cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamic regime considerations for the cultivation of periphytic biofilms in two tertiary wastewater treatment systems

Abstract As the demand for biofuel products continues to rise along with the need for tertiary wastewater treatment processes to facilitate the removal of phosphorus, increasing importance is placed on the design of cultivation systems for the production of algal biomass. In addition to traditional open ponds and photobioreactors, attached algal growth systems can provide high rates of biomass production while simultaneously removing nutrients from wastewater effluent. The potential economic viability of these attached growth systems is dependent on the optimization of bed flow characteristics, inflow water quality parameters, and hydrodynamic regimes in order to maximize biomass productivity. This study monitored the productivity and nutrient removal rates of a pilot-scale attached growth system (AGS1) used to remove phosphorus from wastewater effluent at a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Fayetteville, Arkansas. These results were compared with the results from a similar system in the same watershed that was monitored in a previous study (AGS2). The performance of AGS2 was documented in a companion article in Ecological Engineering . In spite of the similarities between the systems’ locations and influent characteristics, the productivities of the two systems were very different. The rates of biomass production in AGS1 and AGS2 were 4.4 ± 4.8 and 26.7 ± 16.0 g dry weight m −2 d −1 , respectively. Potential reasons for the dramatic differences in performance between the two systems are explored in this article.
On the Causal Mechanisms of Stereotype Threat: Can Skills That Don't Rely Heavily on Working Memory Still Be Threatened?

Recent work suggests that stereotype threat (ST) harms performance by reducing available working memory capacity. Is this the only mechanism by which ST can occur? Three experiments examined ST's impact on expert golf putting, which is not harmed when working memory is reduced but is hurt when attention is allocated to proceduralized processes that normally run outside working memory. Experiment 1 showed that well learned golf putting is susceptible to ST. Experiments 2 and 3 demonstrated that giving expert golfers a secondary task eliminates ST-induced impairment. Distracting attention away from the stereotype-related behavior eliminates the harmful impact of negative stereotype activation. These results are consistent with explicit monitoring theories of choking under pressure, which suggest that performance degradation can occur when too much attention is allocated to processes that usually run more automatically. Thus, ST alters information processing in multiple ways, inducing performance decrements for different reasons in different tasks.
E-service flexibility: meeting new customer demands online

Purpose – Business-to-consumer (B2C) electronic service (e-service) allows a company to decrease transaction costs, expedite delivery time, and serve more customers. Flexibility lets e-service providers improve their service without costly and time-consuming infrastructure overhauls to cope with the changing business environment. Little work has been done to associate flexibility with e-service. This paper aims to provide a conceptual taxonomy of e-service flexibility in line with the online purchase in a customer activity cycle (CAC), as well as a theoretical model to investigate the relationships among a company's internal flexibility, e-service flexibility, customer readiness and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach – Based on an extensive review of e-service and flexibility literature, the paper develops a taxonomy of B2C e-service flexibility in a CAC framework and a conceptual model to show the influence e-service flexibility exerts on firm performance and the factors that support e-service...
Uptake and Conversion of Progesterone and Testosterone to 5α-Reduced Products by Enriched Gonadotropic and Chromophobic Rat Anterior Pituitary Cell Fractions

Monodispersed cells from anterior piruitaries of male rats were prepared by Pronasedissociation and incubated with [3H]progesterone or [3H]testosterone. The cells were then separated into enriched fractions consisting of gonadotropic, somatotropic or chromophobic cells by velocity sedimentation at unit gravity for 4 h. The uptake of [3H]progesterone and [3H]testosterone by the gonadotropic enriched cell fraction was 1.8 to 3.2 times greater than the somatotropic and chromophobic enriched cell fractions. The gonadotropic and chromophobic enriched cell fractions metabolized [3H]progesterone and [3H]testosterone appreciably. The principal metabolites were identified and quantitated by reverse isotopic dilution. After incubation with [3H] progesterone, the principal metabolite was [3H]5α-dihydroprogesterone which ranged from 11.5% for the gonadotropic cells to 7.6% for the chromophobic cells. Smaller amounts of 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (3.7 to 4.8%) and 20α-dihydroprogesterone (2.1 to 4.3%) were also iden...
Manufacturing Aspects Relating to the Effects of Direct Current on the Tensile Properties of Metals

For metals, deformation is commonly conducted at elevated temperatures, reducing the overall process energy and cost. However, elevating the temperature has many drawbacks, including high tool/die adhesions, environmental reactivity, etc. Therefore, this study examines using an electrical current to reduce the deformation energy and presents electricity's effects on the tensile properties of various materials. The influences of strain rate and cold work are also investigated. The results demonstrate that, when current flows through a metallic specimen, the material's yield strength, flow stress, and elastic modulus are decreased; strain weakening occurs; and the total energy of deformation is decreased. These changes in the engineering stress-strain behavior occurred in all of the materials tested and are much greater than can be accounted for by resistive heating. However, the effects diminish with increasing strain rate. The analysis shows that applying electricity during deformation provides a viable alternative to increasing the workpiece temperature for deformation-based manufacturing processes.
Pediatric upper extremity replantation

The evolution of microsurgical technique has led to increasing success with pediatric replantation. The broader inclusion criteria for pediatric replantation, together with the greater technical demands of repair and the less favorable mechanism of pediatric amputations (crush-avulsion), yield a slightly lower overall survival rate than in adults. The superior nerve and soft tissue regenerative capacity of children appears to produce better functional outcomes. Nonetheless, the issue of cosmesis and developing self-image in a child may have ramifications beyond a simple calculus of range of motion and strength variables--hence the imperative that microsurgical salvage be attempted in pediatric upper-extremity amputations.
A ROLE FOR INSULIN IN THE AETIOLOGY AND COURSE OF HYPERTENSION

It is proposed that abnormalities of glucose and insulin metabolism have a role in both the aetiology and the clinical course of hypertension. There is resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in patients with hypertension, which is associated with glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinaemia. Hyperinsulinaemia could contribute to hypertension by stimulating the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and kidney sodium and volume reabsorption. Glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinaemia have been identified as risk factors for coronary artery disease, and their presence may help explain why the frequency of this disease has not been reduced by treatment of hypertension. The fact that several antihypertensive drugs deleteriously affect glucose, insulin, and lipid metabolism makes it even more important to consider these factors in the treatment of high blood pressure.
THE EFFECTS OF DEHYDRATION ON ELECTROLYTE CONCENTRATIONS IN A TOAD, BUFO MARINUS

Dehydration of toads with empty bladders causes elevation of the sodium concentration (C) of their plasma according to the relationship : original water content C = Co x original water content- water deficit' where Co is the plasma sodium concentration of the hydrated toad and volumes are expressed as ml/100 g of hydrated toad. 2. The concentration of potassium in the plasma declines in the initial stages of dehydration and returns to the hydrated level only when the toad has lost 20-30 ml of water/100 g. 3. The sum of the concentrations of sodium and potassium in tissue water is increased in dehydrated toads according to the same relationship found for plasma sodium. 4. Tissues lose a smaller fraction of their water than does the whole toad during dehydration. The retention of water by tissues during dehydration is apparently associated with their uptake of electrolytes. 5. Dilute urine stored in the bladder may be utilized by toads during dehydration in maintaining the sodium concentration of the plasma at the normal level. As water is lost in excess of the volume of urine initially present in the bladder, the plasma sodium concentration increases as described in (1) above.
The X∼←A∼ SEP spectra of jet-cooled thiophosgene

Abstract Over 400 X ∼ ← A ∼ transitions of SCCl2 have been measured by stimulated emission pumping from 209 to 240 THz above the X ∼ state zero point. The A ∼ state provides access to over 100 previously unassigned X ∼ state vibrational levels. The vibrational manifold of SCCl2 now has been mapped to maximum quanta in all six modes of (15, 4, 5, 18, 2, 2), providing a global view of vibrational dynamics. We report anharmonic constants that fit all currently available assigned vibrational energy levels. The onset of free energy flow has not been reached at E/h = 240 THz for states sampled here, in accordance with B ∼ state SEP data and a theoretical analysis.
Shielding effectiveness of ribbed slabs against gamma radiation: Part II. Engineering methods

Abstract Theoretical calculations have been carried out for a wide range of cases involving gamma radiation shielding by ribbed slabs. Monte Carlo methods were used for the scattered radiation and analytical and numerical techniques used for the uncollided portion. Results are expressed in terms of a ratio between the radiation level behind the ribbed slab and that behind a corresponding plane, smeared slab. Empirical formulas have been established to approximate the resulting data, and the values of parameters in these formulas are tabulated. Experimental verification and practical applications of the resulting method are discussed.
Relationships between positive real, passive dissipative, & positive systems

This paper shows how: i) (strongly) positive real; ii) (asymptotically stable) dissipative (strictly-input) passive; and iii) (Lm 2 -stable strictly) positive; continuous time system definitions are equivalent for linear time invariant (LTI) systems. In parallel this paper shows how: i) (strictly) positive real; ii) (asymptotically stable) dissipative (strictly-input) passive; and iii) (lm 2 -stable strictly) positive; discrete time system definitions are equivalent for LTI systems. A frequency test is derived to determine if a single input single output LTI system is strictly output passive. Finally, the necessary conditions to synthesize a system which is both passive and stable but neither strictly-input passive nor strictly-output passive are presented.
Contraceptive options in the 1990s: Focus on hormonal methods

Abstract Women have the right to decide when and if they chose to bear children. Women with mental illness have special contraceptive needs because of the potential impact of their disease on insight and judgment. risk to the fetus from psychotropics and potential for drug interactions between anticonvulsants and hormonal birth control methods. The 1990s have seen the introduction of Norplant and Depo-Provera. both injectable, long-acting progesterone only products. These products provide reliable contraception without the need to take a pill daily and are an option in women sensitive to estrogen. Irregular menses and possibly amenorrhea are the primary adverse effects of injectable contraceptives. Desogestrel and norgestimate are new progesterones found in combination oral contraceptive products. They are less androgenic and antiestrogenic than older progesterones and have little effect on the lipid profile and carbohydrate metabolism. They also carry a low risk of acne and hirsuitism. They recently have been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic disease. making their use controversial. Triphasic combination products have overall low concentrations of both hormones. but are vulnerable to failure from interacting medications, or if a dose is missed. With the wide range of birth control options available. a woman can have safe and effective contraception that suits her individual needs.
Engaging medical students in the feedback process

Abstract Background There are potential advantages to engaging medical students in the feedback process, but efforts to do so have yielded mixed results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a student-focused feedback instructional session in an experimental setting. Methods Medical students were assigned randomly to either the intervention or control groups and then assigned randomly to receive either feedback or compliments. Tests of knowledge, skills, and attitudes were given before and after the intervention. Results There was a significant gain of knowledge and skill in the group that received instruction. Satisfaction was higher after compliments in the control group but higher after feedback in the instructional group. There was no change in the subject's willingness to seek feedback. Conclusions A student-focused component should be carefully included as part of an overall effort to improve feedback in surgical education. The role of medical student attitudes about feedback requires further investigation.
Clock face model applied to tibial intraneural ganglia in the popliteal fossa.

Tibial intraneural ganglia occurring in the popliteal fossa are often misdiagnosed because of their relative rarity. Their joint connection is typically not recognized and therefore not treated, leading to recurrence. This is a retrospective clinical study. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of six patients with confirmed tibial intraneural ganglia arising from the superior tibiofibular joint were analyzed and were compared to ten individuals with normal tibial nerves who were imaged with MRI. All studies were interpreted as left-sided. A previously designed clock face model introduced for peroneal intraneural ganglia was used to describe the superior tibiofibular joint connection (tail sign). A single axial image was sought to determine the normal anatomic and pathologic relationships of the tibial nerve and tibial articular branch to the superior tibiofibular joint. In all patients with intraneural ganglia, a single conventional axial image at the mid-fibular head level could reliably demonstrate: (1) intraneural cyst within the articular branch at the superior tibiofibular joint connection (tail sign) between 8 and 9 o’clock and intraneural cyst within the tibial nerve, (2) the central location of the tibial nerve posterior to the tibia, and (3) popliteus muscle denervation changes and atrophy (popliteus sign). This technique can provide radiologists and surgeons with rapid and reproducible information for diagnosis and treatment planning of tibial intraneural ganglia. Similar to its use with the clock face model in peroneal intraneural ganglia, a standard axial image at the mid-fibular head level can be used to interpret key features of tibial intraneural ganglia and identify the joint connection. Improved identification of the presence of a joint connection will change the therapeutic approach of this pathology and reduce cyst recurrences.
SecUre Privacy-presERving Medical Image CompRessiOn (SUPERMICRO)

The privacy and security of biomedical data are important. Ideally, biomedical data should be kept in a secure manner (i.e. encrypted). With the increasing deployment of the electronic health records, it is critical to make protected health information (PHI) available securely to private and public healthcare providers through the National Health Information Network (NHIN). Efficient transmission and storage of these large encrypted biomedical data becomes an important concern. An intuitive way is to compress the encrypted biomedical data directly. Unfortunately, traditional compression algorithms (removing redundancy through exploiting the structure of data) fail to handle encrypted data. The reason is that encrypted data appear to be random and lack the structure in the original data. The "best" practice has been compressing the data before encryption, however, this is not appropriate for privacy related scenarios (e.g., biomedical application), where one wants to process data while keeping them encrypted and safe. In this paper, we develop a Secure Privacy-presERving Medical Image CompRessiOn (SUPERMICRO) framework based on distributed source coding (DSC), which makes the compression of the encrypted data possible without compromising security and compression efficiency. Our approach guarantees the data transmission and storage in a privacy-preserving manner. We tested our proposed framework on two CT image sequences and compared it with the state-of-the-art JPEG 2000 lossless compression. Experimental results demonstrated that the SUPERMICRO framework provides enhanced security and privacy protection, as well as high compression performance.
Free Vibration of Three-Dimensional Orthotropic Uniform Shear Beam-Columns with Generalized End Conditions

The free vibration analysis of asymmetrical three-dimensional (3D) uniform shear beam-columns with generalized boundary conditions (semirigid flexural and torsional restraints, lateral bracings, and lumped masses at both ends) subjected to an eccentric end axial load in addition to a linearly distributed eccentric axial load along its span is presented in a classic manner. The five coupled governing equations of dynamic equilibrium (i.e., two shear equations, two bending moment equations, and the pure torsion moment equation) are sufficient to determine the natural frequencies and modal shapes. The proposed model which is an extension of a 2D model presented previously by the writer includes the simultaneous 3D coupling effects among the lateral deflections, deformations of the cross section along the member (shear, torsional and rotational), the translational, rotational and torsional inertias of all masses considered, an eccentric end axial load in addition to a linearly distributed axial load along its...
The Orbit of Charon

Abstract The orbit of Charon has been determined from 60 images of the Pluto–Charon system acquired with the Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field and Planetary Camera between 1992 May 21 and 1993 August 18. The semimajor axis was found to be 19,636 ± 8 km, in good agreement with an older determination upon which mutual-event-based radius computations have relied, but significantly larger than two other recent determinations. Contrary to expectations based on the tidal evolution of the system, a surprisingly large eccentricity of 0.0076 ± 0.0005 was found, with the line of apsides aligned nearly along the line of sight from Earth. Approximately half of this apparent eccentricity could be due to offsets in the center of light from the center of body arising from surface albedo features on Pluto and Charon, which leaves a statistically significant portion unexplained. We propose that the remaining eccentricity is the result of a recent energetic impact. The remaining elements are generally consistent with previously determined values, though in the case of the inclination, the various determinations appear to have underestimated error bars. The system GM derived from our data is 981.5 ± 1.1 km 3 sec −2 . Some information on the Charon/Pluto mass ratio is present in the data, though our determination of 0.110 +0.063 −0.056 does not improve on previous determinations, or resolve the discrepancy between them.
Evaluation Of Image Restoration Filters For Machine Classification

Image restoration filters are known to improve the subjective quality of a picture. However, it is not evident that the filters would facilitate further machine processing such as machine classification. In this paper, several image restoration filters are evaluated and compared based on their perfor-mances in machine classification under various blur and noise conditions to assess their usefulness for automatic classification. An experiment has been specifically designed and conducted for this purpose. Appropriate performance measures are derived. The results show that, under certain combinations of blur and noise conditions, the filters do improve machine classification.
Creep recovery of CoO single crystals

The recovery of creep resistant substructure in CoO single crystals was studied at temperatures of 1000, 1050, and 1100‡ C in air. Compressive creep specimens were crept under a stress of 13.8 MN m−2 to a strain early in the secondary stage of creep, then allowed to recover for varying periods of time under a reduced stress of 0.69 MN m−2. Recovery was detected by increased amounts of creep strain which occurred upon reapplication of the 13.8 MN m−2 stress. An apparent activation energy of 71.7±10 kcal mol−1 was obtained for the recovery process. Experimental evidence suggests that the primary recovery mechanism involves the climb of dislocations within subgrain boundaries.
Fatty Streak Formation in Fat-Fed Mice Expressing Human Copper-Zinc Superoxide Dismutase

Abstract Studies in vitro have shown that copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) inhibits a number of events putatively involved in atherogenesis, including cell-mediated oxidation of LDL. To investigate whether increased activity of CuZn-SOD reduces atherogenesis in vivo, we examined diet-induced fatty streak formation in CuZn-SOD transgenic mice (n=24) as compared with their nontransgenic littermates (n=28). Transgenic animals were originally created by introduction of an EcoRI-Bam HI human genomic DNA fragment containing the CuZn-SOD gene and its regulatory elements into B6SJL zygotes. For the current studies, the transgene was bred for 12 generations into the atherosclerosis-susceptible C57BL/6 background. Animals were fed atherogenic diets (15% fat, 1.25% cholesterol, 0.5% Na cholate) starting at 10 weeks of age and extending for 18 weeks. At the end of the diet period, aortic SOD activity was two-fold higher in transgenics than nontransgenics (mean±SE: 46.7±5.8 versus 20.1±2.4 units/mg of protein, P <.001). Levels of protein-bound amino acid oxidation products ( meta -, ortho -, and dityrosine) were either similar or lower in aorta and heart from transgenics as compared with nontransgenics, suggesting that amplification of CuZn-SOD activity above the normal complement had modest inhibitory effects on basal oxidative stress in these tissues. CuZn-SOD overexpression did not reduce the extent of lesion development as analyzed by quantitative lipid staining of serial sections of the proximal aorta; mean lesion areas (±SE) were 997±478 and 943±221 μ2 in transgenics and nontransgenics, respectively. Notably, the range of values for lesion area was 2.2-fold greater in transgenics (0-8403 versus 0-3868 μ2 in nontransgenics). Moreover, within this group, lesion area showed a significant positive correlation with SOD activity ( r =.611, P <.03). These results do not support an antiatherogenic effect of CuZn-SOD over expression, and the possibility that high tissue SOD activity may potentiate atherogenesis in fat-fed atherosclerosis-susceptible mice.
Active Separation Control for Lifting Surfaces at Low-Reynolds Number Operating Conditions

The low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage is a common element of many modern jet engines. Its performance at cruise conditions is of great economical importance. Low-Reynolds number conditions and high blade loading can result in laminar separation from the suction side and performance degradation. For external aerodynamics problems, such as airfoils, low-Reynolds number conditions and large angles of attack can similarly lead to laminar flow separation, and in the worst case complete stall. Successful control of separation from lifting surfaces at such detrimental conditions promises significant savings in operating expenses and improved safety. We are employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for investigating passive and active flow control for lifting surfaces. Because of the many design parameters available for flow control strategies, such as the spacing and their dimensions, a trial and error optimization is ill-fated. It has been convincingly demonstrated in the past that through a deepened understanding of the underlying fundamental physical mechanisms the effectiveness of flow control can be greatly improved. In addition, an improved understanding will likely result in entirely new and innovative flow control devices and strategies. Using CFD we investigated separation control using vortex generator jets (VGJs) and harmonic blowing through a slot for a typical LPT blade. With pulsed and harmonic VGJs and for moderate blowing ratios as well as for harmonic blowing through a slot the generation of spanwise coherent structures that were amplified by the flow appeared to be the dominant mechanism for separation control. When the forcing amplitude was increased, the two-dimensional coherence was reduced and turbulent mixing appeared to become the more dominant mechanism. The hole spacing was found to have little effect as long as it was smaller than the length of the separated flow region.
Socio-emotional processing and functioning of youth at high risk for bipolar disorder.

Background The goal of this study was to investigate differences in socio-emotional processing and functioning in children and adolescents at high risk for bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy control participants.
Why pictures look right when viewed from the wrong place

A picture viewed from its center of projection generates the same retinal image as the original scene, so the viewer perceives the scene correctly. When a picture is viewed from other locations, the retinal image specifies a different scene, but we normally do not notice the changes. We investigated the mechanism underlying this perceptual invariance by studying the perceived shapes of pictured objects viewed from various locations. We also manipulated information about the orientation of the picture surface. When binocular information for surface orientation was available, perceived shape was nearly invariant across a wide range of viewing angles. By varying the projection angle and the position of a stimulus in the picture, we found that invariance is achieved through an estimate of local surface orientation, not from geometric information in the picture. We present a model that explains invariance and other phenomena (such as perceived distortions in wide-angle pictures).
Perception of speech reflects optimal use of probabilistic speech cues

Listeners are exquisitely sensitive to fine-grained acoustic detail within phonetic categories for sounds and words. Here we show that this sensitivity is optimal given the probabilistic nature of speech cues. We manipulated the probability distribution of one probabilistic cue, voice onset time (VOT), which differentiates word initial labial stops in English (e.g., "beach" and "peach"). Participants categorized words from distributions of VOT with wide or narrow variances. Uncertainty about word identity was measured by four-alternative forced-choice judgments and by the probability of looks to pictures. Both measures closely reflected the posterior probability of the word given the likelihood distributions of VOT, suggesting that listeners are sensitive to these distributions.
Nuclear Localization of the Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 Protein, Ataxin-7

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) belongs to a group of neurological disorders caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the coding region of the associated gene. To gain insight into the pathogenesis of SCA7 and possible functions of ataxin-7, we examined the subcellular localization of ataxin-7 in transfected COS-1 cells using SCA7 cDNA clones with different CAG repeat tract lengths. In addition to a diffuse distribution throughout the nucleus, ataxin-7 associated with the nuclear matrix and the nucleolus. The location of the putative SCA7 nuclear localization sequence (NLS) was confirmed by fusing an ataxin-7 fragment with the normally cytoplasmic protein chicken muscle pyruvate kinase. Mutation of this NLS prevented protein from entering the nucleus. Thus, expanded ataxin-7 may carry out its pathogenic effects in the nucleus by altering a matrix-associated nuclear structure and/or by disrupting nucleolar function.
The Use of Logit Analysis to Enhance Market Segmentation Methodology

Due to the deficiencies of data analysis techniques used in market segmentation research, this study was an attempt to introduce two data analysis techniques—logistic regression and logit analysis—...
Development and prospect of unmanned aerial vehicle technologies for agricultural production management

Unmanned aerial vehicles have been developed and applied to support agricultural production management. Compared with piloted aircraft, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) can focus on small crop fields at lower flight altitudes than regular aircraft to perform site-specific farm management with higher precision. They can also fill in the gap in locations where fixed winged or rotary winged aircraft are not readily available. In agriculture, UAVs have primarily been developed and used for remote sensing and application of crop production and protection materials. Application of fertilizers and chemicals is frequently needed at specific times and locations for site-specific management. Routine monitoring of crop plant health is often required at very high resolution for accurate site-specific management as well. This paper presents an overview of research involving the development of UAV technology for agricultural production management. Technologies, systems and methods are examined and studied. The limitations of current UAVs for agricultural production management are discussed, as well as future needs and suggestions for development and application of the UAV technologies in agricultural production management.
Using Abstract Specifications to Verify PowerPCTM Custom Memories by Symbolic Trajectory Evaluation

We present a methodology in which the behavior of a switch level device is specified using abstract parameterized regular expressions. These specifications are used to generate a finite automaton representing an abstraction of the behavior of a blockof memory comprised of a set of such switch level devices. The automaton, in conjunction with an Efficient Memory Model [1], [2] for the devices, forms a symbolic simulation model representing an abstraction of the array core embedded in a larger design under analysis. Using Symbolic Trajectory Evaluation, we checkthe equivalence between a register transfer level description and a schematic description augmented with abstract specifications for one of the custom memories embedded in the MPC7450 PowerPC processor.
In Vivo Properties of Uterine Suspensory Tissue in Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic floor dysfunction has resulted in 11% of American women undergoing surgery during their lifespan [1]. Over 200,000 prolapse operations are performed each year; this is as many as for breast cancer and more than twice as many as for prostate cancer [2]. The annual estimated cost for prolapse surgery exceeds US $1 billion [3]. Pelvic organ support involves the dynamic interaction between support provided by the levator ani muscles and the connective tissues that attach the organs to the pelvic walls [4]. Vaginal birth can damage those muscles (e.g., Ref. [5]), and it has been noted that pelvic organ prolapse typically occurs in women 20–30 years after having delivered children vaginally [6]. It is possible that repetitive loading and age-related deterioration of the connective tissues loaded over that time might contribute to the subsequent failure. Although subject to debate, many clinicians will support the fact that most women complain of worsening prolapse symptoms at the end of an active day [7]. Therefore, it is important to understand the material properties of the connective tissue in a time- and load history-dependent mechanical setting. This can help us better understand risk factors for prolapse, such as in women who perform repetitive heavy lifting, the effect of the second stage of labor, as well as the fact that pelvic organ prolapse develops rather late in a woman's life and is likely multifactorial in nature. The uterine suspensory tissue, comprised of the cardinal and uterosacral ligaments, is thought to play an important role in resisting pelvic organ prolapse [8]. The CL and USL constitute part of the level I support for the pelvic floor [9]. The CL originates from the pelvic side wall at the top of the greater sciatic foramen to its insertion on the genital tract, centered on the cervix and upper vagina [10]. The USL originates from sacrum and sacrospinous ligament-coccygeus muscle and inserts on the genital tract [10]. There are four ligament structures in total: one CL and one USL on either side of the uterus (Fig. ​(Fig.11). Fig. 1 Anatomy of female uterine suspensory tissue in a 3D model based on MRI of a healthy control. Note the pelvis (P) and sacrum (S) are transparent in (a) and have been deleted in (b), as viewed from the left, and in (c) in a left oblique view. U denotes ...
Burst mode synchronization of QPSK on AWGN channels using kurtosis

This paper explores the use of kurtosis in synchronizing with a QPSK burst transmission. The start and end of the burst are a priori unknown and are detected without the use of pilot signals. After frame level synchronization, signal level synchronization is performed. The symbol timing, carrier frequency and carrier phase are recovered without the assistance of known symbols or synchronization words in the data stream, i.e. totally blind synchronization. The performance of frame, symbol and carrier synchronization algorithms is evaluated through computer simulations.
Elektrochemisches Verhalten von N‐Aryl‐Δ2‐pyrazolinen. II [1]. Anodische Oxydation von 1,3,5‐Triaryl‐Δ2‐pyrazolinen und 4,4′‐Bis‐[3,5‐diaryl‐Δ2‐pyrazolinyl‐(1)]‐biphenylen in Acetonitril

Die elektrochemische Oxydation der 1,3,5-Triaryl-Δ2-pyrazoline 1a–w und der 4,4′-Bis-[3,5-diaryl-Δ2-pyrazolinyl-(1)]-biphenyle 4a–j in Acetonitril wurde mit Hilfe der Polarographie an der rotierenden Scheibenelektrode, der zyklischen Voltammetrie und der Elektrolyse bei kontrolliertem Potential bei gleichzeitigen coulometrischen Messungen untersucht. Dabei wurde gefunden, das das anodische Verhalten von 1 in entscheidendem Mase durch Substitution der para-Stellung der 1-Arylgruppe bestimmt wird. Wahrend die Oxydation der 1-Phenyl-3,5-diaryl-Δ2-pyrazoline 1a und 1c–1 n unter Aufnahme von 2 Faraday/Mol zu den Dikationen 6 der entsprechenden Dimeren 4 fuhrt, bleibt sie bei Blockierung dieser Position auf der Stufe der Radikalkationen 3 der Monomeren stehen, die nur im Falle des 1-p-Nitrophenyl-3,5-diphenyl-Δ2-pyrazolins 1w in langsamer Folgereaktion zum Pyrazol 2w weiterreagieren. Substituenten beeinflussen das anodische Halbstufenpotential in Abhangigkeit von ihrer Stellung in der 1-, 3- oder 5-Phenylgruppe in abnehmendem Mase, wobei elektronenziehende Gruppen eine positivierende und elektronendruckende Gruppen eine negativierende Wirkung besitzen. Es wird gezeigt, das sich unter dem Einflus der Substituenten die Reaktivitat der Radikalkationen 3 in gleichem Mase erhoht, wie ihre oxydative Bildung erschwert wird. Die Strukturabhangigkeit der Oxydations- und Reduktionshalbstufenpotentiale gestattet daruber hinaus eine Interpretation des Substituenteneffektes auf die Lage der Absorptions- und Fluoreszenzmaxima sowie auf die STOKES-sche Verschiebung der Triarylpyrazoline. Die Darstellung der Verbindungen 4 a–j aus den entsprechenden Monomeren durch oxydative Dimerisierung mit Eisen(III)-chlorid sowie deren Absorptions- und Fluoreszenzspektren werden beschrieben.
QAVA: quota aware video adaptation

Two emerging trends of Internet applications, video traffic becoming dominant and usage-based pricing becoming prevalent, are at odds with each other. Given this conflict, is there a way for users to stay within their monthly data plans (data quotas) without suffering a noticeable degradation in video quality? In this work, we develop an online video adaptation system, called Quota Aware Video Adaptation (QAVA), that manages this tradeoff by leveraging the compressibility of videos and by predicting consumer usage behavior throughout a billing cycle. We propose the QAVA architecture and develop its main modules, including Stream Selection, User Profiling, and Video Profiling. Online algorithms are designed through dynamic programming and evaluated using real video request traces. Empirical results suggest that QAVA can provide an effective solution to the dilemma of usage-based pricing of heavy video traffic.
β-1,3 Glucan as a Test for Central Venous Catheter Biofilm Infection

Biofilms are microbial communities that are associated with solid surfaces such as intravascular catheters. Candida species are a major cause of medical device-associated infections. Twenty percent to 70% of all candidemias are associated with this biofilm process. Diagnosis and effective treatment of Candida device-associated infections requires removal of the involved device. The ability to identify a biofilm device infection before catheter removal may obviate removal of a substantial number of devices. Prior studies in our laboratory identified cell wall changes (specifically, increased beta -1,3 glucan) associated with biofilm, compared with planktonic C. albicans. Both in vitro and in vivo (catheter) biofilm models were used to determine whether biofilm cells secreted more beta -1,3 glucan and whether these differences could be used to discern the presence of a Candida biofilm infection with 3 species (C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis). A limulus lysate assay was used to quantify beta -1,3 glucan in supernatants from planktonic or biofilm cultures and in the serum of rats with an intravascular catheter biofilm infection or disseminated candidiasis. beta -1,3 glucan was detected from both in vitro and in vivo models from each condition. However, the concentrations of beta -1,3 glucan from the biofilm conditions were 4-10-fold greater in vitro (P<.001) and were 10-fold greater in vivo (P<.001), despite equal or fewer numbers of cells in the biofilm conditions. These results suggest the secreted polysaccharide beta -1,3 glucan may serve as a useful tool for the diagnosis of Candida biofilm and device-associated infections.
An energy conserving medium access control protocol for multihop packet radio networks

Mobile hosts typically have scarce energy due to short battery lifetimes. We propose a scheduling algorithm which is suitable for battery-constrained multihop packet radio networks. The proposed algorithm, called ECTS (energy conserving transmission scheduling), focuses on conserving battery power while preserving topology transparency, guaranteed minimum throughput, bounded maximum delay, and fair transmission policy. The ECTS algorithm conserves the power using strategies that allow the network interface to use the low power sleep mode instead of the idle mode, and eliminates data collisions using RTS (request-to-send) and CTS (clear-to-send) control slots. As observed in previous experiments, the cost of mode transition is quite expensive. To relieve this unnecessary power consumption, the ECTS algorithm significantly reduces the number of mode transitions. For low-power hosts, the ECTS protocol reduces the number of mode transitions further. We have simulated and compared the energy efficiency of our protocol with the IEEE 802.11 and GRAND (Galois radio network design) algorithms. Simulation results show our protocol is very efficient in terms of power conservation.
Dreaming of Justice, Waking to Wisdom: Reveries of the Solitary Walker

Rousseau's final book, the posthumously published Reveries of the Solitary Walker, is widely regarded as another of his autobiographical works, alongside the Confessions and Dialogues. And so it is. But it is also a work of political philosophy. Of course those other autobiographies or apologia are also political and philosophic, insofar as they recount the thought of a political philosopher and (in the case of the Confessions) depict a man's return to nature amid the corruption of civilization. Yet the Reveries goes to a depth not sounded in those other works. It does so by thematizing justice, or rather the passion for and belief in justice, a passion and belief that Rousseau seems to find virtually constitutive of humanity even as he suggests that the highest human flourishing requires overcoming this very passion and belief. In taking up this theme Rousseau understands himself to be contending with the most powerful traditions of Western Civilization. This is indicated by the Reveries' striking allusions to the Bible and by references to and even structural parallels with Plato's Republic.
The Inquisition and prohibited sexual artwork in late colonial Mexico

The manufacturing or distribution of pornographic materials was among the many crimes pursued by the Holy Office. Twenty-one denunciations of illicit sexual artwork from 1750 to 1820 are housed in Mexico's Archivo General de la Nacion. The items range from illustrations and prints of men and women in sexualized poses to elaborate and ingenious etchings and paintings on watches and jewelry boxes. The protagonists in this article include denouncers, witnesses, and suspects, inquisitors, qualifiers, and other church agents, and producers, sellers, and consumers of prohibited artwork. These cases provide valuable information on the sexual culture of Mexico City's urban leisure class. Those accused of selling and purchasing illegal art did not view themselves as libertines or free thinkers who advocated sexual experimentation. Nor did they advocate anti-Christian or anti-establishment sentiments. Inquisitors did not demonstrate the same fears and anxieties about erotic drawings and artwork that they did with p...
Permanent Manned Outpost with Commercial Launch and Propellant Depots

NASA has been developing a capability based space transportation framework for exploration evolution cis-lunar, lunar, asteroids, and Mars. With the recent discovery of water on the moon, research has been invigorated to establish a permanent manned outpost for in situ capture of water and transport support for in-space propellant. Using recent NASA studies of infrastructure needs for a permanent manned outpost, current and future launch vehicle and in-space transportation systems are evaluated based on performance, cost, and reliability. Because a constantly manned outpost requires astronaut replacement every six months and constant human and facility resupply, large yearly payloads are required. Present and planned expendable transportation systems may not meet reasonable cost and reliability expectations. Reusable systems may be acceptable if the high flight rates are sustained to cover the high development cost.
Angiotensin II actions in the rabbit proximal tubule. Angiotensin II mediated signaling mechanisms and electrolyte transport in the rabbit proximal tubule.

Angiotensin II (Angll) is a potent regulator of electrolyte transport with biphasic effects on salt and HCO3-resorption in proximal tubule epithelia (PCT). In cultured PCT cells, p
“Darles el lugar” A Place for Nondominant Family Knowing in Educational Equity

Educational researchers, leadership, and policymakers have had the privileged voices and place from which to theorize and address educational inequities. But for some exceptions, nondominant families have been relegated to participation in school-centric “parent involvement” activities. Drawing from a participatory design-based research study using standpoint and critical race theory, our findings suggest key convergences between the lived experiences and insights of nondominant parents and recent educational equity scholarship, while revealing untapped expertise, knowledge, and capacity for addressing inequity. We argue that holding a “place” for the complex understandings of nondominant families can open expansive possibilities for transforming educational systems toward racial equity.
Spiral-based microfluidic device for long-term time course imaging of Neurospora crassa with single nucleus resolution

Real-time imaging of fluorescent reporters plays a critical role in elucidating fundamental molecular mechanisms including circadian rhythms in the model filamentous fungus, Neurospora crassa. However, monitoring N. crassa for an extended period of time with single nucleus resolution is a technically challenging task due to hyphal growth that rapidly moves beyond a region of interest during microscopy experiments. In this report, we have proposed a two-dimensional spiral-based microfluidic platform and applied for monitoring the single-nucleus dynamics in N. crassa for long-term time course experiments.
An efficient parallel algorithm for high dimensional similarity join

Multidimensional similarity join finds pairs of multidimensional points that are within some small distance of each other. The /spl epsiv/-k-d-B tree has been proposed as a data structure that scales better as the number of dimensions increases compared to previous data structures. We present a cost model of the /spl epsiv/-k-d-B tree and use it to optimize the leaf size. We present novel parallel algorithms for the similarity join using the /spl epsiv/-k-d-B tree. A load balancing strategy based on equi-depth histograms is shown to work well for uniform or low-skew situations, whereas another based on weighted equi-depth histograms works far better for high-skew datasets. The latter strategy is only slightly slower than the former strategy for low skew datasets. Further its cost is proportional to the overall cost of the similarity join.
Toward High School Biology: Helping Middle School Students Understand Chemical Reactions and Conservation of Mass in Nonliving and Living Systems

Studies have shown that students struggle to understand basic chemical concepts and have trouble applying these concepts to biological phenomena. This article describes the development and evaluati...
Sea Clam-Derived Feeding Stimulants Enhance Acceptability and Intake of Reduced Fish Meal, Soy-Based Sunshine Bass Feeds

AbstractFish meal sparing or replacement is limited by reduced diet acceptability and feed intake, particularly among carnivorous finfish. Two 8-week feeding trials were conducted to assess whether the inclusion of sea clam (ocean quahog Arctica islandica) processing by-products could improve the intake of reduced fish meal feeds in sunshine bass (female White Bass Morone chrysops × male Striped Bass M. saxatilis). In trial 1, juvenile fish (31.9 ± 0.2 g, average initial weight) were cultured at 18.5 ± 2.4°C and fed diets containing 30% fish meal (hereafter, “FISH”), 6.7% fish meal (remainder of dietary protein primarily provided by soybean meal; hereafter, “SOY”), or the reduced fish meal formulation amended with 1% dried clam juice (hereafter, “SOY + clam juice”), dried clam fines (hereafter, “SOY + clam fines”), or betaine as feeding stimulants. In trial 2, fish were slightly smaller at the outset (18.4 ± 0.3 g) and cultured at 27.3 ± 0.2°C. Growth performance was generally superior among fish reared i...