cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergence of Eclipsing Binary Solutions

Attention is called to the fact that convergence to negligible corrections in differential corrections solutions usually can be achieved, provided that one or both of two common causes of poor convergence are recognized and properly dealt with.
Help in the Diagnosis of Melanoma

The oft-quoted line “It is what I say it is” is commonly applied to dermatologic diagnoses, and this saying can also be applied to histologic diagnoses. Whether evaluating a biopsy specimen at a single moment during the course of a disease accurately predicts the biologic course of that lesion is not always clear. This is especially true in the diagnosis of melanoma, in which excision of a potentially fatal lesion obviates learning its true biological potential. The alternative option—to leave untreated a lesion with unknown biologic potential—is unacceptable, because doing so places patients at risk (melanoma is predicted to kill nearly 9,000 Americans this year alone (American Cancer Society, 2009)). Thus, the overarching goal for melanoma clinicians is to accurately diagnose and subsequently excise true melanomas while leaving the remainder untreated.
Mouse strains that lack spinal dynorphin upregulation after peripheral nerve injury do not develop neuropathic pain

Several experimental models of peripheral neuropathy show that a significant upregulation of spinal dynorphin A and its precursor peptide, prodynorphin, is a common consequence of nerve injury. A genetically modified mouse strain lacking prodynorphin does not exhibit sustained neuropathic pain after nerve injury, supporting a pronociceptive role of elevated levels of spinal dynorphin. A null mutation of the gamma isoform of protein kinase C (PKCgamma KO [knockout]), as well as an inbred mouse strain, 129S6, also does not manifest behavioral signs of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury. The objective of this study was to extend our observations to these genetic models to test the hypothesis that elevated levels of spinal dynorphin are essential for the maintenance of abnormal pain. In PKCgamma wild-type mice and the outbred mouse strain ICR, ligation of the L5 and L6 spinal nerves (SNL) elicited both tactile hypersensitivity and thermal hyperalgesia. Both strains showed a significant elevation in dynorphin in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn following SNL. Spinal administration of an anti-dynorphin A antiserum blocked the thermal and tactile hypersensitivity in both strains of mice. However, the PKCgamma KO mice and the 129S6 mice (which express PKCgamma) did not show abnormal pain after SNL; neither strain showed elevated levels of spinal dynorphin. The multiple phenotypic deficits in PKCgamma KO mice confound the interpretation of the proposed role of PKCgamma-expressing spinal neurons in neuropathic pain states. Additionally, the data show that the regulation of spinal dynorphin expression is a common critical feature of expression of neuropathic pain.
High Speed Signal And Data Processing Using Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI)/VHSIC General Purpose Computer Systems

The combined requirements of size, weight, throughput, reliability, and testability imposed on signal and data processing systems by new electro-optical sensors cannot be met with conventional architectures or circuit technology. One solution to this problem is described in this paper. This solution is a result of five years of work done to date on the Modular Missile Borne Computer (MMBC) combined with the more recent Very High Speed Integrated Circuit (VHSIC) program.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Parallel dynamic simulation of industrial chemical processes on distributed-memory computers

Abstract We describe here a parallel-modular approach to solve plantwide, as well as multiple plant problems, by running simulations in parallel on a distributed network of computers. Two implementations of the parallel-modular approach are presented. In the first, SPEEDUP (Aspen Technology, Inc.) serves as the master process and converges the overall simulation using simultaneous calls to SPEEDUP slave simulations for function and/or derivative evaluations, for both steady-state and dynamic simulations. In the second implementation, MUSIC (MUlti-SImuIation Configuration) combines any number of independent dynamic simulations together with a graphical-user interface to create a single client-server environment for parallel dynamic simulation. In this paper, we use MUSIC to integrate SPEEDUP and OTISS dynamic simulations, running them in parallel in a networked computer environment (MUSIC and OTISS from Aspen Technology, Inc.). The parallel-modular approach is tested using large industrial simulation case studies. For the parallel SPEEDUP environment, we present results for the steady-state simulation of three integrated sections of a petrochemical facility (>175,000 equations). Good speedup factors are achieved by exploiting parallel execution and problem decomposition. One of the plant sections is also used for dynamic simulation by decomposing it into two subsections. Numerical results are presented showing a significant improvement by using two processors. Using the MUSIC environment, we demonstrate performance on the dynamic simulation of a gas injection and processing plant (>80,000 equations). Parallel execution on two processors provides real-time performance for this integrated OTISS and SPEEDUP dynamic simulation.
Diffusion-Controlled Hysteresis

A new model of time-dependent sorption-desorption hysteresis is presented. This type of hysteresis is not related to transitions between metastable adsorption states, which are a common cause of capillary condensation hysteresis in mesoporous materials. We show that time-dependent hysteresis is a consequence of slow kinetics and failure to reach equilibrium at given experimental conditions. The model of diffusion-controlled hysteresis (DCH) we developed is capable of predicting time-dependent experimental data. It allows one to estimate the characteristic diffusion. We show that DCH model time and the equilibrium sorption isotherms from non-equilibrium sorption/desorption measurements. The DCH model has been tested using experimental CO2 isotherms on polymeric and carbonaceous materials.
Dating Lake Mohave Artifacts and Beaches

It is generally accepted that Lake Mohave artifacts date from the closing phase of the last deglaciation when the lake stood at its highest level. A re-evaluation of published data shows that Lake Mohave artifacts date from the overflow period, but only after the lake had abandoned the highest or 946-foot beach. A radiocarbon date of 9640 ± 240 years has been obtained from Anodonta shells at levels between 925 and 930 feet. These shells have been interpreted as remains of animals stranded en masse during the final recession of the Pluvial lake. No evidence for such a catastrophic event has been presented, and there is some evidence which suggests the opposite. The Anodonta shells appear to represent remains of dead animals deposited when the lake stood somewhat higher than 930 feet. It is apparent that an interdisciplinary approach, involving geology, paleolimnology, and palynology, as well as archaeology, is needed if man's place in the history of Lake Mohave is to be understood.
Hydrogen and synthetic fuel production using high temperature solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs)

Abstract Hydrogen and syngas production through a combination of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) and power from renewable energy resources is an efficient production method that has several significant advantages. However, given its relative technological infancy, understanding the intricate reactions and transport processes within SOEC devices are necessary to advance the technology and establish the optimum operating conditions for eventual cost effective design. Consequently, the main objective of this study is to simulate the complex phenomena inside a planar SOEC using a previously developed and validated model. The model takes an intermediate fidelity approach to predicting the electrochemical and thermo-fluid phenomena inside the cell. An example of the model calibration for an electrolyte supported SOEC is presented here. The model is then employed to investigate the effect of various operating parameters connected to SOEC electrochemical performance, as well as hydrogen and syngas production. The effect of the feedstock gas composition, temperature, and flow rate on performance and the important role that the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) plays are illustrated. Although the operating temperature, fuel composition and flow rates have a direct effect on SOEC performance and power consumption, their influence on RWGS is more significant. Possible outlet syngas compositions of an SOEC and their appropriateness as a feedstock for the Fischer–Tropsch (FT) and methanation processes are also discussed.
Asymmetric Lower-Limb Malformations in Individuals with Homeobox PITX1 Gene Mutation

Clubfoot is one of the most common severe musculoskeletal birth defects, with a worldwide incidence of 1 in 1000 live births. In the present study, we describe a five-generation family with asymmetric right-sided predominant idiopathic clubfoot segregating as an autosomal-dominant condition with incomplete penetrance. Other lower-limb malformations, including patellar hypoplasia, oblique talus, tibial hemimelia, developmental hip dysplasia, and preaxial polydactyly, were also present in some family members. Genome-wide linkage analysis with Affymetrix GeneChip Mapping 10K mapping data from 13 members of this family revealed a multipoint LODmax of 3.31 on chromosome 5q31. A single missense mutation (c.388G→A) was identified in PITX1, a bicoid-related homeodomain transcription factor critical for hindlimb development, and segregated with disease in this family. The PITX1 E130K mutation is located in the highly conserved homeodomain and reduces the ability of PITX1 to transactivate a luciferase reporter. The PITX1 E130K mutation also suppresses wild-type PITX1 activity in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting dominant-negative effects on transcription. The propensity for right-sided involvement in tibial hemimelia and clubfoot suggests that PITX1, or pathways involving PITX1, may be involved in their etiology. Implication of a gene involved in early limb development in clubfoot pathogenesis also suggests additional pathways for future investigations of idiopathic clubfoot etiology in humans.
Ocular neuromyotonia: Report of 2 cases, review of the literature and pathophysiologic hypothesis

Two cases of neuromyotonia are presented, one involving the trochlear nerve without antecedent radiation and a second involving the oculomotor nerve following radiation therapy. The literature regarding this relatively rare condition is reviewed, and the hypothesis that most cases involve preceding neuropathic dysfunction and injury leading to axonal sprouting with retrograde transmission, thus creating a self-reverberating circuit, is forwarded. Carbamazepine remains the standard treatment and has been effective in the majority of cases.
Optimal scheduling of linear recurrence equations on a multiprocessor array

The authors propose a systematic approach to a rate-optimal, fully static multiprocessor implementation for a real-time recurrence algorithm. The objective is to minimize the number of processors and the number of interprocessor communication links. For any arbitrary algorithm, rate optimal fully static implementation may not be obtained without algorithm transformation. The authors generalize the perfect-rate graphs, which can always achieve their rate-optimal fully static implementations, requiring no algorithm transformation, by relaxing the restriction stated by K. K. Parki and D. G. Messerschmitt (1989). An optimal unfolding factor is introduced to tell at least how many times to unfold a loop to its corresponding generalized perfect-rate graph. A scheme employing the artificial-intelligence planning problem solver is proposed to do scheduling and processor assignment for a generalized perfect-rate graph so that the design can meet the goal. >
Latent structure and factorial invariance of a neuropsychological test battery for the study of preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

Objective: To examine the latent structure of a test battery currently being used in a longitudinal study of asymptomatic middle-aged adults with a parental history of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and test the invariance of the factor solution across subgroups defined by selected demographic variables and known genetic risk factors for AD. Method: An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a sequence of confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted on 24 neuropsychological measures selected to provide a comprehensive estimate of cognitive abilities most likely to be affected in preclinical AD. Once the underlying latent model was defined and the structural validity established through model comparisons, a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis model was used to test for factorial invariance across groups. Results: The EFA solution revealed a factor structure consisting of five constructs: verbal ability, visuospatial ability, speed & executive function, working memory, and verbal learning & memory. The CFA models provided support for the hypothesized 5-factor structure. Results indicated factorial invariance of the model across all groups examined. Conclusions: Collectively, the results suggested a relatively strong psychometric basis for using the factor structure in clinical samples that match the characteristics of this cohort. This confirmed an invariant factor structure should prove useful in research aimed to detect the earliest cognitive signature of preclinical AD in similar middle aged cohorts.
Technology Insight: catheter ablation of the pulmonary veins in the treatment of atrial fibrillation

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation has rapidly become used worldwide. This review provides an overview of the three main approaches currently used to perform ablation of the pulmonary veins. The efforts being made to raise efficacy from its current 70–80% and lower the risk of major complications from 5% are also discussed.
Plastic hinge development of frame members using a nonlinear hardening rule

A nonlinear hardening rule that defines a yield surface translation for homogeneous frame member materials is proposed. The rule is defined as a nonlinear constitutive relationship that examines material behavior through a postelastic perspective. The gradual development of the postelastic states of a beam along its length and through its section thickness is analyzed. The model uses a hardening index parameter to guide the nonlinear stress–strain relationship, and a smooth function to model the web–flange intersection of frame members. As such, nonlinear curvature distributions with continuous derivatives are determined along the length of the member, which enables lateral displacements to be accurately predicted. Plastic hinge lengths and finite-element displacements are subsequently determined, and a nonlinear stiffness is derived. The model is formulated on a constitutive level and applies a smoothed-over cross section to derive a single internal moment expression for any postelastic state. Results ar...
Fabri de Peiresc's Quest for a Method to Calculate Terrestrial Longitude

(1999). Fabri de Peiresc's Quest for a Method to Calculate Terrestrial Longitude. The Historian: Vol. 61, No. 4, pp. 801-820.
Synthesis and characterization of Tg for pyrene end-labelled polystyrene having no ester linkages

Abstract A series of pyrene end-labelled polystyrene (PS) samples having molecular weights ranging from 2000 to 40 000 have been synthesized anionically. Complete characterization data are provided. The end-labelling reaction is performed by coupling the living polystyryl anion with 1-bromobutylpyrene, with coupling efficiencies ranging from 72 to 90%. The resulting pyrene end-labelled PS has no ester linkage in the backbone, a common structure resulting from alternative end-labelling reactions proceeding via terminal hydroxyl units. This leads to a potential enhancement in thermal and hydrolytic stability; in fact, the samples have the same thermal stability as unlabelled PS. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of our samples vary linearly with M −1 n , consistent with the Fox-Flory equation. However, the Tg values of the labelled PS samples are higher than the unlabelled ones with the difference widening as M n decreases. This difference is explained by a decrease of chain end mobility and hence of free volume caused by bulky end groups.
A New Twist on the Helix-Coil Transition: A Non-Biological Helix with Protein-Like Intermediates and Traps

All-atom computer simulations for the folding of a nonbiological helix, a 12-mer poly-phenylacetylene (pPA), are presented. We find that, unlike the classical helix-coil picture, pPA folds via on-pathway intermediate states and can also get trapped in misfolded states, much like that which one finds in simple models for proteins. Quantitative characterization of our pPA folding simulations finds a marked deviation from exponential kinetics, in agreement with experiment. Finally, we suggest how the helix-coil picture can be generalized to include these effects.
Recent progress in tidal modelling

Abstract Recent progress in identifying the physical mechanisms governing the propagation of atmospheric tides and in performing numerical simulations of the phenomenon, are reviewed. Specific attention is given to gravity-wave/tidal interactions, non-linear interactions between tides, numerical simulations of the diurnal tide, and month by month simulations of the semidiurnal tide.
Delayed Plumage Maturation and Orderly Queues for Status: A Manakin Mannequin Experiment

Lek-mating male long-tailed manakins (Chiroxiphia linearis) move through three distinct, unambiguously age-specific, predefinitive (subadult) plumages, and do not attain the definitive (“adult”) male plumage until their fourth year. Males form orderly, generally age-graded queues for rank in leks. The top-ranking (alpha and beta) males cooperate in courtship display, although only alphas copulate. Taxidermic model experiments tested the function of the 3-yr delay in plumage maturation. Reaction to a model manakin in female-like, first-year predefinitive plumage was stronger than that to a treatment control or a neutral species but weaker than that to a model manakin in definitive plumage. Reaction to the model manakins resembled mobbing choruses directed at model snakes, indicating that the reaction was a response to a potential threat. The results did not support female mimicry, juvenile mimicry, molt constraints or predator crypticity hypotheses for delayed plumage maturation. Decisive rejection of the first two hypotheses would require further experiments with model females and models of the other predefinitive stages. Nevertheless, none of the four hypotheses is sufficient to explain age-specific plumage stages. The results were, however, consistent with a status-signaling hypothesis that suffices to explain successive age-specific plumages. The reaction to models was often by non-alpha males, who had no opportunity for copulations. The presence of the models, therefore, appeared to pose a threat to the system of male-male alliances rather than a risk of stolen copulations. By choosing with high discrimination among leks (queues), females appear to enforce orderly male queuing. The predifinitive plumages, therefore, seem to function as age-specific badges of status that indicate a male is a queue entrant. The plumages mediate but do not eliminate aggression during the several years of becoming established in lek assemblages.
Acute myeloid leukemia pretreated with filgastrim mimicking acute promyelocytic leukemia

![Figure][1] A 66-year-old man with a history of hepatitis C virus and liver transplantation presented to the emergency department for shortness of breath. He had received weekly filgrastim for chronic neutropenia, and immediately before admission he had received 3 days of filgrastim and 1
Notes on the Embargo of Grapes from Almería, Spain, on Account of the Mediterranean Fruit-Fly (Ceratitis Capitata Wied.)

In the fall of 1923 grapes arriving from Almeria, Spain, in New York and Boston were found to be lightly infested with the Mediterranean fruit-fly, Ceratitis Capitata Wied. Further entry was prohibited by the U. S. Federal Horticultural Board until satisfactory evidence could be presented that the grapes were no longer attacked in Spain by this fruit-fly. The writer went to Spain to study conditions surrounding the infestation at its source. The topography of the grape growing sections in the Province of Almeria, methods of culture, host-plants of the fruit-fly and amount of infestation in Almeria are described. Organization of a clean-up campaign and the results obtained are outlined. The grape embargo is closely connected with Spanish-American trade treaty relations; its probable effect on the renewal of the treaty in 1925 is discussed.
A New Data Mining Approach to Predicting Matrix Condition Numbers

Condition number of a matrix is an important measure in numerical analysis and linear algebra. The general approach to obtaining it is through direct computation or estimation. The time and memory cost of such approaches are very high, especially for large size matrices. We propose a totally different approach to estimating the condition number of a sparse matrix. That is, after computing the features of a matrix, we use support vector regression (SVR) to predict its condition number. We also use feature selection strategies to further reduce the response time and improve accuracy. We use a feature selection criterion which combines the weights from SVR and the weights from comparison of matrices with their preconditioned counterparts. Our experiments show that the response time of the prediction method is on average 15 times faster than the direct computation approaches, which makes it suitable for online condition number query. The accuracy of our prediction method is not as precise as the general direct computation methods. However, many people only care about whether a matrix is well-conditioned or ill-conditioned or the order of the condition number, not the exact value of the condition number. For such users, a rough prediction with quick response time probably is a better choice than a precise value after waiting for hours or days.
3D vs. 2D Device Simulation of FinFET Logic Gates under PVT Variations

Recently, multigate transistors have been gaining attention as an alternative to conventional MOSFETs. Superior gate control over the channel, smaller subthreshold leakage, and reduced susceptibility to process variations are some of the key features that give multigate structures a competitive edge over MOSFETs. Among various multigate structures, silicon-on-insulator (SOI) FinFETs are promising, owing to their ease of fabrication. However, characterization of SOI FinFET devices/gates needs immediate attention in order for them to gain greater popularity in this decade. Ideally, 3D device simulation should be done for accurate circuit analysis. However, this is impractical due to the huge CPU time required. As a possible alternative, simulating a 2D crosssection of the device yields 10× to 100× reduction in CPU time. However, this introduces significant error in the range of 7p to 20p when evaluating the on/off current (ION/IOFF) for a single device and leakage current or propagation delay (ILEAK/tD) for logic gates. In this work, we first present a methodology to obtain optimized 3D device simulation models for SOI FinFETs. Based on these 3D models, we develop adjusted 2D models to capture 3D simulation accuracy with 2D simulation efficiency. We report results for the 22nm SOI FinFET technology node. We adjust gate underlap (LUN) in the 2D cross section of the n/pFinFET devices in order to mimic 3D device behavior. When the adjusted 2D models are employed in mixed-mode simulation of FinFET logic gates, the error in the evaluation of ILEAK/tD is very small. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such attempt. We show that 2D device models remain valid even under process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations. We target process variations in gate length (LG), fin thickness (TSI), gate oxide thickness (TOX), and gate workfunction (ΦG), which are the parameters that have been shown to have the most impact on leakage and delay.
Husband-Wife Interaction in Decision Making and Decision Choices

(1961). Husband-Wife Interaction in Decision Making and Decision Choices. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 54, No. 2, pp. 255-262.
Late Thrombosis of Drug-Eluting Stents: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Abstract Purpose Drug-eluting stents are commonly used for percutaneous coronary intervention. Despite excellent clinical efficacy, the association between drug-eluting stents and the risk for late thrombosis remains imprecisely defined. Methods We performed a meta-analysis on 14 contemporary clinical trials that randomized 6675 patients to drug-eluting stents (paclitaxel or sirolimus) compared with bare metal stents. Eight of these trials have reported more than a year of clinical follow-up. Results The incidence of very late thrombosis (>1 year after the index procedure) was 5.0 events per 1000 drug-eluting stent patients, with no events in bare metal stent patients (risk ratio [RR]=5.02, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 19.52, P =.02). Among sirolimus trials, the incidence of very late thrombosis was 3.6 events per 1000 sirolimus stent patients, with no events in bare metal stent patients (RR=3.99, 95% CI, .45 to 35.62, P =.22). The median time of late sirolimus stent thrombosis was 15.5 months, whereas with bare metal stents it was 4 months. Among paclitaxel trials, the incidence of very late thrombosis was 5.9 events per 1000 paclitaxel stent patients, with no events in bare metal stent patients (RR=5.72, 95% CI, 1.08 to 32.45, P =.049). The median time of late paclitaxel stent thrombosis was 18 months, whereas it was 3.5 months in bare metal stent patients. Conclusions Although the incidence of very late stent thrombosis more than 1 year after coronary revascularization is low, drug-eluting stents appear to increase the risk for late thrombosis. Although more of this risk was seen with paclitaxel stents, it remains possible that sirolimus stents similarly increase the risk for late thrombosis compared with bare metal stents.
[3H]tryptophan-[14C]proline dual label method for the simultaneous determination of collagen and noncollagen protein production

A new method for the simultaneous determination of newly synthesized collagen and noncollagen proteins has been developed. Because tryptophan is not found in collagen noncollagen proteins were specifically labeled with [3H]tryptophan. [14C]Proline was used to label both groups of proteins. To calculate the 14C-labeled noncollagen protein the 3H radioactivity of the protein mixture was divided by the ratio of 3H:14C in noncollagen protein of a representative sample. This value was obtained by collagenase digestion. The remaining 14C radioactivity in the protein mixture was attributed to [14C]collagen. There was a very good correlation between the dual label method and the widely used collagenase digestion method for the measurement of collagen and noncollagen protein production and for the calculation of the relative rate of collagen synthesis. This new method provides a simple and accurate analysis of collagen production, and it is suitable for rapid processing of a large number of biological samples.
The Epithelial-Specific ETS Transcription Factor ESX/ESE-1/Elf-3 Modulates Breast Cancer-Associated Gene Expression

Several members of the ETS family of transcription factors contribute to tumorigenesis in many different tissues, including breast epithelium. The ESX gene is an epithelial-specific Ets member that is particularly relevant to breast cancer. ESX is amplified in early breast cancers, it is overexpressed in human breast ductal carcinoma in situ, and there may be a positive feedback loop between the HER2/neu proto-oncogene and ESX. Despite this progress in our understanding of ESX, its ability to regulate tumor-related gene expression and to modulate breast cell survival, remain unknown. Here we show that HA-ESX stimulates the collagenase and HER2/neu promoters, but fails to activate an intact stromelysin promoter. However, HA-ESX activates, in a dose-dependent manner, a heterologous promoter containing eight copies of the Ets binding site derived from the stromelysin gene (p8Xpal-CAT). Analysis of the ability of constructs encoding nine Ets family members to activate the HER2/neu promoter revealed three patterns of gene activation: (1) no effect or repressed promoter activity (Elk-1 and NET); (2) intermediate activity (ER81, GABP, ESX, and HA-Ets-2); and, (3) maximal activity (Ets-1, VP-16-Ets-1, and EHF). Based on these observations, we also determined whether ESX is capable of conferring a survival phenotype upon immortalized, but nontransformed and ESX negative MCF-12A human breast cells. Using a colony formation assay, we found that HA-ESX and HA-Ets-2, mediated MCF-12A cell survival rates that approached those generated by oncogenic V12 Ras, whereas empty vector resulted in negligible colony formation. By contrast, in immortalized and transformed T47D breast cancer cells, which express both HER2/neu and ESX, we found that antisense and dominant-negative HA-ESX inhibited T47D colony formation, whereas control vector allowed formation of many colonies. These results are significant because they show that HA-ESX is able to differentially activate several malignancy-associated gene promoters, and that ESX expression is required for cellular survival of nontransformed MCF-12A and transformed T47D human mammary cells.
Two criteria for the selection of assembly plans: maximizing the flexibility of sequencing the assembly tasks and minimizing the assembly time through parallel execution of assembly tasks

The authors introduce two criteria for the evaluation and selection of assembly plans. The first criterion is to maximize the number of different sequences in which the assembly tasks can be executed. The second criterion is to minimize the total assembly time through simultaneous execution of assembly tasks. An algorithm that performs a heuristic search for the best assembly plan over the AND/OR graph representation of assembly plans is discussed. Admissible heuristics for each of the two criteria introduced are presented. Some implementation issues that affect the computational efficiency are addressed. >
Detection of Banned and Restricted Ozone-Depleting Chemicals in Printed Circuit Boards

A more-than-5-year study directed toward the detection of trace residual halogenated solvents in circuit boards was recently completed. This work was undertaken to demonstrate the potential for reliable detection of solvents used during the fabrication of printed circuit boards found in a wide variety of electronic products. Residual solvent detection was demonstrated for spiked boards after an aging period of 5 months and for printed circuit boards removed from a variety of used (at least 5 years old) and new electronic products. The analytical system and standard operating procedure developed during this study provide the tools required to assess and confirm compliance with regulations associated with the use of ozone depleting chemicals.
Biogeography of Pleistocene conifer species from the Ziegler Reservoir fossil site, Snowmass Village, Colorado

article i nfo Article history: Received 7 November 2013 Available online xxxx Pleistocene biogeography of conifer species is poorly known in much of Western North America. We conducted morphological studies on 201 conifer cones and cone fragments recovered from Pleistocene sediments at the Ziegler Reservoir fossil site (2705 m) near Snowmass Village, Colorado. The basin, formed ~155-130 ka, contains fossil-bearing lacustrine, palustrine, and colluvial sediments spanning approximately 85 ka. Using a suite of mor- phological characters, particularlycone-scale bracts, we differentiated species of Abies, Picea ,a ndPseudotsuga.All fossil Abies specimens were assignable based on bract morphology to Abies concolor, which is currently absent from central Colorado (nearest populations are 160 km southwest of the site). A. concolor occurs only in sedi- ments of MIS 5d and 5c. Pseudotsuga menziesii and Picea engelmanniicones occurred in sediments corresponding to MIS 5e, 5d, 5c, and 5a. A fourth conifer species, occurring in sediments of MIS 5e, 5d, 5c, and 5a, is difficult to assign to any extant species. Bract morphology is similar to Picea pungens, which grows near the site today, but scale morphology is unlike P. pungens. These fossils may represent ancestral P. pungens, an extinct variant, or an extinct sister species.
Impacts of mineral dust on the vertical structure of precipitation

[1] Characteristics of precipitation vertical structure in deep convective cloud systems are compared using measurements from sensors on board multiple satellites over the equatorial Atlantic under dust-laden and dust-free conditions. Both case and statistical studies consistently show that the impacts of mineral dust on tropical cloud and precipitation systems are highly dependent on rain type. For convective rain, the pattern of rainfall profiles above the dust layer is mainly determined by updraft intensity. For similar updraft intensity, the convective rain at and below the dust layer exhibits enhancement of the breakup process of raindrops due to mineral dust and associated warm air with strong wind shear. For stratiform rain, dust-induced microphysical effects are more evident. For similar storm height (or the rain top), precipitation at altitudes above 6 km is enhanced under dust-laden conditions, suggesting an enhancement of ice heterogeneous nucleation. For warm rain with similar storm height, precipitation is systematically weaker under dust-laden conditions. Furthermore, the ratio of precipitation water to the total amount of atmospheric hydrometeors is smaller under dust-laden conditions. Our study suggests that mineral dust exhibits a second aerosol indirect effect on cloud and precipitation systems.
Leveraging Cognitive Radios for Effective Communications over Water

Wireless communications over water may suffer from serious multipath fading due to strong specular reflections from conducting water surfaces. Cognitive radios enable dynamic spectrum access over a large frequency range, which can be used to mitigate this problem. In this paper, we study how to leverage cognitive radios for effective communications in wireless networks over water. We formally define the related problem as the Overwater Channel Scheduling Problem (OCSP) which seeks a channel assignment schedule such that a "good" communication link can be maintained between every Mobile Station (MS) and the Base Station (BS) all the time. We present a general scheduling framework for solving the OCSP. Based on the proposed framework, we present an optimal algorithm and several fast heuristic algorithms. In addition, we discuss an extension to the heavy traffic load case and propose two throughput-aware scheduling algorithms. We performed simulation runs based on path loss data provided by the Advanced Refractive Effects Prediction System (AREPS) and present simulation results to justify the efficiency of the proposed scheduling algorithms
The RCC-M Code 2007 Edition: Emphasis on New Technical and Regulatory Aspects

In the context of the issuing of the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) the objective of which is to suppress trade barriers within the European Union, a new regulation has been issued in France for nuclear pressure equipment. This text makes reference to the Decree transposing the PED, while completing these provisions by supplementary requirements having the objective to provide a very high level of integrity guarantee for equipments which are the most important for safety, and to cover the prevention of radioactive release risks. Referencing the PED, and including specific provisions, the Ministerial Order implies that Codes and specifications should be updated in the following two domains: • that of the conformity of Codes and Standards used, generally inspired from the ASME Code Section III, with the essential safety requirements of the PED, • that of the respect of the complementary provisions brought by the new Order applying to nuclear pressure equipments (ESPN). This paper presents the more significant conclusions of this work and the resulting amendments of the RCC-M Code, introduced by the 2007 edition to that Code. It also presents the main evolutions integrated in the 2007 edition of the RCC-M to cover projects needs and integrate the consequences of the evolutions of standards to which the code refers. As a general rule, the RCC-M makes the largest use of European and ISO standards in order to facilitate its application in various industrial and regulatory contexts.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Comparison of cancer care and outcomes between a public safety-net hospital and a private cancer center

We compared the cancer outcomes and care-associated service defects between Jackson Memorial Hospital (ABC), a large public safety-net hospital, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (XYZ), a private not-for-profit cancer center in patients with stage II-III colorectal cancer (CC) who received adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) and in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Colorectal cancer patients treated at ABC were more likely to have undergone urgent surgery. While in the CC cohort, three-year overall survival and relapse-free survival rates were significantly higher among patients treated at XYZ compared with those treated at ABC, there was no significant difference between patients treated for DLBCL in the two hospitals. Colorectal cancer patients treated at ABC were more likely to have undergone urgent surgery, to have delays before surgery or during chemotherapy, and to experience a system/patient-related service defect; whereas were less likely to complete a full course of AC.
Control of relative stereochemistry of quaternary carbon centers via the intramolecular dioxenone photocycloaddition: An approach to the synthesis of saudin

Abstract The results of a model study are reported establishing that the intramolecular dioxenone photocycloaddition reaction leads to a uniquely efficient approach for the establishment of the correct relative stereochemical relationship between the two quaternary carbons in saudin.
THE CORRECTION OF REFLECTION INTENSITIES FOR INCOMPLETE ABSORPTION OF HIGH ENERGY X-RAYS IN THE CCD PHOSPHOR

It is shown that incomplete absorption of the X-ray beam in the phosphor of an area detector causes an incident-angle dependence of the recorded X-ray intensities. An energy scan of a SMART-6000 CCD (charge-coupled device) phosphor using synchrotron radiation shows the correction to be of importance above about 17 keV. Intensities of single reflections, each collected several times at different angles of incidence on the phosphor surface, show a pronounced angle-dependence at shorter wavelengths. Both conventional structural refinement and multipole charge density studies confirm that an oblique-incidence correction leads to improved quality of the results. Atomic displacement parameters will be systematically biased when the correction is not applied. For a λ = 0.394 A data set, neglecting the correction gives rise to artifacts in the deformation density maps that are likely to lead to misinterpretation of the experimental results.
A unimodal deficit in operational thinking.

The case is reported of a 41-year-old male who suffered a left hemisphere stroke with global aphasia 11 years ago. Though his major language functions have improved in the intervening years, the patient remains unable to comprehend the meaning of numerical terms, or to perform mathematical and logical operations, when these are presented in the auditory modality. Such operations are readily performed when the problems are presented in a nonlinguistic or in written form. In addition the patient performs tests of abstract thinking and of concrete and formal operations at a level consistent with his premorbid intellectual status. Special tests indicate that this unique unimodal deficit is not due to an elementary defect in auditory perception, information processing capacities, short-term memory, or sequencing ability. Possible explanations of the deficit are entertained and it is tentatively proposed that a deficit in comprehending reversible relationships underlies both the linguistic and the mathematical-logical impairments. In addition, the role of linguistic capacities in cognitive processing and possible biases in the standard evaluation of operational thinking are considered in the light of the patient's clinical picture.
Performance analysis of a multicell DS-CDMA system with base station diversity

The performance of a multicell DS-CDMA cellular system with base station diversity is studied taking into consideration the effects of imperfect power control, multipath fading, shadowing and the dependence of propagation losses to a different base station from a mobile user. It is assumed that a mobile user is connected to the base station that provides the least attenuation among a set of closest uniformly correlated base stations. Analytical expressions are derived for the average probability of error of binary phase shift keying modulated signals for both the reverse link and the forward link. The channel is assumed to undergo correlated lognormal shadowed Rayleigh fading. Analytical results show that base station diversity significantly improves system performance.
Smart electronics and sensors for IVHS and automobile collision warning antenna systems

In this paper, the feasibility of using electronically steerable antennas for health monitoring of civil structures and early warning of collapsing bridges to the approaching vehicles is presented. These antennas can also be used in automobile collision warning systems. These antennas are lightweight, low volume, low profile and conformal. They have low fabrication costs and are easily mass produced. They are thin and do not perturb the aerodynamics of a host automobile. Linear, circular, and dual polarization are achieved with simple changes in feed position. Beam steering is accomplished by varying the relative phase between radiating elements. In planar array, both horizontal and vertical beam can be combined to provide full scanning capabilities. Tunable ceramic phase shifters are used in these antennas. The dielectric properties of the ferroelectric material are changed by a bias voltage. In the case of health monitoring of civil structures, these antennas are used in conjunction with ferroelectric sensors. The sensors are fabricated with interdigital transducers printed on a piezoelectric polymer or ceramic type film. They are in turn mounted onto an ultra thin Penn State's novel RF antenna. The wave form measurements may be monitored at a remote location via the antenna in the sensors and the electronically steerable antenna outlined above.
Determinants of Agricultural Economics Faculty Salaries

In the spring of 1980, 500 randomly selected agricultural economists at land grant universities were asked to complete a pretested mailed questionnaire.' The questionnaire was designed to secure individual information and preserve respondent anonymity. The 311 returned questionnaires represented a response rate of nearly 60%. Two hundred and forty-one of the respondents held Ph.D. degrees. These individuals formed the sample for the following analysis.2
Cognitive functioning in premenstrual syndrome.

Objective To evaluate cognitive functioning in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and controls during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods Thirty women with PMS and 31 controls were selected on the basis of psychiatric interview and prospective daily diary recordings. Subjects were tested on two occasions, follicular (days 8–10) and luteal (days 24–26), using complex tasks consisting of measures validated previously for the assessment of “executive” frontal-lobe functions. Tests were counterbalanced for order across subjects. Results The Beck Depression Inventory scores were significantly different between the groups and across time ( P Conclusion Our sample of women with PMS failed to demonstrate objective evidence of diminished cognitive performance, despite subjective feelings of inadequacy.
The effects of finite focusing fields on klystron performance

The effects of a finite or spatially varying focusing field, drift length, and cavity voltage and phase have been studied with a disk-model digital-computer program. The gaps are assumed to be thin and gridless and Mihran's merit figure is used to calculate the output power of the klystron. The pertinent equations, assumptions, and the methods of calculating the space-charge forces are discussed. The resulting large-signal program is sufficiently flexible so that a multicavity klystron with a piecewise linear focusing field may be analyzed in a single run.
A new foundation for control dependence and slicing for modern program structures

The notion of control dependence underlies many program analysis and transformation techniques. Despite being widely used, existing definitions and approaches to calculating control dependence are difficult to apply directly to modern program structures because these make substantial use of exception processing and increasingly support reactive systems designed to run indefinitely.This article revisits foundational issues surrounding control dependence, and develops definitions and algorithms for computing several variations of control dependence that can be directly applied to modern program structures. To provide a foundation for slicing reactive systems, the article proposes a notion of slicing correctness based on weak bisimulation, and proves that some of these new definitions of control dependence generate slices that conform to this notion of correctness. This new framework of control dependence definitions, with corresponding correctness results, is even able to support programs with irreducible control flow graphs. Finally, a variety of properties show that the new definitions conservatively extend classic definitions. These new definitions and algorithms form the basis of the Indus Java slicer, a publicly available program slicer that has been implemented for full Java.
Zero Temperature String Breaking with Staggered Quarks

Abstract The separation of a heavy quark and antiquark pair leads to the formation of a tube of flux, or “string”, which should break in the presence of light quark-antiquark pairs. This expected zero-temperature phenomenon has proven elusive in simulations of lattice QCD. In an extension of work reported last year we present clear evidence for string breaking in QCD with two flavors of dynamical staggered sea quarks and apply our results to a simple three-state mixing model for string breaking. We find that mixing is weak and falls to zero at level crossing.
Finite-volume multigrid calculation of natural-convection flows on unstructured grids

This article presents details and performance of a pressure-based multigrid procedure for natural-convection fluid flows in complex geometries. A control-volume finite-element method using triangular elements is employed to discretize the governing equations. The multigrid technique provides rapid convergence of the numerical solution. Three different geometries are investigated, and the performance of the method at several grid densities and Rayleigh numbers is reported. Also, representative flow fields and temperature contours are presented.