cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managing server load in global memory systems

New high-speed switched networks have reduced the latency of network page transfers significantly below that of local disk. This trend has led to the development of systems that use network-wide memory, or global memory, as a cache for virtual memory pages or file blocks. A crucial issue in the implementation of these global memory systems is the selection of the target nodes to receive replaced pages. Current systems use various forms of an approximate global LRU algorithm for making these selections. However, using age information alone can lead to suboptimal performance in two ways. First, workload characteristics can lead to uneven distributions of old pages across servers, causing increased contention delays. Second, the global memory traffic imposed on a node can degrade the performance of local jobs on that node.This paper studies the potential benefit and the potential harm of using load information, in addition to age information, in global memory replacement policies. Using an analytic queueing network model, we show the extent to which server load can degrade remote memory latency and how load balancing solves this problem. Load balancing requests can cause the system to deviate from the global LRU replacement policy, however. Using trace-driven simulation, we study the impact on application performance of deviating from the LRU replacement policy. We find that deviating from strict LRU, even significantly for some applications, does not affect application performance. Based upon these results, we conclude that global memory systems can gain substantial benefit from load balancing requests with little harm from suboptimal replacement decisions. Finally, we illustrate the use of the intuition gained from the model and simulation experiments by proposing a new family of algorithms that incorporate load considerations as well as age information in global memory replacement decisions.
EMINENT PAPER SERIES THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF GAME THEORY

A broad nontechnical coverage of many of the developments in game theory since the 1950s is given, together with some comments on important open problems and where some of the developments may take place. The reference section given serves only as a minimal guide to the many thousands of books and articles that have been written on this topic. The purpose here is to present a broadbrush picture of the many areas of study and application that have come into being. The use of deep techniques flourishes best when it stays in touch with application. There is a vital symbiotic relationship between good theory and practice. The breakneck speed of development of game theory calls for an appreciation of both the many realities of conflict, coordination and cooperation and their abstract investigation.
The fine structure and ontogeny of trichocysts in marine dinoflagellates.

Long, rigid, rod-like structures found in the culture medium of several marine dinoflagellates are shown in this report to have fine transverse bandings characteristic of extruded trichocysts. These structures in genera such asGonyaulax are believed to pass through the heavily plated surface via narrow pores. In the resting or “charged” form, trichocysts are found to have an elaborate crystalline core connected by a series of fibers and still finer fibrils to the apex of an enclosing sac. The walls of this sac consist of a single membrane and fine thread-like hoops or spirals. The design of the whole charged trichocyst is suggestive of a mechanical sensing device. Trichocysts are found to originate in membrane-limited vesicles which are localized within a spherical shell composed of Golgi bodies. Initially these vesicles contain homogeneous materials, but with increasing development a crystal lattice appears and ultimately the resting trichocyst core evolves. At this point the trichocyst leaves the Golgi area and migrates elsewhere in the cytoplasm. The charged trichocyst core is found to be waterbut not acetone-soluble in contrast to the discharged trichocyst which is unaffected by either solvent. These facts together with the finding of shafts apparently polymerizing from amorphous contents are interpreted as supporting the hydration theory of trichocyst discharge. Finally, the striking similarities between the origin and structure of extruded trichocyst shafts and the origin and structure of collagen fibers are discussed briefly.
Preparation of Nonfragmented, Completely Amorphous, Pregelatinized Maize Starches and Determination of the Effects of Fragmentation on the Adhesiveness of Their Pastes

The objective of this research was to prepare pregelatinized maize starches that were both completely amorphous (no crystalline structure) and unfragmented, and to apply the same method to partially depolymerized maize starches to determine the effect of fragmentation on the degree of stickiness (tackiness, adhesiveness). Amorphous pregelatinized normal maize starch could be prepared by precipitation of a paste with acetone. Precipitation with a polar organic solvent was not applicable for the preparation of amorphous, pregelatinized waxy maize starch, because a sticky, cohesive and adhesive mass was produced. Therefore, freeze drying was used to prepare amorphous pregelatinized waxy maize starch. Limited acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of normal maize starch before pregelatinization increased stickiness up to a maximum, after which the degree of stickiness decreased. In all aspects of this research, it was clear that the behavior of waxy maize starch was rather different than that of normal maize starch.
Photoperiod influences reproduction in the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster).

Four experiments examined the role of photoperiod in the regulation of seasonal breeding in the prairie vole.Adult male volesmaintained in short (8L:16D) as compared to long (16L:8D) photoperiodsfor 10 wit had reducedtesticular and seminal vesicle weights, but fertility was not impaired. Male prairie voles reared from birth until 35 days of age in shortascompared to long photoperiods also had reduced testicular and seminal vesicle weights, as well as diminished fertility. The incidence of pregnancy did not differ between long- and short-day female voles paired for 6 days with long- or short-day males (93%, 86%, 89%, and 88%, respectively). Photoperiod did not affect the incidenceor the timing of postpartum pregnancies in long- or short-day females paired with lo’ng-day males through the birth of several litters. Adult male prairie voles retain only marginal sensitivity to shortphotoperiods,maturingmales are highly responsive to short days, and adult femalesare insensitive to photoperiod. These data suggest that termination of the breeding season in the autumn may be due to the lack of fecund males in the population. BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION 33, 596-602 (1985)
Within grasp but out of reach: evidence for a double dissociation between imagined hand and arm movements in the left cerebral hemisphere.

What roles are played by the cerebral hemispheres in planning object-oriented reaching and grasping movements? In an attempt to address this question, we compared the abilities of the left and right hemispheres of commissurotomy patient J.W. to imagine hand manipulation (i.e., grasp) or arm transportation (i.e., reach) movements. A graphically rendered manipulandum (dowel) was briefly presented to the left (LVF) or right (RVF) visual fields in a variety of different orientations. In the grasp selection task (experiment 1), J.W. was required to determine which side of a dowel his thumb would be on if he were to engage the stimulus in a power grip using either his dominant (right) or non-dominant hand. In the reach selection task (experiment 3), J.W. judged which end his elbow would be on if he treated the dowel as an armrest for his dominant or non-dominant forearm. No actual movements were allowed in either task. Movements selected in the imagery tasks were compared with those chosen during actual motor control under comparable circumstances. These comparisons revealed a left hemisphere advantage for representing grasping movements involving the right hand, and reaching movements involving the left arm. The right hemisphere, by contrast, displayed moderate accuracy when representing grasping movements with the left hand, but appeared incapable of imagining reaching movements with either arm. The double dissociation between imagery for hand and arm movements in the left cerebral hemispere is consistent with the hypothesis that grasping and reaching components of prehension involve dissociable planning mechanisms.
Development of a monoclonal antibody to detect predation of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci

We have developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of whitefly antigen in the guts of predaceous arthropods based on a monoclonal antibody (MAb) produced in response to Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) egg antigen. We observed positive antigen-antibody reactions with the egg and the adult female stages of certain whitefly species and not with others. This MAb did not cross-react with any of the whitefly nymphs or adult males we tested. Moreover, this MAb did not cross-react with the various life stages of other insect species we examined. This immunologically-based technique to identify whitefly egg facilitates examinations of predator gut contents in the field. Such a specific and sensitive whitefly egg immunoassay will expedite the characterization of the B. tabaci predator complex in the southwestern United States.
Assessment of Transmyocardial Perfusion in Alligator Hearts

Background Techniques for achieving myocardial perfusion directly from the left ventricular chamber are currently under investigation. Although originally based on the anatomy of reptilian hearts, ...
Sleep Deprivation Has No Effect on Dynamic Visual Acuity in Military Service Members Who Are Healthy

Background The risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and comorbid posttraumatic dizziness is elevated in military operational environments. Sleep deprivation is known to affect a service member's performance while deployed, although little is known about its effects on vestibular function. Recent findings suggest that moderate acceleration step rotational stimuli may elicit a heightened angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) response relative to low-frequency sinusoidal stimuli after 26 hours of sleep deprivation. There is concern that a sleep deprivation–mediated elevation in aVOR function could confound detection of comorbid vestibular pathology in service members with TBI. The term “dynamic visual acuity” (DVA) refers to an individual's ability to see clearly during head movement and is a behavioral measure of aVOR function. The Dynamic Visual Acuity Test (DVAT) assesses gaze instability by measuring the difference between head-stationary and head-moving visual acuity. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 26 hours of sleep deprivation on DVA as a surrogate for aVOR function. Design This observational study utilized a repeated-measures design. Methods Twenty soldiers with no history of vestibular insult or head trauma were assessed by means of the DVAT at angular head velocities of 120 to 180°/s. Active and passive yaw and pitch impulses were obtained before and after sleep deprivation. Results Yaw DVA remained unchanged as the result of sleep deprivation. Active pitch DVA diminished by −0.005 LogMAR (down) and −0.055 LogMAR (up); passive pitch DVA was degraded by −0.06 LogMAR (down) and −0.045 LogMAR (up). Limitations Sample homogeneity largely confounded accurate assessment of test-retest reliability in this study, resulting in intraclass correlation coefficients lower than those previously reported. Conclusions Dynamic visual acuity testing in soldiers who are healthy revealed no change in gaze stability after rapid yaw impulses and subclinical changes in pitch DVA after sleep deprivation. Findings suggest that DVA is not affected by short-term sleep deprivation under clinical conditions.
Automated robot function recovery after unanticipated failure or environmental change using a minimum of hardware trials

Recovering functionality after unanticipated damage or environmental change, using a minimum amount of hardware testing, is a desirable and under-explored topic in evolutionary hardware and evolutionary robotics. In a previous paper, we introduced a two-stage evolutionary algorithm, which we call the estimation-exploration algorithm, that evolves a robot simulator to accurately describe what damage a 'physical' robot has undergone, and then evolves a compensatory neural network in the evolved simulator that, when downloaded to the 'physical' robot, restores functionality. Here we introduce a new fitness metric that allows the algorithm to correctly describe not only complete but also partial failures, and also allows the algorithm to disambiguate between internal damage and external environmental change, based solely on sensory feedback. In most cases only four hardware evaluations are necessary in order to restore complete functionality to the 'physical' robot.
Rural poverty, household responses to shocks, and agricultural land use: panel results for El Salvador

This paper addresses factors influencing agricultural land use in rural households in El Salvador, with particular attention paid to the effects of income. Two linkages between the area a household farms and income per capita are critical. First, there is a precautionary demand for land that can be used for subsistence agriculture and this demand declines as income rises. Second, the area a household is able to farm goes up as income increases. Together, these two linkages imply that the relationship between agricultural land use and per capita income takes the shape of an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC).Using panel data collected since 1995 in four biennial surveys of a nationally representative sample of rural households, we have analyzed agricultural land use at the household level. Evidence of an EKC relating farmed area to per capita income has been obtained. In addition, other factors influencing a household's use of natural resources have been examined.
Female influence over offspring paternity in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum

In animals having internal fertilization, both sexes can potentially influence the post-copulatory processes of sperm transfer, sperm storage and sperm use for fertilization. In this experiment, we investigated whether Tribolium castaneum females can influence male paternity success following consecutive matings with two different males. We compared second male paternity success (P2) between females exposed to carbon dioxide (CO2) and control females kept in air, in both cases for 30 min between two matings. CO2 exposure inhibits muscular activity and has previously been shown to decrease sperm storage by T. castaneum females. Females exposed to CO2 after their first mating showed significantly higher P2 than control females during the later portion of a one-month oviposition period. These results are consistent with reduced storage of first male sperm by CO2-exposed females. Also, T. castaneum females showed considerable variation in spermathecal morphology, and P2 decreased with increasing spermathecal tubule volume. These results demonstrate that T. castaneum females can influence male paternity success, and suggest that differential sperm storage may be an important mechanism of post-copulatory female choice.
A Recommendation of Thermal Measurement Techniques for IC Chips and Packages

New techniques and nomenclature are recommended to provide fast, repeatable and meaningful thermal characteristics for IC chips and packages. Techniques for measuring thermal resistance and temperature responses curves, including MIL-STD-883 Method 1012 (Thermal Characteristics), were evaluated to determine improved methods of measuring MIL-M-38510 microelectronic packages. Problems and solutions associated with the present test methods are described. Computer simulations, infrared measurements and electrical (temperature sensitive parameter) measurements on special thermal test packages were used as the basis for evaluations and comparisons. A difference of about 5:1 was shown to exist for the thermal resistance values of the Junction Peak, Junction Average and Junction Region, as measured relative to the Chip Carrier. Based on these results, a new Method 1012 has been recommended.1 This method enables the user to make direct comparisons between thermal data provided by different vendors; moreover, the data provides a meaningful interface for integrating vendor's data into the thermal design of the user's electronic system.
Self-Control Without a “Self”? Common Self-Control Processes in Humans and Dogs

Self-control constitutes a fundamental aspect of human nature. Yet there is reason to believe that human and nonhuman self-control processes rely on the same biological mechanism—the availability of glucose in the bloodstream. Two experiments tested this hypothesis by examining the effect of available blood glucose on the ability of dogs to exert self-control. Experiment 1 showed that dogs that were required to exert self-control on an initial task persisted for a shorter time on a subsequent unsolvable task than did dogs that were not previously required to exert self-control. Experiment 2 demonstrated that providing dogs with a boost of glucose eliminated the negative effects of prior exertion of self-control on persistence; this finding parallels a similar effect in humans. These findings provide the first evidence that self-control relies on the same limited energy resource among humans and nonhumans. Our results have broad implications for the study of self-control processes in human and nonhuman spe...
A finite element method for the probabilistic creep of solids

We outline here a finite element technique for the creep of solids whose constitutive equation contains one or more random parameters. In contrast to other finite element techniques for the prediction of random structural response, the present method is based upon exact relations from the theory of probability. It yields, at a given value of time, the probability density function for the field variable of interest, e.g. stress or displacement components. The method is illustrated by a simple creeping beam problem, using a power-law creep constitutive equation. The calculated distributions are found to be highly skewed, and in excellent agreement with the results of Monte Carlo simulation.
Expression of the Subtype 2 Angiotensin (AT2) Receptor Protein in Rat Kidney

In situ hybridization studies have suggested that the subtype 2 angiotensin (AT2) receptor gene is expressed in fetal and newborn rat kidney but is undetectable in the adult animals. In the present study, we investigated the expression of AT2 receptor protein in the fetal (days 14 and 19 of fetal life), newborn (day 1 postpartum), and adult (4-week-old and 3-month-old) rat kidney. Polyclonal anti-peptide antiserum was raised against the amino terminus of the native AT2 receptor. The selectivity of the antiserum was validated by recognition of the AT2 receptor in a stably transfected COS-7 cell line by Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis. As a positive control, the AT2 receptor signal was detected strongly in the adrenal gland. Positive immunohistochemical staining was observed in the mesenchymal cells and ureteric buds of the 14-day fetal kidney and in the glomeruli, tubules, and vessels in the 19-day fetal and newborn kidney. Glomeruli expressing the AT2 receptor were localized mainly in the outer layer of the renal cortex. In the young (4-week-old) and mature (3-month-old) adult rat on normal sodium intake, renal AT2 receptor immunoreactivity was present in glomeruli but substantially diminished compared with that of newborn rats. In both young and mature adult rats, dietary sodium depletion increased the renal AT2 receptor signal, mainly in the glomeruli and interstitial cells. Preimmune and preadsorption controls were negative. Western blot analysis detected a single 44-kD band in the fetal and newborn rat kidney and in the young and mature adult rat kidney. Dietary sodium depletion increased the density of the AT2 receptor band in mature adult rat kidneys. These data provide evidence that the AT2 receptor protein is expressed in the fetal and newborn rat kidney, diminishes in adult life, and is reexpressed in the adult in response to sodium depletion.
Arms Race Instability and War

Historically, half of the interstate wars identified by Singer and Small have been preceded by arms racing; therefore, not all wars stem from weapons competition. Similarly, there are arms races which end pacifically. Here, considering only arms race-related conflicts, the author argues that war may be anticipated at the end of an arms race on the basis of time-constrained mathematical stability characteristics of the involvement.
Androgen deficiency: menopause and estrogen-related factors.

Abstract Objective: To describe the changes in ovarian hormones caused by natural menopause and hormone replacement therapy that have effects on androgen bioavailability and to describe indications for androgen replacement in postmenopausal women. Design: Review of English language-published research over the last 35 years from January 1, 1966 to June 30, 2001 using MEDLINE. Setting: Academic medical center. Intervention(s): None. Result(s): In menopausal women, the effects of estradiol depletion and replacement on sex hormone-binding globulin appear to have clinically significant effects on bioavailable endogenous androgens. Many women whose menopause-related symptoms and bone loss responded inadequately to estrogen replacement were found to benefit from the addition of androgens. Most studies have focused on the sexual benefits of prescribing androgens to postmenopausal women. New studies have begun exploring the effects of androgens in other body systems, including the brain and the cardiovascular system. Conclusion(s): Estrogen depletion and replacement therapy at menopause can have clinically significant effects on bioavailability of endogenous androgens. Androgens complement the actions of estrogens in symptom control and disease prevention in postmenopausal women. Although androgen effects on sexual function are important, effects of androgens in many body systems should be considered in future research to determine optimal postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy.
A Critical and Not-So-Critical Assumption of the Status Attainment Research Tradition: Rejoinder to Horan

In the June 1980 issue of Social Forces, Horan comments on our paper, "On the Intersubjectivity of Occupational Status Evaluations," which appeared in the preceding issue of Social Forces. He states and discusses what he believes to be three major objections to our presentation: 1. We misunderstand the intentions and substance of a paper previously published by him (which we cite); 2. We make " . . . an incorrect affirmation of the independence of empirical research from theory . . ." (Horan, b, 1334); and 3. We carry out " . . . a social psychological analysis of occupational belief systems which begs the important question" (Horan, b, 1334). In this note we respond to each of these points. Points 1 and 2, we believe, are based on faulty judgments; and point 3 is based on an incorrect analysis of the theoretical foundations of the status attainment research tradition. To place Horan's objections and our responses in their proper context, we should restate the problem addressed by our paper, the analysis that we carried out, and our principal substantive findings.
Application of the Reactive Flux Formalism to Study Water Hydrogen Bond Dynamics

We performed a molecular dynamics study of water at room temperature to examine the dynamics of hydrogen bond formation. It was carried out through an application of the reactive flux formalism. Computed long time relaxation functions are not consistent with a first-order process. Statistical (non dynamical) theories of hydrogen bond breaking, such as transition state theory with a single dividing surface, are found to be unsatisfactory. Further, our dynamical results indicate that at least two elementary processes contribute to hydrogen bond breaking.
Fungal mycelia show lag time before re-growth on endogenous carbon

Nutrient starvation is a common occurrence for filamentous fungi. To better understand the effects of starvation, we used a parallel plate flow chamber to study individual fungal mycelia when subjected to a step change in glucose concentration. We report the presence of a finite "lag time" in starved mycelia during which they ceased to grow/extend while switching from growth on exogenous carbon to re-growth on endogenous carbon. This lag time precedes other morphological or physiological changes such as change in growth rate (50-70% reduction), vacuolation (up to 16%), and decreased hyphal diameter (almost 50% reduction). Data suggests that during lag time, vacuolar degradation produces sufficient endogenous carbon to support survival and restart hyphal extension. Lag time is inversely related to the size of the mycelium at the time of starvation, which suggests a critical flow of endogenous carbon to the apical tip. We present a mathematical model consistent with our experimental observations that relate lag time, area, and flow of endogenous carbon.
Targeted Quantitation of Site-Specific Cysteine Oxidation in Endogenous Proteins Using a Differential Alkylation and Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry Approach

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are both physiological intermediates in cellular signaling and mediators of oxidative stress. The cysteine-specific redox-sensitivity of proteins can shed light on how ROS are regulated and function, but low sensitivity has limited quantification of the redox state of many fundamental cellular regulators in a cellular context. Here we describe a highly sensitive and reproducible oxidation analysis approach (OxMRM) that combines protein purification, differential alkylation with stable isotopes, and multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry that can be applied in a targeted manner to virtually any cysteine or protein. Using this approach, we quantified the site-specific cysteine oxidation status of endogenous p53 for the first time and found that Cys182 at the dimerization interface of the DNA binding domain is particularly susceptible to diamide oxidation intracellularly. OxMRM enables analysis of sulfinic and sulfonic acid oxidation levels, which we validate by assessing the oxidation of the catalytic Cys215 of protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B under numerous oxidant conditions. OxMRM also complements unbiased redox proteomics discovery studies as a verification tool through its high sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and throughput.
Intracardiac acoustic radiation force impulse imaging: A novel imaging method for intraprocedural evaluation of radiofrequency ablation lesions

Background Arrhythmia recurrence after cardiac radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation has been linked to conduction through discontinuous lesion lines. Intraprocedural visualization and corrective ablation of lesion line discontinuities could decrease postprocedure atrial fibrillation recurrence. Intracardiac acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a new imaging technique that visualizes RFA lesions by mapping the relative elasticity contrast between compliant-unablated and stiff RFA-treated myocardium. Objective To determine whether intraprocedure ARFI images can identify RFA-treated myocardium in vivo. Methods In 8 canines, an electroanatomical mapping–guided intracardiac echo catheter was used to acquire 2-dimensional ARFI images along right atrial ablation lines before and after RFA. ARFI images were acquired during diastole with the myocardium positioned at the ARFI focus (1.5 cm) and parallel to the intracardiac echo transducer for maximal and uniform energy delivery to the tissue. Three reviewers categorized each ARFI image as depicting no lesion, noncontiguous lesion, or contiguous lesion. For comparison, 3 separate reviewers confirmed RFA lesion presence and contiguity on the basis of functional conduction block at the imaging plane location on electroanatomical activation maps. Results Ten percent of ARFI images were discarded because of motion artifacts. Reviewers of the ARFI images detected RFA-treated sites with high sensitivity (95.7%) and specificity (91.5%). Reviewer identification of contiguous lesions had 75.3% specificity and 47.1% sensitivity. Conclusions Intracardiac ARFI imaging was successful in identifying endocardial RFA treatment when specific imaging conditions were maintained. Further advances in ARFI imaging technology would facilitate a wider range of imaging opportunities for clinical lesion evaluation.
Status of the top-off upgrade of the ALS

The advanced light source is currently being upgraded for top-off operation. This major facility upgrade will provide an improvement in brightness from soft X-ray undulators of about one order of magnitude and keep the ALS competitive with the newest intermediate energy light sources. Major components of the upgrade include making the booster synchrotron capable of full energy operation, radiation safety studies, improvements to interlocks and collimation systems, diagnostics upgrades as well as emittance improvements in the main storage ring. Most hardware necessary as part of the upgrade has been installed and commissioned. The radiation safety studies are making good progress and have passed a first outside peer review successfully.
Randomized controlled trial of the cognitive side-effects of magnetic seizure therapy (MST) and electroconvulsive shock (ECS).

Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) is under development as a means of improving the cognitive side-effect profile of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) by inducing more spatially delimited seizures that spare cortical regions involved in memory. We tested whether MST had a cognitive side-effect profile distinct from electroconvulsive shock (ECS) in a non-human primate model, using the Columbia University Primate Cognitive Profile, which has been shown to be sensitive to the cognitive effects of ECS. Using a within-subject cross-over design, daily ECS, MST, and sham (anaesthesia-only) interventions were administered in 5-wk blocks. Rhesus macaques ( n = 2) were trained on a long-term memory task, an anterograde learning and memory task, and a combined anterograde and retrograde task where learning and memory were evaluated for new and previously learned 3-item lists. Acutely following each intervention, monkeys were tested on the cognitive battery twice daily, separated by a 3-h retention interval. Overall, monkeys were least accurate following ECS ( p 's<0.05) compared to sham and MST. This effect was most marked for long-term memory of a constant target, short-term memory of a variable target and recall of previously learned 3-item lists. Monkeys were slowest to complete all tasks following ECS ( p 's=0.0001). Time to task completion following MST did not differ from sham. These findings suggest that MST results in a more benign acute cognitive side-effect profile than ECS in this model, consistent with initial observations with human MST.
Effect of coupling agent on the dispersion of PETG montmorillonite nanocomposite films

Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) is a clear amorphous polymer, which is extensively used in flexible packaging. The dual packaging requirements of recyclability and long-term shelf life are often difficult to achieve. Meeting these needs become more urgent when considering food packaging for large volumes of soldiers positioned in different parts of the world. Our approach is to develop a high barrier PET packaging system via the Montmorillonite layered silicate (MLS) based nano technology. Prior research has indicated the significant impact of the polymer crystalline regions on the properties of the resultant nanocomposite. Therefore we must first investigate the amorphous PETG. We must also investigate the influence of increased matrix polarity on dispersion of the PETG by incorporating maleic anhydride (MA) onto the PETG backbone. The influence of the clay concentration and maleation are independently investigated. The glass transition of the as-processed and annealed samples are analyzed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) while the thermal stability is determined using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Testing showed a slight depression in the glass transition temperature of PETG film when the MLS is introduced into the system. The nanocomposite films also demonstrated a lower thermal stability in relation to the neat PETG films. The barrier properties were determined on an in-house built calibration unit based on atomic mobility under high vacuum. X-ray diffraction and TEM were utilized to determine the dispersion of the MLS in PETG. The results indicate that the dispersion was concentration independent but maleation of the PETG led to a slight decrease in agglomeration. An increased ultimate tensile strength and modulus was observed in PETG nanocomposites. The barrier properties were improved by incorporating the MLS into the system. Maleation of the PETG resulted in significant yellowing of the nanocomposites.
The Role of Phenolics, Conjugated Linoleic Acid, Carnosine, and Pyrroloquinoline Quinone as Nonessential Dietary Antioxidants

Oxidative reactions have been implicated in the development of numerous diseases including atherosclerosis and cancer. Oxidation of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids can result in loss of membrane integrity and function, inactivation of enzymes, modification of lipoproteins, and chemical alteration of DNA. Active oxygen species, transition metals, reducing agents, and enzymes such as lipoxygenase are all involved in the catalysis of oxidative reactions. Since lipid oxidation catalysts and active oxygen species are ubiquitous to all biological systems and since lipid oxidation products can enter the body via oxidized foods, numerous endogenous antioxidant systems have been developed. Endogenous antioxidant systems include antioxidant enzymes, free radical scavengers, and metal chelators. The purpose of this review is to examine the potential of nonessential dietary components that inhibit oxidative reactions in foods and biological tissues.
Response of an Advanced Flight Control System to Microburst Encounters

An envelope protection scheme is proposed for responding to a microburst. This approach is based on limiting the allowable maximum inertial deceleration of the aircraft when flying at low airspeeds. This technique is shown in simulations to be very effective at preventing stall and resulting in minimal loss of altitude. It is speculated that the same scheme can also protect an aircraft in the event of other forms of windshear encounters, such as making a sudden turn to downwind.
Role of Capillary Electrophoresis in the Fight Against Doping in Sports

At present the role of capillary electrophoresis in the detection of doping agents in athletes is, for the most part, nonexistent. More traditional techniques, namely gas and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection, remain the gold standard of antidoping tests. This Feature will investigate the in-roads that capillary electrophoresis has made, the limitations that the technique suffers from, and where the technique may grow into being a key tool for antidoping analysis.
Detection of spectral differences between normal and cancerous oral tissue using near-infrared spectroscopy

A system was developed using a Fourier Transform spectrometer configured for the near-infrared (2.0- 2.5 pm) range to investigate spectral differences between cancerous and normal oral tissue. Cancer was induced in the left or right cheek of hamsters. The animals were euthanized and cancerous as well as normal tissue was excised and analyzed in vitro. A total of 20 spectra were recorded 10 from cancerous tissue and 10 from normal tissue. Polynomial subtraction was used for preprocessing the raw spectral data. The preprocessed data were entered into a principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm which showed the ability to discriminate the tissue types across animals using this wavelength range.
How Common Is the Common Core? A Global Analysis of Math Teaching and Learning

The U.S. educational system is undergoing rapid and substantial changes with many states grappling with the adoption of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM). Important research questions remain unanswered regarding the potential efficacy of the CCSSM to improve student math performance compared with students around the globe. This article utilized TIMSS 2007 8th-grade math assessment results and curricular frameworks to (1) measure the degree of overlap between the CCSSM and TIMSS standards, and (2) use this finding to create a predictive model to determine the potential efficacy of the CCSSM in improving the U.S. 8th-grade student math performance compared with six culturally matched, TIMSS-assessed countries, provinces, and states. Comparisons of CCSSM and TIMSS-assessed jurisdictions show that the CCSSM holds many items in common with TIMSS-assessed jurisdictions, but lacks rigor in some key areas. The CCSSM deficiencies include algebraic knowledge and problem solving at the 8th-grade level, and are a significant detractor from the CCSSM when compared with TIMSS.
The Effect of Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on Intracranial Pressure and Outcome After Severe Head Injury

Despite aggressive surgical and intensive medical management of patients with severe head injury, uncontrolled ICP elevation still occurs with disappointing regularity and frequently is associated with death or severe disability. Anecdotal reports have suggested that elevated ICP in traumatic coma, unresponsive to induced barbiturate coma and other standard management regimens, can be lowered by intravenous administration of DMSO (Waller 1983; Marshall 1984). In an attempt to improve management of traumatic intracranial hypertension, we have conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial of DMSO compared to conventional therapy to assess its effects on ICP and outcome after severe head injury.
Sound Localization and the Auditory Cortex

This chapter reviews the representation of sound-source locations in the auditory cortex. It begins with a description of the spatial sensitivity of single neurons, beginning with the primary auditory cortex (A1) in cats and ferrets, and then reviewing recent surveys of the second auditory area (A2), the anterior ectosylvian sulcus area, the anterior auditory field, the posterior auditory field, and the dorsal zone of A1. Topics include spatial receptive fields, spatial topography, spatial sensitivity in anesthetized-versus-unanesthetized conditions, responses to dynamic sounds and multiple sound sources, derivation of spatial sensitivity from acoustic cues, and responses in nonhuman primates. Next, the problem is addressed as to how an animal, or an investigator, might identify the location of a sound source strictly on the basis of patterns of cortical activity. The effects of cortical inactivation on sound-localization behavior are reviewed, including studies using classical lesion techniques as well as newer reversible inactivation techniques. Finally, the role of the human auditory cortex in sound localization is addressed in the context of the clinical lesion literature supplemented by modern structural imaging techniques and in the context of the rapidly emerging use of functional imaging.
A QUARTER CENTURY of User-Centered Design Engineering Project Classes with Multi-Disciplinary Teams

Carnegie Mellon University has developed and employed a User-Centered Interdisciplinary Concurrent System Design Methodology (UICSM) that takes teams of electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, computer scientists, industrial designers and human computer interaction students that work with an end-user to generate a complete prototype system during a four-month long course. With more than 25 years of use, the last 20 years in a formal class setting, the methodology has proven robust in creating increasingly capable applications leveraging state-of-the-art components. For example, wireless technology bandwidth increased by over four orders of magnitude during the course. UICSM is web-supported and defines intermediary products that document the evolution of the design. These products are posted on the web so that even remote designers and end-users can participate in the design activities. The design methodology proceeds through three phases: conceptual design, detailed design and implementation. End-users critique the design at each phase. In addition, simulated and real application tasks provide further focus for design evaluation. Th e methodology has been used in designing more than three dozen computer systems, with diverse applications ranging from inspection and maintenance of heavy transportation vehicles to augmented reality in manufacturing and plant operations to car/driver interaction. [SSLT 1994; SS 1999; SS 2002a; SS 2002b; SSS 2001; SSMRT 2005].
SAW reflective delay line multi-transit analysis

This paper presents a multi-echo transit analysis for one-port reflective delay line SAW sensors. The closed form solution for the mixed-parameter analysis is presented. A discussion and results for SAW RFID and sensor delay lines is presented. The results are also applicable to delay lines having identical transducers.
Communication, Leadership, and Decision-Making in the Neuro-ICU

The Neuro-ICU is a multidisciplinary location that presents peculiar challenges and opportunities for patients with life-threatening neurological disease. Communication skills are essential in supporting caregivers and other embedded providers (e.g., neurosurgeons, advanced practice providers, nurses, pharmacists), through leadership. Limitations to prognostication complicate how decisions are made on behalf of non-communicative patients. Cognitive dysfunction and durable reductions in health-related quality of life are difficult to predict, and the diagnosis of brain death may be challenging and confounded by medications and comorbidities. The Neuro-ICU team, as well as utilization of additional consultants, can be structured to optimize care. Future research should explore how to further improve the composition, communication and interactions of the Neuro-ICU team to maximize outcomes, minimize caregiver burden, and promote collegiality.
Computationally, tone is different*

This paper establishes that unbounded circumambient processes, phonological processes for which crucial information in the environment may appear unboundedly far away on both sides of a target, are common in tonal phonology, but rare in segmental phonology. It then argues that this typological asymmetry is best characterised by positing that tone is more computationally complex than segmental phonology. The evidence for the asymmetry is based around attestations of unbounded tonal plateauing, but it is also shown how the ‘sour-grapes’ harmony pathology is unbounded circumambient. The paper argues that such processes are not weakly deterministic, which contrasts with previous typological work on segmental phonology. Positing that weak determinism bounds segmental phonology but not tonal phonology thus captures the typological asymmetry. It is also discussed why this explanation is superior to any offered by Optimality Theory.
Packaging of Beef Loin Steaks in 75% O2 plus 25% CO2. I. Physical and Sensory Properties

U.S. Choice boneless beef strip loins from four suppliers were used to determine the effect of using previously vacuum-packaged beef subprimals and the effect of using subprimals at different storage intervals--0, 14 or 28 days--after arrival at our laboratory on the retail appearance of steaks packaged in 75% O2 + 25% CO2. After packaging, steaks were stored for 9 days in the dark in a 1 ± 1-C refrigerated cooler and displayed under 1030 lux of incandescent light in a retail case for 4 days at 2 ± 2 C. Selected subprimals were repackaged and held at 1 ± 1 C for 9 days in the dark and steaks were removed and packaged in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film and displayed for 4 days to serve as display controls. With regard to surface discoloration, overall appearance and off-odor scores, modified gas atmosphere (MGA)-packaged steaks from strip loins fabricated at Day 0 were not different (P>.05) from PVC-packaged steaks, however, MGA-packaged steaks from strip loins fabricated at Day 14 or Day 28 were less desirable (P .05) differences among loins from different suppliers in surface discoloration or overall appearance. Data indicate that modified gas atmosphere packaging of beef loin steaks can be successful if very fresh subprimals are used; however, extended vacuum-storage of beef subprimals (14 or 28 days) did not provide raw material that was amenable to subsequent storage-display in modified gas atmosphere packages.
Sensory and motoric influences on attention dynamics during standing balance recovery in young and older adults

This study investigated the impact of attention on the sensory and motor actions during postural recovery from underfoot perturbations in young and older adults. A dual-task paradigm was used involving disjunctive and choice reaction time (RT) tasks to auditory and visual stimuli at different delays from the onset of two types of platform perturbations (rotations and translations). The RTs were increased prior to the perturbation (preparation phase) and during the immediate recovery response (response initiation) in young and older adults, but this interference dissipated rapidly after the perturbation response was initiated (<220 ms). The sensory modality of the RT task impacted the results with interference being greater for the auditory task compared to the visual task. As motor complexity of the RT task increased (disjunctive versus choice) there was greater interference from the perturbation. Finally, increasing the complexity of the postural perturbation by mixing the rotational and translational perturbations together increased interference for the auditory RT tasks, but did not affect the visual RT responses. These results suggest that sensory and motoric components of postural control are under the influence of different dynamic attentional processes.
David Oliver: Should practical quality improvement have parity of esteem with evidence based medicine?

As I qualified in 1989, my career has coincided with the growing evidence based medicine movement. It’s been a major advance in evaluating clinical interventions, defining best practice, and moving beyond a reliance on expert opinion or tradition. It’s given us methodologically consistent systematic reviews such as Cochrane, and evidence based guidelines such as those from NICE.123 Medics learn that good systematic reviews and meta-analyses top the evidence pyramid, then randomised controlled trials (RCTs).45 In conventional evidence based medicine, even good local observational and implementation data are ranked as less weighty evidence. …
Clinical Impact of Multiplex Syndromic Panels in the Diagnosis of Bloodstream, Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, and Central Nervous System Infections

Abstract Recent technological advances are revolutionizing clinical microbiology. In place of the traditional diagnostic approach in which a clinician suspecting an infectious disease is required to test for the most likely etiology, perform follow-up testing for rarer causes, and then perhaps be left with a diagnosis of exclusion, many laboratories are now offering multiplex syndromic panels to provide a comprehensive diagnostic approach to bloodstream, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and central nervous system infections. In addition to simplifying testing and laboratory workflow, multiplex panels can improve patient care, promote antimicrobial stewardship, and assist with infection control and prevention. This review discusses the growing body of evidence demonstrating the clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of multiplex panels.