cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Spectroscopy of N3P3X5OCHCH2 (X = Cl, F, OCH3, OCH2CF3, N(CH3)2) and N3P3X4(OCHCH2)2 (X = Cl, N(CH3)2). Correlations of Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Data to Electronic and Geometrical Structure

The syntheses of the vinyloxycyclotriphosphazene derivatives N3P3X5OCHCH2 (X = OMe, OCH2CF3) and the N3P3(NMe2)4(OCHCH2)2 isomeric mixture along with improved preparations of N3P3X5OCHCH2 (X = F, NMe2) are reported. The interactions between the vinyloxy function and the cyclophosphazene in these and the previously reported N3P3Cl5 (OCHCH2) and N3P3F6-n(OCHCH2)n (n = 1−4) have been examined by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and NMR spectroscopy. The UPS data for the chloro and fluoro derivatives show a strong electron-withdrawing effect of the phosphazene on the olefin that is mediated with decreasing halogen substitution. The 1H and 13C NMR data for N3P3X5OCHCH2 (X = F, Cl, OMe, OCH2CF3, NMe2) show significant changes as a function of the phosphazene substituent. There is a linear correlation between the β-carbon chemical shift on the vinyloxy unit and the phosphorus chemical shift at the vinyloxyphosphorus centers. The chemical shifts of the different phosphorus centers on each ring are als...
Holocene storminess inferred from sediments of two lakes on Adak Island, Alaska

The abundance of sedimentary organic material from two lakes was used to infer past Holocene storminess on Adak Island where frequent storms generate abundant rainfall and extensive cloud cover. Andrew and Heart Lakes are located 10 km apart; their contrasting physical characteristics cause the sedimentary organic matter to respond differently to storms. Their records were synchronized using correlated tephra beds. Sedimentation rates increased between 4.0 and 3.5 ka in both lakes. Over the instrumental period, Andrew Lake biogenic-silica content (BSi) is most strongly correlated with winter sunlight availability, which influences photosynthetic production, and river input, which influences the dilution of BSi by mineral matter. Heart Lake BSi is likely affected by wind-driven remobilization of sediment, as suggested by correlations among BSi, the North Pacific Index, and winter storminess. The results indicate relatively stormy conditions from 9.6 to 4.0 ka, followed by drying between 4.0 and 2.7 ka, with the driest conditions from 2.7 to 1.5 ka. The stormiest period was between AD 500 and 1200, then drying from 1150 to 1500 and more variable until 1850. This record of Holocene storminess fills a major gap at the center of action for North Pacific wintertime climate.
China`s Trade Flows: Changing Price Sensitivities and the Reform Process

Over the past 20 years, the Chinese authorities have undertaken wide-ranging reforms of their exchange and trade systems that have steadily reduced the role of planning and increased the importance of market forces. As these reforms have taken root, relative prices and domestic and foreign demand would be expected to have played a bigger role in determining trade flows. Econometric estimates of export and import equations provide evidence that trade flows have indeed become increasingly price sensitive, owing to the gradual liberalization of the trade regime over time, and to the growing shares of foreign-funded enterprises and manufactures in total trade.
Healthy and Maladaptive Dependency and Its Relationship to Pain Management and Perceptions in Physical Therapy Patients

This study examined the association among healthy and maladaptive aspects of interpersonal dependency and the management of pain in physical therapy outpatients. Ninety-eight patients were administered the Relationship Profile Test, West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Results indicated that Destructive Overdependence was positively associated with an increased number of office visits, pain interference in one's daily life, pain severity, affective distress, and receiving positive partner responses. Dysfunctional Detachment was associated with affective distress, pain interference in one's daily life, and rumination about pain. Healthy Dependency was only associated with receiving distracting responses from others. Believing that a spouse/partner is supportive and caring about one's pain partially mediated the relationship between overdependency and pain interfering in one's life. These results support the clinical utility of assessing interpersonal dependency for its relationship to managing one's pain and health care utilization.
Using storage class memories to increase the reliability of two-dimensional RAID arrays

Two-dimensional RAID arrays maintain separate row and column parities for all their disks. Depending on their organization, they can tolerate between two and three concurrent disk failures without losing any data. We propose to enhance the robustness of these arrays by replacing a small fraction of these drives with storage class memory devices, and demonstrate how such a pairing is several times more reliable than relying on conventional disks alone, or simply augmenting popular redundant layouts. Depending on the ratio of the failure rates of these two devices, the substitution can double or even triple the mean time to data loss (MTTDL) of each array.
Oleaginous yeast Cryptococcus curvatus for biofuel production: Ammonia's effect

Abstract Culturing oleaginous yeast with organic residues can provide cheap feedstock for biodiesel production, but the high content of nitrogen in some feedstocks (such as food residues) can lead to inhibition to cell growth and lipid synthesis, and this may be caused by ammonia. Thus, the inhibitory effect of ammonia on the growth of yeast Cryptococcus curvatus and its possible mechanism were evaluated in this study. The biomass production, lipid contents, affected metabolic pathways, and activities of the related pathway enzymes were investigated. The results showed that the yeast biomass production on acetate decreased from 5.9 kg m −3 to 2.0 kg m −3 when the initial ammonia concentration (in nitrogen equivalent terms) increased from 131 g m −3 to 3140 g m −3 . Ammonia significantly inhibited the yeast growth with volatile fatty acids (VFA) as carbon sources, but not in the culture with pyruvate generating substances (PGS) as carbon sources. However, the fatty acid synthesis was suppressed by ammonia in cultures with either VFA or PGS. The study on mechanism of ammonia inhibition suggested it might include an inhibition on the acyl-CoA synthetase activity, since a 61% decrease in the enzyme activity was found when 3140 g m −3 of ammonia (in nitrogen equivalent terms) was added. This study firstly reported the effect of ammonia with high concentrations to oleaginous yeast growth and lipid accumulation, and provided preliminary evidences on its possible mechanism of acyl-CoA synthetase inhibition.
The α-neurotoxin erabutoxin b causes fade at the rat end-plate

Abstract d-Tubocurarine and the α-neurotoxins from snake venom are antagonists at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. It is well established that d-tubocurarine causes fade in neuromuscular transmission during repetitive nerve stimulation but paradoxically there are many reports which indicate that the α-neurotoxins do not cause such fade. We found that high concentrations of erabutoxin b (100–150 nM) from the venom of Laticauda semifasciata did not cause much fade in the rat diaphragm preparation. However, low concentrations of toxin (5 nM) caused severe fade which was similar to the effects of d-tubocurarine. The data suggest that fade may be caused by toxin binding to a high-affinity site on the postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor.
An Overview of Conductor Development with High-Tc Superconductors in the USA

Conductor development with high-Tc superconductors in the USA is reviewed. This article includes the level of funding toward this R and D as well as the sources of the funds. The institutions, who are heavily involved for this work, are also identified. Then, the highlights of recent development, as of January 1999, in each of the high-Tc superconducting materials are given with some of my private assessments of various aspects of the conductor fabrication processes.
A rectangular Early La Tène Marnian house at Chassemy (Aisne)

The La Tene Iron Age Culture of northern Champagne, France, has hitherto been known almost exclusively from cemeteries there being at least i18 reported for the La Tene Ia phase alone with hardly anything known from habitations. This state of research inevitably gives a distorted picture of Marnian life and has severely limited the kinds of inferences that could be made, including the testing of hypotheses concerning Marnian migrations. A Marnian village site has been revealed at Chassemy (Aisne) 'Le Saule Baillot' as a consequence of sandpit exploitation. Because of the immediate danger to some house remains by these operations, the authors, under the supervision of Circumscription Director Professor Ernest Will, excavated the house described here, and the junior author tested some others during the summer of 1964. This research, conducted under the auspices of the American School of Prehistoric Research, was supported by grants from the US National Academy of Science and the Department of Anthropology and Peabody Museum of Harvard University. This site is located I2 km. east of Soissons (Aisne) in the commune of Chassemy and is only 0o5 km. from the long-known cemetery of Chassemy 'La Fosse Chapelet' (fig. 27) containing burials dating from Hallstatt IIb through La Tene II (Calland 1869; Fleury I877; Moreau i888; Hubert i9o2; Piette I925) including a chariot burial, still incompletely published, said to date from La Tene Ia (Bretz-Mahler and Joffroy 1959: 29). Both 'Le Saule Baillot' and 'La Fosse Chapelet' lie in beds of the Vesle River just before it flows into the Aisne. The houses at 'Le Saule Baillot' had been silted over by the Vesle, and then were preserved more or less intact. Before sandpit operations the place had been protected by forest, but there had been some disturbance of the village area by recent military entrenchments, probably made during World War I. Other occupational remains were found between 'Le Saule Baillot' and the cemetery. As in the Marne, no evidence for fortifications was detected.
Transmitters and pathways mediating inhibition of spinal itch-signaling neurons by scratching and other counterstimuli.

Scratching relieves itch, but the underlying neural mechanisms are poorly understood. We presently investigated a role for the inhibitory neurotransmitters GABA and glycine in scratch-evoked inhibition of spinal itch-signaling neurons in a mouse model of chronic dry skin itch. Superficial dorsal horn neurons ipsilateral to hindpaw dry skin treatment exhibited a high level of spontaneous firing that was significantly attenuated by cutaneous scratching, pinch and noxious heat. Scratch-evoked inhibition was nearly abolished by spinal delivery of the glycine antagonist, strychnine, and was markedly attenuated by respective GABAA and GABAB antagonists bicuculline and saclofen. Scratch-evoked inhibition was also significantly attenuated (but not abolished) by interruption of the upper cervical spinal cord, indicating the involvement of both segmental and suprasegmental circuits that engage glycine- and GABA-mediated inhibition of spinal itch-signaling neurons by noxious counterstimuli.
Nitrite toxicity to fathead minnows: effect of fish weight.

Nitrite is an intermediate product of nitrification that sometimes reaches toxic levels in aquatic ecosystems and aquaculture environments. Toxic levels of nitrite to several species of fishes have been reported. Some investigators have suggested that smaller fish and sac fry are more tolerant to nitrite than larger fish of the same species. Recent observations of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) in our laboratory suggested that smaller fathead minnows were more tolerant to nitrite than larger fish. The purpose of this study was to determine if nitrite toxicity is related to fish weight in the fathead minnow.
X-ray diffraction line broadening of shock-modified titanium carbide

Abstract Titanium carbide powder compact samples have been subjected to controlled high-pressure shock loading with well-characterized peak pressures between 17 and 27 GPa and preserved for post-shock study. The broadened X-ray diffraction peak profiles have been analyzed with the Warren—Averbach technique to determine the residual lattice strain and the coherent crystallite sizes. Although residual strain values in the powders shock-modified to 27 GPa are similar to those reported for wet-milled powders, the shocked powders show less anisotropy in strain, more anisotropy in crystallite shape and larger strain gradients near dislocation cores than milled powders.
HDD servo control development - Present and future

The hard disk drive (HDD) is one of the aggressive industries where they have been very eager to introduce new servo algorithms based on latest control theory. Several features of today's HDD servo control are described. In this paper, I would like to propose an idea how to keep this activity of technology development. In each industry, there are still many issues to be solved by advanced control technologies, and each industry has had very good collaboration system with academy to try to realize innovative idea. At the same time, we can see several activities of mutual communications among industries. This communication may notify us other industries' outcome which may trigger us thinking new idea. In order to achieve this, (1) it is necessary to continue submitting a kind of survey paper describing comprehensive technology development trend, and (2) it is also necessary to disclose the best practice servo control by the benchmarking
A Generalization of DPCM for Digital Image Compression

A natural generalization of two-dimensional digital pulsecode modulations (DPCM) has been used to handle the compression of images for human eyes only. It shows that by ignoring the mean-square error (MSE) and wisely arranging the errors in the right place, a simple method can achieve very good results.
Electrochemical dissolution of nickel-titanium endodontic files induces periodontal ligament cell death.

Abstract Introduction Fractured endodontic files present a major problem. A novel method has been proposed to retrieve fractured nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic files by using electrochemical dissolution. However, the effect of file dissolution on adjacent soft tissues such as the periodontal ligament (PDL) has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the dissolution products on PDL fibroblasts. Methods Endodontic files were dissolved in sodium fluoride (NaF) by passing a 50-mA current through the NiTi files while immersed in the NaF solution. NaF/NiTi solutions were diluted with minimal essential medium-α media containing 10% serum. PDL cells were treated for up to 24 hours, and cell viability was quantified by using calcein AM to label live cells and ethidium homodimer to label dead cells. This was repeated by using artificial saliva (AS) as an alternative to NaF. Results NaF solution reduced PDL cell survival, and the NaF/NiTi solution further reduced PDL cell survival. AS alone did not reduce cell survival, whereas AS/NiTi solution reduced PDL cell survival. Particles that resulted from the electrochemical dissolution of NiTi files were highly cytotoxic. Conclusions Electrochemically dissolving NiTi files in NaF results in solutions that are cytotoxic to PDL fibroblasts. AS may be a less toxic alternative for dissolving NiTi files.
The evolution of Coda

Failure-resilient, scalable, and secure read-write access to shared information by mobile and static users over wireless and wired networks is a fundamental computing challenge. In this article, we describe how the Coda file system has evolved to meet this challenge through the development of mechanisms for server replication, disconnected operation, adaptive use of weak connectivity, isolation-only transactions, translucent caching, and opportunistic exploitation of hardware surrogates. For each mechanism, the article explains how usage experience with it led to the insights for another mechanism. It also shows how Coda has been influenced by the work of other researchers and by industry. The article closes with a discussion of the technical and nontechnical lessons that can be learned from the evolution of the system.
Phaeohyphomycosis in transplant recipients: Results from the Transplant Associated Infection Surveillance Network (TRANSNET)

Transplant recipients are at a high risk for developing invasive fungal infections. The agents of phaeohyphomycosis are environmental molds found worldwide, and they cause a broad spectrum of disease including skin and subcutaneous lesions, pneumonia, central nervous system disease, fungemia, and disseminated disease. Using data from the Transplant Associated Infection Surveillance Network (TRANSNET), we evaluated patients with proven and probable phaeohyphomycosis. Centers collected data on demographics, co-morbid conditions, clinical features, treatment, and three-month mortality. Fifty-six patients with phaeohyphomycosis were identified from 15 centers, comprising 26 stem cell transplant (SCT) and 30 solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Median time to diagnosis post-transplant was 358 days (SCT 100 days; SOT 685 days; P = <.001). The most frequent pathogen was Alternaria species (32%). Disseminated disease was found in 55.4%. Cutaneous infection was more common in SOT (53.3% vs 23.1%; P = .021), while pulmonary disease was more common in SCT (57.7 vs. 26.7; P = .019). Voriconazole (44.6%) and amphotericin B preparations (37.5%) were the most common antifungal therapies. Overall mortality was 25% and was higher in SCT than in SOT (42% vs 10%; P = <.001). A wide variety of organisms encompass phaeohyphomycosis contributing to varying types of infection in transplant recipients. Site of infection, time to disease, and mortality varies significantly between SCT and SOT recipients. Lipid formulations of amphotericin B and voriconazole were the most common antifungals used to treat this disorder.
ACID PHOSPHATASE LOCALIZATION IN RABBIT EOSINOPHILS

Eosinophil (and heterophil) leukocytes of glycogen-induced rabbit peritoneal exudates were fixed for 1½ min in 2% glutaraldehyde and examined for acid phosphatase activity both biochemically and cytochemically. Biochemical assays showed that enzymatic activity had been inhibited by only ∼10% under these conditions. The cytochemical reaction in the eosinophil was confined to the granules in which the reaction product appeared in the matrix, not in the crystalline core (or in the core region after the latter's extraction). Granules wherein the matrix was disrupted and the crystalline core degraded or extracted showed the most intense deposition of reaction product, whereas well preserved granules with morphologically intact matrix and crystals were unreactive. Yet, not all disrupted granules gave a positive reaction, indicating that disruption was a necessary but not sufficient condition for reactivity. In many eosinophil leukocytes, most if not all granules were acid phosphatase-positive, provided they had become disrupted to a certain degree. Factors possibly involved in converting the granules from an unreactive to a reactive state are discussed.
Mie Series Solution for a Sphere (Computer Program Descriptions)

To compute the Mie series solution for plane-wave scattering by a conducting sphere, by a homogeneous loss-free material sphere.
Effect of band alignment and density of states on the collector current in p-Si/n-Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y//p-Si HBTs

p-Si/n-Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y//p-Si heterojunction bipolar transistors with varying carbon fractions in the base were grown by rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition (RTCVD), to better understand the potential of Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y/ in enhancing the performance of Si-based bipolar technology. The band line-up issues which make Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y/ a desirable choice for forming the base region in a p-n-p HBT are discussed. Electrical measurements performed on the p-Si/n-Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y//p-Si HBTs (y=0.6, 0.8 at.%) are used to extract important information regarding the electronic properties of the Si/Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y/ material system, e.g., the bandgap reduction in Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y/ compared to Si and minority carrier recombination lifetime in Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y/. Temperature dependent measurements of the collector current were performed to extract the bandgap narrowing at the Si/Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y/ heterojunction. This paper includes a detailed analysis of the impact of heavy doping and reduced density of states in Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y/ compared to Si on the extraction of the energy bandgap offset, and on the collector current of p-n-p HBTs. The impact of the reduced density of states on the design of p-n-p Si/Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y/ HBTs is discussed. The measured value of the energy band offset is (65 meV/at.% C) very close to previously measured values of the conduction band offset at the Si/Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y/ heterojunction. The results are thus consistent with a band line-up at the Si/Si/sub 1-y/C/sub y/ interface that is dominated by a conduction band offset with little if any valence band offset.
APYRASE ACTIVITY AND ADENOSINE DIPHOSPHATE INDUCED PLATELET AGGREGATION INHIBITION BY THE SALIVARY GLAND PROTEINS OF CULICOIDES VARIIPENNIS, THE NORTH AMERICAN VECTOR OF BLUETONGUE VIRUSES

Salivary gland homogenates of Culicoides variipennis, the primary vector of bluetongue (BLU) viruses in North America, were analyzed for apyrase activity. Apyrase (ATP diphosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.5) is an anti-hemostatic and anti-inflammatory salivary enzyme of most hematophagous arthropods. The enzyme activity was measured by the release of orthophosphate using ATP, ADP, and AMP as substrates with Ca2+ as the divalent cation. ATPase (11.5 +/- 1 mU/pair of glands), ADPase (7.3 +/- 0.7 mU/pair of glands), and insignificant (P < 0.05) AMPase (0.07 mU/pair of glands) activities were detected in female salivary glands. Male salivary glands contained lower amounts of ATPase and ADPase activity (P < 0.05). The ATPase and ADPase activities were greatest at pH 8.5, and were similarly activated by Mg2+. Molecular sieving HPLC of salivary gland homogenates generated a single peak which coincided with ATPase and ADPase, but no AMPase, activity; the protein has an estimated molecular mass of 35,000 Da. ATPase and ADPase activity, and total protein concentration, were reduced (P < 0.05) in the salivary glands of females after taking a blood meal from a sheep. Salivary gland homogenates also inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in vitro. It is concluded that the salivary ATPase and ADPase activities of C. variipennis reside in one enzyme, and that this enzyme is likely an apyrase. The apyrase activity is thought to be responsible for the inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, as indicated by the apparent discharge of apyrase from salivary glands into the host during blood feeding. This suggests that apyrase is one of the salivary proteins present in C. variipennis acting as antigens in the development of Culicoides hypersensitivity in ruminants and horses. Apyrase may inhibit an inflammatory response at the feeding site through the subsequent degradation of its end-product, AMP, to adenosine, a potent anti-inflammatory substance, by the ecto-5' nucleotidase activity of neutrophils.
Interaction of Plasma Contact Activation Factors with Vascular Endothelium

Exposure of plasma to certain negatively charged substances initiates the intrinsic coagulation pathway and bradykinin formation (Kaplan and Silverberg, 1987). The three plasma proteins required for this surface-mediated process are Factor XII (also known as Hageman factor), high molecular weight kininogen (HK) and prekallikrein. Factor XII is a monomeric beta-globulin with a MW of 80 kD and circulates in normal plasma at a concentration of 30-35 μg/ml (Cochrane and Wuepper, 1971) (Table 1). It is capable of undergoing autoactivation to the serine protease FXIIa (Silverberg, Dunn et al., 1980a; Wiggins and Cochrane, 1979) and this autoactivation is initiated by polyanionic substances such as glass, kaolin, and dextran sulfate. Known natural activators include certain mucopolysaccharides or proteoglycans (Hojima, Cochrane et al., 1984; Silverberg and Diehl, 1987), sulfatides (Shimada, Sugo et al., 1985), phospholipids (Schousboe, 1990), endotoxin (Morrison and Cochrane, 19741, and urate crystals (Ginsberg,...
On the stability of optimization-based flow control

This paper concerns optimization-based network flow control; these recently proposed algorithms select transmission rates by maximizing a utility function for the set of sources, subject to link capacity constraints. A decentralized way to carry out this optimization has been proposed recently, based on the propagation of link prices, themselves updated dynamically. In particular, the authors consider the second-order update law of S. Athuraliya et al. (2000), which includes a backlog term in the price dynamics. They adopt a deterministic, continuous-time model which enforces nonnegativity constraints in prices and backlogs. For this model, a Lyapunov function-based proof is given of global asymptotic stability, i.e. convergence to the optimal rates and prices. The paper concludes with simulation examples.
A Compartment Model for Percutaneous Absorption: Compatibility of Lag Time and Steady-State Flux with Diffusion Model

The lag times and steady-state flux predicted by a specific case of the compartment model, which was recently proposed to generate finite-dose percutaneous permeation pharmacokinetics, are compared with those predicted by the diffusion model. When the intercompartmental transfer rate constants are defined so that the three statistical moments of the compartmental model (the mean residence times of a drug in the vehicle and that in the skin and the variance of residence time in the vehicle) are identical to those in the diffusion model, the lag times and steady-state flux values predicted by the two models are the same.
Excess Deaths Associated With Tigecycline After Approval Based on Noninferiority Trials

trials, tigecycline was associated with increased mortality (risk difference [RD], 0.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1%–1.2%; P= .01) and noncure rates (RD, 2.9%; 95% CI, 0.6%–5.2%; P= .01). Effects were not isolated to type of infection or comparator antibiotic regimen, and the impact on survival remained significant when limited to trials of approved indications (I 2 = 0%; RD, 0.6%; P= .04). A pooled analysis of the 5 trials completed by early 2005 before tigecycline was approved would have demonstrated a similar harmful effect of tigecycline on survival (I 2 = 0%; RD, 0.7%; P= .06).
ANAEROBIC METABOLISM AND MAXIMAL RUNNING IN THE SCORPION CENTRUROIDES HENTZI (BANKS) (SCORPIONES, BUTHIDAE)

Abstract When forced by prodding to run continuously, Centruroides hentzi (Banks 1901) (Scorpiones, Buthidae) lost over 70% of initial speed within 30 s and moved fitfully, if at all, after 90 s. A lack of behavioral response to alternative stimuli presented after two mins of prodding suggested that the scorpions were physiologically fatigued. Mean whole body D-(-)-lactate concentration increased from resting values of 0.6 μmol/g to 4 μmol/g at exhaustion, an approximately 6.5-fold change. It is unlikely that scorpions accumulate significant amounts of other anaerobic products. Whole body lactate accumulations in C. hentzi are lower than those found in species of spiders, crabs and terrestrial ectothermic vertebrates that are more specialized for running. This difference may be the result of proportionately more non-locomotory body mass in the bodies of scorpions compared to these other animals and not due to lower rates of anaerobic metabolism within locomotory muscles.
Replacing Cryptography with Ultra Wideband (UWB) Modulation in Secure RFID

Existing secure RFID tags rely on digital cryptographic primitives in the form of hashes and block ciphers, which lead to large system latencies, high tag power-consumption and large tag silicon area. In addition, existing passive RFID systems rely on simple coding and modulation schemes using narrowband radio frequencies, which can easily be eavesdropped or jammed. To address the above problems, we propose a new approach for secure passive RFIDs based on ultra wideband (UWB) communications. We adopt time-hopped pulse-position modulation (TH-PPM), in which the hopping sequence is known only to the reader and the tag. By adopting the hopping sequence as a secret parameter for the UWB communication link, eavesdropping of the communication is extremely difficult. Thus, we can avoid digital cryptography and support privacy directly at the physical-communication layer.
Development and implementation of the Baltimore healthy carry-outs feasibility trial: process evaluation results

Background Prepared food sources, including fast food restaurants and carry-outs, are common in low-income urban areas. These establishments provide foods high in calories, sugar, fat, and sodium. The aims of the study were to (1) describe the development and implementation of a carry-out intervention to provide and promote healthy food choices in prepared food sources, and (2) to assess its feasibility through a process evaluation.
Fanning the Flames of Racial Discord: The National Press and the Black Panther Party

The Black Panther Party and the news media engaged in a dialogic relationship that shaped public representations of black nationalism and black radicalism. During the first two years of the group's...
Matrix-geometric invariant measures for G/M/l type Markov chains

Necessary and sufficient conditions for an irreducible Markov chain of G/M/l type to have an invariant measure that is matrix-geometric are given. For example, it is shown that such an invariant measure exists when a(z), the generating function corresponding to transitions in the homogeneous part of the chain, is either an entire function or a rational function. This generalizes a recent result of Latouche, Pearce and Taylor, who showed that a matrix-geometric invariant measure always exists for level-independent quasi-birth-and-death processes. Conditions ensuring the uniqueness of such an invariant measure up to multiplication by a positive constant are also given. Examples of G/M/l type Markov chains with no matrix-geometric invariant measure and with more than one distinct matrix-geometric invariant measure are presented. As a byproduct of our work, it is shown in the transient case that if det has a solution in the exterior of the closed unit disk, then the solution of smallest modulus there is real ...
Phase Behavior of Lanthanum Strontium Manganites

The phase stability of Sr-doped LaMnO{sub 3} (LSM) perovskite in the La-Sr-Mn-O system was investigated as a function of Sr content and A/B cation ratio. The perovskite structure changed with both Sr content and A/B cation ratio. As the Sr content was increased to 0.2 mol, the perovskite structure adopted an orthorhombic distortion. This changed to a monoclinic or hexagonal structure for 0.2 {le} Sr {le} 0.3 mol. When the Sr content increased to 0.3 mol, the structure reverted to orthorhombic symmetry. Data from X-ray powder diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray emission spectroscopy, showed that secondary phases in the La-Sr-Mn-O system were underdeveloped with respect to changes of the doped Sr content, A/B cation ratio, and thermal history. X-ray detectable minor phases present in the LSM material were Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}, (La, Sr)Mn{sub 2}O{sub 4}, La{sub 2}O{sub 3}, La(OH){sub 3}, (La, Sr){sub 3}Mn{sub 2}O{sub 7}, and (La, Sr){sub 2}MnO{sub 4}.
Total and per capita value of food loss in the United States

There are few peer-reviewed or major published studies that estimate the total amount of food loss in developed countries and even fewer attempt to estimate the monetary value. We compiled estimates of the amount and value of food loss for more than 200 individual foods in the United States using the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service’s Loss-Adjusted Food Availability data and then aggregated these values to estimate the total value of food loss and the value by food group. The results indicate that in 2008, the estimated total value of food loss at the retail and consumer levels in the United States as purchased at retail prices was $165.6 billion. The top three food groups in terms of the value of food loss at these levels are: meat, poultry, and fish (41%); vegetables (17%); and dairy products (14%). Looking more closely at the estimates for the consumer level, this level of loss translates into almost 124 kg (273 lb) of food lost from human consumption, per capita, in 2008 at an estimated retail price of $390/capita/year. Food loss represents a significant share of household food expenditures: our estimates suggest that the annual value of food loss is almost 10% of the average amount spent on food per consumer in 2008 and over 1% of the average disposable income. This consumer level loss translates into over .3 kg (0.7 lb) of food per capita per day valued at $1.07/day. Our estimates of the total value of food loss in the United States and loss estimates by food group are useful in that they can generate awareness of the issue among the food industry members, governments, and consumers. Potential large-scale approaches and economic incentives to mitigate food loss in developed countries are also discussed.
HARDFS: hardening HDFS with selective and lightweight versioning

We harden the Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) against fail-silent (non fail-stop) behaviors that result from memory corruption and software bugs using a new approach: selective and lightweight versioning (SLEEVE). With this approach, actions performed by important subsystems of HDFS (e.g., namespace management) are checked by a second implementation of the subsystem that uses lightweight, approximate data structures. We show that HARDFS detects and recovers from a wide range of fail-silent behaviors caused by random bit flips, targeted corruptions, and real software bugs. In particular, HARDFS handles 90% of the fail-silent faults that result from random memory corruption and correctly detects and recovers from 100% of 78 targeted corruptions and 5 real-world bugs. Moreover, it recovers orders of magnitude faster than full reboot by using micro-recovery. The extra protection in HARDFS incurs minimal performance and space overheads.
Confirmation of enhanced anion concentration at the liquid water surface

Abstract The textbook view of the liquid electrolyte surfaces as being devoid of ions have recently been challenged by molecular dynamics simulations, which predict a surface enhancement of highly polarizable anions. Here we present the first direct experimental verification of this prediction. Enhanced azide ( N 3 - ) concentrations were measured at the liquid surface by femtosecond second harmonic generation (SHG) experiments exploiting the charge-transfer-to-solvent (CTTS) resonance of N 3 - , yielding a surface excess free energy of −9.9 ± 0.3 kJ/mole. Such surface-enhanced concentrations of anions could have important consequences for the chemical reactions taking place on atmospheric aerosols and at the ocean-air interface.
A history of AHS at OSU and future progress

In this paper we present a brief overview of the research and development efforts that were undertaken at the Ohio State University originally in the area of intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS), automated highway systems (AHS), and later in autonomous vehicles or intelligent vehicles (IV). We conclude with some thoughts on possible future developments.
Interplay between SRPK and Clk/Sty kinases in phosphorylation of the splicing factor ASF/SF2 is regulated by a docking motif in ASF/SF2.

Summary The arginine-serine (RS)-rich domain of the SR protein ASF/SF2 is phosphorylated by SR protein kinases (SRPKs) and Clk/Sty kinases. However, the mode of phosphorylation by these kinases and their coordination in the biological regulation of ASF/SF2 is unknown. Here, we report the crystal structure of an active fragment of human SRPK1 bound to a peptide derived from an SR protein. This structure led us to identify a docking motif in ASF/SF2. We find that this docking motif restricts phosphorylation of ASF/SF2 by SRPK1 to the N-terminal part of the RS domain — a property essential for its assembly into nuclear speckles. We further show that Clk/Sty causes release of ASF/SF2 from speckles by phosphorylating the C-terminal part of its RS domain. These results suggest that the docking motif of ASF/SF2 is a key regulatory element for sequential phosphorylation by SRPK1 and Clk/Sty and, thus, is essential for its subcellular localization.
Ein Eisen‐Komplex mit unverbrückter Fe‐Fe‐Bindung

Unterstutzung wird nicht gebraucht: Die Reduktion eines sechsfach koordinierten, einkernigen Eisen(II)-Komplexes vom Werner-Typ (siehe Schema) fuhrte zur Isolierung einer Verbindung mit einer auserordentlich seltenen, unverbruckten Fe-Fe-Bindung mit dem experimentellen Fe-Fe-Abstand von 2.6869(6) A und einer berechneten Bindungsordnung von 0.5.
Health Values in Adolescents with or without Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Objective To examine for differences in and predictors of health value/utility scores in adolescents with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Study design Adolescents with IBD and healthy control subjects were interviewed in an academic health center. We collected sociodemographic data and measured health status, personal, family, and social characteristics, and spiritual well-being. We assessed time tradeoff (TTO) and standard gamble (SG) utility scores for current health. We performed bivariate and multivariable analyses with utility scores used as outcomes. Results Sixty-seven patients with IBD and 88 healthy control subjects 11 to 19 years of age participated. Among subjects with IBD, mean (SD) TTO scores were 0.92 (0.17), and mean (SD) SG scores were 0.97 (0.07). Among healthy control subjects, mean (SD) TTO scores were 0.99 (0.03) and mean (SD) SG scores were 0.98 (0.03). TTO scores were significantly lower ( P = .001), and SG scores trended lower ( P = .065) in patients with IBD when compared with healthy control subjects. In multivariable analyses controlling for IBD status, poorer emotional functioning and spiritual well-being were associated with lower TTO (R 2 = 0.17) and lower SG (R 2 = 0.22) scores. Conclusion Direct utility assessment in adolescents with or without IBD is feasible and may be used to assess outcomes. Adolescents with IBD value their health state highly, although less so than healthy control subjects. Emotional functioning and spiritual well-being appear to influence utility scores most strongly.
Community violence: A meta-analysis on the effect of exposure and mental health outcomes of children and adolescents

Meta-analytic techniques were used to estimate the effects of exposure to community violence on mental health outcomes across 114 studies. Community violence had its strongest effects on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and externalizing problems and smallest impact on other internalizing symptoms. Victimization by community violence most predicted symptomatology compared to witnessing or hearing about community violence. Witnessing community violence had a greater effect than hearing about violence on externalizing problems, but both types of exposure had an equal impact on other internalizing problems. PTSD symptoms were equally predicted by victimization, witnessing, or hearing about community violence. Compared to children, adolescents reported a stronger relationship between externalizing behaviors and exposure, whereas children exhibited greater internalizing problems than did adolescents.
Desmosomal gene evaluation in Boxers with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

Objective—To sequence the exonic and splice site regions of the 4 desmosomal genes associated with the human form of familial arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in Boxers with ARVC and identify a causative mutation. Animals—10 unrelated Boxers with ARVC and 2 unaffected Labrador Retrievers (control dogs). Procedures—Exonic and splice site regions of the 4 genes encoding the desmosomal proteins plakophilin-2, plakoglobin, desmoplakin, and desmoglein-2 were sequenced. Sequences were compared for nucleotide sequence changes between affected dogs and the published sequences for clinically normal dogs and between affected dogs and the control dogs. Base-pair changes were considered to be causative for ARVC if they were detected in an affected dog but not in unaffected dogs, and if they involved a conserved amino acid and changed that amino acid to one of a different polarity, acid-base status, or structure. Results—A causative mutation for ARVC in Boxers was not identified, although single ...
Towards policy-based information management for the Joint Battlespace Infosphere

The vision of a Joint Battlespace Infosphere has evolved within the US department of defense as an Internet-like foundation to provide tailored information services and flow among producers and consumers of information needed to conduct military operations. The architecture envisioned for realizing this vision is based on a loosely coupled information environment using commercial standard Web protocols. One of the main obstacles to widespread acceptance of loosely coupled systems is the difficulty of establishing and maintaining control consistent with overall mission constraints and objectives. Policy-based information dissemination management is a mechanism for influencing the flow of information between publishers and subscribers in order to support diverse mission objectives. We describe research being done on the selection and integration of policy-based management services, effectively bridging the gap between those services and the information brokering capabilities of a JBI platform.
Subnuclei in the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus: a cytoarchitectural, horseradish peroxidase and immunocytochemical analysis.

Abstract A cytoarchitectonic scheme for the rat paraventricular nucleus has been proposed utilizing the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase, immunocytochemical localization of neurophysin-positive cells and fibers, Golgi-like impregnation of neurons, and observations of cell clustering as viewed in Nissl-stained material. Beginning rostrally, it was observed that the anterior commissural nucleus, a cell group sometimes claimed to be part of the paraventricular nucleus, contained many magnocellular perikarya which: 1. (1)projected to the neurohypophysis but apparently not to the brainstem or spinal cord; 2. (2) contained neurophysin; 3. (3) had few (one or two) dendrites, most of which projected toward the third ventricle; and 4. (4) were actually separated from the paraventricular nucleus by 300–400 μm. Proceeding caudally, the medial and lateral magnocellular portions of the paraventricular nucleus exhibited mostly the same characteristics as listed for the anterior commissural nucleus, except that the cells were slightly larger and more closely packed; these latter two form the conventional paraventricular neurosecretory nucleus. Cells of the dorsomedial cap and extreme posterior paraventricular nucleus: 1. (1) did not appear to project to the neurohypophysis, but did connect with the brainstem and spinal cord; and 2. (2) often contained neurophysin. In addition, large cells of the extreme posterior subnucleus: 1. (1) were more fusiform than neurons in the other three regions; 2. (2) possessed more (two or three) and longer dendrites than cells of the other divisions; and 3. (3) were loosely packed. Although some zones of overlap were noted, the results suggest that neurophysin-containing cells of the paraventricular nucleus are relatively segregated into neurohypophysial-projecting and brainstem/ spinal cord-projecting groups. This topographic separation and the morphological differentiation of these putative subnuclei suggest that these subdivisions may be controlled independently and that release of hormone from the neurohypophysis does not necessarily imply a coincidental release of hormone into other extrahypothalamic sites.
Characterization of thin layer drying of Spirulina platensis utilizing perpendicular air flow.

Abstract Spirulina is the most extensively used microalgae for animal and human nutrition mostly because of its high protein content, 60–65% on a dry weight basis. The drying is the most expensive operation. The aim of the study was to characterize drying of Spirulina platensis in thin layer. A Statistical model was applied to analyze the effects of independent variables (air temperature and loads of solids in the tray) on the response of solubility in acid medium. The analysis of phycocyanin content was determined at the best drying condition. The Spirulina isotherm data were adjusted through Guggenheim, Anderson and de Boer (GAB) and Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) correlations. The nonlinear regression analysis of isotherms data showed that the GAB equation more effective adjusted the experimental data (R2 > 99% and E%
NECESSARY AND SUFFICIENT CONDITIONS FOR DYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION

We characterize the necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality in discrete-time, infinite-horizon optimization problems with a state space of finite or infinite dimension. It is well known that the challenging task in this problem is to prove the necessity of the transversality condition. To do this, we follow a duality approach in an abstract linear space. Our proof resembles that of Kamihigashi (2003), but does not explicitly use results from real analysis. As an application, we formalize Sims's argument that the no-Ponzi constraint on the government budget follows from the necessity of the tranversality condition for optimal consumption.
Modulation in video tape recorders

This paper presents the theory of pulse-frequency modulation, used for signal transmission in analog video recorders. The paper demonstrates that signal processing in recorders is of the discrete-time type, with the sampling exceeding the Nyquist rate and with restoration of the analog video output from samples in the filter-demodulator.
The Small Neurons

In the present chapter, the cytology of the small neurons in the dentate nucleus of the rat and monkey will be reviewed with special attention paid to the organization of synapses upon them.
Cooperatives in Transition: The Pros and Cons of Free Enterprise in an Uncertain World

The big bang approach to policy-making in transition economies advocates immediate privatization coupled with market liberalization and other reform measures. In the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union privatization has proceeded far more slowly than anticipated or recommended. The disjunction between expectations and outcomes is usually cast in terms of cultural and ideological considerations. In this paper, we offer a purely economic explanation for the persistence of non-market-oriented organizational forms; the optimal degree of privatization for a market in transition depends on the level of uncertainty regarding market conditions, including free market equilibrium levels of prices and quantities and the breakdown of sectoral composition between private and cooperative producers. In the short run, there is a tradeoff associated with the degree of privatization: as the degree of privatization increases, the full information welfare level increases, but the welfare-reducing price and production volatility due to the need to learn about market conditions increases as well. In addition there is a short-run/long-run tradeoff: increased privatization lengthens the short run with its associated welfare-reducing uncertainty, but speeds the rate of convergence to the free market equilibrium levels of prices and production once the long run period is reached. Specifically, as the level of uncertainty increases, the optimal level of privatization decreases monotonically.