cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The study of epoxy polyamide and polyvinyl resins as corrosion protective coatings on low carbon steel

The corrosion resistance of two commonly used protective coatings (epoxy polyamide and polyvinyl resins) in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria has been assessed. The coatings on low carbon steel were subjected to varying conditions of pH, temperature and exposure time and the corrosion rates calculated. At a pH of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 the corresponding calculated corrosion rates in mpy for epoxy polyamide resin were 0.677, 0.660, 0.392, 0.345 and 0.336 respectively and that for polyvinyl resin were 0.345, 0.336, 0.315, 0.298 and 0.272 respectively. At temperatures of 30 o C, 40 o C, 50 o C, 60 o C and 70 o C, the corresponding calculated corrosion rates in mpy for epoxy polyamide resin were 0.169, 0.399, 0.572, 0.856 and 0.971 respectively and that for polyvinyl resin were 0.112, 0.227, 0.402, 0.572 and 0.741 respectively. At an exposure time in hours of 672, 1008, 1344, 1680 and 2016, the corresponding calculated corrosion rates in mpy of epoxy polyamide resin were 0.014, 0.018, 0.034, 0.044 and 0.059 respectively and that for polyvinyl resin were 0.0001, 0.009, 0.021, 0.44 and 0.046 respectively. The results showed polyvinyl resin to have a better coating performance than epoxy polyamide resin. KEY WORDS: Corrosion, coatings, temperature, polyamide, polyvinyl. Global Jnl Pure & Applied Sciences Vol.10(2) 2004: 301-305
Radio-induced modulation of transforming growth factor beta1 sensitivity in a p53 wild-type human colorectal-cancer cell line

Unlike normal intestinal cells, colorectal-carcinoma cell lines are usually not responsive to transforming growth factor beta1. The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 that is induced by X irradiation in cells expressing normal p53 can also be induced by TGF-beta1 by a p53-independent pathway. We have investigated possible interactions between ionizing radiation and TGF-beta1, using a panel of 8 human colorectal-cancer cell lines varying in p53 status and sensitivity to the cyto-inhibitory effect of TGF-beta1. Heterogeneity in the radiosensitivity of these cell lines was observed, with SF2 (surviving fraction after irradiation with 2 Gy) ranging from 0.19 to 0.82. Radioresistance (high SF2 values) was in general associated with abnormal expression of p53. An effect of TGF-beta1 treatment on radiosensitivity was observed with one cell line only (LS513), and manifested by enhancement of the cytotoxic effect of radiation. In an experiment with fractionated irradiation during continuous exposure to TGF-beta1, there was no change in the intrinsic radiosensitivity of LS513 cells, though irradiated cells treated with TGF-beta1 were more sensitive to the first radiation dose. Irradiated LS513 colorectal-cancer and Mv-1-Lu epithelial cells were significantly more sensitive to TGF-beta1 than were unirradiated controls, whereas no change was observed in the TGF-beta1 sensitivity of irradiated LS1034 cells. Radio-induced modulation of TGF-beta1 sensitivity was transitory and declined before the decline to baseline level of p21 mRNA expression. On the basis of these results, we postulate that radiation-induced sensitization to TGF-beta1 occurs in TGF-beta1-sensitive cells expressing wild-type p53.
Cartilage disease diagnosis by conventional and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

In this paper, the conventional and polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) were used to image bovine articular cartilage and diagnose degenerative joint disease. The results showed that these 2D cross-sectional OCT images that can cover an area of 6×2.8mm2 (limited by scope size) with a traverse resolution of 12 μm and an axial resolution of 10 μm could assess the microstructure of articular cartilage and differentiate the abnormalities in structure. The results were confirmed by their histology. Compared to conventional OCT, PS-OCT could provide depth-resolved strokes parameter images, which reflect tissue birefringence. Both conventional and PS-OCT have high efficiency and sensitivity of osteoarthritis and cartilage injury and disease diagnosis.
Particle size control during flat flame synthesis of nanophase oxide powders

Abstract Combustion Flame — Chemical Vapor Condensation (CF-CVC) is currently under investigation as a candidate for large-scale production of non-agglomerated oxide nanopowders. This process involves controlled pyrolysis of precursors and condensation in the gas phase to form nanoparticles. In this study, the influence of reactor parameters including pressure, substrate standoff distance, and precursor concentration on silica particle size are measured. The results indicate that particle size is strongly dependent on standoff distance and precursor concentration, but less dependent on pressure. Furthermore, the particle size is observed to decrease with increasing precursor concentration, which is different from results of previous flame studies where the substrate was absent. Samples taken from near the substrate show a markedly different particle size than those taken from the walls of the chamber, which suggests that some particle trajectories escape the rapid quench zone near the substrate.
Secretion Trap Tagging of Secreted and Membrane-Spanning Proteins Using Arabidopsis Gene Traps

Secreted and membrane-spanning proteins play fundamental roles in plant development but pose challenges for genetic identification and characterization. We describe a "secretion trap" screen for gene trap insertions in genes encoding proteins routed through the secretory pathway. The gene trap transposon encodes a beta-glucuronidase reporter enzyme that is inhibited by N-linked glycosylation specific to the secretory pathway. Treatment of seedlings with tunicamycin inhibits glycosylation, resulting in increased activity of secreted beta-glucuronidase fusions that result from gene trap integration downstream of exons encoding signal peptides. In the 2,059 gene trap lines that we screened, 32 secretion trap expression patterns were identified in a wide variety of tissues including embryos, meristems, and the developing vasculature. Genes disrupted by the secretion traps encode putative extracellular signaling proteins, membrane transport proteins, and novel secreted proteins of unknown function missed by conventional mutagenesis and gene prediction. Secretion traps provide a unique reagent for gene expression studies and can guide the genetic combination of loss of function alleles in related genes.
First Report of Anthracnose Stem Canker of the Invasive Perennial Weed Lepidium draba Caused by Colletotrichum higginsianum in Europe

Exotic perennial Lepidium draba, native to Eurasia, is an invasive weed in dense stands in rangelands and disturbed areas in several states of the western United States and an agricultural weed in the prairie provinces of Canada. To determine strategies, such as a potential multipathogen strategy (1), for biological control of the weed, surveys that included the native range were conducted in spring 2009 to detect diseases that occur on this weed. Several stunted and chlorotic plants were found scattered throughout a stand of L. draba growing in a vacant lot near Riddes, Switzerland (46°08′22.99″N, 7°9′19.02″E): (http://maps.google.com/maps?source=earth&ll=46.13983490,7.15503250&layer= c&cbll=46.13983490,7.15503250&cbp=1,360,,0,5). Affected plants had reddish brown cankers on the lower stems, usually elongated and irregular in shape and slightly sunken. Insect injury was associated with the cankers. Symptoms often occurred on plants that were also infected with Rhizoctonia solani. After surface disinfesta...
Temporal and spatial variation of the drag coefficient of a developing sea under steady wind‐forcing

[1] Field data indicate convincingly that the drag coefficient of the ocean surface is sea-state dependent. As a result, under steady forcing by a constant wind velocity the wind stress on the ocean surface varies with time. It also varies with space if the wave development is limited by fetch. A quantitative estimation of the temporal and spatial variation of the wind stress produced by a constant wind velocity is presented. The method of computation combines the duration- or fetch-limited growth functions of wind-generated waves and the similarity relation of the ocean-surface drag coefficient derived from wavelength scaling. The only required input is the wind speed. The results indicate that the average momentum flux from atmosphere to ocean is much larger (about 50 to 100 percent higher, and especially for shorter wind events) in comparison with calculations using the drag coefficient or dynamic roughness formulated either without the wave parameters or based on steady state wave conditions.
Using a Human Cardiopulmonary Model to Study and Predict Normal and Diseased Ventricular Mechanics, Septal Interaction, and Atrio-Ventricular Blood Flow Patterns

We upgraded our human cardiopulmonary (CP) model with additional data that enables it to more accurately simulate normal physiology. We then tested its ability to explain human disease by changing two parameter values that decrease ventricular compliance, and found that it could predict many of the hemodynamic, gas exchange, and autonomic abnormalities found in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). The newly incorporated information includes high-fidelity pressure tracings simultaneously recorded from the RV and LV of a normal human in a cardiac catheterization laboratory, Doppler echocardiographic inlet flow velocity patterns, measures of right and left ventricular impedance, and atrial volumes. The revised cardiovascular section details the hemodynamics of a normal subject to the extent that it can now explain the effects of septal compliance on ventricular interaction, the differences in left and right ventricular pressure development, and venous blood gas mixing in the right atrium. The model can isolate the highly interrelated features of normal and abnormal physiology, and simultaneously demonstrate their interaction in a manner that would be very difficult or impossible using an intact organism. It may therefore help physicians and scientists understand, diagnose, and improve their treatment of complicated cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. It could also simulate the hemodynamic and respiratory effects of ventricular and pulmonary assist devices, and thus help with their development.
Surgery or radiation therapy for stage I and IIA carcinoma of the CERVIX

The choice of treatment in carcinoma of the cervix is best decided after careful individual appraisal has been carried out. For best results, a long-term view must be agreed upon initially and careful followup by the same team is obligatory. At present, surgery, radiation therapy, and a combination of these two modalities have been employed successfully to manage carcinoma of the cervix. To a great extent, the facilities, the experience, and the interest of the personnel involved influence the type of therapy that will be employed. Generally speaking, the choice of treatment is determined primarily by the stage of the disease process. Radical surgery in the management of patients with Stage I and Stage II-A carcinoma of the cervix must be planned to include within the en bloc dissection the uterus, tubes, ovaries, and regional lymph node drainage from those organs. Therefore, a radical lymphadnectomy is an integral and important part of the overall management program when radical surgery is performed. In most institutions, radiation therapy is used most frequently to treat carcinoma of the cervix in Stages I and II-A. The data from various institutions indicate significant survival potential from radiation therapy treatment programs that are appropriately devised. Inmore » Stages I and II-A the complications are minimal in character (primarily proctitis and cystitis); generally, they involve a potential incidence of about six percent.« less
Kierkegaard on emotion: a critique of Furtak's Wisdom in Love

In Wisdom in Love: Kierkegaard and the Ancient Quest for Emotional Integrity, Rick Furtak argues that emotions are cognitive phenomena to be understood in terms of the relation between subject and object. Furtak uses his conception of emotion to argue (in what he takes to be a Kierkegaardian spirit) that love is the source of meaning and value in human (and, specifically, Christian) life. This paper places Kierkegaard's views, and the role love plays in them, in his historical context. I argue that Furtak's approach fails to account for the subtle and complex role religious love plays in Kierkegaard's thought, and ultimately leaves him at odds with Kierkegaard methodologically and metaphysically.
The ICAP Framework: Linking Cognitive Engagement to Active Learning Outcomes.

This article describes the ICAP framework that defines cognitive engagement activities on the basis of students’ overt behaviors and proposes that engagement behaviors can be categorized and differentiated into one of four modes: Interactive, Constructive, Active, and Passive. The ICAP hypothesis predicts that as students become more engaged with the learning materials, from passive to active to constructive to interactive, their learning will increase. We suggest possible knowledge-change processes that support the ICAP hypothesis and address the limitations and caveats of the hypothesis. In addition, empirical validation for the hypothesis is provided by examining laboratory and classroom studies that focus on three specific engagement activities: note taking, concept mapping and self-explaining. We also consider how ICAP can be used as a tool for explaining discrepant findings, dictate the proper choice of a control condition, and evaluate students’ outputs. Finally, we briefly compare ICAP to existing...
To Reveal and to Conceal: A Literary-Critical Perspective on ‘the Son of Man’ in Mark

Attending to basic questions may yield a fresh perspective on the Synoptic ‘Son of Man’. How does the term function, for example, in the narrative logic of Mark's Gospel? The paper argues that: ‘the Son of Man’ serves essentially as a paradoxical incognito. It belongs to a whole pattern of speech that the Markan Jesus employs to resist disclosure of his identity as ‘the Son of God’. And it allows Jesus – a systematic theologian might say – to conceal his person while he reveals his work . If valid, this literary-critical result is not without implication for our historical understanding of the term.
Effect of electrospinning parameters on the characterization of PLA/HNT nanocomposite fibers

Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposite fibers were produced using an electrospinning approach for biomedical applications. The PLA/HNT nanocomposite fibers were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The various factors such as type of solvent, solution concentration, HNT loading and feed rate, affecting the electrospinning process, and the morphology of the nanofibers were investigated, and the optimum values for these parameters are suggested. The results indicated that the addition of dimethylformamide (DMF) to chloroform facilitated the electrospinning process because of the improvement in electrical conductivity and viscosity of the solution. Nanometer-sized fibers were obtained by the addition of HNT to PLA. HNT loadings had a significant effect on the morphology of the nanofibers. Bead-free fibers were produced at feed rates between 1 and 4 mL/h.
Scattering by coated superquadric cylinders: a higher order boundary condition approach

A spectral formulation, based directly upon the tangential components of the fields, is used to derive appropriate boundary conditions. These boundary conditions are then used to compute the scattering from a special class of dielectric-coated conductors, uniformly coated conductors in the shape of a superquadric cylinder. This class of objects is chosen because it includes dielectric-coated circles, squares, ellipses, and rectangles as special cases, allowing the investigation of the effects of finite radii of curvature in a systematic fashion. For simplicity the investigation is limited to the case of H-polarization. The case of E-polarization can be handled similarly. Computations of radar cross sections of several dielectric-coated superquadric cylinders are presented. >
Partitioning of a polymer into a nanoscopic protein pore obeys a simple scaling law

The dependence of the rate on polymer mass was examined for the reaction of four sulfhydryl-directed poly(ethylene glycol) reagents with cysteine residues located in the lumen of the staphylococcal α-hemolysin pore. The logarithms of the apparent rate constants for a particular site in the lumen were proportional to N, the number of repeat units in a polymer chain. The proportionality constant was −(a/D)5/3, where a is the persistence length of the polymer (≈3.5Å) and D is the diameter of the pore. Despite some incongruencies with the assumptions of the derivation, the result suggests that the polymers partition into the lumen of the pore according to the simple scaling law of Daoud and de Gennes, cpore/csolution = exp(−N(a/D)5/3). Therefore, the measured reaction rates yield an estimate of the diameter of the pore and might be applied to determine the approximate dimensions of cavities within other similar proteins.
Identification of an osteogenic protein-1 (bone morphogenetic protein-7)-responsive element in the promoter of the rat insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 gene.

Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein subfamily of the transforming growth factor-b superfamily, induces new bone formation in vivo and regulates the expression of numerous growth factors. We previously showed that OP-1 downregulates the transcription of the insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) in primary cultures of fetal rat calvaria (FRC) cells. In the present study we identified, within the IGFBP-5 promoter, a 21-bp region that confers OP-1 responsiveness in FRC cells. Within this region lie three putative cis-acting regulatory elements, viz. a CAAT-like sequence, a CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPa)-like element, and a c-Myb or E-box-like motif. Mutations in the CAAT-like sequence reduced the promoter activity in both control and OP-1-treated cells, but did not abrogate the OP-1-induced downregulation. Mutations in the C/EBPa-like element reduced the promoter activity in both control and OP-1-treated cells without significantly affecting the extent of down-regulation. Mutations in the putative c-Myb or E-box-like motif reduced the promoter activity in both the OP-1-treated and control cells and completely abolished the inhibitory effect of OP-1 on the IGFBP-5 promoter activity. Gel mobility shift analyses further showed specific interaction between nuclear protein(s) in FRC cells and the 21-bp region. OP-1 down-regulates the nuclear regulatory protein interaction with the 21-bp region by reducing either the cellular concentration of the regulatory protein(s) or the affinity of the regulatory protein(s) for the OP-1 responsive element. In conclusion, we identified an OP-1 response region in the rat IGFBP-5 promoter and further showed that OP-1 down-regulates the nuclear protein interaction with the response element(s). (Endocrinology 141: 3278 ‐3286, 2000)
Development and characterization of micromachined hollow cathode plasma display devices

In this paper, we report the development of hollow cathode micro plasma devices made using micromachining techniques. Compared with larger discharge devices, micromachined discharge devices operate at much higher pressures, up to 1 atm. Linear current-voltage relationships are obtained, potentially simplifying the control electronics for such devices. The size of micromachined discharge units is reduced and the distribution of sizes and light intensity in an array is more uniform relative to previous devices.
Post-lumbar puncture headache is reduced with use of atraumatic needles in ALS.

Dear SirPost-LP headache (PLPH) occurs in 10−30% of cases (1−4). Multiple studies have demonstrated reduced incidence of PLPH with atraumatic needles compared to a traditional cutting needle (2−4)....
Predicting large population data cumulative match characteristic performance from small population data

Given a biometric feature-space, in this paper we present a method to predict cumulative match characteristic (CMC) curve performance for a large population of individuals using a significantly smaller population to make the prediction. This is achieved by mathematically modelling the CMC curve. For a given biometric technique that extracts measurements of individuals to be used for identification, the CMC curve shows the probability of recognizing that individual within a database of measurements that are extracted from multiple individuals. As the number of individuals in the database increase, the probabilities displayed on the CMC curve decrease, which indicate the decreasing ability of the biometric technique to recognize individuals. Our mathematical model replicates this effect, and allows us to predict the identification performance of a technique as more individuals are added without physically needing to extract measurements from more individuals.
From ‘Soak The Rich’ To ‘Soak The Poor’: Recent Trends In Hospital Pricing

In 2004, the rates charged to many uninsured and other “self-pay” patients for hospital services were often 2.5 times what most health insurers actually paid and more than three times the hospital’s Medicare-allowable costs. The gaps between rates charged to self-pay patients and those charged to other payers are much wider than they were in the mid-1980s, and they make it increasingly more difficult for some patients, especially the uninsured, to pay their hospital bills. This has triggered lawsuits and some recent government efforts involving price transparency. Three specific policy options that could lower the markups are a voluntary effort by hospitals, litigation, and legislation.
p53-dependent inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase activities in human fibroblasts during radiation-induced G1 arrest

Abstract γ-Irradiation of human diploid fibroblasts in the G1 interval caused arrest of the cell cycle prior to S phase. This cell cycle block was correlated with a lack of activation of both cyclin E-Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) and cyclin A-Cdk2 kinases and depended on wild-type p53. Although the accumulation of cyclin A was strongly inhibited in γ-irradiated cells, cyclin E accumulated and bound Cdk2 at normal levels but remained in an inactive state. We found that both whole-cell lysates and inactive cyclin E-Cdk2 complexes prepared from irradiated cells contained an activity capable of inactivating cyclin E-Cdk2 complexes. The protein responsible for this activity was shown to be p21CIP1WAF1, recently described as a p53-inducible Cdk inhibitor. Our data suggest a model in which ionizing radiation confers G1 arrest via the p53-mediated induction of a Cdk inhibitor protein.
Altered T-cell subsets and defective T-cell function in young children with Down syndrome (trisomy-21).

Children with Down syndrome (DS) suffer an increased incidence of severe viral and bacterial infections particularly during the first 5 years of life. Unfortunately, few studies have been performed on the immune systems of young children with Down syndrome. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from a group of non-institutionalized children less than 6 years of age were studied and compared with PBMC from age-matched controls. The children with DS had reduced numbers of circulating OKT4+ (helper/inducer) T cells and a significantly depressed ratio of OKT4+ to OKT8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic) T cells. PBMC from the DS subjects exhibited reduced proliferative responses to phytohemagglutinin and to an optimal concentration of concanavalin A (Con A), but normal responses to suboptimal doses of Con A and pokeweek mitogen. PBMC from young children with DS appeared to produce normal levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2). These findings provide evidence that the primary immune defect in DS is in part a depressed number ...
SHAKING TABLE DYNAMICS: RESULTS FROM A TEST-ANALYSIS COMPARISON STUDY

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive comparison study between the analytically predicted and experimentally identified dynamics of the shaking table system built recently in the Structural Engineering Laboratory at Rice University in Houston, Texas. The primary objectives of the research presented here are two-fold: (1) to shed light into the dynamic performance of a small-to-medium size, uni-axial, servo-hydraulic, displacement-controlled shaking table system, and (2) to validate a linearised dynamic model of the system (in the form of the total shaking table transfer function) developed earlier by the authors from basic principles. The analytical model incorporates the inherent dynamic characteristics of the various components of the shaking table system (i.e. controller, servovalve, actuator, test specimen, and reaction mass) and their dynamic interaction. The test-analysis correlation study performed over a wide range of operating and payload conditions provides useful information on the sensitivity of the shaking table transfer function to control gain parameters and how it can be used to tune the shaking table controller for optimum performance under various payload conditions. The good test-analysis correlation results obtained validate the analytical shaking table model, show its robustness, and provide keen insight into the underlying coupled dynamics of a shaking table system. In order to achieve this good test-analysis correlation, it was crucial to include a time delay in the analytical model of the shaking table system (innovative feature of the model to account for the time lag in the response of the servovalve-actuator system). The expected significant dynamic interaction between payload and shaking table is also confirmed by this study.
The Economics of Solar Electricity

The benefits and costs of increasing solar electricity generation depend on the scale of the increase and on the time frame over which it occurs. Short-run analyses focus on the cost-effectiveness of incremental increases in solar capacity, holding the rest of the power system fixed. Solar’s variability adds value if its power occurs at high-demand times and displaces relatively carbon-intensive generation. Medium-run analyses consider the implications of nonincremental changes in solar capacity. The cost of each installation may fall through experience effects, but the cost of grid integration increases when solar requires ancillary services and fails to displace investment in other types of generation. Long-run analyses consider the role of solar in reaching twenty-first-century carbon targets. Solar’s contribution depends on the representation of grid integration costs, on the availability of other low-carbon technologies, and on the potential for technological advances. By surveying analyses for diffe...
Romancing the Stones: Biases, Style and Lithics at La Riera

This chapter discusses paradigmatic biases and style in lithic analysis, and presents a case study using a lithic data set from northern Spain. Biases are considered first, since they affect our capacity to perceive pattern in an archaeological record, determine which of a number of alternative approaches is considered to be appropriate, and affect systematics of all kinds and at all levels in a problem domain. Second, anthropological and archaeological notions of style are outlined and discussed, and an effort is made to identify modal characteristics of archaeological definitions as they bear on the analysis of stone tools and debitage. Finally, lithic and faunal data from paleolithic deposits at La Riera cave (Asturias, Spain) are examined from a number of different perspectives operationalized through the creation of multiple typologies and the monitoring of variable frequencies, first by simple indices and ratios, and subsequently by multivariate techniques. These procedures allowed for the partitioning of overall assemblage variability into a small number of overlapping but fairly discrete causal vectors. The causal vectors constitute hypothetical explanations for recurrent patterns in the La Riera sequence and at other north Spanish sites. They allow us to create a scenario for the different activities that took place repeatedly in the cave over the Tardiglacial and early Postglacial periods - a scenario that can be generalized to other penecontemporaneous sites in the region.
PREST: a system for logic partitioning and resynthesis for testability

The authors propose a heuristic procedure for partitioning a circuit into several blocks so that after the resynthesis of each block and subsequent reconnection there is a near-minimal number of redundant faults in the circuit. A probabilistic technique is used to estimate the size of a don't care set, and the partitioning approach tries to reduce the don't care size across the partitions. The approach, called PREST (for Partitioning and RESynthesis for Testability), has been applied on various MCNC and ISCAS benchmark circuits, and excellent results in terms of the size and testability of the synthesized circuit have been obtained. >
A decision-theoretic framework for integrating sensors into AI plans

Strategic planners for robots that survive in a realistic environment must coordinate sensor acquisition with robotic activity. Sensory coordination is discussed as a decision problem. It is assumed that although relevant sensory data can generally be requested, costs prohibit many of these requests from being granted. The underlying question is whether a central controller should grant or deny a system's request for a sensory update. Given this fundamental problem, a decision-theoretic analysis is used to derive closed-form formulas for the appropriate frequency of sensor integration as a function of parameters of the equipment, the domain, and the types of errors from which the system must recover. The derived formulas give precise descriptions of the frequency with which sensory requests should be granted in a simplified, formalized setting. They also serve as a template into which a variety of real-world parameterizations could fit. >
FROM FACTORS TO ACTORS: Computational Sociology and Agent-Based Modeling

■ Abstract Sociologists often model social processes as interactions among variables. We review an alternative approach that models social life as interactions among adaptive agents who influence one another in response to the influence they receive. These agent-based models (ABMs) show how simple and predictable local interactions can generate familiar but enigmatic global patterns, such as the diffusion of information, emergence of norms, coordination of conventions, or participation in collective action. Emergent social patterns can also appear unexpectedly and then just as dramatically transform or disappear, as happens in revolutions, market crashes, fads, and feeding frenzies. ABMs provide theoretical leverage where the global patterns of interest are more than the aggregation of individual attributes, but at the same time, the emergent pattern cannot be understood without a bottom up dynamical model of the microfoundations at the relational level. We begin with a brief historical sketch of the shift from “factors” to “actors” in computational sociology that shows how agent-based modeling differs fundamentally from earlier sociological uses of computer simulation. We then review recent contributions focused on the emergence of social structure and social order out of local interaction. Although sociology has lagged behind other social sciences in appreciating this new methodology, a distinctive sociological contribution is evident in the papers we review. First, theoretical interest focuses on dynamic social networks that shape and are shaped by agent interaction. Second, ABMs are used to perform virtual experiments that test macrosociological theories by manipulating structural factors like network topology, social stratification, or spatial mobility. We conclude our review with a series of recommendations for realizing the rich sociological potential of this approach.
Use of AC Coupled Interconnect in Contactless Packaging

Contactless packaging refers to the concept of using capacitively coupled or inductively coupled structures to connect chips together. That is, to use them as the electrical interfaces for chip-to-package, package-to-socket, and board-to-board interfaces (i.e. connectors). Collectively, these techniques are referred to as “AC Coupled Interconnect,” (ACCI) referring to the lack of a DC connection. These concepts arise from the key realization that a DC connection is not needed to communicate high frequency digital data; a good AC connection suffices. In fact, many high speed chip-to-chip communication standards, such as FiberChannel and Ethernet, use DC blocking capacitors so that the transmitter and receiver do not have to share a common DC supply, making them hot-pluggable. The difference in ACCI is the realization that smaller values of capacitance can be used.
Access to Federally Funded Research Back to Congress

The federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2009 included over $147 billion of government spending on research and development. A significant portion of those funds will be allocated to academic and research institutions to fund basic and applied research in a wide variety of disciplines, including aerospace, biotechnology, health care, energy development, environmental protection, communications, and Internet technology. The funding usually takes the form of research grants to universities and university-based researchers.A battle is looming in Congress, however, over the product of these research grants. In many cases, the end result of government-funded basic research is the publication of research results in peer-reviewed scholarly journals. The peer-review process helps to assure the integrity of the research process. However, the publication of these research papers in journals that are often very high-priced with limited availability has been criticized. With tax money being the source of the research, the argument goes that the public should have full access to the results.
Continuous Time Markov Chain Based Reliability Analysis for Future Cellular Networks

It is anticipated that the future cellular networks will consist of an ultra-dense deployment of complex heterogeneous Base Stations (BSs). Consequently, Self-Organizing Networks (SON) features are considered to be inevitable for efficient and reliable management of such a complex network. Given their unfathomable complexity, cellular networks are inherently prone to partial or complete cell outages due to hardware and/or software failures and parameter misconfiguration caused by human error, multivendor incompatibility or operational drift. Forthcoming cellular networks, vis-a-vis 5G are susceptible to even higher cell outage rates due to their higher parametric complexity and also due to potential conflicts among multiple SON functions. These realities pose a major challenge for reliable operation of future ultra-dense cellular networks in cost effective manner. In this paper, we present a stochastic analytical model to analyze the effects of arrival of faults in a cellular network. We exploit Continuous Time Markov Chain (CTMC) with exponential distribution for failures and recovery times to model the reliability behavior of a BS. We leverage the developed model and subsequent analysis to propose an adaptive fault predictive framework. The proposed fault prediction framework can adapt the CTMC model by dynamically learning from past database of failures, and hence can reduce network recovery time thereby improving its reliability. Numerical results from three case studies, representing different types of network, are evaluated to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed analytical model.
Fatal gastric hemorrhage following Aureomycin

A fatal gastric hemorrhage is described, occurring as a result of peptic ulceration of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery, in a patient who had received aureomycin for three weeks. The possibility of aureomycin acting as an aggravating influence on peptic ulcers is discussed. It is concluded that aureomycin should be administered with caution in the presence of peptic ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
One-step synthesis of core-shell (Ce0.7Zr0.3O2)(x)(Al2O3)(1-x) [(Ce0.7Zr0.3O2)@Al2O3] nanopowders via liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis (LF-FSP).

We report here the synthesis of Ce(x)Zr(1-x)O(2) and (Ce(0.7)Zr(0.3)O(2))(x)(Al(2)O(3))(1-x) core-shell nanopowders in a single step by liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis (LF-FSP) of the metalloorganic precursors, Ce(O(2)CCH(2)CH(3))(3)(OH), alumatrane [N(CH(2)CH(2)O)(3)Al], and Zr(O(2)CCH(2)CH(3))(2)(OH)(2). Solutions of all three precursors in ethanol with ceramic yields of 2.5 wt% were aerosolized with O(2), combusted at temperatures above 1500 degrees C, and rapidly quenched at approximately 1000 degrees C/ms to form Ce(x)Zr(1-x)O(2) and (Ce(0.7)Zr(0.3)O(2))(x)(Al(2)O(3))(1-x) nanopowders of selected compositions, at rates of 50-100 g/h. The resulting, as-processed, materials are unaggregated nanopowders with average particle sizes (APSs) or = 30 m(2)/g. Evidence is presented suggesting the formation of (Ce/Zr)(3+) species in the as-processed (Ce(0.7)Zr(0.3)O(2))(x)(Al(2)O(3))(1-x) core-shell materials. An accompanying paper indicates that these materials offer significant and novel catalytic activities for hydrocarbon oxidation and deNO(x) processes without using platinum as a co-catalyst.
Comparative Toxicity of Pesticides to Edovum puttieri (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an Egg Parasitoid of the Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Four of six pesticides used in potato pest management were highly toxic to adults of both the Mexican and Colombian biotypes of Edovum puttlert Grissell when exposed to cages dipped in pesticide solutions. In general, older parasitoid immatures within Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), eggs were less susceptible than adults and younger immatures. Susceptibility between the Mexican and Colombian biotypes also differed. The insecticides methamidophos, fenvalerate + piperonyl butoxide (PBO), and rotenone + PBO caused between 97 and 100% adult mortality within 24 h. Exposure of adults to the insect growth regulator triflumuron caused no reduced survival at 1 and 7 days posttreatment compared with H2O and undipped controls. Following exposure to the fungicide Du-ter (triphenyltin hydroxide), mortality was lower for the Colombian E. puttleri. than for the Mexican at both 1 and 7 days postexposure. The reverse was true for sodium fluoaluminate. Young (1–2 days old), immature E. puttleri (within CPB eggs) of both biotypes were highly susceptible to fenvalerate + PBO and triflumuron. However, neither methamidophos nor triphenyltin hydroxide significantly reduced the survival of either biotype. Rotenone + PBO and sodium fluoaluminate reduced the survival of young immature E. puttleri to ca. 10 and 20%, respectively. The percentage emergence for older (7–8 days) immature E. puttleri (within darkened CPB eggs) was significantly reduced after exposure to fen valerate + PBO.
Bone Marrow Manifestations of Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: A Study of 30 Cases

Morphologic and clinical features of 30 patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) were studied with particular attention to bone marrow and blood manifestations. Twenty-four (80%) patients had marrow involvement with lymphoma in trephine biopsies at initial diagnosis; two other patients subsequently developed marrow involvement. The bone marrow lesions were diffuse in 58% of the cases and focal, nonparatrabecular in 42%. A morphologic spectrum of lymphoma cells was seen with cases classified into small cell, mixed cell, and large cell/immunoblastic lymphoma. The bone marrow lesions were characterized by a heteromorphous population of lymphocytes, prominent vascularity with endothelial cell proliferation, reticulin fibrosis, and a polycellular infiltrate composed of plasma cells, eosinophils, and histiocytes. The histopathologic features in bone marrow biopsies were not pathognomonic for PTCL; the differential diagnosis may include non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of B-cell type, polymorphous reactive lymphoid lesions, including those from patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy, Hodgkin's disease, and systemic mastocytosis. The patients ranged in age from 13 to 81 years (median, 61 years) and generally presented with constitutional symptoms, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. Abnormalities in one or more hematologic parameters were common and, in general, related to the degree of bone marrow involvement. Hypocalcemia was found in 40% of the patients studied and hypercalcemia in 4%. The median survival for PTCL patients was 11 months. Patients with small cell lymphoma, large cell/immunoblastic lymphoma, and marked eosinophilia had the shortest median survivals.
Value of magnetic motor evoked potentials in the motor function evaluation before hemispherectomy

Objective To assess motor function of the extremities before hemispherectomy by transcranial magnetic stimulation motor evoked potential (TMS-MEP). Methods Ten patients with intractable epilepsy were examined by TMS-MEP before surgical treatments. MEPs of the bilateral thenar muscle were simultaneously recorded following TMS of the motor cortex in the respective hemisphere, where a circular coil was placed. The results measured were classified as full compensation, partial compensation and no compensation. Results Two patients with full compensation had no motor function impairment, 6 with partial compensation had short-term impairment in the affected hemisphere and the motor function recovered within 3 months, and 2 without compensation received modified hemispherectomy. Conclusion TMS-MEP is a very useful non-invasive method for objectively assessing domination of the hemisphere in motor function of the extremities in patients with intractable epilepsy.
Operational Regimes in Picosecond and Femtosecond Pulse-Excited Ultrahigh Vacuum SERS.

We report a systematic study performed in ultrahigh vacuum designed to identify the laser excitation regimes in which plasmonically enhanced ultrashort pulses may be used to nondestructively probe surface-bound molecules. A nondestructive, continuous-wave spectroscopic probe is used to monitor the effects of four different femtosecond- and picosecond-pulsed beams on the SER signals emanating from molecular analytes residing within plasmonically enhanced fields. We identify the roles of plasmonic amplification and alignment with a molecular electronic transition on the observed changes in the SER signals. Our results indicate that overlap of the laser wavelength with the plasmon resonance is the dominant contributor to signal degradation. In addition, signal loss for a given irradiation condition is observed only for molecules residing in hot spots above a threshold enhancement. Identification of suitable laser energy density ranges demonstrates the importance of considering these parameters when implement...
Techniques of Mandibular Anesthesia

Inferior alveolar, branch of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve (V3, branch of the trigeminal nerve)
Ultra-Compact and Robust Physically Unclonable Function Based on Voltage-Compensated Proportional-to-Absolute-Temperature Voltage Generators

This paper presents a technique for designing an ultra-compact and robust physically unclonable function for security-oriented applications. The circuits are based on pairs of analog circuits whose output voltage is supply voltage compensated and proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT). The difference between two outputs of a PTAT pair is digitized to produce 1 b output which is sensitive mostly only to random transistor threshold voltage variations. Fabricated in a 65 nm, the proposed 256 b PUF array takes an area of $3.07~\mu \text {m}^{2}$ /bit, consumes 0.548 pJ/bit at a throughput of 10 Mb/s, while showing desirable robustness against temperature and supply voltage variations with 3.5% and 1.004% bit-instability across 0 to 80 °C and 0.6 to 1.2 V, respectively. The unpredictability and uniqueness of the 256 b PUF output are verified by NIST randomness test and Hamming Distance between keys. As compared with the state of the art, the proposed design has an $8.3\times $ smaller area/bit or $2\times $ better robustness against noise and environmental variations.
Change in self-assessed comfort level of first-year pharmacy students as an alternative approach to measure teaching effectiveness and learning outcomes

Abstract Introduction Objective measures for assessing teaching effectiveness and learning outcomes in the pharmacy curriculum are needed for improving quality of instruction and faculty development. The purpose of this article is to introduce a new teaching assessment method that focuses on self-assessed change in student comfort with the topics taught rather than evaluation of the instructor and to evaluate its performance in comparison to conventional student evaluations of teaching (SET). Methods Six successive cohorts of first-year pharmacy students were surveyed regarding their comfort level at the beginning and end of a 10-week pharmacology course. The change in self-assessed comfort level (ΔSACL) was interpreted as the amount of learning that occurred. This indicator was compared to ratings of a statement from SET designed to obtain the same information. Results An increasing ΔSACL suggests an increase in learning over time. Differences were observed between ΔSACL and corresponding results from SET, suggesting that there could be extrinsic factors influencing the results. Discussion and conclusions The use of ΔSACL could provide an alternative or complementary approach to assess teaching effectiveness that focuses less on the instructor and more on the actual student learning outcomes.
Scaling: Organizing and Growth in Entrepreneurial Ventures

Entrepreneurial ventures face unique challenges related to growth, particularly in managing their internal organizations. Progress on understanding these dynamics has been constrained by fragmentation within relevant management research. In this paper, we clarify and describe two narratives that have emerged within past and current research on growth and the internal organization. The first narrative draws attention to the surprising endurance of organizational features during growth; the second, their dramatic change. We juxtapose the two narratives to reveal ongoing gaps in the study of how growth can effect change along three dimensions: organizational design, team composition, and organizational culture. We conclude with recommendations on how future research can be enriched through a systematic examination of how entrepreneurial ventures navigate the organizational dilemmas growth presents.