cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling and simulations of new electrostatically driven, bimorph actuator for high beam steering micromirror deflection angles

There are numerous applications for micromirror arrays seen in our everyday lives. From flat screen televisions and computer monitors, found in nearly every home and office, to advanced military weapon systems and space vehicles, each application bringing with it a unique set of requirements. The microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) industry has researched many ways micromirror actuation can be accomplished and the different constraints on performance each design brings with it. This paper investigates a new “zipper” approach to electrostatically driven micromirrors with the intent of improving duel plane beam steering by coupling large deflection angles, over 30°, and a fast switching speed. To accomplish this, an extreme initial deflection is needed which can be reached using high stress bimorph beams. Currently this requires long beams and high voltage for the electrostatic pull in or slower electrothermal switching. The idea for this “zipper” approach is to stack multiple beams of a much shorter length and allow for the deflection of each beam to be added together in order to reach the required initial deflection height. This design requires much less pull-in voltage because the pull-in of one short beam will in turn reduce the height of the all subsequent beams, making it much easier to actuate. Using modeling and simulation software to characterize operations characteristics, different bimorph cantilever beam configurations are explored in order to optimize the design. These simulations show that this new “zipper” approach increases initial deflection as additional beams are added to the assembly without increasing the actuation voltage.
The effect of myometrial contractures on uterine blood flow in the pregnant sheep at 114 to 140 days' gestation measured by the 4-aminoantipyrine equilibrium diffusion technique.

Abstract Uterine blood flow, between 114 and 140 days' gestation, measured by the 4-aminoantipyrine equilibrium diffusion technique, was significantly decreased from 1359.1 ± 84.4 ml · min −1 (mean ± SE) in the absence of contractures to 1147.4 ± 71.8 ml · min −1 (mean ± SE) during a contracture (p
Management of acute odontoid fractures with single-screw anterior fixation.

Objective Accepted management strategies for odontoid fractures include external immobilization and surgical stabilization using anterior or posterior approaches. Displaced Type II fractures and rostral Type III fractures are at high risk for nonunion. Anterior fixation of odontoid fractures with a single cortical lag screw is a relatively new technique that combines rigid internal stabilization with preservation of intrinsic C1-C2 motion. We retrospectively reviewed our series of 26 consecutive patients who underwent odontoid screw fixation, to further define the safety and efficacy of the technique. Methods During a 5-year period, 26 patients presented with acute traumatic Type II odontoid fractures. Ten patients were female and 16 were male, with a mean age of 35 years. All patients underwent anterior odontoid screw fixation by the senior surgeon (RWH), within a mean of 3 days after injury. All patients were postoperatively maintained in external orthoses, for a mean of 7.2 weeks, and were monitored with serial clinical and radiographic examinations. Results With a mean follow-up period of 30 months, radiographic fusion was documented for 25 of 26 patients (96%). No complications related to the surgical approach were identified, and all patients remained in neurologically stable condition. Two complications (8%) were related to the instrumentation; one patient required external immobilization because of suboptimal screw placement, and one patient required posterior atlantoaxial arthrodesis because of inadequate fracture reduction. Conclusion Single-screw anterior odontoid fixation was associated with a relatively low complication rate and a high fusion rate in this study. We think that this should be the preferred treatment method for acute Type II odontoid fractures.
Marrow fibrosis studied by ferrokinetics

A 40-yr-old white male was admitted for evaluation of anemia. Physical examination revealed pallor and marked splenomegaly. Laboratory studies revealed Hb 7.5 g/dl, Hct 21%, WBC 19,000/cu mm, platelets 557,000/cu mm, and serum iron 225 pg/dl. Ferrokinetic studies (Fig. 1) disclosed: plasma iron disappearance t~/2 350 min; plasma iron turnover 0.25 mg/kg/day; maximum RBC incorporation 5%8% at day 5; liver>spleen>sacrum. A bone marrow biopsy revealed fibrous tissue with hypocellularity, erythroblastopenia, and tear-drop cells charasteristic of erythroid hypoplasia. Ferrokinetics testing is based on the incorporation of 59Fe into hemoglobin and subsequently into the forming erythrocytes. It provides information relating to the mechanisms of anemia and helps pinpoint a diagnosis of the hematologic disorder. Ferrokinetics study includes several indices: (1) plasma iron clearance (tl/2); (2) plasma iron turnover rate (rag/day) = [Plasma iron (mg/liter) • plasma volume (liters) • 0.693 • 1440] + Plasma iron clearance tl/2 (min); (3) maximum red blood cell incorporation of 59Fe = [(Maximum activity/ml whole blood + venous hematocrit) x Red cell mass (ml) x 100] + Total activity injected; (4) marrow:liver:spleen ratio; (5) whole body iron scan, when feasible. The performance of a ferrokinetics study requires the intravenous injection of 5-10 pCi of SgFe-ferrous citrate either directly or after incubation with 20-30 ml autologous plasma. An aliquot is kept for dose standardization. Blood samples are obtained at 0, 10, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min after injection. Blood samples are
THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY, PREGNANCY RESOLUTION, AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

We apply criminological theories of social control to explore the relationships among adolescent pregnancy, pregnancy resolution, and juvenile delinquency. While most ever-pregnant girls have especially high rates of delinquent behavior, adolescent mothers exhibit delinquency levels no higher than those of their never-pregnant peers. Unlike adolescent females who end their pregnancies through abortion, those who keep their babies experience a dramatic reduction in both smoking and marijuana use. Our results suggest that among adolescent girls, the birth of a child has a strong trajectory-modifying effect. It serves as a mechanisms of social control and substantially reduces the likelihood of delinquent behavior.
Probing the Transcription Cycle in Real-Time with 3D Superresolution Interferometry

Accurate transcription of protein-coding genes relies on the coordinated action of large, multi-protein molecular assemblies, comprised of RNA polymerase, initiation factors and (co)-activator complexes. Obtaining a dynamic view of the transcription cycle with molecular precision has remained largely out of reach of traditional bulk biochemical approaches. The recently emerged super-resolution techniques (STED/PALM etc.) allow probing nanoscale sub-cellular structures; however, isotropic real-time 3D imaging down to the molecular scale (1-5nm resolution) remains unattained.We have developed a next generation 3D fluorescence interferometer that uses the combined aperture of 2 opposed lenses and coherent superposition of excitation and emission of fluorescence, to localize individual fluorescent molecules in 3D. Our setup can achieve localization precisions of <1nm in xy and <2nm in z, well below the 10's of nanometers size of multi-protein transcription complexes. Using dsDNA as length standards, we have further demonstrated inter-molecular 3D distance measurements with nanometer accuracy.Taking advantage of the inherent capabilities of our design for simultaneous multi-color 3D imaging, we have developed a new single-molecule assay to track, in real-time, the full transcription cycle of multi-subunit RNA Polymerase (RNAP) holoenzymes. Our instrument allowed us to monitor, with nanometer accuracy and sub-second time resolution, the association of individual RNAP holoenzymes with promoter-containing DNA templates upon transcription initiation and the movement of the core enzyme as it clears the promoter and proceeds to downstream elongation. Simultaneously, we have visualized the coordination between the core RNAP and RNAP-associated initiation factors and determined (i) whether and (ii) when individual initiation factors are retained/released during the transcription cycle. Our results demonstrate that the dynamics of individual components of a large, multi-component biological complex can be visualized at the single-molecule level, in real-time, with 3D nanometer resolution.
AASHTO FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT DESIGN EQUATION STUDY

A revised flexible pavement design equation has recently been published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The revised equation contains new input parameters: resilient modulus, \IM\dR,\N to characterize subgrade support; reliability, \IR,\N to allow the designer to introduce the concept of risk analysis into the design process; and standard error, \IS\do,\N to represent variability in design input values. This paper summarizes the results of a significance study performed using the revised flexible pavement design equation. The study demonstrates the relative importance of design equation input parameters and provides insights into the relative change in required pavement structure thickness resulting from variations or errors in input parameter values. Study results show that variation in subgrade resilient modulus, \IM\dR,\N has the most pronounced effect on thickness structural number, \ISN.\N Variation in the predicted number of 18-kip equivalent single-axle loads, \IW\N\d1\d8, has a lesser effect, and variation in combined standard error, \IS\do,\N has a minimal effect on \IS\dN.\N Selection of the highest values for design reliability, \IR,\N results in significant increases in \ISn.\N
Model Systems for Dissolution of Finely Divided (Multisized) Drug Powders

Several reports have dealt with model systems for the dissolution of log‐normally distributed powders. A numerical solution is presented for the previously published Higuchi–Hiestand equations for a log‐normal particle‐size distribution. This solution was realized via an application of the System 360 Continuous System Modeling Program (CSMP). The resulting computer‐aided calculations were utilized in the comparisons between the Higuchi–Hiestand model and other existing models. These comparisons provided a basis for the development of an adaptation of the Nielsen moving sphere model for log‐normally distributed powders. The adaptation of the Nielsen equation for multisized particle systems is suggested as being potentially useful for treating experimental data where hydrodynamic effects must be considered.
The Interplay Between Self Esteem, Feeling of Inadequacy, Dependency, and Romantic Jealousy as a Function of Attachment Processes Among Turkish College Students

This study examined the interplay between the underlying dimensions of attachment and romantic jealousy within the framework of a mediational model. It was hypothesized that the dimensions of attachment would have both direct and indirect effects on romantic jealousy via dependency, self esteem, and feelings of inadequacy. Participants (N = 306) filled out a battery of questionnaires measuring attachment, jealousy, dependency, and inadequacy. The sample was composed of college students in Turkey. The proposed mediational model was tested via structural equation modeling. Findings revealed that both model of self and model of others have direct and indirect effects (via dependency and inadequacy) on jealousy.
Adhesion and mechanical properties of amorphic diamond films prepared by a laser plasma discharge source

Amorphic diamond films can be grown in an ultrahigh vacuum environment free from hydrogen with a laser plasma discharge source. This technique produces films that adhere more readily to materials for which there are important applications as protective coatings. In this work adhesion and mechanical properties of amorphic diamond films have been examined. A beam bending method has been used to measure the internal stress and a relatively low value of compressive stress was found. The dependence of stress on the laser intensities at the graphite ablation target has been studied. Analyses of these films on silicon, SiO2, ZnS, and TiAl6V4 by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry show significant interfacial layers with compositions of SiC, C0.5SiO2, C2.5ZnS, and C0.62Ti0.35Al0.05V0.02, respectively. Adhesion properties on ZnS and other substrates have also been examined for harsh environments. The mechanical properties of hardness, Young’s modulus, and stiffness have been obtained with a nanoindentation tech...
Cuando el gas pasó de moda: Valparaíso y la tecnología urbana, 1843-1863

The 1850s and 1860s saw the first major wave of technological innovation and centralization in Valparaisos city services. Experiments with new ways of organ...
Exploiting lipid-free tubing passive samplers and embryonic zebrafish to link site specific contaminant mixtures to biological responses

The Biological Response Indicator Devices Gauging Environmental Stressors (BRIDGES) bio-analytical tool was developed in response to the need for a quantitative technology for assessing the toxicity of environmentally relevant contaminant mixtures. This tool combines passive samplers with the embryonic zebrafish model. When applied in an urban river it effectively linked site specific, bioavailable contaminant mixtures to multiple biological responses. Embryonic zebrafish exposed to extracts from lipid-free passive samplers that were deployed at five locations, within and outside of the Portland Harbor Superfund Megasite, displayed different responses. Six of the eighteen biological responses observed in 941 exposed zebrafish were significantly different between sites. This demonstrates the sensitivity of the bio-analytical tool for detecting spatially distinct toxicity in aquatic systems; bridging environmental exposure to biological response.
Cops and cameras: Officer perceptions of the use of body-worn cameras in law enforcement

Abstract Purpose There has been a recent surge in the adoption of and media attention to the use of body-worn cameras in law enforcement. Despite this increase in use and media attention, there is little to no research on officer perceptions of body-worn cameras. Methods This study relies on baseline data of officer perceptions toward body-worn cameras collected from surveys administered to Orlando Police officers who are participants in a randomized experiment evaluating the impact of body-worn cameras (Taser AXON Flex) in law enforcement. Results Results suggest that police officers are, by and large, open to and supportive of the use of body-worn cameras in policing, they would feel comfortable wearing them, and that they perceive a potential for benefits of body-worn cameras in improving citizen behavior, their own behavior, and the behavior of their fellow officers. Conclusions Officers are generally supportive of body-worn cameras, and they hold perceptions that these devices can be beneficial in positively affecting relevant outcomes. Study limitations and implications are also discussed.
An efficient I/O interface for optical disks

We introduce the notion of an I/O interface for optical digital (write-once) disks, which is quite different from earlier research. The purpose of an I/O interface is to allow existing operating systems and application programs that use magnetic disks to use optical disks instead, with minimal change. We define what it means for an I/O interface to be disk-efficient. We demonstrate a practical disk- efficient I/O interface and show that its I/O performance in many cases is optimum, up to a constant factor, among all disk-efficient interfaces. The interface is most effective for applications that are not update-intensive. An additional capability is a built-in history mechanism that provides software support for accessing previous versions of records. Even if not implemented, the I/O interface can be used as a programming tool to develop efficient special purpose applications for use with optical disks.
Cyclic GMP-independent relaxation and hyperpolarization with acetylcholine in guinea-pig coronary artery

Abstract 1. The effects of acetylcholine (ACh) on membrane potential, relaxation and cyclic GMP levels were compared to the NO donor L-nitrosocysteine (Cys-NO) in segments of guinea-pig coronary artery. 2. ACh and Cys-NO produced concentration-dependent relaxations of muscles contracted with the H1 receptor agonist, 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine (AEP, 0.35 mM). The relaxation to ACh was unchanged in the presence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 350 microM) or indomethacin (3 microM). 3. Oxyhaemoglobin (HbO; 20 microM) alone or in combination with L-NMMA increased the EC50 for ACh-induced relaxation whereas relaxation with Cys-NO was almost completely abolished with HbO. 4. Scorpion venom (SV; 8.7 micrograms ml-1) increased the EC50 for relaxation with ACh but not Cys-NO. Combined L-NMMA, HbO and SV produced nearly complete abolition of ACh-induced relaxations. 5. Basal cyclic GMP levels (i.e., 20 pmol mg-1 protein) were significantly increased following addition of either ACh (190 pmol mg-1 protein) or Cys-NO (240 pmol mg-1 protein). L-NMMA significantly reduced the rise of cyclic GMP with ACh but not Cys-NO. In contrast, SV did not significantly reduce the rise in cyclic GMP produced with ACh. In the combined presence of L-NMMA and HbO neither ACh nor Cys-NO produced a significant increase in cyclic GMP levels. 6. ACh gave rise to significantly greater membrane hyperpolarization than Cys-NO both in the presence and absence of AEP. Combined L-NMMA and HbO did not reduce the amplitude of hyperpolarization with ACh.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Radiation efficiency enhancement for dipoles placed adjacent to lossy silicon substrates

Radiation efficiency of a dipole antenna is discussed when placed closely to a 0.11×0.11 λ e 2 low-resistivity (10Ω·cm) silicon wafer. The use of a small-size floating metal layer underneath the silicon wafer is proposed for efficiency improvement. The total antenna area with the silicon wafer is 0.13×0.2 λ e 2. Co- and cross-polarized radiation patterns in H and E planes are measured with the silicon wafer placed 0.003 λ e away from the dipole. Full-wave simulations reveal that placing the floating metal layer underneath the lossy silicon substrate increases the total radiated power by approximately 2×. This is validated experimentally by fabricating 3.5-GHz FR4 dipoles next to lossy silicon substrates with and without the aforementioned floating metal. Measured radiation patterns are presented for both cases and result in extracted radiation efficiencies of 72% (floating metal present) and 43% (no floating metal).
Kinematic Structure and Flux Quantities in a Convective Storm from Dual-Doppler Radar Observations

Abstract The NOAA/WPL dual-Doppler radar System has been used to determine the three-dimensional kiematic, structure of a convective storm during its decaying Stage which grew in a weakly sheared environment. The internal flow appears Similar in many respects to the Wokingham storm described by Browning and Ludlam even though the latter existed in a strongly sheared environment. Among the similar features are an upshear tilted updraft, a surface gust front, the intrusion of middle-level cool dry air, a precipitation-filled down-draft, and a vortex pattern suggestive of obstacle flow. Quantitative flux results are presented. Profiles of mass, water vapor, energy, momentum and vorticity fluxes were computed using the Doppler data and other supporting data from the National Hail Research Experiment surface network and upper air soundings.
Relationships of the purple-fringed orchids Platanthera Psycodes and P. grandiflora

The vegetative and floral differences between two frequently confused species are discussed in terms of function.Platanthera psycodes is a widespread species with flowers adapted to visits by short-tongued lepidoptera, especially skippers of the genusPolites; the pollinaria are attached to the base of the proboscis.Platanthera grandiflora is a geographically more limited species with flowers adapted to visits by longer-tongued lepidoptera; the pollinaria are probably attached to compound eyes. The species overlap geographically and phenologically. Chromosome numbers are 2n = 42 in each species. Cultivated plants of each are partially self-incompatible but produce apparently normal embryos when intercrossed. Mechanical, seasonal, ethological, and distributional differences isolate the species.Habenaria andPlatanthera are considered distinct but closely related genera.Platanthera psycodes is based upon a type at L,P. grandiflora on a type at AMES.Platanthera grandiflora andP. psycodes have affinities with three other eastern North American species characterized by tripartite, fringed, or erose labella. Species pairs within this group, based on column structure, includegrandifloraperamoena andpsycodeslacera. The column ofP. leucophaea is morphologically intermediate in form.
The brain computing machine

The author, a medical doctor, employs electrical engineering terminology to show how the brain may be likened to a digital computing machine consisting of ten billion relays called neurons. To carry the analogy further, the performance of the brain is governed by inverse feedback, subsidiary networks secure invariants, or ideas, predictive filters enable us to move toward the place where the object will be when we get there, and complicated servo-mechanisms enable us to act with facility and precision. Disorders of function are explained in terms of damage to the structure, improper voltage of the relays, and parasitic oscillations.
A comparison of tip of the tongue and sip and spit screening procedures

Abstract Sip and spit stimulus delivery is a common technique in taste research for both screening subjects and for primary data collection, but when stimulation of limited regions of the mouth is required, other stimulus delivery methods are necessary. The appropriate screening method for limited tongue area gustatory studies is unclear. For data collection the authors routinely use a closed stimulus delivery system to flow liquids over ~40 mm 2 of the anterodorsal tongue. Therefore, a tip of the tongue screening method was developed and compared to sip and spit screening. It was found that subject performance on the tip of the tongue screening task did not predict performance on the sip and spit screening task, and vice versa. Furthermore, many subjects reliably described and distinguished between low concentration sucrose, HCl, NaCl and quinine sulfate solutions restricted to the tip of the tongue.
The effects of imperial patronage on the rhetorical tradition of the Athenian second sophistic

Literary, historical, epigraphical, and archaeological evidence provides strong support for the argument that the endowment of individual sophists and cultural building programs by Roman patrons was the critical factor in sustaining the rhetorical tradition of the Athenian Second Sophistic.
Aging and everyday judgments: The impact of motivational and processing resource factors.

It has been hypothesized that reductions in cognitive resources might result in older adults engaging in less systematic processing than younger adults when making everyday judgments. In two experiments, we tested individuals aged from 24 to 89 years to examine the degree to which task-related information associated with more superficial versus complex processing differentially influenced performance. We also examined the hypothesis that motivational factors would moderate age differences in processing complexity. In both studies, there were no age differences in the use of simple versus complex processing. Increasing age was, however, associated with increasing selectivity in cognitive resource engagement.
Click control: improving mouse interaction for people with motor impairments

Camera-based mouse-replacement systems allow people with motor impairments to control the mouse pointer with head movements if they are unable to use their hands. To address the difficulties of accidental clicking and usable simulation of a real computer mouse, we developed Click Control, a tool to augment the functionality of these systems. When a user attempts to click, Click Control displays a form that allows him or her to cancel the click if it was accidental, or send different types of clicks with an easy-to-use gesture interface. Initial studies of a prototype with users with motor impairments showed that Click Control improved their mouse control experiences.
Anatomical location of the bifurcation of the sciatic nerve in the posterior thigh in infants and children: a formula derived from MRI imaging for nerve localization.

Background and Objectives Sciatic nerve block is performed at the popliteal fossa for various surgical procedures in infants and children. The aim of this study is to review magnetic resonance imaging scans in children of various ages to assess the location of the division of the nerve in the posterior thigh. Methods After Institutional Review Board approval was obtained, measurements of the bifurcation of the sciatic nerve in the posterior thigh were recorded from magnetic resonance images that were previously obtained in children of various ages. Data were recorded in a database and parametric and nonparametric statistical analysis was performed. Results Measurements were recorded from 59 patient images. Using a linear regression model, we were able to arrive at a formula for determining the point of bifurcation of the sciatic nerve at the posterior thigh. The mathematical formula derived from the linear regression equation was: Distance of the sciatic nerve division cephalad to the popliteal crease ( mm ) = 27 + 4 ⋅ age ( y ) . Conclusions We speculate that this knowledge will assist practitioners who use nerve stimulation techniques for sciatic nerve blocks in children of all ages.
Russia and the CIS in 2005: Promoting East Asian Oil Diplomacy, Containing Change in Central Asia

Oil played a big role in Russia9s Asian diplomacy as the Khodorkovsky affair led to a rearrangement of Russian oil assets and pipeline plans, with consequences for China and Japan. China and Russia held their first military exercises, reflecting their concern over the impact of the ““colored revolutions.””
Temporal properties of category recall

In two different experiments subjects were asked for an oral free-recall of 25-item word lists composed of five items from each of five different categories. Results indicated a great deal of irregularity in individual recall records, with long inter-response times (IRTs) occurring between words from different categories and short IRTs occurring between words from the same category. Results were interpreted in terms of a conception of memory as a reconstructive process in which only categories are retained, with individual words generated during the process of recall on the basis of how well their pattern of attributes matches the attribute pattern of the category.
2 × 2 monic irreducible matrix polynomials

A complex polynomial is known to be irreducible (i.e. to have no proper non-constant polynomial divisors) only if it is of first degree. Over the reals, we get irreducibles of degrees 1 and 2 only. Obviously this is not the case for a matrix valued polynomial. In this note the 2 × 2 monic-irreducibles are found, and their Jordan structure is examined. Both The real and complex cases are considered apart from linear ones, the only irreducibles over have the form (λ α) m I + p(λ)A (see below). Over we also get irreducible diagonal quadratics and irreducibles of the form .
Acrylamide gel electrophoresis of hemoglobin polypeptide chains.

Abstract A high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic system is described which allows separation of the α, β, γ, γacetyl, σ, and presumably other polypeptide chains differentiable under acidic conditions, and quantitation of all but the σ chain. The method does not require prior globin formation, is relatively rapid, requires minimal quantities of protein, and is especially adapted for use as an assay system during the purification of the minor forms of human hemoglobins.
Steroid-induced ptosis: case studies and histopathologic analysis.

The purpose of this study was to review patients who developed ptosis after subtenon's steroid injection and to study the mechanism of steroid-induced ptosis in an animal model. Part 1. Twenty-two patients with uveitis who had received posterior subtenon's triamcinolone acetonide injections were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, type of uveitis, type and number of surgeries, pre and postoperative marginal reflex distance (MRD1), and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Part 2. Study of rabbit levator muscle and aponeurosis histopathology after subtenon's triamcinolone injection was performed. Part 1. The average age was 44.6 years (range: 14 – 85 years) with a mean follow-up of 14 months. The most common causes of uveitis included uveitis after cataract extraction (five), pars planitis (three), multifocal choroiditis (three), and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (three). The average time to documented onset of ptosis was 13.9 months (range: 0–49 months). In patients who received only one steroid injection, the average time to ptosis recorded was 2.7 months (range: 0–6 months). Seventeen patients underwent ptosis repair. Part 2. No ptosis was noted in the experimental and control groups. Histopathologic analysis of levator tissues revealed no significant difference in atrophy or degree of inflammation between experimental and control groups. Ptosis following subtenon's steroid injection ranged from mild to moderate and occurred a few months after steroid injection. Prior studies of muscles and periocular tissues exposed to corticosteroids demonstrated degenerative muscle changes; our studies revealed no histopathologic changes in the levator muscle or aponeurosis.
A new approach to detect radio jamming attacks in wireless networks

For various wireless networks in adversarial environment, jamming attacks against radio channels can severely interfere with the normal network operations or even completely disrupt the network services. In this paper, we propose a new detection and defense method against hostile jamming by using dynamic radio channel allocation (RCA) technique at real-time and without relying on a large amount of data as in the existing methods. Each node independently estimates the normal value of the network throughput. By comparing the operational throughput to the normal value, an abnormal usage of the channel can be found. In this way, the jamming attacks can be detected by monitoring and analyzing the throughput. After detecting the jamming, the defense of the attack is a self-healing approach: switch the jammed channel to one of the available channels by the RCA techniques automatically. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been demonstrated by extensive simulation results.
Scheduling transactions in replicated distributed software transactional memory

Distributed software transactional memory (DTM) is an emerging, alternative concurrency control model for distributed systems that promises to alleviate the difficulties of lock-based distributed synchronization. Object replication can improve concurrency and achieve fault-tolerance in DTM, but may incur high communication overhead (in metric-space networks) to ensure one-copy serializability. We consider metric-space networks and develop a cluster-based object replication model for DTM. In this model, object replicas are distributed to clusters of nodes, where clusters are determined based on distance between nodes, to maximize locality and fault-tolerance and to minimize communication overhead. We develop a transactional scheduler for this model, called CTS. CTS enqueues live transactions and identifies some of the transactions that must be aborted in advance to enhance concurrency of the other transactions over clusters, reducing a significant number of future conflicts. Our implementation and experimental evaluation reveals that CTS improves transactional throughput over state-of-the-art replicated DTM solutions by as much as (average) 1.55 x and 1.73 x under low and high contention, respectively.
Preliminary evidence of differential relations between prefrontal cortex metabolism and sustained attention in depressed adults with bipolar disorder and healthy controls

Objectives: To assess the relations between sustained attention as assessed by the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and subgenual and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex metabolism in depressed patients with bipolar disorders and healthy controls. Design: Cross-sectional case-control design. Methods: Cerebral metabolic rates were assessed with 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose and positron emission tomography (PET) in the regions of interest defined on co-registered structural magnetic resonance images in eight medication-free, depressed bipolar disorder patients and 27 healthy control participants. PET scans were obtained in a resting state and the CPT was administered within 1 week of the PET scan. Results: Although there were no statistically significant differences in performance on the CPT or in cerebral metabolism between the two groups, our analyses revealed differential relations between the CPT and metabolism across the groups. Decreased subgenual prefrontal metabolism was associated with slower hit rate reaction time and more omission errors in the bipolar group, but not the control group. Decreased dorsolateral prefrontal metabolism in the bipolar group, but not the control group, was associated with more commission errors. Conclusions: This study extends previous neuroimaging findings of structural and functional relevance of the prefrontal region with attention to include depressed states in bipolar disorder. The results are consistent with interpretations that decreased prefrontal activity may represent failure to activate some areas of inhibitory control. Decreasing subgenual prefrontal cortex metabolism appears to relate to decreased attention whereas the decreased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex metabolism relates more to decreased inhibitory control.
Effect of Follicular Hormone on Anaphylactic Shock.

Conclusion and SummaryA comparison of the control and alpha-estradiol experiments shows that administration of follicular hormone to serum-sensitized female guinea pigs did not enhance their anaphylactic response. This rinding is in distinct contradiction to Schaefer's results.
Search for new phenomena at DO/ and CDF

Recent results from searches for new particles by the DO/ and CDF collaborations are described. The entire data samples for the running of the Fermilab Tevatron collider at s=1.8 TeV are used corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 120 and 110 pb−1 respectively. Searches for first generation leptoquarks, supersymmetric particles and a charged Higgs are presented.
Spontaneous Formation of Nanopores and Nanorings in a PS-b-PEO Block Co-Polymer

PS-b-PEO block co-polymers have been reported to form cylindrical, lamellar, gyroidic, and supramolecular architectures due to several reasons: some of the reasons include the chemical incompatibility between the lipophilic and lipophobic covalently cross-linked blocks resulting in a high Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, the annealing solvent, and the interfacial boundary conditions between the substrate and the phase separating blocks. We report here for the first time on the spontaneous formation of nanopores and nanorings in PS-b-PEO block co-polymers. The mean size and depth of the pores are about 150nm and 40nm, respectively, while the pores occur randomly placed in clusters of about 2-5 pores. The pore clusters leave behind a breath-like architecture replicated by the phase separating block co-polymer. These breath architectures, in the shape of nanorings, are formed during the initial period of phase separation and do not disappear after phase separation has been achieved, leaving behind a PS-enriched circular framework. The diameter of the nanorings is in the 200-700nm range, as measured from AFM phase and height images. This range falls within the reported size of water droplets forming breath structures on polymer films. The resulting nanoarchitectured materials could find potential applications where biocompatibility and water permeability of the PEO block within the nanopores is desirable. In addition, the slightly elevated nanorings could also provide semi-enclosed barriers that can serve as micro/nano-enclosed cell and tissue cultures.
Size Distributions of Different Orders of Kernels within the Oat Spikelet

Oat kernel size uniformity is of interest to the oat milling industry because kernel size is impor- tant in the dehulling process. Previous studies indicated that oat kernel size distributions are bimodal. In this study oat spikelets were dis- sected into primary, secondary, and tertiary kernels and kernel size distributions were deter- mined for each of these kernel orders by digi- tal image analysis. Spikelets with two kernels are the most abundant, and their primary and secondary kernels have distinctly different size distributions. These two kernel spikelets appear to be responsible for the bimodal distribution observed among oat kernels. Primary kernels from single kernel spikelets and primary, sec- ondary, and tertiary kernels from triple kernel spikelets all had different mean sizes and dis- tributions. These kernels appeared to contrib- ute to deviations from bimodal distributions. Thus, data presented provide direct defi nitive evidence that the non-Gaussian distributions observed for oat kernel sizes are derived from the combination of subpopulations from each of the different orders of kernels from within the spikelet. Sieving analysis of kernel types indicated that for the samples analyzed here, secondary kernels from two kernel spikelets and tertiary kernels from three kernel spikelets appear to contribute equally to undersized ker- nels under 2 mm in width. Thus, from a kernel size prospective, no advantage can be attrib- uted to the elimination of three kernel spikelets by selective breeding.
Screening and characterization of biopharmaceuticals by high-performance capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced native fluorescence detection.

High-performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) with laser-induced native fluorescence (LIF) detection is used to address significant problems in the quality control of biopharmaceuticals. All of the biopharmaceuticals studied can be detected at subnanomolar levels with linear dynamic ranges of at least 3 orders of magnitude. HPCE/LIF can determine impurities in "purified" biopharmaceuticals present in amounts less than 0.01% (i.e., at 4 x 10(-11) M) that of the major component. With HPCE/LIF, detection sensitivity is thus no longer a concern in the assaying of active ingredients in biopharmaceutical dosage formulations. The peptide mapping of biopharmaceuticals present at 1 x 10(-7) M (or an injected limit of detection of 60 amol) is presented. Also, kinetic information on the reaction of a recombinant enzyme-drug with its substrate present at the micromolar level has been extracted from electropherograms acquired in real-time.
Doctoral Research Training Environments (RTEs): Implications for the Teaching of Psychology:

Doctoral-level training in psychology places importance on helping students acquire facilitative research-related attitudes, skills, and interests. Training models in PhD applied psychology program...
Dc leakage currents in trichloroethylene oxides

Abstract Undoped silicon dioxide is compared to oxide in which trichloroethylene (TCE) was used during growth. The gate leakage currents in MOS transistors are examined. It is shown that a reduction in the leakage current occurs in TCE oxides. A novel measurement technique is employed to examine the gate leakage currents of the MOSFETs.
Reliability physics and probabilistic design for reliability (PDfR): Role, attributes, challenges

The recently suggested probabilistic design for reliability (PDfR) concept proceeds from the recognition that nothing is perfect, and that the difference between a highly reliable and an insufficiently robust product is “merely” in the level of the probability of its failure. The PDfR effort includes: 1) Highly focused and highly cost-effective failure oriented accelerated testing (FOAT) aimed at understanding the reliability physics underlying of the occurred or anticipated failures; 2) Simple and physically meaningful predictive modeling (PM) effort geared to a particular FOAT model and aimed at bridging the gap between the obtained FOAT information and what will supposedly take place in the field; and 3) Extensive sensitivity analysis (SA) that should be carried out, if necessary, to determine what could possibly be done to change the predicted probability of failure. The general concepts are illustrated by practical examples.
A neurovascular perspective for long-term changes after brain trauma.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects all age groups in a population and is an injury generating scientific interest not only as an acute event, but also as a complex brain disease with several underlying neurobehavioral and neuropathological characteristics. We review early and long-term alterations after juvenile and adult TBI with a focus on changes in the neurovascular unit, including neuronal interactions with glia and blood vessels at the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Post-traumatic changes in cerebral blood flow, BBB structures and function, as well as mechanistic pathways associated with brain aging and neurodegeneration are presented from clinical and experimental reports. Based on the literature, increased attention on BBB changes should be integrated in studies characterizing TBI outcome and may provide a meaningful therapeutic target to resolve detrimental post-traumatic dysfunction.
Computational ligand-based rational design: role of conformational sampling and force fields in model development

A significant number of drug discovery efforts are based on natural products or high throughput screens from which compounds showing potential therapeutic effects are identified without knowledge of the target molecule or its 3D structure. In such cases computational ligand-based drug design (LBDD) can accelerate the drug discovery processes. LBDD is a general approach to elucidate the relationship of a compound's structure and physicochemical attributes to its biological activity. The resulting structure–activity relationship (SAR) may then act as the basis for the prediction of compounds with improved biological attributes. LBDD methods range from pharmacophore models identifying essential features of ligands responsible for their activity, quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) yielding quantitative estimates of activities based on physiochemical properties, and to similarity searching, which explores compounds with similar properties as well as various combinations of the above. A number of recent LBDD approaches involve the use of multiple conformations of the ligands being studied. One of the basic components to generate multiple conformations in LBDD is molecular mechanics (MM), which apply an empirical energy function to relate conformation to energies and forces. The collection of conformations for ligands is then combined with functional data using methods ranging from regression analysis to neural networks, from which the SAR is determined. Accordingly, for effective application of LBDD for SAR determinations it is important that the compounds be accurately modelled such that the appropriate range of conformations accessible to the ligands is identified. Such accurate modelling is largely based on use of the appropriate empirical force field for the molecules being investigated and the approaches used to generate the conformations. The present chapter includes a brief overview of currently used SAR methods in LBDD followed by a more detailed presentation of issues and limitations associated with empirical energy functions and conformational sampling methods.
A new look at energy release rates for quasistatically propagating cracks in inelastic materials

A mapping technique is used to derive an integral expression for the energy release rate for a quasistatically propagating crack. The derivation does not depend on any assumptions in regard to the contitutive behavior of the material. It leads to a contour integral around the crack tip, plus an area integral over the region enclosed by this contour. Only the stress and displacement fields appear in the integrands. Although for stationary crack solutions known to the authors the area integral is not convergent, for propagating crack solutions in elastoplastic material, the integrals are convergent, and lead to zero energy release rate. This confirms conclusions by Rice from an independent point of view.
Alfred C. Redfield's Remarkable Ratios

Ecologists have individualistic perspectives on how nature works because our personal interests in nature (plants, birds, soils) subsequently become modified by our encounters with teachers, historical events, individuals, and ideas. I suspect that, upon reflection, most of us could name a dozen or so persons, courses, papers or books that have had a special influence on our career trajectories. The ESA Bulletin’s editor, through this Paper Trail series, has given us the opportunity to reflect upon particularly influential papers as a way for us to understand the intellectual fabric of our discipline. This is especially germane on the eve of ESA’s Centennial. I describe here a seminal paper that shaped my thinking which has led, in turn, to other developments in ecology.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Detection of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: Immunogens Based on Quaternary Pyrrolizidinium Salts

Polyclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were developed for the detection of retrorsine (1, 351 g/mol), monocrotaline (2, 325 g/mol), and retronecine (3, 155 g/mol) in the parts per billion (ppb) range. A set of three bifunctional linking arms (6−8) was synthesized. By N-alkylation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) retrorsine, monocrotaline, and retronecine acetonide (9), six haptens (6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2, 7.9, and 8.9) were synthesized and used to generate rabbit antisera. The resulting anti-retrorsine antiserum gave a 50% inhibition (I50) value of 0.9 ± 0.2 ppb for retrorsine with detection limits of 0.5−10 ppb. The same ELISA system also detected isatidine (4, retrorsine N-oxide) dihydrate (403 g/mol) with an I50 of 1 ppb and senecionine (5, 352 g/mol) with an I50 of 100 ppb. A second monocrotaline-based ELISA detected monocrotaline with an I50 of 36 ± 9 ppb 2 with detection limits of 5−500 ppb and shows no cross-reactivity with 1 or 5; this ELISA demonstrates the potential fo...
Profiling deployed software: assessing strategies and testing opportunities

An understanding of how software is employed in the field can yield many opportunities for quality improvements. Profiling released software can provide such an understanding. However, profiling released software is difficult due to the potentially large number of deployed sites that must be profiled, the transparency requirements at a user's site, and the remote data collection and deployment management process. Researchers have recently proposed various approaches to tap into the opportunities offered by profiling deployed systems and overcome those challenges. Initial studies have illustrated the application of these approaches and have shown their feasibility. Still, the proposed approaches, and the tradeoffs between overhead, accuracy, and potential benefits for the testing activity have been barely quantified. This paper aims to overcome those limitations. Our analysis of 1,200 user sessions on a 155 KLOC deployed system substantiates the ability of field data to support test suite improvements, assesses the efficiency of profiling techniques for released software, and the effectiveness of testing efforts that leverage profiled field data.