cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heat and mass transfer performance analysis and cooling capacity prediction of earth to air heat exchanger

Abstract A great portion of the primary energy is consumed by space heating and cooling in buildings. The need for utilizing more renewable energy in the building sector remains critical for ensuring the energy and environment sustainability. Geothermal energy is one of the renewable energy sources that we have an easy access to for supplying low-grade thermal energy with a low impact on the environment. The methods of utilizing geothermal energy for buildings include such as ground source heat pumps and earth to air heat exchangers (EAHEs). In this paper we presented the comprehensive performance analysis and deduced an easy-to-apply regression model for predicting the cooling capacity of an EAHE. A one-dimensional steady-state control volume model was developed and applied to simulate the performance of the EAHE. It couples both heat and mass transfer between the air and the tube. The model was calibrated by comparing against the experimental data from an existing renewable energy testing facility. After the calibration, six factors, namely the air temperature, the air relative humidity, the air velocity at the inlet of EAHE, the tube surface temperature, and the tube length and diameter on the performance were analyzed using the calibrated model. The polynomial regression models for predicting the cooling capacities including total, sensible and latent cooling capacity with high accuracy were obtained. The easy-to-apply formulas can be of great use in the design and application of EAHEs.
Microvillous membrane vesicle accumulation in media during culture of intestine of chick embryo.

Explanting chick embryo duodenal tissue elicits an increase in the activities of alkaline phosphatase and maltase, an effect which is greatly enhanced by the addition of thyroxine. A large part of the elevated enzyme activity is released into the culture medium, from which it can be sedimented by centrifugation at 200 000 × g. The resulting pellet contains 87% or more of the alkaline phosphatase and maltase activity present in the medium at the end of 72 h of culture, but only about 25% of the protein. Negative staining of the pellet reveals the presence of microvesicles, the surfaces of which bear tiny protrusions resembling the knobs that have been seen on isolated microvilli and in preparations of purified microvillous membrane. The microvesicles appear to be derived from fragmentation of microvilli. Microvesicles with similar properties can be washed out of the duodenal lumen of embryos near hatching, suggesting that vesiculation may be a normal process that plays a useful role in intestinal function.
Underutilization of Measurement of Serum Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels and of Lipid‐Lowering Therapy in Older Patients with Manifest Atherosclerotic Disease

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of measurement of serum lipids and of utilizing lipid-lowering therapy, when appropriate, in older persons without contraindications to lipid-lowering drugs and with myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and no coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, or PAD. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of charts of all older patients seen from January 1, 1997, through October 15, 1997, was performed to investigate the prevalence of measurement of serum lipids and utilization of lipid-lowering therapy, when appropriate, in older persons without contraindications to lipid-lowering drugs and with MI, stroke, PAD, and no CAD, stroke, or PAD. Patients with life-limiting comorbidities were not included in the study. SETTING: An academic, hospital-based geriatrics practice staffed by fellows in a geriatrics training program and full-time faculty geriatricians. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 373 men and 1119 women, mean age 80 ± 8 years (range 59 to 103 years), were included in the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was measured in 201 of 391 patients (51%) with MI, in 78 of 187 patients (42%) with stroke, in 58 of 115 patients (50%) with PAD, and in 396 of 926 patients (43%) with no CAD, stroke, or PAD. In patients with elevated serum LDL cholesterol levels, lipid-lowering drug therapy was given to eight of 15 patients (53%) 80 years of age with MI (P not significant); to three of seven patients (43%) 80 years of age with stroke (P not significant); to two of four patients (50%) 80 years of age with PAD (P not significant); and to six of 15 patients (40%) 80 years of age with no CAD, stroke, or PAD (P not significant). None of the other patients with MI, stroke, PAD, or no CAD, stroke, or PAD was treated with diet or lipid-lowering drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of serum LDL cholesterol and of appropriate use of lipid-lowering drugs and diet in older patients with MI, stroke, PAD, and no CAD, stroke, or PAD is underutilized in an academic, hospital-based geriatrics practice.
Composite model of a 3-D image

This paper presents a composite model of a moving (3-D) image especially useful for the sequential image processing and encoding. A non-linear predictor based on the composite model is described. The performance of this predictor is used as a measure of the validity of the model for a real image source. The minimization of a total mean square prediction error provides an inequality which determines a condition for the profitable use of the composite model and can serve as a decision device for the selection of the number of subsources within the model. The paper also describes statistical properties of the prediction error and contains results of computer simulation of two non-linear predictors in the case of perfect classification between subsources.
Discerning Possibilities for Action: A Typology of Approaches to Moral Imagination

The existing literature on moral imagination proposes that actors can best respond to ethical dilemmas by tailoring their actions to the practical demands of the situation. It has done little to develop this insight, however. To address this gap, I used institutional theory to identify six ideal type approaches to moral imagination. I proposed that in addressing ethical dilemmas, the morally imaginative actor takes account of two situational factors: first, the social construction of the unmet ethical claim or obligation which constitutes the ethical dilemma, and in particular whether or not it is broadly perceived to be legitimate; and second, its own degree of power. The framework presented represents the first attempt to systematically enumerate approaches to moral imagination and identify their boundary conditions.
Lens capsular cyst.

A 33-year-old man had a unique lens capsular cyst that became clinically evident eight years after a penetrating ocular injury in which the lens capsule was disrupted. Microscopic examination indicated that the cyst may have arisen from displaced lens capsule and epithelial cells that became separated from the lens.
Antagonism of nitric oxide toward the inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase by carbon monoxide and cyanide.

The principle mitochondrial target where the respiratory inhibitors CO, CN- and NO act in the execution of their acute toxic effects is complex IV of the electron-transport chain, cytochrome c oxidase. However, there is a paucity of studies in the literature regarding the concerted effects of such poisons. Accordingly, the combined inhibitory effects of CO + CN-, NO + CN- and NO + CO on the activity of cytochrome c oxidase preparations are reported. Only in the case of CO + CN- do the effects of the two inhibitors seem to be additive as expected. NO appears to be antagonistic towards the effects of the other two inhibitors; that is, the effects of both CO and CN- on enzyme activity are ameliorated by NO when present. To further clarify these observations, the ligand-substitutions of heme-bound CN- by NO in cytochrome c oxidase and hemoglobin have also been briefly investigated. These results suggest that displacement of CN- from the ferric hemoproteins by NO is rate-limited by heme reduction - and in the case of the enzyme, the presence of non-ligand-binding electron-transfer centers facilitates the reaction. The findings are discussed in relation to the idea that NO does not behave as a classic reversible (by dissociation) inhibitor.
Interface between a Nicolet FTMS/2000 and a quantel Nd:YAG laser using an IBM PC-AT

Abstract A system has been developed to interface a Nicolet FTMS/2000 Fourier transform mass spectrometer to a Quantel 571-C Nd:YAG laser. The interface hardware consists of an IBM PC AT Personal Computer with a Scientific Solutions Inc., Lab Master expansion board. The counters on the board are used to trigger the laser with the proper timing sequence. The IBM PC AT acts as a remote terminal for the Nicolet computer to adjust experimental parameters, using a standard RS-232 communications port. The interface coordinates the two instruments so that both operate in an optimal fashion. The laser timing can be adjusted so the laser pulse occurs at any time in the FTMS experimental sequence.
Metabolic Syndrome, C-reactive Protein, and Mortality in U.S. Blacks and Whites: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

OBJECTIVE We evaluate associations of metabolic syndrome (MetS), C-reactive protein (CRP), and a CRP-incorporated definition of MetS (CRPMetS) with risk of all-cause mortality in a biracial population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We studied 23,998 participants in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort, an observational study of black and white adults ≥45 years old across the U.S. Elevated CRP was defined as ≥3 mg/L and MetS by the revised Third Report of the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III; ATP III) criteria (three of five components). CRPMetS was defined as presence of three out of six components, with elevated CRP added to ATP III criteria as a sixth component. Cox models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality, and population attributable risk (PAR) was calculated. Stratified analyses based on race and diabetes status were performed. RESULTS There were 9,741 participants (41%) with MetS and 12,179 (51%) with CRPMetS at baseline. Over 4.8 years of follow-up, 2,050 participants died. After adjustment for multiple confounders, MetS, elevated CRP, and CRPMetS were each significantly associated with increased mortality risk (HRs 1.26 [95% CI 1.15–1.38], 1.55 [1.41–1.70], and 1.34 [1.22–1.48], respectively). The PAR was 9.5% for MetS, 18.1% for CRP, and 14.7% for CRPMetS. Associations of elevated CRP and of CRPMetS with mortality were significantly greater in whites than blacks, while no differences in associations were observed based on diabetes status. CONCLUSIONS By definition, CRPMetS identifies more people at risk than MetS but still maintains a similar mortality risk. Incorporating CRP into the definition for MetS may be useful in identifying additional high-risk populations to target for prevention.
Production of ligninolytic enzymes and synthetic lignin mineralization by the bird's nest fungus Cyathus stercoreus.

Production of ligninolytic enzymes and degradation of 14C-ring labeled synthetic lignin by the white-rot fungus Cyathus stercoreus ATCC 36910 were determined under a variety of conditions. The highest mineralization rate for 14C dehydrogenative polymerizates (DHP; 38% 14CO2 after 30 days) occurred with 1 mM ammonium tartrate as nitrogen source and 1% glucose as additional carbon source, but levels of extracellular laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) were low. In contrast, 10 mM ammonium tartrate with 1% glucose gave low mineralization rates (10% 14CO2 after 30 days) but higher levels of laccase and manganese peroxidase. Lignin peroxidase was not produced by C. stercoreus under any of the studied conditions. Mn(II) at 11 ppm gave a higher rate of 14C DHP mineralization than 0.3 or 40 ppm, but the highest manganese peroxidase level was obtained with Mn(II) at 40 ppm. Cultivation in aerated static flasks gave rise to higher levels of both laccase and manganese peroxidase compared to the levels in shake cultures. 3,4-Dimethoxycinnamic acid at 500 μM concentration was the most effective inducer of laccase of those tested. The purified laccase was a monomeric glycoprotein having an apparent molecular mass of 70 kDa, as determined by calibrated gel filtration chromatography. The pH optimum and isoelectric point of the purified laccase were 4.8 and 3.5, respectively. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of C. stercoreus laccase showed close homology to the N-terminal sequences determined from other basidiomycete laccases. Information on C. stercoreus, whose habitat and physiological requirements for lignin degradation differ from many other white-rot fungi, expands the possibilities for industrial application of biological systems for lignin degradation and removal in biopulping and biobleaching processes.
Growth and Nitrogen Balance of Calves Fed Rations of Varying Nitrogen Degradability and Physical Form

Abstract Effects of degradable nitrogen and ration physical form on dry matter intake, gain, feed efficiency, and digestibility were tested in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized design with 54 male Holstein calves. Nine rations were formulated from data obtained via the bag technique. Calves were fed from 8 to 20 wk of age. Three calves from each treatment were in a nitrogen balance study, and digestibilities of dry matter and nitrogen as well as nitrogen retention were measured. Calves fed all-concentrate rations had greater digestibility and nitrogen retention than calves fed rations containing hay. Calves fed chopped hay consumed less dry matter and gained less than calves fed either ground hay or all-concentrate rations. Feed efficiency was highest for calves fed all-concentrate rations. Nitrogen degradability did not affect dry matter intake, weight gain, or feed efficiency. Calves fed rations with the lowest degradable nitrogen retained more nitrogen per unit of metabolic body size and utilized nitrogen more efficiently than calves fed rations containing higher ruminal degradable nitrogen although not always significantly more. Protein degradation determined by the bag technique may have potential for formulating rations to improve efficiency of nitrogen utilization.
Noble gas permeability of polymer films and coatings

Permeabilities of noble gases, particularly argon, krypton, and xenon, were measured through a number of polymer films and coatings. Extrapolation of the log of the permeation coefficient versus the square of the gas molecular diameter was used to estimate radon permeability. An equation has been developed that can predict permeability to these noble gases as a function of the base polymer structure of the coating.
Improving consumer satisfaction in green hotels: The roles of perceived warmth, perceived competence, and CSR motive

Abstract Research on consumer satisfaction with green hotels has yielded mixed results; some studies have shown a positive relationship with CSR initiatives and others have shown a negative relationship. To reconcile these two opposing views, we examine the mediating effects of perceived warmth and competence as potential psychological mechanisms explaining consumers’ reactions to green hotels. We also investigate the moderating role of firm motives in influencing consumers’ reactions to green initiatives. Results from Study 1 indicate that when service delivery is successful, consumer satisfaction is higher for green (vs. non-green) hotels. However, the advantage for green hotels disappears when guests experience service failures. Results from Study 2 show that consumer satisfaction with green hotels is enhanced when a firm engages in green initiatives for public-serving (vs. self-serving) motives. Overall, the results show that perceived warmth and competence mediate the relationship between service outcomes and consumer satisfaction and behavioral intentions.
Langmuir probe measurements of the ion extraction process in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. I: Spatially resolved determination of electron density and electron temperature

Abstract A single Langmuir probe is inserted through the skimmer into the supersonic jet extracted from an inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Electron temperature (Te) and electron density (ne) are measured with axial spatial resolution from 2 mm behind the sampler to 40 mm behind the skimmer. In the upstream part of the supersonic jet ne drops as axial position increases, as expected for a quasineutral beam. However, the measurements indicate the presence of an unexpected disturbance in front of the skimmer. Electron density behind the skimmer is much lower than would be expected if the skimmer behaved ideally. Plasma conditions that yield a high plasma potential and secondary discharge lead to further reductions in ne behind the skimmer. The electrons stay hot during the extraction process, as seen previously, although Te does drop by 4000 K behind the skimmer. The measurements generally support the concept that the extracted plasma remains quasineutral as it passes through the sampler and skimmer.
Invadopodia and Matrix Degradation, a New Property of Prostate Cancer Cells during Migration and Invasion

The present study demonstrated that invadopodia are associated with invasion by degradation of matrix in prostate cancer cells PC3. To find out the presence of invadopodia in PC3 cells, we performed a few comparative analyses with osteoclasts, which utilize podosomes for migration. Our investigations indeed demonstrated that invadopodia are comparable to podosomes in the localization of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)/matrix metalloproteinase-9 and the degradation of matrix. Invadopodia are different from podosomes in the localization of actin/vinculin, distribution during migration, and the mode of degradation of extracellular matrix. Invadopodia enable polarized invasion of PC3 cells into the gelatin matrix in a time-dependent manner. Gelatin degradation was confined within the periphery of the cell. Osteoclasts demonstrated directional migration with extensive degradation of matrix underneath and around the osteoclasts. A pathway of degradation of matrix representing a migratory track was observed due to the rearrangement of podosomes as rosettes or clusters at the leading edge. Reducing the matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels by RNA interference inhibited the degradation of matrix but not the formation of podosomes or invadopodia. Competition experiments with TAT-fused WASP peptides suggest that actin polymerization and formation of invadopodia involve the WASP-Arp2/3 complex pathway. Moreover, PC3 cells overexpressing osteopontin (OPN) displayed an increase in the number of invadopodia and gelatinolytic activity as compared with PC3 cells and PC3 cells expressing mutant OPN in integrin-binding domain and null for OPN. Thus, we conclude that OPN/integrin alphavbeta3 signaling participates in the process of migration and invasion of PC3 cells through regulating processes essential for the formation and function of invadopodia.
The time course of inhibition during the delayed response of the on-off ganglion cell in the frog.

Abstract Delayed responses of the on-off ganglion cell were studied in the frog optic tectum by single unit techniques. The time course of the long-lasting inhibition during the silent period was examined in detail. It was found that inhibition is strongest at the earliest time measurable (0.5 sec after an early response), and that recovery from inhibition is rapid at the beginning, but it becomes much slower for the rest of the silent period. Furthermore, a brighter stimulus elicits not only a longer silent period, but also stronger inhibition at a given time during the silent period.
Locating ×86 paging structures in memory images

Digital memory forensics consists of analyzing various components of a memory image from a compromised host. A memory image consists of data and processes that were running on the system at the time the image was created. Previously running processes are one of the key items in memory images to identify, including potentially hidden processes. Each process has its own paging structures that define its address space, so locating the paging structures can potentially lead to finding all of the processes that were running. In this paper, we describe an algorithm to locate paging structures in a memory image of an x86 platform running either Linux or Windows XP. The algorithm can be used to find paging structures for potential processes that were hidden by rootkits or other malware. Furthermore, if the system was running an x86 virtual machine, the algorithm can locate paging structures associated with both the host kernel and the guest kernel processes. Our algorithm relies more on the constructs of the x86 hardware and less on the operating system running on top of the hardware. This means that the algorithm works for many different operating systems with only minor tweaking.
Impact of Amplitude Phase Correlation on Oscillator Phase Noise Model

In this paper we study how the phase noise model of an LC oscillator changes by taking into consideration the impact of amplitude phase correlations for both white noise and flicker noise. A new circuit based analytical model of phase noise is used for this purpose and the oscillator topology chosen for study is a Differential Oscillator. We compare our results with simulation results. It is found that by taking amplitude correlation into consideration there is a correction in the phase noise model for white noise, which matches simulation results better. For flicker noise the uncorrelated results are closer to the simulation results. The noise results obtained from the correlated model are lower than that obtained from the uncorrelated model. We propose that this occurs due to mutual cancellation between the impacts of amplitude deviation and phase deviation on the overall phase noise.
Deuterogyny in the skeleton weed mite, Aceria chondrillae (G. Can.) (Acari: Eriophyidae)

Abstract The deutogyne of Aceria chondrillae is described from basal stem tissue of its host plant, Chondrilla juncea, in southern Oregon. A redescription of the protogyne serves as a basis for deutogyne diagnosis.
Perspective format for a primary flight display and its effect on pilot spatial awareness

The authors describe an experimental study in progress which will evaluate pilot spatial awareness in low-visibility conditions for two basic display types: (1) a computer-generated electronic attitude director indicator (EADI) within the conventional glass cockpit flight deck, and (2) a tunnel-in-the-sky perspective display used in place of the EADI. Pilot subjects navigate curved approach trajectories during instrument flight conditions. Their main task is to look in the direction (localize) where they would expect various targets to appear. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a perspective format such as the tunnel display can provide a significant improvement in pilot spatial awareness over conventional format in primary flight displays. >
Interleaving a join sequence with semijoins in distributed query processing

The problem of combining join and semijoin reducers for distributed query processing is studied. An approach based on interleaving a join sequence with beneficial semijoins is proposed. A join sequence is mapped into a join sequence tree first. The join sequence tree provides an efficient way to identify for each semijoin its correlated semijoins as well as its reducible relations under the join sequence. In light of these properties, an algorithm for determining an effective sequence of join and semijoin reducers is developed. Examples are given to illustrate the results. They show the advantage of using a combination of joins and semijoins as reducers for distributed query processing. >
Structural and Functional Characterization of MppR, an Enduracididine Biosynthetic Enzyme from Streptomyces hygroscopicus: Functional Diversity in the Acetoacetate Decarboxylase-like Superfamily

The nonproteinogenic amino acid enduracididine is a critical component of the mannopeptimycins, cyclic glycopeptide antibiotics with activity against drug-resistant pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Enduracididine is produced in Streptomyces hygroscopicus by three enzymes, MppP, MppQ, and MppR. On the basis of primary sequence analysis, MppP and MppQ are pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent aminotransferases; MppR shares a low, but significant, level of sequence identity with acetoacetate decarboxylase. The exact reactions catalyzed by each enzyme and the intermediates involved in the route to enduracididine are currently unknown. Herein, we present biochemical and structural characterization of MppR that demonstrates a catalytic activity for this enzyme and provides clues about its role in enduracididine biosynthesis. Bioinformatic analysis shows that MppR belongs to a previously uncharacterized family within the acetoacetate decarboxylase-like superfamily (ADCSF) and suggests...
Comments on “critical view on new results in micro-fluid mechanics”

In two recent papers [1,2], Drs. H. Herwig and O. Hausner dismiss ‘‘almost all’’ recent studies that claim special effects for flow and heat transfer through microdevices. They find the approach in those studies misleading and argue that existing observations in microdevices can be explained by merely rescaling the traditional models routinely used for macrodevices. Herwig and Hausner suggest that the same equations, properly non-dimensionalized, should be used for both micro and macrosystems. In Ref. [2], Professor Herwig states emphatically and in capital letters, ‘‘IN A NONDIMENSIONAL FORM ALL SPECIAL ‘‘MICRO-EFFECTS’’ WILL TURN OUT TO BE SCALING EFFECTS WITHIN A CONTINUUM THEORY EQUALLY VALID FOR MACRO AND MICRO PROBLEMS.’’ In this Technical Note, we argue that traditional treatments of transport phenomena may not be appropriate for certain situations involving microdevices. The simplistic dimensional analysis approach advocated in [1,2], though not incorrect, does miss important physics and is therefore misleading. We first start by defining microdevices and what we mean by traditional modeling of mass, momentum and heat transfer in or around conventional devices. We then describe the conditions under which non-traditional modeling of transport phenomena may be needed. Finally, we list the available alternative modeling tools. The focus here will be on fluid transport, but similar arguments can be made for solid transport, for example heat conduction through solid media. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) refer to devices that have characteristic length of less than 1 mm but more than 1 lm, that combine electrical and me-
Neural network architecture for online system identification and adaptively optimized control

A neural network architecture for simultaneous system identification and adaptively optimized control is presented. Basic ingredients consisting of tapped delay lines and standard analog neurons (with backpropagation) are combined within a modular/hierarchical architecture to implement an MRAC scheme having rigorous stability and convergence properties. Control adaptation is carried out in the presence of unknown (and possibly persistent) plant disturbances and instrumentation noise and requires no built-in modeling information. The overall adaptive neural controller is composed of a system replicator network and the control adaptor network. With no prior information, the system replicator autonomously builds an internal model of the plant, effectively identifying the plant within the closed loop. Simultaneously, this internal model is used by the control adaptor to adapt the online dynamic compensation so that the closed-loop input/output characteristics match those of the ideal refractive system. The efficacy of the proposed approach is illustrated by several numerical examples involving vibration control for precision space structures. >
Fractality and Self-Organized Criticality of Wars

This paper considers the frequency-size statistics of wars. Using several alternative measures of the intensity of a war in terms of battle deaths, we find a fractal (power-law) dependence of number on intensity. We show that the frequency-size dependence of forest fires is essentially identical to that of wars. The forest-fire model provides a basis for understanding the distribution of forest firest in terms of self-organized criticality. We extend the analogy to wars in terms of the initial ignition (outbreak of war) and its spread to a group of metastable countries.
Disseminated xanthosiderohistiocytosis, a variant of xanthoma disseminatum, in a patient with a plasma cell dyscrasia

A 57-year-old man was evaluated for infiltrative sclerotic nodules and plaques of the skin, the oral cavity, and the eye. Skin biopsy revealed a proliferation of mature histiocytes and extensive hemosiderin deposition, findings most consistent with xanthoma disseminatum and its variant, disseminated xanthosiderohistiocytosis. The subsequent development of a plasma cell dyscrasia was consistent with previous reports and suggests that xanthoma disseminatum is a marker for plasma cell disorders.
Thermal and photochemical interconversion of several 1,8-naphtho(C4H4) hydrocarbons. Tests of the Woodward-Hoffmann Rules

The photochemical and thermal interconversions of both deuterated and nondeuterated pleiadiene (l), 1,8naphthobicyclo[3.2.0] hepta-2,6-diene (2), and 1,8-naphthotricycl0[4.1.0.0~~~]heptene (3) are reported. All of these isomerizations may be preliminarily explained in terms of allowed and forbidden pathways. For several of the reported examples, however, a more complex interpretation is required by the experimental data.
Optimization flow control with estimation error

We analyze the effects of price estimation error in a dual-gradient optimization flow control scheme, and characterize the performance of the algorithm in this case. By treating estimation error as inexactness of the gradient, we utilize sufficient conditions for convergence subject to bounded error to characterize the long-term dynamics of the link utilization in terms of a region, which the trajectory enters in finite time. We explicitly find bounds for this region under a particular quantization error model, and provide simulation results to verify the predicted behavior of the system. Finally, we analyze the effects of the stepsize on the convergence of the algorithm, and provide analytical and numerical results, which suggest a particular choice for this parameter.
Metal dicarbides as intermediate species in thermal ion formation mechanisms

Abstract Lanthanide elements (lanthanum to lutetium) and actinide elements (uranium and plutonium) adsorbed onto resin beads and mounted on rhenium filaments were studied as thermal ionization sources. Temperatures at which these ion sources gave maximum intensities were measured for each of these elements. The temperature trends correlate with the dissociation energies of the corresponding metal dicarbide compounds. The metal dicarbide functions as a carrier to take the lanthanide and actinide elements to higher temperatures than would be attainable otherwise. This results in release of the atomic species at a higher temperature where ionization probability is significantly increased.
Effect of inorganic anions on the titanium dioxide-based photocatalytic oxidation of aqueous ammonia and nitrite

Abstract In this study, we investigated the effects of four inorganic anions (Cl − , SO 4 2− , H 2 PO 4 − /HPO 4 2− , and HCO 3 − /CO 3 2− ) on titanium dioxide (TiO 2 )-based photocatalytic oxidation of aqueous ammonia (NH 4 + /NH 3 ) at pH ∼ 9 and ∼10 and nitrite (NO 2 − ) over the pH range of 4–11. The initial rates of NH 4 + /NH 3 and NO 2 − photocatalytic oxidation are dependent on both the pH and the anion species. Our results indicate that, except for CO 3 2− , which decreased the homogeneous oxidation rate of NH 4 + /NH 3 by UV-illuminated hydrogen peroxide, OH scavenging by anions and/or direct oxidation of NH 4 + /NH 3 and NO 2 − by anion radicals did not affect rates of TiO 2 photocatalytic oxidation. While HPO 4 2− enhanced NH 4 + /NH 3 photocatalytic oxidation at pH ∼ 9 and ∼10, H 2 PO 4 − /HPO 4 2− inhibited NO 2 − oxidation at low to neutral pH values. The presence of Cl − , SO 4 2− , and HCO 3 − had no effect on NH 4 + /NH 3 and NO 2 − photocatalytic oxidation at pH ∼ 9 and ∼10, whereas CO 3 2− slowed NH 4 + /NH 3 but not NO 2 − photocatalytic oxidation at pH ∼ 11. Photocatalytic oxidation of NH 4 + /NH 3 to NO 2 − is the rate-limiting step in the complete oxidation of NH 4 + /NH 3 to NO 3 − in the presence of common wastewater anions. Therefore, in photocatalytic oxidation treatment, we should choose conditions such as alkaline pH that will maximize the NH 4 + /NH 3 oxidation rate.
Monitoring and retuning of low-level PID control loops

Abstract In this work, we focus on the problem of monitoring and retuning of low-level proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loops used to regulate control actuators to the values computed by advanced model-based control systems like model predictive control (MPC). We consider the case where the real-time measurement of the actuation level is unavailable, and thus PID controller monitoring has to be achieved on the basis of process state measurements. A fault detection and isolation (FDI) method involving process models and real-time process measurements is used to monitor the PID control loops and compute appropriate residuals. Once poor tuning is detected and isolated, a PID tuning method based on the estimated transfer function of the control actuator is applied to the isolated, poorly functioning PID controller. An example of a non-linear reactor–separator process operating under MPC with low-level PID controllers regulating the control actuators is used to demonstrate the approach.
Performance verification of high-performance ASICs using at-speed structural test

Performance verification is becoming critical to high performance ASICs manufacturing. Performance verification ensures that only those ASICs whose performance is higher than an advertized threshold are shipped to demanding customers. This provides a means to weed out nominal performance ASICs, and also ship ASICs at difference grades. However, performance verification based on functional test requires high-functionality testers that can supply multiple asynchronous clocks. Additionally, functional test requires expensive testers that can operate at the speed of the fastest clock domain on the ASIC. As an alternative, at-speed structural test can provide performance verification capability at very low cost. However, existing structural test methods are inadequate because they are unable to supply sufficiently-varied functional clock sequences to test complex sequential logic. Moreover, they require tight restrictions on the circuit design. In this paper, we present a scalable and flexible structural test method for performance verification of GH-speed ASICs. The proposed method requires no tight restrictions on the circuit design. Moreover, low-cost testers are used, thus sharply reducing test cost.
Advances in ultrasound imaging for congenital malformations during early gestation.

With refinement in ultrasound technology, detection of fetal structural abnormalities has improved and there have been detailed reports of the natural history and expected outcomes for many anomalies. The ability to either reassure a high-risk woman with normal intrauterine images or offer comprehensive counseling and offer options in cases of strongly suspected lethal or major malformations has shifted prenatal diagnoses to the earliest possible gestational age. When indicated, scans in early gestation are valuable in accurate gestational dating. Stricter sonographic criteria for early nonviability guard against unnecessary intervention. Most birth defects are without known risk factors, and detection of certain malformations is possible in the late first trimester. The best time for a standard complete fetal and placental scan is 18–20 weeks. In addition, certain soft anatomic markers provide clues to chromosomal aneuploidy risk. Maternal obesity and multifetal pregnancies are now more common and further limit early gestation visibility. Other advanced imaging techniques during early gestation in select cases of suspected malformations include fetal echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Atomicity and visibility in tiny embedded systems

Visibility is a property of a programming language's memory model that determines when values stored by one concurrent computation become visible to other computations. Our work exploits the insight that in nesC, a C-like language with explicit atomicity, the traditional way of ensuring timely visibility---volatile variables---can be entirely avoided. This is advantageous because the volatile qualifier is a notorious source of programming errors and misunderstandings. Furthermore, the volatile qualifier hurts performance by inhibiting many more optimizations than are necessary to ensure visibility. In this paper we extend the semantics of nesC's atomic statements to include a visibility guarantee, we show two ways that these semantics can be implemented, and we also show that our better implementation has no drawbacks in terms of resource usage.
Leveraging Identity-by-Descent for Accurate Genotype Inference in Family Sequencing Data

Sequencing family DNA samples provides an attractive alternative to population based designs to identify rare variants associated with human disease due to the enrichment of causal variants in pedigrees. Previous studies showed that genotype calling accuracy can be improved by modeling family relatedness compared to standard calling algorithms. Current family-based variant calling methods use sequencing data on single variants and ignore the identity-by-descent (IBD) sharing along the genome. In this study we describe a new computational framework to accurately estimate the IBD sharing from the sequencing data, and to utilize the inferred IBD among family members to jointly call genotypes in pedigrees. Through simulations and application to real data, we showed that IBD can be reliably estimated across the genome, even at very low coverage (e.g. 2X), and genotype accuracy can be dramatically improved. Moreover, the improvement is more pronounced for variants with low frequencies, especially at low to intermediate coverage (e.g. 10X to 20X), making our approach effective in studying rare variants in cost-effective whole genome sequencing in pedigrees. We hope that our tool is useful to the research community for identifying rare variants for human disease through family-based sequencing.
New concepts in biogeochemical cycling and ecology

The discussion on new concepts in biogeochemical cycling and geophysical implications was chaired by D. Des Marais with H. Pearl, B. B. Jorgensen, and B. Bebout as panelists. Five major topics were addressed, controls on productivity, physical architecture of mats, nutrient recycling and conservation, the basis of depth zonation, and diversity and versatility in mat communities.
Balancing intermediate state decay rates for efficient Pr3+ visible-to-UVC upconversion: the case of β-Y2Si2O7:Pr3+

Materials that convert visible light into ultraviolet radiation have recently been studied for potential application to new catalytic and antimicrobial technologies. Conversion efficiencies of reported phosphors, however, have remained much lower than the more well-known IR-to-visible upconversion systems, due to a lack of lanthanide activator ions well suited for the required energy transfer mechanisms. Herein, the ceramic pyrosilicate β-Y2Si2O7:Pr3+ was prepared for the first time and its visible-to-UVC upconversion efficiency was optimized. The resulting material showed the most efficient upconversion of this type to date, with a 3.9-fold improvement over the compositionally similar X2-Y2SiO5:Pr3+ benchmark material. Analysis of both the steady-state and time-dependent luminescence behavior revealed that a relatively short-lived 3PJ intermediate state – normally considered detrimental to Pr3+ upconversion – in fact contributed to its efficacy. The pyrosilicate host also resulted in a much longer 1D2 luminescence lifetime, the origins of which are speculated to relate to the precise spacing of the 4f states. Based on the results, we discuss revised criteria for the “ideal” Pr3+ photophysical behavior and host requirements for maximizing UVC conversion efficiency.
An authentic discourse: Recentering race and racism as factors that contribute to police violence against unarmed Black or African American men

ABSTRACTThis study explores the relationship between race, racism, and attitudes toward police violence against adult males. Study participants comprised a national sample (N = 1,974) of adult males and females (M = 48 years) who completed the 2012 General Social Survey (GSS). Secondary data analysis of surveys administered in-person or on the telephone by trained GSS interviewers indicated that race is a key predictor of police violence against adult males [χ2 (7) = 85.710, p < .0001], even after controlling for sex, education, income, and age. Study findings also revealed that attitudes supportive of police violence are associated with negative cultural images of Blacks or African Americans. Participants who approved of police violence against males attributed disparities in employment, income, and housing between Blacks or African Americans and Whites to a lack of motivation and ability to learn, rather than to racial discrimination and lack of education incurred through poverty. These findings challen...
Oval Biface Celt Variability During the Maya Late Preclassic

ABSTRACTDifferences between oval biface assemblages from Colha and Santa Rita Corozal, Belize, relate to contrasting patterns of production and consumption between the two sites. Metric and technological data on complete and fragmentary oval bifaces and debitage are used to demonstrate the functional similarities and differences between the assemblages. Biface fracture patterns at Colha are dominated by breakage associated with manufacture, while biface breakage and damage at Santa Rita are associated with use and recycling. Corresponding differences in dimensions of length, width, and thickness of bifaces from these assemblages supports the production/consumption dichotomy.
Interfacial Reactions During Processing of Thin Nickel Oxide Films Grown by Pulsed-Laser Ablation

The study of oxide solid-state reactions is a natural application for pulsed-laser ablation (PLA) because high quality films of virtually any oxide composition can be fabricated. In this study, the effect of interfacial morphology on reaction kinetics in the model oxide system of nickel oxide (NiO) and alumina (α-Al2O3) is investigated. Thin films of NiO have been grown on single-crystal substrates of basal (0001) α-Al2O3 by PLA in order to study the initial stages of the nickel-aluminate spinel (NiAl2O4) phase transformation. The initial state, a 100 nm NiO film on (0001) α-A12O3, is characterized with both plan-view and cross-section transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The final state of the spinel reaction layer between the NiO and α-A12O3 after various heat-treatments is also characterized by the same techniques.
Experimental study of rock strength anisotropy and elastic modulus anisotropy

Summary Rock strength and elastic properties are primary rock parameters. Many rocks are inherently anisotropic. Knowledge of strength anisotropy and elastic anisotropy has great practical application in stimulation design. Twelve oriented pyrophyllite core plugs were tested to analyze the effects of anisotropy. The orientation angles between core axes and the anisotropy axis range from 0° to 90° with 15° increments. Ultrasonic pulse transmission technique is employed to measure P-wave velocity and Swave velocities. Uniaxial compression tests give rock strength and static modulus from stress-strain data. Static moduli are compared with dynamic moduli calculated from wave velocities. The results indicate that compressive strength, wave velocities and elastic moduli are affected significantly by anisotropy. Pyrophylllite has an asymmetrical U-shaped strength anisotropy behavior. The greatest strength is measured parallel to fabric, 108.7 MPa. The lowest strength is 88.3 MPa found for samples cored at 45° orientation to the fabric. The strength anisotropy behavior of pyrophyllite can be predicted by knowing the strength values at 0°, 90° and the orientation angle of the minimum strength (approximately 45° in this study). P-wave and S-wave velocities, dynamic and static Young’s moduli are strongly anisotropic. The variation of measured P-wave and S-wave phase velocities agree with the predicted model (Thomsen 1986). Dynamic Young’s modulus varies from 38.6 GPa to 53.6 GPa while the static modulus varies from 13.9 GPa to 32.5 GPa. Dynamic modulus is generally higher than the static for all the orientations. The ratio of dynamic to static moduli ranges from 1.65 to 2.83. A cross-plot of strength anisotropy ratio versus static modulus anisotropy ratio for pyrophyllite and other rock types reported in the literature is presented. No obvious correlation is found between these two parameters, which may be due to the limited number of published data..
Measurement of Pressure Distributions as a Function of Seating Parameters

This study examines the effect of seat pan and backrest angles on the distribution of seating pressures. Experimental equipment and data analysis which allow continuous measurement, quantification and analysis of seating pressures on the seat pan and backrest are described. It was found that the seat and backrest angles affected the distribution of pressure on both the seat pan and backrest. The results indicate that increasing the backrest angle was more effective in relieving areas of high pressure than increasing the seat pan angle.
Extramural Athletics in the East

(1936). Extramural Athletics in the East. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 7, No. 8, pp. 498-527.