cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Simulative Study of Correlated Error Propagation in Various Finite-Precision Arithmetics

The accumulated roundoff error incurred in long arithmetic computations involving a randomized mixture of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division operations applied to an initial randomly generated data base is studied via simulation. Truncated and rounded floating-point arithmetic and truncated and rounded logarithmic arithmetic are simultaneously utilized for each of the computation sequences and the resulting roundoff error accumulations for these four systems are compared. The nature of the correlated errors incurred under various arithmetic operator mixes are discussed.
Causes of inaccurate software development cost estimates

A study of information systems managers and other information systems professionals at 112 different organizations confirmed that information systems software cost estimating is an important concern. Subjects reported the completion of only one of every four systems development projects within their estimates. Although subjects perceived that the major causes of inaccurate estimates were users' changes in their requirements and users' lack of understanding of those requirements, such problems with users did not predict inaccurate estimates. Instead, management control issues such as lack of consideration in performance reviews as to whether estimates were met, lack of project control comparing estimates and actual performance, and lack of careful examination of the estimate by information systems department management did predict inaccurate estimates. Thus, in reply to the long-standing question as to whether overruns are more attributable to inaccurate estimating or ineffectual project management, the data in this study raise concerns about the latter. The results suggest that information systems managers and professionals might want to reassess their attitudes toward their users, and researchers might want to focus on particular causes of inaccurate estimating.
Glucose Autoxidation Induces Functional Damage to Proteins via Modification of Critical Arginine Residues

Nonenzymatic modification of proteins in hyperglycemia is a major mechanism causing diabetic complications. These modifications can have pathogenic consequences when they target active site residues, thus affecting protein function. In the present study, we examined the role of glucose autoxidation in functional protein damage using lysozyme and RGD-α3NC1 domain of collagen IV as model proteins in vitro. We demonstrated that glucose autoxidation induced inhibition of lysozyme activity as well as NC1 domain binding to α(V)β(3) integrin receptor via modification of critical arginine residues by reactive carbonyl species (RCS) glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal while nonoxidative glucose adduction to the protein did not affect protein function. The role of RCS in protein damage was confirmed using pyridoxamine which blocked glucose autoxidation and RCS production, thus protecting protein function, even in the presence of high concentrations of glucose. Glucose autoxidation may cause protein damage in vivo since increased levels of GO-derived modifications of arginine residues were detected within the assembly interface of collagen IV NC1 domains isolated from renal ECM of diabetic rats. Since arginine residues are frequently present within protein active sites, glucose autoxidation may be a common mechanism contributing to ECM protein functional damage in hyperglycemia and oxidative environment. Our data also point out the pitfalls in functional studies, particularly in cell culture experiments, that involve glucose treatment but do not take into account toxic effects of RCS derived from glucose autoxidation.
Undergraduates study climate change science, philosophy, and public policy

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to participate in ongoing scientific research. Existing either as stand-alone summer programs or as supplementary components to existing NSF research grants, the REU program focuses on introducing aspiring young scientists to the delights and complexities of science. Global Climate Change and Society (GCCS) is an intensive, 8-week REU program that began a 3-year run in the summer of 2001. Developed by a philosopher at the Colorado School of Mines, and a planetary scientist at Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colrado, GCCS is a unique experiment in research and pedagogy that introduces students to science by using a distinctive approach. Choosing as its topic the questions surrounding global climate change, the program explores the interwoven scientific, philosophical, and public policy issues that make the climate change debate such a volatile topic in contemporary society. Last summer, the program selected 12 undergraduates through a nationally advertised competition. Student interns came from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds and included physics, philosophy and public policy majors from elite liberal arts schools, major research institutions, and mainstream state universities. The program was held at the University of Colorado and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), in Boulder, Colorado (Figure 1).
A complete and durable clinical response to high-dose dexamethasone in a patient with scleromyxedema.

We report a case of a patient with scleromyxedema limited to the skin with an associated IgG λ monoclonal protein treated successfully with high-dose dexamethasone. We encourage the continued investigation of this complex relationship between the clinical presentation of scleromyxedema and its frequently associated paraproteinemia.
Determination of organic acids and sugars in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) by high‐pressure liquid chromatography

The major sugars and organic acids in three cultivars of loquat-Tanaka, Thales and Christmas-were quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The cultivars differed in sugar and acid contents and changes in these contents during ripening were determined for one cultivar. Trace quantities of several unknown acids that had not been reported earlier in loquat were observed in the Tanaka sample. Major B-vitamins, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, were quantified for one cultivar and were at the approximate levels found in other fruit.
In vivo tibial XFR measurement of bone lead.

In vivo X-ray-induced K X-ray fluorescence is a non-invasive technique which provides a safe and accurate method for estimating cumulative absorption in epidemiologic studies.
Analysis of solution residues by glow discharge mass spectrometry.

A technique for the analysis of microliter volumes of solution by glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS) has been successfully demonstrated. Cathode preparation involves mixing an aliquot of the sample solution with a pure conducting powder, followed by drying and pressing before conventional GDMS analysis. The analyte signal at the 100-ppm level was observed to be stable to better than 5% for the duration of the analysis (30–45 min). Internal and external reproducibilities were better than 5%, and the ion signal intensity was linear with concentration over at least four orders of magnitude. Quantification was demonstrated by means of user-defined relative sensitivity factors. Relative standard deviations were better than 15% for the elements investigated, with no preconcentration of the analyte.
Computer simulation of the variable agarose fiber dimensions on the basis of mobility data derived from gel electrophoresis and using the Ogston theory.

Abstract Agarose gel electrophoresis of viruses and proteins was evaluated for estimating fiber dynamics of agarose by computer simulation based on the extended Ogston theory. By introducing functions, in place of previously used constant parameters, into the equations derived from the Ogston theory it was demonstrated that the effective fiber properties are variable as a function of both gel concentration and the size of the particle passing through the gel. This variability accounts for the curvature of plots of log(mobility) vs gel concentration in agarose gel electrophoresis as well as for the apparent dichotomy between fiber properties obtained from the electrophoresis of either viruses or proteins. Specifically, computer simulation based on the electrophoretic mobility values of five viruses and seven proteins by use of an eight (gel-specific) parameter model yielded functions relating gel concentration and/or particle size with (i) electrophoretic mobility of particles, (ii) the retardation coefficient, K′R, and (iii) effective fiber radius, length, and volume. The simulations give further insights into, as well as a mathematical basis for, a number of previously made assumptions (such as variation of agarose fiber structure with gel concentration, variation of fiber volume with particle size, continuity of the ✓K′ R vs radius plot from 0 to 45 nm), thus demonstrating the continued usefulness of the Ogston model. The mathematical model provides the elements for an improved method for the determination of particle size, charge, and potentially shape by agarose gel electrophoresis, and can be regarded as the basis for future elaboration of a computer program for the routine determination of these parameters.
Counteracting clotting in sepsis

The complexity of factors that regulate bleeding and coagulation has long confounded researchers. Andrew Wei and Shaun Jackson help clear the air by examining clinical findings pointing to a mechanistic basis for a common bleeding disorder, immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Mark Kahn tackles two research studies that could lead to improved therapies for a coagulation syndrome that hits people with severe sepsis.
K asteroids and CO3/CV3 chondrites

Reflectance spectra from 0.44 to 1.65 pm were obtained for three K asteroids. These objects all have spectra consistent with olivine-dominated assemblages whose absorption bands have been suppressed by opaques. The two observed Eos family members (221 Eos and 653 Berenike) are spectral analogs to the C03 chondrite Warrenton. The other observed object (599 Luisa) is a spectral analog for CV3 chondrite Mokoia. These asteroids are all located near meteorite-supplying resonances with the Eos family cut by the 9:4 resonance and Luisa is found near the 5:2 resonance. However, K asteroids have been identified throughout the main belt so it is difficult to rule out other possible -
Selectivity Mechanisms in Low Pressure Selective Epitaxial Silicon Growth

Selective silicon processing at 775 and 850°C using an based chemistry was studied. The selectivity of each experimental condition was quantified by measuring the silicon nuclei density/cm2 on large blanket areas of . The morphology of the selective silicon films was examined for texture and hillocks. The roles of water vapor and atomic hydrogen on the microchemistry of an surface was investigated. Thermodynamic modeling of the effect of different atmospheric leak rates on the water vapor and atomic hydrogen concentrations was carried out with the aid of the SOLGAS program. A new understanding of selectivity is proposed. An surface is an interruption of the bulk continuous random network structure and, as such, has a characteristic density of defect sites. The degree of selectivity observed is determined by the type of species which terminate these defect sites, i.e., by the number of defect sites which are not chemically passivated against the adsorption of silicon species. A universal selective silicon processing regime is predicted and good agreement with a wide range of published selective silicon processes is shown.
Plasma Adrenocorticosteroid Levels During Experimental Injections

Adrenocortical function during infection has not been well defined in man, and patient care itself may interfere with meaningful steroid measurements. Animal models provided the opportunity to relate plasma adrenocorticosteroid (corticosterone–CS) levels to the natural course of fatal infections in mice inoculated IP with (1) a malarial parasite—P. berghei, (2) a bacteria—D. pneumoniae, or (3) 2 strains of a murine enterovirus—encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus. In P. berghei infection animals survived through day 6, and CS levels increased 4- to 6-fold on day 5 and 6. Enlargement of the spleen and parasitemia precedes this rise in CS by 24 h. In the more acute infection with D. pneumoniae (deaths occurred within 72 h) increases in CS levels of a similar magnitude were found at both the ‘peak’ and ‘trough’ of the adrenocortical rhythm. CS levels and virus titers were determined in individual animals infected with one LD50 of EMC virus, and correlated with the outcome of infection. Modest elevations of CS occurred only during the terminal phases of infection. Elevation of CS did not occur during the viremic phase, and were observed only after clearance of virus from the blood. A more virulent strain of EMc virus which was lethal in 48–72 h resulted in marked elevation of CS by 24–48 h.
The Myth of Learning Styles

There is no credible evidence that learning styles exist. While we will elaborate on this assertion, it is important to counteract the real harm that may be done by equivocating on the matter. In w...
Investigation of a physical basis for conformational similarity in proteins.

Amino acid residues in a globular protein fold against one another into a compact structure. We have sought common physical factors within similarly folded backbone structures in such proteins which might influence the folding and which could be used in predicting the backbone structure. The physical factors examined are the 10 orthogonal ones identified by Kideraet al. (1985a). Comparison of the smoothed physical factor profiles between sequences, which have similar backbone structures, shows that there is good agreement among the profiles of helical stretches, but not for other backbone structures that have been examined. This is ascribed to the fact that helical structures involve local interactions, which then require similar physical profiles to form, but that other structures are not so strongly locally determined in the native structure.
Same-Sex and Race-Based Disparities in Statutory Rape Arrests:

This study tests a liberation hypothesis for statutory rape incidents, specifically that there may be same-sex and race/ethnicity arrest disparities among statutory rape incidents and that these will be greater among statutory rape than among forcible sex crime incidents. 26,726 reported incidents of statutory rape as defined under state statutes and 96,474 forcible sex crime incidents were extracted from National Incident-Based Reporting System data sets. Arrest outcomes were tested using multilevel modeling. Same-sex statutory rape pairings were rare but had much higher arrest odds. A victim-offender romantic relationship amplified arrest odds for same-sex pairings, but damped arrest odds for male-on-female pairings. Same-sex disparities were larger among statutory than among forcible incidents. Female-on-male incidents had uniformly lower arrest odds. Race/ethnicity effects were smaller than gender effects and more complexly patterned. The findings support the liberation hypothesis for same-sex statutory rape arrest disparities, particularly among same-sex romantic pairings. Support for race/ethnicity-based arrest disparities was limited and mixed.
Charge density wave transport in linear chain compounds

Abstract Recent experiments focussing on the coherent and incoherent aspects of charge density wave transport are discussed, and related to the theoretical developments in the field.
Morphological Correlates of Dominance in Captive Male Red-Winged Blackbirds

Male birds of polygynous species are thought to be larger than females because large size is advantageous in competition for mates (Selander 1958, 1972); however, the mechanism by which large size confers such an advantage is not always clear. In Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), females are strongly influenced by territory quality in making their choice of mates (Searcy 1979a). If large size gives a male an advantage in aggressive encounters with other males, and winning such encounters is important in securing and defending a territory, then a simple mechanism exists by which large size could lead to higher mating success for males. Thus, the relationship between body size and dominance in conflicts in male Red-winged Blackbirds is of evolutionary importance. I report here on the results of an aviary study designed to examine this relationship. A second objective of this study was to examine the relationship between dominance and epaulet size and color. Plumage characteristics may be used to signal social status in birds (Rohwer 1975, 1977); for example, correlations between dominance and plumage coloration exist in Harris' Sparrows (Zonotrichia querula; Rohwer 1975) and White-throated Sparrows (Z. albicollis; Harrington 1973). Blackening the epaulets of territory-owning male Redwinged Blackbirds causes many to lose their territories (Peek 1972, Smith 1972). Epaulets of first-year males are smaller and more orange than those of adults, and firstyear males are generally subordinate (Wiley and Harnett 1976). These observations suggest that features of the epaulet signal dominance status, although other interpretations are possible. My study was designed to determine whether dominance and epaulet characteristics are correlated in male Redwinged Blackbirds.
Probing Protein Motions and Function in Ci-VSP

With the discovery of the Ciona intestinalis voltage sensor-containing phosphatase (Ci-VSP), voltage sensing domains (VSDs) have moved beyond the exclusive realm of ion channels. By combining a VSD with a lipid phosphatase domain, Ci-VSP is the first enzyme known to be directly regulated by voltage. Interestingly, Ci-VSP is also the first protein with a monomeric VSD. Yet, a monomeric VSD still exhibits complex protein motions indicating that other factors beyond the oligomerization state of the domain play a part. We have applied two electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology to probe phosphatase function as well as voltage clamp fluorometry to probe the conformational changes involved in voltage sensing and the propagation of that signal to the phosphatase. The observed changes in fluorescence correlate with protein motions allowing any factors affecting the protein to be teased apart. These motions are influenced by the catalytic states of the phosphatase consistent with the expected coupling between the two domains. The linker between the voltage sensing domain and the phosphatase domain also influences these motions suggesting the linker may play an active role in protein regulation. By investigating Ci-VSP, we hope to gain a greater understanding of how the VSD functions.
Bainitic chromium-tungsten steels with 3 Pct chromium

Previous work on 3Cr-1.5MoV (nominally Fe-3Cr-2.5Mo-0.25V-0.1C), 2.25Cr-2W (Fe-2.25Cr-2W-0.1C), and 2.25Cr-2WV (Fe-2.25Cr-2W-0.25V-0.1C) steels indicated that the impact toughness of these steels depended on the microstructure of the bainite formed during continuous cooling from the austenitization temperature. Microstructures formed during continuous cooling can differ from classical upper and lower bainite formed during isothermal transformation. Two types of nonclassical microstructures were observed depending on the cooling rate: carbide-free acicular bainite at rapid cooling rates and granular bainite at slower cooling rates. The Charpy impact toughness of the acicular ferrite was considerably better than for the granular bainite. It was postulated that alloying to improve the hardenability of the steel would promote the formation of acicular bainite, just as increasing the cooling rate does. To test this, chromium and tungsten were added to the 2.25Cr-2W and 2.25Cr-2WV steel compositions to increase their hardenability. Charpy testing indicated that the new 3Cr-W and 3Cr-WV steels had improved impact toughness, as demonstrated by lower ductile-brittle transition temperatures and higher upper-shelf energies. This improvement occurred with less tempering than was necessary to achieve similar toughness for the 2.25Cr steels and for high-chromium (9 to 12 pct Cr) Cr-W and Cr-Mo steels.
Dialysis Plus Do Not Resuscitate—Not a Contradiction

44. Jacobs I, Nadkarni V, Bahr J, et al; International Liaison Committee onResuscitation; AmericanHeart Association; EuropeanResuscitation Council; Australian Resuscitation Council; NewZealand Resuscitation Council; Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada; InterAmericanHeart Foundation; Resuscitation Councils of Southern Africa; ILCORTask Force on Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary ResuscitationOutcomes. Cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcome reports: update and simplification of theUtstein templates for resuscitation registries: a statement for healthcare professionals froma task force of the International Liaison Committee onResuscitation (AmericanHeart Association, EuropeanResuscitation Council, Australian Resuscitation Council, NewZealand Resuscitation Council, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, InterAmericanHeart Foundation, Resuscitation Councils of SouthernAfrica).Circulation. 2004;110(21):3385-3397.
Job Decentralization with Suburban Housing Discrimination: An Urban Equilibrium Model of Spatial Mismatch

Abstract The spatial mismatch hypothesis, with its roots in the work of Kain (1968,Quart. J. Econ.82(2), 175–197), has received much recent attention from empirical researchers. Its basic premise is that differences in job access between black and white workers have contributed to increasing racial inequality in urban labor markets. While the initial evidence was ambiguous, recent studies have established that differences in job accessibility have worsened the labor market outcomes of minority workers. This paper develops an urban equilibrium model which allows for the analysis of the impact of job decentralization and suburban housing discrimination on the welfare of workers in a city.
ON THE MECHANISM OF PHOTOINDUCED CAROTENOID SYNTHESIS: ASPECTS OF THE PHOTOINDUCTIVE REACTION.

Abstract Photoinduced carotenoid synthesis has been studied in two species of mycobacteria, Mycobacterium marinum and an unclassified species. The action spectra of photo-induction have been shown to be markedly different for these two organisms. The action spectrum for the Mycobacterium sp. has maxima at 365 and 460 mμ separated by a minimum at 395 mμ. The action spectrum of M. marinum has a principal maximum at 404 mμ and two lesser maxima at 493 and 577 mμ. It is likely that a flavin is the photoreceptor for the Mycobacterium sp. and a porphyrin for M. marinum . The photoinduction of carotenogenesis in Mycobacterium sp. was found to be depressed at acid pH while that of M. marinum was unaffected by that treatment. The photoinductive reaction of both organisms was inhibited by azide at acid pH.
Effective Permeability for Natural Convection in a Layered Porous Annulus

The feasibility of using a lumped-system approach in the heat-transfer analysis of a layered porous annulus is numerically investigated. Numerical calculations have covered a wide range of parameters (i.e., 10 < Ra1 < ‐ 500, 0:01 < ‐ K1/K2 < 100)forvarioussublayerthicknessratios ( 5 < ri/D < 11 8 ). Theresultsobtained arethen presented in term of the effective Rayleigh number, which is dee ned based on the effective permeability. Three averaging techniques (i.e., arithmetic, harmonic, and volumetric ) are used for the evaluation of the effective permeability. The results show that the lumped-system approach can provide a reasonably good prediction in heat transfer if an effective permeability is correctly chosen for the correlation.
Use of Liquid Chromatography for Studying Reverse Osmosis and Ultrafiltration

Abstract A method of observing the preferential adsorption of solute or solvent onto a polymer surface by liquid chromatography is illustrated, and the results are discussed in relation to the solute separation by reverse osmosis and membrane fouling. This method shows the existence of a preferentially adsorbed water layer at the polymer-solution interface, where its amount and thickness depend on the polymer material. The adsorption data of undissociated organic solutes indicate that cellulosic materials are intrinsically less susceptible to fouling by such solutes than synthetic polymer materials. It is also shown that the steric repulsion involved in the solute's distribution between the interfacial water phase and the bulk water phase is not sufficient to describe the solute transport through the membrane, and an additional steric effect associated with the frictional force working on the solute molecule in the membrane pore has to be considered.
Random phase plates for beam smoothing on the Nova laser

We discuss the design and fabrication of 80-cm-diameter random phase plates for target-plane beam smoothing on the Nova laser. Random phase plates have been used in a variety of inertial confinement fusion target experiments, such as studying direct-drive hydrodynamic stability and producing spatially smooth x-ray backlighting sources. These phase plates were produced by using a novel sol-gel dip-coating technique developed by us. The sol-gel phase plates have a high optical damage threshold at the second- and third-harmonic wavelengths of the Nd:glass laser and have excellent optical performance.
The Ambivalence of Aggression and the Moralization of Man

The thesis I wish to argue here is that the ambivalent nature of aggression in the human male, with its necessary destructive as well as constructive side, constitutes the chief obstacle confronting any program for the moralization of man. If we could account for this ambivalence perhaps we might put ourselves in a position to rechannel the destructiveness and hence to solve the problem of morality more successfully than heretofore.
The harder they fall, the faster they rise: : Approach and avoidance focus in narcissistic CEOs

Drawing on theoretical underpinnings of approach-avoidance motivation and CEO narcissism, we provide a framework examining stronger approach focus (motivation towards desirable outcomes) and weaker avoidance focus (motivation away from undesirable outcomes) in narcissistic CEOs using a quasi-natural experimental setting�the economic crisis beginning in 2007. Because highly narcissistic CEOs possess lower avoidance motivation in the precrisis period, their firms face greater declines in the onset of the crisis. However, their greater tendency towards approach motivation enables narcissistic CEOs to increase firm performance in the postcrisis period. While narcissistic CEOs are less likely to protect against potential shocks, they are adept at helping firms recover from such shocks. Using a sample of 392 CEOs representing 2,352 CEO firm-years, we find support for the proposed framework.
Shame as a Barrier to Cultural Sensitivity and Competent Practice

Abstract Those who teach courses in diversity-related studies often encounter a dynamic represented by intense reactions on the part of students. Faculty members who are otherwise seen in a positive light often find themselves intensely criticized and can suddenly feel defensive in reaction to an onslaught of unusually negative comments. Instructors can provide a foundation for students to understand their own processes during the course of facing these issues. This can be accomplished by presenting students with a model that reflects and explains predictable reactive feelings and behavior that are anchored in feelings of shame as well as through the use of teaching exercises aimed at allowing students to come into learning through their own experiences.
Constancy and change in marine predator diets across a shift in oceanographic conditions in the Northern California Current

Variable ocean conditions can greatly impact prey assemblages and predator foraging in marine ecosystems. Our goal was to better understand how a change in ocean conditions influenced dietary niche overlap among a suite of midtrophic-level predators. We examined the diets of three fishes and one seabird off central Oregon during two boreal summer upwelling periods with contrasting El Nino (2010) and La Nina (2011) conditions. We found greater niche specialization during El Nino and increased niche overlap during La Nina in both the nekton and micronekton diet components, especially in the larger, more offshore predators. However, only the two smaller, more nearshore predators exhibited interannual variation in diet composition. Concurrent trawl surveys confirmed that changes in components of predator diets reflected changes in the prey community. Using multiple predators across diverse taxa and life histories provided a comprehensive understanding of food-web dynamics during changing ocean conditions.
The experimental use of antisense oligonucleotides: a guide for the perplexed

Antisense oligonucleotide biotechnology, at least in theory, provides a specific, rapid, and potentially high-throughput method for inhibiting gene expression and exploring gene function. Over the past decade, a plethora of experiments has been submitted, and a lesser number published, employing this approach to inhibiting gene expression at the mRNA level. The specificity of the antisense approach stems, of course, from the specificity (or, the “information content”) of the Watson-Crick base pair interaction. The fact that antisense oligonucleotides carry significant information in addition to that denoted by their nucleotide sequences is frequently overlooked. This oversight has frequently led to the lack of rigorous controls for many antisense experiments, and, on all too many occasions, to the inappropriate interpretation of experimental data (1). Indeed, serious questions have arisen as to whether an observed biological effect in an antisense experiment has indeed been produced by an antisense mechanism, or whether it is due to a complex combination of non–sequence specific effects. Investigators must therefore understand how to employ antisense technology properly and should recognize its limitations.
The viscocity of carbon dioxide in the neighbourhood of the critical point

Abstract The paper contains the results of a new determination of the viscosity of carbon dioxide in the single-phase region surrounding the critical dome. The determination was performed in a modified oscillating-disk viscometer used earlier for the determination of the viscosity of several noble gases and steam. The results show that the anomalies in the dynamic viscosity of carbon dioxide are rather mild, and several orders of magnitude lower than those reported by A. Michels, A. Botzen and W. Schuurman. The kinematic viscosity, however, exhibits a region of very rapid change with pressure at constant temperature. At attempt was made to provide a very crude estimate of the effect of density stratification in the terrestrial gravitational field in the neighborhood of the critical dome.
A new qualitative metric for assessing advanced graduate courses in computer engineering and science

Presents a philosophy underlying the design of a few advanced and graduate courses at ASU in the subdisciplines of HDLs, communications networks, computer-aided design of digital systems, distributed systems, distributed algorithms, and modeling and simulation. The philosophy has given rise to a new metric-the extent and significance of the knowledge "discovered" by the students, towards evaluating the quality of such courses. Discovery refers to the knowledge that is brought out into the open by the student for himself/herself, and it is significant in that it becomes an integral part of the individual who not only gains invaluable insight and confidence in the subject matter but can improvise, reason, and apply it to other areas in creative ways. The article illustrates the application of the metric through a number of actual cases encountered during teaching at ASU.
Using the Implicit Association Test as an Unconsciousness Raising Tool in Psychology

People are reluctant to admit they harbor implicit biases. Students (N = 68) from four social psychology courses completed an assignment designed to raise awareness about implicit biases. After com...
Feedforward current control of boost-derived single-phase PFC converters

The recently developed input current feedforward control method for boost single-phase PFC converters is generalized and applied to other, boost-derived topologies. The generalized method is applicable even when additional resonant and active clamping circuits are added to achieve soft switching in the converter power stage. The feedforward duty ratio signal in the generalized method is calculated based on the off-state voltage of the main switch instead of the output voltage as in the existing method. Measuring the switch off-state voltage requires a sample-and-hold circuit, which is best accomplished by using digital control. Applications of the proposed method to a transformer-coupled SEPIC converter with active clamping and its digital implementation are presented in detail. Numerical simulation and experimental results are reported to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed method and its suitability for different applications.
Leading change: Curriculum reform in graduate education in the biomedical sciences

The Division of Graduate Medical Sciences at the Boston University School of Medicine houses numerous dynamic graduate programs. Doctoral students began their studies with laboratory rotations and classroom training in a variety of fundamental disciplines. Importantly, with 15 unique pathways of admission to these doctoral programs, there were also 15 unique curricula. Departments and programs offered courses independently, and students participated in curricula that were overlapping combinations of these courses. This system created curricula that were not coordinated and that had redundant course content as well as content gaps. A partnership of key stakeholders began a curriculum reform process to completely restructure doctoral education at the Boston University School of Medicine. The key pedagogical goals, objectives, and elements designed into the new curriculum through this reform process created a curriculum designed to foster the interdisciplinary thinking that students are ultimately asked to utilize in their research endeavors. We implemented comprehensive student and peer evaluation of the new Foundations in Biomedical Sciences integrated curriculum to assess the new curriculum. Furthermore, we detail how this process served as a gateway toward creating a more fully integrated graduate experience, under the umbrella of the Program in Biomedical Sciences.
Some Expansions in Basic Fourier Series and Related Topics

We consider explicit expansions of some elementary and q-functions in basic Fourier series introduced recently by Bustoz and Suslov. Natural q-extensions of the Bernoulli and Euler polynomials, numbers, and the Riemann zeta function are discussed as a by-product.
Atmospheric‐pressure ionization interface for a bench‐top quadrupole ion trap

A novel interface is described that effects the sampling and mass analysis of ions formed at atmospheric pressure into a Saturn II bench-top quadrupole ion-trap mass spectrometer. The standard high-vacuum pumping system of the system is unchanged, bit a 960L/min rotary pump is incorporated to pump the first vacuum stage of the atmospheric-pressure ion sampling interface. An ‘Electric skimmer’ ion focusing region in the first vacuum turbomolecular pump of the Sasturn II maintains high vaccuum at 4×10−4 Torr in the analyzer region while helium damping gas is introduced. By vaarying the potential difference between selected lenses in the first vacuum region the ‘declustering’ energy may be varied to decluster effectively ion/molecule dissociation mass spectra. The on-line analysis of quaternary ammonium drugs by liquid chromatography of 5 ng and 150 pg, respectively.
Dependence CdS/CdTe solar cells efficiency and nonuniformity on CdS layer thickness

We have prepared cell with a variable thickness of CdS layer to get an understanding of the optimum thickness as well as it lowest limits for practical purposes. We used quantum efficiency current-voltage and light beam induce current testing to investigate cell performance as well as nonuniformity. The best results are achieved with 0.1 micron CdS layer. This number does depend slightly on the quality of CdCl 2 treatment and the thickness of the CdTe layer. For the case of magnetron sputtered cells, nonuniformities have a relatively weak dependence on CdS layer thickness. We find also that some nonuniformities arise from postdeposition sample treatment and handling.
Evaluating the SAFT-VR and the Sanchez–Lacombe EOS for Modeling the Solubility of Blowing Agents in Polyols:

The statistical associating fluid theory with variable range (SAFT-VR) is a robust equation of state (EOS) with six parameters that describe the thermodynamics of complex systems. Earlier works with this EOS have already predicted the phase co-existence properties of various refrigerants and higher order alkane series compounds, along with their mixtures. In this work, the SAFT-VR EOS has been used to correlate the P-V-T properties of three polyols, namely Pluracol® 355, Pluracol® 975, and Terol® 352. The solubility of nine, zero ozone-depleting blowing agents in these three polyols has been correlated wherever the experimental data are available, and the solubility curves have been produced. The solubility results obtain from SAFT-VR EOS have been compared to a lattice theory based EOS known as Sanchez-Lacombe (SL). In addition, the solubility results of some blowing agents are predicted using the SAFT-VR EOS and the SL EOS, in the above-mentioned polyols wherever there is no experimental data. In general, the SL EOS predicts the solubility of the blowing agents in the polyols more accurately than the SAFT-VR EOS.
Kinetics of Citrate‐induced Activation and Polymerization of Chick Liver Acetyl‐CoA Carboxylase

The kinetic time course of citrate-induced activation and polymerization (into filaments) of the protomeric form of acetyl-CoA carboxylase were compared to assess the concertedness of the two processes. Rapid-quench techniques were employed to measure the kinetics of activation of the carboxylase-catalyzed reaction by citrate. When enzyme was preincubated with citrate prior to initiating the steady state turnover reaction with acetyl-CoA in the rapid-quench device, the observed rate of carboxylation of acetyl-CoA was apparently linear from the moment of mixing. However, when enzyme was mixed with citrate to initiate the reaction, a lag (t1/2 = 0.7 s) occurred in the approach to steady state carboxylation rate. This lag was independent of enzyme concentration over a 230-fold range and was marginally dependent upon citrate concentration. Over the same range of enzyme concentration, polymerization of carboxylase protomers, as determined by right angle light scattering, was enzyme concentration-dependent in a manner predicted by a single protomer activation step, followed by a rate-limiting dimerization of active protomer and subsequent polymerization. Polymerization is a second order process, with a second order rate constant of 597,000 M-1 s-1. There appear to be two steps that limit polymerization of the inactive carboxylase protomer: a rapid citrate-induced conformational change, which is independent of enzyme concentration and leads to an active protomeric form of the enzyme and the dimerization of the active protomer, which constitutes the first step of polymerization and is enzyme concentration-dependent. Dimerization is the rate-limiting step of acetyl-CoA carboxylase polymerization. On the basis these results, it is concluded that activation of catalysis and the polymerization of carboxylase protomers are not concerted. Furthermore, activation of carboxylation leading to the formation of an active protomer was faster than polymerization under all conditions, and therefore precedes polymerization. It was also shown that the activation constant (Kact) for citrate is altered in a predictable manner by the accumulation of the reaction product, malonyl-CoA, the Kact increasing with malonyl-CoA concentration. Depolymerization of fully polymerized acetyl-CoA carboxylase is caused by malonyl-CoA or ATP.Mg (and HCO3-). Both malonyl-CoA and ATP.Mg (and HCO3-) compete with citrate in the maintenance of a given state of the protomer-polymer equilibrium apparently by carboxylating the enzyme to form enzyme-biotin CO2- which destabilizes the polymeric form.
Early assessment of MCM packaging in the large system environment

The author focuses on a complex part of the design equation, multichip module (MCM) packaging, and presents an analysis tool, called Pepper, and associated methodology for evaluating early in the design cycle the matching between a proposed machine design and a given packaging technology. As an introduction to early package analysis, a basic overview of the interrelationship between system performance and package architecture is given. Two views of system performance are presented, first in terms of the traditional view as a function of cycles per instruction and cycle time, and second, from a circuit and package delay point of view. The approach provides an environment for designers as well as technologists to perform what if and design sensitivity studies at an early point in the design cycle, prior to chip design. >
Getting on the Board: The Presence of Women in Political Science Journal Editorial Positions

Although the overall representation of women in the field of political science has increased gradually over the last several decades, most gains are being achieved at junior levels. When considering the status of women in the profession, it is instructive to incorporate information on the presence of women in editorial positions at top-ranked political science journals. Our 2010 snapshot of women editors in the top 50 journals in the field finds that on average, women are reasonably well represented in editorial positions in proportion to the ranks they hold in the profession overall and at PhD-granting institu- tions; however, substantial variation exists across journals. Our discussion of the role- model effect and the gatekeeping power of editors suggests that greater inclusion of women and others who bring different perspectives to research could result in a more vibrant range of research topics and methodological approaches published in a journal.
Rethinking Nazism and Religion: How Anti-Christian were the “Pagans”?

In June 1937, a thirteen-year-old boy by the name of Fritz Bruggemann wrote Heinrich Himmler, the Reichsfuhrer-SS and head of the German police, asking for some theological advice. Himmler, a leading “neopagan” in the Nazi movement, had formally left the Catholic Church in 1936, but had been lost to Christianity years before. Fritz Bruggemann had also left his church, which meant that he, like Himmler, formally went by the designation gottglaubig (literally “believing in God”). Those designated as “believing in God” did not just avoid church taxes; they were also making a statement about their rejection of Germany's two confessions and their interest in a new volkisch alternative. Still, for this young Hitler Youth squad leader from Schonebeck, a speech on religion delivered to his troop was causing him concern. He was not sure if he had heard correctly, but he thought he understood the speaker to say that Jesus had been a Jew. He wrote to see if the Reichsfuhrer-SS could perhaps enlighten him on this question. He received a reply from Rudolf Brandt, Himmler's personal assistant and a leading figure in his entourage. “The Reichsfuhrer is of the opinion,” wrote Brandt, “that Christ was not a Jew. You must certainly have misunderstood the speaker.”
Photonic bandgap structures used as filters in microstrip circuits

The application of photonic bandgap structures (PBG's) as substrates in microstrip circuits has been investigated. The effects of substrate thickness, microstrip transmission line location, and length of the PBG structure were studied using a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation and experimental measurement. A low-pass filter with a very wide high-frequency rejection bandwidth was constructed from a serial connection of many different PBG structures.
Molecular dynamics simulations of beta-hairpin folding.

Molecular dynamics simulations of β-hairpin folding have been carried out with a solvent-referenced potential at 274 K. The model peptide V4DPGV4 formed stable β-hairpin conformations and the β-hairpin ratio calculated by the DSSP algorithm was about 56% in the 50-ns simulation. Folding into β-hairpin conformations is independent of the initial conformations. The simulations provided insights into the folding mechanism. The hydrogen bond often formed in a β-turn first, and then propagated by forming more hydrogen bonds along the strands. Unfolding and refolding occurred repeatedly during the simulations. Both the hydrogen bonding and the hydrophobic interaction played important roles in forming the ordered structure. Without the hydrophobic effect, stable β-hairpin conformations did not form in the simulations. With the same energy functions, the alanine-based peptide (AAQAA)3Y folded into helical conformations, in agreement with experiments. Folding into an α-helix or a β-hairpin is amino acid sequence-dependent. Proteins 1999;37:325–333. ©1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Human Becoming: Parse's Theory of Nursing:

This article updates Parse's theory of human becoming (formerly man-living-health) and the congruent practice and research methodologies. The language of the assumptions and principles is revised to be in keeping with the change in name, from "man-living-health" to "human becoming." No other aspects of the theory are changed. Assumptions underpinning the Parse research method are specified for the first time. Specific examples are included to illustrate the practice methodology and references named to demonstrate the research methodologies. The practice and research methodologies are presently evolving, and it is anticipated that the evolution and use of these methodologies will enhance the theory. The ontology and the congruent methodologies are offered as a contribution to the evolution of nursing science.
Performance tradeoffs in cache design

Cache memories have become common across a wide range of computer implementations. To date, most analyses of cache performance have concentrated on time independent metrics, such as miss rate and traffic ratio. This paper presents a series of simulations that explore the interactions between various organizational decisions and program execution time. We investigate the tradeoffs between cache size and CPU/Cache cycle time, set associativity and cycle time, and between block size and main memory speed. The results indicate that neither cycle time nor cache size dominates the other across the entire design space. For common implementation technologies, performance is maximized when the size is increased to the 32KB to 128KB range with modest penalties to the cycle time. If set associativity impacts the cycle time by more than a few nanoseconds, it increases overall execution time. Since the block size and memory transfer rate combine to affect the cache miss penalty, the optimum block size is substantially smaller than that which minimizes the miss rate. Finally, the interdependence between optimal cache configuration and the main memory speed necessitates multi-level cache hierarchies for high performance uniprocessors.