cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum multiplexers, parrondo games, and proper quantization

A quantum logic gate of particular interest to both electrical engineers and game theorists is the quantum multiplexer. This shared interest is due to the facts that an arbitrary quantum logic gate may be expressed, up to arbitrary accuracy, via a circuit consisting entirely of variations of the quantum multiplexer, and that certain one player games, the history dependent Parrondo games, can be quantized as games via a particular variation of the quantum multiplexer. However, to date all such quantizations have lacked a certain fundamental game theoretic property. The main result in this dissertation is the development of quantizations of history dependent quantum Parrondo games that satisfy this fundamental game theoretic property. Our approach also yeilds fresh insight as to what should be considered as the proper quantum analogue of a classical Markov process and gives the first game theoretic measures of multiplexer behavior.
Multirate filter banks for code-division multiple access systems

Direct sequence, code-division multiple access (CDMA) schemes offer an attractive alternative for sharing a transmission medium among many users, while requiring minimal co-operation among them. A number of signal processing issues are related to the receiver's task of multiuser information extraction and detection. In this paper, a discrete-time multirate formulation is introduced for asynchronous CDMA systems, which can incorporate multipath effects. In this framework, linear receivers are derived which can completely suppress multiuser interference (decorrelating receivers). A criterion is introduced, which guarantees the decorrelating property, while providing optimal solutions in the presence of noise. The synchronization problem in a multipath environment is also studied, and identifiability conditions are established. A subspace algorithm is proposed, to estimate the user's delays and multipath channels in a blind scenario.
Elastic and Mechanical Properties of Polycrystalline Transparent Yttria as Determined by Indentation Techniques

The Young’s modulus (E) and nanoindentation (NI) stress– strain curves of fully dense, transparent yttria were determined using a nano-indenter capable of continually measuring the stiffness (S). Two hemispherical indenters with radii of 1.4 and 5 lm were used, in addition to a Berkovich tip. The E values—calculated from the S vs. a (contact radius) curves obtained with both spherical indenters (158–171 GPa) were � 5% lower than the 176 GPa dynamic modulus measured on the same sample using ultrasound. Depending on range of penetration depths, the Berkovich modulus was � 1%–5% higher than the dynamic modulus. When the NI load-displacement curves were converted to NI stress–strain curves, the yield point obtained was 77 1G Pa. This value was � 20% and � 33% lower than the Vickers and Berkovich hardness values measured on the same sample, respectively. The Vickers microhardness values (8.870.2 GPa) and the fracture toughness extracted from the latter (1.570.3 MPa . m 1/2 ) are in good agreement with published results on samples with comparable microstructures. The strain hardening rates were almost identical for both tips; no tip size effect was observed. Based on this work, we conclude that S vs. a plots are a powerful, and relatively simple, technique to measure the Young’s moduli of polycrystalline ceramics and other hard solids. The fact that one also obtains NI stress–-strain curves is a distinct advantage over the more commonly used Berkovich tip.
Neuroimmune and Neuropathic Responses of Spinal Cord and Dorsal Root Ganglia in Middle Age

Prior studies of aging and neuropathic injury have focused on senescent animals compared to young adults, while changes in middle age, particularly in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), have remained largely unexplored. 14 neuroimmune mRNA markers, previously associated with peripheral nerve injury, were measured in multiplex assays of lumbar spinal cord (LSC), and DRG from young and middle-aged (3, 17 month) naive rats, or from rats subjected to chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve (after 7 days), or from aged-matched sham controls. Results showed that CD2, CD3e, CD68, CD45, TNF-α, IL6, CCL2, ATF3 and TGFβ1 mRNA levels were substantially elevated in LSC from naive middle-aged animals compared to young adults. Similarly, LSC samples from older sham animals showed increased levels of T-cell and microglial/macrophage markers. CCI induced further increases in CCL2, and IL6, and elevated ATF3 mRNA levels in LSC of young and middle-aged adults. Immunofluorescence images of dorsal horn microglia from middle-aged naive or sham rats were typically hypertrophic with mostly thickened, de-ramified processes, similar to microglia following CCI. Unlike the spinal cord, marker expression profiles in naive DRG were unchanged across age (except increased ATF3); whereas, levels of GFAP protein, localized to satellite glia, were highly elevated in middle age, but independent of nerve injury. Most neuroimmune markers were elevated in DRG following CCI in young adults, yet middle-aged animals showed little response to injury. No age-related changes in nociception (heat, cold, mechanical) were observed in naive adults, or at days 3 or 7 post-CCI. The patterns of marker expression and microglial morphologies in healthy middle age are consistent with development of a para-inflammatory state involving microglial activation and T-cell marker elevation in the dorsal horn, and neuronal stress and satellite cell activation in the DRG. These changes, however, did not affect the establishment of neuropathic pain.
Normalizing Intersex: The Transformative Power of Stories

The voices of 13 people with intersex traits are shared in this symposium to shape dominant medical discourse about intersex bodies and experiences. Four commentaries on these narratives by experts from various disciplines are included in this issue, with each raising questions that hopefully enhance rather than regulate the voices of people with intersex traits.
Matrix Raman spectra of the molecular halogens: Resonance Raman spectra of isolated and aggregated I2

Iodine vapor was suspended in Ar, Kr, Xe and N2 matrices at 16K using several dilutions (Ar/I2=400/1, 1000/1, 2500/1) and the Raman spectra were studied using krypton and argon plasma exciting lines. Two progressions were observed in the Ar/I2=400 samples: a weak one beginning at 212±1 cm−1, which has the gas-phase I2 spacing, and extending out to 11ν using 5145 A excitation, and a very strong series beginning at 180 ± 1 cm−1 and extending out to 11ν with vibrational intervals near solid I2 values. The two progressions exhibited comparable intensities in the Ar/I2=1000 experiment. In the Ar/I2=2500 experiments, the gas-phase-like series was intense and the 180 cm−1 interval spectrum was absent. The very strong I2 fundamental and regular overtone progressions increased in length and in intensity as the exciting wavelength decreased 6471 to 5145 A, reaching the absorption band maximum, and then decreased in length and intensity using 4880 and 4579 A excitation. These observations are characteristic of resonance Raman spectra.
Effects of stimulating the subcoeruleus-parabrachial region on the non-noxious and noxious responses of T1-T5 spinothalamic tract neurons in the primate

Abstract The effects of electrical stimulation of the subcoeruleus-parabrachial (SC-PB) region on the discharge rate of upper thoracic spinothalamic tract (STT) neurons were investigated in 21 monkeys anesthetized with α-chloralose. STT cells were antidromically activated from the medial thalamus (MT) and the ventral posterior lateral nucleus (VPL) and received viscerosomatic convergent input from the cardiopulmonary sympathetic afferents and the left chest-forearm region. Stimulation of the SC-PB region inhibited the activity of all 30 STT neurons studied in the T 1 -T 5 regions of the spinal cord. The minimum average current required to decrease the discharge rate of 22 cells exhibiting spontaneous activity was89 ± 10 μA (100 Hz, 100 μs duration). Currents as high as 300 μA completely inhibited the activity of most cells. Examination of the importance of frequency of stimulation from the SC-PB area on 8 cells revealed that impulses of at least 40 Hz (208 ± 37 μA, 100 μs duration)were necessary to inhibit the spontaneous activity by 60%. Higher frequencies produced greater degrees of inhibition. Stimulation of the SC-PB region also inhibited the response of 23 of 23 neurons excited by noxious pinch and 11 of 11 wide dynamic range cells stimulated by innocuous input such as blowing or brushing hair. No differences in the inhibition produced by SC-PB stimulation on cells projecting to VPL ( n = 20), MT ( n = 5), or both VPL and MT ( n = 5) were observed. These results demonstrate that the SC-PB region may be an important brainstem site for descending inhibition of both noxious and innocuous somatic input to upper thoracic STT cells in the primate.
Synthesis, characterization and thermochemistry of Cs-, Rb- and Sr-substituted barium aluminium titanate hollandites

Abstract Titanate hollandites are of considerable interest for immobilization of radioactive Cs, its daughter product Ba and related radionuclides Rb and Sr. In this study, we synthesized three hollandites, Ba1.18Cs0.21Al2.44Ti5.53O16, Ba1.17Rb0.19Al2.46Ti5.53O16 and Ba1.14Sr0.10Al2.38Ti5.59O16, using sol–gel methods. Rietveld analysis of synchrotron XRD data shows that they adopt the tetragonal structure (space group I4/m), and their cell parameters increase with increasing cation size (Sr2+ → Rb+ → Cs+). Standard enthalpies of formation of these hollandites were determined from drop solution calorimetric measurements with lead borate as the solvent at 973 K. Their formation enthalpies are similar, consistent with the occurrence of extensive cation substitutions in hollandites. Further energetic analysis with respect to BaTiO3 and SrTiO3 perovskites and other oxides reveals decreased thermodynamic stability from Cs- to Rb- to Sr-hollandite. This trend is consistent with the phase assemblage observed in Synroc, where Cs+, Rb+ and Ba2+ enter into hollandite, whereas Sr2+ occurs in perovskite.
Special session: Connecting with community: Empathy, experience, and engineering with elders

A hands-on special session at the Frontiers in Education conference introduces an experiential exercise in empathy. Participants will use prostheses to simulate some of the physical disabilities that often accompany aging, then attempt everyday activities to better understand how engineered artifacts — and engineering design choices — can facilitate or hinder these tasks. The “empathy exercise” introduced here is suitable for inclusion in a wide range of engineering classrooms. It draws student attention to the importance of end user understanding and increases student understanding of the connection between engineering decisions and societal impact at a visceral level.
Measurements of impact properties of small, nearly spherical particles

The authors report impact properties for collisions of small, nearly spherical particles that present interesting experimental challenges. They consider difficulties arising with surface reflectivity, slight asphericity, surface damage and collisions with particles affixed to a rigid plate. To measure these impact properties, the authors refine the experimental technique of Foersteret al. To permit straightforward incorporation in rapid granular theories, the impacts are described with three coefficients. The first is the Newtonian coefficient of normal restitution. The second represents the frictional properties of the contact surfaces. The last characterizes the restitution of the tangential component of the contact point velocity for impacts that involve negligible sliding.
Clustering is a feature of the spiral ganglion in the basal turn.

Objective: To demonstrate the organization of the spiral ganglion in the mammalian species. Methods: Temporal bone (TB) specimens from man (n = 2), monkey (n = 2), lion (n = 2) and cat (n = 20) were stained, decalcified and dissected according to the Sudan black B method of Rasmussen. These TB specimens were examined under a Zeiss operating microscope and photographed with a Canon 100 camera interfaced with the microscope. Results: Spiral ganglion cells occurred in clusters within Rosenthal’s canal in all four species. The location of the clusters was marked by the interface between axon and dendritic bundles as well as groups of ganglion cells. In monkey and man the clusters were more separated than in lion and cat. Conclusions: These observations indicate that the spiral ganglion forms clusters of neurons within Rosenthal’s canal at the basal cochlear turn in the mammals investigated here. The formation of clusters may be related to the principles of neurogenesis.
Elastic and inelastic proton scattering from 116Cd

Abstract The differential cross sections for elastically and inelastically scattered 12 MeV protons from 116 Cd have been measured for 18 groups to levels below ≈ 2.8 MeV. The elastic scattering was fitted by searching for the best parameters of an optical model. The observed cross sections for excitation of the one-phonon 2 + and 3 − states were compared to the predictions of both the DWBA and coupled-channel theories. Distortion parameters were extracted and compared to those determined from E2 transition probabilities. The coupled-channel theory was used to calculate cross sections for the one-octupole-one-quadrupole and two-quadrupole phonon states. States at 2.041, 2.115 and 2.296 MeV were fitted by means of the 1 − , 3 − or 5 − , and 3 − octupole-quadrupole coupled-channel calculations, respectively. Fits to the two-quadrupole phonon-like states were obtained by assuming an admixture of the one-phonon state in their description. The amplitudes of these admixed wave functions were calculated from both the proton scattering and Coulomb excitation experimental results and it was found that the onephonon amplitudes, especially for the second 2 + states, are large. The results for 116 Cd are compared with those obtained from inelastic proton scattering and Coulomb excitation of other nuclei in this mass region to determine systematic trends.
Virtual private network bandwidth management with traffic prediction

Dynamic link resizing is an attractive approach for resource management in virtual private networks (VPNs) serving modern real-time and multimedia traffic. In this paper, we assess the use of linear traffic predictors to dynamically resize the bandwidth of VPN links. We present the results of performance comparisons of three predictors: Gaussian, auto-regressive moving average (ARMA) and fractional auto-regressive integrated moving average (fARIMA). The comparisons are based on the mean packet delay, the variance of the packet delay, and the buffer requirements. Guided by our performance tests, we propose and evaluate a new predictor for link resizing: linear predictor with dynamic error compensation (L-PREDEC). Our performance tests show that L-PREDEC works better than Gaussian, ARMA and fARIMA in terms of the three metrics listed above. The benefit of L-PREDEC over the Gaussian predictor is demonstrated in two configurations: a common queue with aggregate link resizing and multiple queues with separate link resizing. In both configurations, L-PREDEC has consistently achieved better multiplexing gain and higher bandwidth utilization than its Gaussian counterpart.
Metabolism in vitro of cholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol by the larval prothoracic glands of Manduca sexta.

The prothoracic glands in vitro convert 25-hydroxycholesterol (25C) to 25-hydroxy-7-dehydrocholesterol (7d25C) and to ecdysteroids at a greater rate than cholesterol (C) is converted to ecdysteroids via 7-dehydrocholesterol (7dC). Mediated via a cytochrome P450 most probably located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), both intact and extensively homogenized prothoracic glands, as well as crude subcellular fractions, were able to 7,8-dehydrogenate 25C to 7d25C eight-fold more efficiently than they could convert C to 7dC. However, less than a two-fold difference was observed in the subsequent monooxygenase mediated conversion of these two intermediates formed in situ into ecdysteroids, mainly ecdysone (E) and 2-deoxyecdysone (2dE) and/or their 3-dehydroderivatives. When 7dC, and particularly 7d25C, were made directly available to these tissue preparations, their conversion to ecdysteroids greatly exceeded that of the in situ conversion of either C or 25C, via 7dC or 7d25C, respectively. Indeed, there was an eight-fold increase in the Vmax for 25C dehydrogenation by homogenized glands relative to the dehydrogenation of C. Most important, however, was the 1000-fold increase in the Vmax observed for the direct production of E from emulsified 7d25C by gland homogenates relative to E production from 25C via 7d25C synthesized in situ. Thus, it is apparent that even after the rapid and efficient conversion of 25C to 7d25C within the ER, the subsequent rate of conversion of this intermediate to E is greatly retarded relative to that observed following the direct incubation of emulsified 7d25C with gland homogenates. These differential kinetics of direct and indirect 7d25C incorporation into E are interpreted as evidence for the existence of a barrier to the efficient translocation of the Δ5,7-sterol intermediates from the ER to another site where the subsequent, uncharacterized initial conversions leading to ecdysteroids take place. On the basis of studies on mammalian adrenal cortical steroidogenesis, this site is postulated to be the inner membrane/matrix of the mitochondria. The present data support the hypothesis that the translocation of both 7dC and 7d25C, first from the site of their probable synthesis within the ER membranes, next through the cytosol to the outer mitochondrial membrane, and then across the intramitochondrial aqueous space to the inner membrane/matrix compartment, may be analogous to the translocation in the adrenal cortex of ER-derived C, first to the plasma membrane and/or to the outer mitochondrial membrane and then to the inner mitochondrial membrane/matrix for P450scc-mediated conversion into pregnenolone.
∑2-constructions and I∑1

The consistency strength of the ∑2 (Sacks finite injury) priority method is I∑2, yet classical theorems proven by this method have been proved from I∑1. Is there a statement about the structure of the r.e. degrees that can be proved using a ∑2 argument and cannot be proved from I∑1? We rule out statements in the language of partial orderings of the form (∀d ≠ 0)(∃d1 ≱ d)(∃d2 ≱ d)…(∃dn ≱ d)[ϑ], where ϑ is quantifier-free, by showing that the following can be proved in I∑1. If P is any recursive partial ordering with a maximal (not necessarily maximum) point d, and a is any nonrecursive incomplete r.e. degree, then P can be embedded into the r.e. degrees by an embedding sending d to a.
Theory of low-energy positron-helium scattering

Theory of low energy positron helium scattering below positronium threshold - adiabatic method applied
A dynamic multi-scale approach for turbulent inflow boundary conditions in spatially developing flows

A dynamic method for prescribing realistic inflow boundary conditions is presented for simulations of spatially developing turbulent boundary layers. The approach is based on the rescaling–recycling method proposed by Lund, Wu & Squires (J. Comput. Phys, vol. 140, 1998, pp. 233–258) and the multi-scale method developed by Araya, Jansen & Castillo (J. Turbul., vol. 10, no. 36, 2009, pp. 1–33). The rescaling process requires prior knowledge about how the velocity and length scales are related between the inlet and recycle stations. Here a dynamic approach is proposed in which such information is deduced dynamically by involving an additional plane, the so-called test plane located between the inlet and recycle stations. The approach distinguishes between the inner and outer regions of the boundary layer and enables the use of multiple velocity scales. This flexibility allows applications to boundary layer flows with pressure gradients and avoids the need to prescribe empirically the friction velocity and other flow parameters at the inlet of the domain. The dynamic method is tested in direct numerical simulations of zero, favourable and adverse pressure gradient flows. The dynamically obtained scaling exponents for the downstream evolution of boundary layer parameters are found to fluctuate in time, but on average they agree with the expected values for zero, favourable and adverse pressure gradient flows. Comparisons of the results with data from experiments, and from other direct numerical simulations that use much longer computational domains to capture laminar-to-turbulence transition, demonstrate the suitability of the proposed dynamic method.
Optimizing strategies for telescoping languages: procedure strength reduction and procedure vectorization

At Rice University, we have undertaken a project to construct a framework for generating high-level problem solving languages that can achieve high performance on a variety of platforms.The underlying strategy, called telescoping languages, builds problem-solving systems from domain-specific libraries and scripting langauges. To accomplish this it extensively preanalyzes and transforms the library to produce a scripting language precompiler that optimizes library calls within the scripts as if they were primitives in the underlying language.A major technical issue is how to preoptimize a library for use in applications that are yet to be seen. To address this issue, we have conducted a study of applications written in Matlab by the signal processing group at Rice University. This has identified a collection of old and new optimizations that show promise for this particular domain. Two promising new optimizations are procedure vectorization and procedure strength reduction.The latter of these is particularly useful in this problem domain and we expect it to be just as applicable in other contexts as well.We report on the results of an exploration of the effectiveness of procedure strength reduction on three real Digital Signal Processing (DSP) applications. By transforming these programs according to the strategies described in this paper, we were able to achieve speedups ranging from 10 to 40 percent over the entire application — speedups for individual functions were even more dramatic.
Covalent-ionic problem: H+ −H − ion pairs from doubly excited (H2)∗∗ formed by transfer-excitation of H+2 during collisions

Abstract We measured the laboratory energy distribution of H + −H − pairs in coincidence, at 0° with respect to the beam direction, produced by 4.0 keV H + 2 colliding with Xe and He. The transformation of the laboratory energy distribution of H + −H − pairs in coincidence from the laboratory frame to the center-of-mass frame shows that, contrary to the earlier measurements, the charge transfer to the dissociative excited H 2 state releases a substantial amount of maximum kinetic energy ( ∼ 4 eV/ion) which suggests that H + −H − pairs result from the dissociation of doubly excited states of H 2 . These doubly excited states of H 2 ∗∗ are formed by an electron transfer-excitation process which is studied in molecules for the first time. The energies of these doubly excited states have been calculated by Guberman [J. Chem. Phys. 78 (1983) 1404] and are consistent with our measurements of the H + −H − energies. The dissociation process proceeds from covalent doubly excited states through states of mixed doubly and singly excited configurations, to states of mixed ionic and covalent configurations, to a final pure ionic state. The details of this transformation are still open to conjecture and await further theory and calculations.
LSD as an agonist and antagonist at central dopamine receptors.

THE mechanisms involved in the psychotomimetic actions of D-lysergic acid diethylamide (D-LSD) and other hallucinogenic agents have not been defined. Neurophysiological and behavioural studies indicate that D-LSD may interact with serotonin and catecholamine receptors in the central nervous system. Thus, this drug seems to stimulate certain central serotonergic pathways1,2, while inhibiting the activation of other pathways by serotonin3,4.
Schmid type metaphyseal chondrodysplasia: a spondylometaphyseal dysplasia identical to the “Japanese” type

Background. Schmid-type metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (Schmid MCD) is an autosomal dominant chondrodysplasia resulting from various mutations in the COL10A1 gene. This disorder has been well delineated at a clinical level and has been classified radiographically as a pure metaphyseal chondrodysplasia. A missense mutation in the COL10A1 gene has also been shown to cause a rare spondylo-metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (SMD) named the “Japanese” type which, apart from exhibiting a mild spinal phenotype, shares striking clinical and radiographic similarities to Schmid MCD.¶Objective. The clinical, radiographic and molecular similarities between Schmid MCD and Japanese SMD led to the hypothesis that these conditions could be identical type X collagenopathies.¶Materials and methods. We analyzed 33 cases of typical Schmid MCD from the International Skeletal Dysplasia Registry, looking specifically for any radiographic evidence of spinal involvement.¶Results. We found that in 9.1 % (3/33) of cases reviewed there was definite radiographic evidence of spinal involvement comprising mild platyspondyly, vertebral body abnormalities, and end-plate irregularity.¶Conclusion. These data indicate that spinal changes are an uncommon but variable component of Schmid MCD and that this condition and “Japanese” SMD are identical collagen type X disorders. Furthermore, the fact that the specific mutation reported in the family with Japanese type SMD, resulting in the substitution of a glutamic acid residue for a glycine at codon 595 (G595 E), has also been reported in a patient with Schmid MCD strongly supports this conclusion.
The emergence of architectonic field structure and areal borders in developing monkey sensorimotor cortex

Abstract Adult monkey sensorimotor cortex consists of several structurally and functionally distinct areas. The developmental sequence through which the characteristic architectonic features and the borders of these areas become resolved was examined in a series of fetal, postnatal and adult monkeys by using Nissl staining, cytochrome oxidase and acetylcholinesterase histochemistry, and immunocytochemistry for GABA and the neuropeptides somatostatin, neuropeptide Y, substance P and cholecystokinin. At the youngest fetal age examined (E110), the pre- and postcentral gyri possess six clearly delineated cellular layers; populations of GABA- and neuropeptide-immunoreactive cells can be identified, but their density and distribution differs from that in the adult. In contrast to the adult cortex, however, the first somatic sensory cortex at E110 lacks areal cytoarchitectonic parcellation. Despite the apparent homogeneity in the cytoarchitecture of the somatic sensory cortex, incipient areal borders are revealed by staining for cytochrome oxidase and acetylcholinesterase activity, and by staining immunocytochemically for several neuropeptides. The motor cortex at E110 differs from that in adults by the presence of a prominent layer IV; a clear cytoarchitectonic border between areas 3a and 4 is detectable at E110, which is also revealed by chemoarchitectonic markers. With increasing age, the characteristic architectonic features gradually emerge and areal cytoarchitectonic borders appear, becoming adult-like by early postnatal ages. The gradual changes in cytoarchitecture are paralleled by redistributions of GABA- and neuropeptide-immunoreactive cells and fiber plexuses. The data demonstrate that the progressive refinement in cytoarchitectonic features and in the distributions of neurotransmitter- and peptide-containing cells occurs primarily during the latter third of gestation. The major changes are temporally coincident with the ingrowth of afferent axonal systems, suggesting that the establishment of connectivity may be capable of modulating finer details of structural or molecular phenotype, particularly intra-areal cytoarchitectonic features and neurotransmitter or peptide expression.
Hasse's class number product formula for generalized Dirichlet fields and other types of number fields

In the 1950's Hasse gave a formula that relates the class number of a biquadratic dicyclic number field to the class numbers of its, three quadratic subfields. Similar formulas are derived here for biquadratic dicyclic extensions of more general base fields, in cases where the base fields retain several properties of ℚ.
Parental mediators of the genetic relationship between home environment and infant mental development

Correlations between environmental measures and infant development have been shown to involve genetic as well as environmental components, as indicated by environment-development correlations in non-adoptive families that are greater than correlations in adoptive families. The goal of the present analysis was to search for aspects of parental behaviour that underlie genetic mediation of environment-development relationships. Analyses focused on Bayley MDI scores at 2 years of age as a measure of developmental outcome, and the HOME as an environmental measure in a study of 233 adoptive families and 227 matched non-adoptive families. Surprisingly, the results indicated that partialling out parental SES, education, IQ, specific cognitive abilities, and major dimensions of personality had little effect on the HOME-Bayley relationship in either non-adoptive or adoptive families. From these analyses we conclude that the parental factor which genetically mediates this relationship must be a genetically influenced factor which is not related to these traditional measures. Criteria are offered to guide the search for parental factors that can explain genetic mediation of the HOME-Bayley relationship.
A five-year quest for a “quality manufacturing” lab

Abstract In this paper we describe our experience in developing and implementing a software-based Quality Manufacturing Lab at St. Mary's University of San Antonio. The lab simulates a real-world experience for senior industrial engineering students; it prepares them for their first job opportunity. The knowledge gained from at least five upper division courses would be required in order to accomplish the task set forth for teams of three to four students in the QM lab. The QM lab has a basis in computer database and simulation software. A vast amount of information is needed for the students to complete their task. This information is readily available in a wide variety of textbooks and handbooks, but not easily accessed (thus the need for the database knowledge compilation). Students would be given the drawing of a component part. By using the extensive database and simulation, the QM students must pick the appropriate material, the type of process, the machine settings, the finishing requirements, the costs, and the production sequencing. They then simulate the manufacture of the parts and compare results with other groups and approaches. This project was funded by a two-year grant from the Department of Education's Minority Science Improvement Program (MSIP). The QM lab documentation will be made available to interested industrial or manufacturing engineering programs nationwide.
Vibrational spectra and structure of small ring compounds silacycolpentane

Abstract The infrared spectra of silacyclopentane and 1,1-dideutero-1-silacyclopentane in both the gaseous and liquid states were recorded from 4000 to 33 cm−1. The Raman spectra of the liquids were also recorded and depolarization values were determined. The data rule out the planar configurati t n for the silacyclopentane molecules and were shown to be consistent with a C2 structure. The 39 normal vibrations were assigned on the basis of their depolarization values, infrared band contours, isotopic shifts, and band intensities. The two low-frequency ring modes were observed at 264 and 101 cm−1 for the normal compound, and at 259 and 94 cm−1 for the deuterated molecule. A series of pronounced Q-branches with approximately 2 cm−1 spacing were observed on the low wave-number side of the 101 cm−1 band. A similar series with an approximate spacing of 1.7 cm−1 was observed for the deuterium compound. These series have been interpreted in terms of a relatively high barrier to pseudorotation of the five-membered ring. The calculated barriers were 3.9 and 4.2 kcal/mole for the “light” and “heavy” compounds, respectively. The spectroscopically derived parameter mq 0 2 was 14.2 × 10−40 and 17.9 × 10−40 g cm2 for SiC4H10 and SiC4H8D2, respectively. The barriers are considerably higher than one might expect from existing theories and data on torsional barriers.
A Novel Device for Measuring Respirable Dustiness Using Low-Mass Powder Samples

Respirable dustiness represents the tendency of a powder to generate respirable airborne dust during handling and therefore indicates the propensity for a powder to become an inhalation hazard. The dustiness of 14 powders, including 10 different nanopowders, was evaluated with the use of a novel low-mass dustiness tester designed to minimize the use of the test powder. The aerosol created from 15-mg powder samples falling down a tube were measured with an aerodynamic particle sizer (APS). Particle counts integrated throughout the pulse of aerosol created by the falling powder were used to calculate a respirable dustiness mass fraction (D, mg/kg). An amorphous silicon dioxide nanopowder produced a respirable D of 121.4 mg/kg, which was significantly higher than all other powders (p 10...
The Bone Biologic Effects of Zoledronate in Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Malignant Osteolysis

Background: Malignant osteolysis is a process whereby cancer cells in concert with osteoclasts erode bone matrix. Aminobisphosphonates (NBPs) such as zoledronate induce osteoclast apoptosis and thereby decrease malignant skeletal destruction, severity of bone pain, and frequency of pathologic fracture. Hypothesis: IV-administered zoledronate will reduce homeostatic bone turnover in healthy dogs and pathologic bone resorption in dogs diagnosed with primary and secondary bone tumors. Animals: Six healthy dogs and 20 dogs with naturally occurring primary or metastatic bone tumors were administered zoledronate IV. Methods: Prospective study: In all dogs, healthy (n = 6) and with malignant osteolysis (n = 20), the bone biologic effects of zoledronate were evaluated by quantifying changes in serum C-telopeptide (CTx) or urine N-telopeptide (NTx) concentrations or both. In dogs with osteosarcoma (OSA) (n = 10), serial changes in tumor relative bone mineral density (rBMD) assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were used to characterize zoledronate's antiresorptive effects within the immediate tumor microenvironment. Additionally, the biochemical tolerability of zoledronate was assessed in 9 dogs receiving multiple (≥2) consecutive treatments. Results: All dogs had significant reductions in serum CTx or urine NTx concentrations or both after zoledronate administration. In a subset of dogs with appendicular OSA, reduced urine NTx concentrations and increased primary tumor rBMD coincided with improved limb usage as reported by pet owners in dogs treated with zoledronate and concurrent oral analgesics. Multiple zoledronate infusions were not associated with biochemical evidence of toxicosis. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In dogs with skeletal neoplasms, IV-administered zoledronate exerts bone biologic effects, appears safe, and can provide pain relief.
Micromechanical modeling of deformation and failure for granulates with frictional contacts

Abstract Perceiving granular material as a collection of particles, a constitutive law for granular material is derived based on micromechanics approach, taking into account the mechanisms of sliding and separation of particles under large deformation. The derived constitutive law is explicitly in terms of inter—particle contact properties. In deriving the overall stress-strain relationship, heterogeneity of the material is considered by a newly introduced distributive tensor. The distributive tensor describes the strain fluctuation in the system and facilitates an averaging process for obtaining the overall deformation behavior. Predicted results from the present model are compared with that obtained from computer simulation and experiments on sands. Unique features of the present theory are discussed to show their usefulness in comprehensive modelling of complex behavior for granular material.
Mineralogical and isotopic evidence for phenocryst-matrix disequilibrium in the Garner Mountain andesite

Petrographic, trace element and isotopic evidence demonstrates that magma mixing preceded the eruption of the Garner Mountain andesite. The flow contains reversely zoned plagioclase phenocrysts and amphibole pseudomorphs composed of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene and opaque oxides. Partially resorbed quartz grains are also present. In contrast to the isotopically uniform matrix, plagioclase phenocrysts have 87Sr/86Sr ratios that correlate negatively with matrix Sr and positively with matrix Rb abundances. These observations demonstrate increasing isotopic disequilibrium between the plagioclase and matrix in the more evolved varieties of the flow.
CHOICE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND THE WAGES OF EMPLOYEES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED: SOME FURTHER EVIDENCE

SUMMARY Using US data drawn from the 1978 young men NLS sample, this paper replicates a key finding reported by Rees and Shah in their analysis of self-employment using large-scale British data. A wage equation, which allows for sample selectivity, is estimated for subsamples of employees and the self-employed. Despite differences between the data sets and the variables analysed, the NLS results support Rees and Shah's conclusion that there is positive selection bias in the observed earnings of employees. choice of employment status in separate paid-employment/self-employment earnings equations to allow for self-selectivity and was tested using data drawn from the General Household Survey for 1978 (GHS78). One key finding reported by Rees and Shah is that there is positive selection bias in the observed earnings of paid employees. This result, which is consistent with comparative advantage in chosen work activities, suggests that failure to account for this selection process will result in biased parameter estimates of the earnings equation. This paper re-examines the potential selection bias in the earnings of paid employees and the self-employed using US data drawn from the 1978 young men sample of the National Longitudinal Surveys. Despite important differences between the data sets and variables analysed, the NLS results support Rees and Shah's finding of positive selection bias in paid employment. Together, these findings should raise questions about the appropriateness of OLS estimation of wage or earnings equations for subsamples of workers which exclude the self- employed.*
Silicon nanocrystal based memory devices for NVM and DRAM applications

Abstract Si nanocrystal based devices have shown potential in reducing the operating voltages used in continuous floating gate FLASH devices. We discuss the critical aspects of this technology––nanocrystal formation by CVD, nanocrystal passivation, and HCI/FN mode of operation of non-volatile memory bitcells fabricated using a 0.13 μm CMOS process technology. The superior FN erase characteristics of nanocrystal memory compared to a SONOS device are demonstrated, which enables the use of thicker tunnel oxides in nanocrystal memory devices as required to mitigate READ disturb. It is shown that nanocrystal area coverage of
Afferent volleys in limb nerves influencing impulse discharges in cerebellar cortex I. In mossy fibers and granule cells

This paper is the first of a series in which the processing of information in the cerebellum has been studied by investigating the effects that known inputs from limb nerves produce on the unitary spike potentials in the cerebellar cortex. These spikes have been recorded extracellularly at all depths along microelectrode tracks in the 5th, 4th and 3rd lobules of the anterior lobe in the lateral vermis or in the pars intermedia. These units have a background frequency of discharge, often very irregular, and computer averaging techniques have been employed in order to derive reliable information on the time course and intensity of the excitatory and/or inhibitory actions produced by the input against this background. Most of the spike responses recorded from the granular layer fall into two classes, one characteristic of impulses in mossy fibers, and the other of impulse discharges from granule cells. Both in the spontaneous background and in the response to afferent volleys in limb nerves the mossy fibers exhibit a performance in close accord with that described for the discharges up the spino-cerebellar tracts. The short latency of 6–9 msec for hindlimb stimuli and the high frequency burst response of 2–4 impulses are characteristic. The mossy fibers displayed a wide variety of responses to the wide range of testing inputs, there being various combinations of excitatory and inhibitory responses and also delayed excitatory actions, all of which must be assumed to be reflections of synaptic influences on the cells of origin of the mossy fibers in the spinal cord. Granule cells have a longer latency by several milliseconds, 9–20 msec for the hindlimb, and a slower frequency in their burst response which tended to be longer and more irregular. The small unitary spike potentials are more difficult to isolate. Also with repetitive stimulation granule cells are more readily depressed than are mossy fibers. Usually a granule cell exhibits a wider range of response to the various cutaneous and muscular afferents of a limb. Both mossy fibers and granule cells may display reciprocal responses to volleys from muscle nerves to antagonistic muscles. This attempt to define properties of the mossy fiber and granule cell spike potentials should help in their identification in future investigations.
Cognitive deficits are associated with poorer simulated driving in older adults with heart failure

Cognitive impairment is prevalent in older adults with heart failure (HF) and associated with reduced functional independence. HF patients appear at risk for reduced driving ability, as past work in other medical samples has shown cognitive dysfunction to be an important contributor to driving performance. The current study examined whether cognitive dysfunction was independently associated with reduced driving simulation performance in a sample of HF patients. 18 persons with HF (67.72; SD = 8.56 year) completed echocardiogram and a brief neuropsychological test battery assessing global cognitive function, attention/executive function, memory and motor function. All participants then completed the Kent Multidimensional Assessment Driving Simulation (K-MADS), a driving simulator scenario with good psychometric properties. The sample exhibited an average Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 27.83 (SD = 2.09). Independent sample t-tests showed that HF patients performed worse than healthy adults on the driving simulation scenario. Finally, partial correlations showed worse attention/executive and motor function were independently associated with poorer driving simulation performance across several indices reflective of driving ability (i.e., centerline crossings, number of collisions, % of time over the speed limit, among others). The current findings showed that reduced cognitive function was associated with poor simulated driving performance in older adults with HF. If replicated using behind-the-wheel testing, HF patients may be at elevated risk for unsafe driving and routine driving evaluations in this population may be warranted.
On the Sensitivity of Multiple-Scattering Calculations to the Single-Scattering Phase Function

Abstract Results of multiple-scattering calculations of diffuse reflection and diffuse transmission from scattering layers of different particle size and/or index of refraction are presented. Comparison of the results for each scattering model indicates the extent to which earlier calculations (for one cloud model) are generally applicable.
Structure and γ-ray-induced solid-state polymerization of sodium propynoate : Influence of bilayer formation on solid-state reactivity

Abstract Sodium propynoate, Na(O2CC≡CH) 1, was synthesized from propynoic acid and sodium hydroxide in methanol solution. Irradiation of solid 1 with 60Co γ-rays (654 kGy dose) leads to an amorphous dark-colored acetylenic polymer in high yield. An X-ray structure determination of compound 1 shows that the sodium ion is five-coordinate, with a square-pyramidal geometry. The five-coordinate local moiety is part of an unusual two-dimensional polymer in the crystal bc plane. Crystal packing of the two-dimensional, solid-state polymers leads to a bilayer motif, and the relatively short metal–metal distance of 3.575 A promotes close packing of the organic tails with parallel acetylene moieties and a very short –C≡C–···–C≡C– contact of 3.29 A along the crystallographic b direction. Crystal data for 1: orthorhombic, space group Pna21, a=19.837(6), b=3.575(1), and c=5.232(1) A; V=371.0 A3; Z=4; R=0.0262; Rw=0.0327 for 427 data for which I>1.96σ(I).
Modeling Stimulus-Frequency Otoacoustic Emissions in the Gecko

Although lizards lack the basilar-membrane traveling waves evident in mammals, their ears produce stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions (SFOAEs) with latencies comparable to those measured in many mammals (1–2 ms or greater). To probe the origin of these relatively long OAE delays, we developed a model of SFOAE generation in the gecko. The model inner ear comprises a collection of linear, coupled oscillators (hair bundles and associated tectorium) whose effective damping manifests a small degree of irregularity. The model reproduces the major qualitative features of gecko SFOAEs, including their substantial delays. The SFOAE delays predicted by the model increase with the assumed sharpness of tuning, reflecting the build-up time associated with mechanical resonance.
Are statistical contributions to medicine undervalued

Econometricians Daniel McFadden and James Heckman won the 2000 Nobel Prize in economics for their work on discrete choice models and selection bias. Statisticians and epidemiologists have made similar contributions to medicine with their work on case-control studies, analysis of incomplete data, and causal inference. In spite of repeated nominations of such eminent figures as Bradford Hill and Richard Doll, however, the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine has never been awarded for work in biostatistics or epidemiology. (The "exception who proves the rule" is Ronald Ross, who, in 1902, won the second medical Nobel for his discovery that the mosquito was the vector for malaria. Ross then went on to develop the mathematics of epidemic theory--which he considered his most important scientific contribution-and applied his insights to malaria control programs.) The low esteem accorded epidemiology and biostatistics in some medical circles, and increasingly among the public, correlates highly with the contradictory results from observational studies that are displayed so prominently in the lay press. In spite of its demonstrated efficacy in saving lives, the "black box" approach of risk factor epidemiology is not well respected. To correct these unfortunate perceptions, statisticians would do well to follow more closely their own teachings: conduct larger, fewer studies designed to test specific hypotheses, follow strict protocols for study design and analysis, better integrate statistical findings with those from the laboratory, and exercise greater caution in promoting apparently positive results.