cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shahri Jat and Dehati Jatni : The Indian peasant community in transition

This paper seeks to understand the gender-specific consequences of the Shahargaon Jat community's increasing urban contact with New Delhi. It examines the consequences of a quick assimilation of Jat men into income-generating activities in the urban market and a corresponding loss of Jat women's economic roles, leading to their further seclusion and marginalization within the household and community. By providing a historically contextualized account of shifts in gender identity and relations in Shahargaon, the paper considers the ways in which the newly constructed urban patriarchal gender ideology and its asymmetric power relations reinforce gender disparity and marginalize women in an urbanizing community. The Shahargaon Jat community's particular historical and patriarchal context, kinship and marriage rules, and the present state of urbanization constitutes an example of the overall failure of urban exposure to improve economic participation and the overall quality of life for women in urbanizing com...
Quartz crystal rheometry: A quantitative technique for studying curing and aging in artists' paints

Abstract In this paper we demonstrate the use of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as an effective new tool to measure the physical properties of artists' paints during cure in real time, with unprecedented sensitivity to both mass changes and mechanical properties. While QCM-based dosimeters have been used in the conservation field primarily as mass sensors, the limits of the technique are here extended so that the rheological properties of the materials are obtained as well. The capabilities of the technique are illustrated with alkyd resins, a binder for artists' paints developed in the late 1920s that became widely used in the 1950s. Curing of an alkyd film was monitored both in ambient conditions and at elevated temperatures. By using the QCM as a thin film rheometer, the changes in the film's mass and high-frequency dynamic shear modulus were monitored, and the ability to quantify temperature-dependent changes in the cure rate was demonstrated. The film was also exposed to water and showed slight mass loss but no significant changes in mechanical properties. This work demonstrates that the QCM can be a useful tool for quantifying changes in the mechanical properties of artists' paint films during aging and exposure to different environmental conditions.
An Experimental Investigation into Additive Manufacturing-Induced Residual Stresses in 316L Stainless Steel

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology provides unique opportunities for producing net-shape geometries at the macroscale through microscale processing. This level of control presents inherent trade-offs necessitating the establishment of quality controls aimed at minimizing undesirable properties, such as porosity and residual stresses. Here, we perform a parametric study into the effects of laser scanning pattern, power, speed, and build direction in powder bed fusion AM on residual stress. In an effort to better understand the factors influencing macroscale residual stresses, a destructive surface residual stress measurement technique (digital image correlation in conjunction with build plate removal and sectioning) has been coupled with a nondestructive volumetric evaluation method (i.e., neutron diffraction). Good agreement between the two measurement techniques is observed. Furthermore, a reduction in residual stress is obtained by decreasing scan island size, increasing island to wall rotation to 45 deg, and increasing applied energy per unit length (laser power/speed). Neutron diffraction measurements reveal that, while in-plane residual stresses are affected by scan island rotation, axial residual stresses are unchanged. We attribute this in-plane behavior to misalignment between the greatest thermal stresses (scan direction) and largest part dimension.
Thermal concentration gradients and the thermal diffusion ratio in 3 He- 4 He mixtures near the tricritical point

We report a study of transient effects in sound velocity measurements in several3He-4He mixtures near the tricritical point, from which by extrapolation we derive the equilibrium thermal concentration gradient and the thermal diffusion ratiok T . In the superfluid phase, the thermal concentration gradient is found to be proportional to the concentration susceptibility.
State detection from local measurements in network synchronisation processes

The problem of detecting the initial state of a network dynamics from noisy local observations is examined. Specifically, a linear synchronisation dynamics defined on a graph is modelled as being initiated by two possible initial conditions (or hypotheses) with certain a priori probabilities, to capture two possible evolutions of the network dynamics; an external agent is modelled as measuring the network dynamics at one network component, and is tasked with determining which hypothesis is more likely. We find that the external agent's detection performance (specifically, probability of error in MAP detection) can be classified into three cases, depending on the network's spectrum and graph topology, the hypotheses, and the observation location. Specifically, the detector performance can be dichotomised into: (1) a no-improvement case, in which the measured data does not permit improved detection compared to an a priori detection; (2) an asymptotically-perfect case in which the error probability approache...
Correlative electrophysiological and behavioral evaluation following L5 lesions in the cat: A model of spasticity

Abstract The present work developed an animal model of hind-limb spasticity by analyzing the electrophysiological and behavioral consequences of L 5 spinal cord lesions in cats. In chronically lesioned animals (1 to 6 months), the L 7 -S 1 dorsal roots were stimulated and evoked potentials were recorded from hindlimb flexor and extensor motor nerves. Following lateral hemisection, the monosynaptic responses were 2–5 times larger (for voltage-time integral and for amplitude) on the ipsilateral side than those from the contralateral side or from control animals. Half-widths, rise-times, and latencies of the monosynaptic responses were the same on both sides. Behavioral signs of spasticity, including hypertonia and increased deep tendon reflexes, were displayed from the ipsilateral hindlimb following lateral hemisection. With lateral hemisection or with extensive dorsal quadrant lesions, hopping and proprioceptive placing reflexes were abolished; these behavioral observations impart functional significance to physiological and anatomical studies of a mid-lumbar center considered to be important for movement control. The present model represents the first demonstration of a statistically significant correlation between electrophysiological and behavioral observations of spasticity for animals with a lateral hemisection. These correlations demonstrate the utility of behavioral screening of animals for subsequent neurophysiological analyses. This facilitates the investigation of cellular events underlying spasticity and of strategies for its relief with tissue repair techniques affecting local circuitry involved in spasticity.
Ubiquitin-binding site 2 of ataxin-3 prevents its proteasomal degradation by interacting with Rad23

Polyglutamine repeat expansion in ataxin-3 causes neurodegeneration in the most common dominant ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). Since reducing levels of disease proteins improves pathology in animals, we investigated how ataxin-3 is degraded. Here we show that, unlike most proteins, ataxin-3 turnover does not require its ubiquitination, but is regulated by ubiquitin-binding site 2 (UbS2) on its N terminus. Mutating UbS2 decreases ataxin-3 protein levels in cultured mammalian cells and in Drosophila melanogaster by increasing its proteasomal turnover. Ataxin-3 interacts with the proteasome-associated proteins Rad23A/B through UbS2. Knockdown of Rad23 in cultured cells and in Drosophila results in lower levels of ataxin-3 protein. Importantly, reducing Rad23 suppresses ataxin-3-dependent degeneration in flies. We present a mechanism for ubiquitination-independent degradation that is impeded by protein interactions with proteasome-associated factors. We conclude that UbS2 is a potential target through which to enhance ataxin-3 degradation for SCA3 therapy.
Gas Permeability, Solubility, and Diffusion Coefficients in 1,2-Polybutadiene Containing Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (3 nm) were dispersed in 1,2-polybutadiene via solution casting. Particles were observed to be dispersed into submicron aggregates using atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The nanocomposite density was consistently lower than that anticipated on the basis of an additive model, suggesting the presence of voids in the nanocomposites. The incorporation of nanoparticles into 1,2-polybutadiene increased acid gas (i.e., CO2) and nonpolar gas (i.e., CH4, N2) permeability with increasing particle loading. For instance, CO2 permeability increased from 52 barrer in the unfilled polymer to 650 barrer in a nanocomposite containing 27 vol % (nominal) MgO, at 35 °C and a feed pressure of 12 atm. CO2/nonpolar gas selectivity decreased with increasing particle loading, while CH4/N2 selectivity was not influenced by the particles. Gas solubility increased systematically with increasing particle loading. In contrast, gas diffusion coefficients initially decreased wit...
Single-phase and two-phase cooling characteristics of upward-facing and downward-facing sprays

Experiments were performed to ascertain the cooling characteristics of PF-5052 sprays impacting a square heated test surface in an upward orientation. Three full-cone spray nozzles were used to span a broad range of volumetric flux. Also examined were the effects of Sauter mean diameter and subcooling. The present data were compared to prior data for downward-oriented FC-72, FC-87 and water sprays to assess the effects of spray orientation on cooling performance. The combined database facilitated the development of generalized correlations for single-phase heat transfer, nucleate boiling, and critical heat flux (CHF). The nucleate boiling data for different fluids and both upward and downward orientation were fitted using a single correlation based on density ratio, Weber number and Jacob number. A CHF correlation previously developed for downward-oriented sprays was equally successful at predicting the present upward-oriented PF-5052 spray data. Overall, orientation showed no measurable influence on any of the spray cooling regimes examined.
EFFECT OF N-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS ON LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE: A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMISED PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIALS

Objectives the objective of this study was to assess the effect of supplementation of n-3 PUFA on left ventricular ejective fraction (LVEF), as a measure of left ventricular systolic function in heart failure patients. Methods we performed a meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled trials to evaluate the effect of n-3 PUFA on left ventricular function in patients with CHF. Trials were searched in Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane library database, reviews and reference lists of relevant articles. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was imputed for net changes of LVEF by using random effect models. Meta-regression, sub-group analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. Results Six trials (nine comparisons) were included in present meta-analysis. In an overall pooled estimate, compared with placebo group, n-3 PUFA significantly increased LVEF (WMD: 3.57%; 95% CI 1.57 to 5.41; p=0.0004. Heterogeneity test: I 2 =94%, p Conclusions Supplementation of n-3 PUFA may improve left ventricular function in patients with CHF, especially with long duration or in diabetic subjects.
Effect of Envelope Limiting in Adaptive Array Control Loops

The properties of an adaptive array antenna, including transient response rate and control loop noise, depend on the intensity of the external noise field. This dependence can be reduced by envelope hard limiting in the control loops, without degrading the performance of the adaptive array.
Interaction between uranium and the cytochrome c3 of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans strain G20

Cytochrome c 3 of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans strain G20 is an electron carrier for uranium (VI) reduction. When D. desulfuricans G20 was grown in medium containing a non-lethal concentration of uranyl acetate (1 mM), the rate at which the cells reduced U(VI) was decreased compared to cells grown in the absence of uranium. Western analysis did not detect cytochrome c 3 in periplasmic extracts from cells grown in the presence of uranium. The expression of this predominant tetraheme cytochrome was not detectably altered by uranium during growth of the cells as monitored through a translational fusion of the gene encoding cytochrome c 3 (cycA) to lacZ. Instead, cytochrome c 3 protein was found tightly associated with insoluble U(IV), uraninite, after the periplasmic contents of cells were harvested by a pH shift. The association of cytochrome c 3 with U(IV) was interpreted to be non-specific, since pure cytochrome c 3 adsorbed to other insoluble metal oxides, including cupric oxide (CuO), ferric oxide (Fe2O3), and commercially available U(IV) oxide.
Factors affecting the room-temperature mechanical properties of TiCr2-base Laves phase alloys

Abstract Various effects on the room-temperature mechanical properties of TiCr 2 -base alloys have been assessed in efforts to improve the toughness of Laves phase intermetallics (AB 2 ). Systematic studies were performed on: (i) single-phase stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric TiCr 2 , (ii) TiCr 2 -base ternary Laves phases, and (iii) two-phase binary alloys containing TiCr 2 . In order to make quantitative comparisons among the different alloys, Vickers indentation was used to obtain hardness and fracture toughness values. Within the single-phase field, constitutional defects accounted for the compositional dependencies of properties, and may aid the synchroshear deformation process. Ternary Laves phases comprised of Fe, Nb, V or Mo additions to TiCr 2 indicated that alloying elements which partition to both A and B sublattices can improve the toughness. Stabilization of the cubic C 15 crystal structure also resulted in higher toughness values. Small amounts of the bcc β -phase effectively reduced crack lengths in the Laves phase, and two-phase alloys of (Ti,Cr)+TiCr 2 exhibited significant improvements in toughness.
On aggregation and its implications for aggregate behaviour

Abstract This paper investigates aggregate behaviour using multiple indexes, assuming that micro behaviour is consistent with economic theory but unrestricted otherwise. The focus is on meanspread characterizations of the distribution of the relevant characteristics across micro units. Special attention is given to price dispersion. A number of testable hypotheses are derived on the properties of aggregate behaviour without assuming the existence of a representative agent.
Guanylate cyclase—Cyclic GMP in mouse cerebral cortex and cerebellum: Modification by anticonvulsants

Abstract Incubated tissue slices from mouse cerebral cortex and cerebellum readily accumulate cyclic GMP in response to a challenge by ouabain, NaN 3 , NH 2 OH, or KCl. Under similar conditions, l -glutamate, l -aspartate, glycine, γ-aminobutyric acid, kainic acid, and the calcium ionophore, A-23187, were ineffective. Inhibition of the ouabain-induced accumulation of cyclic GMP was evident with valproate, carbamazepine, clonazepam, phenytoin, and phenobarbital. Only phenytoin blocked the action of KCl and cyclic GMP responses to NaN 3 were inhibited by high concentrations of valproate, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital. The effects of NH 2 OH were attenuated by high concentrations of carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and clonazepam (cortex only). Guanylate cyclase activity in homogenates of cortex and cerebellum was enhanced in the presence of NaN 3 , NH 2 OH, or Ca 2+ (in low concentrations of Mn 2+ ). The enzyme activation induced by Ca + was blocked only by large (1 m m ) amounts of carbamazepine. In like manner, large concentrations of carbamazepine, phenytoin (cortex), or clonazepam (cortex) were effective in reducing guanylate cyclase stimulation by NaN 3 . No agent affected the NH 2 OH responses. The results suggest that anticonvulsant drug actions with regard to central cyclic GMP systems are related to the Na + -induced depolarization of nerve tissue and not to any direct actions on the guanylate cyclase enzyme.
Evaluation of a Three‐Dimensional Hydrodynamic Model Applied to Chesapeake Bay Through Long‐Term Simulation of Transport Processes

A numerical model, the Curvilinear Hydrodynamics in 3-Dimensions, Waterway Experiment Station version (CH3D-WES), was applied to represent transport processes of the Chesapeake Bay. Grid resolution and spatial coverage, tied with realistic bathymetry, ensured dynamic responses along the channel and near the shoreline. The model was run with the forcing ranges from high frequency astronomical tides to lower frequency meteorological forcing, given by surface wind and heat flux, as well as hydrological forcing given by fresh water inflows both from upstream and distributed sources along the shoreline. To validate the model, a long-term simulation over seven-year time period between 1994 and 2000 was performed. The model results were compared with existing observation data including water level time series, which spans over a wide spectrum of time scales, and long-term variations in salinity structures over varying parts of the Bay. The validated model is set to provide an appropriate transport mechanism to the water quality model through linkage, warranting that the model takes into account the complexity in time and spatial scales associated with the dynamic processes in the Chesapeake. (KEY TERMS: estuaries; hydrodynamics; computational methods; simulation.) Kim, Sung-Chan, 2013. Evaluation of a Three-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Model Applied to Chesapeake Bay Through Long-Term Simulation of Transport Processes. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1-13. DOI: 10.1111/jawr.12113
Interaction between Experiments, Analytical Theories, and Computation

This article is a summary of a talk given at the ACS Centennial Symposium in Physical Chemistry in Philadelphia in 2008, updated with more recent studies. In keeping with the spirit of the symposium, the article is in part historical and in part a review of the newer research. The talk was divided into two parts, the first on different isotopic effects in chemistry, including the mass-independent fractionation phenomenon in gases and H/D isotope effects in enzymes, and the second on two different surface phenomena, “The Bad and the Good”. The “Bad” is the fluorescence intermittency of semiconductor nanoparticles, (quantum dots, QD) being an unwanted feature in sensor applications. The “Good” is the “on water” catalysis of organic reactions, a mode of green chemistry. The possible role of Auger-type mechanisms in trapping and detrapping in the QD and hence in the formation of dark and light periods is explored. Some suggestions are made on the novel “breakpoint” phenomenon discovered for H transfer in a thermophilic enzyme.
Examining Objectification Theory: Lesbian and Heterosexual Women's Experiences With Sexual and Self-Objectification

Many theorists have suggested that living in a culture in which women's bodies are sexually objectified socializes girls and women to treat themselves as objects. This study developed a theory-based measure of cultural sexual objectification and explored the relationship between women's reports of cultural sexual objectification experiences and self-objectification. The possible moderating effects of sexual orientation were explored using hierarchical moderated regressions. The major findings, in a sample of 361 women, were (a) women's reports of sexualized gaze/harassment were significantly related to their own self-objectification, (b) lesbian and heterosexual women reported similar levels of sexualized gaze/harassment, and (c) the relationship between sexualized gaze/harassment and self-objectification was not significantly different for the lesbian and heterosexual subsamples. Potential implications for counseling and directions for future research are discussed.
Cutting, splicing, reordering, and elimination of DNA sequences in hypotrichous ciliates

Hypotrichous ciliates extensively process genomic DNA during their life cycle. Processing occurs after cell mating, beginning with multiple rounds of DNA replication to form polytene chromosomes. Thousands of transposonlike elements are then excised from the chromosomes and destroyed, and thousands of short, internal eliminated sequences (IESs) are excised from coding and noncoding parts of genes and destroyed. IES removal from a gene is accompanied by splicing of the remaining chromosomal DNA segments to form a transcriptionally competent gene. For some genes these DNA segments are in a scrambled order and are ligated into a genetically correct order at the time of IES removal. Next the polytene chromosomes are cut up band-by-band and all genes are excised from the chromosomes as short, linear molecules averaging 2.2 kbp (in Oxytricha nova). Gene excision is accompanied by destruction of all nongenic DNA, which, together with the transposonlike elements and IESs, accounts for approximately 95% of the total sequence complexity of the genome in O. nova. Telomeric sequences are added to the excised gene-sized DNA molecules. Finally, the gene-sized molecules are replicated several times to form the macronucleus of the organism.
The Korean Language in America: The Role of Cultural Identity in Heritage Language Learning

The paper examines the role of cultural identity and heritage language maintenance among the lives of 40 second-generation Korean-American university students in the United States. The study focuses on three questions: (1) what is the level of heritage language proficiency and language use among second generation Korean-American youths?; (2) which culture(s) do these youths identify themselves with, Korean or American, and to what extent?; and (3) is there a relationship between cultural identity and heritage language proficiency? Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the questionnaire data showed that most second-generation Korean-Americans achieve some level of Korean proficiency, but they overwhelmingly agree that it is not enough. They acknowledge the importance of knowing their heritage language, but feel that the existing language courses in the community-based language schools are not meeting their needs. The informants stated that the absence of societal recognition of the importance in maintai...
Consumer Behavior in Later Life: Current Knowledge, Issues, and New Directions for Research

The aging of the Earth's populations has been creating increasing interest in older consumers among researchers, marketers, and policymakers. Yet previous research efforts have produced little knowledge to help explain consumer behavior in later life. The main reason for this limited knowledge may be a lack of theoretical and methodological bases for studying the consumption patterns of older generations. This article advocates the value of emergent paradigms and methods that are becoming increasingly popular in behavioral sciences and hold promise for studying the consumer behavior of older adults. It particularly recommends approaches that emphasize the importance of examining consumers in the context of the time and life circumstances in which they are embedded, and it builds a research agenda to help address contemporary research issues and guide further research.
Evidence-Based Prosecution of Intimate Partner Violence in the Post-Crawford Era A Single-City Study of the Factors Leading to Prosecution

The Crawford v. Washington decision has prompted changes in the way that intimate partner violence (IPV) is prosecuted. This research uses logistic regression to examine the victim, offender, and offense characteristics associated with the decision to prosecute a sample (N = 904) of domestic violence arrestees under an evidence-based prosecution strategy post-Crawford. Documentation of injury and police taking the perpetrator into custody at the scene of the crime have the greatest effect on the decision to prosecute, although the victim’s willingness to assist with prosecution is also a significant factor. Future researchers should seek to replicate these findings, better understand current prosecution strategies, and determine the criminal justice and social service interventions best equipped to combat IPV in the post-Crawford era.
Ureteroscopic Access: Sheaths, Balloons, and Wireless Approaches

There exist a variety of techniques to obtain access to the ureter and renal collecting system during ureteroscopy. The initial steps involve retrograde insertion of one or more “working” wires through the ureter to coil in the renal pelvis. Several types of wires are available to help negotiate obstructing stones or tortuous segments. A second “safety” wire is typically placed to facilitate repeat access to the collecting system. After wire placement, a semirigid ureteroscope can be passed directly into the ureter or a flexible ureteroscope can be passed over a working wire, Seldinger-fashion. A number of devices exist to provide ureteral dilation, should this be necessary. In some cases, a ureteral access sheath may provide an advantage, easing repeated access to the ureter for stone fragment extraction and decreasing intrarenal pressures. Urologists should become comfortable with a variety of ureteral access techniques to maximize success in a wide range of clinical situations
Formulas for Equating Ratings on Different Scales

Formulas for transforming scores and statistics on a rating scale having any number of categories to a scale having a different number of categories are described. The origins of the two scales may be any negative or positive integers; the scales may increase in the same or opposite directions and have any category widths. The transformation formulas provide not only a procedure for equating scores on different scales but also a method of investigating a variety of research questions involving ratings. To illustrate the use of one of the formulas, the means and variances of 10 items on six forms of a course evaluation questionnaire were compared. Significant differences were found in transformed mean item ratings for some of the six forms, which differed in the number of categories (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7) available to the raters.
Sensory properties of ginseng solutions modified by masking agents.

: Ginseng is one of the most popular functional ingredients found in energy drink formulations. Although ginseng is known for its health benefits, ginseng is also notorious for imparting a bitter taste. Incorporating ginseng into beverages without the bitterness, while still maintaining its health benefits, is necessary for developing an acceptable product. Thus, the objectives of this study were to (1) identify effective treatments for minimizing the bitterness of ginseng in water base and model energy drink base solutions and (2) determine the sensory effects of incorporating different treatment levels to minimize the bitterness of ginseng. A series of pilot studies investigating bitterness reducing treatments were conducted, which included: congruent flavor addition, bitterness blocking agent incorporation, enzymatic modification, ingredient interaction, and complexation. Based on the results of a series of pilot studies, γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) complexation agents were identified as having the most potential. Effectiveness of the γ-CDs, β-CDs, and combinations of γ- and β-CDs were tested in 100 mL water and in 100 mL model energy drink base solutions containing 0.052 g 80% ginsenosides panax ginseng, using descriptive sensory analysis. Twelve trained panelists evaluated 42 solution treatments (3 treatments × 7 levels × 2 bases) for bitter attributes with and without nose clips. Overall, the most effective treatments were 0.09 g γ-CDs in 100 mL of solution and 1 g β-CDs in 100 mL solution, which both reduced the bitterness intensity of the solutions by half. Incorporation of these levels of CDs in water and model energy drink base solutions containing ginseng will aid in the development of functional beverages that are more acceptable to a wider range of consumers.
PATTERNS OF HERBIVORY AND DECOMPOSITION IN AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS

Describing the relative magnitude and controls of herbivory and decomposition is important in understanding the trophic transference, recycling, and storage of carbon and nutrients in diverse ecosystems. We examine the variability in herbivory and decomposition between and within a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. We also analyze how that variability is associated with differences in net primary production and producer nutritional quality. Net primary production and producer nutritional quality are uncorrelated between the two types of system or within either type. Producer nutritional quality is correlated to the percentage of primary production consumed by herbivores or percentage of detrital production decomposed annually, regardless of whether the comparison is made between the two types of systems or within either type of system. Thus, producer nutritional quality stands out as a consistent indicator of the importance of consumers as top-down controls of producer biomass and detritus...
Fast Identification of Undetectable Transition Faults under Functional Broadside Tests

This paper describes a fast procedure for identifying undetectable transition faults under functional broadside tests. By using reachable states as scan-in states, functional broadside tests avoid overtesting that may occur when scan-based tests are used for detecting delay faults. The proposed procedure is based only on logic simulation, and does not perform test generation of any type. In one of its variations, the procedure uses logic simulation of fully unspecified primary input vectors starting from a known initial state in order to identify a superset of broadside tests that covers all the functional broadside tests. It then uses this superset to identify undetectable transition faults. The procedure identifies large numbers of undetectable transition faults in certain benchmark circuits.
Short characteristic solution of the non-LTE line transfer problem by operator perturbation—II. The two-dimensional planar slab

Abstract We present the formal solution of the transfer problem in terms of the exponential short characteristic method and derive approximate operators that allow for the iterative solution of the non-LTE two-level atom problem. An eigenvalue analysis for the convergence rate of these operators and several approximate operators proposed by other authors is presented. The family of operators presented for the short characteristic approach range from local diagonal approximations to tridiagonal and pentadiagonal operators. The extension to multidimensions of the several proposed approximate operators is discussed.
Fault Tolerant Interleaved Switching Fabrics For Scalable High-Performance Routers

Scalable high-performance routers and switches are required to provide a larger number of ports, higher throughput, and good reliability. Most of today's routers and switches are implemented using single crossbar as the switched fabric. The single crossbar complexity increases at O(N2) in terms of crosspoint number, which might become unacceptable for scalability as the port number (N) increases. A delta class self-routing multistage interconnection network (MIN) with the complexity of O(N times log2N) has been widely used in the asynchronous transfer mode switches. However, the reduction of the crosspoint number results in considerable internal blocking. A number of scalable methods have been proposed to solve this problem. One of them uses more stages with recirculation architecture to reroute the deflected packets, which greatly increase the latency. In this paper, we propose an interleaved multistage switching fabrics architecture and assess its throughput with an analytical model and simulations. We compare this novel scheme with some previous parallel architectures and show its benefits. From extensive simulations under different traffic patterns and fault models, our interleaved architecture achieves better performance than its counterpart of single panel fabric. Our interleaved scheme achieves speedups (over the single panel fabric) of 3.4 and 2.25 under uniform and hot-spot traffic patterns, respectively, at maximum load (p = 1). Moreover, the interleaved fabrics show great tolerance against internal hardware failures.
SIGNIFICANT ELEVATION OF GROWTH HORMONE LEVEL IMPACTS SURGICAL OUTCOMES IN ACROMEGALY

ABSTRACT Objective: Transsphenoidal adenomectomy (TSA) is first-line treatment for acromegaly. Our aim was to determine the impact of pre-operative biochemical parameters on the outcomes of surgery. Methods: Retrospective case series of 79 consecutive acromegalics operated between 1994 and 2013. Inclusion criteria were: first TSA, pathology-confirmed growth hormone (GH) adenoma, and follow-up >3 months. Biochemical remission was defined as normal insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) without adjuvant therapy during follow-up. Results: Median follow-up was 35.4 months (range, 3 to 187 months). Logistic regression analysis showed that the best model to predict long-term remission included the following pre-operative markers: GH, tumor diameter, and cavernous sinus invasion (CSI) (area under the curve, 0.933). A threshold GH of 40 ng/mL was associated with long-term remission (sensitivity, 97%; specificity, 42%). Group A (GH >40 ng/mL) comprised 19 patients (9 men); age, 43 ± 13 years; tumor diameter, 2.7 ± 1...
Energy use, blue water footprint, and greenhouse gas emissions for current food consumption patterns and dietary recommendations in the US

This article measures the changes in energy use, blue water footprint, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with shifting from current US food consumption patterns to three dietary scenarios, which are based, in part, on the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines (US Department of Agriculture and US Department of Health and Human Services in Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, 7th edn, US Government Printing Office, Washington, 2010). Amidst the current overweight and obesity epidemic in the USA, the Dietary Guidelines provide food and beverage recommendations that are intended to help individuals achieve and maintain healthy weight. The three dietary scenarios we examine include (1) reducing Caloric intake levels to achieve “normal” weight without shifting food mix, (2) switching current food mix to USDA recommended food patterns, without reducing Caloric intake, and (3) reducing Caloric intake levels and shifting current food mix to USDA recommended food patterns, which support healthy weight. This study finds that shifting from the current US diet to dietary Scenario 1 decreases energy use, blue water footprint, and GHG emissions by around 9 %, while shifting to dietary Scenario 2 increases energy use by 43 %, blue water footprint by 16 %, and GHG emissions by 11 %. Shifting to dietary Scenario 3, which accounts for both reduced Caloric intake and a shift to the USDA recommended food mix, increases energy use by 38 %, blue water footprint by 10 %, and GHG emissions by 6 %. These perhaps counterintuitive results are primarily due to USDA recommendations for greater Caloric intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and fish/seafood, which have relatively high resource use and emissions per Calorie.
Self-organization of homopolymer brush- and mixed homopolymer brush-grafted silica nanoparticles in block copolymers and polymer blends

Abstract In this report, hierarchical self-organization of poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PtBA) brush- and mixed PtBA/polystyrene (PS) brush-grafted silica nanoparticles (NPs) in PtBA-b-PS block copolymer and PtBA/PS polymer blend matrices having different molecular weights was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Driven by the entropic interactions between the brushes and the polymer matrices (i.e., wet- and dry-brush effects), various morphologies were observed. First, PtBA brush-grafted 67 nm silica NPs could induce an onion-like structure in a low molecular weight block copolymer matrix because of the wet-brush effect, low particle curvature, and low bending rigidity of the block copolymer lamellae. On the contrary, PtBA brush-grafted 23 nm silica NPs could not induce the onion-like structure, primarily owing to the high particle curvature and high bending penalty of the block copolymer lamellae. Second, the attempt to use ordered block copolymer lamellae to direct microphase separation of mixed homopolymer brushes with a goal of achieving ordered nanopatterns was unsuccessful, likely because the mixed PtBA/PS brushes on NPs underwent microphase separation prior to the ordering of block copolymers during the solution-casting process. Third, in polymer blends, the wet- and dry-brush entropic effects played an important role. In the wet-brush regime, the hairy NPs were uniformly distributed in the preferred polymer phase. In the dry-brush regime, the hairy NPs were driven to the interfaces of immiscible PtBA/PS domains. The knowledge gained on hierarchical self-organization of homopolymer brush- and mixed homopolymer brush-grafted NPs in block copolymer and polymer blend matrices will help us design better polymer nanocomposites with precisely controlled locations of NPs.
Design, optimization and development of electric machine for traction application in GM battery electric vehicle

This paper presents the design optimization, development and performance details of the Chevrolet Spark battery electric vehicle (BEV) traction electric machine. The propulsion system has one electric machine inside an oild cooled drive unit operating as a motor or generator depending on the drive cycle demand. The machine is permanent magnet AC synchronous machine type with the magnets buried inside the rotor. Details of the motor design, such as; winding selection, efficiency optimization for given drive cycles and rotor geometry optimization are discussed. Absence of an engine and sound it brings to a conventional vehicle can underscore any noise from the drive unit in the battery electric vehicles. Hence, particular attention is given to the NVH performance and torque ripple optimization in this machine. A novel approach to torque ripple minimization, by shaping the rotor surface is presented and its contribution to the NVH characteristics of the motor are discussed in detail. Finally, measurement results of machine efficiency, thermal and NVH performance are presented in the context of the vehicle performance.
A hydrogen bonded Co(II) coordination complex and a triply interpenetrating 3-D manganese(II) coordination polymer from diaza crown ether with dibenzoate sidearms

The diaza crown ether dicarboxylate ligand, 4,4′-((1,7-dioxa-4,10-diazacyclododecane-4,10-diyl)bis(methylene)dibenzoate), L, forms a monomeric coordination complex of Co(II) ions, CoL(H2O)2·2H2O, 1, and a coordination polymer (MnL·H2O)n, 2, with Mn(II) ions under hydrothermal conditions. The monomeric coordination complex (structure 1) is polar with mirror symmetry and crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group Cm. The mirror plane bisects the complex at the six-coordinate Co(II) ion, the two oxygen atoms of the crown moiety and the two oxygen atoms from coordinated water molecules. The coordinated water molecules take part in strong, linear hydrogen bonds with carboxylate oxygens provided by neighboring Co(II)–crown complexes resulting in a three-dimensional (1 : 1)n polar network in which the topology of the underlying 8-coordinated net is sqc3. The structure of 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic Fdd2 space group as an infinite, polar triply interpenetrating three-dimensional network. The eight-coordinate Mn(II) ion coordinates two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms of the crown moiety, as well as single carboxylate O atom from each of two neighboring ligands. In both structures, the ligand assumes a flexed-wing bird shape, with the two benzoate sidearms of the crown moiety locked in a syn orientation. The metal ion elevated above the plane of the diaza-crown oxygen and nitrogen atoms. The diaza-crown moiety with its two benzoate sidearms has the peculiar property of forming an oriented crystal structure where the metal-crown vectors are oriented parallel to each other in the crystal. However, the structures are achiral, but the rigid crystal lattice prevents re-orientation of the structure through inversion. The coordination polymer (MnL·H2O)n, 2, is a 3-center uninodal net with ths (ThSi2) topology. Computational results using the density functional theory (DFT) calculations explain why the flexed-wing bird shape is the preferred and most stable ligand conformation for metal ion binding. Both structures demonstrate magnetic properties that are characteristics of the respective non-interacting isolated paramagnetic transition metal ions that are present.
The Multiple Cellular Functions of TFIIIA

Transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA) is a single polypeptide with several distinct functions in the cell. In this chapter I will review the role of TFIIIA in transcription initiation of the 5S rRNA gene. I will also describe the model by which TFIIIA associates with the 5S rRNA itself to regulate ribosome biosynthesis and assembly. Finally, I will compare these functions of TFIIIA in various eukaryotic cells, from yeast to vertebrate. In all cases, the part played by the protein’s zinc fingers will be emphasized.
Antihistamine Use for Otitis Media with Effusion: Ongoing Opportunities for Quality Improvement

ObjectivesThe otitis media with effusion (OME) clinical practice guideline endorsed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, the American Academy of Pediatrics, a...
The Tribe Onciderini. Supplementary Notes

Through the kindness of Dr. Stephan Breuning, the authors received a lot of Onciderini, almost all of which proved of exceptional interest. Among them were a number of forms unseen during the preparation of the revisional study of the tribe, as well as a number of novel forms. As Dr. Breuning had compared many of these specimens with the original types, it was possible to establish the relationships and synonymy with certainty. Hence, the publication of a supplement appeared advisable. Types of all new species are in the authors' collection.
An Overview of the Diagnosis and Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa. The diagnosis requires esophageal biopsies demonstrating at least 15 eosinophils per high-powered field following a course of high-dose proton pump inhibitors. Management of EoE consists of the three Ds: drugs, dietary therapy, and esophageal dilation. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of EoE to include the role of emerging therapies.
Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuitry for Optical Signal Processing

An integrated optical architecture based on nanoscale photonic couplers is introduced and used to realize optical filters with a high density of integration. Experimental and theoretical results will be presented.
Livin’ Like Jagger: The Hardcore Life of a Digitizing Librarian

I watched a little too much VH1 as a kid during summers in “It’s a dry heat” Tucson, Arizona: countdowns of the 100 greatest rock songs known to man, tales of sordid behind-the-music history, and “best weeks ever” that read like a grocery store checkout magazine with better humor. Mick Jagger entered into the VH1 programming about every other day. To be clear, he’s not my role model. I’m the digital library coordinator and archivist for the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University. I love the academic world and I’m the ultimate bookworm. I have a personal archive of . . .
Performance of Cry1A.105-selected fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on transgenic maize plants containing single or pyramided Bt genes

Abstract Cry1A.105 is a Cry protein expressed in some transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize products. In this study, performance of five populations of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), were evaluated on four non-Bt and eight commercial and experimental Bt maize hybrids/lines (hereafter referred as maize products). The five insect populations included one Cry1A.105-susceptible strain, two Cry1A.105-resistant strains, and two F1 heterozygous genotypes. The eight Bt maize hybrids/lines consisted of five single-gene Bt maize products containing Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, Cry1F, or Cry1Ab protein, and three pyramided Bt maize products expressing Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2, Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2/Cry1F, or Cry1Ab/Vip3A for targeting aboveground lepidopteran maize pests. In the study, neonates of each population were tested on leaf tissues in the laboratory and whole plants in the greenhouse. Cry1A.105 and Cry1F maize killed 92.2–100% susceptible larvae in both test methods, while resistant larvae survived well on these two maize products. Performance of the two F1 populations on Cry1A.105 and Cry1F maize varied between the two test methods. In leaf tissue bioassay, Cry1Ab maize was marginally effective against the susceptible population. In contrast, few live larvae and little leaf injury from any of the five populations were observed on Cry2Ab2 and the three pyramided Bt maize products. The results of this study showed evidence of cross resistance of the Cry1A.105-resistant S. frugiperda to Cry1F and Cry1Ab maize, but not to the Bt maize products containing Cry2Ab2 or Vip3A. Data generated from this study will be useful in developing resistance management strategies for the sustainable use of Bt maize technology.