cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formal analysis of safety-critical system simulations

Safety-critical systems are often large and complex. Usually it is not physically or economically feasible to operate these systems under all variant environmental conditions to analyze possible behaviors. Simulating system behaviors under various different environmental conditions and operator guidance patterns provides a cost-effective method of system analysis. In this work we demonstrate how we can formally encode and analyze voluminous simulation traces of safety-critical systems to assess safety and effectiveness requirement conformation. We provide methodology for trace reduction to help obtain tractable yet meaningful formal encoding of the traces. Our methodology is flexible in the sense that one single trace can be analyzed from the point of view of many different properties without having to incur the cost of regenerating the trace. Experimental analysis of a simulation trace can help obtain valuable insights into possible reasons for nonconformance with system requirements. We present our implementation results for traces ensuing from aircrafts attempting to perform Continuous Descent Approach for landing at airport runways. Our work demonstrates that, with the help of faithful abstractions we can obtain valuable insights about simulated traces by the formal verification procedures irrespective of the size of the simulation traces. Formal verification methodology allows for intuitive, expressive yet succinct formulation of system requirements. The combination of simulation trace generation and formal verification provide feedback that may (i) assess the appropriateness of the requirement specifications, (ii) suggest possible infidelity in the simulation modules and (iii) even delineate design error of the original safety-critical system.
Taking the Plunge: California Grunion Embryos Emerge Rapidly with Environmentally Cued Hatching

Synopsis The process of hatching has been well studied in some model species of teleosts: the medaka Oryzias latipes, the mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus, and the zebrafish Danio rerio. These models are compared to the California Grunion, Leuresthes tenuis that has some unique features of reproduction related to tidal synchrony of spawning and environmentally cued hatching (ECH). During oviposition at spring tides, this marine teleost spawns out of water to bury its clutches on sandy beaches in the high intertidal zone. After embryos of L. tenuis reach hatching competence, hatching can be triggered at any time. Incubation above the water line inhibits hatching until ECH is triggered by rising tides during the following lunar phase, and hatching occurs within a few seconds. We review the embryo’s response to environmental cues at hatching and the effects of the surrounding medium on the chorionase and chorion for this form of ECH. Leuresthes tenuis shares some similarities as well as some important differences with the model species. Comparison of hatching across teleostean taxa indicates great variability in stage at hatching and in duration of incubation that suggest hatching plasticity in response to environmental cues may be more widespread than currently appreciated.
Evaluation in der Assistenzarztausbildung

Hintergrund Fur Arzte in der Weiterbildung ist die Aneignung fachlicher und professioneller Kompetenz entscheidend fur die erfolgreiche Ausubung ihrer Tatigkeit. Die regelmasige, moglichst objektive Standortbestimmung des Ausbildungsstands und des professionellen Auftretens sowie eine regelmasige Selbstreflektion sind fur den Erfolg in der Berufsausbildung unabdingbar. Einer Implementierung solcher Erfassungssysteme stehen im Routinebetrieb oft mehrere Faktoren entgegen.
Relation between Electrical Mobility, Mass, and Size for Nanodrops 1–6.5 nm in Diameter in Air

A large number of data on mobility and mass have been newly obtained or reanalyzed for clusters of a diversity of materials, with the aim of determining the relation between electrical mobility (Z) and mass diameter d m = (6m/ π ρ ) 1/3 (m is the particle mass and ρ the bulk density of the material forming the cluster) for nanoparticles with d m ranging from 1 nm to 6.5 nm. The clusters were generated by electrospraying solutions of ionic liquids, tetra-alkyl ammonium salts, cyclodextrin, bradykinin, etc., in acetonitrile, ethanol, water, or formamide. Their electrical mobilities Z in air were measured directly by a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) of high resolution. Their masses m were determined either directly via mass spectrometry, or assigned indirectly by first distinguishing singly (z = 1) and doubly (z = 2) charged clusters, and then identifying monomers, dimers, … n-mers, etc., from their ordering in the mobility spectrum. Provided that d m > 1.3 nm, data of the form d m vs. [z(1+m g /m) 1/2...
Quantitative Analysis of Time-Resolved Laue Diffraction Patterns

Integration and quantification of time-resolved Laue images poses problems beyond those encountered with static Laue images. The flexible analytical profile-fitting technique [Ren & Moffat (1995). J.. AppL Cryst. 28, 461-481] has been extended to handle the integration of multiple-spot images with two or more exposures at different time points superimposed on a single detector flame but displaced by a small shift. Each Lane pattern on a multiple-spot image can be integrated separately; possible spatial overlaps between adjacent spots from either the same or different exposures can be resolved; streakiness and streakiness anisotropy are allowed to be different for each time point. Various strategies for timeresolved Lane diffraction data collection and processing are compared. Time-resolved Lane images obtained during the relaxation of photoactive yellow protein (PYP) from its photostationary state have been processed by the Laue data reduction package LaueView. Continuous laser illumination of PYP crystals establishes a photostationary state and termination of laser illumination starts a relaxation process. However, PYP crystals at the photostationary state are more anisotropically mosaic than those at the ground state, and the mosaicity and its anisotropy vary during the relaxation. Accurate integration of elongated and spatially overlapping spots therefore becomes more difficult. Two data processing strategies have been applied to calculate time-dependent difference Fourier maps of PYP. The first route takes advantage of both the wavelength normalization and the harmonic deconvolution [Ren & Moffat (I 995). J. AppL Cryst. 28, 461-481,482-493] algorithms. The second is the method of relative percentage changes of structurefactor amplitudes.
Professor James M. Tanner and the sport sciences

Background: Although Tanner was not directly involved in physical education or the sport sciences, several of his papers addressed issues related to research in the area. Aim: To consider the implications of selected papers and research projects for the sport sciences. Papers and Implications: Several early papers addressed ratio standards, somatotype and total cholesterol, and anthropometric and somatotype changes associated weight training and cessation of training in young adult men. The papers have, respectively, implications for current studies of allometric scaling, physique and risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic complications, and responses to training. The survey of athletes at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games not only added to the literature but to some extent also set the stage for subsequent surveys of Olympic athletes in 1968, 1972 and 1976. Although not directly involved in the mixed-longitudinal study of Training of Youth Athletes (TOYA) in several sports, it was conducted in his depar...
Evolution of transverse-magnetic surface and leaky waves guided by an asymmetric layer configuration

The evolution of surface and leaky waves as a function of frequency is examined for perpendicular polarization [transverse-electric (TEN) modes] in configurations consisting of a dielectric slab bounded by media having different refractive indices. We find that, at any frequency, these waves occur in sets of four types for all higher-order (N > 1) mode numbers. The characteristics and the field patterns of these wave types are discussed, and the special behavior of the first two (N = 0, 1) modes is described in detail.
Surface-to-tunnel seismic tomography studies at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

[1] A surface-to-tunnel seismic survey was conducted to estimate fracture intensity and distribution in the proposed nuclear waste repository area at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. A 5-km-long source line and a 3-km-long receiver line were located on top of Yucca Mountain ridge and inside the Exploratory Study Facility (ESF) tunnel, respectively. Numerical modeling showed that the first arrival P waves are mainly propagated in the repository horizon at depth. Therefore two-dimensional travel time inversions were performed after the actual source locations on the ridge were projected onto the layer of interest at depth. Static corrections were applied to absorb the scatter in the new source locations and to correct for variations in source and receiver coupling and travel time shifts. Zero-offset amplitude variations of the first arrivals across the receiver line inside the tunnel showed strong correlation with the fracture density determined by measurements along the tunnel wall. Wave guidance by subhorizontal fractures is suggested as a possible source for this phenomenon. Tomographic inversion of the travel time data revealed a low-velocity zone in the south central area of the repository horizon. Conversion of the velocity tomography results to fracture-density tomograms showed good correlation with fracture intensity mapped along tunnel walls. The fractured zone extends over a large area in the southern region of the potential repository, in particular, southwest of the intensely fractured zone encountered in the ESF tunnel. The rock in the northern section of the repository appears more competent compared to the highly fractured areas in the south.
Science Signaling Podcast: 26 November 2013

This Podcast features an interview with Taku Kambayashi and Gary Koretzky, authors of two Research Articles that appear in the 26 November 2013 issue of Science Signaling , about two related kinases that control T cell development. Stimulation of the T cell receptor during T cell development in the thymus or during an immune response leads to the generation of the second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG), which subsequently activates other signaling pathways to control the response of the T cell. These signaling pathways are very sensitive to the amount of DAG that is present, so precise control over the generation and degradation of DAG is important. DAG is generated by the activity of phospholipase C–γ1 (PLC-γ1) and inactivated by diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs). In a new study published in this issue of Science Signaling , Kambayashi and Koretzky have collaborated on a project examining the differential roles of the α and ζ isoforms of DGK in T cell development. A companion paper from Kambayashi9s group explores the importance of DGKζ in the development of natural regulatory T cells.
Continuing medical education with a personalized monthly newsletter

The periodic newsletter is an approach to continuing medical education whose value is difficult to measure. A six-page monthly newsletter covering cancer and ambulatory medicine topics has been developed in two departments of a university medical center to meet perceived educational needs of new regional primary care practitioners and to maintain a helping relationship between university based and practicing physicians. The newsletter is sent free of charge to requesting clinicians. Each issue of the newsletter is introduced by a personalized letter signed individually by the editor. A reader survey was conducted to evaluate the interest of recipients and the content, usefulness, and format of the newsletter. A usable response rate of 76% was achieved. The evaluation documented that most readers found the publication useful in their practices, remembered receiving issues specifically, kept issues themselves after circulation to colleagues, and read the cover letter. Compared with conference or formal journal instructional methods of continuing medical education, a newsletter may consistently reach a larger audience at a fraction of the cost.
An object-oriented material-property database architecture for microelectromechanical CAD

The authors report on the implementation of an object-oriented database for capturing the process dependence of material properties of microelectronic materials. The database is a component of the MIT MEMCAD system, but will also be useful as a stand-alone module. It can accept data in several different forms: individual numbers; tables; and an algebraic function expressing the dependence of the material property on process conditions. The architecture and operation of the database are illustrated with the example of the temperature and gas-flow dependence of the residual stress in LPCVD (low-pressure chemical vapor deposited) silicon nitride. >
Intelligent Resource Management and Implementation for Broadband Cable Networks

This paper describes the implementation of an intelligent resource management (IRM) scheme for use in emerging broadband cable networks. It is shown that the IRM scheme performs better than conventional scheduling schemes. Specifically, the scheme can manage and control bandwidth-intensive applications, and provide fair bandwidth allocation. The broader impacts of the IRM scheme are the ability to mitigate serious security problems (e.g., worm viruses and denial of service attacks), and the ability to deliver quadruple play services while meeting required performance metrics.
Success of delayed full-thickness skin grafts after Mohs micrographic surgery

Abstract Background: Specific factors affect the outcome of full-thickness skin grafts after Mohs micrographic surgery. No recent clinical studies have systematically investigated the clinical factors that may affect the success of full-thickness skin grafts. Objective: Our objective was to analyze patient data to define factors that may influence the success of full-thickness skin grafts. Methods: We reviewed the clinical course of 117 patients who had full-thickness skin grafts after Mohs micrographic surgery. We analyzed these cases using patient variables, tumor variables, and skin graft variables and then correlated these variables to skin graft success. Results: Delay of skin graft placement (>1 day) was significantly correlated with subsequent skin graft success ( p = 0.015). Skin graft necrosis was more likely to develop in men than in women ( p = 0.021). Conclusion: A delay of 2 to 8 days between Mohs micrographic surgery and full-thickness skin graft placement resulted in a lower incidence of skin graft necrosis than no delay or a delay of 1 day.
Real space refinement of acto-myosin structures from sectioned muscle.

We have adapted a real space refinement protocol originally developed for high-resolution crystallographic analysis for use in fitting atomic models of actin filaments and myosin subfragment 1 (S1) to 3-D images of thin-sectioned, plastic-embedded whole muscle. The rationale for this effort is to obtain a refinement protocol that will optimize the fit of the model to the density obtained by electron microscopy and correct for poor geometry introduced during the manual fitting of a high-resolution atomic model into a lower resolution 3-D image. The starting atomic model consisted of a rigor acto-S1 model obtained by X-ray crystallography and helical reconstruction of electron micrographs. This model was rebuilt to fit 3-D images of rigor insect flight muscle at a resolution of 7 nm obtained by electron tomography and image averaging. Our highly constrained real space refinement resulted in modest improvements in the agreement of model and reconstruction but reduced the number of conflicting atomic contacts by 70% without loss of fit to the 3-D density. The methodology seems to be well suited to the derivation of stereochemically reasonable atomic models that are consistent with experimentally determined 3-D reconstructions computed from electron micrographs.
The KIVA story: a paradigm of technology transfer

The authors discuss a case history of technology transfer from a government laboratory to industry, to other laboratories, and to universities. The technology transferred is a computer program named KIVA that simulates air flow, fuel sprays, and combustion in practical combustion devices such as a automobile and truck engines, gas turbines that power jet aircraft, and industrial furnaces, heaters, and waste incinerators. The success of the transfer process derives not from presenting a finished product, but rather from working closely with KIVA users at every stage of development. By making the original source code available to a broad user community, a second avenue of transfer occurs as university engineering departments prepare students to enter industry. >
Hardware Trojan Detection and Isolation Using Current Integration and Localized Current Analysis

This paper addresses a new threat to the security of integrated circuits (ICs). The migration of IC fabrication to untrusted foundries has made ICs vulnerable to malicious alterations, that could, under specific conditions, result infunctional changes and/or catastrophic failure of the system in which they are embedded. Such malicious alternations and inclusions are referred to as Hardware Trojans. In this paper, we propose a current integration methodology to observe Trojan activity in the circuit and a localized current analysis approach to isolate the Trojan. Our simulation results considering process variations show that with a very small number of clock cycles the method can detect hardware Trojans as small as few gates without fully activating them. However, for very small Trojan circuits with less than few gates, process variations could negatively impact the detection and isolation process.
Power and linearity characteristics of GaN MISFETs on sapphire substrate

The improvement of device performance arising from the adoption of a MIS gate structure in GaN field-effect transistor (FET) is presented. GaN MISFET/MESFET devices were fabricated on sapphire substrate with and without the insertion of a thin SiN layer on device surface. The MISFET device showed improved device characteristic due to significant reduction in device gate leakage with respect to the standard MESFET structure. Measured power and linearity performance showed promising results. Under single-tone testing at 4 GHz, device yielded saturated output power 6.2 W/mm with 55% peak power added efficiency. When tested with two-tone signal device maintained a carrier to third order intermodulation ratio of 30 dBc up to power levels of 1.8 W/mm with 40% power added efficiency.
A new Guinier-Porod model

Small-angle scattering (SAS) curves are characterized by two main features: the Guinier region and the Porod region. Standard linear plots are available to fit SAS data and obtain a radius of gyration and a Porod exponent. A new Guinier–Porod empirical model is introduced to fit SAS data from spherical as well as nonspherical objects such as rods or platelets. It also applies to shapes intermediate between spheres and rods or between rods and platelets. The new model is used to fit SAS data from a Pluronic solution that sequentially forms unimers, then spherical micelles, then cylindrical micelles, then lamellar micelles upon heating. This single model can fit structures associated with all four phases as well as the intermediate structures.
An agent-based mobile robot system using configurable SOC technique

To make a mobile robot with real-time vision system adapt to the highly dynamic environments and emergencies under the real-time constraints, a significant account of processing power is needed. Instead of pushing the limit of software development and computational resources, and to reduce the system computation time and improve system fault-tolerance, this paper presents an embedded platform which can dynamically reconfigure a mobile robot system on the fly by integrating field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) and embedded processors in a system-on-chip (SOC) environment. The BDI agent model is adopted as the unified agent structure, which significantly simplify the HW/SW partitioning and communication. A self-reconfigurable platform is also proposed to improve the hardware flexibility. This proposed embedded framework has been applied to a real-world mobile robot, and the experimental results demonstrate its feasibility and efficiency
A US perspective on newborn screening: a powerful tool for prevention

This article describes the rise of newborn screening in the USA, where it has become a powerful tool to prevent the mortality, morbidity and disability otherwise associated with many undetected rare conditions. In an effort to improve harmonization of newborn screening across the USA, a Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) of core conditions was proposed in 2005 that is now near universally screened for. An evidence-based procedure has been developed to assess candidate conditions nominated for addition to the RUSP. Multiple stakeholders must play a role to generate the high-quality evidence required to support successful nomination of a condition for addition to the RUSP. The nomination, and potential addition, of conditions to the RUSP, can be a difficult and lengthy process. Screening newborns for new conditions requires significant effort not only on the part of researchers to develop screening tests and treatments but also on the part of newborn screening programs to implement new testing metho...
Quaternary landscape evolution in the San Jacinto fault zone, Peninsular Ranges of Southern California: Transient response to strike-slip fault initiation

Well-constrained case studies of transient landscape response to external forcing are needed to improve our understanding of erosion processes in tectonically active mountain belts. The Peninsular Ranges portion of the San Jacinto fault zone (SJFZ) is an excellent location for such a study because it displays pronounced geomorphic disequilibrium resulting from initiation of a major strike-slip fault in the past 1.0 to 2.5 million years. We recognize two geomorphic domains in this region: (1) a relict low-relief upland domain consisting of broad flat valleys and low-gradient streams and (2) very steep, rough topography with deeply incised canyons and retreating erosional knickpoints. Pleistocene sediments exposed along and near the SJFZ include fluvial conglomerate, sandstone, and mudstone, with weak paleosols and west- to NW-directed paleocurrents. These sediments accumulated in a lowgradient stream system (represented by domain 1) during an early phase of slip in the SJFZ, prior to the modern phase of erosion and degradation (domain 2). Late Pliocene or early Pleistocene initiation of the SJFZ triggered a wave of headward erosion and stream capture that is still migrating NW along the fault zone. Using the total distance that capture points have migrated along the fault zone and a range of possible ages for fault initiation, the rate of knickpoint retreat is estimated at ~12 to 44 km/my. To explore the signal of transient geomorphic response to fault initiation, we analyzed 23 tributaries along an ~20-km portion of the main fault valley within domain 2. The analysis reveals three zones with distinctive morphologies: (1) strongly convex longitudinal profiles in the NW, (2) a large (ca. 5–6 km 2 ) landslide in the central zone, and (3) concave tributaries in the SE with profile complexity decreasing and catchment area increasing from NW to SE. The distribution of these zones suggests close spatial and temporal association of active fault slip, bedrock incision, deep-seated landslides, and erosional modification. The fundamental driving force behind these processes is profound geomorphic disequilibrium resulting from initiation of the SJFZ. We suggest that landslides may have played a significant role in shaping the morphology of this fault zone, and that the influence of landslides may be underestimated in areas where characteristic landforms and deposits are obscured by later erosion and faulting. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Effect of Acute Isovolemic Anemia on Cardiac Output and Estimated Hepatic Blood Flow in the Conscious Dog

The effect of acute isovolemic anemia induced by Dextran 70 exchange (40 ml/kg body weight) on estimated hepatic blood flow, cardiac output, and related variables was studied in 27 experiments on 24 unsedated dogs. Experiments were performed 5-10 days after implantation of an electromagnetic flow transducer around the aorta and catheters in the hepatic vein, jugular vein, and carotid artery. Bromsulphalein infusion was used to measure estimated hepatic blood flows, and electromagnetic measurements of stroke volume and cardiac output were calibrated using a simultaneous dye-dilution curve. With a mean fall in hematocrit from 34.8 to 17.0 ml/100 ml, estimated hepatic blood flow rose from 53.6 ± 15.3 (SD) to 76.3 ± 21.1 ml/min kg -1 and splanchnic vascular resistance fell from 119 ± 41 to 93 ± 38 mm Hg/liter min -1 ( P -1 ) and the fall in systemic vascular resistance (37.0 ± 4.9 to 21.7 ± 4.9 mm Hg/liter min -1 ), leading to a fall in the ratio of estimated hepatic blood flow to cardiac output from 34.3 to 25.7%. Bromsulphalein extraction ratio was significantly decreased, but Bromsulphalein clearance increased 44%. Splanchnic oxygen consumption did not change. β-receptor blockade in 6 dogs (propranolol 0.5 mg/kg body weight) failed to prevent or attenuate the increase in estimated hepatic blood flow or cardiac output when the blocking agent was given before induction of acute isovolemic anemia. Sixty minutes after accomplishment of anemia, estimated hepatic blood flow and cardiac output had returned toward but not to control levels. Induction of β-receptor blockade in the anemic dog did not influence the effects of time on estimated hepatic blood flow or cardiac output. We concluded that acute isovolemic anemia leads to a significant increase in estimated hepatic blood flow that is essentially independent of β-receptor stimulation.
An Unusual Mutation Results in the Replacement of Diaminopimelate with Lanthionine in the Peptidoglycan of a Mutant Strain of Mycobacterium smegmatis

Mycobacterial peptidoglycan contains l-alanyl-d-iso-glutaminyl-meso-diaminopimelyl-d-alanyl-d-alanine peptides, with the exception of the peptidoglycan of Mycobacterium leprae, in which glycine replaces the l-alanyl residue. The third-position amino acid of the peptides is where peptidoglycan cross-linking occurs, either between the meso-diaminopimelate (DAP) moiety of one peptide and the penultimate d-alanine of another peptide or between two DAP residues. We previously described a collection of spontaneous mutants of DAP-auxotrophic strains of Mycobacterium smegmatis that can grow in the absence of DAP. The mutants are grouped into seven classes, depending on how well they grow without DAP and whether they are sensitive to DAP, temperature, or detergent. Furthermore, the mutants are hypersusceptible to β-lactam antibiotics when grown in the absence of DAP, suggesting that these mutants assemble an abnormal peptidoglycan. In this study, we show that one of these mutants, M. smegmatis strain PM440, utilizes lanthionine, an unusual bacterial metabolite, in place of DAP. We also demonstrate that the abilities of PM440 to grow without DAP and use lanthionine for peptidoglycan biosynthesis result from an unusual mutation in the putative ribosome binding site of the cbs gene, encoding cystathionine β-synthase, an enzyme that is a part of the cysteine biosynthetic pathway.
COMPATIBILITY OF SPINOSAD WITH PREDACIOUS MITES (ACARI: PHYTOSEIIDAE) USED TO CONTROL WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS (THYSANOPTERA: THRIPIDAE) IN GREENHOUSE CROPS

Abstract Releases of predacious mites are recommended for use in greenhouse flower crops for suppression of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). Control from predacious mites alone, however, is not adequate and must be supplemented with the use of insecticides. The principal material currently used by growers in the northeastern United States for western flower thrips control is spinosad (Conserve®). In laboratory tests on direct toxicity, we found that fresh residues (2 h) of this material were not toxic to motile stages of Neoseiulus (=Amblyseius) cucumeris (Oudemans) (74 vs 78% survival for the treated group and the untreated water controls, respectively), the principal species of predacious mites used for control of western flower thrips, but did lower survival of Iphiseius degenerans (Berlese) (56 vs. 73% survival for the treated group and the untreated water controls, respectively). There were no differences for either species from exposure to older (24 h) residues. In contr...
An analysis of 'hot-potato' routing in a fiber optic packet switched hypercube

Two implementations of a fiber-optic packet-switched hypercube are proposed. In the first, each directed link is implemented with a fixed wavelength laser and photodetector, and all optical transmissions are wavelength multiplexed onto one or more fibers. In the second, the electronic crosspoint matrices within the nodes are eliminated by allowing each laser to be tunable over a range of log N wavelengths. Assume that a hot potato, or deflection, routing algorithm is used; as soon as a packet is received at a node, a routing decision is made and the packet is sent out. The node attempts to send the packet towards its destination. The analysis indicates that a hypercube, hot-potato routing offers essentially optimal performance for random traffic, regardless of how large the hypercube grows, and it significantly outperforms traditional shortest-path routing with buffering and flow control. A few variations, including an algorithm which gives priority to packets closer to their destinations and one which gives priority to various classes of traffic, are also proposed and analyzed. >
Lateralization of Circadian Pacemaker Output: Activation of Left- and Right-Sided Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Neurons Involves a Neural Rather Than a Humoral Pathway

Locomotor activity and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in golden hamsters share a common circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), but the rhythms do not seem to share a common output pathway from the SCN. Locomotion is believed to be driven by humoral factor(s), whereas LH secretion may depend on specific ipsilateral neural efferents from the SCN to LH releasing hormone (LHRH)-containing neurons in the preoptic area. In this paper we provide the first functional evidence for such efferents in neurologically intact hamsters by exploiting a phenomenon known as “splitting” in constant light, in which circa-12 hr (approximately 12 hr) locomotor activity bouts reflect an antiphase oscillation of the left and right sides of the bilaterally paired SCN. In ovariectomized, estrogen-treated (OVX E2 ) female hamsters, splitting is also known to include circa-12 hr LH secretory surges. Here we show that behaviorally “split” OVX E2 females exhibit a marked left-right asymmetry in immunoreactive c-Fos expression in both SCN and activated LHRH neurons, with the percentage of LHRH/c-Fos double-labeled cells approximately fivefold higher on the side corresponding to the side of the SCN with higher c-Fos immunoreactivity. Our results suggest that splitting involves alternating left- and right-sided stimulation of LHRH neurons; under such circumstances, the functional activity of the neuroendocrine hypothalamus mirrors intrinsic side-to-side differences in SCN gene expression. The circadian regulation of reproductive activity depends on lateralized, point-to-point axonal projections rather than on diffusible factors.
The Effect Of Changes In The Dollar Foreign Exchange Rate On Stock Returns Of Multinational Corporations

Exchange rate movements are considered to be one of the key factors affecting the operating results of multinational corporations (MNC). Several studies have examined the effect of changes in dollar exchange rates on the stock prices of MNC. The results of these studies have been inconclusive about the effects of changes in the dollar exchange rate on the stock prices of companies with significant overseas operations. This study extends previous research by testing the impact of changes in the dollar exchange rate on security returns of MNC using an event study methodology. The results suggest that changes in dollar exchange rates have little or no impact on the stock returns of MNC.
Electric-field-controlled MRAM based on voltage control of magnetic anisotropy (VCMA): Recent progress and perspectives

The emergence of novel mechanisms for magnetization switching in nanostructures provides new opportunities for developing ultralow-power and high-density memory and logic circuits. Hence, while magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) based on spin transfer torque (STT) has already entered the commercialization stage, there is a growing interest in new device concepts based on emerging mechanisms for magnetization control, such as spin-orbit torques, strain-mediated magnetoelectric coupling, and in particular electric-field (i.e. voltage-) controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) [1]-[6].
On a Third Group of Flattened Ground Spiders from Australia (Araneae, Lamponidae)

A new genus and species, Platylampona mazeppa , are described for an unusual, newly discovered ground spider from Queensland and northern New South Wales. Although the body of these animals is greatly flattened, as is characteristic of both trochanteriids and hemicloeine gnaphosids, the new genus belongs to neither of those groups but rather to the subfamily Lamponinae, and thus represents a third lineage of Australian gnaphosoids that has acquired a greatly flattened habitus.
Radiograph to Reality: Pathways to Objectivity in the Grading of the Degenerative Joint: Commentary on an article by the MARS Group: "Osteoarthritis Classification Scales: Interobserver Reliability and Arthroscopic Correlation".

Classification schemes across orthopaedics provide a common language for the discussion, prognostication, and study of bone and joint pathology. The current study represents an impressive large-scale effort to evaluate the reliability of a number of classifications of one disease condition, make specific recommendations to improve that reliability through the choice of appropriate radiographs, and correlate the findings with arthroscopic reality. The study holds both narrow and broad lessons for practitioners of knee reconstruction and for orthopaedic practice in general. The authors have identified and evaluated no fewer than six classification schemes with a varying degree of reliance on the measurement of joint space narrowing and other descriptive interpretations. The report solidly supports three contentions. First, the best combination of good interobserver reliability and medium correlation with arthroscopic findings is found with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scale, the classification scheme among the six that most directly relies on a numerical measurement of the width of the joint space. Second, the reliability and accuracy of imaging are substantially improved with the use of a radiographic technique in which the beam is tangential to the most common locations of chondral damage. For the knee, this …
Habitual Boredom and Depression: Some Qualitative Differences:

This article will compare and contrast the author’s theory of Habitual Boredom with a phenomenological account of Unipolar Depression. The habitually bored show more external ambivalence, passive a...
Nonwoven and crossplied ballistic materials

Although numerous methods have existed for decades to produce fiber-based material structures within the broad category known as “nonwovens”, not all of these are of practical use for ballistic resistant structures. The filament lay-up composite, or those structures made by parallel lay and resin reinforcement occupy an increasingly important sector of the ballistic resistant materials spectrum. These structures are designed to engage an incoming projectile with a much larger population of high strength fibers than can utilized with a woven or knitted fabric. The presence of a reinforcing resin also assists in the energy dissipation and the composite structure together acts to strip a bullet of its casing and flatten it upon impact. Staple fibers have not traditionally been used in ballistic resistant nonwoven structures because of their discrete, discontinuous character, but if formed together correctly, they can offer structural isotropy that filaments cannot.
Seasonal characteristics and incidence trend analysis on Japanese encephalitis in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,2004 to 2010

Objective To analysis the onset time and incidence trend of Japanese encephalitis(JE) in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and control measures of the disease.Methods Circle distribution was used to analyze the seasonality of the JE in the years 2004-2010.Incidence trend of JE was analyzed using trend test.Results In Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2004 to 2010,the JE showed apparently seasonality and periodicity.It was revealed that the incidence began to increase in May,the incidence peak was from June to July,the incidence began to decrease in August.The incidence peak day was obvious every year(P 0.01).There were significant differences on the incidence peak time during 7 years(F= 23.20,P 0.01).The peak day was from June 19 to June 30.The peak stage was from May 16 to August 4.There was evident decline in incidence during 7 years(χ 2 = 221.06,P 0.01).Conclusion The seasonal and periodical characteristics of the JE was very obvious in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the seven years.The key points for decreasing morbidity of JE in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region must be further strengthening of routine immunization,and it is highly required that the more effective comprehensive control measures be strengthened.
Research on the growth and decay of mosquito density and its species forming in Lianyungang city

Objective To study the growth and decay of mosquitoes density and the species forming in towns and villages in Lianyungang city, and to provide the scientific basis for preventing mosquitoes.Methods Using man-attracting way and net-attracting way to capture the mosquito. The mosquitoes were made for specimen, then classified, identified, counted.Results Mosquitoes were discovered in the room from June to October. The highest density occurred in June. The more mosquito density’s period was from August to October.September was the highest. The power space in Lianyungang city was Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Culex pipiens pallens ,and their rates in the total mosquito were 66.1% and 28.1% respectively.Conclusion Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Culex pipiens pallens were the power species in Lianyungang city.They were important in preventing mosquitoes.
Spontaneous Ureteroileal Colostomy

AbstractWe report on 3 patients with spontaneous diversion of the urine to the bowel from functioning ureteroileostomy after cystoprostatectomy. Management of these complications has resulted in no serious problem and a conservative approach to this infrequent development is recommended.
Behavioural effects of hypothalamic peptides

Hypothalamic peptides appear to serve a variety of functions. While many exert classical endocrine effects, certain of them appear also to cause alterations in behaviour, alterations in behavioural responses to drugs, or alterations in systems that themselves affect behaviour. Such actions are the subject of this chapter.
High-power glass laser uniformity: progress and prospects

To achieve high density implosions from direct- drive laser fusion it is crucial that the irradiance nonuniformities over the surface of the target be restricted to less than a few percent.1 Recent studies, utilizing a 2-D hydrodynamic simulation code and a 3-D beam superposition code, have been performed to assess the sensitivity of the hydrodynamic performance of certain target designs to target irradiance and various sources of nonuniformity; beam-to-beam energy imbalance, beam mispointing, single beam intensity fluctuation, and the fixed 24-beam (F/3.5) geometry. This sensitivity analysis, together with an experimental characterization of these major sources, has shown that irregularities in each of the 24-beam profiles are the dominant causes for irradiation nonuniformity.2
“Drunk in Love”: The Portrayal of Risk Behavior in Music Lyrics

The current study investigated the prevalence of multiple risk behaviors in popular music lyrics as well as the contexts within which they occur. We conducted a content analysis of the top 20 Billboard songs from 2009 to 2013 in the genres of rap, country, adult contemporary, rock, R&B/hip-hop, and pop, coding for the presence of alcohol, marijuana, nonmarijuana drugs, and sex as well as the contexts intoxication, binging/addiction, partying/socializing, disregard for consequences, and emotional states. The contexts relationship status and degradation were also coded for when sex was present. Of the 600 songs, 212 mentioned sexual behaviors, which were most frequent in rap and R&B/hip-hop. Alcohol was the next most frequent risk behavior, again with greatest mention in rap and R&B/hip-hop. Alcohol, marijuana, and nonmarijuana drugs were most often associated with positive emotions, and sex was most often described within the context of casual relationships. Alcohol and sex were associated with disregard for consequences most often in 2011, when the "you only live once" motto was most popular. These findings are concerning because exposure to popular music is associated with increased risk behaviors for adolescents and young adults, who are the greatest consumers of music.
Erythrocytosis due to presumed polycythemia vera.

A 40-year-old woman with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy presents to the hematology clinic for a second opinion regarding a history of headaches and fatigue for the past 10 years. She has been diagnosed with idiopathic erythrocytosis, presumed to be due to polycythemia vera. She periodically
Poster 067. A Description of the Systemwide Application of Transcutaneous Cardiac Pacing in an Urban EMS System

Objective: Transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP) is known to be efficacious in sustaining patients with high-degree atrioventricular block. The purpose of this study was to describe EMS systemwide application of TCP and determine its cost effectiveness. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patient records from an urban, municipal, advanced life-support (ALS) EMS system during the first year (1993) of systemwide application of TCP. From each record, we determined patient age and gender; cardiac rhythm, heart rate (HR), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) prior to pacing; absence or presence of a pulse while pacing; time interval to a hospital while pacing; HR and SBP during pacing and on arrival at the hospital. We determined the fixed and variable costs to the system for implementing and maintaining the TCPs. Results: During the study period, the EMS system responded to 60,242 emergency calls. Transcutaneous pacing pads were applied to 69 patients, and TCP was attempted for 60 patients (mean ±SD age 67.1±14.7 years). Transcutaneous cardiac pacing resulted in a positive outcome for 11 patients who achieved and maintained electromechanical capture and a pulse until arrival at a hospital (mean age 66±8 years). For this group the mean HR and SBP were 44±38 beats per minute (BPM) and 31±38 mm Hg, respectively prior to pacing and were 78±28 BPM and 101.2±36.7 mmHg, respectively, on arrival at the hospital. These patients were paced for 10.5±10 minutes prior to the hospital. The annual cost of TCP for the EMS system was [US] $5,435 ($4,400 fixed costs, plus $1,035 variable costs). Conclusion: The results suggest that TCP is a valuable adjunct for patients suffering from atrioventricular blocks and junctional rhythms, but not for idioventricular or asystolic rhythms. For this urban EMS system the cost of TCP is approximately $494 per positive patient outcome.
Catherine La Voisin: Poisons and Magic at the Royal Court of Louis XIV

Abstract Between the late 1660s and the early 1670s, influential members of the French nobility were mysteriously poisoned to death. Fearing for his own safety and that of the royal family, Louis XIV appointed Nicolas de La Reynie, the Lieutenant General of the Paris Police, to prompt an investigation, which unveiled the diffuse practice of poisoning and led to the “Affair of the Poisons” scandal. This chapter examines, in particular, the life and involvement in the scandal of the sorceress Catherine La Voisin, who, after being prosecuted, was burned alive for providing members of the royal court, including the Marquise de Montespan, one of the favorite mistresses of Louis XIV, with magic powders and venomous potions.
The multilingual city: vitality, conflict and change

French artist Sophie Calle’s oulipo inspired exhibition, Take Care of Yourself, was named after the last line of a Dear Jane email sent to her by an ex-lover. In it she asked 107 women of differing...
Broadcasting emergency information to non-English speakers

Television and radio have been the primary means of communicating emergency information in the U.S, following a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. However, this system does not always reach individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). This paper uses TV and radio data, census data, and disaster risk data to estimate that over two million LEP individuals are not served by broadcasters in their native language. While many focus on Spanish-speakers, a large number of the unserved speak other languages, such as Korean and Vietnamese, with less access to broadcasts in their language. Geographically, many live outside of the cities with the largest concentrations of immigrants. Additionally, while AM radio and full-power TV are the most important media, on the order of 100 thousand individuals are served by low-power TV (LPTV) alone, and risk losing access to broadcasts in their own language if LPTV stations were to cease operation. These findings suggest the importance of supplementing traditional broadcast solutions with new technologies, including smart phones and social media.
Weather-induced declines in piñon tree condition and response of a declining bird species

Abstract Climate impacts to pinon-juniper woodlands in the western USA include large-scale mortality, reduced canopy cover, and decreased cone production; recent climate models predict massive tree mortality in these woodlands. These habitat impacts will affect pinon-juniper wildlife, exemplified by the Pinyon Jay ( Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus ). Here we: (1) examine trends in an index of pinon tree condition (vigor) from 2004 to 2012, (2) assess the impact of weather and stand structure variables on annual vigor changes, and (3) investigate the relationship between patterns of pinon condition and distribution of nesting Pinyon Jays. Mean pinon vigor declined 0.12 units per year from 4.3 (maximum vigor = 5) in 2004 and bottomed out at 3.2 in 2012 (a reduction of 25.6%). Vigor changes were positive in areas of lower tree density and negative in areas of higher tree density; larger trees were more likely than smaller trees to decline in vigor. Average annual vigor decline was greater with decreasing cool-season precipitation. The probability that Pinyon Jays nested was higher in areas of higher pinon vigor in 2010–2012; this relationship became more pronounced over the three years. This example suggests that incremental, weather-influenced changes in tree condition may impact the wildlife of arid woodlands.