cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sovereign Immunity in Repo and Derivative Documentation: When to Worry - What to Do

Trading derivatives or repos with a party potentially entitled to sovereign immunity imposes a risk that the party will either be immune from lawsuit or immune from the enforcement of a judgment. As a matter of best practice, counterparties should perform due diligence to ensure that a party is not entitled to a defense of sovereign immunity and require a legal opinion to that effect from the party’s legal counsel. A counterparty should insist that the party represent in the ISDA or the GMRA that it is not entitled to any of the various sovereign immunities. It should then require the party to waive any sovereign immunity and agree that it will not raise the defense in court.
PolyGraph: exposing the value of flexibility for graph processing accelerators

Because of the importance of graph workloads and the limitations of CPUs/GPUs, many graph processing accelerators have been proposed. The basic approach of prior accelerators is to focus on a single graph algorithm variant (eg. bulk-synchronous + slicing). While helpful for specialization, this leaves performance potential from flexibility on the table and also complicates understanding the relationship between graph types, workloads, algorithms, and specialization. In this work, we explore the value of flexibility in graph processing accelerators. First, we identify a taxonomy of key algorithm variants. Then we develop a template architecture (PolyGraph) that is flexible across these variants while being able to modularly integrate specialization features for each. Overall we find that flexibility in graph acceleration is critical. If only one variant can be supported, asynchronous-updates/priority-vertex-scheduling/graph-slicing is the best design, achieving 1.93X speedup over the best-performing accelerator, GraphPulse. However, static flexibility per-workload can further improve performance by 2.71X. With dynamic flexibility per-phase, performance further improves by up to 50%.
A Cognitive Perspective on the Assessment, Diagnosis, and Remediation of Reading Skills

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the cognitive perspective on the assessment, diagnosis, and remediation of reading skills. Standardized reading tests adequately fulfill some purposes for measuring reading skill but not others. An overview of the Laboratory for the Assessment and Training of Academic Skills (LATAS) model of assessment and educational intervention, the theoretical underpinnings of the LATAS diagnoses and interventions, five characteristics of teacher-useful reading diagnosis and remediation, the results of instructional interventions based on LATAS assessments, other intervention strategies used in LATAS, and user-friendly properties of the LATAS procedures are illustrated. The LATAS model of working with students experiencing learning problems begins with a comprehensive assessment of reading and math skills. With increased experience in processing graphemic information, the developing reader begins to transform conscious and strategic activities into modularized processes that are data driven. Data-driven processes are those that are automatically activated by the stimulus event. The major tools used in the LATAS diagnostic and instructional activities are SVT (Sentence Verification Technique) listening and reading comprehension tests and CAAS (computer-based academic assessment system) reading tasks. Establishing the validity of any assessment procedure is an ongoing task, and validity research is continuing on all of the LATAS assessment instruments.
Energy Efficient Register Renaming

Modern microprocessor designs implement register renaming using register alias tables (RATs), which maintain the mapping between architectural and physical registers. Because of the non-trivial power that is dissipated in a disproportionately small area, the power density in the RAT is significantly higher than in some other datapath components. In this paper, we propose mechanisms to reduce the RAT power and the power density by exploiting the fundamental observation that most of the generated register values are used by the instructions in close proximity to the instruction producing a value. Our first technique disables the RAT lookup for a source register if that register is a destination of an earlier instruction dispatched in the same cycle. The second technique eliminates some of the remaining RAT read accesses even if the source register value is produced by an instruction dispatched in an earlier cycle. This is done by buffering a small number of recent register address translations in a set of external latches and satisfying some RAT lookup requests from these latches. The net result of applying both techniques is a 30% reduction in the RAT energy with no performance penalty, little additional complexity and no cycle time degradation.
3,4-dihydroxy-9,10-secoandrosta-1,3-5(10)-triene-9,17-dione 4,-5-dioxygenase from Nocardia restrictus. II. Kinetic studies.

Abstract Kinetic studies with 3,4-dihydroxy-9,10-secoandrosta-1,3,5(10)-triene-9,17-dione-4,5-dioxygenase gave intersecting initial velocity plots that conform to a sequential mechanism. Linear noncompetitive product inhibition patterns were observed with respect to either substrate, indicating the formation of a dead end complex. 4-Isopropyl catechol, a structural analogue of the organic substrate, inhibited the enzyme competitively with respect to the organic substrate as expected, but inhibited the enzyme uncompetitively with respect to molecular oxygen. These results are consistent with an ordered Bi-Uni mechanism where molecular oxygen is added first, followed by organic substrate, and the product is then released. Detailed analysis of the kinetic data suggests the existence of a dead end enzyme-oxygen-product complex.
Estimation of Molecular Weight by Gel Filtration and Gel Electrophoresis

Gel filtration (GF) and sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) are perhaps the most popular methods for estimation of protein molecular weights. However, the precision and accuracy of these methods have never been rigorously evaluated by formal statistical methods. In contrast, a detailed objective statistical analysis has been applied to PAGE in the absence of SDS (Rodbard and Chrambach, 1970, 1974). This statistical analysis is concerned with the following: a. What is the precision of the “raw” measurement, e.g., elution volume (V e ), partition coefficient (K av), mobility (M), or relative mobility (Rf)? b. What are the precision and accuracy of the standard calibration curve for estimation of molecular weights? This includes several questions : What is the dependent variable? Is the calibration curve linear? Are there any outliers? What is the appropriate model? Is “ weighting” necessary, and, if so, how is it to be done? c. What are the standard error and 95% confidence limits for the molecular radius (or molecular weight) for the “ unknown” protein?
Pattern Matching in the Cycle Structure of Permutations

In this paper, we study the occurrence of patterns in the cycle structures of permutations.
"Frozen in Time": The Impact of Native American Media Representations on Identity and Self-Understanding

Mass media plays a substantial role in the way social groups understand themselves and are understood by others. Some social groups, like Native Americans, are rarely portrayed in mass media and, in the rare cases they appear, they are typically depicted in a stereotypical and historical fashion. The lack of contemporary representation of Native Americans in the media limits the ways in which Native Americans understand what is possible for themselves and how they see themselves fitting in to contemporary domains (e.g., education and employment) of social life. In this article, we contend that the invisibility of Native Americans in the media undermines self-understanding by homogenizing Native American identity, creating narrow and limiting identity prototypes for Native Americans, and evoking deindividuation and self-stereotyping among contemporary Native Americans.
Introduction of exogenous DNA into Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by electroporation.

The fate of exogenous DNA introduced into Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by electroporation was analyzed. With single and double electrical pulses, plasmids as large as 14 kb were introduced into cells with and without intact cell walls. Within hours after introduction, exogenous plasmid DNA was associated with nuclei isolated from cells; several weeks after introduction, exogenous DNA was stably integrated into the Chlamydomonas genome. These studies establish electroporation as a method for introducing DNA, and potentially other molecules, into C. reinhardtii.
Origin and evolution of palaeokarst within the Lower Ordovician (Ibexian) Goodwin Formation (Pogonip Group)

Abstract Palaeokarst within the Lower to Middle Ordovician Goodwin Formation, Pogonip Group (upper Ibexian-lower Whiterockian) was examined in detail at Meiklejohn Peak, Nevada USA in order to determine its origin, evolution, and relationship to sea level change. Detailed outcrop and petrographic examination of dolostone breccias and host rock reveals that palaeokarst was formed and affected by two distinct cycles of sea level change. A relative transgression resulted in deposition of lagoonal, ooid shoal, and shallow subtidal facies as sea level rose. Exposure of the carbonate platform led to the formation of multiple phreatic caves below the water table, as well as the development of numerous vadose conduits from the downward percolation of meteoric waters. Vadose water flow through early cave-wall and cave-roof collapse breccias resulted in rounding of smaller breccias clasts via physical transport and corrosion, while subsidence of subsurface karst led to the formation of a palaeodoline at the exposure surface. A second relative transgression deposited lagoonal sediments over the older karst; subsequent re-exposure of the carbonate platform resulted in the development of small breccia pockets as well as grikes within the youngest lagoonal sediments, and may have led to further corrosion of the older, deeper subsurface karst. The distal location of the study area within the carbonate platform suggests karst formation was the result of a substantial drop in relative sea level; the presence of multiple generations of palaeokarst imply that at least two higher-frequency cycles of sea-level change overprint the larger regression.
Improved blood suppression in three-dimensional (3D) fast spin-echo (FSE) vessel wall imaging using a combination of double inversion-recovery (DIR) and diffusion sensitizing gradient (DSG) preparations.

Purpose: To provide improved blood suppression in three-dimensional inner-volume fast spin-echo (3D IV-FSE) carotid vessel wall imaging by using a hybrid preparation consisting of double inversion-recovery (DIR) and diffusion sensitizing gradients (DSG). Materials and Methods: Multicontrast black-blood MRI is widely used for vessel wall imaging and characterization of atherosclerotic plaque composition. Blood suppression is difficult when using 3D volumetric imaging techniques. DIR approaches do not provide robust blood suppression due to incomplete replacement of blood spins, and DSG approaches compromise vessel wall signal, reducing the lumen-wall contrast-to-noise ratio efficiency (CNReff). In this work a hybrid DIR+DSG preparation is developed and optimized for blood suppression, vessel wall signal preservation, and vessel-wall contrast in 3D IV-FSE imaging. Cardiac gated T1-weighted carotid vessel wall images were acquired in five volunteers with 0.5 × 0.5 × 2.5 mm3 spatial resolution in 80 seconds. Results: Data from healthy volunteers indicate that the proposed method yields a statistically significant (P < 0.01) improvement in blood suppression and lumen-wall CNReff compared to standard DIR and standard DSG methods alone. Conclusion: A combination of DIR and DSG preparations can provide improved blood suppression and lumen-wall CNReff for 3D IV-FSE vessel wall imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010; 31: 398–405. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The quantum mechanical transmittance of disordered two-dimensional potentials

Abstract The quantum mechanical transmittance is calculated as a function of energy for electrons impinging on a sample from one lead and leaving the sample through another. The sample consists of a square, two-dimensional disordered layer with the leads attached at opposite corners. The transmittance is calculated to very high accuracy and displays a sharp decrease of many tens of orders of magnitude at an energy near but well within the band edge. This is consistent with the existence of a new zero-temperature phase transition.
Label-free protein quantification using LC-coupled ion trap or FT mass spectrometry: Reproducibility, linearity, and application with complex proteomes.

A critical step in protein biomarker discovery is the ability to contrast proteomes, a process referred generally as quantitative proteomics. While stable-isotope labeling (e.g., ICAT, 18O- or 15N-labeling, or AQUA) remains the core technology used in mass spectrometry-based proteomic quantification, increasing efforts have been directed to the label-free approach that relies on direct comparison of peptide peak areas between LC−MS runs. This latter approach is attractive to investigators for its simplicity as well as cost effectiveness. In the present study, the reproducibility and linearity of using a label-free approach to highly complex proteomes were evaluated. Various amounts of proteins from different proteomes were subjected to repeated LC−MS analyses using an ion trap or Fourier transform mass spectrometer. Highly reproducible data were obtained between replicated runs, as evidenced by nearly ideal Pearson's correlation coefficients (for ion's peak areas or retention time) and average peak area r...
Evaluation of thoracic abnormalities on 64-row multi-detector row CT: comparison between axial images versus coronal reformations.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the capability of coronal reformations of chest on 64-row MDCT in demonstrating thoracic abnormalities in comparison with axial images. Materials and methods Thirty-eight consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary CTA on 64-row MDCT were retrospectively studied with institutional review board (IRB) approval. Contiguous 2 mm axial and coronal images were reviewed independently with a 1-week interval, by consensus reading of two board-certified radiologists. Overall image quality was graded using a five-point scale. Abnormalities in mediastinum, hilum, pulmonary vessels, aorta, heart, esophagus, pleura, chest wall, and lung parenchyma were scored: 1 = definitely absent, 2 = probably absent, 3 = equivocal, 4 = probably present, 5 = definitely present. Scores on axial and coronal images were compared using weighted κ analysis. Results Overall image quality was not different with statistical relevance between axial and coronal images (mean/median scores; 3.7/4; 3.6/4, respectively, P = 0.286, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Significant agreement was observed between axial and coronal scores (mean weighted κ , 0.661; range, 0.362–1). Agreement was almost perfect for pneumothorax, lung and pleural mass, effusion and consolidation (weighted κ = 0.833–1); substantial for pulmonary embolism, trachea, mediastinal lymphadenopathy and non-skeletal chest wall lesion, heart, esophagus, and emphysema (weighted κ , 0.618–0.799); moderate for atelectasis, mediastinum, hilar nodes, aorta, other lung lesions, skeletal chest wall lesions, linear scarring, nodules >1 cm, pulmonary artery abnormalities and pleural thickening (weighted κ , 0.405–0.592); and fair for nodules κ = 0.362). Conclusion Coronal reformations on 64-row MDCT had substantial agreement with axial images for evaluation of the majority of thoracic abnormalities.
The impact of out-of-pocket expense on IUD utilization among women with private insurance.

Background The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of out-of-pocket expense on intrauterine device (IUD) utilization among women with private insurance.
Localization of the site of Ca2+ release at the level of a single sarcomere in skeletal muscle fibres.

THE development of mechanical force in skeletal muscle fibres is brought about by rapid increases in the intracellular calcium concentration (Ca2+transients) which can be detected by optical methods1–7. Local stimulation experiments8 and ultrastructural evidence9,10suggest that, at a microscopic level, these Ca2+ transients are generated by the release of Ca2+ ions from the terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in response to the depolarization of the transverse tubules (t-tubules)11–14. Nevertheless, to date, there is no functional information on the exact location at which Ca2+ release takes place. The present experiments were designed to obtain direct evidence about dynamic changes in localization and microscopic distribution of Ca2+ in a single sarcomere using two independent novel methodologies: confocal spot detection of Ca2+ transients15,16 and Ca2+ imaging with pulsed laser excitation17,18.
Multiscale Modeling of Light Activated Shape Memory Polymer

Presented is the development of a multi-scale model predicting the material response of a light activated shape memory polymer. Rotational Isomeric State (RIS) theory is used to build a molecular scale model of the polymer chain backbone, tracking the distances between cross-links. Cross-link to cross-link distances are then used with Boltzmann statistical mechanics to predict material response, generating Young’s modulus and stress-strain relation predictions. Young’s modulus is predicted by the model to be 0.049 and 3.2 MPa for the soft and hard states of the polymer respectively. Experimentally determined properties are also presented with reported moduli of 2.0 and 11.4 MPa in the soft and hard states respectively.© 2008 ASME
Routing and detection of light on deeply subwavelength scale in two-conductor metallic slot waveguides

We demonstrate propagation, routing round bends and integrated detection of light on a deeply sub-wavelength scale in two-conductor metallic slot waveguides. Light with cross-section ∼ λ2/100 propagates ∼10λ at 850nm in good agreement with simulations.
Questioning universal applicability of transformational leadership: Examining employees with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract Challenging an implicit assumption of universal applicability, we propose that a subset of transformational leader behaviors may hamper organizational outcomes for a unique yet growing segment of the workforce: employees on the autism spectrum. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that emotion-laden communication and social exchanges characterizing the inspirational motivation dimension of the theory are associated with increased feelings of anxiety which, in turn, negatively relate to work outcomes. In contrast, we proposed that other dimensions of transformational leadership, such as individualized consideration, would be associated with reduced levels of anxiety and, ultimately, improved workplace outcomes. Results generally supported the hypothesized indirect relationships for ratings of organizational commitment, but not self-reported job performance which was most strongly predicted by individualized consideration, directly. Implications for managing employees with autism spectrum disorder are discussed as well as the overall applicability of transformational leadership to this growing segment of the workforce.
Bacterial identification and analytic challenges in clinical microbiome studies

The importance of the human microbiome is rapidly emerging. Our bodies host complex communities of microbes with much greater genetic diversity than our own genome. This complexity is variable across subjects, and there is still much to learn about the processes that drive the establishment and maintenance of these communities.More importantly, these communities fundamentally affect the normal function of our bodies and thus are critical to understand as modifiers of human processes, including disease. The gut is an important interface with the environment and a major source of antigen exposure throughout life. In this issue of the Journal, Abrahamsson et al report on the relationship between bacterial diversity in the gut and the development of IgEpositive atopic eczema in the article entitled ‘‘Low diversity of the gut microbiota in infants with atopic eczema.’’ Three stool samples were available for study from the first year of life from 20 infants with eczema and 20 control subjects with no allergic manifestation before 2 years of age. Infants with eczema had lower stool diversity than control subjects at 1 month. Furthermore, particular subsets of bacteria differed between the groups, suggesting a specific relationship between these organisms and disease. These results are supported by several studies showing relationships between eczema and specific constituents of the infant gut microbiota. However, larger prospective trials have found that no particular bacterial groups were associated with the development of eczema. This might reflect geographic differences that confound larger studies but do not affect more localized recruitment. Resolving the differences between different studies requires consideration of how microbiome studies are analyzed, particularly with respect to feature selection, statistical approaches to higher-dimensional datasets, and taxonomic identification.
Stereolithography of spatially controlled multi-material bioactive poly(ethylene glycol) scaffolds

Challenges remain in tissue engineering to control the spatial, mechanical, temporal and biochemical architectures of scaffolds. Unique capabilities of stereolithography (SL) for fabricating multi-material spatially controlled bioactive scaffolds were explored in this work. To accomplish multi-material builds, a mini-vat setup was designed allowing for self-aligning X-Y registration during fabrication. The mini-vat setup allowed the part to be easily removed and rinsed, and different photocrosslinkable solutions to be easily removed and added to the vat. Two photocrosslinkable hydrogel biopolymers, poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEG-dma, MW 1000) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-da, MW 3400), were used as the primary scaffold materials. Multi-material scaffolds were fabricated by including controlled concentrations of fluorescently labeled dextran, fluorescently labeled bioactive PEG or bioactive PEG in different regions of the scaffold. The presence of the fluorescent component in specific regions of the scaffold was analyzed with fluorescent microscopy, while human dermal fibroblast cells were seeded on top of the fabricated scaffolds with selective bioactivity and phase contrast microscopy images were used to show specific localization of cells in the regions patterned with bioactive PEG. Multi-material spatial control was successfully demonstrated in features down to 500 microm. In addition, the equilibrium swelling behavior of the two biopolymers after SL fabrication was determined and used to design constructs with the specified dimensions at the swollen state. The use of multi-material SL and the relative ease of conjugating different bioactive ligands or growth factors to PEG allows for the fabrication of tailored three-dimensional constructs with specified spatially controlled bioactivity.
A theoretical model for trust in automated systems

The concept of trust in automation has received a great deal of attention in recent years in response to modern society's ever-increasing usage of automated systems. Researchers have used a variety of different automated systems in unique experimental paradigms to identify factors that regulate the trust formation process. In this work-in-progress report, we propose a preliminary, theoretical model of factors that influence trust in automation. Our model utilizes three layers of analysis (dispositional trust, situational trust, and learned trust) to explain the variability of trust in a wide range of circumstances. We are in the process of verifying certain aspects of the model empirically, but our current framework provides a useful perspective for future investigations into the intricacies of trust in automated systems.
Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions and transforming growth factor-β1 expression during normal and abnormal prostatic growth

Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions are associated with growth and morphogenesis of the prostate. We have detected three isoforms of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in the developing mouse prostate that may mediate some of these interactions. Separation of the fetal urogenital sinus (UGS) tissue into mesenchymal and epithelial components indicated that mRNA expression of TGF-beta 1, 2, and 3 was more abundant in the mesenchyme compared to the epithelium. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed accumulation of TGF-beta 1 in the mesenchyme surrounding ductules in the UGS and neonatal prostate. Further analysis of TGF-beta 1 localization in surgically removed adult human prostate tissues revealed more intense staining associated with regions of abnormal growth compared to normally appearing tissue. The percent of the total stained area with extracellular accumulation of TGF-beta 1 was 59% in prostate cancer, 26% in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and 8.6% in normal tissue. In additional immunohistochemical studies we observed that intracellular TGF-beta 1 was predominantly associated with the epithelial cells in prostate cancer (epithelial cells = 33.5% of the total stained area, stromal cells = 13.3%, and unstained = 53.2%), whereas in BPH intracellular TGF-beta 1 was predominantly associated with stromal cells (stromal cells = 32.2% of the total stained area, epithelial cells = 12.3%, and unstained = 55.5%). Although additional experimental and clinical studies are needed to better understand the relationships between TGF-beta 1 and abnormal prostatic growth, our observations thus far suggest a role for TGF-beta 1 in the development of benign and malignant growth abnormalities in the prostate. One approach to establishing the pathobiological significance of TGF-beta 1 accumulation in the prostate is by introducing and overexpressing the TGF-beta 1 cDNA in prostate tissue using the mouse prostate reconstitution model system. We discuss applicability of transgenic animal and organ reconstitution models for experimental studies concerning TGF-beta-induced prostate growth abnormalities.
Enhancing Tool Life in High-Speed Machining of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) Using Controlled Modulation

The application of controlled, low-frequency modulation superimposed onto the cutting process—modulation-assisted machining (MAM)—is shown to be quite effective in reducing the wear of cubic boron nitride (CBN) tools when machining compacted graphite iron (CGI) at high machining speeds (>500 m/min). The tool life is at least one order of magnitude greater than that in conventional machining. The improvement in wear performance is a consequence of a reduction in the severity of the tool–work contact conditions in MAM: reduction in intimacy of the contact, formation of discrete chips, enhanced fluid action, and lower cutting temperatures. The propensity for thermochemical wear of CBN, the principal wear mode at high speeds in CGI machining, is thus reduced. The MAM configuration employing feed-direction modulation appears feasible for implementation at high speeds and offers a potential solution to this challenging class of industrial machining applications.
Gold-peptide nanoconjugate cellular uptake is modulated by serum proteins

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs, 20 nm) were conjugated with two different cysteine-terminated peptides. Radio-ligand binding studies were conducted to characterize Au NP-peptide binding, suggesting both covalent and noncovalent interactions. The interactions of serum proteins with Au NP-peptide nanoconjugates were determined using gel electrophoresis and dynamic light scattering. Serum proteins rapidly bound the nanoconjugates (15 minutes). The cellular uptake of free peptides and nanoconjugates into mouse myogenic (Sol8) cells was investigated in the absence or presence of serum. In the absence of serum, peptides presented as nanoconjugates showed significantly higher intracellular fluorescence signals compared to those in the presence of serum (P < 0.05), suggesting that serum proteins inhibit Au NP-mediated peptide delivery. The cellular uptake of nanoconjugates was also confirmed using transmission electron microscopy. These data suggest that Au NP-peptide nanoconjugates are a useful platform for intracellular delivery of therapeutics. However, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms regulating their uptake and intracellular trafficking is needed.
Self-Image Motives and Consumer Behavior: How Sacrosanct Self-Beliefs Sway Preferences in the Marketplace

This article reviews social cognitive research suggesting that people shape their beliefs and judgments of the social world to maintain sacrosanct beliefs of the self as a capable, lovable, and moral individual. This article then argues that consumer behavior might similarly be designed to bolster positive self-views and then discusses the potential role played by these self-image motives in recently documented consumer behavior phenomena (e.g., endowment, compensation, affirmation, and licensing effects). This article then articulates some questions for future research if one presumes that consumer decision making, at least in part, strives to harmonize preferences with bedrock beliefs that the self is an able and principled person.
Simultaneous STEM imaging and electron energy-loss spectroscopy with atomic-column sensitivity

IMAGING with the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) has recently gained in resolution from the use of the annular dark-field (ADF) method1,2, which produces a signal that is highly sensitive to atomic number. There is a possibility that electrons from the probe beam that are scattered inelastically might be collected to provide a spectroscopic signal containing information about atomic bonding and electronic structure—this is the basis of the standard electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) technique. Browning et al.3,4 have shown recently that an EELS signal from absorption of atomic core levels can be used, in con-junction with ADF imaging, to obtain information about chemical composition at atomic resolution. Here I report the use of a similar approach to resolve the different bonding states of silicon atoms (Si0, Si2 + , Si4 +) across a Si–SiO2interface. The oxidation state of individual columns of unit cells, containing pairs of silicon atoms, can be resolved with this method, allowing the structure of the interface to be characterized in great detail.
The Effect of Disability and Approach on Touch Screen Performance during a Number Entry Task

As touch screen technology improves in functionality and decreases in price, these input devices are becoming increasingly more integrated into daily life. People are frequently required to interact with touch screens at places ranging from their local grocery stores to airport check-in kiosks. Since it is becoming necessary for people to use touch screens in order to access needed products or services, we conducted an experiment to examine how individuals with varying motor control disabilities perform on a simple number entry task. Since some individuals may also be wheelchair users, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines allows for the touch screen to be approachable by a wheelchair user from the front or parallel (side), the effect of approach on performance was also evaluated. Participants with and without motor control disabilities, including wheelchair users, performed a number entry task on a number pad with different combinations of button and gap sizes, while seated at ...
Efficient simulation of separated three-dimensional viscous flows using the boundary-layer equations

A simple and computationally efficient algorithm for solving the unsteady three-dimensional boundary-layer equations in the time-accurate or relaxation mode is presented. Results of the new algorithm are shown to be in quantitative agreement with detailed experimental data for flow over a swept infinite wing. The separated flow over a 6:1 ellipsoid at angle of attack, and the transonic flow over a finite-wing with shock-induced 'mushroom' separation are also computed and compared with available experimental data. It is concluded that complex, separated, three-dimensional viscous layers can be economically and routinely computed using a time-relaxation boundary-layer algorithm.
Modern Women and the Dynamics of Social Psychological Ambivalence

Because gender roles are rapidly changing, a more dynamic conceptualization of role is especially needed. Working toward this end, we build on the contributions of scholars such as Merton and Barber (1963), Rossi (1972), Bardwick and Douvan (1971), Komarovsky (1973a, 1973b), and Room (1976); develop two pivotal concepts, social psychological ambivalence and developmental alienation; and interpret current findings on the changing roles of women. Conflicts contemporary women may face because they are attracted to opposing values also are explored. One challenge for future researchers will be to clarify the situational factors that link ambivalence on the individual (i.e., psychological) level to structural or sociological ambivalence and to collective social action.
Estimating and Mapping the Direct Flood Fatality Rate for Flooding in Greater New Orleans Due To Hurricane Katrina

The unprecedented tragedy of Hurricane Katrina produced unprecedented data for studying the impacts of natural disasters. The current paper looks at one public health outcome of this event: direct flood deaths in Orleans and St. Bernard parishes of Louisiana. In particular, the risk of death for the flood-exposed population is estimated, mapped, and discussed. Of the nearly 1,500 deaths that Louisiana officially counts as Katrina deaths, approximately 600 are determined to be associated with exposure to floodwaters. Additionally, it is estimated that approximately 63,000 persons were exposed to floodwaters. The ratio of flood deaths to flood-exposed population, termed the flood fatality rate, provides an empirical measure of flood risk. Georeferenced datasets on both the flood deaths and the flood-exposed population are developed, and then used to estimate and map the flood fatality rate. For the overall event, the flood fatality rate is estimated to be 7 11 deaths per 1,000 persons exposed, which is consistent with other coastal flood disasters. At the blockgroup level, the highest values of the flood fatality rate are observed in the Lower Ninth Ward, while comparatively lower values are observed in New Orleans East. A preliminary univariate regression model with water depth as the independent variable is presented, and applied to Hurricane Gustav, which impacted the region in August 2008.
Effects of dietary selenium and of lead on the genesis of spontaneous mammary tumors in mice

Selenium added to the diet significantly lowers the incidence of spontaneous mammary adenocarcinoma in female inbred C3H/St mice infected with the Bittner Milk Factor. Lead, 5 ppm, added to the drinking water in the form of the acetate, diminishes the uptake of selenium and reduces its anticarcinogenic effects, causing mammary tumors to appear with the same high incidence as in Se-unsupplemented controls. At higher lead concentrations in the drinking water (25 ppm), the overall tumor incidence is lowered, but tumor growth is significantly accelerated and the survival of tumor-bearing mice is shortened. Under the conditions of administration chosen, lead acts as a selenium antagonist and lowers the concentrations of selenium in liver, kidney, and spleen. The deposition of selenium, copper, and arsenic in bone is increased as compared to lead-unexposed controls.
Is the benefit of early recanalization sustained at 3 months? A prospective cohort study.

Background and Purpose— Early arterial recanalization can lead to dramatic recovery (DR) during intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy. However, it remains unclear whether this clinical recovery is sustained 3 months after stroke. Methods— We studied consecutive patients treated with intravenous tPA (0.9 mg/kg within 3 hours) who had M1 or proximal M2 middle cerebral artery occlusion on pretreatment transcranial Doppler according to previously validated criteria. Patients were continuously monitored for 2 hours after tPA bolus to determine complete, partial, or no early recanalization with the Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) flow grading system. A neurologist obtained the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores independently of transcranial Doppler results. DR was defined as a total NIHSS score of 0 to 3 points, and early recovery (ER) was defined improvement by ≥10 points at 2 hours after tPA bolus. Good long-term outcome was defined...
R2R - software to speed the depiction of aesthetic consensus RNA secondary structures

With continuing identification of novel structured noncoding RNAs, there is an increasing need to create schematic diagrams showing the consensus features of these molecules. RNA structural diagrams are typically made either with general-purpose drawing programs like Adobe Illustrator, or with automated or interactive programs specific to RNA. Unfortunately, the use of applications like Illustrator is extremely time consuming, while existing RNA-specific programs produce figures that are useful, but usually not of the same aesthetic quality as those produced at great cost in Illustrator. Additionally, most existing RNA-specific applications are designed for drawing single RNA molecules, not consensus diagrams. We created R2R, a computer program that facilitates the generation of aesthetic and readable drawings of RNA consensus diagrams in a fraction of the time required with general-purpose drawing programs. Since the inference of a consensus RNA structure typically requires a multiple-sequence alignment, the R2R user annotates the alignment with commands directing the layout and annotation of the RNA. R2R creates SVG or PDF output that can be imported into Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape or CorelDRAW. R2R can be used to create consensus sequence and secondary structure models for novel RNA structures or to revise models when new representatives for known RNA classes become available. Although R2R does not currently have a graphical user interface, it has proven useful in our efforts to create 100 schematic models of distinct noncoding RNA classes. R2R makes it possible to obtain high-quality drawings of the consensus sequence and structural models of many diverse RNA structures with a more practical amount of effort. R2R software is available at http://breaker.research.yale.edu/R2R and as an Additional file.
The significance of weld imperfections and surface peening on fatigue crack propagation life of butt-welded joints

Abstract This study describes the influence of various weld imperfections (solidification crack, undercut and porosity) on fatigue crack propagation life due to combined axial and torsional fatigue loading. The stress intensity factors for different weld imperfections have been calculated by finite element method. The fatigue crack propagation life has been calculated using fracture mechanics approaches. It has been found that the weld imperfections significantly reduce the fatigue crack propagation life of welded joints and the torsional loading accelerates the initiation of fatigue crack significantly. The tensile residual stress, bending stress, torsional shear stress and dissimilar mechanical properties of base, weld and heat-affected zone (HAZ) metals also decrease the fatigue crack propagation life. However, the surface peening produces limited improvement in the fatigue strength of welded joints and the torsional load eliminates the greater part of the benefit. For the validation of the prediction, the results have been compared with available experimental data from the literature. A good comparison has been found between predictions and experimental results.
Pharmacogenomic testing for treatment resistant depression

The percentage of patients who have failed to completely or partially respond to multiple trials of antidepressants at adequate doses and for an adequate duration of therapy has varied in the literature and is considered substantial. Numerous strategies exist to treat poor antidepressant response, but often medications are selected on a “trial and error” basis. Genetic factors may play a role in poor response or intolerance to treatment with antidepressants which lead to treatment failures. Currently, available genetic testing as well as genetic testing currently under research may help guide clinicians with proper medication and dose selection.
Design of a Secure Electric Vehicle Charging Pile Control Device

This paper has designed a secure electric vehicle charging pile control device according to such security problems as the traditional electric vehicle charging pile control devices transmission data can be illegally intercepted easily in electrical communication process. The electric vehicle charging pile control device has used advanced data encryption technology, increased secure storage unit, which can prevent transmission data being intercepted or falsified illegally in electrical communication process effectively, so as to ensure datas integrity and confidentiality. Therefore, it has great practical value.
Thermomechanical modeling of transient thermal damage in cannon bore materials

Modeling of cannon firing damage is extended to include time-varying gas temperature and convection coefficient data as inputs to finite difference calculations of near-bore temperature. Results are described for convective gas heating typical of cannon firing and for laser and combustor simulations of firing. Modeling is also extended to constant heat input conditions for comparison with laser simulation of firing. Slip-zone coating failure concepts of Evans and Hutchinson are adapted to predict shear stress on segments of thermally damaged material, including chromium and silicon carbide. Three measures of thermal damage are described: peak near-bore temperatures, which are highest for laser heating due to its relatively long 5 ms pulse duration; temperature difference between the heated surface and 0.1 mm below the surface, which is highest for cannon firing due to its peak convection during the initial 1 ms of the cannon firing pulse; and coating segment shear stress, which is relatively constant among the various types of cannon firing and simulated firing.
Modeling of directional operations in the motor cortex: a noisy network of spiking neurons is trained to generate a neural-vector trajectory

Abstract A fully connected network of spiking neurons modeling motor cortical directional operations is presented and analyzed. The model allows for the basic biological requirements stemming from the results of experimental studies. The dynamical evolution of the network's output is interpreted as the sequential generation of neuronal population vectors representing the combined directional tendency of the ensemble. Adding these population vectors tip-to-tail yields the neural-vector trajectory that describes the upcoming movement trajectory. The key point of the model is that the intra-network interactions provide sustained dynamics, whereas external inputs are only required to initiate the population. The network is trained to generate neural-vector trajectories corresponding to basic types of two-dimensional movements (the network with specified connections can store one trajectory). A simple modification of the simulated annealing algorithm enables training of the network in the presence of noise. Training in the presence of noise yields robustness of the learned dynamical behaviors. Another key point of the model is that the directional preference of a single neuron is determined by the synaptic connections. Accordingly, individual preferred directions as well as tuning curves are not assigned, but emerge as the result of interactions inside the population. For trained networks, the spiking behavior of single neurons and correlations between different neurons as well as the global activity of the population are discussed in the light of experimental findings.
Implementing a GKS-like graphics package on a microcomputer

A variable-length project for an introductory upper-division computer graphics course for majors is described. The project consists of the implementation of a graphics package based on the Graphical Kernel System (GKS, an ISO and ANSI standard) and application programs which demonstrate features of GKS. Any microcomputer with graphics capabilities equipped with an appropriate compiler can be used for the project. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the basic concepts of 2D computer graphics. A brief introduction to GKS is included.
Ribosomal RNA sequence divergence among sibling species of yeasts

Summary The genetic and implicit taxonomic resolution provided by ribosomal RNA sequence divergence was estimated from comparisons of sibling yeast species. Two regions of the large subunit (25S) rRNA and four regions of the small subunit (18S) rRNA comprising a total of 855 nucleotides were examined in all strains. Within these regions, no nucleotide differences were detected between strains of the same species. The sibling species pairs Pichia mississippiensis/P. amylophila, P. americana/P. bimundalis , and Issatchenkia scutulata and its variety exigua could be separated from each other by differences in a ca. 200-base region of the large subunit rRNA. Sequence differences within the sibling species complex composed of Saccharomyces bayanus, S. pastorianius (S. carlsbergensis) , and S. cerevisiae were consistent with the prior proposal that S. pastorianus is a partial amphidiploid formed by a rare mating between the other two Saccharomyces species. From these data, the highly variable region identified in the 25S subunit rRNA appears suitable for rapid separation of nearly all species by oligonucleotide probe technology.
Cancer of human bladder. Responses of tumor xenografts to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Sequential volumetric measurements of three cancers of the human bladder transplanted to the hamster cheek pouch were made and recorded by computer methods. Comparative growth curves in treated and control animals have provided a useful quantitative method of testing anticancer agents. Statistical computer analyses have indicated that two primary tumors of the bladder have shown responsiveness to 5-fluorouraciI, to irradiation and to mitomycin C. The greatest effectiveness was to mitomycin C in dosage acceptable for treatment of human subjects. Irradiation and 5-fluorouracil combination has demonstrated a synergistic or potentiating action; an enhancement effect of the two agents also has been observed clinically. A third tumor, which probably had its origin in the renal pelvis and later seeded to the bladder, showed relative resistance to chemotherapy, but responsiveness to irradiation. Testing of additional tumors will provide additional information which may have practical clinical significance and application.