cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fusion systems and localities

We introduce objective partial groups, of which the linking systems and p-local finite groups of Broto, Levi, and Oliver, the transporter systems of Oliver and Ventura, and the \({\mathcal{F}}\)-localities of Puig are examples, as are groups in the ordinary sense. As an application we show that if \({\mathcal{F}}\) is a saturated fusion system over a finite p-group then there exists a centric linking system \({\mathcal{L}}\) having \({\mathcal{F}}\) as its fusion system, and that \({\mathcal{L}}\) is unique up to isomorphism. The proof relies on the classification of the finite simple groups in an indirect and—for that reason—perhaps ultimately removable way.
Preparation of macroscopic superpositions in many-atom systems.

We propose a technique to prepare two or more atoms in certain entangled states, based on the interaction of the atoms with a cavity mode. After the atomic state is prepared, the cavity mode is left in the vacuum state, so dissipation does not affect the generated entangled states. These states could be used for improved tests that challenge local realistic theories, and to examine related phenomena, which, thus far, have been realized only with photons.
Effect of Geometry on Resonance Neutron Absorption in Uranium

A simple theoretical expression has been derived for the geometric dependence of the effective resonance integral of uranium which is independent of the details of resonance structure. Comparison w...
A maximum principle for graphs

Abstract Let G be an infinite graph decomposing the plane into polygonal regions. We assume that there are at least 3 edges indident each vertex of G, and at least 6 edges incident with each polygonal region. We define the distance between two vertices to be the least number of edges in any path joining them. Now let C be a simple closed path in G bounding a closed set D, and let 0 be any vertex of G. Then the maximum distance from 0 to a vertex of D is not attained at any vertex interior to D. The same conclusion holds with the pair of numbers (3,6) in the hypothesis replaced by (4,4) or (6,3).
Strain gradients and continuum modeling of size effect in metal matrix composites

Constitutive modeling for the particle size effect on the strength of particulate-reinforced metal matrix composites is investigated. The approach is based on a gradient-dependent theory of plasticity that incorporates strain gradients into the expression of the flow stress of matrix materials, and a finite unit cell technique that is used to calculate the overall flow properties of composites. It is shown that the strain gradient term introduces a spatial length scale in the constitutive equations for composites, and the dependence of the flow stress on the particle size/spacing can be obtained. Moreover, a nondimensional analysis along with the numerical result yields an explicit relation for the strain gradient coefficient in terms of particle size, strain, and yield stress. Typical results for aluminum matrix composites with ellipsoidal particles are calculated and compare well with data measured experimentally.
A Potential Vorticity-Based Study of the Role of Diabatic Heating and Friction in a Numerically Simulated Baroclinic Cyclone

Abstract A particularly intense case of western Atlantic baroclinic cyclogenesis was investigated in this study. Specifically, the roles of latent heat of condensation and surface friction were examined from the potential vorticity or “PV thinking” perspective. The methodology used for this study involves three key components: 1) a full-physics mesoscale model, which provides a continuous and dynamically consistent dataset and provides full user control over physical processes; 2) a partitioned PV integration, which temporally integrates the accumulation of PV due to various physical processes in the model's Eulerian framework: and 3) the piecewise inversion method of Davis and Emanuel, which calculates the balanced wind and mass field associated with particular PV anomalies. Potential vorticity features obtained through the partitioned integration technique were inverted to yield their direct contributions to the total circulation. In addition, sensitivity studies were carried out to determine the overal...
Neutrino and Dark matter detection with CLEAN: Preliminary studies

CLEAN is an approach to the detection of weakly interacting particles of astrophysical significance, combining large mass and low energy threshold. Preliminary measurements have been made of the time response of the scintillation light due to β energy deposition. We have measured two distinct time constants corresponding to the singlet and triplet states of liquid neon.
Perceptions of race.

Until recently, experiments on person perception had led to two unwelcome conclusions: (1) people encode the race of each individual they encounter, and (2) race encoding is caused by computational mechanisms whose operation is automatic and mandatory. Evolutionary analyses rule out the hypothesis that the brain mechanisms that cause race encoding evolved for that purpose. Consequently, race encoding must be a byproduct of mechanisms that evolved for some alternative function. But which one? Race is not encoded as a byproduct of domain-general perceptual processes. Two families of byproduct hypotheses remain: one invokes inferential machinery designed for tracking coalitional alliances, the other machinery designed for reasoning about natural kinds. Recent experiments show that manipulating coalitional variables can dramatically decrease the extent to which race is noticed and remembered.
The Microdetermination of Fluoride in Vegetation

This paper describes a micro method for the determination of the fluoride content of plant materials, particularly the leaves. The samples are dried and ground to a fine powder. Fifty milligram samples are burned in oxygen in 250-ml separatory funnels or in 300-ml Erienmeyer flasks. The gaseous products of the combustion are absorbed in 0.1 N NaOH in the closed funnel or flask and transferred to a small covered plastic dish in which the fluoride is diffused to tiny droplets of 3N sodium hydroxide solution distributed over the lower side of a tight fitting cover. The diffused fluoride is dissolved in water and determined colori-metrically by the SPADNS reagent.
A Slide Rule for Lighting Calculations

Recent advances in lighting calculations, based on an integral-equation formulation for interflections, have led to the practical development of highly efficient and glare-free luminous ceilings. The exact equations, however, are formidable and even the calculated tables are somewhat clumsy for engineering use.A slide rule is therefore devised for simplifying the design of ceiling lighting. With a single setting, the rule gives average lumens per unit area at table level, the coefficient of utilization, and the helios (brightness) ratios for walls, ceiling, and floor. The device is applicable only when standardized reflectances are employed in the room. For other values of reflectance, similar slide rules may be constructed or simple approximate formulas of an exponential type may be used.
Does an exercise and incontinence intervention save healthcare costs in a nursing home population

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether an intervention that combines low-intensity exercise and incontinence care offsets some of its costs by reducing the incidence of selected health conditions in nursing home residents. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial with the incidence and costs of selected, acute conditions compared between a 6-month baseline and an 8-month intervention phase. SETTING: Four nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ninety incontinent, long-stay nursing home residents. INTERVENTION: Low-intensity, functionally oriented exercise and incontinence care were provided every 2 hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for 5 days a week for 8 months. MEASUREMENTS: Predefined acute conditions hypothesized to be related to physical inactivity, incontinence, or immobility were abstracted from residents' medical records by blinded observers during a 6-month baseline period and throughout the 8-month intervention. Conditions included those in the dermatological, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems; falls; pain; and psychiatric and nutritional disturbances. Costs were determined using Current Procedural Terminology Center and Medicare allowable cost reimbursement at a rate of 80%. RESULTS: The intervention group had significantly better functional outcomes than the control group (strength, mobility endurance, urinary and fecal incontinence) and a reduction of 10% in the incidence of the acute conditions, which was not significant. There were no significant differences between groups in the cost of assessing and treating these acute conditions between baseline and intervention. CONCLUSION: The intervention, which is consistent with federal and clinical practice guidelines, significantly improved functional outcomes but did not reduce the incidence and costs of selected acute health conditions. The cost of implementing these labor-intensive interventions for frail nursing home residents will have to be justified based on functional and quality-of-life outcomes and are unlikely to be offset by savings in medical care costs in this population.
An Experimental Investigation of Binary Solidification in a Vertical Channel With Thermal and Solutal Mixed Convection

Experimental measurements and photographic observations are presented for the solidification of a binary, aqueous ammonium chloride solution in a vertical channel. Transient liquidus front progressions and temperature measurements are used to characterize the influences of flow rate, superheat, composition, and chill wall temperature on binary phase-change behavior. Experimental results are compared with previously reported model predictions and discrepancies are used to critically assess model assumptions and limitations.
Modeling the activation of tobacco smoking expectancies in memory in relation to use patterns.

Abstract Methodology that has led to successful strategies to reduce alcohol use was applied to tobacco smoking expectancies. Individual differences scaling was used to empirically model a semantic network of associations stored in memory and preference mapping was used to model likely paths of expectancy activation for groups with different smoking histories. Smokers emphasized an external appearance–internal experience dimension and were more likely to activate expectancies of negative affect reduction. Nonsmokers emphasized a positive–negative dimension and were more likely to activate expectancies of health risks and reduced physical attractiveness. Proportionate frequencies of first associates' validated findings of the MDS-based solutions. Future efforts to alter likely activation patterns may successfully reduce the onset of smoking, enhance quit rates, and reduce relapse.
Role of intestinal surfactant-like particles as a potential reservoir of uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Abstract The binding of uropathogenic Escherichia coli is mediated at the tips of pili by the PapG adhesin, which recognizes the Galα(1-4)Gal disaccharide on the uroepithelial surface. These receptors have been identified unequivocally in the human and murine urinary tracts but not in intestinal epithelium, yet uropathogenic E. coli strains are commonly found in normal colonic microflora. The gastrointestinal tract from duodenum to rectum elaborates a phospholipid-rich membrane particle with surfactant-like properties. In these studies, we report that purified murine particles contain a receptor recognized by the class I PapG adhesin because: (1) PapD–PapG complexes and class I pili bound to surfactant-like particles in a solid-phase assay, whereas binding was not detected in microvillous membranes derived from the same tissues, (2) purified PapD–PapG complex bound to a glycolipid receptor detectable in lipid extracts from the particles, and (3) soluble Galα(1-4)Gal inhibited the adhesin by 72% from binding to surfactant-like particles. The Galα(1-4)Gal receptor present in the intestinal surfactant-like particle which overlies the intestinal mucosa could provide one means to establish an intestinal habitat for uropathogenic E. coli.
Application-oriented concatenation code scheme with high throughput and low decoding latency

A class of serial concatenated ordinary (non-punctured) convolutional (SCOC) codes is introduced. Simulation results over additive white Guassian noise channels show that the SCOC codes have comparable performance as 3GPP turbo codes and LDPC codes, while with overall decoding complexity smaller than that of LDPC codes and 3GPP turbo codes.
A homologue of the 19 kDa signal recognition particle protein locus in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract A homologue of 19 kDa signal recognition particle locus (SRP19) was cloned and molecularly characterized in Drosophila melanogaster. It is located in the 65F region of the left arm on the third chromosome, approx. 500 bp 5′ of the quemao locus. The SRP19 transcript was determined from cDNA clones, Northern blot analysis, and the 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA end method. SRP19 was expressed in all the developmental stages of Drosophila . The predicted amino acid sequence (163 aa) shows that SRP19 of Drosophila shares 44%, 29%, 17% and 19% identity with the homologues from human, rice and two yeast species ( Saccharomyces and Yarrowia ), respectively. The most conserved amino acid residues across these species are located at those sites required for in vitro association with the 7S RNA component of the SRP.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF ALLOZYME LOCI IN DROSOPHILA SIMULANS AND D. MELANOGASTER

Five enzyme systems, NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (Idh), phosphoglucomutase (Pgm), aldehyde oxidase (Aldox), malic enzyme (Men) and aldolase (Ald), were mapped on the third chromosome of Drosophila simulans. Idh and Pgm were mapped at 6.4 and 38.1 on the left arm, respectively. Aldox, Men and Ald were localized at 75.4, 87.7 and 124.6 on the right arm, respectively. On the basis of these findings, together with new mapping data of Idh and Est-C in D. melanogaster, the comparative genetics of the third chromosome of these two species were discussed.
Overexpression of marA, soxS, or acrAB produces resistance to triclosan in laboratory and clinical strains of Escherichia coli

Triclosan (Irgasan) is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent used in handsoaps, toothpastes, fabrics, and plastics. It inhibits lipid biosynthesis in Escherichia coli, probably by action upon enoyl reductase (FabI) (McMurry L.M., Oethinger M. and Levy S.B. (1988) Nature 394, 531–532). We report here that overexpression of the multidrug efflux pump locus acrAB, or of marA or soxS, both encoding positive regulators of acrAB, decreased susceptibility to triclosan 2-fold. Deletion of the acrAB locus increased the susceptibility to triclosan approximately 10-fold. Four of five clinical E. coli strains which overexpressed marA or soxS also showed enhanced triclosan resistance. The acrAB locus was involved in the effects of triclosan upon both cell growth rate and cell lysis.
Effect of Diastolic Dysfunction on Early Outcomes During Elective Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Prospective Observational Study

Background Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) causes adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery; however, the effects of DD during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) are not well understood. We aimed to assess the influence of DD on early mortality and morbidity of patients undergoing OPCAB. Methods This prospective observational study included 1,256 patients scheduled for elective OPCAB. The DD of the patients was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging. The cohort was classified into four DD groups; normal, mild (relaxation abnormality), moderate (pseudonormal dysfunction), and severe (restrictive abnormality). Study endpoints were major adverse cardiac events and other complications. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent effect of DD on surgical outcomes. Results The 1,256 patients were grouped as follows: normal diastolic function (n = 55, 4.4%), mild DD (n = 995, 79.2%), moderate DD (n = 169, 13.5%), and severe DD (n = 37, 2.9%). Operative strategy did not differ among groups. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, low ejection fraction ( p = 0.23); however, postoperative renal failure, respiratory complications, respiratory failure, and prolonged hospitalization (more than 12 days: 75th percentile of the study cohort) increased with the severity of DD ( p p = 0.01) and prolonged hospitalization (odds ratio 5.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.81 to 13.23, p Conclusions Diastolic dysfunction does not affect 30-day major adverse cardiac events after elective OPCAB. However, severe DD independently predicts respiratory complications and prolonged hospitalization.
Elastic constants of mullite containing alumina platelets

Abstract Using dynamic methods, we measured the elastic constants of a composite comprising alumina platelets (0.2 volume fraction) in a 3:2 mullite matrix. Instead of the expected elastic stiffening, we found an elastic softening. For example, the Young modulus was 222 GPa, below mullite’s value of 228 GPa, and far below the value predicted by a solid-mechanics model assuming good alumina–mullite interfaces: 256 GPa. As possible softening sources, we considered voids, cracks, poor particle–matrix-interface bonding, and an enveloping third phase, either around the platelets or around the mullite particles. We concluded that the mullite particles must be enveloped by silica, an elastically soft phase. Solid-mechanics modeling considering a three-phase composite supports our conjecture. Our conjecture received further confirmation from careful SEM and STEM observations.
Comparison of vertical structures of hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones as observed by spaceborne precipitation radar

Precipitation radar (PR) on Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite offers three-dimensional downwardlooking observations of tropical storms. Such observations are very useful to study the structure of tropical storms. This work presents a systematic study of vertical profile of reflectivity (VPR) of hurricanes over North Atlantic, typhoons over North Western Pacific and cyclones over South Indian Ocean. Due to a large number of VPR observation, it is possible to classify them into characteristic profiles so that it can be useful in comparing different structures. In this study, Self Organizing Map (SOM) is used to classify VPR of hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones observed in the years 2000, 2002 and 2003. We have not included the 2001 data because of the orbit transition during that year. More than 100 storms are studied in this work. VPR of the storms are classified into characteristic profiles. Percentages of contribution of each characteristics profile are determined. In addition the microphysical structure including drop size and its concentration is also derived. Comparative study on yearly basis of hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones reveals similarities and systematic differences among them, and those results are presented.
Formation of Triplet CO in Atomic Oxygen Flames of Acetylene and Carbon Suboxide

Chemiluminescence spectra have been recorded for low-pressure, highly dilute, fuel-lean atomic oxygen flames of C2H2 and C3O2; under typical flame conditions the total pressure was 0.83 Torr with 1.1 mTorr of O atoms, 0.44 mTorr of O2, 0.20 mTorr of fuel, and the balance Ar. Spectral coverage was complete from 183 to 1500 nm for C2H2, and from 183 to 885 nm for C3O2. Strong CO a → X Cameron band emission was found to be the dominant feature of the chemiluminescence signature from 190 to 260 nm for C2H2 oxidation under these conditions, with distinct but relatively minor CO A → X fourth positive emission between 185 and 195 nm. There is strong emission from higher triplet states of CO throughout the visible and near-IR, with CO e → a, d → a, and a‘ → a emission features observed. Nearly identical CO emission spectra were obtained for both C2H2 and C3O2 fuels, which indicates that for both fuels the source of electronically excited CO is the C2O + O reaction. Quantification of emission yields for the four t...
Thermal expansivity of HCP iron at very high pressure and temperature

Abstract We determine the coefficient of thermal expansion, α, for hexagonal close-packed (HCP) iron at simultaneous extreme pressure, P, and temperature, T, conditions. Two approaches are used; both are based on reported properties of HCP iron at high pressure and 300 K . The first approach constrains α by high-temperature isotherms of P(V) (V is volume) determined from a thermal-pressure equation of state. Second, thermodynamic approximations are used without explicit appeal to the equation of state in extending the 300 K α(P) to high T. The two approaches give results nearly consistent with each other over 0– 360 GPa and 300– 7000 K . Our results for α for HCP iron are in near agreement at high P and all T with two theoretical studies. At low P, however, there is some discrepancy between the theoretical results, which complicates detailed comparisons, even though our results tend to be higher. Nevertheless, these new results for α, as well as those from theory, are higher than reported on the shock Hugoniot at 202 GPa and 5200 K .
Political opportunity, resource mobilization, and social movements: The case of the South Texas farm workers

(1992). Political opportunity, resource mobilization, and social movements: The case of the South Texas farm workers. The Social Science Journal: Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 129-152.
Computer algorithm for analyzing and processing borehole strainmeter data

The newly installed Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) strainmeters record signals from tectonic activity, Earth tides, and atmospheric pressure. Important information about tectonic processes may occur at amplitudes at and below tidal strains and pressure loading. If incorrect assumptions are made regarding the background noise in the strain data, then the estimates of tectonic signal amplitudes may be incorrect. Furthermore, the use of simplifying assumptions that data are uncorrelated can lead to incorrect results and pressure loading and tides may not be completely removed from the raw data. Instead, any algorithm used to process strainmeter data must incorporate the strong temporal correlations that are inherent with these data. The technique described here uses least squares but employs data covariance that describes the temporal correlation of strainmeter data. There are several advantages to this method since many parameters are estimated simultaneously. These parameters include: (1) functional terms that describe the underlying error model, (2) the tidal terms, (3) the pressure loading term(s), (4) amplitudes of offsets, either those from earthquakes or from the instrument, (5) rate and changes in rate, and (6) the amplitudes and time constants of either logarithmic or exponential curves that can characterize postseismic deformation or diffusion of fluids near the strainmeter. With the proper error model, realistic estimates of the standard errors of the various parameters are obtained; this is especially critical in determining the statistical significance of a suspected, tectonic strain signal. The program also provides a method of tracking the various adjustments required to process strainmeter data. In addition, the program provides several plots to assist with identifying either tectonic signals or other signals that may need to be removed before any geophysical signal can be identified.
Complementarity and increasing returns in intermediate inputs

Abstract Conventional analysis in the trade-industrial-organization literature suggests that, when a country has some market power over an imported good, some small level of protection must be welfare improving. This is essentially a terms-of-trade argument that is reinforced if the imported goods are substitutes for domestic goods produced with increasing returns to scale, goods that are initially underproduced in free-trade equilibrium. This paper notes that this result may not hold when (1) the imports are intermediates used in a domestic increasing-returns industry, and/or (2) the intermediates are complements for domestic inputs produced with increasing returns. We then demonstrate such an outcome with respect to Mexican protection against imported auto parts using an applied general-equilibrium model of the North American auto industry.
Therapeutic hypertension: principles and methods

The aspects of cardiovascular physiology important for the safe and effective implementation and titration of hypertensive therapy among neurosurgical patients with neurological or neurosurgical illness/injury are reviewed. Therapeutic hypertension may be an appropriate treatment for some neurological or neurosurgical conditions, e.g., vasospasm or support of cerebral perfusion pressure. Initiation and maintenance of hypertension should be done safely to avoid complications and/or undesired side effects. Accurate measurement of the arterial and central vascular pressures, the limitations of those methods, and alternative estimates of intravascular volume are reviewed. Hypertensive therapy is accomplished by modifying cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, the principal physiological determinants of blood pressure. The goals of hypertensive therapy can be achieved by proper evaluation and manipulation of the four components of cardiac output, preload, afterload, heart rate and contractility. Measurement or calculation of estimates of these parameters is important in the selection of proper medications or supplemental fluid administration.
Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in vertebrate eye development and disease

Eukaryotic DNA is organized as a nucleoprotein polymer termed chromatin with nucleosomes serving as its repetitive architectural units. Cellular differentiation is a dynamic process driven by activation and repression of specific sets of genes, partitioning the genome into transcriptionally active and inactive chromatin domains. Chromatin architecture at individual genes/loci may remain stable through cell divisions, from a single mother cell to its progeny during mitosis, and represents an example of epigenetic phenomena. Epigenetics refers to heritable changes caused by mechanisms distinct from the primary DNA sequence. Recent studies have shown a number of links between chromatin structure, gene expression, extracellular signaling, and cellular differentiation during eye development. This review summarizes recent advances in this field, and the relationship between sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factors and their roles in recruitment of chromatin remodeling enzymes. In addition, lens and retinal differentiation is accompanied by specific changes in the nucleolar organization, expression of non-coding RNAs, and DNA methylation. Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in ocular tissues represent exciting areas of research that have opened new avenues for understanding normal eye development, inherited eye diseases and eye diseases related to aging and the environment.
Microorganisms in municipal solid waste and public health implications

The composition of municipal solid waste is quite heterogeneous. This mixed composition results in the presence of a variety of microorganisms that reach densities which are relatively high, and which remain high even after many years in a landfill. Microorganism densities in the air at municipal solid waste processing plants tend to be higher than levels near wastewater treatment facilities. This may be due to indoor operations. Composting can inactivate essentially all of the microorganisms associated with fecal matter, but thermophilic fungi may cause adverse health problems. The presence of microorganisms in municipal solid waste does not mean that there is a high risk of infection or disease if a person is occupationally exposed to the waste. Dose‐response relationships with various microorganisms have shown that a relatively large number of microbes are necessary to initiate an infection or cause disease.
Signal Enhancement By Spectral Equalization Of High-Frequency Broadband Signals Transmitted Through Optical Fibers

A new technique is discussed for signal strength enhancement of high-frequency (>1 GHz), spectrally-broad, analog signals through 1 km of optical fiber. The conventional method for optical measurement of high-frequency gamma ray signals is to use an optical fiber placed in the gamma radiation beam as a Cerenkov transducer. The radiation-induced optical signal is degraded by material dispersion in transmission through the fiber. To reconstruct the signal (which is carried by each wavelength) and preserve the high-frequency components, a narrow-band filter selects an appropriate bandwidth (1 nm). The filtered signal is detected using a high-speed, microchannel-plate (MCP) photomultiplier detector and recorded on high-speed oscilloscopes. This new technique replaces the narrow-band filter with a wavelength multiplexer crevice. The broadband signal input is dispersed by a grating, and narrow spectral components are collected into an array of fibers used as optical delay lines to compensate for the material dispersion in the kilometer of fiber. The delay fibers, each cut to an appropriate length, couple the spectrally equalized light onto the detector. This technique improves the frequency response by eliminating the wing contributions of narrow-band filters, and increases the signal magnitude by utilizing more of the available broadband spectrum. The new technique is applicable to any optical system wherein material dispersion limits system band-width.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Proving Liveness and Termination of Systolic Arrays Using Communicating Finite State Machines

We model a systolic array as a network of, mostly identical, communicating finite state machines that exchange messages over one-to-one, unbounded, FIFO channels. Each machine has a cyclic behavior; in each cycle, a machine first receives one message from each of its input channels, then sends one message to each of its output channels. If in a cycle a machine does not have any data message to send to one of its output channels, it sends a null message instead; thus, machines exchange two types of messages, data and null. We characterize the liveness and termination properties for such networks, and discuss two algorithms that can be used to decide these properties for any given network. We apply these algorithms to establish the liveness and termination properties of four systolic array examples. These examples include a linear matrix-vector multiplier, a linear priority queue, and a search tree.
Isobaric spin forbidden effects in (p, d) and (d, p) reactions on Pb isotopes☆

Abstract Excitation functions have been measured for several (p, d) and (d, p) reactions on Pb isotopes. Anomalies in these reactions which are forbidden by isobaric spin selection rules have been observed. The magnitude of the effects is different for different final states.
Observation of the photorefractive effect in a dialkylaminonitrostilbene copolymer

We report observations of the photorefractive effect in a 1:1 side-chain copolymer of N-methacryloxyethyl-N-methylaminonitrostilbene with methyl methacrylate. Without the addition of a photoconducting component, gratings were written in this polymer at 633 nm in 8-μm-thick films at low powers and were detected by use of a four-wave mixing measurement. Diffraction efficiencies of the order of 10−5 −10−4 were measured by four-wave mixing.
Sliding Mode Control of Underactuated Biped Robots

This paper presents a robust tracking control algorithm for underactuated biped robots. The biped considered in this work is modeled as a five-link planar robot with four actuators located at hip and knee joints to control the joint angles. The control law is defined based on the sliding mode control approach. The objective of the controller is to generate stable walking based on predefined desired trajectories. The planning of the trajectory in swing phase is discussed while the double support phase is considered to be instantaneous and the impact of the swing leg with the ground is modeled as rigid body contact. In order to formulate the sliding control law, we define four first-order sliding surfaces, based on the number of actuators, as a linear combination of tracking joint positions and velocities. The control approach is shown to guarantee that all trajectories will reach and stay on these surfaces. The surface parameters are then selected to ensure the stability of the surfaces leading to an asymptotically stable control law. Numerical simulation is presented for tracking a multi-step walk of a biped robot.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Structure and dynamic response of radiative diffusion flames

Nitrogen-diluted hydrogen burning in air is modeled numerically using a constant density and one-step reaction model in a plane two-dimensional counterflow configuration. An optically thin assumption is used to investigate the effects of radiation on the dynamics, structure, and extinction of diffusion flames. While there exist dual steady-state extinction limits for the 1D radiative flame response, it is found that as the 1D radiative extinction point is approached the 1D low-stretch diffusion flame exhibits oscillatory response, even with sub-unity Lewis number fuel. These radiation-induced limit cycle oscillations are found to have increasing amplitude and decreasing frequency as the stretch rate is reduced. Flame oscillation eventually leads to permanent extinction at the stretch rate which is larger than the steady-state radiative extinction value. Along the 1D radiative response curve, the transition from 1D flame to 2D structure and the differences in the resulting 2D flame patterns are also examin...
The digestive system of the hydrothermal vent polychaete Galapagomystides aristata (Phyllodocidae): evidence for hematophagy?

. Anatomical, histological, and ultrastructural investigation of the hydrothermal vent phyllodocid Galapagomystides aristata shows that this unusual polychaete has a normal mouth and foregut but a highly modified midgut with a blood-filled lumen. The foregut includes a protrusible proboscis armed distally with minute spines. Midgut tissues contain concentrically banded spherocrystals, composed mainly of iron, phosphorus, and silicon, and abundant lipid droplets. The blood-filled midgut lumen extends to the final segment of the worm, but we find no sign of an anus. There is no evidence of symbiotic bacteria in tissues of G. aristata. Stable isotope analyses indicate that G. aristata is likely to be a secondary consumer. We propose that these worms are hematophagous, although they lack many common anatomical adaptations for a blood-sucking way of life.
A neural network model for liquefaction-induced horizontal ground displacement

Abstract The horizontal ground displacement generated by seismically induced liquefaction is known to produce significant damage to engineered structures. A backpropagation neural network model is developed to predict the horizontal ground displacements. A large database containing the case histories of lateral spreads observed in eight major earthquakes is used. The results of this study indicate that the neural network model serves as a reliable and simple predictive tool for the amount of horizontal ground displacement. As more data become available, the model itself can be improved to make more accurate displacement prediction for a wider range of earthquake and site conditions.
C 13 ( p , γ ) N 14 1.47- and 2.11-Mev Resonances and the Odd-Parity Levels of Mass 14

A study has been made of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays emitted by the 8.9- and 9.5-Mev levels of ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ using the ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}(p, \ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ reaction at the 1.47- and 2.11-Mev resonances. The decay schemes of these levels were reinvestigated using a three-crystal pair spectrometer, NaI(Tl) single-crystal measurements, and standard $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence techniques. The anisotropies relative to the bombarding beam of most of the observed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ transitions were measured using the three-crystal pair spectrometer. The angular distributions of some of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ transitions were measured using a single NaI(Tl) crystal. Measurements were made of the Doppler shifts of the ground state decay of the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ 5.10-Mev level and the cascade from the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ 5.83-Mev level to the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ 5.10-Mev level. From these Doppler shift measurements the mean lifetime of the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ 5.83-Mev level was found to be in the range (5.65)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}14}$ sec; while an upper limit of 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ sec was set on the mean life of the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ 5.10-Mev level. The results of the study of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decay of the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ 9.5- and 8.9-Mev levels combined with the results of earlier measurements give conclusive assignments of ${2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, 3, and 2 for the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ levels at 9.50, 8.90, 5.83, and 5.10 Mev. The 5.83-Mev level most probably has odd parity. A tentative assignment of $J=2$ is given to the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ 7.02-Mev level. Evidence is presented, from this and previous investigations, that indicates the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ 8.06-, 8.70-, 8.90-, and 9.50-Mev levels arise from the ${s}^{4}{p}^{9}2s$ and ${s}^{4}{p}^{9}d$ configurations with the largest contribution being from the (${p}_{\frac{1}{2}}2{s}_{\frac{1}{2}}$) configuration for the 8.06- and 8.70-Mev levels and from the (${p}_{\frac{1}{2}}{d}_{\frac{5}{2}}$) configuration for the 8.90- and 9.50-Mev levels. The analogs of these $T=1$ levels in ${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$ are almost certainly the ${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$ 6.09-, 6.89-, 6.72-, and 7.35-Mev levels, respectively. The $T=0$, ${s}^{4}{p}^{9}2s$ and ${s}^{4}{p}^{9}d$ states of ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ are also discussed. It is proposed that the 4.91-, 5.69-, 5.10-, and 5.83-Mev levels of ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ are ${0}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${s}^{4}{p}^{9}2{s}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ and ${2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${s}^{4}{p}^{9}{d}_{\frac{5}{2}}$ states, respectively.
A profile of NSAID-targeted arachidonic acid metabolisms in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs): implication of the negative effects of NSAIDs on heart tissue regeneration.

Abstract Introduction An emerging technology using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to regenerate infarcted heart tissue has been underdeveloped. However, because non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, are taken during the infarction, it becomes critical to know whether the NSAIDs have negative impacts on heart tissue regeneration when using hESCs. Methods Mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses were used to analyze the functional presence of the elaborate prostanoids' biosynthesis and signaling systems in hESCs. The detected endogenous arachidonic acid (AA) released in the hESC membranes reflects the activity of phospholipase which directly controls the biosyntheses of the prostanoids. Results The complete inhibition of the endogenous prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) biosynthesis by the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, NS398, confirmed that the major prostanoids synthesized in the hESCs are mediated by the COX-2 enzyme. We also found that PGE 2 and the prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) metabolite, 6-keto-PGF 1α , are present in the undifferentiated hESCs. Conclusion This indicated different cyclooxygenase (COX)-downstream synthases and metabolizing enzymes are involved in the AA products' signaling through the COX-1 and COX-2 pathways. The presence of many enzymes' and receptors' [(COX-1, COX-2, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES), cytosolic prostaglandin E synthase (cPGES), prostaglandin I synthase (PGIS), the PGE 2 subtype receptors (EP 1 , EP 2 , and EP 4 ) and the prostacyclin receptor (IP)] involvement in the prostanoid biosynthesis and activity was confirmed by western blot. The studies implied the negative effects of NSAIDs, such as aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors, which suppress prostanoid production during tissue regeneration for infarcted heart when using hESCs.
Vegetarian Diets and Weight Status

The increasing global health problems of overweight and obesity are associated with coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers, among other health concerns. Vegetarian diets are associated with reduced body weight, lower incidence of certain chronic disease, and lower medical costs compared with non-vegetarian diets. We reviewed the literature to ascertain the extent to which and by what mechanism(s) a plant-based diet may mediate body weight.
Energetics and kinetics of vacancy diffusion and aggregation in shocked aluminium via orbital-free density functional theory

A possible mechanism for shock-induced failure in aluminium involves atomic vacancies diffusing through the crystal lattice and agglomerating to form voids, which continue to grow, ultimately resulting in ductile fracture. We employ orbital-free density functional theory, a linear-scaling first-principles quantum mechanics method, to study vacancy formation, diffusion, and aggregation in aluminium under shock loading conditions of compression and tension. We calculate vacancy formation and migration energies, and find that while nearest-neighbor vacancy pairs are unstable, next-nearest-neighbor vacancy pairs are stable. As the number of nearby vacancies increases, we predict that vacancy clusters preferentially grow through next-nearest-neighbor vacancies. The energetics are found to be greatly affected by expansion and compression, leading to insight as to how vacancies behave under shock conditions.
Monte Carlo Methods for Process Algebra

We review the recently developed technique of Monte Carlo model checking and show how it can be applied to the implementation problem for I/O Automata. We then consider some open problems in applying Monte Carlo techniques to other process-algebraic problems, such as simulation and bisimulation.
Capacitive control of an ISFET using dielectric coated electrodes

Reliable control of ISFETs encapsulated in microfluidic environments is required to achieve portable and reliable biosensors. Conventionally ISFET's maintain the stable electrochemical potential through a reference electrode, which can be consumed and is difficult to miniaturize. In this paper, to facilitate microfluidic packaging by using an on-chip capacitive reference electrode, we employ a modified CνMOS approach by connecting the sensing gate (SG) of the CνMOS to an uncoated platinum electrode, while another large-area gate (Si3N4 covered platinum) in the fluidic chamber serves as the electrolytic control gate (ECG). The capacitance ratio between the ECG to the extended SG needs to be engineered to efficiently modulate the transconductance. We observe an Ion/Ioff ratio of 109 and a subthreshold slope of ~80mV/decade when the ISFET is controlled using the ECG. We further observe that the extended platinum SG is relatively insensitive to saline concentration which we attribute to the lack of ion specificity at the extended platinum electrode. The pH response, on the other hand, is anomalous. We attribute this to the opposing proton-dependent sensitivities at the exposed Pt and Si3N4 coating of the ECG. Impedance spectroscopy however shows a clear molarity dependent RC time constant shift indicative of clear conductivity dependence. Our results suggest that non-faradaic capacitive control of ISFET's are more suitable for applications involving impedance detection and not ionic sensing.
A Topic-Based Visualization Tool for Distributed Publish/Subscribe Messaging

Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) has become a central design philosophy across many enterprise and organizational domains. Communication within and across enterprises is critical to allow interconnection and interoperation across service components and providers. Enterprise messaging refers to the set of technologies that enables companies to interconnect several units of their business, forming a network typically deployed across multiple locations. For these enterprise messaging networks, publish/subscribe is a communication paradigm that is gaining significant popularity. Traditional network monitoring tools can show topologies, statistics and various low-level endpoint relationships. Publish/Subscribe systems however facilitate communications at a much higher level than traditional networks via producing and consuming messages that are identified by topics. In this paper we describe the design and implementation of a visual tool that takes a topic-centric approach to visualizing communications in a publish/subscribe network. We propose a novel combination of a compact visual syntax and interaction techniques to help publish/subscribe network administrators and application developers understand and manage topic-specific message flows and their performance on networks. Several users have applied our tool to real-world industrial settings and have validated its effectiveness.
Building a planner for information gathering: a report from the trenches

Information gathering requires locating and integrating data from a set of distributed information sources. These sources may contain overlapping data and can come from different types of sources, including traditional databases, knowledge bases, programs, and Web pages. In this paper we focus on the problem of how to apply a general-purpose planner to produce plans for information gathering. We identify the critical functionality of the basic planner, describe how the information gathering problem can be cast as a planning problem, and present our approach to efficiently generating high-quality plans in this application domain. The resulting information gathering planner is used as the query processor in the SIMS information mediator, which is being applied to provide access to data for transportation logistics and trauma care. We present empirical results in the transportation domain to demonstrate that this planner can efficiently produce information gathering plans on a set of example queries that were provided with the databases.
Interpretation of biological and mechanical variations between the Lowry versus Bradford method for protein quantification.

Background: The identification of differences in protein expression resulting from methodical variations is an essential component to the interpretation of true, biologically significant results. Aims: We used the Lowry and Bradford methods- two most commonly used methods for protein quantification, to assess whether differential protein expressions are a result of true biological or methodical variations. Material & Methods: Differential protein expression patterns was assessed by western blot following protein quantification by the Lowry and Bradford methods. Results: We have observed significant variations in protein concentrations following assessment with the Lowry versus Bradford methods, using identical samples. Greater variations in protein concentration readings were observed over time and in samples with higher concentrations, with the Bradford method. Identical samples quantified using both methods yielded significantly different expression patterns on Western blot. Conclusions: We show for the first time that methodical variations observed in these protein assay techniques, can potentially translate into differential protein expression patterns, that can be falsely taken to be biologically significant. Our study therefore highlights the pivotal need to carefully consider methodical approaches to protein quantification in techniques that report quantitative differences.