cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Processor Utilization Bounds for Real-Time Systems With Precedence Constraints

This paper presents a novel approach to computing tight upper bounds on the processor utilization for general real-time systems where tasks are composed of subtasks and precedence constraints may exist among subtasks of the same task. By careful analysis of preemption effects among tasks, the problem is formulated as a set of linear programming (LP) problems. Observations are made to reduce the number of LP problem instances required to be solved, which greatly improves the computation time of the utilization bounds. Furthermore, additional constraints are allowed to be included under certain circumstances to improve the quality of the bounds.
The Three C's: Counterarguments, Concessions and Credibility

This article discusses the need for lawyers to recognize and address not only those arguments in their client's favor, but, also, arguments and law not in their client's favor. By doing so, lawyers are able to build their own credibility with the legal reader.
Bridging the Gap: Using Social Psychology to Design Market Interventions to Overcome the Energy Efficiency Gap in Residential Energy Markets

For decades, economists and energy policy analysts have noticed the existence of an "energy efficiency gap" – a significant underinvestment in energy efficiency measures whose benefits outweigh their costs – among residential consumers. Promoting energy efficiency is generally the most cost-effective manner to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to meet future energy demand, while simultaneously promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. Economists have attempted to explain the energy efficiency gap by applying theories of market failures that retain the underlying assumption that consumers generally act as economically rational actors. These theories partly explain the energy efficiency gap, but because they fundamentally misconstrue the reality of human behavior, traditional economic theories alone fail to adequately account for the energy efficiency gap. Social psychologists have discovered a number of predictable behavioral tendencies that contradict the rational actor assumption of economists. Many of these behavioral tendencies serve as significant cognitive barriers to investments in energy efficiency. Because traditional economists’ explanations for the energy efficiency gap are incomplete, their public policy solutions to close the gap are likewise insufficient. Specifically, most traditional economists reject forms of public policy they deem paternalistic. The article describes a number of general factors that should be considered when determining whether a market intervention is justified and applies these factors to some specific policies designed to promote residential energy efficiency. The article finds that a suite of market interventions – such as financial subsidies and mandatory minimum energy efficiency standards for buildings, appliances, and electronic devices – is justified to address the energy efficiency gap.
Minor splicing snRNAs are enriched in the developing mouse CNS and are crucial for survival of differentiating retinal neurons.

In eukaryotes, gene expression requires splicing, which starts with the identification of exon-intron boundaries by the small, nuclear RNA (snRNAs) of the spliceosome, aided by associated proteins. In the mammalian genome, <1% of introns lack canonical exon-intron boundary sequences and cannot be spliced by the canonical splicing machinery. These introns are spliced by the minor spliceosome, consisting of unique snRNAs (U11, U12, U4atac, and U6atac). The importance of the minor spliceosome is underscored by the disease microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type 1 (MOPD1), which is caused by mutation in U4atac. Thus, it is important to understand the expression and function of the minor spliceosome and its targets in mammalian development, for which we used the mouse as our model. Here, we report enrichment of the minor snRNAs in the developing head/central nervous system (CNS) between E9.5 and E12.5, along with enrichment of these snRNAs in differentiating retinal neurons. Moreover, dynamic expression kinetics of minor intron-containing genes (MIGs) was observed across retinal development. DAVID analysis of MIGs that were cotranscriptionally upregulated embryonically revealed enrichment for RNA metabolism and cell cycle regulation. In contrast, MIGs that were cotranscriptionally upregulated postnatally revealed enrichment for protein localization/transport, vesicle-mediated transport, and calcium transport. Finally, we used U12 morpholino to inactivate the minor spliceosome in the postnatal retina, which resulted in apoptosis of differentiating retinal neurons. Taken together, our data suggest that the minor spliceosome may have distinct functions in embryonic versus postnatal development. Importantly, we show that the minor spliceosome is crucial for the survival of terminally differentiating retinal neurons. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 895–907, 2015
The neutron-deficient chain 80Sr80Rb

The new neutron-deficient pair 80Sr80Rb has been identified, from irradiations of Ga2O3 targets with 133-MeV nitrogen ions. Strontium-80 decays with a half-life of 100±6 min to 34±4 sec 80Rb a genetic relationship verified by rapid chemical separation procedures. The mass number of 80Rb was determined with a time-of-flight isotope separator. Rubidium-80 decays primarily (∼ 60 per cent) to the ground state of 80Kr with emission of a positron spectrum of Emax 4·1±0·5 MeV, and the 620-keV first excited state of 80Kr is populated to the extent of ∼ 40 per cent. On the basis of its decay properties, the ground state configuration of 80Rb is apparently (1+). The only photon assigned to the decay of 80Sr has an energy of 580 keV.
Neuroendocrine, behavioral, and morphological changes associated with the termination of the reproductive period in a natural population of male rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa)

Male rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) were collected from the same natural population every second week from early April to mid-June. They were either field-tested for their sexual responsiveness or used to measure the plasma concentrations of androgens and corticosterone, the brain concentrations of immunoreactive (ir) gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and arginine vasotocin (AVT), and morphological parameters. During the experimental period, the percentage of sexually responsive males gradually declined from 100 to 4%, concurrent with a decrease of plasma concentrations of androgens, but not corticosterone. Concentrations of irGnRH in two brain regions (medial septum; ventral telencephalon containing the nervus terminalis) did not change significantly during this time. In the infundibulum, irGnRH concentrations increased from the end of May to mid-June, which coincided with an increase in plasma androgen concentrations, a marked increase in testis weights, and a decrease of the proportion of males with spermatozoa in their vas deferens. During this period, no changes in irAVT concentrations in four brain regions (infundibulum; pars distalis of the pituitary; interpeduncular nucleus; cerebrospinal fluid) were detected, but significant changes were observed for irAVT in the dorsal preoptic area that were not correlated with the seasonal changes in behavior. Also, during this period, there were decreases in mean body weight and tail height, and in the proportion of males with smooth skin and dark nuptial pads. These results are discussed in view of our current knowledge of the endocrine mechanisms that regulate sexual behaviors and secondary sex characteristics in male amphibians.
Realcompact subspaces of size ω1

Abstract We show that every uncountable compact space has a realcompact subspace of size ω 1 , that if there are no S-spaces, then every uncountable Tychonoff space has a realcompact subspace of size ω 1 and that Ostazewski's space has no uncountable realcompact subspace.
Predicted diffusion rates on fcc (001) metal surfaces for adsorbate/substrate combinations of Ni, Cu, Rh, Pd, Ag, Pt, Au

Abstract We investigate the diffusion of a single metal atom on the surface of a fcc (001) metal. Two points concerning the application of kinetic models to diffusion were considered. First, we test the assumption of kinetic models that diffusion occurs via a sequence of uncorrelated jumps. Second, when kinetic models are applicable we predict reasonable values of the kinetic rate constants. Direct molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed for Ag on Ag(001) and Rh on Rh(001) systems. Diffusion was found to obey an Arrhenius-type dependence on temperature in both systems. The barriers and prefactors extracted from the MD results agree with estimates made from transition state theory (TST) and the experimental values for the Rh system. We conclude that kinetic models are applicable to diffusion on fcc (001) surfaces. Transition state theory was then used to estimate diffusion parameters for all other adsorbate/ substrate combinations of the metals Ni, Cu, Rh, Pd, Ag, Pt, and Au. These results indicate that the characteristics of diffusion are primarily a property of the adsorbate. We also predict Ag atoms to have an anomalously low diffusion barrier on all of the substrates in this study. We use the accurate many-body density functional based MD/MC-CEM potential energy surface which allows us to consistently treat these multi-component systems.
An fMRI investigation of empathy for ‘social pain’ and subsequent prosocial behavior

article i nfo Article history: Despite empathy's importance for promoting social interactions, neuroimaging research has largely overlooked empathy during social experiences. Here, we examined neural activity during empathy for social exclusion and assessed how empathy-related neural processes might relate to subsequent prosocial behavior toward the excluded victim. During an fMRI scan, participants observed one person being excluded by two others, and afterwards sent emails to each of these 'people.' Later, a group of raters assessed how prosocial (e.g., helpful, comforting) the emails were. Observing exclusion (vs. inclusion) activated regions associated with mentalizing (dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, precuneus), and highly empathic individuals activated both mentalizing regions and social pain-related regions (anterior insula, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex). Additionally, the empathy-related activity in the anterior insula and medial prefrontal cortex was associated with later prosocial behavior toward the victim, and exploratory mediation analyses indicated that medial prefrontal cortex activity, in particular, may support the link between trait empathy and prosocial behavior. Overall, findings suggest that empathy-related neural responses to social experiences may promote spontaneous prosocial treatment of those in need.
Capital Structure and the Cost of Capital for Untaxed Firms: The Case of REITs

REITs offer the opportunity to examine the relationship between capital structure and cost of capital in the absence of corporate earnings taxes. The evidence supports the leverage clientele effect as the motivation for the use of financial leverage by REITs.
Spring Forage Yield and Nutritive Value of Texas Black Medic Accessions

Black medic (Medicago lupulina L.) has become naturalized in south-central USA where, in semiarid climates, it acts as a cool-season annual. Cultivation for wildlife and livestock forage and seed has not been fully realized as cultivars adapted to warm and dry climates have not been developed. This study evaluated forage yields and nutritive value of black medic accessions collected in Texas. March, April, and May forage yield, acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), N, and P concentrations of 11 black medic accessions collected in Texas were compared with cultivar George at Stephenville, TX, during establishment and first self-reseeding years. Entries exhibited no frost damage and insignificant insect damage, but some Texas accessions were more vigorous in February and flowered earlier than other Texas accessions and George. Some Texas accessions were also more productive (P < 0.01) than others as well as George. Forage yields among entries ranged from 0.6 to 1.5 Mg ha - 1 yr - 1 when averaged over years and harvest months. Harvest month affected all entry yields equally and peaked at 2.3 Mg forage ha - 1 yr - 1 during May of the first season but declined in the second, self-reseeding year despite greater rainfall. March ADF, ADL, N, and P concentrations tended to be lower than those of later harvests while the higher-yielding accessions also tended to have greater ADF and ADL concentrations. The results indicate that forage yield and nutritive value of naturalized black medic germplasm from Texas is variable and that a blend from the southern Great Plains should be developed.
Solid solution of RF3 in CaF2

Solid solution, CaF2 · rRF3, where 0 < r < 0.7, and R = Tb, Dy, Ho, Y and Er, can be characterized by a constant partial molar volume of 27.21 cm3 for RF3.
The effect of Ru-site dopants on the magnetic properties of CaRuO3

The effects of Ru-site metal dopants on the low-temperature magnetization of CaRuO3 are reported. Dopants of two types are tested: those with closed d shells in their expected oxidation state (Al3+, Zn2+, Ti4+, V5+ and Pt2+), and those with unpaired d electrons (Mn4+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+) in their expected oxidation state. The results are consistent with the recent proposal that CaRuO3 is not a classical antiferromagnet, but rather is poised at a critical point between ferromagnetic and paramagnetic ground states. Ti, Fe, Mn and Ni doping result in ferromagnetic behaviour.
Cannabinoids hurt, heal in cirrhosis

Marijuana receptors are present in fibrogenic cells of the liver, and their expression is induced in cirrhosis. Blockade of the CB1 subtype is now shown to inhibit fibrogenesis, offering a new approach for the treatment of cirrhosis ( pages 671 – 676 ).
A Sinhala village in a time of trouble : politics and change in rural Sri Lanka

How can anthropology, with its emphasis on local knowledge and local meaning, contribute to the understanding of policies in complex, modern societies? This book employs ethnographic data from one village in an effort to understand broader problems in the troubled policies of Sri Lanka. In particular, it investigates two related phenomena which lie behind the growing crises of Sri Lanka's democratic institutions: the high degree of political participation in rural areas and the tenacious hold of Sinhala Buddhist nationalism. An account of village politics in the early 1980s is complemented by a description of village Buddhism and the attempted re-creation of a local sense of community through the rituals and symbols of Buddhist nationalism. These events are interpreted in the context of the broad processes of material and cultural change in the colonial and post-colonial era.
Home-Range Studies of Red Foxes (Vulpes Vulpes)

Home ranges of eight red foxes in south-central Wisconsin were studied by telemetry techniques in 1964 and 1965. Frequency-distribution graphs of activity radii revealed characteristics of ranges, but testing for kurtosis and skewness did not always reveal limits to range. a combination of mathematical analyses and subjective appraisal was used to draw range boundaries. Range sizes of 142 to 400 acres for seven foxes in an area of great ecological diversity were smaller than a range of 2 square miles for an adult male in a less diverse farming section. Shapes of ranges tended to be linear with linearity partially associated with habitat features. Patterns of home-range use were approximately described by the geometric distribution with deviation from the geometric caused by sectors of concentrated use. the time required to measure adequately the home ranges varied from 5 to 16 days depending on patterns of daily use. a suggestion of territorial behavior was noted between two adult females.
A selective 15N-to-1H polarization transfer sequence for more sensitive detection of 15N-choline

The sensitivity and information content of heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance is frequently optimized by transferring spin order of spectroscopic interest to the isotope of highest detection sensitivity prior to observation. This strategy is extended to ^(15)N-choline using the scalar couplings to transfer polarization from ^(15)N to choline’s nine methyl ^1H spins in high field. A theoretical analysis of a sequence using nonselective pulses shows that the optimal efficiency of this transfer is decreased by 62% as the result of competing ^(15)N–^1H couplings involving choline’s four methylene protons. We have therefore incorporated a frequency-selective pulse to support evolution of only the ^(15)N–methyl ^1H coupling during the transfer period. This sequence provides a 52% sensitivity enhancement over the nonselective version in in vitro experiments on a sample of thermally polarized ^(15)N-choline in D_2O. Further, the ^(15)N T_1 of choline in D_2O was measured to be 217 ± 38 s, the ^(15)N–methyl ^1H coupling constant was found to be 0.817 ± 0.001 Hz, and the larger of choline’s two ^(15)N–methylene ^1H coupling constants was found to be 3.64 ± 0.01 Hz. Possible improvements and applications to in vivo experiments using long-lived hyperpolarized heteronuclear spin order are discussed.
Kinase- and phosphatase-anchoring proteins: harnessing the dynamic duo

Protein–protein interactions contribute to the spatial and temporal resolution of many signal transduction cascades. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of phosphatase-targeting subunits, kinase-anchoring proteins and the multiprotein signalling networks that they assemble.
Concurrent doxorubicin and radiotherapy for anaplastic thyroid cancer: a critical re-evaluation including uniform pathologic review.

Abstract Background and purpose Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy. The potential for pathologic misclassification complicates interpretation of published data. One standard treatment option for locoregionally advanced disease is weekly low-dose doxorubicin with concurrent radiation therapy, and was previously developed at our institution. We evaluated our more recent experience with this approach, which included pathologic confirmation of all cases. Materials and methods A retrospective review was performed on patients identified through the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) Cancer Database. Inclusion criteria: pathologically confirmed ATC; locoregional disease encompassable within a radiation portal; treatment with curative intent at MSKCC with planned weekly doxorubicin (10 mg/m2) and concurrent radiation. Principle outcomes assessed were locoregional progression-free survival (LR-PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Thirty-seven patients were included. Median radiotherapy dose was 57.6 Gy, and was ⩾50 Gy in 29 (78%), administered through hyperfractionated or once-daily schedules. One-year outcomes were LR-PFS, 45%; OS, 28%. Conclusion The prognosis of patients with ATC remains grim and our current results appear inferior to those reported previously by our institution. More accurate histologic diagnoses and patient selection in the present series compared to the prior one may be responsible in part. Better therapy is desperately needed for this aggressive disease.
Acquired limb deficiencies. 3. Prosthetic components, prescriptions, and indications.

Abstract This self-directed learning module highlights indications for prosthetic components and prescription formulation for adults with acquired limb deficiency. It is part of the chapter on acquired limb deficiencies in the Self-Directed Physiatrie Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Advantages and disadvantages of specific components of upper and lower limb prostheses are discussed, and a sample prescription sheet for upper limb devices is included. Recent innovations in terminal devices for upper limb prostheses are reviewed. Special considerations for the adult with acquired multilimb deficiency are also examined. Overall Article Objective : To describe indications for prosthetic components and prescription formulation for adults with acquired limb deficiency.
LIM Mineralization Protein-1 Potentiates Bone Morphogenetic Protein Responsiveness via a Novel Interaction with Smurf1 Resulting in Decreased Ubiquitination of Smads

Development and repair of the skeletal system and other organs is highly dependent on precise regulation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), their receptors, and their intracellular signaling proteins known as Smads. The use of BMPs clinically to induce bone formation has been limited in part by the requirement of much higher doses of recombinant proteins in primates than were needed in cell culture or rodents. Therefore, control of cellular responsiveness to BMPs is now a critical area that is poorly understood. We determined that LMP-1, a LIM domain protein capable of inducing de novo bone formation, interacts with Smurf1 (Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 1) and prevents ubiquitination of Smads. In the region of LMP responsible for bone formation, there is a motif that directly interacts with the Smurf1 WW2 domain and can effectively compete with Smad1 and Smad5 for binding. We have shown that small peptides containing this motif can mimic the ability to block Smurf1 from binding Smads. This novel interaction of LMP-1 with the WW2 domain of Smurf1 to block Smad binding results in increased cellular responsiveness to exogenous BMP and demonstrates a novel regulatory mechanism for the BMP signaling pathway.
Manipulating surface reactions in lithium–sulphur batteries using hybrid anode structures

Lithium-sulphur batteries have high theoretical energy density and potentially low cost, but significant challenges such as severe capacity degradation prevent its widespread adoption. Here we report a new design of lithium-sulphur battery using electrically connected graphite and lithium metal as a hybrid anode to control undesirable surface reactions on lithium. Lithiated graphite placed in front of the lithium metal functions as an artificial, self-regulated solid electrolyte interface layer to actively control the electrochemical reactions and minimize the deleterious side reactions, leading to significant performance improvements. Lithium-sulphur cells incorporating this hybrid anodes deliver capacities of >800 mAh g(-1) for 400 cycles at a high rate of 1,737 mA g(-1), with only 11% capacity fade and a Coulombic efficiency >99%. This simple hybrid concept may also provide scientific strategies for protecting metal anodes in other energy-storage devices.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) by Binary Secondary Dopants

To simultaneously increase the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) was a challenge for realizing efficient organic thermoelectrics. In this study, for the first time, we report both increased electrical conductivities and Seebeck coefficients, hence, enhanced thermoelectric properties of PEDOT:PSS thin films by doped with binary secondary dopants, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Without modifying film morphology, the molar ratios of PEDOT to PSS are tuned by PEO, resulting in increased proportions of PEDOT in the bipolaron states. Our study provides a facile route to optimizing thermoelectric properties of PEDOT:PSS thin films.
Numerical Simulation for Microstructure Evolution in In718 Alloy During Cylindrical Cup Backward Extrusion

A coupled numerical simulation between thermal-mechanical and microstructure evolution was realized through embedding the developed user subroutines into the FEM software DEFORM-3D system. Then the dynamic recrystallization fraction and average grain size of In718 alloy in cylindrical cup backward extrusion with different parameters was solved and analyzed. The complete dynamic recrystallization occurs in the middle of cylinder wall and the grain size is the finest. However, the grain size of top of cylinder wall changes less because of the less plastic deformation. Furthermore, higher speed of punch is useful to the DRX but it is not enough time to occur dynamic recrystallization completely with much higher speed of punch. In spite of more recrystallization occurring in the bottom, the grains grow in the cylinder wall so that much higher temperature goes against improving finer and uniform of grain size. Therefore, it is better for obtaining finer and uniform grain size with 1000(°C)-1050(°C) and 5(mm/s) in In718 alloy cylindrical cup backward extrusion according to the research.
Some Low Boiling Constituents of Peppermint Oil

Isobutyraldehyde and trans -2-hexenal (leaf aldehyde) have been identified among the low boiling constituents of peppermint oil.
Loading Excavator Analysis for Trajectory Control Improvement

Abstract Automatic control assistance to improve the digging and bucket-filling trajectory of loading excavators is moving from concept to industrial applications. Directly controlling the path of the bucket instead of controlling individual hydraulic joints by human operators is possible using robotics. The task may be achieved by redefining the excavator kinematics and enhancing it with a software-controlled “virtual kinematics.” It is necessary to determine what type of kinematics transformation of the excavator would be best from its “as-built” motion pattern to an “as-desired” machine for the loading tasks. If known, this loading kinematics then can be programmed into the machine motion control system. Since no loading movement and bite is exactly the same as the previous one, a man-machine interface is needed for easy access for adjustment. Such loading task is analyzed for cycle time, energy consumption, and machine wear. Static and dynamic forces, torques, energy, and power consumption is evaluated for any given digging bucket trajectory for an EX3500 Hitachi excavator. Typical digging trajectories from published data are used to evaluate the potential benefits of a new bucket loading kinematics by “bucket steering,” a motion kinematics which requires two joysticks control actions only. One joystick serves for interactive adjustment to the trajectory shape, and the other is for loading velocity control. The paper describes the potential benefit to mining front shovel operations.
A 6.25GHz 1V LC-PLL in 0.13/spl mu/m CMOS

A 6.25GHz PLL with integrated LC-tank VCO, on-chip loop filter and quadrature outputs is fabricated in 0.13mum CMOS technology. Operated at 1V supply with 62.5MHz input reference clock frequency, an output clock jitter of 0.5psrms is achieved by using a charge pump with rail-to-rail operation and leakage-current cancellation
Reactions of Charged Substrates. 7. The Methoxymethyl Carbenium Ion Problem. 2. A Semiempirical Study of the Kinetic and Thermodynamic Stabilities of Linear and Cyclic Oxo- and Thiocarbenium Ions Generated from Aldehyde Hydrates, Hemiacetals, Acetals, and Methyl Ribosides and Glucosides.

Factors affecting the cleavage of the carbon−oxygen bond in linear and cyclic aldehyde hydrates, heimacetals, acetals, and methyl ribosides and glucosides have been investigated using semiempirical calculations (AM1 and PM3). (For some systems, low- and high-level ab initio energies are available for comparison with the semiempirical results. With one exception, the results obtained by the two methods show excellent agreement in relative energies and trends in reactivity.) The effects on reactivity and stability caused by substituting a sulfur for the α oxygen in the oxocarbenium ion were also studied. In general, systems that can have an antiperiplanar alignment of lone pairs on the leaving group and potential oxocarbenium ion oxygens undergo spontanteous cleavage. An examination of various conformers of the leaving group relative to the potential oxocarbenium oxygen shows, however, that lone pair repulsion and steric factors for MeOH as the leaving group are more important than the antiperiplanar effect...
Simple algorithms for some classification problems

Abstract Consider two classifiers C1 and C2 each partitioning a collection A of n objects into classes based on respective sets of features. In a number in pattern recognition and knowledge engineering applications, the following problems arise: given the two partitions generated by C1 and C2, compute new partitions by considering (i) the features common to both classifiers, and (ii) the features of either of the classifiers. We show that both problems can be solved in Θ (n log n) time using very simple algorithms.
Conformation dependence of the CαDα stretch mode in peptides: Side-chain influence in dipeptide structures

We have shown by theoretical studies of alanine peptides that the CαDα stretch frequency could be particularly useful for determining peptide structure because of its sensitivity to the φ,ψ torsion angles at the Cα atom. To demonstrate that this is a robust methodology worthy of experimental exploration, we have also shown that this mode is even more determinative of conformation in aqueous solution, mainly as a result of the development of differential CαDα···O(water) interactions. As further assurance, we now determine the influence of the side chain on this band, showing for aliphatic, a polar, and an aromatic side chains that the dependence is minor and explaining why this is also expected for other side chains. These results should stimulate new experimental methodologies in the field of peptide structure determination. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 1065–1071, 2010. This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Flexible non-volatile Cu/Cu x O/Ag ReRAM memory devices fabricated using ink-jet printing technology

Flexible electronic devices are an emerging kind of electronics in a technological field that is attracting an increasing amount of attention. Flexible resistive random access memory (ReRAM) devices have great potential to replace conventional nonvolatile RAM. Here, we have investigated ink-jet printed Cu/Cu x O/Ag ReRAM devices fabricated on flexible Kapton substrate with a 20μm×20μm cell size. The electroformed memory cells exhibit stable bipolar resistive switching (BRS) behavior under low-range direct current sweep in the temperature range from 255K to 355K. The Cu/Cu x O/Ag ReRAM devices switch to high resistance state (HRS) and low resistance state (LRS) at opposite polarities of the applied voltage bias. Furthermore, the ReRAM device has excellent switching endurance and data retention performance and has ability to operate well even after over 1000 flexes. The good ductility of ink-jet printed silver and electroplate copper electrodes and simple cross-point structure of the memory cell result in excellent flexibility and mechanical robustness, indicating great potential for future flexible nonvolatile RAM applications.
Analysis of structures with saturated hydrogen bonding

All simple structures with saturated hydrogen bonding (SHB) are classified into eight categories on the basis of the donor and acceptor numbers on the atoms at each end of the hydrogen bonds. Examples from the literature are included where known, along with seven structures investigated as part of this study (five have SHB). Graph-set descriptions of the hydrogen-bond patterns are given for each of these structures and for some selected literature examples. The structures presented are: piperazine (I), morpholinium chloride (II) and iodide (III) [(II) and (III) are not SHB], three 1:1 cocrystals of diols with 1,4-phenylenediamine (PDA) – PDA·1,8-octane diol (IV), PDA·1,10-decane diol (V), and PDA·1,12-dodecane diol (VI) and 6-amino-1-hexanol (VII). This study discusses some structures that show limitations of the graph-set model, along with possible suggestions to cover these limitations. The cocrystalline PDA·aliphatic diol structures may provide details applicable to the structure of self-assembled monolayers of aliphatic thiol molecules on Au(111) surfaces.
Structure and evolution of ribonuclease P RNA

Eubacterial RNase P contains a catalytic RNA that cleaves 5' leader sequences from precursor tRNAs. We review the current understanding of RNase P RNA structure and evolution, from the perspective of phylogenetic comparative analysis.
Management studies on seed production of turf-type tall fescue. II. Seed yield components

Information on how management affects seed yield components of turf-type tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreber) cultivars is needed to improve cultural practices for seed production. We tested factorial combinations of two post-harvest residue managements (flailchopping or burning the stubble), two row sparing (0.3 and 0.6 m), three spring-applied N rates (100, 145, and 190 kg ha -1 ), and three N application timings (double-ridge, spikelet initiation, and equally split between the two) on seed yield components of turf-type cultivars Falcon, Rebel, and Bonanza, and the forage cultivar Fawn. Seed yields of all cultivars were closely correlated with the number of seeds produced per unit area (m 2 ), but yields were weakly and negatively correlated with weight per seed. Compared with flail-chopping, burning the residue increased the numbers of fertile tillers, floret sites, and seeds per unit area in all cultivars. The number of seeds per unit area was not affected by row spacing in Fawn and Bonanza, but was increased at 0.3-m row spacing in Falcon when the residue was burned, and was greater at 0.6-m in Rebel when the residue was flail-chopped, Increasing N rate above 100 kg ha -1 decreased floret site utilization and seeds per unit area in Fawn, but did not affect these components in Falcon and Rebel. Seeds per unit area in Bonanza was the greatest at 145 kg N ha -1 . For all cultivars, N application timing had little effect on seeds per unit area. We conclude that management practices for the turf-type cultivars should focus on maintaining a high number of fertile tillers throughout the stand life by burning post-harvest residue. Using narrower row spacings for early- and mid-maturing turf-type cultivars also could increase the number of fertile tillers per unit area when the post-harvest residue is burned. The optimum spring-applied N rate for seed production is apparently greater for the late-maturing turf types than for forage cultivars.
Performance analysis of cascaded thermoelectric converters for advanced radioisotope power systems

Abstract Advanced radioisotope power systems (ARPSs) for future planetary missions require higher conversion efficiency than the state-of-the-art (SOA) SiGe thermoelectric converter in order to decrease system mass and reduce mission cost. The performance of three cascaded thermoelectric converters (CTCs) for potential use in ARPSs is investigated at heat rejection temperatures of 375, 475 and 575 K and input thermal powers of 1, 2 and 3 Wth. These CTCs have top SiGe unicouples that are thermally, but not electrically, coupled to bottom unicouples having one of the following compositions: (a) TAGS-85 (p-leg) and 2N–PbTe (n-leg); (b) CeFe3.5Co0.5Sb12 (p-leg) and CoSb3 (n-leg); and (c) segmented p-leg of CeFe3.5Co0.5Sb12 and Zn4Sb3 and n-leg of CoSb3. The top and bottom unicouples in the CTCs are of the same length (10 mm), but the optimized cross-sectional areas of the n- and p-legs for maximum efficiency are different. The nominal hot junction temperature of the top SiGe unicouples at their peak efficiencies is 1273 K and that of the cold junction is 780 K when the bottom unicouple is of composition (a) and 980 K for compositions (b) and (c). The hot junction temperatures of the bottom unicouples are taken 20 K lower than the cold junctions of the top unicouples, but the input thermal powers to the former are the same as those rejected by the latter. Assuming zero side heat losses and a contact resistance of 150 μΩ cm2 per leg in the top and bottom unicouples, the calculated peak efficiencies of the CTCs vary from 9.43% to 14.35%. These efficiencies are 40–113% higher, respectively, than that of SOA SiGe (∼6.5%) when operating at the cold junction temperature of 566 K and the same hot junction temperature (1273 K) and contact resistance per leg. Decreasing this resistance to a realistic value of 50 μΩ cm2 per leg increases the peak efficiencies of the CTCs by 0.5–0.9 percentage points to 9.93–15.25%.
Semicontinuous silver films for protein sensing with SERS

High SERS sensitivity for protein detection has been accomplished with semicontinuous silver films. Specifically, an insulin surface density as low as 80 fmol/mm2 and 25 amol in a probed area has been readily detected.
Vygotsky's Teaching-Assessment Dialectic and L2 Education: The Case for Dynamic Assessment

This article concerns a particular application of Vygotsky's concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) wherein conventional assessment situations are reorganized to allow for cooperation between assessor and learner as they jointly complete assessment tasks and work through difficulties that arise. This approach, known as Dynamic Assessment (DA), a term coined by Luria (1961), derives from Vygotsky's own work in the area of “defectology” and aims to reveal abilities that have fully developed as well as those that are still forming. Several models of DA have been developed and pursued in countries around the world, primarily in contexts of intelligence and abilities testing and in work with learners with special needs (Haywood & Lidz, 2007). We argue that DA in fact has profound implications not only for formal testing but for educational practice more generally, and for language education in particular, given that it posits a dialectical relation between instruction and assessment. Specifically, j...
Perceptions of intergenerational communication across cultures: An italian case

406 Anglo-American, Italian-American, and Italian (Northern and Southern Italy) students were asked to evaluate past conversations with same-age peers, i.e., 17 to 30 years, and older adults, i.e., 65 years and older While according older adults more deference, all cultural groups perceived older adults as more rigid and nonaccommodating than younger adults. Exchanges with older adults were reported as having more negative affect than were those with other young adults, and were also more likely to be avoided.
Spatially Continuous Power Flow Using a Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer

This paper presents the validation of an experimental technique that maps the transfer of energy in vibrating structures. The technique is known as Experimental Spatial Power Flow (ESPF) and is unique in that it provides a spatially continuous representation of the power flow based on measurements from a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer In this paper, the ESPF technique is validated by showing that ESPF results compare to within 10 percent of the results obtained using single point impedance head measurements. A simply supported plate excited by two shakers phased to act as an energy source and sink is used as the test object.
Molecular mass, biochemical composition, and physicochemical behavior of the infectious form of the scrapie precursor protein monomer.

Abstract A highly purified fraction obtained from scrapie (263-K strain)-infected hamsters' brains by an alternative procedure without proteinase K treatment contained a protease-resistant form of the scrapie precursor protein (PrPSc) and infectivity of 9.9 +/- 0.7 log LD50/ml. Polyclonal antibodies produced against hamster scrapie amyloid protein (PrP27-30) and used in a neutralization test diminished infectivity of the PrPSc preparations by 1.6 log after intracerebral inoculation and by 1 log after intraperitoneal inoculation. PrPSc was subjected to size-exclusion HPLC; greater than or equal to 60% of the eluted infectious units were recovered from the peak with an apparent mass of 30.4 +/- 0.6 kDa. Characterization by UV absorption spectra, SDS/PAGE, immunoblots, N-terminal amino acid sequence, and neutral sugar and amino sugar analyses demonstrated homogeneity of the infectious units. The neutral sugar and amino sugar compositional analyses revealed high mannose, glucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid content. This demonstrated an extensive posttranslational modification by the complex type of N-linked glycosylation and glycane core of C-terminal glycolipid of PrPSc. The results correspond to the predicted size, composition, and sequence of PrPSc and indicate that this protein may be the only component of scrapie infectious unit or the infectious form of scrapie precursor.
Computing Profiles of Porosity and Surface/Volume Ratio in a Packed Bed Using Monte Carlo Method

Porosity and surface/volume ratio are two important parameters for a packed bed. In cylindrical packed beds at low tube-to-particle diameter ratio, they vary greatly in the radial direction. In the existing literature, radial profiles of porosity and surface/volume ratio have been computed using some analytical equations which involve elliptic integrals. In this paper, a Monte Carlo method is used to compute those profiles. To the authors’ knowledge, the method has never been employed in this context. The procedure of using this novel method is explained in detail. Through a rigorous error analysis based on statistics, the accuracy of the simulation result can be controlled. Before any simulation, the number of sampling points needed in the Monte Carlo simulation can be determined given an accuracy requirement. The method is completely general and can be used to compute profiles of porosity and surface/volume ratio in any packed bed with any shape of packing elements.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Nucleus Isthmi of the Frog

The nucleus or ganglion isthmi is a subject of much confusion in the literature of comparative neurology. It has been described in all groups of vertebrates except cyclostomes and mammals. According to Kappers ('21, p. 789) it first appears in the Plagiostomi. There is formed in this group a new differentiation in the dorsal part of the isthmus, lateral to the anterior medullary velum, which Kappers regards as the nucleus isthmi. Franz ('12) describes it in bony fishes, and it has long been recognized in the anuran amphibia. Joustra ('18) has studied its connections in the chameleon, in which form it is very large, and in the crocodile. He concludes that in these reptiles the nucleus isthmi is homologous with the medial geniculate body of mammals. Edinger ( '11) describes a nucleus of this name in various vertebrate groups, but does not always apply the term to structures having the same connections, as Johnston ('05) has pointed out. According to Kappers ('21, p. 867) the nucleus is present in birds. Regarding its presence in the mammalian brain the statement of Kappers (p. 894) is pertinent when he remarks "doch musste es jeden vergleichenden Neurologen auffallen, dass ein so konstanter Kern wie das Ganglion isthmi, welches namentlich bei den Reptilien bereits eine so machtige Entwicklung erreicht, bei den Saugern fehlen sollte." Johnston ('05) considers the nucleus isthmi to correspond with his secondary visceral nucleus of fishes (Rindenknoten of Mayser, '82). In another place Johnston ('06) states that the nucleus isthmi of birds and of amphibia, as Edinger applied the name,
Recognition of Conformational Changes in β-Lactoglobulin by Molecularly Imprinted Thin Films

Pathogenesis in protein conformational diseases is initiated by changes in protein secondary structure. This molecular restructuring presents an opportunity for novel shape-based detection approaches, as protein molecular weight and chemistry are otherwise unaltered. Here we apply molecular imprinting to discriminate between distinct conformations of the model protein β-lactoglobulin (BLG). Thermal- and fluoro-alcohol-induced BLG isoforms were imprinted in thin films of 3-aminophenylboronic acid on quartz crystal microbalance chips. Enhanced rebinding of the template isoform was observed in all cases when compared to the binding of nontemplate isoforms over the concentration range of 1−100 μg mL-1. Furthermore, it was observed that the greater the changes in the secondary structure of the template protein the lower the binding of native BLG challenges to the imprint, suggesting a strong steric influence in the recognition system. This feasibility study is a first demonstration of molecular imprints for re...
Constructing a student data warehouse

The University of Pittsburgh currently employs a student system established more than a decade ago using SCT ISIS, which has been highly customized over the years. This mainframe legacy system lacks the flexibility to provide ad hoc reporting or web-enabling of queries and reports. Many University schools, departments, and programs require customized reports and frequently maintain their own shadow systems in order to be able to flexibly query data and produce ad hoc reports. The number of queries and reports that are maintained both centrally and in shadow systems, coupled with the frequency in which changes are needed clearly signals the need for a stable and reliable ad hoc query and reporting system.Attempts to develop a student data warehouse over the past five years have been largely unsuccessful for three reasons: the inability to reach consensus on a security model, a data model, and the difficulty in identifying an appropriate query tool. These problems were overcome through the implementation of a cooperative strategy between developers and stakeholders in which business requirements and functional specifications were clearly developed prior to the completion of a design specification document.The assessment process underlined the need for a system in which all available data elements from the current student system are available for query and that the system is sufficiently flexible to allow for general "canned" queries and reports and to permit users to employ a data query tool to design their own queries and reports. Skilled users will have the ability to employ other data mining tools, such as SAS or even Microsoft Access to query and analyze data via SQL query processes.This presentation will describe the development process in detail and examine the results of the current development efforts, still ongoing at the time of this writing.
Cochlear nerve responses to waveform singularities and envelope corners

One way that discrete acoustic events may be signaled to the central nervous system is through spike synchrony over a subpopulation of cochlear axons. Each of the four corners of a trapezoidally modulated tone burst is such an event. Ordinarily, each corner comprises both an abrupt change in envelope slope and a singularity in the modulated waveform. In this study, in addition to stimuli of this sort, we employed a stimulus waveform in which a corner occurred without a waveform singularity. We obtained masker tuning curves for the CAPs corresponding to both kinds of corners and single-unit responses to both kinds of corners. The results suggest that the subpopulation of cochlear axons excited by the singularity component of a corner is distinct from that excited by the abrupt change in envelope slope.