cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cutting-Edge Geometry and Workpiece Hardness on Surface Residual Stresses in Finish Hard Turning of AISI 52100 Steel

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effects of tool cutting-edge geometry (edge preparation) and workpiece hardness on surface residual stresses for finish hard turning of through-hardened AISI 52100 steel. Polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) inserts with representative types of edge geometry including up-sharp edges, edge hones, and chamfers were used as the cutting tools in this study. This study shows that tool edge geometry is highly influential with respect to surface residual stresses, which were measured using x-ray diffraction. In general, compressive surface residual stresses in the axial and circumferential directions were generated by large edge hone tools in longitudinal turning operations. Residual stresses in the axial and circumferential directions generated by large edge hone tools are typically more compressive than stresses produced by small edge hone tools. Microstructural analysis shows that thermally-induced phase transformation effects are present at all feeds and workpiece hardness values with the large edge hone tools, and only at high feeds and hardness values with the small edge hone tools. In general, continuous white layers on the workpiece surface correlate with compressive residual stresses, while over-tempered regions correlate with tensile or compressive residual stresses depending on the workpiece hardness.
A statistical study of wind field distribution within extra-tropical cyclones in North Pacific ocean from 7-years of QuikSCAT wind data

In this paper we used QuikSCAT measurements over extratropical storms that reached hurricane force (HF) wind strentgth in the North Pacific over a period of 7 cold seasons from 2001–2008 to study the average wind speed distribution within these intense cyclones. During this period a total of 225 cyclones with HF winds were identified and tracked in the North Pacific. December proved to be most active month with 56 separate storms reaching HF strength over the 7 year period. The peak activity was found to be over the western portion of the ocean basin. The Pacific cyclones appear to have preferred tracks and have an average heading of ~50° from north. The average storm motion was found to be ~24 knots. Most hurricane force events last between 6–24 hours. 50% of the 12 hour events occurred during December and 75% of the 30 hour events occurred during November and December.
Fast real-time hardware engine for Multipoint Text Steganography

Different strategies were introduced in the literature to protect data. Some techniques change the data form while other techniques hide the data inside another file. Steganography techniques conceal information inside different digital media like image, audio, and text files. Most of the introduced techniques use software implementation to embed secret data inside the carrier file. Most software implementations are not sufficiently fast for real-time applications. In this paper, we present a new real-time Steganography technique to hide data inside a text file using a hardware engine with 11.27 Gbps hidden data rate. The fast Steganography implementation is presented in this paper.
Regulating the Government's Airwaves: Creation of the Interdepartmental Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC)

Commercial interests and unequal power among government departments dominated the institutionalization of radio policy in the United States in the 1920s. These interests and government-sponsored ra...
A complex-number fourier technique for lower bounds on the mod-m degree

We say an integer polynomial p, on Boolean inputs, weakly m-represents a Boolean function f if p is nonconstant and is zero (mod m), whenever f is zero. In this paper we prove that if a polynomial weakly m-represents the Modq function on n inputs, where q and m are relatively prime and m is otherwise arbitrary, then the degree of the polynomial is \( \Omega(n) \). This generalizes previous results of Barrington, Beigel and Rudich, and Tsai, which held only for constant or slowly growing m. In addition, the proof technique given here is quite different. We use a method (adapted from Barrington and Straubing) in which the inputs are represented as complex q-th roots of unity. In this representation it is possible to compute the Fourier transform using some elementary properties of the algebraic integers. As a corollary of the main theorem and the proof of Toda's theorem, if q, p are distinct primes, any depth-three circuit that computes the Modq function, and consists of an exact threshold gate at the output, Modp gates at the next level, and AND gates of polylog fan-in at the inputs, must be of exponential size. We also consider the question of how well circuits consisting of one exact gate over ACC(p)-type circuits (where p is an odd prime) can approximate parity. It is shown that such circuits must have exponential size in order to agree with parity for more than 1/2 + o(1) of the inputs.
Hash-Based Virtual Hierarchies for Scalable Location Service in Mobile Ad-hoc Networks

A location service is an essential prerequisite for geographic routing protocols for MANETs. We present VHLS, a new distributed location service protocol, that features a dynamic location server selection mechanism and adapts to network traffic workload, minimizing the overall location service overhead. We demonstrate that the ratio of location queries to updates is an important performance parameter in such protocols. Our analysis and simulations show that VHLS provides better query success rates, location service quality, and geographic routing performance than the GLS and GHLS protocols. VHLS also scales well as the network size and traffic workload increases.
The isolation of N5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine transmethylase from bovine brain☆

Abstract The enzyme ( N 5 -methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine transmethylase) that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from N 5 -methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine to form methionine has been found in a number of bovine tissues. The level of transmethylase activity was higher in brain than in any other tissue examined including liver and kidney. The brain enzyme has been purified approximately 370-fold. An initial fractionation with protamine sulfate and ammonium sulfate was followed by column chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex and Sephadex G-200. As the specific activity of the transmethylase increased the enzyme showed a greater dependency upon S -adenosyl methionine and a reducing system.
Purification and characterization of rabbit tissue factor

Abstract Anti-human tissue factor IgG column was used to partially purify rabbit tissue factor. The rabbit tissue factor was then further purified on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to prepare an essentially homogeneous rabbit tissue factor. This was used as an antigen to raise a high titer, monospecific, polyclonal antiserum for rabbit tissue factor. Immunostaining of a crude Triton extract of rabbit brain acetone powder and purified tissue factor with the anti-rabbit tissue factor IgG yielded a single major band with an apparent molecular weight of 45 kD, which corresponds to the mobility on SDS-PAGE of purified rabbit tissue factor apoprotein. The anti-rabbit tissue factor IgG was coupled to Affi-Gel-15 and used as an immunoadsorbant column to purify large amounts of rabbit brain tissue factor in a rapid, one-step technique.
Review of drug safety and efficacy of arformoterol in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: The global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease guidelines recommend maintenance therapy using long-acting bronchodilators for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have daily symptoms. Arformoterol is the (R, R) - enantiomer of the racemic formoterol and is more potent than (R, R/ S, S) - formoterol.Areas covered: Currently, arformoterol is one of two nebulized long-acting β-agonists on the market. It has a low incidence of cardiovascular side effects with incidence of arrhythmia and ischemia similar to placebo. β-adrenergic adverse effects are infrequent, numerically lower than formoterol, but have a quicker onset of action than salmeterol. There was no observed clinical tolerance over 12 months. arformoterol is safe in combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids, tiotropium and rescue inhalers. A 12-month Phase IV trial found no increased risk of respiratory death or COPD exacerbation-related hospitalizations. arformoterol can potentially benefit p...
Lectin affinity chromatography of Sindbis and Rous sarcoma virus glycopeptides and oligosaccharides.

Abstract Glycopeptides and endoglycosidase-digested oligosaccharides from [ 3 H]mannose-labeled Rous sarcoma virus and Sindbis virus have been fractionated by lentil lectin-Sepharose and concanavalin A-agarose affinity chromatography and subsequently analyzed by BioGel P-4 gel filtration. Only a specific subset of the Con A-bound asparaginyl-oligosaccharides from the two viruses was also bound to lentil lectin, and this fraction apparently represented fucose-containing, diantennary acidic-type structures ((NeuNAc±Gal-GlcNAc) 2 Man 3 -GlcNAc 2 (fucose)-ASN). The largest glycopeptides from Rous sarcoma virus were unbound to either Con A or lentil lectin and presumably contained tri- and/or tetra-antennary acidic-type structures ((NeuNAc±Gal-GlcNAc) 3–4 -Man 3 GlcNAc 2 (±fucose)-ASN). In contrast, the majority of ‘hybrid’-type oligosaccharides and essentially all of the neutral oligomannosyl core structures (Man 5–9 GlcNAc 1 and Man 3 GlcNAc 1 ) from the endoglycosidase-digested glycopeptides of both viruses were specifically bound to Con A-agarose, with the largest neutral oligosaccharides (Man 7–9 GlcNAc 1 ) bound more tightly and less efficiently eluted by α-methyl mannoside.
Seismic modelling by Fresnel diffraction theory with application to wide-aperture data from SW Oklahoma

SUMMARY A numerical, 2-D modelling algorithm for seismic P-waves, based on Fresnel diffraction theory, has been developed. This algorithm uses Huygens’ principle: every point on the wavefront may act as an independent secondary source for the subsequent behaviour of the wave. Huygens’ principle implies that a seismogram, which is the seismic response of a medium to a source, can be calculated as the sum of responses of secondary sources on a wavefront. The Fresnel approximation of diffraction is used to calculate the seismic responses. This modelling algorithm is an integral method that is applicable to laterally inhomogeneous models. Ray tracing is used to determine the travel time from each individual secondary source to the receiver. Since the response at the receiver is the accumulation of responses from all secondary sources instead of that from a single source, diffractions and caustics can be modelled in addition to reflections and transmissions. The algorithm is verified by comparison with acoustic finite difference computations, and applied to modelling of data from a wide-aperture seismic survey conducted in SW Oklahoma in 1985. The structure in the survey area is highly laterally inhomogeneous with igneous rocks to the SW, sedimentary rocks to the NE, and a series of thrust faults between.
Probabilistic fiber element modeling of reinforced concrete structures

Abstract A computational model based on a stochastic fiber element model is developed in this study. This model can be utilized for probabilistic evaluation of reinforced concrete (RC) members. The stochastic fiber element model is developed by combining the conventional fiber element formulation and the midpoint method for random field representation, to account for spatial variability of material and geometrical properties within a structural member. Three verification examples show the capability of the developed model in estimating the nonlinear structural behavior including softening. As an application of the developed computational model, a probabilistic strength analysis of a RC column is conducted in terms of the axial load–bending moment interaction. An approach of evaluating RC structural systems using the developed probabilistic computational model is also presented.
Highly Ordered Nanoporous Alumina Films: Effect of Pore Size and Uniformity on Sensing Performance

The effect of pore size and uniformity on the humidity response of nanoporous alumina, formed on aluminum thick films through an anodization process, is reported. Pore sizes examined range from approximately 13 to 45 nm, with a pore size standard deviations ranging from 2.6 to 7.8 nm. The response of the material to humidity is a strong function of pore size and operating frequency. At 5 kHz an alumina sensor with an average pore size of 13.6 nm (standard deviation 2.6 nm) exhibits a well-behaved change in impedance magnitude of 103 over 20% to 90% relative humidity. Increasing pore size decreases the humidity range over which the sensors have high sensitivity and shifts the operating range to higher humidity values. Cole–Cole plots of 5 to 13 MHz measured impedance spectra, modeled using equivalent circuits, are used to resolve the effects of water adsorption and ion migration within the adsorbed water layer. The presence of impurity ions within the highly ordered nano-dimensional pores, accumulated during the anodization process, appear highly beneficial for obtaining a substantial variation in measured impedance over a wide range of humidity values.
Metallic Nanoparticle Manipulation using Optoelectronic Tweezers

We report on trapping of single and multiple spherical gold nanoparticles with 60 to 250 nm diameters using optoelectronic tweezers (OET). Thanks to the low optical intensities required for stable trapping (20 ?W over 1.7 ?m spot), we estimate the temperature increase in OET-trapped nanoparticles due to absorption to be ?T ≪ 0.1°C, making OET-trapped nanoparticles suitable for biological imaging and sensing applications. In addition, we observe translational velocities of 68 ?m/s and demonstrate trapping of both single and multiple nanoparticles in a single trap.
Computer-Assisted System to Automate Production of Posterior Dental Restorations

The feasibility of a system which is capable of automating production of posterior dental restorations has been investigated. Data acquisition can be accomplished in a clinical setting using standard equipment to obtain stereoscopic views of the prepared tooth, adjacent and opposing teeth, and the jaw in motion. Data from the patient is digitized with a very high resolution digitizer. Stereophotogrammetric reconstruction and kinematic analysis establish the three-dimensional envelope in which the restoration must function. Ideal tooth profiles have been digitized for each of the fourteen unique teeth. Each tooth profile is represented by B-spline or Bezier curves and surfaces. Utilizing local influence properties of these curves and surfaces, the ideal profile can be modified to provide proper function and fill the available space, yielding a morphologically correct restor-ation which meets the unique design requirements for a specific patient. Spline curves and surfaces also ensure that the surfaces are well behaved, without discontinuities. This property facilitates generation of tool paths for numerically controlled machining. The latest version of Control Data Corporation's ICEM-DDN package, with its interface with the newly developed graphics programming language (GPL) is used to create those tool paths. Special consideration is given to unique requirements of mating internal and external sur-faces as well as to high precision, small size manufacturing.
Reactions of Platinum(II) Complexes with Chloride-Based Oxidants: Routes to Pt(III) and Pt(IV) Products

This paper describes the oxidation of PtII(phpy)2 (phpy = 2-phenylpyridine) with two different electrophilic chlorinating reagents—PhICl2 and N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS). PtII(phpy)2 reacts with PhICl2 to provide the PtIV complex PtIVCl2(phpy)2 as a mixture of symmetrical and unsymmetrical isomers. In contrast, the reaction of PtII(phpy)2 with NCS affords a mixture of the PtIII dimer [(phpy)2(Cl)PtIII]2 and PtIVCl2(phpy)2, whose ratio varies as a function of reaction time, concentration, and the presence/absence of ambient light. The implications of these results for the mechanisms of the two reactions are discussed in detail.
Primary care providers’ communication with patients during weight counseling: A focus group study

Objective Primary care providers (PCPs) are encouraged to counsel their obese patients about weight loss. We used focus groups to explore how PCPs communicate with patients about weight management.
The correlation of ribonuclease activity with specific aspects of tertiary structure.

Abstract Various physical parameters of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease and of some of its derivatives prepared by oxidation or reduction of disulfide bridges, methylation, and proteolytic digestion, have been investigated. Ultraviolet spectrophotometric measurements appear to establish a correlation between specific spectral properties of the materials and their enzymic activity. Viscometric and optical rotary studies, on the other hand, indicate that minor modifications in secondary structure may occur without detectable inactivation. Polyvalent anions and polyanions almost completely prevent the unfolding and spectral shift effect of 8 M urea, and of guanidium ions at concentrations between 1 and 3 M. These findings suggest that the full activity of ribonuclease, in the presence of such denaturing agents, is due to a refolding of the protein under the influence of ribonucleic acid.
A New Dammarane-Type Triterpene Glycoside from Polyscias fulva

A new dammarane-type triterpene glycoside, polysciasoside A (1), and three known compounds have been isolated from the leaves of Polyscias fulva. The structure of the new compound was established as 12-oxo-3beta,16beta,20(S)-trihydroxydammar-24-ene-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside.
A New Covariate Ratio Procedure for Estimating Treatment Differences with Applications to Climax I and II Experiments

Abstract A new covariate ratio procedure is presented for estimating a treatment-induced effect. The procedure 1) allows for uncontrolled natural variability, 2) adjusts for disproportionate allocation of non-treated and treated experimental units, 3) diminishes the influence in an objective manner of an individual value corresponding to any experimental unit, and 4) accounts for differential treatment effects, i.e., a simple location or scale change is not assumed. This procedure is applied to specific meteorologically defined partitions involving data of the Climax I and II experiments. Results based on the pooled data indicate a 32% precipitation increase for the −20 to − 11°C 500 mb temperature partition, a 49% increase for the 190 to 250° 700 mb wind direction partition, and a 13% increase for the total sample. Comparisons based on Monte Carlo simulations (re-randomization) indicate that this procedure yields estimates which are more stable (precise) than corresponding estimates based on the double r...
What kind of memory supports visual marking

In visual search tasks, if a set of items is presented fo r 1 s before another set of new items (containing the target) is added, search can be restricted to the new set. The process that eliminates old items from search is visual marking. This study investigates the kind of memory that distinguishes the old items from the new items during search. Using an accuracy paradigm in which perfect marking results in 100% accuracy and lack of marking results in near chance performance, the authors show that search can be restricted to new items not by visual short-term memory (VSTM) of old locations but by a limited capacity and slow-decaying VSTM of new locations and a high capacity and fast-decaying memory for asynchrony.
Development of a Mars Airplane Entry, Descent, and Flight Trajectory

An entry, descent, and flight (EDF) trajectory profile for a Mars airplane mission is defined as consisting of the following elements: ballistic entry of an aeroshell; supersonic deployment of a decelerator parachute; subsonic release of a heat shield; release, unfolding, and orientation of an airplane to flight attitude; and execution of a pull up maneuver to achieve trimmed, horizontal flight. Using the Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (POST) a trajectory optimization problem was formulated. Model data representative of a specific Mars airplane configuration, current models of the Mars surface topography and atmosphere, and current estimates of the interplanetary trajectory, were incorporated into the analysis. The goal is to develop an EDF trajectory to maximize the surface-relative altitude of the airplane at the end of a pull up maneuver, while subject to the mission design constraints. The trajectory performance was evaluated for three potential mission sites and was found to be site-sensitive. The trajectory performance, examined for sensitivity to a number of design and constraint variables, was found to be most sensitive to airplane mass, aerodynamic performance characteristics, and the pull up Mach constraint. Based on the results of this sensitivity study, an airplane-drag optimized trajectory was developed that showed a significant performance improvement.
Vertical integration of three-phase flow equations for analysis of light hydrocarbon plume movement

A mathematical model is derived for areal flow of water and light hydrocarbon in the presence of gas at atmospheric pressure. Vertical integration of the governing three-dimensional, three-phase flow equations is performed under the assumption of local vertical equilibrium to reduce the dimensionality of the problem to two orthogonal horizontal directions. Independent variables in the coupled water and hydrocarbon areal flow equations are specified as the elevation of zero gauge hydrocarbon pressure (air-oil table) and the elevation of zero gauge water pressure (air-water table). Constitutive relations required in the areal flow model are vertically integrated fluid saturations and vertically integrated fluid conductivities as functions of air-oil and air-water table elevations. Closed-form expressions for the vertically integrated constitutive relations are derived based on a three-phase extension of the Brooks-Corey saturation-capillary pressure function. Closed-form Brooks-Corey relations are compared with numerically computed analogs based on the Van Genuchten retention function. Close agreement between the two constitutive models is observed except at low oil volumes when the Brooks-Corey model predicts lower oil volumes and transmissivities owing to the assumption of a distinct fluid entry pressure. Nonlinearity in the vertically integrated constitutive relations is much less severe than in the unintegrated relations. Reduction in dimensionality combined with diminished nonlinearity, makes the vertically integrated water and hydrocarbon model an efficient formulation for analyzing field-scale problems involving hydrocarbon spreading or recovery under conditions for which the vertical equilibrium assumption is expected to be a satisfactory approximation.
Towards automatic generation of vulnerability-based signatures

In this paper we explore the problem of creating vulnerability signatures. A vulnerability signature matches all exploits of a given vulnerability, even polymorphic or metamorphic variants. Our work departs from previous approaches by focusing on the semantics of the program and vulnerability exercised by a sample exploit instead of the semantics or syntax of the exploit itself. We show the semantics of a vulnerability define a language which contains all and only those inputs that exploit the vulnerability. A vulnerability signature is a representation (e.g., a regular expression) of the vulnerability language. Unlike exploit-based signatures whose error rate can only be empirically measured for known test cases, the quality of a vulnerability signature can be formally quantified for all possible inputs. We provide a formal definition of a vulnerability signature and investigate the computational complexity of creating and matching vulnerability signatures. We also systematically explore the design space of vulnerability signatures. We identify three central issues in vulnerability-signature creation: how a vulnerability signature represents the set of inputs that may exercise a vulnerability, the vulnerability coverage (i.e., number of vulnerable program paths) that is subject to our analysis during signature creation, and how a vulnerability signature is then created for a given representation and coverage. We propose new data-flow analysis and novel adoption of existing techniques such as constraint solving for automatically generating vulnerability signatures. We have built a prototype system to test our techniques. Our experiments show that we can automatically generate a vulnerability signature using a single exploit which is of much higher quality than previous exploit-based signatures. In addition, our techniques have several other security applications, and thus may be of independent interest.
Discussion of Accounting Discretion in Fair Value Estimates: An Examination of SFAS 142 Goodwill Impairments

Beatty and Weber examine an accounting choice that managers made upon adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 142: whether to record a goodwill asset impairment as a cumulative effect of an accounting change at the time of adoption or delay the recognition of such an impairment to the future (perhaps indefinitely) when they would be recorded as expenses in earnings from continuing operations. The authors consider several factors that might influence management's reporting of transition effects, including contracting, equity market incentives, and regulatory forces. Participants at the 2005Journal of Accounting Research Conference questioned whether such a complex accounting decision can be captured with simple linear models and noisy proxy variables, while also speculating upon whether the results would generalize to other settings. In this discussion, I summarize Beatty and Weber's research, highlight its contribution to the accounting literature, and provide a record of the main issues raised by the conference participants. 1. Summary
Cloud Coverage in the Joint OSSE Nature Run

AbstractA successful observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) is fundamentally dependent on the simulation of the global observing system used in the experiment. In many applications, a free-running numerical model simulation, called a nature run, is used as the meteorological truth from which the observations are simulated. To accurately and realistically simulate observations from any nature run, the simulated observations must contain realistic cloud effects representative of the meteorological regimes being sampled. This study provides a validation of the clouds in the Joint OSSE nature run generated at ECMWF. Presented is the methodology used to validate the nature run cloud fraction fields with seasonally aggregated combined CloudSat/Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) cloud geometric profile retrievals and the Wisconsin High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) cloud climatology. The results show that the Joint OSSE nature run has a correct verti...
Drosophila Sex-lethal protein mediates polyadenylation switching in the female germline.

The Drosophila master sex-switch protein Sex-lethal (SXL) regulates the splicing and/or translation of three known targets to mediate somatic sexual differentiation. Genetic studies suggest that additional target(s) of SXL exist, particularly in the female germline. Surprisingly, our detailed molecular characterization of a new potential target of SXL, enhancer of rudimentary (e(r)), reveals that SXL regulates e(r) by a novel mechanism—polyadenylation switching—specifically in the female germline. SXL binds to multiple SXL-binding sites, which include the GU-rich poly(A) enhancer, and competes for the binding of CstF64 in vitro. The SXL-binding sites are able to confer sex-specific poly(A) switching onto an otherwise nonresponsive polyadenylation signal in vivo. The sex-specific poly(A) switching of e(r) provides a means for translational regulation in germ cells. We present a model for the SXL-dependent poly(A) site choice in the female germline.
Valuation of In-Kind Transfers and the Measurement of Poverty:

This article addresses three related but distinct issues relevant to the valuation of in-kind transfers. First, it shows that the census bureau's widely cited recipient value approach substantially underestimates the true cash equivalent value of in-kind transfers. Second, it shows that the true cash equivalent value of income can exceed even the income value arrived at by adding the market value of in-kind transfers to cash income. Third, it presents some reasons for preferring that income be measured at its market value rather than at its cash equivalent value, at least when the goal is identifying poverty status.
Motor unit number estimation (MUNE): how may it contribute to the diagnosis of ALS?

Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) is a type of electrophysiological technique that measures the approximate number of lower motor neurons (LMNs) innervating a single muscle or a small group of muscles. Low MUNE counts provide evidence of LMN degeneration, but a single MUNE study does not determine if this loss is ongoing, recent or remote in time. Sequential change of MUNE count provides evidence for ongoing degeneration. Furthermore, sequential change in MUNE from a normal to abnormally low count provides evidence for progressive spread of signs within a region or to another region. MUNE has no established ability to identify other diseases that may provide a non-ALS explanation for the signs of LMN degeneration. If MUNE studies were to be incorporated into a future revision of the diagnostic criteria for ALS, prospective studies will be important to define more clearly the sensitivity and specificity of MUNE in patients with ALS and in patients with weakness that does not involve LMN degeneration. In ...
Peer Imitation: Increasing Social Interactions in Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities in Inclusive Preschool Classrooms

A single subject research design was conducted across four participants to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer imitation intervention. Three of the participants were preschool children with autism...
Developing and Using a Codebook for the Analysis of Interview Data: An Example from a Professional Development Research Project:

This article gives specific steps on how to create a codebook for coding interview data. The authors examine the development of theory- and data-driven codes through the discussion of a professiona...
Tropical Cyclone Activity Downscaled from NOAA‐CIRES Reanalysis, 1908–1958

[1] A recently developed technique for deducing tropical cyclone activity from global reanalyses and climate models is applied to a reanalysis of the global atmosphere during the period 1908–1958. This reanalysis assimilates only sea surface temperature, sea ice, and surface pressure observations, which are relatively homogeneous over the period. The downscaling technique has been shown to produce results in good agreement with observations of tropical cyclones when driven by reanalyses over the period 1980–2006, a period when global tropical cyclone frequency was robustly observed. When applied to the 1908–1958 reanalysis, the derived global frequency of tropical cyclones shows no significant trend over the period, while the frequency of events in the southern hemisphere shows a statistically significant decline and that of the northern hemisphere shows a marginally significant increase. There are statistically significant increases in frequency over the period in the North Atlantic, eastern North Pacific, and northern Indian Oceans, while frequency declines in the western North Pacific. Power dissipation estimates from best-track data are highly correlated with the power dissipation of downscaled events in the Atlantic, though the amplitude of the variability and trends of the downscaled power dissipation are smaller than those of the best-track estimates by about a factor of two. A recently developed genesis index applied to the reanalysis data is highly correlated with downscaled event frequency on regional spatial scales, but is largely uncorrelated at the scale of the globe and even on the scale of large tropical cyclone-producing regions such as the western North Pacific. Finally, while it is tempting to believe that specification of sea surface temperature is sufficient for capturing most aspects of the general state of the atmosphere relevant to tropical cyclones, we show, using simple arguments, that failure to account for changing radiative properties of the atmosphere can distort the response of tropical cyclone activity to changing distributions of sea surface temperature; moreover, models appear to systematically underestimate the response of near-tropopause temperatures to changing surface temperature, and this too can affect the response of potential intensity.
Clinical use of lossy image compression in digital angiography

I n this issue of The American Journal of Cardiology, Rigolin et al present data to suggest that the assessment of coronary stenosis in digital angiograms is not adversely affected by the use of mathematic compression.’ This should not be taken to mean that the technique can be used clinically with no fear of losing diagnostic information, because there are more broad-reaching implications of image compression technology that must be considered. Since many digital angiographic review systems that use compression are now showing up in the marketplace, this is a good time to look at the technology, and to reach a better understanding of some of the pertinent issues. What is meant by image compression? Many computer methods have been developed that can reduce the storage requirements for computerized data. “Reversible” or “lossless” compression methods (such as those in common use to distribute computer software) can allow the original data to be completely restored by the corresponding decompression procedures. The maximum degree of reversible compression that can be achieved is typically in the range of 3:l for radiographs. Irreversible or “lossy” compression techniques recover only an approximation of the original image, but allow for much greater degrees of compression. This technique is particularly well suited to nuclear medicine2 and echocardiographic image data,3 where the artifact introduced by the compression is not as apparent as it is in higher resolution imaging like radiographs. The lossy compression techniques developed by the Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG)’ have become widely available, and have the advantages of being very standardized, and with specialized computer chips that have been developed to increase the processing speed. The JPEG standard also defines a form of compression that is lossless, but this has been less well known until its use in the DICOM standard for digital angiography.‘.6 Why is compression desired? A few simple calculations show the large amount of data that is generated by digital angiography. In its simplest form in cardiac imaging, each frame is represented by a matrix of 5 12 X 5 12 picture elements ( “pixels” ) . Each has a numeric value between 0 and 255, and takes up 1 “byte” of computer storage. At 30 frames per second (the standard frame rate in the United
Equilibrium geometries, magic numbers and electronic structure of small carbon clusters

Abstract A carbon tetramer in the form of a distorted tetrahedron has been discovered to exist in a metastable spin-triplet excited state with an activation barrier of 0.5 eV. This state is 2.5 eV above the spin-singlet rhombus shaped ground state. These results are based on fully self-consistent all electron molecular orbital calculations. We also illustrate the processes leading to the carbon trimer as a “magic number”. Implications of the present discovery for future industrial applications are pointed out.
On Integrating Network and Community Discovery

The problem of community detection has recently been studied widely in the context of the web and social media networks. Most algorithms for community detection assume that the entire network is available for online analysis. In practice, this is not really true, because only restricted portions of the network may be available at any given time for analysis. Many social networks such as Facebook have privacy constraints, which do not allow the discovery of the entire structure of the social network. Even in the case of more open networks such as Twitter, it may often be challenging to crawl the entire network from a practical perspective. For many other scenarios such as adversarial networks, the discovery of the entire network may itself be a costly task, and only a small portion of the network may be discovered at any given time. Therefore, it can be useful to investigate whether network mining algorithms can integrate the network discovery process tightly into the mining process, so that the best results are achieved for particular constraints on discovery costs. In this context, we will discuss algorithms for integrating community detection with network discovery. We will tightly integrate with the cost of actually discovering a network with the community detection process, so that the two processes can support each other and are performed in a mutually cohesive way. We present experimental results illustrating the advantages of the approach.
Accurate Delay Estimation in the Presence of Coupling Noise using Complete Waveform Accuracy

The commonly used switch factor (SF) based delay analysis can not provide an accurate delay value at the presence of coupling noise especially when aggressor signal arrives after the victim signal have passed the threshold voltage. Therefore, full waveform accuracy must be used to accurately predict the signal delay. In this paper, a closed form expression of the output waveform is derived for the coupled interconnects. Then based on this expression, an efficient Newton-Raphson iteration method is proposed to estimate the signal delay at the presence of coupling noise. It is shown that the proposed method can accurately estimate the delay in the presence of coupling and successfully bound this value even when there are multiple aggressor nets.
CGG-repeat length threshold for FMR1 RNA pathogenesis in a cellular model for FXTAS

Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects carriers of premutation alleles (55-200 CGG repeats) of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. The presence of elevated levels of expanded mRNA found in premutation carriers is believed to be the basis for the pathogenesis in FXTAS, but the exact mechanisms by which the mRNA causes toxicity are not known. In particular, it is not clear whether there is a threshold for a CGG-repeat number below which no cellular dysregulation occurs, or whether toxicity depends on mRNA concentration. We have developed a doxycycline-inducible episomal system that allows us to study separately the effects of CGG-repeat number and mRNA concentration (at fixed CGG-repeat length) in neuroblastoma-derived SK cells. Our findings show that there is a CGG-repeat size threshold for toxicity that lies between 62 and 95 CGG repeats. Interestingly, for repeat sizes of 95 CGG and above, there is a clear negative correlation between mRNA concentration and cell viability. Taken together, our results provide evidence for an RNA-toxicity model with primary dependence on CGG-repeat size and secondary dependence on mRNA concentration, thus formally ruling out any simple titration model that operates in the absence of either protein-binding cooperativity or some form of length-dependent RNA structural transition.
The ExsY Protein Is Required for Complete Formation of the Exosporium of Bacillus anthracis

The outermost layer of the Bacillus anthracis spore is the exosporium, which is composed of a paracrystalline basal layer and an external hair-like nap. The filaments of the nap are formed by a collagen-like glycoprotein called BclA, while the basal layer contains several different proteins. One of the putative basal layer proteins is ExsY. In this study, we constructed a DeltaexsY mutant of B. anthracis, which is devoid of ExsY, and examined the assembly of the exosporium on spores produced by this strain. Our results show that exosporium assembly on DeltaexsY spores is aberrant, with assembly arrested after the formation of a cap-like fragment that covers one end of the forespore-always the end near the middle of the mother cell. The cap contains a normal hair-like nap but an irregular basal layer. The cap is retained on spores prepared on solid medium, even after spore purification, but it is lost from spores prepared in liquid medium. Microscopic inspection of DeltaexsY spores prepared on solid medium revealed a fragile sac-like sublayer of the exosporium basal layer, to which caps were attached. Examination of purified DeltaexsY spores devoid of exosporium showed that they lacked detectable levels of BclA and the basal layer proteins BxpB, BxpC, CotY, and inosine-uridine-preferring nucleoside hydrolase; however, these spores retained half the amount of alanine racemase presumed to be associated with the exosporium of wild-type spores. The DeltaexsY mutation did not affect spore production and germination efficiencies or spore resistance but did influence the course of spore outgrowth.
Advancing biocultural models by working with communities: a partnership approach.

Culture and human behavior are recognized today as major forces acting on human biological variation around the world. Studies of the relationships between biology and processes, such as modernization, urbanization, and social stratification, are prominent in our journals and meetings. An ongoing study of the interrelationships between toxicant exposure (organochlorines, lead, and mercury), health, and culture among youth of the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne is located within this context and is used to analyze the strengths and challenges of a partnership approach to biocultural research. To assist in modeling the complex relationships between health, behavior, and culture, we have employed concepts from contemporary social theory, integrated qualitative and quantitative research, and implemented community-based research principles to develop a partnership approach to research in human biology. The community is directly involved in identifying research goals, developing research protocols appropriate for local cultural sensitivities and complexities, implementing the protocols in the field, and collaborating in the analysis and publication of results. We show the utility of this approach for understanding the relationships of toxicants to behavior and biological outcomes (adolescent growth, sexual maturation, and endocrine system alteration); as well as how it facilitates the agency of participants and communities involved in research, and brings greater social engagement to the development of the new human biology. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:511–524, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A real-time image filtration system

A system for performing highly parallel, predictable real-time image filtration is described. The application software was developed using a special class of abstract data types (ADT) constructed in the RT-X language which has predictable execution times. The filtration algorithm is based on a Universal Image Algebra. Additional image processing applications such as feature extraction via edge detection or hit-and-miss transformation, and image data-base retrieval can be implemented using this system. >
A New Waveband Switching Routing Algorithm in WDM Optical Networks

This paper investigates the technique of waveband switching and considers the problem of reducing the number of ports in optical cross-connects in WDM optical networks. Based on previous studies, this paper proposes a new heuristic, in which the k-shortest path algorithm and rerouting scheme are used to optimize the number of ports. Simulation results show that the performance of proposed scheme can be significantly improved.
The geometry of innocent flesh on the bone: return-into-libc without function calls (on the x86)

We present new techniques that allow a return-into-libc attack to be mounted on x86 executables that calls no functions at all. Our attack combines a large number of short instruction sequences to build gadgets that allow arbitrary computation. We show how to discover such instruction sequences by means of static analysis. We make use, in an essential way, of the properties of the x86 instruction set.
Drug-herb interaction: effect of St John's wort on bioavailability and metabolism of procainamide in mice.

Abstract Context.—St John's wort induces the activity of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system causing treatment failure because of increased metabolism of many drugs. Procainamide is metabolized by a different pathway to N-acetyl procainamide. Objective.—To study St John's wort–procainamide interaction using a mouse (Swiss Webster) model. Design.—One group of mice (group A, 4 mice in each group) was fed St John's wort each day for 2 weeks (last dose 1 day before administration of procainamide); another group (group B) received the same dose of St John's wort for 1 week. The third group (group C) received only a single dose 1 hour before administration of procainamide, and the control group (group D) received no St John's wort. All groups later received a single oral dose of procainamide. Blood was drawn 1, 4, and 24 hours after administration of procainamide and concentrations in serum of procainamide as well as N-acetyl procainamide were measured using immunoassays. Results.—The procainamide concentrations ...
Global transcriptional profiling of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 during Cr(VI) and U(VI) reduction.

Whole-genome DNA microarrays were used to examine the gene expression profile of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 during U(VI) and Cr(VI) reduction. The same control, cells pregrown with nitrate and incubated with no electron acceptor, was used for the two time points considered and for both metals. U(VI)-reducing conditions resulted in the upregulation (≥3-fold) of 121 genes, while 83 genes were upregulated under Cr(VI)-reducing conditions. A large fraction of the genes upregulated [34% for U(VI) and 29% for Cr(VI)] encode hypothetical proteins of unknown function. Genes encoding proteins known to reduce alternative electron acceptors [fumarate, dimethyl sulfoxide, Mn(IV), or soluble Fe(III)] were upregulated under both U(VI)- and Cr(VI)-reducing conditions. The involvement of these upregulated genes in the reduction of U(VI) and Cr(VI) was tested using mutants lacking one or several of the gene products. Mutant testing confirmed the involvement of several genes in the reduction of both metals: mtrA, mtrB, mtrC, and menC, all of which are involved in Fe(III) citrate reduction by MR-1. Genes encoding efflux pumps were upregulated under Cr(VI)- but not under U(VI)-reducing conditions. Genes encoding proteins associated with general (e.g., groL and dnaJ) and membrane (e.g., pspBC) stress were also upregulated, particularly under U(VI)-reducing conditions, pointing to membrane damage by the solid-phase reduced U(IV) and Cr(III) and/or the direct effect of the oxidized forms of the metals. This study sheds light on the multifaceted response of MR-1 to U(VI) and Cr(VI) under anaerobic conditions and suggests that the same electron transport pathway can be used for more than one electron acceptor.
Impact of Magnesium Oxide Preparation Conditions on Iodine Adsorption Capacity

Radioactive iodine gas is a problematic species in multiple nuclear energy–related applications. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop an adsorbent that has a high capacity for iodine. In th...