cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal decomposition of jet fuel model compounds under near-critical and supercritical conditions. 2. Decalin and Tetralin

Thermal decomposition of two jet fuel model compounds, Decalin and Tetralin, was studied under near-critical and supercritical conditions. Under high-pressure supercritical conditions, the thermal decomposition of both compounds was dominated by isomerization reactions. This is different from the results obtained under low-pressure and high-temperature conditions where cracking reactions (for Decalin) or dehydrogenation reactions (for Tetralin) dominate. The major liquid products from Decalin were spiro[4,5]decane, 1-butylcyclohexene, 1-methylcyclohexene, 1-methylhydrindan, two octalins, and toluene. The cis-decalin was converted to trans-decalin as the reaction proceeded. The main liquid products from Tetralin were 1-methylindan and naphthalene with the former being the dominant product that was favored at high pressures.
Classification algorithms in pattern recognition

Linear and nonlinear methods of pattern classification which have been found useful in laboratory investigations of various recognition tasks are reviewed. The discussion includes correlation methods, maximum likelihood formulations with independence or normality assumptions, the minimax Anderson-Bahadur formula, trainable systems, discriminant analysis, optimal quadratic boundaries, tree and chain expansions of binary probability density functions, and sequential decision schemes. The area of applicability, basic assumptions, manner of derivation, and relative computational complexity of each algorithm are described. Each method is illustrated by means of the same two-class two-dimensional numerical example. The "training set" in this example comprises four samples from either class; the "test set" is the set of all points in the normal distributions characterized by the sample means and sample covariance matrices of the training set. Procedural difficulties stemming from an insufficient number of samples, various violations of the underlying statistical models, linear nonseparability, noninvertible covariance matrices, multimodal distributions, and other experimental facts of life are touched on.
A self-organizing neural network for supervised learning, recognition, and prediction

Fuzzy ARTMAP, one of a rapidly growing family of attentive self-organizing learning, hypothesis testing, and prediction systems that have evolved from the biological theory of cognitive information processing of which ART forms an important part is discussed. It is shown that this architecture is capable of fast but stable online recognition learning, hypothesis testing and adaptive naming in response to an arbitrary stream of analog or binary input patterns. The fuzzy ARTMAP neural network combines a unique set of computational abilities that are needed to function autonomously in a changing world and that alternative models have not yet achieved. In particular, fuzzy ARTMAP can autonomously learn, recognize, and make predictions about rare events, large nonstationary databases, morphologically variable types of events, and many-to-one and one-to-many relationships. The system's fast learning of rare events and error-based learning and alternatives are described, and uses for ART systems and the development of unsupervised ART systems are reviewed. >
AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY OF TRANSMITTING TISSUE DEVELOPMENT IN THE PISTIL OF LILIUM LEUCANTHUM

Ultrastructure des cellules stigmatoides au cours de leur developpement. Relation entre la structure des cellules et leur fonction
Representations of the self in social phobia: Vulnerability to social threat

A revised Stroop color-naming task was used to test hypotheses derived from Beck's cognitive theory of anxiety disorders which proposes that social phobics are hypervigilant to social-evaluative threat cues. Color-naming latencies for social and physical threat words were compared to matched neutral words for both social phobics and individuals with panic disorder. As predicted, social phobics showed longer latencies for social threat words, and panickers had longer latencies for physical threat words. Latency for color-naming social threat words correlated with self-reported avoidance among social phobics. These results are consistent with Beck's notion of self-schemata which facilitate the processing of threat cues. Methodological issues and clinical implications are discussed.
Cenozoic mass accumulation rates in the equatorial Pacific based on high-resolution mineralogy of Ocean Drilling Program Leg 199

[1] We use continuous mineralogy logs derived from multisensor track physical properties data and reflectance spectroscopy to calculate high-resolution carbonate, opal, and terrigenous mass accumulation rates (MAR) for the eight sites cored during Ocean Drilling Program Leg 199 in the equatorial Pacific. The largest change in equatorial Pacific sedimentation patterns of the last 55 Myr occurs at the greenhouse/icehouse transition, shortly after the Eocene/Oligocene boundary. Calcite compensation depth deepened dramatically, the equatorial zone of opal accumulation narrowed, and the intertropical convergence zone shifted to the equator. During the Paleogene the opal equatorial accumulation bulge extended to about 12°N, whereas the Neogene bulge extended only to about 7°N. Very low Eocene carbonate MAR was followed by much higher Oligocene and early Miocene MAR, with the carbonate equatorial bulge extending to 4°N. Terrigenous MARs indicate the paleoposition of the intertropical convergence zone and a Pliocene-Pleistocene increase in Asian dust flux.
Brand heritage and the renaissance of Cunard

Purpose – Brand heritage is an emerging concept within the marketing discipline, which suggests that the historical status of older companies is often explicitly linked to their brand identity and consumer appeal. The aim of this paper is to illustrate and validate this concept.Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a profile of the Cunard Line, which offers limited evidence to support prior conceptual work by other scholars. The paper uses historical research methods to illustrate the principles of brand heritage within a specific circumstance.Findings – Heritage is central to the brand identity of Cunard and was a significant factor in the recent turnaround of the company. This paper demonstrates the nature and power of the brand heritage concept, even within a future‐oriented repositioning effort.Research limitations/implications – Although the example of Cunard validates the brand heritage concept in a specific instance, it does not offer evidence that brand heritage is a universal phenomen...
Tethered flight activity of pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola: seasonal, host, and morphotypic effects

Pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola Forster (Homoptera: Psyllidae), was flown in the laboratory to test hypotheses suggested by field observations. Flight durations of the same insects flown on two different days were highly correlated, suggesting that there were biological differences among insects in flight tendencies. Flight durations were similar between summerform and winterform morphotypes. Flight frequencies and durations increased between September and November collections of winterforms, results that are consistent with field observations. Long-duration (60+ min) flights were three to four times as frequent in winterforms restricted to senescing pear foliage compared to insects provided access to pear seedlings. Winterforms collected during the fall flight period from a pear orchard and an adjacent apple orchard (an overwintering habitat) showed similar flight durations. There was no correlation between flight durations and any of five body and wing measurements; body size of winterforms increased between September and November. It has been proposed elsewhere that much of the fall movement into adjacent non-pear habitats by winterforms is due to short duration non-migratory flights rather than to a true migratory flight. The lack of differences between apple- and pear-collected winterforms may be consistent with this hypothesis.
The measurement of plasma Δ-androstenedione by competitive protein binding

Abstract A sensitive competitive protein binding (CPB) method capable of measuring Δ 4 -androstenedione (Δ 4 ) in 3 ml of plasma is presented. This method utilizes third trimester pregnancy plasma as a source of testosterone binding globulin and the conversion of Δ 4 to testosterone (T) by potassium borohydride. Dextran coated charcoal is used to separate the free steroid from the bound. Analysis of twenty standard curves in the range of 0–1 ng T provided coefficients of variation from 5.9% at 0.2 ng T to 7.9% at 1.0 ng T. The mean recovery of tritiated Δ 4 added to plasma as a tracer was 31.6%. Normal values for adult males and females as determined by this CPB method fall within the range of published values as determined by double isotope derivative assays (DIA) and gas liquid chromatography (GLC). Compared to the DIA and GLC methods, the blank of this method is higher and the measurement of replicate samples is slightly less precise.
Regulation of FcϵRI Signaling in Mast Cells by G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinase 2 and Its RH Domain

Agonist-induced phosphorylation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by GPCR kinases (GRKs) promotes their desensitization and internalization. Here, we sought to determine the role of GRK2 on FcϵRI signaling and mediator release in mast cells. The strategies utilized included lentiviral shRNA-mediated GRK2 knockdown, GRK2 gene deletion (GRK2flox/flox/cre recombinase) and overexpression of GRK2 and its regulator of G protein signaling homology (RH) domain (GRK2-RH). We found that silencing GRK2 expression caused ∼50% decrease in antigen-induced Ca2+ mobilization and degranulation but resulted in ablation of cytokine (IL-6 and IL-13) generation. The effect of GRK2 on cytokine generation does not require its catalytic activity but is mediated via the phosphorylation of p38 and Akt. Overexpression of GRK2 or its RH domain (GRK2-RH) enhanced antigen-induced mast cell degranulation and cytokine generation without affecting the expression levels of any of the FcϵRI subunits (α, β, and γ). GRK2 or GRK2-RH had no effect on antigen-induced phosphorylation of FcϵRIγ or Src but enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk. These data demonstrate that GRK2 modulates FcϵRI signaling in mast cells via at least two mechanisms. One involves GRK2-RH and modulates tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk, and the other is mediated via the phosphorylation of p38 and Akt.
Abstract A108: LY2606368, a second generation Chk1 inhibitor, inhibits growth of ovarian carcinoma xenografts either as monotherapy or in combination with standard-of-care agents.

Chk1 is a key component of the cellular response to DNA damage resulting from exposure to various genotoxic agents. When damaged DNA is present, Chk1 maintains genomic integrity by stalling cell cycle progression thereby providing time for the appropriate repair to occur. Inhibition of Chk1 kinase activity leads to a loss in the regulation of this damage response and results in abrogation of cell cycle arrest and ultimately to cell death as cells with damaged DNA proceed inappropriately into mitosis. Thus first generation small molecule inhibitors of Chk1 kinase were developed to act as companion compounds that would be used together with established standard -of-care (SoC) cancer treatments that target DNA to enhance the effectiveness of such treatments. As a second generation inhibitor, LY2606368 distinguishes itself from other molecules in this class in that it has been shown to inhibit tumor growth when used either as monotherapy or in combination with SoC agents. The single agent activity of LY2606368 is likely related to the ability of this molecule to potently inhibit Chk1 thereby effectively interfering with its function to support normal DNA replication via regulation of origin firing and/or aspects of chromosomal dynamics during mitosis which are thought to be dependent upon Chk1 kinase activity. The studies presented here have evaluated the potential of LY2606368 to inhibit ovarian tumor growth both as monotherapy and in combination with cisplatin or paclitaxel. Treatment of tumor-bearing animals on a BID X 3 schedule with LY2606368 alone resulted in profound growth inhibition such that greater than 80% inhibition was observed at doses of 12mg/kg in both subcutaneous and orthotopic models. Moreover, the studies in the orthotopic SKOV3 model demonstrated that treatment with LY2606368 not only robustly inhibited growth of the primary tumor but also significantly reduced the incidence of metastases and accumulation of ascites fluid. Subsequent studies in SKOV3 subcutaneous xenografts revealed that significant growth inhibition could be achieved with various combination strategies which include agents that are commonly used in the treatment of ovarian cancer. In particular, the extent of growth inhibition that could be achieved with cisplatin or paclitaxel alone was augmented by combining these agents with LY2606368. Overall these animal studies indicate the potential therapeutic benefit in ovarian cancer that could be achieved with LY2606368 either as monotherapy or in combination with SoC agents. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A108.
Retention characteristics of octadecylsiloxane-bonded silica and porous polymer particle-loaded membranes for solid-phase extraction

Abstract Forced-flow planar chromatography was used to determine the kinetic and retention properties of an octadecylsiloxane-bonded, silica-based, particle-loaded membrane used for solid-phase extraction. The sorbent was heavily loaded with bonded phase resulting in a small intraparticle porosity. The large plate height and flow resistance indicates a heterogeneous particle size distribution for the membrane with a significant fraction of below average size particles. The hydrophobicity and silanophilic indexes and system constants in the solvation parameter model indicate similar retention properties to a common octadecylsiloxane-bonded silica cartridge sorbent under identical mobile phase conditions. The dimensional instability of a porous polymer particle-loaded membrane prevented its evaluation by forced-flow planar chromatography using the overpressured development chamber. Breakthrough volumes were determined for the porous polymer membrane under typical sample processing conditions for a number of solutes with varied properties and fitted to a solvation parameter model. A comparison to data previously obtained for an octadecylsiloxane-bonded, silica-based, particle-loaded membrane (Bakerbond) indicated that ease of cavity formation favors retention by the octadecylsiloxane-bonded silica particle-loaded membrane for non-polar and weakly polar analytes compared to the porous polymer particle-loaded membrane. Significantly larger breakthrough volumes, however, are obtained on the porous polymer particle-loaded membrane for polar analytes. The porous polymer sorbent competes more effectively with water in dipole-type interactions and as a hydrogen-bond acid. A solvent effect is speculatively suggested as the origin of the porous-polymer sorbent's favorable retention of hydrogen-bond bases compared to the octadecylsiloxane-bonded, silica-based, material.
State of the economy and presidential television spots

The theory of the Genesis of Rhetorical Action holds that one influence on the nature of persuasive messages is the situation in which discourse arises (cf. Bitzer's [1968] Rhetorical Situation). This essay argues the state of the economy influences the topics addressed in presidential television spots. This study provides evidence that the frequency with which presidential candidates discuss unemployment and inflation is positively related to the actual rates of unemployment and inflation. Thus, the content of presidential campaign messages appears to be driven in part by the state of the economy.
Chelating Aryloxide Ligands in the Synthesis of Titanium, Niobium, and Tantalum Compounds: Electrochemical Studies and Styrene Polymerization Activities

The chelating trisphenol ligands tris(2-hydroxyphenyl)amine (1H3) and tris(2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylbenzyl)amine (2H3) proved to be excellent precursors for the chelating phenoxides, and the latter has been used to prepare a series of cyclopentadienylmetal derivatives of early transition metals. For niobium and tantalum, reactions with CpMCl4 lead to the compounds CpMCl(1) and CpMCl(2). An X-ray diffraction study of CpNbCl(1) establishes a pseudo-octahedral structure with a trans disposition of the η5-cyclopentadienyl ring and the nitrogen atom of the chelating ligand. Similar reactions of CpTiCl3 lead to the CpTi(1) and CpTi(2) analogues. Electrochemical experiments provide useful information on the reduction potentials of the compounds, from which it is clear that ligand 2 is a stronger donor than is 1. At the same time, it appears that chelate ring size is important; while the reduction of complexes containing 1 are largely reversible, those of complexes containing 2 are irreversible. This is interpreted ...
Defending Against Cooperative Attacks in Cooperative Spectrum Sensing

Accurate spectrum sensing is important in cognitive radio networks. False sensing results in either waste of spectrum or harmful interference to primary users. To improve accuracy, cooperative spectrum sensing, in which a set of secondary users cooperatively sense the presence of the primary user, has emerged. This technique, however, opens a window for malicious users and attackers, who may remotely or physically capture the sensors and manipulate the sensing reports. In this paper, we consider the attack model whereby the attacker injects self-consistent false data simultaneously, and propose a modified COI (combinatorial optimization identification) algorithm to defend against such attacks. We also provide a theorem that detection uncertainty may exist in cooperative spectrum sensing. We intensively evaluate our algorithm with simulations, and the results show that our algorithm is a good technique to complement an existing algorithm, called IRIS.
Asymmetry in forming 2-aminopurine . hydroxymethylcytosine heteroduplexes; A model giving misincorporation frequencies and rounds of DNA replication from base-pair populations in vivo.

We present the first direct measurement of a transient mismatched base-pair in a 2-aminopurine-induced mutagenic pathway. We provide a model to calculate misincorporation rates in vivo from measured base-pair populations. The population of 2-aminopurine · hydroxymethylcytosine (AP · C†) base-pairs at a marker locus in T4 bacteriophage is measured as rII-r+ heteroduplex-heterozygotes in a modified single burst experiment after 2-aminopurine mutagenesis. This completes the determination of each of the base-pairs in the 2-aminopurine-induced A · T → G · C transition pathway for the marker rUV199. The observed AP · C population confirms a surprising model prediction that the probability of incorporating HMdCTP opposite a template 2-aminopurine is very large, approximately 2% per round of replication. AP induces A · T → G · C and G · C → A · T transitions at roughly the same rates. A quantitative comparison of 2-aminopurine-induced A · T → G · C and G · C → A · T transition pathways shows a marked asymmetry in the formation of AP · C base-pairs; the probability of forming AP · C base-pair intermediates in the A · T → G · C transition pathway is several orders of magnitude larger than in the G · C → A · T pathway. A set of analytic equations giving the population of each state of an allele undergoing 2-aminopurine mutagenesis (A · T, AP · T, AP · C and G · C) as a function of interstate (e.g. A · T → AP · T) and intrastate (e.g. A · T → A · T) transition rate constants and the number of rounds of replication is derived. The equations also demonstrate that a determination of AP · CG · C base-pair ratios is a direct measure of the number of rounds of replication; thus the value of 0.35 AP · C per G · C base-pair as measured in this experiment reveals that there were eight to nine rounds of DNA replication during the mutagenesis treatment.
The effects of alternative information availability on consumer decision strategies for professional services: A cross-cultural perspective

Abstract While a significant body of research involving the unique characteristics of services, and management strategies designed to accommodate them, has evolved over the last decade, little attention has been expended to facilitate the decision-making processes of consumers faced with choosing a service provider. Moreover, research involving cross-cultural effects on decision strategies for consumer services is sparse. This study identifies alternative types of information that may facilitate pre-purchase evaluation of services by consumers, and evaluates its usefulness and effect on choice confidence. A preliminary investigation into cross-cultural differences regarding the effect of alternative information is also conducted.
In the suburbs we mean business: race, class, space, and local government in an African-American middle-class suburb

Ethnographic research on a middle-class African-American suburb in Maryland demonstrates how the space of the suburbs and the priorities of the middle class have reshaped both the manifestation of racial conflicts and residents’ responses to them. This project examines three local issues: residents’ efforts to maintain home values in the context of racial transition, local economic development, and the expansion of bus routes. Each case involves challenges that have confronted African-Americans for many years. But residents respond differently to these challenges because middle-class suburbs provide different resources, foster different values, and engage a different local government than found in cities. Focusing on the suburbs, where over 40% of African-Americans live, highlights the necessity of updating a framework for addressing civil rights issues.
The bigger, the better? Measuring the financial health of media firms

This study examined the degrees of product diversification of media conglomerates since the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and tested the impact of product diversification of the firms on their financial health. The strategy of related product diversification enables firms to gain market power and synergy effect, then improves financial performance. Based on that assumption, for a sample of 26 media firms from 1996 to 2002, this study conducted a regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The results showed two contradictory curvilinear models. First, revenue, EBITDA and sales growth rates revealed a U-shaped relationship with diversification. That is, performance decreased as firms shifted from concentrated business strategies to related diversification, but performance increased as firms changed from related diversification to unrelated diversification. On the other hand, financial efficiency variables measuring management effectiveness or profitability (ROS, ROA and ROE) and stock market evaluation (earnings per share) showed an inverted U-shape relationship. Thus, the unrelated diversification led to a decrease in financial efficiency. ACCESS TO FULL TEXT
Midline/paramedian longitudinal matrix excision with flap reconstruction: alternative surgical techniques for evaluation of longitudinal melanonychia.

Background Surgical evaluation of longitudinal melanonychia requires biopsy of the nail matrix. Previous publications have presented detailed surgical approaches to this problem. However, discussion of longitudinal excision with local matrix flap reconstruction is documented sparsely in the literature. Objective To describe the indications for and technique of performing a longitudinal, full-thickness excision for longitudinal melanonychia; as this surgery poses a high risk of postoperative split nail, reconstruction is essential. Three local matrix flaps are detailed to maximize functional and cosmetic results. Methods The authors detail the different procedures, with several illustrations and clinical photographs highlighting the techniques. Results These techniques provide the surgeon with additional approaches to excise lesions of longitudinal melanonychia and reconstruct the surgical defects. Limitations All surgeries of the nail matrix pose a risk of postoperative nail dystrophy and/or split nail. Conclusion The different flaps provide elegant local alternatives to second-intention healing and maximize cosmetic and functional results after matrix excision with narrow margins for longitudinal melanonychia.
FKBP5 and CRHR1 Polymorphisms Moderate the Stress-Physical Health Association in a National Sample

Objective: Stressful life events experienced during childhood and as an adult negatively impact mental and physical health over the life span. This study examined polymorphisms from 2 hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-related genes previously associated with posttraumatic stress disorder-FKBP5 and CRHR1-as moderators of the impact of child abuse and adult stress on physical health. Method: A national, community-based subsample of non-Hispanic European American respondents (n = 527) from a prospective longitudinal 3-year study of stress and coping (N = 2,729) provided saliva for genotyping. Results: FKBP5 (rs1360780) and CRHR1 (rs12944712) polymorphisms significantly interacted with child abuse and adult stress to predict increases in physical health ailments over 3 years. Child abuse and adult stress were strongly related to physician-diagnosed physical ailments among individuals with the risk alleles of both single nucleotide polymorphisms. Individuals carrying the low-risk homozygotic genotypes were protected from the long-term negative health implications of experiencing both child abuse and adult stress. Conclusion: Consistent with theories linking the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis with stress-related disease, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis polymorphism genotypes moderated the association between exposure to child abuse/adult stress and long-term physical health outcomes in a national sample. © 2013 American Psychological Association.
Nitric Oxide Stimulates cGMP Production and Mimics Synaptic Responses in Metacerebral Neurons of Aplysia

Nitric oxide (NO) acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the nervous systems of many vertebrates and invertebrates. We investigated the mechanism of NO action at an identified synapse between a mechanoafferent neuron, C2, and the serotonergic metacerebral cell (MCC) in the cerebral ganglion of the mollusc Aplysia californica . Stimulation of C2 produces a decreasing conductance, very slow EPSP in the MCC. C2 is thought to use histamine and NO as cotransmitters at this synapse, because both agents mimic the membrane responses. Now we provide evidence that treatment with NO donors stimulates soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) in the MCC, and as a result cGMP increases. S -Nitrosocysteine (SNC, an NO donor) and 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP) both induced the membrane depolarization and increase in input resistance that are characteristic of the very slow EPSP. Two inhibitors of sGC, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinequinone (LY83583) and 1 H -[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ), suppressed both the very slow EPSP and the membrane responses to SNC but not the histamine membrane responses. NO-induced cGMP production was determined in the MCC using cGMP immunocytochemistry (cGMP-IR). In the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), 10 μm SNC was sufficient to induce cGMP-IR, and the staining intensity increased as the SNC dose was increased. This cGMP-IR was suppressed by ODQ in a dose-dependent manner and completely blocked by 10 μmODQ. Histamine did not induce cGMP-IR. The results suggest that NO stimulates sGC-dependent cGMP synthesis in the MCC and that cGMP mediates the membrane responses. The cotransmitter histamine induces essentially the same membrane responses but seems to use a separate and distinct second messenger pathway.
Combined circuit and architectural level variable supply-voltage scaling for low power

Energy-efficient processor design is becoming more and more important with technology scaling and with high performance requirements. Supply-voltage scaling is an efficient way to reduce energy by lowering the operating voltage and the clock frequency of processor simultaneously. We propose a variable supply-voltage (VSV) scaling technique based on the following key observation: upon an L2 miss, the pipeline performs some independent computations but almost always ends up stalling and waiting for data, despite out-of-order issue and other latency-hiding techniques. Therefore, during an L2 miss we scale down the supply voltage of certain sections of the processor in order to reduce power dissipation while it carries on the independent computations at a lower speed. However, operating at a lower speed may degrade performance, if there are sufficient independent computations to overlap with the L2 miss. Similarly, returning to high speed may degrade power savings, if there are multiple outstanding misses and insufficient independent computations to overlap with them. To avoid these problems, we introduce two state machines that track parallelism on-the-fly, and we scale the supply voltage depending on the level of parallelism. We also consider circuit-level complexity concerns which limit VSV to two supply voltages, stability and signal-propagation speed issues which limit how fast VSV may transition between the voltages, and energy overhead factors which disallow supply-voltage scaling of large RAM structures such as caches and register file. Our simulations show that VSV achieves an average of 7.7% total processor power reduction with 0.9% performance degradation in an eight-way, out-of-order-issue processor that implements deterministic clock gating and software prefetching, across all the SPEC2K benchmarks. For those benchmarks that have high L2 miss rates (more than 4 misses per 1000 instructions), VSV achieves 23.0% reduction in total processor power with 2.0% performance degradation on average.
The role of coping, resilience, and social support in mediating the relation between PTSD and social functioning in veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Abstract Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among veterans returning tfrom Iraq and Afghanistan. Little research has examined variables that may mediate the relation between PTSD and aspects of social functioning, such as relationship satisfaction and family functioning. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 164 veterans who were seeking VA primary care or mental health care within one year after returning from Iraq and/or Afghanistan were screened for PTSD and completed a series of questionnaires that assessed social functioning, coping, and life satisfaction. Results showed that the 86 (52%) veterans who screened positive for PTSD reported greater difficulties in their relationships with romantic partners, less cohesion in their families, less social support, poorer social functioning, and lower life satisfaction compared to other treatment-seeking veterans. Less social support from the community, excessive worry, decreased acceptance of change, and ...
Differential activation and desensitization of sensory neurons by resiniferatoxin.

Recently, with use of rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons we have been able to dissociate the binding affinities of vanilloids from their potencies to induce 45Ca uptake, which suggests the existence of distinct classes of the vanilloid receptor (Acs et al., 1996). In the present study, we have demonstrated that the ultrapotent capsaicin analog resiniferatoxin (RTX) desensitized rat DRG neurons to the subsequent induction of 45Ca uptake by capsaicin and RTX with affinity and cooperativity similar to that found for [3H]RTX binding, contrasting with a ∼10-fold weaker potency and lack of cooperativity to induce 45Ca uptake. Likewise, the competitive antagonist capsazepine inhibited RTX-induced desensitization with potency similar to that for inhibition of specific [3H]RTX binding, whereas the potency of capsazepine was ∼10-fold higher for inhibiting RTX-induced45Ca uptake. Finally, the noncompetitive antagonist ruthenium red inhibited both the RTX-induced desensitization and45Ca uptake but showed ∼60-fold selectivity for inhibiting RTX-induced desensitization. The RTX-induced desensitization was not associated with loss of specific [3H]RTX binding, suggesting lack of gross cell toxicity. In contrast to RTX, capsaicin caused desensitization with a potency corresponding to that for 45Ca uptake and did so in a noncooperative manner. Unlike the RTX-induced desensitization, the desensitization by capsaicin was blocked by ruthenium red only at doses that blocked45Ca uptake and depended on external calcium. Our findings provide further support for the existence of vanilloid receptor subtypes on DRG neurons with distinct pharmacology and distinct patterns of desensitization.
Synthesis and characterization of (π-allyl)palladium(II) complexes containing dialkylbiaryl phosphine ligands

Abstract Neutral (π-allyl)palladium(II) halide complexes, which are air and moisture tolerant, containing dialkylbiaryl (alkyl = cyclohexyl or t-butyl) phosphine ligands, have been synthesized and characterized by 1H, 31P, 13C NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and elemental analysis. Exposure of the halide complexes to sodium tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)tetraphenylborate) (NaB(ArF)4) yields (π-allyl)palladium(II) cations, in which coordination of the pendent lower ring of the biphenyl moiety of the dialkylbiaryl phosphine ligand occurs. These cations have been characterized by 1H, 31P, 13C NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and elemental analysis. The cationic complexes are not fluxional on the NMR timescale and a significant interaction exists between palladium and the arene group.
New directions in pacemaker therapy among children and adult patients with congenital heart disease.

In the field of pediatric/congenital cardiology, three concepts have arisen over the past few years. First, is the somewhat intuitive notion that children are not little adults; second, structural ...
Cell and Developmental Biology - A Shared Past, an Intertwined Future

Cell and developmental biology are distinct disciplines with clear differences in emphasis and domains of interest, yet they also share a common historic origin and benefit from an increasingly productive exchange of insights and influences. Our goal in this commentary is to examine the common origin of cell and developmental biology, to explore ways in which they currently interact, and to consider the connections and differences that exist between these two fields.
Role of Neutrophils in Response to Bordetella pertussis Infection in Mice

Pertussis is an acute respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, for which humans are the only known reservoir. During infection, B. pertussis releases several toxins, including pertussis toxin (PT) and adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT), which have both been shown to play roles in promoting bacterial growth during early infection in a mouse model. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that PT and ACT affect neutrophil chemotaxis and/or function, thereby altering the innate immune response. In this study we depleted animals of neutrophils to investigate whether neutrophils play a protective role during B. pertussis infection in mice. In addition, by infection with toxin-deficient strains, we investigated whether neutrophils are the main targets for PT and/or ACT activity in promoting bacterial growth. Surprisingly, we found no role for neutrophils during B. pertussis infection in naive mice. However, in previously infected (immune) mice or in mice receiving immune serum, we observed a significant role for neutrophils during infection. Furthermore, in this immune mouse model our evidence indicates that neutrophils appear to be the main target cells for ACT, but not for PT.
The equivalent current measurement technique and its comparison with current probe methods

An equivalent current measurement technique is presented which has advantages over conventional probe methods. The technique has been successfully implemented in internal microwave coupling experiments at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. (LLNL) time domain range. Currents have been measured for short-circuit terminations at the bases of cables inside cavities with apertures illuminated by incident waves. Results have been obtained at frequencies much higher than the upper limit of the best commercially available current probes. A theoretical development of the technique and a description of its experimental implementation are given. Representative results and their comparison with those taken with a commercially manufactured current probe are also presented.
A new Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) approach in computational mechanics

A local symmetric weak form (LSWF) for linear potential problems is developed, and a truly meshless method, based on the LSWF and the moving least squares approximation, is presented for solving potential problems with high accuracy. The essential boundary conditions in the present formulation are imposed by a penalty method. The present method does not need a “finite element mesh”, either for purposes of interpolation of the solution variables, or for the integration of the “energy”. All integrals can be easily evaluated over regularly shaped domains (in general, spheres in three-dimensional problems) and their boundaries. No post-smoothing technique is required for computing the derivatives of the unknown variable, since the original solution, using the moving least squares approximation, is already smooth enough. Several numerical examples are presented in the paper. In the example problems dealing with Laplace & Poisson's equations, high rates of convergence with mesh refinement for the Sobolev norms ||·||0 and ||·||1 have been found, and the values of the unknown variable and its derivatives are quite accurate. In essence, the present meshless method based on the LSWF is found to be a simple, efficient, and attractive method with a great potential in engineering applications.
Flash Flooding: Exploiting the Capture Effect for Rapid Flooding in Wireless Sensor Networks

We present the Flash flooding protocol for rapid network flooding in wireless sensor networks. Traditional flooding protocols can be very slow because of neighborhood contention: nodes cannot propagate the flood until neighboring nodes have finished their transmissions. The Flash flooding protocol avoids this problem by allowing concurrent transmissions among neighboring nodes. It relies on the capture effect to ensure that each node receives the flood from at least one of its neighbors, and introduces new techniques to either recover from or prevent too many concurrent transmissions. We evaluate the Flash flooding protocol on both a 48-node wireless sensor network testbed and in a trace-based simulator. Our results indicate that the Flash flooding protocol can reduce latency by as much as 80%, achieving flooding latencies near the theoretical lower bound without sacrificing coverage, reliability or power consumption.
Control of Lipase Content in Mucor Rennet Preparations

Abstract The possible removal of lipase activity in concentrated Mucor rennet preparations was investigated. Lipase and protease enzymes were recovered from 5-day old fermentation medium by precipitation with ammonium sulfate. Gel filtration of enzyme mixtures on Sephadex G-75 and Sephadex G-100 resulted in a nearly complete resolution of lipase and protease. The method appeared suitable for preparation of lipase-free fungal rennet.
Ordered end-to-end multicast for distributed multimedia systems

We address the problem of message ordering for reliable multicast communication. End-to-end multicast ordering is useful for ensuring the collective integrity and consistency of distributed operations. It is applicable for distributed multiparty collaboration or other multipoint applications, where the ordered reception of messages at all hosts is critical. Existing reliable multicast protocols largely lack support for ordering Our novel mechanism can be added to existing reliable multicast services at low cost by performing cascaded total ordering of messages among on-tree hosts en route from senders to receivers. The protocol operates directly on a given end-to-end multicast tree, contrasting other tree-based approaches requiring a separate propagation graph to be built to compute ordering information. For better load distribution, resilience, and ordered subcasting of messages within multicast groups, sequencer nodes are elected dynamically based on address extensions to hosts in the multicast tree. A taxonomy of broadcast and multicast ordering solutions and comparative cost analysis show that reliable message delivery integrated with staggered ordering in end-to-end multicast trees is more efficient, scalable, and less costly to deploy.
Unstructured peer-to-peer networks for sharing processor cycles

Motivated by the needs and success of projects such as SETI@home and genome@home, we propose an architecture for a sustainable large-scale peer-to-peer environment for distributed cycle sharing among Internet hosts. Such networks are characterized by highly dynamic state due to high arrival and departure rates. This makes it difficult to build and maintain structured networks and to use state-based resource allocation techniques. We build our system to work in an environment similar to current file-sharing networks such as Gnutella and Freenet. In doing so, we are able to leverage vast network resources while providing resilience to random failures, low network overhead, and an open architecture for resource brokering. This paper describes the underlying analytical and algorithmic substrates based on randomization for job distribution, replication, monitoring, aggregation and oblivious resource sharing and communication between participating hosts. We support our claims of robustness and scalability analytically with high probabilistic guarantees. Our algorithms do not introduce any state dependencies, and hence are resilient to dynamic node arrivals, departures, and failures. We support all analytical claims with a detailed simulation-based evaluation of our distributed framework.
Fission Reactor-Based Irradiation Facilities for Neutron Capture Therapy

In this chapter, a brief overview is provided of fission reactor-based epithermal neutron irradiation facilities designed for neutron capture therapy. The overview is intended to give those who are interested in establishing this type of facility some perspective and guidance concerning the desirable performance characteristics and features. Requirements for clinical BNCT are described in the Introduction together with a review of beam design studies. This is followed by a section describing two different approaches for producing an epithermal neutron beam for clinical BNCT and a description of currently available facilities. A state-of-the-art neutron beam facility is highlighted that satisfies all of the desired beam performance criteria and is capable of supporting more advanced clinical studies where higher patient throughput is needed. Existing reactor-based neutron irradiation facilities satisfy the needs currently anticipated for clinical research in BNCT while using proven and readily available technology. Some of these facilities possess many of the features of modern radiotherapy machines and employ modular designs to enable beamline modifications. This flexibility in beam delivery is needed to realize advances derived from future clinical accrual or translational research to develop improved methods for treating different tumors. Additional facilities can be constructed in the near term if needed by modifying available research reactors or by constructing small, ultrasafe reactors that are dedicated to BNCT.
Recovery in Mind: Perspectives from Postgraduate Psychiatric Trainees.

The authors assessed psychiatric trainees’ understanding of recovery-oriented care, a therapeutic philosophy with varied meanings but wide purchase in contemporary mental health policy. Four cohorts of residents were presented with a clinical vignette as part of a written curricular evaluation and asked what it would mean to engage the patient from a recovery-oriented perspective. Responses were subjected to qualitative analysis, with the analysts examining each cohort independently, then meeting to discuss their findings and build consensus on the most pertinent themes. Nine themes emerged in trainees’ understanding of recovery-oriented care: (1) a person is more than his or her illness; (2) hope; (3) an emphasis on patient goals; (4) taking a collaborative approach; (5) an emphasis on level of social function; (6) valuing subjective experience; (7) psychosocial interventions; (8) empowerment of the patient; and (9) persistence of traditional attitudes. Residents revealed an understanding of recovery that reflected many, but not all, of the guiding principles in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2010 working definition. For many of these trainees, recovery-oriented care signified a shift in the traditional power dynamic between physician and patient that allowed patients to take an active role in their own care. Residents also recognized the importance of hope and the complexity of their patients’ social identities, though some trainees had difficulty reconciling a collaborative approach with their perceived responsibilities as physicians. If educators wish to incorporate elements of the American Psychiatric Association’s Recovery to Practice initiative into their curricula, they would do well to recognize residents’ variable receptivity to elements of the model.
On the Relationship between the Quality and Value of Forecasts in the Generalized Cost-Loss Ratio Situation

Abstract This paper investigates the relationship between the quality and value of forecast in the context of a generalized N-action, N-event model of the cost-loss ratio situation. The forecasts of interest are imperfect categorical forecasts, calibrated according to past performance and represented by multidimensional sets of conditional and predictive probabilities. Forecasts quality is measured by the ranked probability score (RPS), a natural measure of the accuracy of forecasts in the context of this model. The measure of value is the difference between the expected expense associated with climatological information and the expected expense associated with imperfect forecasts. Thus, climatological and perfect information define lower and upper bounds, respectively, on the quality and value of the imperfect forecasts. Quality-value relationships are explored in the three-action, three-event situation, using brute form and mathematical programming methods. Numerical results are presented for several sp...
The Role of Vision and Olfaction in Host Plant Recognition by the Alfalfa Weevil, Hypera postica

A bioassay was developed which could be used to determine what sensory modalities were involved in host finding by the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), or whether the orientation process was entirely random. Weevils in the bioassay chamber responded more actively (by a ratio of about 3:1) to a flat of living alfalfa than to a control flat of dead alfalfa painted green. This non-random response persisted when the direction of air flow was reversed. In fact, the only alterations which diminished the standard response were those which changed or reduced the visual stimuli reflected from the flat of living alfalfa. From this it was concluded that weevils are primarily attracted by visual properties of their host plants; olfactory cues play a subordinate role, and may be limited to the perception of a humidity gradient surrounding the plant material at very short distances.