cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Linear Program Performance Bounds for Closed QueueingNetworks

We develop new linear program performance bounds for closed reentrant queueing networks based on an inequality relaxation of the average cost equation. The approach exploits the fact that the transition probabilities under certain policies of closed queueing networks are invariant within certain regions of the state space. This invariance suggests the use of a piecewise quadratic function as a surrogate for the differential cost function. The linear programming throughput bounds obtained are provably tighter than previously known bounds at the cost of increased computational complexity. Functional throughput bounds parameterized by the fixed customer population N are obtained, along with a bound on the limiting throughput as N \to + \infty. We show that one may obtain reduced complexity bounds while still retaining superiority.
Lipid abnormalities in hereditary neuropathy. Part 4. Endoneurial and liver lipids of HMSN-III (Déjerine-Sottas disease).

Abstract Detailed lipid analyses of 1 liver and 4 endoneurial samples obtained from patients with hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, Type III (Dejerine-Sottas disease) were compared with controls. In parallel with the severe decrease in myelin, there was a substantial alteration of lipid composition including: (1) a decrease in endoneurial content of free cholesterol, glycosphingolipid and phospholipid; (2) a selective reduction of endoneurial phosphatidylserine; (3) a high proportion of 18:0 in endoneurial triacylglycerol and phospholipids; and (4) a striking diminution of long chain fatty acids (C 22 –C 27 ) in sphingolipids. No abnormal profile of liver glycosphingolipids was found. Contrary to what we reported previously, these studies do not confirm a systemic glycosphingolipid abnormality in this disorder.
Linear Logic as Logic Programming: An Abstract

Dans la lignee de ses travaux concernant la programmation logique, l'A. montre ici que la totalite de la logique lineaire peut etre consideree comme un langage de programmation logique qui permet une programmation de haut niveau et des primitives concurrents. Il mentionne plusieurs applications actuelles du langage Forum en informatique et indique des perspectives d'application aux analyseurs de dependance remplisseurs de trous (Filler-Gap Dependency Parsers), en illustrant une fois de plus la pertinence pratique de la logique lineaire pour la linguistique informatique
INTRAPARTUM SUCTIONING IN MECONIUM (mec) STAINED DELIVERIES: BULB SYRINGE (BS) VERSUS DE LEE CATHETER (DL)

The combination of intrapartum suctioning with a DL and post natal tracheal suction of the newborn in mec stained deliveries has significantly decreased the neonatal morbidity and mortality from mec aspiration syndrome (MAS). For practical purposes, most obstetricians prefer to use the BS rather than DL. A comparative study of both methods done in kittens showed a greater efficacy of the DL over BS. We studied 60 mec stained deliveries from 12/81 to 12/83. Cases were randomly assigned to DL or BS. The results are as follows: (DL/BS): # of cases 31/29; mec in trach. 13/13; amt. of mec in trach. (ml) .27±.08/52±14, p=0.065; thick mec 8/9; MAS 4/5; respirator for MAS 3/2; 02 hood for MAS 1/3; mortality from MAS 0/0; 1' Apgar 10 hrs. 15/15. Thus, in humans there does not seem to be a significant difference between the two modes of intrapartum suctioning in regard to neonatal outcome. The difference in amount of mec recovered from the trachea did not reach statistical significance; it was nevertheless higher in the BS group. This group was possibly at greater risk for more severe disease since they had more fetal distress (10 vs 6) and included more C sections (11 vs 4), thus not benefiting from vaginal "squeeze" of the lungs at time of delivery. Therefore this study suggests that BS is as efficient as DL in intrapartum mec suctioning.
Phosphorous diffusions for gettering-induced improvement of lifetime in various silicon materials

The effect of phosphorous diffusion on the excess-carrier lifetime in various silicon materials is investigated. The optimum phosphorous diffusion schedule and enhancement of lifetime was found to be material specific, with substantial (five-fold) increases found for some materials. Possible reasons for the variability of phosphorous gettering with different materials is discussed. >
Bounding Lamport's Bakery Algorithm

Lamport's Bakery algorithm is among the best known mutual exclusion algorithms. A drawback of Lamport's algorithm is that it requires unbounded registers for communication among processes. By making a small modification to Lamport's algorithm, we remove the need for unbounded registers. The main appeal of our algorithm lies in the fact that it overcomes a drawback of a famous algorithm while preserving its elegance.
Fuzzy logic resource manager: fuzzy rules and experiments

A fuzzy logic expert system has been developed that automatically allocates electronic attack resources on different platforms in real time. This resource manager is made up of four trees, the isolated platform tree, the multi-platform tree, the fuzzy parameter selection tree and the fuzzy strategy tree. The isolated platform tree provides a fuzzy decision tree that allows an individual platform to respond to a threat. The tree's self-morphing property that increases its ability to adapt to changing events is discussed. The multi-platform tree allows a group of platforms to respond to a threat in a collaborative fashion. A genetic algorithm is used to optimize the resource manager. Experiments designed to test various concepts in the expert system are discussed, including its ability to: allow multiple platforms to self-organize without the benefit of a commander; to tolerate errors made by other systems; and to deal with multiple distinct enemy strategies.
A Weight Based Distributed Clustering Algorithm for Mobile ad hoc Networks

In this paper, we propose a distributed clustering algorithm for a multi-hop packet radio network. These types of networks, also known as ad hoc networks, are dynamic in nature due to the mobility of the nodes. The association and dissociation of nodes to and from clusters perturb the stability of the network topology, and hence a reconfiguration of the system is often unavoidable. However, it is vital to keep the topology stable as long as possible. The clusterheads, which form a dominant set in the network, determine the topology and its stability. Our weight based distributed clustering algorithm takes into consideration the ideal degree, transmission power, mobility and battery power of a mobile node. We try to keep the number of nodes in a cluster around a pre-defined threshold to facilitate the optimal operation of the medium access control (MAC) protocol. The non-periodic procedure for clusterhead election gradually improves the load balance factor (LBF) which is a measure of the load distribution among the clusterheads. For lowering the computation and communication costs, the clustering algorithm is invoked on-demand which aims to maintain the connectivity of the network at the cost of load imbalance. Simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of our algorithm in terms of the number of clusterheads, reaffiliation frequency and dominant set updates. Results show that the our algorithm performs better than the existing algorithms and is also tunable to different types of ad hoc networks.
Oxygen Concentration Controls Epigenetic Effects in Models of Familial Paraganglioma

Familial paraganglioma (PGL) is a rare neuroendocrine cancer associated with defects in the genes encoding the subunits of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), a tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzyme. For unknown reasons, a higher prevalence of PGL has been reported for humans living at higher altitude, with increased disease aggressiveness and morbidity. In this study, we evaluate the effects of oxygen on epigenetic changes due to succinate accumulation in three SDH loss cell culture models. We test the hypothesis that the mechanism of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG)-dependent dioxygenase enzymes explains the inhibitory synergy of hypoxia and succinate accumulation. We confirm that SDH loss leads to profound succinate accumulation. We further show that hypoxia and succinate accumulation synergistically inhibit α-KG-dependent dioxygenases leading to increased stabilization of transcription factor HIF1α, HIF2α, and hypermethylation of histones and DNA. Increasing oxygen suppresses succinate inhibition of α-KG-dependent dioxygenases. This result provides a possible explanation for the association between hypoxia and PGL, and suggests hyperoxia as a potential novel therapy.
A Note on Smart Textiles

In this letter to the editor, Sundaresan Jayaraman discusses the July--September 2013 Wearable Computing department on smart textiles, and Jingyuan Cheng, Paul Lukowicz, and Albrecht Schmidt respond.
Noradrenergic and cholinergic interactions in the amygdala and the modulation of memory storage

Numerous studies have reported that, in rats, memory can be affected by manipulations of the amygdala noradrenergic system. Typically, low doses of norepinephrine facilitate while higher doses impair memory storage. Muscarinic cholinergic agonists facilitate, while antagonists impair memory storage. Recent evidence from studies using systemic injection of drugs, indicates that these two systems interact in modulating memory storage. The experiments reported here examined interactions between the amygdala noradrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic systems. The results indicate that activation of muscarinic cholinergic mechanisms in the amygdala enhances retention, and that such activation mediates the facilitatory effects of systemically administered oxotremorine. beta-Noradrenergic agonists appear to exert their effects in the amygdala by activating the release of acetylcholine.
Protein electrophoresis of psittacine plasma.

Background: Although protein electrophoresis (EPH) has been widely applied in human and veterinary medicine, it has only recently been implemented in the analysis of avian samples. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the application of protein EPH to the analysis of psittacine plasma samples. Our goals were to describe protein fraction mobility, establish reference intervals for some common species, determine the coefficient of variation (CV) of the chosen method, and examine the effects of sample handling and sample condition. Methods: Heparinized plasma samples from several common psittacine species (minimum sample size 50 each) were examined using the Beckman Paragon system and SPEP-II gels. Total protein was measured by refractometry. Reference intervals (95%) were calculated by the rank methods. Results: Fraction migration patterns were found to vary among common psittacine species. Day-to-day CV for the EPH fractions ranged from 2.2% to 10.5%; within-run CV ranged from 4.8% to 10.8%; and total CV ranged from 3.2% to 14.8%. The highest CV was noted for the poorly defined α-globulin fraction. Prolonged refrigeration, repeated freeze-thawing, hemolysis, and lipemia altered the results. Conclusions: Protein fractions from psittacine species were variable in terms of migration pattern and protein concentration, which necessitates the use of species-specific reference intervals. Avian protein electrophoretic patterns and values should be interpreted based on knowledge of the CV associated with the technique as well as on the effects of sample handling and condition.
?Searching time aggregation? and density dependent parasitism in a laboratory host-parasitoid interaction

Assuming random search by parasitoids within host-containing patches, and a constant search rate, current host-parasitoid models suggest that “searching time aggregation” by parasitoids in patches of high host density should tend to produce spatially density dependent parasitism at the patch level. It is not clear, however, that statistically significant “searching time aggregation” necessarily implies that significant density dependent parasitism will occur. In actual host-parasitoid systems the amounts of searching time allocated to patches of equal host density may vary a great deal from patch to patch. Such behavioral variability may be capable of obscuring an underlying density dependent trend, producing density independent parasitism at the patch level despite significant searching time aggregation in patches of high host density. This possibility is tested using data from an earlier laboratory study (Morrison and Lewis; Ent. exp. et appl. 30:31–39 [1981]) of the foraging behavior of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, a generalist parasitoid of lepidopteran eggs. Searching time allocation is found to be highly variable among patches of equal host density, and significant density dependent parasitism does not occur despite significant searching time aggregation in patches of high host density. This suggests that in cases in which density independent or “density vague” patterns of parasitism are observed in field samples, direct field measurements of searching time allocation in patches of different host density may be necessary to demonstrate the presence or absence of significant searching time aggregation by foraging parasitoids.
Means on equivalence relations

Suppose that X is a Polish space and E is a countable Borel equivalence relation on X. We show that if there is a Borel assignment of means to the equivalence classes of E, then E is smooth. We also show that if there is a Baire measurable assignment of means to the equivalence classes of E, then E is generically smooth.
SYMMETRIES IN SCATTERING OF SLOW NEUTRONS.

Reciprocity, detailed balance, and other symmetry laws for slow-neutron scattering are discussed for the case of anisotropic media. While Friedel's law, stating that $\ensuremath{\Sigma}(\mathbf{v}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathbf{v}}^{\ensuremath{'}})=\ensuremath{\Sigma}(\ensuremath{-}\mathbf{v}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{-}{\mathbf{v}}^{\ensuremath{'}})$, may fail for polar absorbing media, reciprocity as a consequence of time-reversal invariance, and of thermal equilibrium of the medium, remains valid. The optical theorem helps to derive a reciprocity relation for the total cross section $\ensuremath{\Sigma}(\mathbf{v})=\ensuremath{\Sigma}(\ensuremath{-}\mathbf{v})$. Similar conclusions are derived for the matrices used to describe scattering of polarized neutrons. The two reciprocity relations lead to a macroscopic reciprocity theorem, expressing a symmetry property of Green's functions of the linearized Boltzmann equation.
Nucleation and growth of Fe and FeO nanoparticles and films on Au(1 1 1)

Abstract We have studied the formation of Fe and FeO nanoparticles and thin films on the reconstructed Au(1 1 1) surface. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ion-scattering spectroscopy (ISS) were used to evaluate the structure and composition of Fe and FeO nanoparticles and films at different growth conditions. Iron grows as one monolayer high triangular particles on the Au(1 1 1) reconstruction. FeO was grown by exposing the Fe nanoparticles to molecular oxygen at 323 K, followed by annealing at 500–700 K. XPS results indicate that FeO is formed after room temperature oxidation. STM images show that well-ordered iron oxide particles form after annealing to 700 K. STM images also show evidence of a overlayer lattice with a short periodicity of 3.3 A modulated by a larger periodicity of approximately 35 A. The larger periodicity results from a moire pattern formed between the iron oxide overlayer and the underlying Au(1 1 1) surface.
Persistence of hormone secretion from neuroendocrine cells of aplysia after termination of electrical afterdischarge

The bag cell neurons of the marine mollusk Aplysia have been used extensively for investigating the electrophysiology and molecular biology of neurosecretory cells. However, there has been little attempt to carefully describe the pattern of secretion of the 36-amino acid peptide hormone that controls egg-laying behavior. This egg-laying hormone (ELH) is secreted in response to a highly characteristic pattern of action potential firing called the afterdischarge. The purpose of this study was to document the pattern of ELH secretion in response to the bag cell afterdischarge. To accomplish this goal, we developed the first RIA for measurement of ELH. The study was conducted in vitro in excised neural preparations that included the bilateral bag cell clusters; preparations were maintained in static culture of filtered artificial sea water (ASW) at 21-22 C. Afterdischarges were electrically stimulated, and action potentials were monitored via extracellular electrodes. The entire volume of ASW was collected every 5 min and immediately replaced with fresh ASW. In all 20 preparations, ELH levels were low to undetectable before stimulation of the afterdischarge; ELH rose above baseline within 5-10 min of the start of the afterdischarge, reached peak levels near the end or after the end of the afterdischarge, and then remained elevated long after action potentials had ceased firing. These results indicate a temporal dissociation between action potential firing and secretion. We suggest that the afterdischarge is important for triggering intracellular events that culminate in peptide release. Importantly, once these secretion-inducing events have been initiated, they can continue in the absence of further action potential stimulation.
The differential effects of husbands' and wives' statuses on marital fertility

As an extension of prior subjectively-oriented studies that predicted couples' fertility decisions or outcomes by the expected costs and benefits of childbearing to husbands and wives, this article examines the differentiated effects of husbands' and wives' objective statuses on marital fertility, using the cumulative 1972–1990 GSS data. An interesting finding is that wives' education has a significant, negative effect on fertility while the effect of husbands' education is positive and statistically insignificant. This suggests that the generalization of the negative effect of education on fertility may be misleading if one fails to make a distinction between marital partners. Meanwhile, this study finds no significant differences in the effects of husbands' and wives' occupational and work statuses on fertility. By and large, the husbands' status variables add little information to the models explaining fertility. It is also found that the effects of husbands' and wives' statuses are contingent upon their relative education.
Gender, Rewards and Research in Education

Under the “merit” ideology of academic research, the criteria for academic rewards are quality and quantity of research publications. Do men and women receive equal rewards for equal performance in...
The axe of the event: in and out of the echo chamber of West Germany’s 1968

In the middle of a 1971 televised round-table discussion on “protest and the market” between a sociologist, a journalist, and a record producer, the fourth participant, manager of the West German u...
Maya and their animals

Hamblin, Nancy L. Animal Use by the Cozumel Maya. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 1984. vii + 206 pp. including references and index. $23.00 cloth.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 in cerebral aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Generalized disruption of arterial wall morphological changes in patients harboring cerebral aneurysms has been documented; however, little is known regarding the pathogenesis of these changes. To explore the role of the elastolytic gelatinase, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), levels of this enzyme in the wall of intracranial aneurysms were compared with those in both intracranial and extracranial arteries. The tissue levels of its major inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), were measured in these tissues as well. The activity of MMP-9 in plasma was also evaluated. METHODS: The aneurysm wall was excised from three of six patients undergoing craniotomies for aneurysm clipping. A 1-cm segment of superficial temporal artery (STA) was obtained from each of six patients. Additional STAs were obtained from six patients in the control group who were undergoing craniotomies for nonvascular disease. An intracranial artery was also obtained from the anterior temporal neocortical resection of a patient undergoing a craniotomy for mesial temporal sclerosis. MMP-9 and TIMP levels were determined via Western blot analysis. Using substrate gel zymography, MMP-9 plasma activity was determined for a separate cohort of patients with aneurysms (n = 6) and patients in the control group (n = 6). RESULTS: MMP-9 and TIMP levels in the aneurysm wall were markedly increased beyond levels in both extracranial arteries (STAs from patients with aneurysms and patients in the control group) and the intracranial artery. There were no differences in the levels of MMP-9 in the STAs of patients harboring aneurysms when compared with patients in the control group. Also, no differences were noted in plasma MMP-9 activity. CONCLUSION: Local rather than systemic perturbations in MMP-9 levels may contribute to the matrix disruption associated with cerebral aneurysms. This local up-regulation is not the result of TIMP down-regulation. The lack of increased systemic metalloproteinase activity precludes the use of plasma MMP-9 activity as a screening tool for presymptomatic aneurysms. However, local therapeutic modulation of MMP-9 activity may help arrest aneurysm progression.
Mitigating horizontal divergence “checker-board” oscillations on unstructured triangular C-grids for nonlinear hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic flows

Abstract A complication of finite-volume triangular C-grid methods is the numerical emergence of horizontal divergence errors that lead to grid-scale oscillations in vertical velocity. Nonlinear feedback via advection of momentum can lead to numerical instability in velocity modes via positive feedback with spurious vertical velocities induced by horizontal divergence truncation error. Existing strategies to mitigate divergence errors such as direct divergence averaging and increased diffusion do not completely mitigate horizontal vertical velocity oscillations. We present a novel elliptic filtering approach to mitigate this spurious error and more accurately represent vertical velocities via improved calculation of horizontal divergences. These results are applied to laminar curved channel flows, demonstrating the applicability of the method to reproduce secondary flow features.
Physiological and subjective measures of anxiety during flooding.

Abstract Patterns of physiological arousal and subjective reports of anxiety were examined during individual sessions of imaginal flooding of five phobic subjects. A curvilinear pattern of increased, followed by decreased, arousal characterized changes in heart rate, respiration rate and subjective anxiety. Heart rate tended to reach its peak level before respiration rate and subjective anxiety. Intercorrelations between these measures were generally positive and significant. Comparisons between periods of high and low subjective arousal revealed a significantly greater correlation for low than for high arousal only for the subjective anxiety by respiration-rate correlation.
West Antarctic Ice Sheet release new iceberg

In October 2001, Eos published an article describing the sudden formation last year of a large fracture across most of the floating tongue of Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica (75°S latitude, 102°W longitude) [Bindschadler and Rignot, 2001]. Early last November, the growing fracture completely severed the ice tongue, releasing an iceberg 42 km×17 km, roughly the size of the Caribbean island of Dominica. What makes this event notable is the insight into the process of iceberg formation made possible by the unprecedented series of image data captured by the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument in the days just before the calving.
Justesen's construction--The low-rate case (Corresp.)

By using the more general class of BCH codes, rather than RS codes as originally proposed, the results of Justesen [1] are improved for code rates below 0.07. The value of d/n for the new codes approaches the Varsharmov-Gilbert hound
The relevance of Ellis's neurohormonal theory of crime and delinquency to suicide

Ellis's neurohormonal theory of criminality is briefly reviewed, and its relevance for understanding suicidal behavior is explored. It was found that many variables identified by Ellis as characteristic of criminals are also characteristic of suicidal individuals. In addition, Ellis's perspective identified many issues that have been explored only cursorily or not at all by suicidologists. Ellis's theory may, therefore, have heuristic value for suicidology.
Exciton Dynamics in Carbon Nanotubes: From the Luttinger Liquid to Harmonic Oscillators

We show that the absorption spectrum in semiconducting nanotubes can be determined using the bosonization technique combined with mean-field theory and a harmonic approximation. In this framework, a multiple band semiconducting nanotube reduces to a system of weakly coupled harmonic oscillators. We also find that gaps of any size destroy the Luttinger liquid phase in single-walled carbon nanotubes and give rise to electron density fluctuations that resemble excitons built from quasiparticles. Interband processes, such as multiple exciton generation, become progressively weaker as the length to diameter ratio grows larger.
Design and Ammonia-Recovery Evaluation of a Wind Speed-Sensitive Chamber System

A previously developed system to measure NH 3 volatilization in the field consists of a vacuum pump, volatilization chambers, and acid traps to capture NH 3 . The vacuum pump of the system draws air through each chamber at a constant rate, which may be faster or slower than the wind speed outside the chamber. Because wind speed affects NH 3 volatilization, it would be desirable to draw air through the chambers at a wind speed similar to that outside the chambers. The objective of this work was to improve the existing design by adding the capability of adjusting the speed at which air is drawn through each chamber. A hot needle anemometer was placed next to each chamber to measure wind speed at 1 cm above the soil surface. Wind speed was used to adjust an electronic valve so that the rate at which air was drawn through the chamber would match the external wind speed. Three N recovery studies were conducted with a sand-CaCO 3 mixture in the field to determine if the system could be used to obtain quantitative estimates of NH 3 volatilized. The NH 3 volatilized in each study was estimated from (i) the loss of soil inorganic N and (ii) the N captured in the acid traps. In all three studies, the NH 3 volatilized estimated from the acid traps (10-15% of applied N) was not different from the NH 3 volatilized estimated from the loss of soil inorganic N. These results indicate that the system can be used to obtain quantitative measurements of NH 3 volatilized under the conditions of these studies.
Adsorption and dissociation of carbon trioxide on Ag(100)

Using density functional theory methods, we have studied carbon trioxide, its adsorption and dissociation on Ag(100). In the gas phase, two isomers are found, D3h and C2v, with the latter of 2.0 kcal mol−1 lower in energy at the PW91PW91/6−31G(d) level. For CO3 on Ag(100), the calculated adsorption energy is 91.2 and 89.1 kcal mol−1 for the bi-coord perpendicular and tri-coord parallel structures, respectively. Upon the adsorption, 0.50 ∼ 0.56 electron is transferred from silver to CO3, indicative of significant ionic characters of the adsorbate-surface bonding. In addition, the geometry of CO3 is largely changed by its strong interaction with silver. For CO3(ad) O(ad) + CO2(gas), the energy barrier is calculated to be 19.8 kcal mol−1 through the bi-coord path. The process is endothermic with an enthalpy change of +17.3 ∼ +26.7 kcal mol−1 and the weakly chemisorbed CO2 is identified as an intermediate on the potential energy surface. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
An approach to educating team work

When students are working as a team in a project, there is always a temptation to contribute less to the work and yet receive the same credit for the project. This phenomenon is often called free-riding. Free-riding sometimes occurs in a team-project-based design class. Free-riding may interfere with a team working environment and may lead to poor performance of the team. In order to reduce the free-riding problem, the authors used a repeated prisoner’s dilemma game in a pilot experiment to explore if it is possible to educate students the benefit of contributing to their projects. The authors used grades in the payoff matrix of the game to simulate an academic environment.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The Impact of Linear Deformations on Stationary Hydrostatic Thrust Bearings

In this work, the operating sensitivity of the hydrostatic thrust bearing with respect to pressure-induced deformations will be studied in a stationary setting. Using the classical lubrication equations for low Reynolds number flow, closed-form expressions are generated for describing the pressure distribution, the flow rate, and the load carrying capacity of the bearing. These expressions are developed to consider deformations of the bearing that result in either concave or convex shapes relative to a flat thrust surface. The impact of both shapes is compared, and the sensitivity of the flow rate and the load carrying capacity of the bearing with respect to the magnitude of the deformation is discussed. In , it is shown that all deformations increase the flow rate of the bearing and that concave deformations increase the load carrying capacity while convex deformations decrease this same quantity relative to a non-deformed bearing condition.
Attack taxonomies for the Modbus protocols

Abstract The Modbus protocol and its variants are widely used in industrial control applications, especially for pipeline operations in the oil and gas sector. This paper describes the principal attacks on the Modbus Serial and Modbus TCP protocols and presents the corresponding attack taxonomies. The attacks are summarized according to their threat categories, targets and impact on control system assets. The attack taxonomies facilitate formal risk analysis efforts by clarifying the nature and scope of the security threats on Modbus control systems and networks. Also, they provide insights into potential mitigation strategies and the relative costs and benefits of implementing these strategies.
TrkB signaling is required for behavioral sensitization and conditioned place preference induced by a single injection of cocaine.

Exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can regulate behavioral sensitization and conditioned place preference (CPP) when animals are exposed to repeated cocaine administration. However, it is unclear whether BDNF signaling through the TrkB receptor can mediate these behavioral responses when animals are given a single cocaine exposure. Because TrkB knockout mice die as neonates, we engineered a transgenic mouse that expressed a dominant negative form of TrkB (dnTrkB) in a conditional and reversible manner. We assessed also activation of endogenous TrkB by quantifying levels of phosphorylated TrkB (p-TrkB) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We found that a single exposure to cocaine was sufficient to increase p-TrkB within the NAc 9–12 h after administration. Expression of the dnTrkB transgene not only prevented the acute cocaine-induced increase in p-TrkB, but it also prevented behavioral sensitization and CPP following a single cocaine injection. These findings demonstrate that TrkB activation is required both for behavioral sensitization and CPP to a single cocaine exposure. The fact that enhanced TrkB activation is induced within 9 h of a single injection of cocaine suggests that inhibition of TrkB signaling commencing hours after cocaine exposure may prevent at least the initial antecedents to the sensitizing and reinforcing effects of this psychostimulant.
Structure and expression of the cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase gene in cyclophosphamide-resistant murine leukemia L1210 cells

These investigations were performed to clarify the molecular basis for the enhanced expression of cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH-1) enzymatic activity in the cyclophosphamide-resistant L1210/CPA murine leukemia cell line, as compared to the parental L1210/O strain. Western immunoblot analysis was performed using a 15-fold greater quantity of cytosolic protein from the L1210/O as compared to the L1210/CPA cell line. Nevertheless, ALDH-1 immunoreactive protein could be detected only in the L1210/CPA cells. Northern analyses, performed using total cellular and polyadenylated RNA, again demonstrated ALDH-1-specific transcripts only in the L1210/CPA cell line. This transcript was identical in size to the ALDH-1 message expressed by normal murine hepatocytes. On Southern analysis, no evidence of gene amplification, gene rearrangement, or significant mutations of length was detected. These studies suggest that the ALDH-1 protein produced by the L1210/CPA cell line is structurally normal. Moreover, overexpression of the gene does not appear to have arisen as a result of an incremental process, such as gene amplification. Rather, a qualitative abnormality in the regulation of this gene appears to exist in the L1210/CPA cells, which distinguishes them from L1210/O cells and from normal murine lymphocytes.
Reply to [“Comment on “Testing the interbasin flow hypothesis at Death Valley, California’”] Winograd et al.

We happily respond to Winograd et al. regarding our recent Eos article concerning interbasin flow [Nelson et al., 2004]. We reiterate that we specifically reject interbasin flow only to Death Valley (DV) from Ash Meadows (AM) through the southern Funeral Mountains (FM), but suggest it should be critically reexamined elsewhere. Clearly, fractured carbonate rocks may be transmissive and deliver much water to a well or spring. We question, however, the spatial scales over which interbasin flow has been invoked, involving as it must continuously connected fracture permeability over tens to hundreds of kilometers.
Utility of calculated 13C NMR chemical shifts in differentiating conformational isomers: a study of metal-complexed and uncomplexed bispidines.

Calculated 13C NMR chemical shifts were key to assigning the structures of the conformational forms of complexed and uncomplexed bispidine derivatives
Challenges in Engineering Microbes for Biofuels Production

Economic and geopolitical factors (high oil prices, environmental concerns, and supply instability) have been prompting policy-makers to put added emphasis on renewable energy sources. For the scientific community, recent advances, embodied in new insights into basic biology and technology that can be applied to metabolic engineering, are generating considerable excitement. There is justified optimism that the full potential of biofuel production from cellulosic biomass will be obtainable in the next 10 to 15 years.
Relay-aided interference alignment for the X channel with limited CSI

In this work, we investigate the impact of placing a half-duplex relay in the X channel in the presence of limited channel state information (CSI). Specifically, we consider the scenarios when the sources have no CSI, while the relay either has perfect CSI or delayed CSI. We develop transmission strategies for each scenario to facilitate interference alignment with the help of the relay. We show that for both scenarios, with single antenna at each source and destination, degree of freedom 4/3 can be achieved. This matches the degree of freedom established in previous work when perfect CSI is available at all nodes. For the case with perfect CSI at the relay, relay only needs to have 1 antenna, and can perform beamforming with the sources to facilitate interference alignment using the proposed scheme. For the case with delayed CSI at the relay, the relay can compensate the staleness of the CSI by adding an antenna. An important observation from this work is that relay can increase the degrees of freedom for the X channel when the sources have no CSI, in contrast with the case when perfect CSI is available at all nodes, where a relay cannot improve the degrees of freedom. The results are also extended to multi-antenna settings.
Monte Carlo Simulations on Nanoparticles in Elastomers. Effects of the Particles on the Dimensions of the Polymer Chains and the Mechanical Properties of the Networks

Summary: Reinforcement of elastomers is modeled using Monte Carlo simulations on rotational isomeric state chains, to characterize their spatial configurations in the vicinity of filler particles. The resulting filler-perturbed distributions of the chain end-to-end distances are in agreement with experimental results gotten by neutron scattering. The use of these distributions in a standard molecular theory of rubberlike elasticity produces stress-strain isotherms for elongation that are consistent with available experimental results.
A Guide to Mexican Art: From Its Beginnings to the Present

"A Guide to Mexican Art," a survey of more than twenty centuries of art, has a double purpose. It provides an ample version of one of the great national arts by a leading art historian, and it serves simultaneously as a practical guide to the art's outstanding masterpieces. The "Guide" will thus be of value to specialists and students of Latin American art and to sightseers as an introduction and guide to the art and architecture of Mexico. To facilitate its use for the latter purpose, Professor Fernandez has based his exposition on the sensitive analysis of works to be found almost exclusive in museums and public buildings accessible to the tourist. The book was originally published in Spanish in 1958 and revised in 1961. This English translation, from the second edition has been brought up to date by the author and translator."
Correction to “logical” arithmetric on computers with two's complement binary arithmetic

In reference [1] algorithms for performing arithmetic with unsigned two's complement operands were described. The scheme for division was implemented in a set of multiple-precision floating-point arithmetic routines [2]. User experience with those routines showed that there is one case where the algorithm fails [3]. We give here a modification to the algorithm which eliminates the error condition. Equations are numbered beginning with (20), so that we may refer to equations in the original paper as well.
Managing in aNuevo Mundo: Accommodating linguistic and cultural diversity under title VII

This article examines a legal issue that is derivative of the increasingly multicultural character of the American work force. The recent case of Garcia v. Spun Steak(1993, 1994) is illustrative of the challenge managers can face in dealing with cultural and linguistic diversity in the workplace. Over time, there have been conflicting messages in employment discrimination law as to the propriety of employer-imposed restrictions on the use of languages other than English in the workplace. However, the basic question involves the balancing of both the employer’s right to manage the business and the right to self-expression in the language of one’s choice in the workplace. Recommendations are made as to how each party’s rights can be balanced under the law. What will be seen is that in the nuevo mundoof work found at the edge of the twenty-first century, the interests of both employers and employees may be best served by policies favoring language promotion over language restrictions.
Predicting ground-water movement in large mine spoil areas in the Appalachian Plateau

Abstract Spoil created by surface mining can accumulate large quantities of ground-water, which can create geotechnical or regulatory problems, as well as flood active mine pits. A current study at a large (4.1 km2), thick, (up to 90 m) spoil body in eastern Kentucky reveals important factors that control the storage and movement of water. Ground-water recharge occurs along the periphery of the spoil body where surface-water drainage is blocked, as well as from infiltration along the spoil–bedrock contact, recharge from adjacent bedrock, and to a minor extent, through macropores at the spoil's surface. Based on an average saturated thickness of 6.4 m for all spoil wells, and assuming an estimated porosity of 20%, approximately 5.2×106 m3 of water is stored within the existing 4.1 km2 of reclaimed spoil. A conceptual model of ground-water flow, based on data from monitoring wells, dye-tracing data, discharge from springs and ponds, hydraulic gradients, chemical data, field reconnaissance, and aerial photographs indicate that three distinct but interconnected saturated zones have been established: one in the spoil's interior, and others in the valley fills that surround the main spoil body at lower elevations. Ground-water movement is sluggish in the spoil's interior, but moves quickly through the valley fills. The conceptual model shows that a prediction of ground-water occurrence, movement, and quality can be made for active or abandoned spoil areas if all or some of the following data are available: structural contour of the base of the lowest coal seam being mined, pre-mining topography, documentation of mining methods employed throughout the mine, overburden characteristics, and aerial photographs of mine progression.
Anatomical MRI with an atomic magnetometer

Abstract Ultra-low field (ULF) MRI is a promising method for inexpensive medical imaging with various additional advantages over conventional instruments such as low weight, low power, portability, absence of artifacts from metals, and high contrast. Anatomical ULF MRI has been successfully implemented with SQUIDs, but SQUIDs have the drawback of a cryogen requirement. Atomic magnetometers have sensitivity comparable to SQUIDs and can be in principle used for ULF MRI to replace SQUIDs. Unfortunately some problems exist due to the sensitivity of atomic magnetometers to a magnetic field and gradients. At low frequency, noise is also substantial and a shielded room is needed for improving sensitivity. In this paper, we show that at 85 kHz, the atomic magnetometer can be used to obtain anatomical images. This is the first demonstration of any use of atomic magnetometers for anatomical MRI. The demonstrated resolution is 1.1 mm × 1.4 mm in about 6 min of acquisition with SNR of 10. Some applications of the method are discussed. We discuss several measures to increase the sensitivity to reach a resolution 1 mm × 1 mm.
Situation awareness in emergency medicine

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of environmental factors on physician situation awareness (SA) in an emergency department (ED) setting. An objective method of level 1 (i.e., perception) SA measurement and evaluation was developed and applied. Resident physician level 1 SA was measured using the Situational Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT). SAGAT question probes (i.e., sets of 10 questions) were generated randomly from a pool of questions and administered hourly. Questions were answered at a 7.4% false response rate. Environmental measures (i.e., patient information, physician information, temporal information, and workload) were collected concurrently. Mixed-effects modeling was used to determine the relationship between physician SA and environmental factors adjusting for potential correlation within physician observed, patients managed, and questions asked. Significant factors associated with decreases in SA include: patient hand-offs (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.67), residen...
Effect of Light Intensity on Brood Production of Livebearers Gambusia spp

Abstract Experiments showed that brood production of livebearers Gambusia spp. was affected by light intensity. Females were exposed to 108, 216, 324, and 432 lux of incandescent light. Natural light varies with turbidity and aquatic plant cover, but clear surface waters exceed 432 lux. Western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis (P = 0.025), largespring gambusia G. geiseri (P < 0.01), and Clear Creek gambusia G. heterochir (P < 0.01) had significantly fewer broods at low lux, but Pecos gambusia G. nobilis (P < 0.01) had fewer broods at high lux. This finding was not due to differences in feeding, breeding delays, or sexual activity, because the females store sperm and were isolated from the males. Pecos gambusia from East Sandia Spring had more broods at highest light, and largespring gambusia from the same location had more broods at lower light.
Cholangiocyte secretion of chemokines in experimental biliary atresia.

Abstract Biliary atresia (BA) is a disease of the newborn that results in obstruction of the biliary tree. The cause of BA remains unknown; however, recent studies using the murine model of biliary atresia have found that rotavirus infection of the biliary epithelial cell (cholangiocyte) triggers an inflammatory response. We hypothesized that rotavirus infection of cholangiocytes results in the release of chemokines, important mediators of the host immune response. Methods In vivo, Balb/c pups were injected with rhesus rotavirus (RRV) or saline, and, their extrahepatic bile ducts were microdissected 2, 5, 7, and 14 days after injection. Next, an immortalized cholangiocyte cell line (mCl) was incubated with RRV or serum-free media. Qualitative and quantitative chemokine assessment was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. Results In vivo, increased levels of the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein 2, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, KC and Regulated upon Activation, Normal T Expressed and Secreted were found in RRV-infected murine bile ducts. In vitro, infected mCl cells produced increasing amounts of these same chemokines in relation to dose and time. Conclusion These novel results suggest that chemokine expression by RRV-infected cholangiocytes may trigger a host inflammatory process that causes bile duct obstruction. Understanding how viral infection initiates this response may shed light on the pathogenesis of biliary atresia.
Triiodothyronine alters the cornification of cultured human keratinocytes

Scaly skin occurs in 80-90% of patients who are hypothyroid, the pathogenesis of which is unknown. Since thyroid hormone (T3) affects growth and differentiation in other organs, we examined the effects of its absence on keratinocytes in vitro. Human neonatal foreskin keratinocytes were cultivated and second passage cells were switched to T3-depleted (-T3) medium at 50% confluence. Cells maintained in the -T3 medium demonstrated increased (1.5 fold) levels of the cross-linking enzyme transglutaminase and increased (1.5 fold) formation of cornified envelopes, when compared to keratinocytes maintained in medium containing physiologic levels (2 X 10(-9)M) of T3. Additionally, in the -T3 cultures, the level of the protease plasminogen activator (PA), an enzyme implicated in the process of shedding of cornified cells, was decreased 70-80% of that measured in +T3 media. Absence of T3 from keratinocyte culture-medium increased both the level of the enzyme responsible for cross-linking cornified envelope precursors and the rate of envelope formation in cultured cells. The decreased levels of PA observed in the -T3 cultures could result in decreased shedding of cornified cells. These alterations in the process of keratinocyte differentiation may explain the clinically observed scaliness associated with hypothyroidism in humans. The molecular mechanism by which T3 alters keratinocyte cornification is not yet known.
Research on Groups: Writing Your Quantitative Study So That JSGW Will Publish It; Researchers, Academics, and Practitioners Will Use It; Everyone Will Benefit; and Good Quality Groups Will Proliferate

Earlier this year, on the ASGW listserve, there was a flurry of activity. “Research!” “Research on groups!” the cry went out. The excitement was palpable. My computer hummed with folk interested in...