cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The MultichannelDeconvolution Problem: ADiscrete Analysis

We study the multichannel deconvolution problem (MDP) in a discrete setting by developing the theory for converting the method used in the continuous setting in [36]. We give a method for solving the MDP when the convolvers are characteristic functions, derive the explicit form of the linear system, and obtain an upper bound on the condition number of the system in a particular case. We compare the Schiske reconstruction [28] to our solution in the discrete setting, and give an explicit formula for the corresponding error. We then give the algorithm for solving the general MDP and discuss in detail the local reconstruction aspects of the problem. Finally, we describe a method for improving the reconstruction by regularization and give some explicit estimates on error bounds in the presence of noise.
Threshold Device Tolerance Requirements in Digital Optical Computers

It appears that optical processors will have an advantage over electronic supercomputers if they can utilize the unique parallel global interconnection capability of optics. This may imply that nonlinear optical elements acting as threshold devices will need to be capable of accepting large numbers of inputs. In general, this will require highly accurate optical threshold devices, and a sacrifice of the intrinsic reliability of purely digital systems.
EFFECT OF PROTEIN LEVEL AND BUFFERING CAPACITY ON ENERGY VALUE OF FEEDS FOR LACTATING DAIRY COWS

Two experiments with lactating Holstein cows were carried out to determine the effect on the utilization of energy of varying crude protein from 11% to 20% of ration dry matter (DM). Digestible energy (DE) values improved with each increase in ration crude protein up to 20%, but the metabolizable energy (ME) value reached a maximum at 17% crude protein. Rations containing less than 14% crude protein resulted in a lower ME value when fed to lactating cows. Ration crude protein level had no effect on the partial efficiency of ME use for milk + body-tissue synthesis. The addition of 2.5% ground limestone to corn silage-based rations had no effect on any measurement of energy utilization.
“Waltz” of Cell Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles on Lipid Bilayers: Tracking Single Particle Rotation in Ligand–Receptor Binding

Understanding the binding of nanoparticles to receptors on biomembranes is critical to the development and screening of therapeutic materials. A prevailing understanding is that multivalent ligand–receptor binding leads to slower and confined translational motion of nanoparticles. In contrast, we report in this study distinct types of rotational dynamics of nanoparticles during their seemingly similar translational confinements in ligand–receptor binding. Our nanoparticles are fluorescently anisotropic and camouflaged with T cell membranes. As they bind to ligands on planar lipid bilayers, the particles transition from back-and-forth rocking motion to circling and eventually confined circling motion, while “hopping” between translational confinements. Both rotational and translational motions of the nanoparticles become more confined at higher ligand density. The time-dependent changes in particle rotation reveal different stages in the progression of multivalent binding between the cell-membrane coated n...
Reduced Extracellular Matrix Stiffness Prompts SH-SY5Y Cell Softening and Actin Turnover To Selectively Increase Aβ(1-42) Endocytosis.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by the extracellular deposition of dense amyloid beta plaques. Emerging evidence suggests that the production ...
Direct and indirect effects of forest microclimate on pathogen spillover.

Disease dynamics are governed by variation of individuals, species, and environmental conditions across space and time. In some cases, an alternate reservoir host amplifies pathogen loads and drives disease transmission to less competent hosts in a process called pathogen spillover. Spillover is frequently associated with multi-host disease systems where a single species is more tolerant of infection and more competent in pathogen transmission compared to other hosts. Pathogen spillover must be driven by biotic factors, including host and community characteristics, yet biotic factors interact with the abiotic environment (e.g., temperature) to create disease. Despite its fundamental role in disease dynamics, the influence of the abiotic environment on pathogen spillover has seldom been examined. Improving our understanding of disease processes such as pathogen spillover hinges on disentangling the effects of interrelated biotic and abiotic factors over space and time. We applied 10 yr of fine-scale microclimate, disease, and tree community data in a path analysis to investigate the relative influence of biotic and abiotic factors on pathogen spillover for the emerging infectious forest disease sudden oak death (SOD). Disease transmission in SOD is primarily driven by the reservoir host California bay laurel, which supports high foliar pathogen loads that spillover onto neighboring oak trees and create lethal canker infections. The foliar pathogen load and susceptibility of oaks is expected to be sensitive to forest microclimate conditions. We found that biotic factors of pathogen load and tree diversity had relatively stronger effects on pathogen spillover compared to abiotic microclimate factors, with pathogen load increasing oak infection and tree diversity reducing oak infection. Abiotic factors still had significant effects, with greater heat exposure during summer months reducing pathogen loads and optimal pathogen conditions during the wet season increasing oak infection. Our results offer clues to possible disease dynamics under future climate change where hotter and drier or warmer and wetter conditions could have opposing effects on pathogen spillover in the SOD system. Disentangling direct and indirect effects of biotic and abiotic factors affecting disease processes can provide key insights into disease dynamics including potential avenues for reducing disease spread and predicting future epidemics.
Variety, Price, and Consumer Desirability of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in 7 Cities around the World.

Few studies have attempted to quantify the variety, price, and consumer desirability of fruits and vegetables (FV Kathmandu, Nepal; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mexico City, Mexico; Bangkok, Thailand; and Brookline, United States. The total variety of fruits ranged from 4.1 in Visakhapatnam to 17.3 in Brookline, and of vegetables from 6.1 in Dar es Salaam to 20.3 in Brookline. Of the 3 fruits for which price data were collected, apples tended to be the most expensive, and bananas the least expensive. For vegetables, capsicum tended to be the most expensive and eggplants the least expensive. Tablet-based market basket surveys are a useful tool for evaluating food environments. These pilot data provide further evidence of the homogenization of global diets.
High, As Well As Low, Preoperative Platelet Counts Correlate With Adverse Outcomes After Elective Posterior Lumbar Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVE Assess correlation between preoperative platelet counts and postoperative adverse events after elective posterior lumbar surgery procedures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Preoperative low platelet counts have been correlated with adverse outcomes after posterior lumbar surgery. Nonetheless, the effect of varying platelet counts has not been studied in detail for a large patient population, especially on the high end of the platelet spectrum. METHODS Patients who underwent elective posterior lumbar surgery were identified in the 2011 to 2016 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Preoperative platelet counts were considered relative to 30-day perioperative adverse outcomes. Patients were classified into platelet categories based on determining upper and lower bounds on when the adverse outcomes crossed a relative risk of 1.5. Univariate and multivariate analyses compared 30-day postoperative complications, readmissions, operative time, and hospital length of stay between those with low, normal, and high platelet counts. RESULTS In total, 137,709 posterior lumbar surgery patients were identified. Using the relative risk threshold of 1.5 for the occurrence of any adverse event, patients were divided into abnormally low (≤140,000/mL) and abnormally high (≥447,000/mL) platelet cohorts. The abnormally low and high platelet groups were associated with higher rates of any, major, minor adverse events, transfusion, and longer hospital length of stay. Furthermore, the abnormally low platelet counts were associated with a higher risk of readmissions. CONCLUSION The data-based cut-offs for abnormally high and low platelet counts closely mirrored those found in literature. Based on these definitions, abnormally high and low preoperative platelet counts were associated with adverse outcomes after elective posterior lumbar surgery. These findings facilitate risk stratification and suggest targeted consideration for patients with high, as well as low, preoperative platelet counts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Mitochondrial Quality Control: Role in Cardiac Models of Lethal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

The current standard of care for acute myocardial infarction or 'heart attack' is timely restoration of blood flow to the ischemic region of the heart. While reperfusion is essential for the salvage of ischemic myocardium, re-introduction of blood flow paradoxically kills (rather than rescues) a population of previously ischemic cardiomyocytes-a phenomenon referred to as 'lethal myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury'. There is long-standing and exhaustive evidence that mitochondria are at the nexus of lethal IR injury. However, during the past decade, the paradigm of mitochondria as mediators of IR-induced cardiomyocyte death has been expanded to include the highly orchestrated process of mitochondrial quality control. Our aims in this review are to: (1) briefly summarize the current understanding of the pathogenesis of IR injury, and (2) incorporating landmark data from a broad spectrum of models (including immortalized cells, primary cardiomyocytes and intact hearts), provide a critical discussion of the emerging concept that mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy (the components of mitochondrial quality control) may contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiomyocyte death in the setting of ischemia-reperfusion.
Male Colorado potato beetles alter search behavior in response to prior female presence on potato plants

For Colorado potato beetle, an integrated approach including semiochemicals and other nonpesticidal tactics is essential to sustainable management. A volatile aggregation pheromone produced by male adult beetles is attractive to both females and males. Yet earlier research also indicates that males respond to a yet-unidentified female-produced sex pheromone. We investigated male Colorado potato beetle behavior on potato plants that had been exposed to females only, males only, mixed-sex groups, or no beetles (clean plants). During observation, these plants hosted no beetles except for the single experimental male beetle. These males (previously mated or unmated) responded very differently to female-exposed plants, spending longer time on these plants, undertaking characteristic active searching behavior, exploring more leaves per plant, and moving more rapidly between leaves, compared to male-exposed or unexposed plants. When presented with a three-way choice, males spent about five times longer on the female-exposed foliage, compared to either male-exposed or clean leaves. Searching parameters differed between mated and unmated males, but both showed similar reactions to female-exposed plants; there was little to no statistical interaction between male mated condition and plant treatment. Results strongly indicate the presence of a persistent female-produced pheromone significantly influencing male searching behavior and between-plant movement.
The 'dead goat syndrome' in organisations

The use of metaphors to explore the connection between theory and practice in organisation and leadership studies has proven to be highly effective. This paper discusses the dead goat syndrome (DGS) as a benchmark in discussing the importance of metaphor in organisation life and to identify the various leadership types that conform to the DGS metaphor. The dead goat syndrome emanates from a popular Ghanaian metaphor literary meaning a goat that is already dead does not fear to be thrust with a knife. Using this metaphor, we present a new lens for looking at leadership effectiveness and identify the basis for certain leadership behaviours in organisations. We illuminate some definitions of metaphor by briefly reviewing the literature on the classical views on metaphors, metaphors in organisational theory development, and how the DGS metaphor can be utilised to identify certain leadership behaviours in organisations.
Visco-hyperelastic characterization of human brain white matter micro-level constituents in different strain rates

In this study, we propose a computational characterization technique for obtaining the material properties of axons and extracellular matrix (ECM) in human brain white matter. To account for the dynamic behavior of the brain tissue, data from time-dependent relaxation tests of human brain white matter in different strain rates are extracted and formulated by a visco-hyperelastic constitutive model consisting of the Ogden hyperelastic model and the Prony series expansion. Through micromechanical finite element simulation, a derivative-free optimization framework designed to minimize the difference between the numerical and experimental data is used to identify the material properties of the axons and ECM. The Prony series expansion parameters of axons and ECM are found to be highly affected by the Prony series expansion coefficients of the brain white matter. The optimal parameters of axons and ECM are verified through micromechanical simulation by comparing the averaged numerical response with that of the experimental data. Moreover, the initial shear modulus and the reduced shear modulus of the axons are found for different strain rates of 0.0001, 0.01, and 1 s−1. Consequently, first- and second-order regressions are used to find relations for the prediction of the shear modulus at the intermediate strain rates.
COVID-19 Human Endangerment As A Domestic Crime or an International Crime Against Humanity

To analyze human endangerment in the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States as a crime, this paper starts with a review of domestic law in a comparative manner. The experience in France with regard to high government officials being charged with domestic crimes for the contaminated blood scandal during the AIDS epidemic is presented and analyzed noting the key legal rules expressed by the French courts in that context. This paper goes on in a comparative approach in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic to examine such criminal liability in the US system with a discussion of the murky and complex issues of qualified immunity. It further highlights the efforts to have legislation passed to provide robust immunity for civil claims. And it posits that these immunities for civil claims likely reduce any likelihood of criminal process for acts and omissions of both public and private actors, except in the most egregious cases. Finding a likely impasse through these mechanisms, the article turns to international law and in particular customary international criminal law to see if it can provide a method of analyzing the human endangerment. Drawing from the Statute of the International Criminal Court as a possible crystallization of certain types of crimes against humanity, I identify particular groups against which such crimes might be seen as being in the process of being perpetrated. But, even if the particular crimes against humanity in the Statute of the International Criminal Court are seen as progressive development rather than crystallization, the article suggests that they are useful tools in helping to have an organize principle as to how to address the monstrous US response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The article ends with examples of how this method can help those concerned with human life to examine in a clear eyed manner the hundreds or thousands of intentional acts being done by public and private actors that endanger human life. And it also points a way as to how to think about the myriad acts being done by persons to protect human life. In the end, the monstrous response is seen as placing populations and particularly vulnerable populations before Hobbesian choices between protecting their health and venturing out into society in a time of uncertain information, uncertain resources, and pressure to reopen and pressure to reopen or lose unemployment or other benefits.
Isabl Platform, a digital biobank for processing multimodal patient data.

The widespread adoption of high throughput technologies has democratized data generation. However, data processing in accordance with best practices remains challenging and the data capital often becomes siloed. This presents an opportunity to consolidate data assets into digital biobanks—ecosystems of readily accessible, structured, and annotated datasets that can be dynamically queried and analysed. We present Isabl, a customizable plug-and-play platform for the processing of multimodal patient-centric data. Isabl's architecture consists of a relational database (Isabl DB), a command line client (Isabl CLI), a RESTful API (Isabl API) and a frontend web application (Isabl Web). Isabl supports automated deployment of user-validated pipelines across the entire data capital. A full audit trail is maintained to secure data provenance, governance and ensuring reproducibility of findings. As a digital biobank, Isabl supports continuous data utilization and automated meta analyses at scale, and serves as a catalyst for research innovation, new discoveries, and clinical translation.
Testing the viability of emotions and issue involvement as predictors of CSA response behaviors

Corporate social advocacy (CSA) has become more prominent as companies continue taking stands on politically charged social issues. This study examines emotions and issue involvement as antecedents...
The continuous eddy simulation capability of velocity and scalar probability density function equations for turbulent flows

There is a well developed spectrum of computational methods for turbulent flows: modeling methods such as Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and probability density function (PDF) methods, and resolving methods such as large eddy simulation (LES) and filtered density function (FDF) methods. However, the applicability of RANS/PDF methods is limited to flows that do not essentially require the inclusion of resolved motion, and LES/FDF methods are well applicable if resolution criteria can be satisfied [which is often infeasible for very high Reynolds number (Re) wall-bounded turbulent flows]. A highly attractive approach to overcome these problems is the design of hybrid RANS–LES methods, which can be used with varying amounts of resolved and modeled motions. However, this approach faces the problem to ensure communication and balancing of resolved and modeled motions. A well working solution to this problem was presented recently for non-homogeneous flows with respect to velocity two-equation eddy viscosity turbulence models. Exact analytical results regarding the extension of these methods to velocity and passive scalar PDF/FDF methods and their implied RANS/LES equations are presented here. The latter matters with respect to the justification of the theoretical basis of new hybrid methods (realizability) and the availability of a hierarchy of simple and advanced simulation methods (including passive scalar transport). Based on the continuous mode redistribution mechanism, the new simulation methods are capable of providing reliable predictions of very high Re turbulent flows, which cannot be accomplished by using existing techniques.
Predicting Postoperative Sagittal Plane Alignment of the Foot Using Intraoperative Simulated Weightbearing Lateral Imaging During Flatfoot Reconstructive Surgery: A Short-Term Retrospective Analysis.

ABSTRACT The sagittal plane relationship of the hindfoot and midfoot joints is a primary determinant of proper alignment in flatfoot reconstructive surgery as assessed both clinically and on postoperative weightbearing (WB) lateral radiographs. The traditional approach to intraoperative radiographic imaging allows for accurate assessment of fixation placement but only a crude evaluation of final sagittal plane alignment. Surgeons employ various methods in an attempt to load the foot during lateral imaging. Skepticism exists regarding the ability of simulated WB fluoroscopy to predict the final outcome, and evidence is lacking to support this practice. A retrospective investigation was performed assessing the correlation of Meary's angle, calcaneal inclination angle, and calcaneal-1st metatarsal angle as demonstrated on intraoperative simulated WB lateral foot imaging to 10- week postoperative full WB lateral radiographs. A consistent simulated WB imaging protocol was used with 46 consecutive cases of flatfoot reconstruction in this analysis of secular trends. The average change in Meary's angle between intraoperative simulated WB and postoperative full WB was -1.09° with 89% of cases within ±5°. The average change in calcaneal–1st metatarsal angle between intraoperative simulated WB and full WB was -2.61° with 85% of cases within ±5°. The average change in calcaneal inclination angle between intraoperative simulated WB and full WB was -2.62° with 88% of cases within ±5°. These findings confirm the clinical utility of intraoperative simulated WB lateral imaging as a useful tool in predicting the postoperative sagittal plane alignment of the midfoot and rearfoot in patients undergoing flatfoot reconstructive surgery.
Spin-Torque Oscillation Modes of a Composite Synthetic Antiferromagnetic Free Layer in Dual Magnetic Tunnel Junctions

The spin-torque oscillation modes of a composite synthetic antiferromagnetic free layer in dual magnetic tunnel junctions with MgO barriers are studied experimentally by analyzing the field- and current-dependent power spectra. Two oscillation modes are observed under different magnetic fields and currents due to the unique layer structure. With increasing field, the first mode shows a frequency reduction at low magnetic fields followed by a frequency increase at high magnetic fields, while the second mode reveals a frequency increase at both low and high magnetic fields. The current-dependent power spectra of these two modes are also different. With increasing current, the frequency of the first mode drops at low magnetic fields and rises at high magnetic fields, while the other decreases at low and high magnetic fields. These two modes could be tentatively understood by considering the exchange coupling of the synthetic antiferromagnetic free layer.
ICBCI: An Integrated Model of Group and Individual Development for Learning Facilitators

This paper outlines a conceptual proposal that integrates theories of group development, individual learning, and therapeutic growth to diagram how individuals, and the groups they are a part of, support or hinder learning. The model has implications for group facilitators’ roles and actions to maintain inter- and intra-personal balance throughout the learning process. Balance is defined as the context where productive and sustainable action is possible. The model considers five ‘modes of being’: Introduction, Conflict, Balance, Creation, and Identity (ICBCI), and four ‘balance tools’ that facilitate balanced change from one mode of being to another: Purpose, Norms, Goals, and Meaning. Further, the model identifies two modes of imbalanced expressions (rigidity and chaos) that provide behavioral hints for facilitators to utilize the balance tools to maintain sustainable learning and engagement. Finally, there is a discussion of the impacts of power and leadership within the group context on this learning process. ICBCI works in the classroom, the living room, the boardroom, and the Zoom room, and knowing its dynamic relationships empowers facilitators to maintain sustainable growth across contexts and characters.
Complex Systems and the Evolution of Computability

The evolution of complexity in nature and society can be understood as the evolution of computational systems. In the beginning of modern times, Leibniz already had the idea that the hierarchy of natural systems from stones and plants up to animals and humans corresponded to natural automata with increasing degrees of complexity (Sect. 5.1). The present theory of computability enables us to distinguish complexity classes of problems, meaning the order of corresponding functions describing the computational time of their algorithms or computational programs. But we can also consider the size of a computer program when defining the algorithmic complexity of symbolic patterns (Sect. 5.2).
Differential responses of total and active soil microbial communities to long-term experimental N deposition

The relationship between total and metabolically active soil microbial communities can provide insight into how these communities are impacted by environmental change, which may impact the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients in the future. For example, the anthropogenic release of biologically available N has dramatically increased over the last 150 years, which can alter the processes controlling C storage in terrestrial ecosystems. In a northern hardwood forest ecosystem located in Michigan, USA, nearly 20 years of experimentally increased atmospheric N deposition has reduced forest floor decay and increased soil C storage. A microbial mechanism underlies this response, as compositional changes in the soil microbial community have been concomitantly documented with these biogeochemical changes. Here, we co-extracted DNA and RNA from decaying leaf litter to determine if experimental atmospheric N deposition has lowered the diversity and altered the composition of the whole communities of bacteria and fungi (i.e., DNA-based) and well as its active members (i.e., RNA-based). In our experiment, experimental N deposition did not affect the composition, diversity, or richness of the total forest floor fungal community, but did lower the diversity (−8%), as well as altered the composition of the active fungal community. In contrast, neither the total nor active forest floor bacterial community was significantly affected by experimental N deposition. Our results suggest that future rates of atmospheric N deposition can fundamentally alter the organization of the saprotrophic soil fungal community, key mediators of C cycling in terrestrial environments.
Sensitivity of cutometer data to stratum corneum hydration level: A preliminary study.

Background/aims: The cutometer is an instrument that measures mechanical properties of skin. The NOVA dermal phase meter (DPM) measures the stratum corneum (SC) hydration level. The objectives of this study were to determine which parameters of the cutometer data curves were most sensitive to changes in SC hydration level, and to determine if lowering the skin stress applied by the cutometer would increase the instrument's sensitivity to SC hydration. Methods: In two studies, the volar forearms of ten and six subjects, respectively, were hydrated with wet paper towels for ten min. Measurements were made with the cutometer at various vacuum levels, and with the DPM. In another study, leg skin of nine subjects was hydrated by applying moisturizing lotions for 2 weeks. Measurements were made with the cutometer and DPM. Results/conclusion: Significant changes in DPM and cutometer measurements were found after hydrating skin in each study. However, only three correlations were found between cutometer data and DPM data. The lack of correlation was perhaps due to the differences in the depth into the skin which the two instruments measure. It is not clear which cutometer data parameters are generally most sensitive to hydration level, since different parameters were found to be most sensitive in each of the three studies. Finally, lowering the cutometer vacuum level generally did not increase the sensitivity of the measurements to changes in hydration levels.
MATERIALS SCIENCE: DISCIPLINES BOUND BY PRESSURE

Geologists have driven many of the recent advances in high-pressure experimentation. But understanding the properties of materials under extreme compression is also a well-developed branch of condensed-matter physics; high pressures are used in chemistry, too, to form dense crystalline materials, often with unusual coordination and valence states, or interesting electronic and magnetic properties. New extremes of pressure are now being explored with ‘designer’ diamond anvils and shock compression techniques.
Selective blue emission from an HPBO–Li+ complex in alkaline media

2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HPBO) exhibits enhanced fluorescence and specificity for Li+ compared to Na+ and K+, in an alkaline medium. The selectivity was observed in several organic solvents in the presence of bases such as pyridine, triethylamine and trimethylamine. HPBO–Li+ complex formation results in an intense blue emission readily observed by the naked eye under UV light. Spectroscopic titrations suggest that the structure of the complex is one in which two HPBO anionic ligands coordinate to one Li+, with a second Li+ as a counterion.
Functional Organization of the Visual Cortex

Publisher Summary Although the cortex is in many ways a uniform structure, different regions of cortex are devoted to very different purposes, ranging from sensory perception to motor control to higher intellectual functions. Within the sensory cortex, one finds a further spatial segregation of the modalities. The focus of this chapter is the primary visual cortex, which, though only one of a number of cortical visual areas, bears many structural similarities to all other areas of cortex. Each visual area has a functional organization that follows several rules, including retinotopic order, columnar ordering of specific receptive field features and laminar segregation of functional cell types. With regard to retinotopic order, certain areas devote more space to particular parts of the visual field more than others, and some have less rigidly organized maps than others. The distribution of the cortical afferents, the intrinsic connections of the cortex, and the pattern of connections between cortical areas are also described in this chapter.
An initial characterization of engagement in informal social learning around MIT OCW

Open Learning Support is a social software system integrated with MIT OpenCourseWare that allows users to find each other in order to ask and answer each other's questions. This paper presents a snapshot of activity within the system eighteen months after launch, utilizing descriptive statistics, social network analysis, and discourse analysis to characterize learner engagement. Future directions for the software based on this analysis are discussed.
Implementing pure adaptive search for global optimization using Markov chain sampling

The Pure Adaptive Search (PAS) algorithm for global optimization yields a sequence of points, each of which is uniformly distributed in the level set corresponding to its predecessor. This algorithm has the highly desirable property of solving a large class of global optimization problems using a number of iterations that increases at most linearly in the dimension of the problem. Unfortunately, PAS has remained of mostly theoretical interest due to the difficulty of generating, in each iteration, a point uniformly distributed in the improving feasible region. In this article, we derive a coupling equivalence between generating an approximately uniformly distributed point using Markov chain sampling, and generating an exactly uniformly distributed point with a certain probability. This result is used to characterize the complexity of a PAS-implementation as a function of (a) the number of iterations required by PAS to achieve a certain solution quality guarantee, and (b) the complexity of the sampling algorithm used. As an application, we use this equivalence to show that PAS, using the so-called Random ball walk Markov chain sampling method for generating nearly uniform points in a convex region, can be used to solve most convex programming problems in polynomial time.
Patterns of Breaks in Umbilical Cords by Different Mechanisms

Investigations of perinatal deaths often result in discrepancies between autopsy findings and witness accounts. The mechanism by which the umbilical cord is severed after delivery is a common quandary. Confirming or refuting the mother's stated method frequently has significant investigative importance; however, a surprising paucity of data currently exists to allow an objective opinion about the likely mechanism. Ninety-nine placentas with umbilical cords were examined. By random selection, each cord was severed by one of the following tools or mechanisms: knives, scissors, traction, or crush. Each break was examined and photographed, and a tissue section from the broken end examined microscopically. Differentiation of mechanism was best done grossly based on specific pattern recognition. Umbilical cords severed by blunt force have distinctly different morphology from those severed by sharp force. Even similar-appearing sharp force transections frequently have mechanism-specific distinctive patterns of injury.
A Comparative Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Southern Sea Otters that Died of Infectious Diseases and Noninfectious Causes

Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) from the California coast continue to exhibit a slower population regrowth rate than the population in Alaska. Infectious diseases have been identified as a frequent cause of death. Infectious diseases caused by varied pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and parasites were suggestive of compromised immunological health of mature animals in this population. To test the hypothesis that elevated exposure to immunotoxic contaminants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contribute to disease susceptibility via immunosuppression, we determined concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs in livers of 80 adult female sea otters that died of infectious diseases, noninfectious causes, or emaciation. Concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs in sea otter livers varied widely (10–26,800 ng/g and 81–210,000 ng/g, lipid weight, respectively). Concentrations of PBDEs in sea otters were some of the highest values reported for marine mammals so far. Although PCB concentrations in sea otters have declined during 1992–2002, the mean concentration was at the threshold at which adverse health effects are elicited. Concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs were significantly correlated, suggesting co-exposure of these contaminants in sea otters. No significant association was found between the concentrations of PBDEs and the health status of sea otters. Concentrations of PCBs were significantly higher in otters in the infectious disease category than in the noninfectious category, suggesting an association between elevated PCB concentrations and infectious diseases in Southern sea otters.
A CaO enhanced rubberized syntactic foam

Abstract In this study, a calcium oxide (CaO) enhanced rubberized syntactic foam was developed by incorporating CaO powder into a rubber latex/microballoon mixture, in order to effectively and efficiently remove the water contained in the rubber latex in a controlled manner. It was expected that an exothermic reaction between CaO and water would be generated, which would result in the removal of water from the mixture and would leave behind glass microballoons coated by a calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) reinforced rubber layer. In order to validate this idea, a new manufacturing procedure was proposed. Low velocity impact and four-point bending tests were performed on pure foam and the foam cored sandwich beams. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the existence and uniformity of the rubber coating and X-ray diffractometry was employed to validate the presence of Ca(OH) 2 . Compared with the previous results without CaO [Li G, Jones N. Development of rubberized syntactic foam. Compos Pt A: Appl Sci Manuf 2007;38:1483–92], the current foam showed a much higher residual strength with a slight reduction in impact tolerance. The SEM observation showed a uniform rubber coating on the microballoons and the X-ray diffractometry confirmed the existence of Ca(OH) 2 crystal in the rubber coating layer. In order to reveal the underlying principle for the enhancement, a micromechanical model based on the equivalent medium theorem was proposed and a finite element analysis using ANSYS was conducted. It was found that the rubber coating on the microballoons significantly reduced the stress concentration and improved the stress distribution; the presence of the Ca(OH) 2 crystals in the rubber layer further reduced the stress concentration. A compressive stress zone ahead of or in the vicinity of the crack tip in the rubberized syntactic foam helps in blunting and arresting the microcrack from propagating into macrocrack.
A balance theory of job design for stress reduction

Abstract This paper proposes a new way of conceptualizing job design and job stress based on the balance among job elements. It integrates social psychological theories of job design with job stress concepts to develop a model of job balance that addresses how organization and job design can influence worker health. The model defines how job design can improve “loading” factors on the worker by “balancing” aspects of the job which can produce stress. The implications of this model for enhancing worker health by controlling workplace stress are discussed. The model provides a holistic approach for designing workplaces that balance production and stress considerations.
Expressions for linearized perturbations in ideal-fluid cosmological models.

We present closed-form solutions of the relativistic linear perturbation equations (in synchronous gauge) that govern the evolution of inhomogeneities in homogeneous, spatially flat, ideal-fluid, cosmological models. These expressions, which are valid for irregularities on any scale, allow one to analytically interpolate between the known approximate solutions which are valid at early times and at late times.
Synthesis of linear polyesters from fluorine‐containing tertiary diols

Synthese d'une nouvelle classe de polyesters a partir de la condensation de bis(hydroxy-2 hexafluoro propyl-2)-1,3 benzene avec un chlorure de diacide aliphatique
CMOS PWM CONTROL CIRCUIT WITH PROGRAMMABLE DEAD TIME

Some types of dc–dc power converters require a control circuit to produce two pulse width modulated (PWM) signals that are 180° out of phase. In many applications, a critical element of the control circuit is the capability to program a specified amount of dead time when both PWM signals are low. This paper presents an integrated circuit implementation of a control circuit that can be programmed with digital inputs to produce variable dead times. The circuit was fabricated in 2-micron CMOS technology with a 1.7 mm × 1.7 mm die and tested to verify complete functionality. Control chips that are currently available require external capacitor/resistor combinations to produce the required dead time. A unique design of a Bi-CMOS buffer with an output current up to 1.4 A is also included, which enables the PWM circuit to directly drive the gates of power MOSFETs.
General Program Synthesis Benchmark Suite

Recent interest in the development and use of non-trivial benchmark problems for genetic programming research has highlighted the scarcity of general program synthesis (also called "traditional programming") benchmark problems. We present a suite of 29 general program synthesis benchmark problems systematically selected from sources of introductory computer science programming problems. This suite is suitable for experiments with any program synthesis system driven by input/output examples. We present results from illustrative experiments using our reference implementation of the problems in the PushGP genetic programming system. The results show that the problems in the suite vary in difficulty and can be useful for assessing the capabilities of a program synthesis system.
Configurational Excitations in Condensed Matter, and the ``Bond Lattice'' Model for the Liquid‐Glass Transition

The characteristics of glasslike transitions in supercooled liquids and plastic crystals are discussed and a nearest neighbor interaction scheme, termed the ``bond lattice'' model, is proposed to account for the thermodynamic aspects of the phenomenon. Although the excitations of the bond lattice have features in common with those of the Ising lattice, the bond lattice has a zeroth order (noncooperative) case in which the thermodynamic properties are meaningful and readily evaluated. The zeroth order expressions appear adequate to account for the configurational heat capacity of the covalent bonded liquid ZnCl2, but are clearly incapable of explaining the transition behavior of most molecular and hydrogenbonded glasses. In these cases it is believed the configurational excitations have considerable cooperative character. While the complex cooperative problem is not properly treated in this paper, we show how an ad hoc introduction of temperature‐dependent bond energies (a sort of Bragg‐Williams approximat...
The Monte Carlo simulation of neutron transmitted and scattered by disk choppers of various compositions

Abstract We consider the transmission of neutrons through disk-type neutron choppers, considering both the uncollided neutron fraction (φu) and scattered neutron fraction (φs). We have computed φu, φs, and the ratio φs/φu through plates of five different absorber materials of various thicknesses to give information for selecting optimum materials and thicknesses.
Peroxynitrite decomposition activity of iron porphyrin complexes.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-/ONOOH), a putative cytotoxin formed by combination of nitric oxide (NO•) and superoxide (HO2•) radicals, is decomposed catalytically by micromolar concentrations of water-soluble Fe(III) porphyrin complexes, including 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2‘,4‘,6‘-trimethyl-3,5-disulfonatophenyl)porphyrinatoferrate(7−), Fe(TMPS); 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4‘-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinatoiron(3−), Fe(TPPS); and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methyl-4‘-pyridyl) porphyrinatoiron(5+), Fe(TMPyP). Spectroscopic (UV−visible), kinetic (stopped-flow), and product (ion chromatography) studies reveal that the catalyzed reaction is a net isomerization of peroxynitrite to nitrate (NO3-). One-electron catalyst oxidation forms an oxoFe(IV) intermediate and nitrogen dioxide, and recombination of these species is proposed to regenerate peroxynitrite or to yield nitrate. Michaelis−Menten kinetics are maintained accordingly over an initial peroxynitrite concentration range of 40−610 μM at 5.0 μM catalyst concentrations, with Km in the r...
Long-term outcomes from the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment Study.

Background Despite the growing prevalence of prescription opioid dependence, longitudinal studies have not examined long-term treatment response. The current study examined outcomes over 42 months in the Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment Study (POATS).
Experimental Demonstration of Localized Flow Control in a Microchannel Using Induced-Charge Electroosmosis

In this paper we investigate the use of induced charged electroosmosis (ICEO) as a means of providing localized flow control within bulk pressure-driven flow. Conductive posts are positioned in a microchannel in such a way that an AC electric field can be applied across them. This AC field induces an electric double layer (EDL), leading to ICEO flow around the conductive object. A pressure gradient is applied across the length of the channel to drive a background flow past the ICEO region. The combination of AC and pressure-driven flow fields is expected to create recirculation regions around the posts which could be useful for trapping particles or focusing the flow, e.g. for lab-on-a-chip applications. Numerical models of ICEO flow were developed and used to provide guidance for the design of microfluidic devices. These numerical models were also used to explore the number, position and shape of the conducting posts to create useful flow patterns. However, this paper focuses on the fabrication of and experiments within a prototypical microdevice. The device was fabricated from silicon dioxide and conducting gold pillars positioned in the glass channel. Experimental results obtained from this device have demonstrated localized ICEO-based flow control. Specifically, wake regions devoid of particles are created behind the posts.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Antimicrobial Activity and Protease Stability of Peptides Containing Fluorinated Amino Acids

Selective fluorination of peptides results in increased chemical and thermal stability with simultaneously enhanced hydrophobicity. We demonstrate here that fluorinated derivatives of two host defense antimicrobial peptides, buforin and magainin, display moderately better protease stability while retaining, or exhibiting significantly increased bacteriostatic activity. Four fluorinated analogues in the buforin and two in the magainin series were prepared and analyzed for (1) their ability to resist hydrolytic cleavage by trypsin; (2) their antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains; and (3) their hemolytic activity. All but one fluorinated peptide (M2F5) showed retention, or significant enhancement, of antimicrobial activity. The peptides also showed modest increases in protease resistance, relative to the parent peptides. Only one of the six fluorinated peptides (BII1F2) was degraded by trypsin at a slightly faster rate than the parent peptide. Hemolytic activit...
Design of an enhanced 1 GeV electron neutrino beam

Abstract An enhanced νe beam would be useful for experiments that have been proposed to investigate the time evolution of a νe beam or to test the universality of νe and νμ interactions. We have performed detailed calculations to maximize the flux of electron neutrinos through a detector while minimizing the more copious muon neutrinos produced at 30 GeV proton accelerators. The νe beam is formed from the semi-leptonic decay modes of the neutral kaon. Muon neutrinos generated by decays of charged pions and kaons are suppressed by a dipole sweeping magnet. The νe/νμ ratio is enhanced from its usual value of ∼ 1 1000 to a value of ∼ 1 2 , albeit at a low flux. We find with this design a typical flux of 1.5 × 107νe/m2s. We find that a high magnetic field (≥ 40 kG) is essential to achieve this νe/νμ enhancement. Although the use of collimators and/or plugs inside the magnet reduces the νμ flux, the νe flux is also diminished so that there is little beneficial effect on the νe/νμ ratio. Magnetic focusing horns and quadrupole beams do not enhance the νe/νμ ratio. The accuracy of the energy dependence of the calculation, as well as the absolute normalization of the fluxes, is determined by a subsidiary calculation of the νμ yield from the magnetic horn focused beam at Brookhaven National Laboratory. This calculation is the first to our knowledge to agree well with the νμ yield as measured in the BNL seven foot bubble chamber.