset ...
Diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in childhood.

Purpose of reviewThe diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in childhood is challenging, in large part because of the lack of a true gold standard and the relatively poor performance of available diagnostic testing. This review discusses the recent literature on this topic.Recent findingsAuxol
Melanoma classification from Hidden Markov Tree features

Melanoma detection relies on visual inspection of skin samples under the microscope via a qualitative set of indicators, causing large discordance among pathologists. New developments in pump-probe imaging enable the extraction of melanin intensity levels from skin samples and provide baseline qualitative figures for melanoma detection and classification. However, such basic figures do not capture the diverse types of cellular structure that distinguish different stages of melanoma. In this paper, we propose an initial approach for feature extraction for classification purposes via Hidden Markov Tree models trained on skin sample melanin intensity images. Our experimental results show that the proposed features provide a mathematical microscope that is able to better discriminate cellular structure, enabling successful classification of skin samples that are mislabeled when the baseline melanin intensity qualitative figures are used.
The use of magnesium sulfate for tocolysis in preterm labor complicated by twin gestation and betamimetic-induced pulmonary edema.

Maternal cardiorespiratory compromise has been reported to occur during the treatment of preterm labor with tocolytic agents. The risk for these complications is increased by the following factors: multiple gestation, the combination of magnesium sulfate and β-adrenergic agonist, and the use of adrenocortico-steroids to hasten fetal pulmonary maturity. A case is presented of labor at 28 weeks' gestation complicated by pulmonary edema associated with the three risk factors listed above. The β-agonist was discontinued with resolution of pulmonary edema. Intravenous magnesium sulfate was continued for 11 days. When uterine contractions finally overcame the tocolysis, delivery occurred. It appeared that uterine quiescence was achieved through the continued use of magnesium sulfate despite pulmonary edema in this case. The risk of continued tocolysis seemed to be counterbalanced by the benefits of prolonged intra-uterine existence for the fetuses.
A fast unified algorithm for solving group-lasso penalize learning problems

This paper concerns a class of group-lasso learning problems where the objective function is the sum of an empirical loss and the group-lasso penalty. For a class of loss function satisfying a quadratic majorization condition, we derive a unified algorithm called groupwise-majorization-descent (GMD) for efficiently computing the solution paths of the corresponding group-lasso penalized learning problem. GMD allows for general design matrices, without requiring the predictors to be group-wise orthonormal. As illustration examples, we develop concrete algorithms for solving the group-lasso penalized least squares and several group-lasso penalized large margin classifiers. These group-lasso models have been implemented in an R package gglasso publicly available from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) at http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/gglasso. On simulated and real data, gglasso consistently outperforms the existing software for computing the group-lasso that implements either the classical groupwise descent algorithm or Nesterov's method.
An Airborne and Wind Tunnel Evaluation of a Wind Turbulence Measurement System for Aircraft-Based Flux Measurements*

Abstract Although the ability to measure vertical eddy fluxes of gases from aircraft platforms represents an important capability to obtain spatially resolved data, accurate and reliable determination of the turbulent vertical velocity presents a great challenge. A nine-hole hemispherical probe known as the “Best Air Turbulence Probe” (often abbreviated as the “BAT Probe”) is frequently used in aircraft-based flux studies to sense the airflow angles and velocity relative to the aircraft. Instruments such as inertial navigation and global positioning systems allow the measured airflow to be converted into the three-dimensional wind velocity relative to the earth’s surface by taking into account the aircraft’s velocity and orientation. Calibration of the aircraft system has previously been performed primarily through in-flight experiments, where calibration coefficients were determined by performing various flight maneuvers. However, a rigorous test of the BAT Probe in a wind tunnel has not been previously ...
Effectively mining and using coverage and overlap statistics for data integration

Recent work in data integration has shown the importance of statistical information about the coverage and overlap of sources for efficient query processing. Despite this recognition, there are no effective approaches for learning the needed statistics. The key challenge in learning such statistics is keeping the number of needed statistics low enough to have the storage and learning costs manageable. In this paper, we present a set of connected techniques that estimate the coverage and overlap statistics, while keeping the needed statistics tightly under control. Our approach uses a hierarchical classification of the queries and threshold-based variants of familiar data mining techniques to dynamically decide the level of resolution at which to learn the statistics. We describe the details of our method, and, present experimental results demonstrating the efficiency of the learning algorithms and the effectiveness of the learned statistics over both controlled data sources and in the context of BibFinder with autonomous online sources.
Reversal of the cross-bridge force-generating transition by photogeneration of phosphate in rabbit psoas muscle fibres.

1. Orthophosphate (P(i), 0.1-2.0 mM) was photogenerated within the filament lattice of isometrically contracting glycerinated fibres of rabbit psoas muscle at 10 and 20 degrees C. The P(i) was produced by laser flash photolysis of the photolabile compound 1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethylphosphate (caged P(i)). Caged P(i) caused a depression of tension that was much smaller than that caused by P(i). 2. Photolysis of caged P(i) produced a decline in isometric force composed of four phases: phase I, a lag phase (e.g. 1-4 ms at 10 degrees C) during which force did not change; phase II, an exponential decline by as much as 20% of the pre-pulse force; phase III, a partial force recovery (0-3% of the pre-pulse force); and phase IV, a further slow (0.5-3 s) decline to the steady value. Phases I, III and IV were largely independent of [P(i)] and are likely to be indirect effects caused by the caged P(i) photolysis. 3. Both the rate and amplitude of phase II depended markedly on [P(i)]. The amplitude of phase II was similar to the reduction of steady-state force by P(i). The rate of phase II increased with increasing temperature and [P(i)]. At high [P(i)] the rate began to saturate, and approached limits of 123 s-1 at 10 degrees C and 194 s-1 at 20 degrees C. 4. The rate of phase II was independent of sarcomere overlap, while the amplitude was proportional to tension at partial filament overlap. A control experiment using caged ATP showed that phase II was not produced by the photolytic by-products or the light pulse. The results suggest that phase II is associated with the force-generating transition of the cross-bridge cycle. 5. Sinusoidal length oscillations at 0.5 and 2 kHz were used to measure muscle stiffness during phase II. Stiffness declined in a single exponential phase, with the same time course as phase II of the tension transient. The change in stiffness was 83 +/- 6% (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 10, 0.5 kHz) of the change in tension when both signals were normalized to their pre-flash values. 6. Analysis of the data shows that two steps are involved in force generation and P(i) release. The non-force exerting AM-ADP-P(i) cross-bridge state first isomerizes to form a force-exerting cross-bridge state (AM'-ADP-P(i)). P(i) is then released to form a second force-generating state, AM'-ADP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Addition of Nb2O5 on the electrical properties of buried resistors in low-temperature cofired ceramics

Effects of TiO2 addition on the conduction mechanism of buried resistors in low temperature cofired ceramics were investigated. Remarkable increases in electrical resistivity and attractive decreases in the temperature coefficient of resistance were observed by the addition of TiO2 for all ratios of RuO2/glass investigated. Such significant effects can be attributed to a larger separation observed between RuO2 particles. The results were compared with the calculated data from theoretical model of tunneling barrier, showing that good agreement could be obtained. In addition, while the distance separation was taken into account as a fixed constant, it was found that the resistivity of buried resistor decreased with increasing TiO2 contents in the glass at higher weight ratios of TiO2/glass. This result implies that a substitution takes place due to the Si+4 displacement by Ti+4 in the glass, resulting in a looser network structure and a lower resistivity value.
EFFICACY AND LONG‐TERM CLINICAL OUTCOME OF COMORBID POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER AFTER ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY

Background Many patients fulfill criteria for both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is generally acknowledged to be the most-effective treatment for refractory MDD. This study investigated the efficacy of ECT on long-term clinical outcome of comorbid PTSD and MDD. Methods This retrospective nested matched case-control study is inclusive of 22,164 subjects [3,485 with comorbid MDD and PTSD (92 with ECT and 3,393 without ECT) and 18,679 without MDD and PTSD]. Results Using the clinical global impression scale (CGI) to assess efficacy, more-robust improvement of PTSD and MDD symptoms was observed with ECT (90%), compared to antidepressant-treatment alone(50%) (P = 0.001). During the median of 8 years of follow-up, the death-rate was 8% in subjects without PTSD and MDD, 9.7% in PTSD and MDD treated with ECT and 18% in PTSD and MDD without ECT (P 0.05). The relative risk of suicidality, all-cause, and cardiovascular mortality was reduced 64, 65, and 46% in MDD and PTSD patients treated with ECT, compared to those without ECT (P < 0.05). Conclusion ECT is associated with a significant reduction of symptoms of PTSD and MDD, as well as reduction in risk of suicidality, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality in MDD and PTSD, an effect more robust than antidepressant-therapy alone.
An improved spatial tracking algorithm applied to coronary veins into Cardiac Multi-Slice Computed Tomography volume

This paper describes an enhanced vessel tracking algorithm. The method specifity relies on the coronary venous tree extraction through Cardiac Multi-Slice Computed Tomography (MSCT). Indeed, contrast inhomogeneities are a major issue in the data sets that necessit a robust tracking procedure. The method is based on an existing moment-based algorithm designed for coronary arteries into MSCT volume. In order to extract the whole path of interest, improvements concerning progression strategy are proposed. Furthermore, the original procedure is combinated with an automatic recentring method based on ray casting. This enhanced method has been tested on three data sets. According to the first results, the method appears robust to curvatures, contrast inhomogeneities and low contrast blood veins.
Can compressed sensing be efficient in communication with sparse data

L User Equipments (mobile stations) transmit signals with sparsity S and their signals are compressively sensed to M samples by Z remote samplers (a distributed antenna arrangement) and the uplink channel is estimated by a central processor (the “central brain”). For a given system signal to noise ratio, retained samples M and sparsity S, we approximate the loss in sum mutual information due to imperfect knowledge of the channel. The approximation is premised on a lower bound of the mutual information which accounts for the power in the channel estimation error. Also, throughput results are given for adaptively adjusting the sparsity of multiple users' transmit signals based on channel fading.
BROADBAND MATCHED-FIELD LOCALIZATION PERFORMANCE IN UNCERTAIN ENVIRONMENTS USING A SHORT ARRAY

Typical applications of matched-field localization use low frequency signals received on large aperture vertical-arrays. However, small aperture arrays are much more practical for real-world systems and must be considered. Additionally, any practical localization algorithm must also be robust to environmental mismatch. In this paper, we present the broadband L∞-norm estimator for robust matched-field localization of mid-frequency signals (e.g., 800–4000 Hz) received on very short aperture vertical-arrays. Realistic simulation results are presented using broadband signals in the band of 1000–3000 Hz received on a 3 m vertical array which demonstrate the substantial performance gains in using the L∞-norm estimator over the asymptotically-optimal maximum a posteriori estimator and the conventional Bartlett processor. Experimental data results in an uncertain shallow-water environment using a 2.13 m vertical array in the band of 3000–4000 Hz are also presented.
The termination region for SV40 DNA replication directs the mode of separation for the two sibling molecules.

Summary Separation of the two newly replicated chromosomes in simian virus 40 late replicating intermediates (RI ★ ) occurred by two pathways. The parental DNA strands were completely unwound, releasing circular DNA monomers with a gap in the nascent strand (Form II ★ ), or duplex DNA in the termination region was not unwound, resulting in formation of catenated dimers. Under optimal conditions, both products were transient intermediates in replication, although Form II ★ was predominant. However, in hypertonic medium both RI ★ and catenated dimers accumulated, and Form II ★ was not observed. Hypertonic medium appeared to inhibit both DNA unwinding in the termination region and separation of catenated dimers. When the size of the genome or the position of the origin of replication was changed, termination occurred at sites other than that of wild-type SV40. Neither catenated dimers nor RI ★ DNA accumulated at these sites. Instead, RI ★ separated into Form II ★ . Unwinding parental DNA was more difficult at some termination regions than others. Therefore, although completion of DNA replication does not require a unique termination sequence, this sequence can determine the mode of separation for sibling molecules.
Forgiveness is an emotion-focused coping strategy that can reduce health risks and promote health resilience: theory, review, and hypotheses

Experimental evidence suggests that when people are transgressed against interpersonally, they often react by experiencing unforgiveness. Unforgiveness is conceptualized as a stress reaction. Forgiveness is one (of many) ways people reduce unforgiveness. Forgiveness is conceptualized as an emotional juxtaposition of positive emotions (i.e., empathy, sympathy, compassion, or love) against the negative emotions of unforgiveness. Forgiveness can thus be used as an emotion-focused coping strategy to reduce a stressful reaction to a transgression. Direct empirical research suggests that forgiveness is related to health outcomes and to mediating physiological processes in such a way as to support the conceptualization that forgiveness is an emotion-focused coping strategy. Indirect mechanisms might also affect the forgiveness-health relationship. Namely, forgiveness might affect health by working through social support, relationship quality, and religion.
Integrating COTS Search Engines into Eclipse: Google Desktop Case Study

The paper presents an integration of the Google desktop search (GDS) engine into the eclipse development environment. The resulting tool, namely Google eclipse search (GES), provides enhanced searching in eclipse software projects. The paper advocates for a COTS component-based approach to develop useful and reliable research prototypes, which support various software maintenance tasks. The development effort for such the tools is reduced, while customization and flexibility, to fully support the needs of developers, is maintained. The proposed solution takes advantages of the power of GDS for quick and accurate searching and of eclipse for great extensibility. The paper outlines our experiences of integrating GDS engine into eclipse as well as possible extensions and applications of the proposed tool.
Magnetically Vectored Delivery of Cancer Drug Using Remotely On–Off Switchable NanoCapsules

Hollow-sphere-structured magnetic nanocapsules containing intentionally trapped iron oxide nanoparticles and anticancer drugs have been prepared to provide a powerful magnetic vector under moderate gradient magnetic fields. It is shown that these nanocapsules can penetrate into the interior of tumors and allow a controlled on-off switchable release of the anticancer drug cargo via remote 100 KHz RF field. This smart drug delivery system is nanoscale compact, with the drug molecules and magnetic nanoparticles contained within the hollow capsules having ~ 80 ~ 150nm diameter. In vitro results using a mouse model indicate that such a nanocapsule-mediated, on-demand drug release is effective in reducing tumor cell growth.
LIFE REVIEW: A FUNCTIONAL VIEW OF REMINISCENCE

The prevailing tendency for many is to identify reminiscence in the aged with psychological dysfunction, and consequently, to regard it as a symptoin. A review of the literature, however, suggests that the predilection toward reminiscence has a very positive function, that of the life review, in which the older person reviews past experiences in order to resolve, reorganize and reintegrate those aspects of life that are troubling. When reminiscence is viewed as an adaptive strategy, legitimacy becomes attached to a behavior previously regarded as pathological. Therapists working with the elderly must recognize the significance of reqiniscence and allow the theories of the life review to provide direction for them as they care for their aged clients.
Musical Chairs Membership Dynamics in Self-Organized Group Formation

Participants played four rounds of a social card game in which they formed groups to make card hands and earn money. When isolates—players left out when groups formed—earned nothing, self-organized groups frequently included these extra people, even though this decreased earnings for group members. Although group composition remained fluid, with time most populations settled into a pattern of including everyone. When isolates received a small welfare payment, group formation was less ordered and predictable and exclusion remained common. Although exact repeats of the same group membership were relatively rare in both conditions, group stability was associated with more cooperative behavior by members. When membership was unstable, members were more likely to make excessive claims on group earnings, increasing their individual payoff at the expense of fellow group members.
EEG and Lithium CNS Toxicity

ABSTRACT.Lithium is a unique mood stabilizing agent with antimanic, antidepressant, and prophylactic properties for the management of recurrent affective illnesses. Lithium produces diffuse EEG slowing and paroxysmal activity which is more pronounced during chronic treatment than after a single acute dose and still more prominent during intoxication. EEG effects of lithium have been studied in patients with affective disorders and in normals as well as in adults and children with mainly consistent findings. The EEG is a more reliable indicator of neurotoxicity with lithium than are measures of plasma levels. Nevertheless there can be difficulty in discriminating between EEG alterations associated with therapeutic levels as opposed to toxicity. Quantitative methods of EEG analysis may offer more sensitive means of discrimination. There is an increased risk of lithium intoxication in patients with certain psychiatric diagnoses as well as in the elderly and in patients with underlying medical disorders. Toxi...
Alternative Therapeutic Approach in the Treatment of Oral Pyogenic Granuloma

Pyogenic granulomas (PGs) in the oral cavity present as an inflammatory hyperplasia usually caused by trauma, hormonal imbalance, chronic irritation, or as the response to a wide variety of drugs. PGs with atypical presentation and behavior may clinically mimic malignant tumors. Thus, histological examination is required to rule out cancer development. Lesions in the oral cavity have been described to be either an isolated entity or present in multiple forms and with multiple recurrences. Conservative surgical excision is the standard choice of treatment in almost every scenario. However, the severity of the lesions and the affected sites often challenge surgical treatment. In this report, we describe the clinical scenario of a recurrent PG, where surgical excision of the lesion was questioned. As an alternative, we describe a noninvasive approach with lesional steroid injections.
Introduction: An Overview of Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts

The field of advanced biofuels and bioproducts may play an increasingly significant role in providing renewable energy and ensuring environmental health for a sustainable future of human civilization on Earth. This chapter as an introduction for the book provides a quick overview of advanced biofuels and bioproducts by highlighting the new developments and opportunities in the bioenergy research development arena in relation to the global energy and environmental challenges. The topics include: (1) Brazils sugarcane ethanol as an early and still encouraging example of biofuels at a nationally significant scale, (2) smokeless biomass pyrolysis for advanced biofuels production and global biochar carbon sequestration, (3) cellulosic biofuels, (4) synthetic biology for photobiological production of biofuels from carbon dioxide and water, (5) lipid-based biodiesels, (6) life-cycle energy and environmental impact analysis, (7) high-value bioproducts and biomethane, and (8) electrofuels.
Effect of menstruation on reaction time.

Abstract Research in the area of menstruation is necessary because of controversial attitudes toward physical activity at specific times during the cycle. These attitudes are not always based on scientific fact, As was stated by Jewell Nolen in an investigation of menstrual problems, there are “basic deficiencies in knowledge or attitudes among the subjects that would intensify the problems of menstruation.” One of the basic deficiencies in knowledge is caused by a lack of studies being made regarding menstruation (2). James D. Genasci studied 44 college women to determine the effect of menstruation on total body reaction time. He concluded that the menstrual cycle does not affect total body reaction time (1).
The role of estrogens in egg transport through the ampullae of oviducts of castrate rabbits.

This article presents a description of patterns of muscle activity and ovum transport through the ampullae of the oviducts of 12 sexually mature New Zealand White female ovariectomized rabbits in 3 circumstances: 1) with no hormonal treatment; 2) 1-3 hr. after the last of a series of estrogen injections; 3) 30-32 hr. after the last injection in the series. The estrogen injected was estradiol-17-beta given in portions of 6 mcg. The time required for 89 supravitally stained donor eggs to pass through the ampullae of the oviducts for each of the 3 groups was as follows: 1) 25 ova in 4 castrate rabbits of Group 1 mean transport time 15.2 plus or minus 3.6 min.; 2) Group 2 rabbits 30 ova in 3 rabbits mean transport time 12.0 plus or minus .7 min.; 3) Group 3 rabbits 34 ova in 5 rabbits mean transport time 2.4 plus or minus 1.6 min. The rabbits were castrated for periods ranging from 84-165 days prior to ovum transport observations. The decrease in transport time from Group 1 to Group 3 is associated with an increase in activity of the ampullary musculature. The increase in muscle activity and rate of ovum transport are interpreted as being related in some manner with a reduction in the amount of estrogen present in the estrogen-primed smooth musculature of the ampulla.
Context is Everything

Arizona Anthropologist Centennial Edition: 125-126. © 2015 Arizona Anthropologist In Archaeology, context is everything. When I think back on my years as a graduate student at the University of Arizona (1993-2001), the context that I remember as the most challenging and stimulating – and also the one that had the longest-lasting effect on me as a practicing professional archaeologist – I think of Friday afternoons in Mike Schiffer's Laboratory of Traditional Technology (LTT). It was there that I was exposed to the value of peer review, the critical importance of considering a diversity of opinions, the need for scholars to develop a thick skin, and how difficult it can be sometimes to decide when you should "stick to your guns," or when to "throw in the towel." Mike Schiffer created a space and time, a context, where true scholarship – wrestling with ideas and evidence, and writing clearly about them – was modeled for eager graduate students to emulate. All were welcome and, as Mike would say, "a thousand theoretical flowers" were allowed to bloom. We discussed and debated selectionist archaeology and post-processual approaches, and many of us tried to advance, in different ways, the behavioral archaeology program. Mike did much during those years to create a platform for selectionists to present their program, even hosting an itinerant selectionist archaeologist, Dr. Patrice Teltser, in the LTT. During my tenure, core members of the Friday Afternoon Writers' Group (or, as we sometimes called ourselves, the "Rhizome Breakout Committee"; Shanks 1992) included Jenny Adams, Trixi Bubemyre, Janet Griffitts, Vin LaMotta, Brian McKee, Mark Neupert, Axel Nielsen, Bill Walker, and Nieves Zedeno (a then-recent SMU Ph.D.). Those were heady times. The archaeological study of ritual and the relationship between material culture and social boundaries were key foci among Southwesternists. Research on ancient migrations could once again be thought of as respectable. It was inspiring to witness the more senior graduate students spar good-naturedly with each other, and it was a thrill to be drawn into passionate debates. Context is Everything
High-throughput networking

New applications using increasingly powerful hosts, work stations, and file servers are driving the demand for high-throughput communication networks. Hierarchical local area networks (LAN's), distributed processing environments with shared fine servers, real-time interactive visualization, fast document retrieval, image processing, seismic analysis, and remote sensing are some of these applications.
Establishment of Evaluation Model for R&D Synergy Effects of Parent-Subsidiary Companies

The study on the RD synergy effects evaluation of parent-subsidiary companies is of great significance in reality but the theorists pay less attention.Through theoretical study,questionnaire and statistical analysis,the RD synergy evaluation model of parent-subsidiary constructed by this paper consists of 3 level indicators: the company level,functional level and team level and each level indicator contains several secondary indicators.Both the level indicators and secondary indicators are given precise mathematical empowerment and also detailed descriptions.Among them,the company level includes a total of 7 secondary indicators.The functional level includes 3 secondary indicators and the team level contains 5 secondary indicators.And the RD synergy evaluation model can be used to assess the degree of overall and partial realization of RD synergy effects so as to provide constructive and operative advice for the management in the terms of improving the RD ability of corporation.
Polymer flooding eccentric quality sorting injection technology

After polymer flooding in major reservoirs in Daqing Oilfield is completed, polymer flooding target has been converted to the second and third grade reservoirs with lower permeability and much interlayer difference. Separate injection technology is facing new contradictions. High permeability reservoir needs to control injection rate while reducing viscosity loss rate, and low permeability reservoir needs to accordingly reduce molecular weight and viscosity to guarantee unblock in reservoir and enough injection rate. For this purpose, polymer flooding eccentric quality sorting injection technique is studied to realize double adjustment of separate layer molecular weight and injection rate. Field test has been carried out in polymer flooding block with obvious effect.
Hybrid architecture for communication-aware multi-robot systems

In this paper we propose a hybrid architecture that allows a team of mobile robots to self-organize into a multi-hop ad-hoc network and solve the joint mobility and communication problem in complex environments to complete a given task. The system consists of an outer global planning loop and an inner local loop responsible for motion and network routing, arranged in a two-stage feedback system. This system is able to leverage the benefits of previous systems, while avoiding their drawbacks. This results in a lightweight responsive system that is able to operate in complex environments with minimal global coordination while maintaining a minimum end-to-end data rate between robots. Two main benefits of our approach are demonstrated through experimentation superior performance over existing systems and dynamic adjustment to unexpected events. We conclude with a demonstration of the system operating in a realistic scenario, in which the team patrols a set of hallways.
Religious employers and exceptions to mandated coverage of contraceptives

At the center of the controversy surrounding the legislation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) the contraception mandate calls for group health plans to cover contraception costs. The mandate part of a seemingly straightforward effort to enhance preventive care for women has elicited criticism from religious and conservative groups who believe it violates certain employers’ religious freedoms. In the wake of the objections that covering contraception costs would violate some religious freedoms interim final rules were published in August 2011 announcing that churches would be exempt from the mandate. Further compromises have been made and guidelines for religious exemption drafted to accommodate self-insured religious institutions while ensuring that women receive contraceptive coverage. The author discusses challenges to the current legislation and the multitude of lawsuits faced by the government as well as the current status of the mandate. It is likely that there will be further adjustments to the contraception mandate down the road.
Religion’s Profound Influences on Psychology: Morality, Intergroup Relations, Self-Construal, and Enculturation

Religion affects psychological processes in many important ways and is the subject of increasing attention on the part of psychologists. I discuss four reasons why religion is important, including that religion is a central foundation for moral judgment (e.g., Protestants but not Jews find lustful thoughts to be morally suspect) and that religion strongly affects intergroup relations (e.g., theology regarding forgiveness affects intergroup relations). I then propose that religion broadly shapes self-construal (e.g., Protestants tend toward independent selves) and that the myriad ways in which religion shapes individuals’ psychologies is a complex issue that can be instructive in terms of how culture gets inside people’s heads.
Toward Engineering Design of Gypsum Board Fire Barriers

Publisher Summary Gypsum board sheathing panels are widely used throughout different building types to provide passive fire protection, but in residential construction it is the primary structural fire protection. Most fires and most fire deaths occur in residential construction so maintaining the integrity of the gypsum board fire barrier during a fire is critical to the longevity and the fire safety of the structure. This chapter examines the engineering properties of Type X gypsum board and aims to measure these properties and organize them into a rational failure theory that will allow engineering design of gypsum board fire barriers. Tests were undertaken with a small oven within a test machine measuring mass loss, shrinkage, bending strength, and modulus of elasticity at elevated temperatures. The research shows that near-complete calcination of the gypsum board occurs only after 60 minutes of exposure at 400°C. Only after complete calcination, where all moisture is driven off, does the bending strength approach 0. Strength appeared to decrease linearly with increasing temperature. Mass loss and modulus of elasticity exhibited similar trends with the greatest decreases occurring from 100°C to 200°C followed by more gradual decrease to 400°C. The reinforcing glass fibers play a significant stiffening and strengthening role in the long direction of sheathing panels up to 60 minutes of exposure at 300°C.
Halo orbit to science orbit captures at planetary moons

Abstract Ballisticly connecting halo orbits to science orbits in the circular-restricted three-body problem is investigated. Two classes of terminal science orbits are considered: low-altitude, tight orbits that are deep in the gravity well of the secondary body, and high-altitude, loose orbits that are strongly perturbed by the gravity of the primary body. General analytic expressions are developed to provide a minimum bound on impulse cost in both the circular restricted and the Hill’s approximations. The equations are applied to a broad range of planetary moons, providing a mission design reference. Systematic grid search methods are developed to numerically find feasible transfers from halo orbits at Europa, confirming the analytical lower bound formulas. The two-impulse capture options in the case of Europa reveal a diverse set of potential solutions. Tight captures result in maneuver costs of 425–550 m/s while loose captures are found with costs as low as 30 m/s. The terminal orbits are verified to avoid escape or impact for at least 45 days.
Dimensionless input parameters in discrete element modeling and assessment of scaling techniques

Abstract A set of dimensionless input parameters were defined for DEM using a characteristic time which is a function of density and elastic modulus of particles and an arbitrary characteristic length. Dimensionless strain rate and mass damping ratio are inversely proportional to the characteristic time, and stress is normalized by elastic modulus to give dimensionless stress. It was demonstrated that the response of a model in the dimensionless scale is invariant with the choice of density, elastic modulus and the characteristic length if dimensionless strain rate and mass damping ratio are kept constant. Small time step is a prohibitive aspect of DEM. Scaling techniques are widely employed to enlarge the time step. Using the dimensionless scheme, it was learned that density scaling is equivalent to the use of a higher strain rate, and stiffness scaling results in a higher strain rate and an elevated stress state in the dimensionless scale.
Is the non-sentinel lymph node compartment the next site for melanoma progression from the sentinel lymph node compartment in the regional nodal basin?

Melanoma patients with additional positive lymph nodes in the completion lymph node dissection (CLND) following a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy would have a poorer prognosis than patients with no additional positive lymph nodes. We hypothesize that the progression of disease from the SLN to the non-SLN compartment is orderly and is associated with the worsening of the disease status. Thus, the SLN and non-SLN compartments are biologically different in that cancer cells, in general, arrive in the SLN compartment before spreading to the non-SLN compartment. To validate this concept, we used a large cohort of melanoma patients from our prospective SLN database in an academic tertiary medical center. Adult cutaneous melanoma patients (n = 291) undergoing CLND after a positive SLN biopsy from 1994 to 2009 were analyzed. Comparison of 5-year disease-free survival and 5-year overall survival between positive (n = 66) and negative (n = 225) CLND groups was made. The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 55% (95% CI 49–62%) for patients with no additional LN on CLND versus 14% (95% CI 8–26%) in patients with positive LN on CLND (p < 0.0001, log-rank test). The median disease-free survival time was 7.4 years with negative CLND (95% CI 4.4–15+ years) and 1.2 years with positive CLND (95% CI 1.0–1.8 years). The 5-year overall survival rates were 67% (95% CI 61–74%) for negative CLND versus 38% (95% CI 28–52%) for positive CLND (p < 0.0001, log-rank test). The median overall survival time was 12.1 years for negative CLND (95% CI 9.3–15+ years) and 2.5 years for positive CLND (95% CI 2.2–5.7 years). This study shows that CLND status is a significant prognostic factor for patients with positive SLNs undergoing CLND. Also, it suggests an orderly progression of metastasis from the SLN to the non-SLN compartment. Thus, the SLN in the regional nodal basin draining the primary melanoma may serve as an important gateway for metastasis to the non-SLN compartment and beyond to the systemic sites.
Does Labor Migration Improve Access to Public Goods in Source Communities? Evidence from Rural China

What is the effect of out-migration on drinking water provision in rural China? Despite concerns about the ability of migrants to contribute to collective action for public goods provision, this study demonstrates that villages with higher rates of labor migration are more likely to have public drinking water than those with little migration. Temporary labor migration reduces isolation and increases connections outside the village. External funding sources including county governments favor villages where they have contacts as well as villages that need more support because most working-age adults are working outside the village. As a result, villages with high rates of out-migration are more likely have public access to drinking water. The findings are based on data from a survey of more than 50 natural villages in two townships of Southwest China.
Preservice Music Teacher Voice Use, Vocal Health, and Voice Function before and during Student Teaching.

Preservice music teachers often use their voices differently during the semesters leading up to student teaching as compared to during the semester itself. Vocal demands often increase and change a...
Performance and stability of La2NiO4-infiltrated La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 oxygen electrodes during current switched life testing

Abstract Solid oxide cells operated reversibly or in electrolysis mode are promising for energy storage, but oxygen electrode degradation is an issue. Prior stability studies have focused on the widely-used powder-processed perovskite oxide electrodes in devices operating at ≥ 700 °C. Here we provide initial results on a different type of electrode designed for lower temperature – the Ruddlesden-Popper material La2NiO4 with a nano-scale structure produced by infiltration into a La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 scaffold. Life tests were performed in air at 650 °C on symmetric cells with La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 electrolytes with the current direction reversed every 6 h over 1000 h. The voltage degradation rate increased from ∼3%/kh at a current density of 1.0 A/cm2 to ∼15%/kh at 2.0 A/cm2. EIS measurements revealed that both the ohmic and polarization resistances increased more rapidly at the higher current density. Post-test observations showed no electrode delamination, but increased current density caused a change in the La2NiO4 nano-structure, along with evidence of electrolyte fracture.