cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neophobia in Common Feeder Birds of a Southeastern Suburb

Novel items can represent either danger or exploitable new resources, so one might expect to find less neophobia in bird species that are acclimated to human-altered environments. We used 2 different experimental protocols at bird feeders on a college campus in North Carolina during winter to measure the aversion of common feeder birds to a novel object. In our simultaneous treatment, we compared the visitation rate of birds to adjacent feeders in which 1 of the feeders displayed an orange life jacket. In our sequential treatment, we recorded the visitation rate of birds at single feeders that either did or did not display an orange life jacket. Melanerpes carolinus (Red-bellied Woodpecker), Poecile carolinensis (Carolina Chickadee), Sitta carolinensis (White-breasted Nuthatch), Zonotrichia albicollis (White-throated Sparrow), Junco hyemalis (Dark-eyed Junco), Cardinalis cardinalis (Northern Cardinal), and Haemorhous mexicanus (House Finch) all showed significant aversion to the life jacket in both experiments. Baelophus bicolor (Tufted Titmouse) exhibited a significant neophobia response in the simultaneous treatment, but not in the sequential treatment. Thryothorus ludovicianus (Carolina Wren) exhibited no neophobic (or neophilic) response in either experiment. This lack of fear of human objects may help explain the success of this species in suburbia.
Long-term safety and tolerability of bimagrumab (BYM338) in sporadic inclusion body myositis.

Objective To assess the long-term safety, tolerability and monitor benefits of extended use of bimagrumab in individuals with sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) who completed a single-dose core study. Methods In this multicenter, open-label extension study, 10 adults received bimagrumab 10 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks up to 2 years (104 weeks). Safety (primary endpoint) was assessed by recording adverse events (AEs). Clinical benefits were assessed by changes from baseline in thigh muscle volume (TMV), lean body mass (LBM), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), handgrip and quadriceps strength. Results Participants had a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 70.1 (10.4) years. All participants (n = 10) discontinued the treatment due to early termination of the study (n = 7) or AEs (n = 3; myocardial infarction, esophageal carcinoma, and dementia, none of which were treatment-related). The most common AEs were muscle spasms and falls (both 9/10, 90%), followed by diarrhea (6/10, 60%), acne and skin eruption (both 5/10, 50%). At weeks 8 and 16, mean (SD) TMV increased from baseline by 4.1% (4.3) and 4.5% (6.3). Mean LBM increased from baseline and was sustained at 6.9% (3.9) at week 76. Means of 6MWD showed a progressive decline from baseline to week 76, during which there was a modest numerical increase in handgrip strength and no significant changes in quadriceps strength. Conclusions Long-term treatment up to 2 years with bimagrumab had good safety profile and was well-tolerated in individuals with sIBM. An increase in muscle mass was noted on a group level, however, there was no evidence of clinical improvement. Classification of evidence This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with sIBM, long-term bimagrumab treatment was safe and well-tolerated and did not lead to functional improvement.
Topical Antibiotic Elution in a Collagen-Rich Hydrogel Successfully Inhibits Bacterial Growth and Biofilm Formation In Vitro.

Background Chronic wounds are a prominent concern, accounting for $25 billion of healthcare costs annually. Biofilms have been implicated in delayed wound closure, but treatment options continue to be limited and susceptible to developing antibiotic resistance. A novel collagen-rich hydrogel derived from human extracellular matrix presents an avenue for treating chronic wounds by providing appropriate extracellular proteins for healing and promoting neovascularization. Using the hydrogel as a delivery system for localized secretion of therapeutic dosage of antibiotics presents an attractive means of maximizing delivery while minimizing systemic side-effects. We hypothesize that the hydrogel can provide controlled elution of antibiotics leading to inhibition of bacterial growth and disruption of biofilm formation. Method The rate of antibiotic elution from the collagen-rich hydrogel and the efficacy of biofilm disruption was assessed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacterial growth inhibition, biofilm disruption, and mammalian cell cytotoxicity were quantified using in vitro models. Results The antibiotic-loaded hydrogel showed sustained release of antibiotics for up to 24 hours at therapeutic levels. The treatment inhibited bacterial growth and disrupted biofilm formation at multiple time points. The hydrogel was capable of accommodating various classes of antibiotics and did not result in cytotoxicity in mammalian fibroblasts or adipose stem cellsConclusion: An antibiotic-loaded collagen-rich hydrogel is capable of controlled antibiotic release effective for bacteria cell death without native cell death. A human-derived hydrogel that is capable of eluting therapeutic levels of antibiotic is an exciting prospect in the field of chronic wound healing.
FlexiFaCT: Scalable Flexible Factorization of Coupled Tensors on Hadoop

Given multiple data sets of relational data that share a number of dimensions, how can we efficiently decompose our data into the latent factors? Factorization of a single matrix or tensor has attracted much attention, as, e.g., in the Netflix challenge, with users rating movies. However, we often have additional, side, information, like, e.g., demographic data about the users, in the Netflix example above. Incorporating the additional information leads to the coupled factorization problem. So far, it has been solved for relatively small datasets. We provide a distributed, scalable method for decomposing matrices, tensors, and coupled data sets through stochastic gradient descent on a variety of objective functions. We offer the following contributions: (1) Versatility: Our algorithm can perform matrix, tensor, and coupled factorization, with flexible objective functions including the Frobenius norm, Frobenius norm with an `1 induced sparsity, and non-negative factorization. (2) Scalability: FlexiFaCT scales to unprecedented sizes in both the data and model, with up to billions of parameters. FlexiFaCT runs on standard Hadoop. (3) Convergence proofs showing that FlexiFaCT converges on the variety of objective functions, even with projections.
A 366 nW, −74.5 dBm Sensitivity Antenna-Coupled Wakeup Receiver at 4.9 GHz with Integrated Voltage Regulation and References

This paper describes a highly-integrated, supply-robust, event-driven wakeup receiver achieving <-74 dBm sensitivity using a custom antenna at 4.9 GHz or <-68 dBm sensitivity when matched to a 50 Ω source at 5.3 GHz, both across a supply voltage range from 1.2 V to 1.5 V while consuming 244 nA dc current in 65 nm CMOS technology. Voltage regulators, voltage and current references are all integrated on-chip operating from the same single battery supply. A novel slot antenna is proposed to directly match to the high impedance input of the envelope detector and eliminate losses associated with the bond-wire match.
Differences by School Location in Summer and School Monthly Weight Change: Findings from a Nationally Representative Sample.

Objectives: To examine changes in accelerations of Body Mass Index (BMI), age-and-sex specific body mass index (zBMI), and 95th percentile of BMI (%BMIp95) during the summer months and school year by school location designation (i.e., urban, suburban, exurban). This study utilized the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Class of 2010–2011. Methods: Of the 18,174 children in the ECLS-K:2011 dataset, I restricted participants to those with at least two consecutive measures that occurred August/September or April/May. Mixed-effect regression analyses estimated differences in monthly change in BMI, zBMI, and %BMIp95 between the summer and school year while accounting for the ECLS-K complex sampling design. Models also examined differences in the magnitude of BMI, zBMI, and %BMIp95 change between the summer and school year by school location. Post-hoc Benjamini–Hochberg (BH) procedure set at 10% false discovery was incorporated to account for multiple comparisons. Results: A total of 1549 children (48% female, 42% White) had at least two consecutive measures that occurred in August/September or April/May. Among all locale classifications (i.e., urban, suburban, and exurban), children from high-income households comprised the largest proportions for each group (31%, 39%, and 37%), respectively. Among urban and suburban locations, Hispanic children comprised the largest proportions for both groups (43% and 44%), respectively. Among exurban locale classifications, White children comprised the largest proportion of children (60%). Children from suburban and exurban schools experienced significantly less accelerations in monthly zBMI gain when compared to their urban counterparts −0.038 (95CI = −0.071, −0.004) and −0.045 (95CI = −0.083, −0.007), respectively. Children from exurban schools experienced significantly less acceleration in monthly %BMIp95 during the summer months when compared to the school year −0.004 (95CI = −0.007, 0.000). Conclusions: This is one of the first studies to examine summer weight gain by school location. Summer appears to impact children more negatively from urban schools when compared to their suburban and exurban counterparts.
The state of systems of systems engineering knowledge sources

Application of systems engineering to ‘systems of systems’ is a topic of increasing interest across the systems engineering community. This paper reviews the upcoming latest versions of three core SE knowledge sources, the Guide to the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK), the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook and the SoS Annex to ISO/IEC 15288, Systems and software engineering — System Lifecycle Processes, and examines how they address various aspects of systems of systems engineering, as an indicator of the current state of knowledge on systems of systems and systems engineering.
Broad Scope Educational Role of a Midsize University Reactor NAA Laboratory

Broad scope educational activities at the Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory (NAAL) associated with the 100 kW University of Florida Training Reactor (UFTR) have been implemented to serve a diverse and multidisciplinary academic clientele to meet a wide spectrum of educational needs for students at all academic levels. Educational usage of the complementary laboratory facilities is described and the importance of such academic experimental experience is emphasized for developing and maintaining a cadre of professionals in the analytical applications of nuclear energy. The synergistic operation of the NAAL and the reactor at the University of Florida to serve as a model worthy of emulation for other similar facilities is emphasized.
Novel measure of articular instability based on contact stress confirms that the anterior cruciate ligament is a critical stabilizer of the lateral compartment

Knee instability following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is common, compromising function, and causing cartilage and meniscal damage. In this study, instability at the level of the articular surfaces was characterized with a new measure: articular instability. Articular instability was defined as the change in location of the center of contact stress per unit of applied load. The effect of ACL-deficiency on articular instability was quantified in response to combined abduction and internal rotation moments simulating the clinical pivot shift, which recreates the sensation of instability. Eleven cadaver knees were loaded using a robotic manipulator and tibiofemoral contact stress was measured using a stress transducer. Sectioning the ACL led to pronounced articular instability on the lateral compartment in 4 of 11 knees. In these 4 knees articular instability increased posteriorly up to 403% and increased laterally up to 754%. Factors driving inter-specimen variations in articular instability might include articular morphology, ligamentous laxity, and the applied loads. This novel description of contact mechanics confirms that the ACL prevents sudden changes in the relative position of the lateral articular surfaces. It is applicable to any loading conditions and provides a unique measure to quantify the effects of ACL injury and reconstruction.
Process integration and 3D chip stacking for low cost backside illuminated CMOS image sensor

A novel low cost backside illuminated CMOS image sensor structure is proposed in this research. By using thin wafer handling technology, the wafer is thinned down to less than 5 μm and no TSV and direct bonding process are needed in this low cost solution. The processed backside illuminated CMOS image sensor is then stacked with analog to digital conversion chip and image signal processor by 3DIC technology. A 3-Mega pixel image is captured and demonstrated in this research.
GLUMIP 2.0: SAS/IML Software for Planning Internal Pilots

Internal pilot designs involve conducting interim power analysis (without interim data analysis) to modify the final sample size. Recently developed techniques have been described to avoid the type I error rate inflation inherent to unadjusted hypothesis tests, while still providing the advantages of an internal pilot design. We present GLUMIP 2.0, the latest version of our free SAS/IML software for planning internal pilot studies in the general linear univariate model (GLUM) framework. The new analytic forms incorporated into the updated software solve many problems inherent to current internal pilot techniques for linear models with Gaussian errors. Hence, the GLUMIP 2.0 software makes it easy to perform exact power analysis for internal pilots under the GLUM framework with independent Gaussian errors and fixed predictors.
Differential increase in topoisomerase II in simian virus 40-infected cells.

Abstract The time course of expression of topoisomerase I, topoisomerase II, and simian virus 40 (SV40) large tumor (T) antigen was determined in whole-cell extracts of uninfected versus SV40-infected TC7 cells. After a minor increase, the level of topoisomerase I remained fairly constant throughout the time course in both uninfected and SV40-infected cells. In contrast, the level of topoisomerase II increased markedly in SV40-infected cells but not in uninfected cells following the appearance of SV40 T antigen.
Effects of [Ca2+]i, SR Ca2+ load, and rest on Ca2+ spark frequency in ventricular myocytes

In heart, spontaneous local increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) called "Ca2+ sparks" may be fundamental events underlying both excitation-contraction coupling and resting Ca2+ leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In this study, resting Ca2+ sparks were analyzed in rabbit and rat ventricular myocytes with laser scanning confocal microscopy and the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fluo 3. During the first 20 s of rest after regular electrical stimulation, both the frequency of Ca2+ sparks and SR Ca2+ content gradually decreased in rabbit. When rabbit SR Ca2+ content was decreased by reduction of stimulation rate. the initial resting spark frequency was also decreased, even though resting [Ca2+]i was unchanged. The rest-dependent decrease in spark frequency in rabbit cells was prevented by inhibition of Na+/Ca2+ exchange (which also prevents SR Ca2+ depletion during rest). These results suggest that elevation of SR Ca2+ content can increase Ca2+ spark frequency. In contrast to rabbit cells, 20 s of rest produced a gradual increase in spark frequency in rat cells, although SR Ca2+ content was constant and Ca2+ influx was completely prevented. This indicates that there is a time-dependent increase in spark probability during rest that is independent of [Ca2+]i or SR Ca2+. This effect was also apparent in rabbit cells when SR Ca2+ depletion was prevented by blocking Na+/Ca2+ exchange. Stimulation of Ca2+ extrusion via Na+/Ca2+ exchange in the rat (by Ca2+-free superfusion, which slowly depletes SR Ca2+ content) converted the normal rest-dependent increase in spark frequency to a decrease. The amplitude of individual Ca2+ sparks increased with increasing SR Ca2+ content. In the Ca2+-overloaded state, fusion of sparks or long-lasting localized increases of [Ca2+]i were observed with increased spark frequency. We conclude that the resting frequency of Ca2+ sparks can be independently affected by changes in SR Ca2+ content, [Ca2+]i, or rest period. The latter may reflect recovery of the SR Ca2+ release channels from inactivation or adaptation.
Voltage dip at maximum angular swing in the context of direct stability analysis (of power systems)

A review is provided of the sparse formulation of the transient energy function direct stability method with emphasis placed on the issue of mode-of-disturbance selection. The approximate procedure for maximizing the potential energy margin is presented. This is verified by comparative simulations with time-domain techniques. The variations of worst voltage dips and transient energy margins with fault clearing times are illustrated. An application involving the use of postfault capacitor switching to improve the voltage dip stability margin is described. A simplified voltage dip computational approach is proposed and illustrated. All these developments are used in a specification for a modified direct stability program with voltage dip criteria for stability assessment and enhancement. >
A finite element modeling of dynamic hot spot effects in MOSFET dies due to voiding in the solder die-attach

Large area die-attach defects have been shown to increase the thermal impedance of power semiconductor devices. Further observations have shown hotspots in the silicon die due to voids in the die-attach. Experimental measurements for devices with various levels of die-attach void growth are presented This data is then correlated with finite element thermal modeling to improve the estimate of peak die temperature for voided semiconductor devices.
Monitoring cellular mechanosensing using time-correlated single photon counting

Endothelial cells (ECs) convert mechanical stimuli into chemical signaling pathways to regulate their functions and properties. It is hypothesized that perturbation of cellular structures by force is accompanied by changes in molecular dynamics. In order to address these fundamental issues in mechanosensation and transduction, we have developed a hybrid multimodal microscopy - time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) spectroscopy system intended to determine time- and position dependent mechanically-induced changes in the dynamics of molecules in live cells as determined from fluorescence lifetimes and autocorrelation analysis (fluorescence correlation spectroscopy). Colocalization of cell-structures and mechanically-induced changes in molecular dynamics can be done in post-processing by comparing TCSPC data with 3-D models generated from total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF), differential interference contrast (DIC), epifluorescence, and deconvolution. We present control experiments in which the precise location of the apical cell membrane with respect to a confocal probe is assessed using information obtainable only from TCSPC. Such positional accuracy of TCSPC measurements is essential to understanding the role of the membrane in mechanotransduction. We predict that TCSPC will become a useful method to obtain high temporal and spatial resolution information on localized mechanical phenomena in living endothelial cells. Such insight into mechanotransduction phenomenon may uncover the origins of mechanically-related diseases such as atherosclerosis.
d-wave superconductor as a model of high-Tc superconductors.

We study the bulk properties of d-wave superconductors relevant to high-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ copper oxides within weak-coupling theory. The superfluid density, the tunneling conductance, and the frequency-dependent electric conductivity appear to be quite consistent with some of the experimental data from single crystals of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ and ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CaCuO}}_{8}$. We also predict strong anisotropy in the ultrasonic attenuation when a sound wave is propagated within the a-b plane.
Light scattering spectra of guided wave polaritons in thin crystals: Theory

Abstract We present theoretical calculations which explore light scattering from guided wave polariton modes in thin crystals. Under certain conditions, these modes scatter with intensity comparable to that produced by the volume LO phonons.
Race, whiteness, "lightness," and relevance: African American and European American interpretations of Jump Start and The Boondocks

African American and European American participants were interviewed about two syndicated comic strips written by and featuring African Americans: Jump Start, a comic strip that portrays African Americans in a normative middle-class family narrative and focuses only occasionally on racial issues, and The Boondocks, a comic strip that focuses frequently on racial issues. The African American groups interpreted the comic strips through the terministic screen of race cognizance, through which racial politics and oppression were highly relevant. Almost all of the European American participants, however, interpreted the comic strips through the terministic screen of Whiteness, through which racial politics and oppression were not relevant.
This reminds me of the time when …: Expectation failures in reminding and explanation

Abstract The knowledge structure approach to cognition suggests that unexpected events should often remind us of previous unexpected events that are analogous, and that this reminding process should be important in explanation and in the modification of knowledge structures. We examined whether people would use such a reminding process to explain an unexpected outcome, and when people were reminded of previous unexpected events. In Study 1, subjects provided explanations for five unexpected outcomes. Subjects who had previously studied stories with abstractly similar expectation failures and their explanations were more likely to give analogous explanations for the unexpected outcomes. Further, giving the analogous explanation was contingent upon being reminded of the previous expectation failure. Studies 2 and 3 demonstrated that previously studied analogous expectation failures and their explanations also affected the rated goodness of experimenter provided explanations. Study 3 also ruled out several alternative explanations for the results of studies 1 and 2. Further, the results of all three studies suggest that both the expectation failure and its explanation are important cues in retrieving memories of previous failed expectations. Finally, Study 3 provided some evidence that subjects' explanations for an expectation failure were also affected by whether or not the expectation failure reminded them of a personal experience. The implications of these findings for explaining unexpected events, for analogical reasoning, and for modifying knowledge structures are discussed.
A Bound on the Run Measure of Switching Functions

The run measure of a switching function has arisen in several contexts as an indication of the complexity, or cost, of a realization of the function. The run measure of a function can be defined in terms of its conventional truth-table representation. The output column of the truth table is an ordered sequence of zeros and ones that are disposed in runs; i.e., groups of like digits, of various lengths. The run measure of the function is simply the number of runs in this output sequence. It is often convenient to consider two functions to be equivalent if one can be obtained from the other by some permutation or complementation of the input variables. In this context, the cost of a function can be taken as the minimum value of the run measure over the equivalence class that contains the function. This paper derives a firm upper bound on the run measure for arbitrary n-variable switching functions when arbitrary permutations and complementations of the input variables are permitted. It is also shown that this bound is attained only in the case of the parity functions and that, hence in this sense, all other functions are less complex.
The role of expectations and promises in land use decisionmaking

Land use disputes are often at their center disagreements about the expectations of different parties, public and private, concerning permissible land uses and activities. Expectations are influenced by numerous factors, from broad economic and social trends to specific public planning policies and decisions. One source of land use expectations are promises issued by public planning and decisionmaking bodies. Two types of promises arise: explicit promises (e.g. statements of intention found in an officially-adopted comprehensive plan, publicly issued resolutions, etc.) and tacit promises (e.g. created by a series or pattern of public decisions, or by the clear unwillingness of the public to take actions in the past where opportunities existed to do so). It is argued that public officials and planners should be concerned with promises and that they should be given some degree of moral consideration when debating and resolving land use conflicts. Other things being equal, public planning agencies and decisionmaking bodies ought to acknowledge that the expectations of individuals are influenced by such promises and seek to respect them. Private land use expectations based on public promises are not sacred, however, as many situations arise where land use officials are confronted with conflicting moral demands. Situations where public land use promises may need to be overruled or qualified are considered. At a minimum, public land use officials have an obligation to clarify expressions of land use policy so that the formation of false private land use expectations is minimized.
Assessment of thermal expansion, bulk modulus, and heat capacity of enstatite and forsterite

Abstract From the data on heat capacity of solids measured at constant pressure, it is possible to determine the thermal expansion, compressibility and heat capacity at constant volume by using non-linear programming techniques of optimization. The calculated data on two silicates enstatite (MgSiO 3 ) and forsterite (Mg 2 SiO 4 ) are found to match the experimentally determined data very well.
ESD robustness and scaling implications of aluminum and copper interconnects in advanced semiconductor technology

ESD testing results of aluminum and copper interconnect wires and vias for advanced semiconductor technologies demonstrate that interconnects will be a limiting failure mechanism in the future for ESD robustness of semiconductor chips. Comparison of copper and aluminum interconnect and via ESD robustness and failure mechanisms will be shown. Results demonstrate an improvement in the ESD robustness of a Cu-based interconnect system, compared to AI-based interconnects, with an improvement in the critical current, in the human body and machine model time regimes.
Short-term effects of recombinant human growth hormone in CAPD patients

Short-term effects of recombinant human growth hormone in CAPD patients. Protein and calorie malnutrition is common in chronic dialysis patients. Several interventions have been proposed to prevent and/or to treat malnutrition. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is a drug with anabolic properties and has been used in several catabolic conditions, such as patients with severe burns as well as in pediatric patients with chronic renal failure. In this study, we evaluated the short-term effects and safety of rhGH on urea kinetics and commonly measured biochemical parameters in 10 stable adult continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. The design of the study was prospective, cross-over with the patients serving as their own controls. There were three study periods: baseline (PreGH), treatment (Tx), and follow-up (PostGH). During the seven day Tx period, patients self-administered 5 mg/day s.c of rhGH. During this time, there was a significant decrease in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (54 ± 15 to 40 ± 12 mg/dl), as well as in the combined dialysate and urine urea nitrogen excretion rate (5.69 ± 1.86 to 4.04 ± 1.13 g/day), and protein catabolic rate (0.82 ± 0.13 to 0.67 ± 0.09 g/kg/day), (all P
Polymerization of Monomer-Based Ferrofluids

Ferrofluids based on oleate-stabilized nanoparticulate magnetite in cyclic olefin carrier solvents were prepared. Puddles of fluids containing 20−70 wt % magnetite in 1,5-cyclooctadiene or dicyclopentadiene can be moved or positioned on surfaces or in vessels with moderate magnetic fields (inexpensive NdFeB magnets). The surfaces of puddles with concentrations >40 wt % distort in response to magnetic fields applied perpendicular to the puddle surface and exhibit pointed liquid asperities. The liquid surface topography (asperity height and number per unit area) can be controlled by the strength of the applied field. The cyclic olefin carriers can be polymerized by ring-opening metathesis, solidifying the ferrofluid samples in the shape of the magnetically distorted monomeric solvent suspensions.
Numerical Odds and Evens in Beethoven's Nine Symphonies Can a Computer Really Tell the Difference?

The odd-numbered symphonies of Ludwig van Beethoven have long been said to differ qualitatively from his even-numbered symphonies. Yet, no quantitative study has determined whether this common assertion has any empirical justification. In the current investigation, his nine symphonies were assessed on 10 potential correlates: prominence, popularity, aesthetics, accessibility, length, the number of themes, and four computer content analytical measures associated with melodic originality (mean, standard deviation, maximum, and minimum). The odd-numbered symphonies were distinguishable from the even-numbered symphonies in prominence as well as three out of the four content analytical measures. Moreover, the prominence of his symphonies was strongly correlated with the three melodic originality indicators. Given that the computer analyses cannot have been contaminated by subjective biases, the odd versus even distinction has been empirically confirmed. The article closes with a discussion of what the empirical results may imply about Beethoven’s creative process.
Mo/Si and Mo/Be multilayer thin films on Zerodur substrates for extreme-ultraviolet lithography

Multilayer-coated Zerodur optics are expected to play a pivotal role in an extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography tool. Zerodur is a multiphase, multicomponent material that is a much more complicated substrate than commonly used single-crystal Si or fused-silica substrates. We investigate the effect of Zerodur substrates on the performance of high-EUV reflectance Mo/Si and Mo/Be multilayer thin films. For Mo/Si the EUV reflectance had a nearly linear dependence on substrate roughness for roughness values of 0.06–0.36 nm rms, and the FWHM of the reflectance curves (spectral bandwidth) was essentially constant over this range. For Mo/Be the EUV reflectance was observed to decrease more steeply than Mo/Si for roughness values greater than approximately 0.2–0.3 nm. Little difference was observed in the EUV reflectivity of multilayer thin films deposited on different substrates as long as the substrate roughness values were similar.
A minicomputer interface for realtime operations: an application to operant conditioning.

Abstract A PDP-12 interface was designed, constructed, and tested for realtime input and output of binary information. Within limits this interface can be used with any peripheral device which operates in the binary mode. In addition to its generality of application the interface features include ease of expansion and low cost. A description of its design and operation is give here in terms of a typical application: the control of behavioral equipment (i.e. “Skinner Boxes”) for operant conditioning.
Supporting RBAC with XACML+OWL

XACML does not natively support RBAC and even the pecialized XACML profiles are not able to support many relevant constraints such as static and dynamic separation of duty. Extending XACML to support such constraints, however, is an issue that requires extensions not only to the XACML language but also to the XACML reference architecture and engine. In this paper we introduce XACML+OWL, a framework that integrates OWL ontologies and XACML policies for supporting RBAC. The basic idea is to decouple the design of an RBAC system by modeling the role hierarchy and the constraints with an OWL ontology and the authorization policies with XACML. In doing this, we introduce new functions that extend policies with semantic reasoning services based on the OWL ontology. As part of such extension, we extend the reference architecture of XACML and the XACML data-flow for access control decisions with the invocation of such functions.
Nuclear magnetic resonance coupled microseparations.

The increased separation efficiency afforded by reducing the size of the separation column has resulted in ‘microseparations’ becoming an important component in many chemical and biochemical applications. The coupling of microseparations with NMR detection is an area of increasing interest owing to the high structural information of NMR. In order to couple efficiently with the separation, the NMR detector must be reduced in size to correspond to that of the separation peak. This paper summarizes some of the approaches used in coupling NMR detection with pressure-driven and electrophoretic microseparations, the design of small NMR detectors and applications of this technology. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Color Image Quantization Using Color Variation Measure

In this paper, a novel color image quantization algorithm is presented. This new algorithm addresses the question of how to incorporate the principle of human visual perception to color variation sensitivity into color image quantization process. Color variation measure (CVM) is calculated first in CIE Lab color space. CVM is used to evaluate color variation and to coarsely segment the image. Considering both color variation and homogeneity of the image, the number of colors that should be used for each segmented region can be determined. Finally, CF-tree algorithm is applied to classify pixels into their corresponding palette colors. The quantized error of our proposed algorithm is small due to the combination of human visual perception and color variation. Experimental results reveal the superiority of the proposed approach in solving the color image quantization problem
Uncertainty quantification of pull-in phenomenon in capacitive RF-MEMS

The goal of this paper is to elucidate the effects of device geometry and fabrication process variations on the statistical pull-in performance of an electrostatically-actuated capacitive radio frequency micro electro-mechanical system (RF-MEMS) switch through the use of uncertainty quantification. The prediction of switch dynamics and pull-in voltage involves the coupled interaction of elastodynamics, fluid dynamics, and electrostatics. A comprehensive computational framework based on the finite volume method (FVM) is developed to account for these effects. The immersed boundary method (IBM) is employed to couple the fluid, structure and electrostatics. A population of switches is fabricated, and geometry and material properties measured; these measurements provide the probabilistic input information needed for uncertainty quantification. Deterministic simulations are first made for a specific device, and the gap-versus-voltage and pull-in voltage predicted compare favorably with measurements and theoretical estimation. Uncertainty quantification of dynamic pull-in is performed next, using the stochastic collocation method for uncertainty propagation. Probability density functions (PDFs) of pull-in voltage and gap-versus-time are computed. The primary determinants of uncertainty in pull-in voltage are found to be the membrane thickness and gap size, with uncertainty in residual stress having a relatively small effect.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Peripheral Pulmonary Embolization from Central Pulmonary Aneurysm

A 59-year-old man underwent successful repair of a pulmonary arterial aneurysm because of peripheral pulmonary embolization. These lesions are relatively rare; and, to our knowledge, peripheral embolization from such an aneurysm has not been previously reported.
Degradation of Tobacco Mosaic Virus Movement Protein by the 26S Proteasome

Cell-to-cell spread of tobacco mosaic virus is facilitated by the virus-encoded 30-kDa movement protein (MP). This process involves interaction of viral proteins with host components, including the cytoskeleton and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). During virus infection, high-molecular-weight forms of MP were detected in tobacco BY-2 protoplasts. Inhibition of the 26S proteasome by MG115 and clasto-lactacystin-beta-lactone enhanced the accumulation of high-molecular-weight forms of MP and led to increased stability of the MP. Such treatment also increased the apparent accumulation of polyubiquitinated host proteins. By fusion of MP with the jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP), we demonstrated that inhibition of the 26S proteasome led to accumulation of the MP-GFP fusion preferentially on the ER, particularly the perinuclear ER. We suggest that polyubiquitination of MP and subsequent degradation by the 26S proteasome may play a substantial role in regulation of virus spread by reducing the damage caused by the MP on the structure of cortical ER.
Implementation of online suicide-specific training for VA providers

Due to the gap in suicide-specific intervention training for mental health students and professionals, e-learning is one solution to improving provider skills in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system. This study focused on the development and evaluation of an equivalent e-learning alternative to the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) in-person training approach at a Veteran Health Affairs medical center. The study used a multicenter, randomized, cluster, and three group design. the development of e-CAMS was an iterative process and included pilot testing. Eligible and consenting mental health providers, who completed a CAMS pre-survey, were randomized. Provider satisfaction was assessed using the standard VA evaluation of training consisting of 20 items. Two post training focus groups, divided by learning conditions, were conducted to assess practice adoption using a protocol focused on experiences with training and delivery of CAMS. A total of 215 providers in five sites were randomized to three conditions: 69 to e-learning, 70 to in-person, 76 to the control. The providers were primarily female, Caucasian, midlife providers. Based on frequency scores of satisfaction items, both learning groups rated the trainings positively. In focus groups representing divided by learning conditions, participants described positive reactions to CAMS training and similar individual and institutional barriers to full implementation of CAMS. This is the first evaluation study of a suicide-specific e-learning training within the VA. The e-CAMS appears equivalent to the in-person CAMS in terms of provider satisfaction with training and practice adoption, consistent with other comparisons of training deliveries across specialty areas. Additional evaluation of provider confidence and adoption and patient outcomes is in progress. The e-CAMS has the potential to provide ongoing training for VA and military mental health providers and serve as a tutorial for psychiatrists in preparation for specialty boards.
In vitro expression of neural tube pathology in the vl mutant mouse.

The pathogenesis of lumbosacral spinal dysraphism was analyzed in vitro in early homozygous embryos of the vl (vacuolated lens) mutant mouse, and comparisons were made between the lag in closure of the posterior neuropore at the beginning of culture and the degree of severity in the spinal defect at the end of culture for each embryo. In the majority of abnormal ( vl/vl ) embryos, the neural tube closed completely in culture, although mild defects were observed in the spinal roofplate comparable to those that occur in vivo. Although some abnormal embryos did exhibit small openings in the caudal neural tube at the end of the culture period, in none of the cultured embryos was the extent and severity of the defect as great as that observed in some abnormal embryos of comparable age obtained in vivo. Moreover, the degree of delay in closure of the posterior neuropore at the outset of culture did not necessarily correlate with the severity of the defect obtained at the end of culture. Thus, the expression of the neural tube defect in this mutant appears to be modulated and attenuated by biochemical and/or mechanical factors which may be peculiar to the culture milieu.
Methods to improve reliability of video-recorded behavioral data

Behavioral observation is a fundamental component of nursing practice and a primary source of clinical research data. The use of video technology in behavioral research offers important advantages to nurse scientists in assessing complex behaviors and relationships between behaviors. The appeal of using this method should be balanced, however, by an informed approach to reliability issues. In this article, we focus on factors that influence reliability, such as the use of sensitizing sessions to minimize participant reactivity and the importance of training protocols for video coders. In addition, we discuss data quality, the selection and use of observational tools, calculating reliability coefficients, and coding considerations for special populations based on our collective experiences across three different populations and settings.
Vacancy clusters in graphane as quantum dots.

Complementary electronic properties and a tendency to form sharp graphene−graphane interfaces open tantalizing possibilities for two-dimensional nanoelectronics. First-principles density functional and tight-binding calculations show that graphane can serve as natural host for graphene quantum dots, clusters of vacancies in the hydrogen sublattice. Their size n, shape, and stability are governed by the aromaticity and interfaces, resulting in formation energies ∼1/√n eV/atom and preference to hexagonal clusters congruent with lattice hexagons (i.e., with armchair edge). Clusters exhibit large gaps ∼15/√n eV with size dependence typical for confined Dirac fermions.
Thermocapillary Driven Turbulent Heat Transfer

A dimensionless number depending on the usual Prandtl and Marangoni numbers, Π s ∼ Ma/(1 + Pr -1 ) = Ma Pr/(1 + Pr), is introduced for thermocapillary driven flows. Three heat transfer models are proposed in terms of Π s . The first model on laminar flow, using some dimensional arguments with a flow scale and the boundary layer concept, leads to Nu ∼ Π 1/4 S , Nu being the usual Nusselt number. The second model on transition flow, extending Landau's original idea on the amplitude of disturbances past marginal stability of isothermal flow, leads to Nu - 1 ∼ (Π S -Π Sc ) 1/2 , Π Sc corresponding to the critical value of Π s for the marginal state. The third model on turbulent flow, introduces a thermal microscale η θ ∼ (1 + Pr -1 ) 1/4 (να 2 /P s ) 1/4 = (I + Pr) 1/4 (α 3 /P S ) 1/4 , with ν and α, respectively, being kinematic and thermal diffusivities, and P S the production rate of thermocapillary energy. The first expression relating η θ to Prandtl number explicitly includes its limit for Pr → ∞, η θ B ∼ (να 2 /∈) 1/4 , which is a Batchelor scale, and the second one explicitly includes its limit for Pr → 0, η θ C ∼ (α 3 /∈) 1/4 , which is an Oboukhov-Corrsin scale
Litigation Settlement and Collusion

Private enforcement of regulatory policy is a significant feature of many government-sponsored contests, such as procurements. Although private enforcement is supposed to promote social welfare, we show that competitors can use it to achieve collusive outcomes. In a noncooperative duopoly setting, we show that the threat of litigation, and the possibility of settlement can dramatically affect ex ante competition in the relevant market. Essentially, the settlement process provides a legal mechanism for the exchange of side-payments, while the possibility of a court decision provides the plaintiff with a credible threat against the defendant so as to avert cheating. The result does not require repeated play, ex ante contracts, or other commitment devices. In the federal procurement context, we show that our results are robust to alterations in the court remedy, bargaining power of the litigants, and many other factors.
siRNA delivery using peptide transduction domains

Targeting mRNA degradation by short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) offers great potential to treat multiple diseases. However, owing to their high molecule size and strong anionic charge, siRNAs cannot pass through the highly regulated and restricted plasma membrane. To overcome these problems, many approaches have been developed and applied in clinical trial. However, other siRNA delivery systems are still required to enhance the siRNA uptake. Over the past 20 years, peptide transduction domains (PTDs) have been discovered that can cross the cellular membrane by themselves despite their high molecule size. PTDs have been used for the delivery of a wide range of molecules including peptides, proteins and antisense oligonucleotides and applied in vivo systems. Here, we review siRNA delivery using PTDs in vitro and in vivo and discuss its potential for use in siRNA-based therapy.
Immunological Cross-reactivity between Plasma Membrane and Endoplasmic Reticulum of Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma

MICROSOMAL membranes of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma can be separated into membrane classes of high and low density, which on the basis of enzyme, physiochemical and immunological criteria1–4 are considered to be derived from endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane, respectively. Because the membranes from the endoplasmic reticulum lack the antigens involved in the agglutination and/or immune lysis of intact Ehrlich ascites carcinoma by rabbit and horse antisera directed against microsomal membranes of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma1,2, we wished to test, by means of antibody-binding, whether there are not some antigens which the two membrane classes have in common.
Technological forecasting applied to transport

Abstract A theory that takes account of the overall transport demand can indicate where the real needs of man, as a transport user, lie. Having defined the gaps in the transport hierarchy, this normative approach to forecasting developments can provide a useful guide-line for inventors and policymakers in a field where current investments determine the future for several generations.
Public Policy and End-of-life Care

End-of-life public policy has the potential to affect everyone. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of recent significant policy activity. The authors begin by reviewing the Medic...
A first order gradiometer based low noise magnetoelectric sensor system

Magnetoelectric sensor belongs to the passive piezo sensors based on the coupling between magnetic and electric energies or signals. There is great scientific interest at the moment in the magnetoelectric (ME) coupling; different ME materials and structures has been studied and proposed. However most of previous study is focused on the magnetic field detection system with single ME sensor, and we present a first order gradiometer based low noise magnetoelectric sensor system in this letter; common mode noise could be eliminated based on this structure. Ultra sensitive magnetic sensor operating at room temperature used for bio signal detection like biomagnetic liver susceptometry (BLS) could be realized because of its high sensitivity and high saturation field.