cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production and organization of neocortical interneurons

Inhibitory GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-ergic interneurons are a vital component of the neocortex responsible for shaping its output through a variety of inhibitions. Consisting of many flavors, interneuron subtypes are predominantly defined by their morphological, physiological, and neurochemical properties that help to determine their functional role within the neocortex. During development, these cells are born in the subpallium where they then tangentially migrate over long distances before being radially positioned to their final location in the cortical laminae. As development progresses into adolescence, these cells mature and form chemical and electrical connections with both glutamatergic excitatory neurons and other interneurons ultimately establishing the cortical network. The production, migration, and organization of these cells are determined by vast array of extrinsic and intrinsic factors that work in concert in order to assemble a proper functioning cortical inhibitory network. Failure of these cells to undergo these processes results in abnormal positioning and cortical function. In humans, this can bring about several neurological disorders including schizophrenia, epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. In this article, we will review previous literature that has revealed the framework for interneuron neurogenesis and migratory behavior as well as discuss recent findings that aim to elucidate the spatial and functional organization of interneurons within the neocortex.
Fiber Optic Vibration Sensing and Neural Networks Methods for Prediction of Composite Beam Delamination

Extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) fiber optic sensors were used to characterize delamination size and location in laminated composite bemas. Six eight-ply glass/epoxy composite beams, each 26.04 cm long and 2.33 cm wide, were fabricated with five midplane delamination sizes ranging from 1.27 cm to 6.35 cm long. The five delaminated beams as well as undamaged beams were tested for their first five modal frequencies. The modal frequencies shifted with changes of delamination size and location. The EFPI fiber optic sensors measured identical model frequencies as piezoelectric ceramic sensors. However, EFPI fiber optic sensors showed more sensitivity and better signal-to-noise ratios. Analytical classical beam theory and finite element methods validated the EFPI modal frequency measurements. A feedforward backpropagation neural network predicted the size and location of a prescribed mid-plane delamination in the composite beam using the EFPI fiber optic sensor modal frequency measurements. Modal frequency data sets from classical beam theory were used for training and testing the network. The delamination size and location predictions from the neural network had an average error of 5.9% and 4.7% respectively.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Vertical distributions of the epifauna on manganese nodules: implications for settlement and feeding

Over 65% of the sessile organisms living on manganese nodules from the tropical North Pacific belong to taxa whose abundances are related to vertical position on the nodule. The nodule surface texture and boundary layer flow environment, two factors that also vary vertically, were investigated to determine whether they could account for the observed faunal distributions. The surface texture of nodules from the tropical Pacific is generally rough and knobby at the nodule base and smooth near the summit. Twenty-five taxa, including 68% of the total individuals, were found in significantly different abundances between the rough and smooth surfaces of 34 nodules. These distributions may be due to larval responses to surface texture and can account for much of the observed vertical zonation of the fauna. Boundary layer flows over nodules were characterized from laboratory flume studies and field observations. In flows at the field site, it is expected that mean boundary shear stress and horizontal flux of particles (food or larvae) will increase from the nodule base to the summit, while particle contact rate and deposition will decrease. The observations that suspension feeders persist near the nodule summit and deposit feeders concentrate near the base suggest that vertical distributions of some taxa may be determined by adult feeding requirements. Individuals of most taxa are relatively scarce at the nodule base, indicating that their larvae are not colonizing where they accumulate passively. High abundances of matlike agglutinated foraminifers (of unknown feeding type) at the nodule summit may be due to larval responses to the relatively‘higher shear stresses. - A diverse group of epifaunal invertebrates, dominated by agglutinated foraminifers, encrusts the surface of abyssal manganese nodules (Mullineaux 1987). A variety of approaches is necessary to investigate processes structuring these epifaunal communities, since experimental work is limited by the inaccessbility of most nodule habitats. The present study compares observed distributions of epifaunal taxa to dis
Ephedrinium‐based protic chiral ionic liquids for enantiomeric recognition

We report the synthesis of a series of novel structurally related protic chiral ionic liquids (PCILs) derived from ephedrines. Enantiopure norephedrine, ephedrine, and methylephedrine were neutralized by use of fluorinated acids, bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, and bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide to afford six PCILs with protonated primary, secondary, and tertiary amines. The goal of this study is to investigate the influence of structure on both chiral recognition abilities and physicochemical properties of these closely related PCILs. The newly synthesized PCILs were characterized by use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism (CD), mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The PCILs were thermally stable up to 220°C and had glass transition temperatures between -60 and -30°C. Both enantiomers of the PCILs retained chirality throughout the synthesis as demonstrated by use of CD measurements. More interestingly, these ephedrinium PCILs displayed strong chiral recognition capabilities as evidenced by peak splitting of the chemical shift of the trifluoro group of potassium Mosher's salt by use of (19)F-NMR. In addition, these PCILs demonstrated enantiomeric recognition capabilities toward a range of structurally diverse analytes using steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy.
Antiserum to Immunoglobulin A: Inhibition of Cell-Mediated Demyelination in Tissue Culture

Lymph node cells from rats immunized with sciatic nerve in Freund's adjuvant demyelinate trigeminal ganglion cultures. Rabbit antiserum to rat immunoglobulin A blocks this cytodestructive event. The antiserum may act by combining with IgA on the lymphoid cell surface, preventing the interaction of cell-bound antibody and tissue anitigen.
On Efficient Particle Methods for Solving the Boltzmann Transport Equation in the Relaxation-Time Approximation

We present and discuss a variance-reduced stochastic particle simulation method for solving the relaxation-time model of the Boltzmann transport equation. The variance reduction, achieved by simulating only the deviation from equilibrium, results in a significant computational efficiency advantage compared to traditional stochastic particle methods in the limit of small deviation from equilibrium. More specifically, the proposed method can efficiently simulate arbitrarily small deviations from equilibrium at a computational cost that is independent of the deviation from equilibrium, which is in sharp contrast to traditional particle methods. The proposed method is developed and validated in the context of dilute gases; despite this, it is expected to directly extend to all fields (carriers) for which the relaxation-time approximation is applicable.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The effect of changes in antral pH on the basal release of gastrin.

SummaryGastrin concentrations in the blood draining the gastric antrum were measured by radioimmunoassay during changes in the antral pH. Neutralization of the antrum (raising the basal ambient pH of 3.5-5 to 7 or 8) resulted in a significant increase of antral venous gastrin concentration. Acidification of the antrum significantly lowered, but did not abolish, the basal release of gastrin.These studies demonstrated, by direct measurement of gastrin, the presence of a very sensitive feedback mechanism between antral pH and gastrin release, and that gastrin may be released by simply raising the basal antral pH to 7.
Aromatase is concentrated in the proximal pars distalis of tilapia pituitary.

Abstract Aromatase has been identified in the teleostean, avian, and mammalian pituitaries, although its cellular location(s) is not yet certain. To address this question, experiments were performed in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), a species which has been well characterized with respect to the intraglandular distribution of the different pituitary cell types. To estimate aromatase, glands were microdissected into rostral pars distalis (RPD), proximal pars distalis (PPD), and neurointermediate lobe (NIL) and organs were cultured in the presence of [3H]androstenedione for 16–24 hr. [3H]Estrogen products were isolated and quantified after ether extraction, hydrolysis with glucuronidase-sulfatase, thin-layer chromatography, and phenolic partition. Authentic estrone or estradiol-17β were produced by all pituitary regions and also by the urophyseal region of the spinal cord. Aromatase was two to five times higher in PPD than in RPD or NIL and similar to activity in adjacent hypothalamus-preoptic area (HPOA). Much lower estrogen yields were obtained in cultures of cerebellum, urophysis, and other cord regions. Since the PPD contains most of the somatotropes, these data are consistent with earlier studies implicating GH3/GH4 cell strains as an enriched enzyme source, although its presence in other cell types cannot be ruled out. The unusually high and localized aromatase in tilapia pituitary renders this species a useful model for studying the targets and functional importance of estrogen as a parahormone in the pituitary.
Density functional study on a light-harvesting carotenoid-porphyrin-C60 molecular triad

We present a study on the electronic structure of a biology-inspired molecular triad which shows promises in replicating photosynthesis process in the laboratory. The triad contains three different units—C60, porphyrin, and β-carotenoid. We present its geometrical and electronic structure, dipole moments, optical absorption spectrum, and polarizability calculated with an all-electron density functional approach. Such a study will be useful for further understanding of its photoconversion properties.
Rattan: Ecological balance in a borneo rainforest swidden

Various agricultural strategies have been tried in swidden areas of tropical rainforest. Some have focused on food production, others on cash crops. Certain strategies have disrupted the ecological balance of the rainforest, while others developed with ecological stability in mind, but rarely have food production and cash cropping been coterminous and maintained ecological stability. Rattan in tropical rainforest swidden of southeastern Borneo is an indigenous system of producing both food and a cash crop without ecological disruption.
Light-Element Impurities and their Reactions in Multicrystalline Si

Vibrational spectroscopy has been used to investigate the properties of hydrogen in multicrystalline Si (mc-Si) and its interactions with carbon impurities that can be present with high concentration. The properties of point defects containing N and O have been investigated by way of their vibrational properties and their far-infrared electronic transitions.
Anatomy of the jugular foramen: The neurosurgical perspective

The bony, neural, and vascular anatomy of the jugular foramen is described in the context of surgery for tumors that involve this region. The concept of a bipartite jugular foramen with fixed neurovascular relationships is challenged by demonstration of significant variability. Anatomic relationships as they relate to surgical technique and avoidance of complications are discussed.
Fetal Blood Calcium Response to Maternal Hypercalcemia in Guinea Pigs

Eleven guinea pigs in advanced stages of pregnancy were given infusions of calcium gluconate and calcium chloride solutions. Fetal and maternal blood samples were collected to determine the influence of acute maternal hypercalcemia on fetal blood calcium levels. The fetal plasma calcium values were not elevated. The relationship between this result and placental transfer mechanisms was discussed.
Siphonostomatoid copepods (Asterocheridae) associated with the sponge Dysidea in the Moluccas

Four new asterocherid copepods are reported from the sponge Dysidea at Pulau Gomumu, south of Obi, in the Moluccas. The copepods include: Asterocheres dysideae n. sp. (with a pointed postero-ventral process and a ventral setule on the caudal ramus); Parasterocheres cristatus, n. g., n. sp. (with a ridge on the free segment of leg 5 and ventral folds bearing spinules on the cephalosome); Phyllocheres petalus n. g., n. sp. (with a broad flattened leaf-like prosome, the second segment of the endopod of legs 1–4 with 2,2,2,2, and the third segment of the exopod of leg 1 with III,I,3); and Gomumucheres angularis n. g., n. sp. (with the second segment of the endopods of legs 1–4 with 2,2,1,1).
A preliminary investigation of sex differences and the mediational role of food thought suppression in the relationship between stress and weight cycling

Despite improvements in weight loss treatment efficacy, research demonstrates that most people are unable to maintain weight loss over time. Individuals who utilize avoidant coping methods are less successful at maintaining weight loss than those who directly cope with stressors. Thought suppression, or trying to avoid certain thoughts, could be considered cognitive avoidance. Therefore, the current study evaluated the unexplored relationship among stress, food thought suppression, and weight cycling. Overweight and obese community individuals (N=347) completed self-report measures of thought suppression, weight history, and stress. Food thought suppression fully mediated the relationship between stress and weight cycling in women and approached significance for men. Results have implications for improving weight loss maintenance and support further exploration of third wave interventions, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness, in the treatment of obesity.
Decompression and H 2 O exsolution driven crystallization and fractionation: development of a new model for low-pressure fractional crystallization in calc-alkaline magmatic systems

Magma ascent, decompression-induced H2O exsolution and crystallization is now recognized as an important process in hydrous subduction zone magmas. During the course of such a process calculations suggest that the ascent rate of a degassing and crystallizing mafic magma will be greater than crystal settling velocities. Thus, any crystals formed as a consequence of volatile exsolution will remain suspended in the magma. If the magma erupts before the percentage of suspended crystals reaches the critical crystallinity value for mafic magma (~55 vol.%) it will produce the commonly observed crystal rich island arc basalt lava. If the magma reaches its critical crystallinity before it erupts then it will stall within the crust. Extension of compaction experiments on a 55 vol.% sand-Karo syrup suspension at different temperatures (and liquid viscosities) to the likely viscosities of interstitial andesitic to dacitic liquid within such a stalled magma suggest that small amounts (up to ~10%) can be expelled on a time scale of 1–10 years. The expelled liquid can create a new intermediate to silicic body of magma that is related to the original mafic magma via fractional crystallization. The short time scale for liquid expulsion indicate that decompression-induced H2O exsolution and crystallization can be an important mechanism for fractional crystallization. Based on this assumption a general model of decompression-induced crystallization and fractionation is proposed that explains many of the compositional, mineralogical and textural features of Aleutian (and other andesites).
Radiative transfer ia the Earth's mantle

The equation governing the transfer of heat in non-opaque media is derived and reduced to a form suitable for calculation. The optical absorption coefficients of minerals are estimated to be 10 cm−1 to 30 cm−1 under surface conditions, but they rise to much higher values a t high temperatures because of an increase of electrical conductivity with temperature. Hence radiative transfer will be most effective in the outermost 600 km of the Earth; at these depths the effective thermal conductivity may be considerably increased by radiative transfer. The presence of an outermost shell having a high conductivity may increase the heat lost from the Earth in geologic time by a factor of two over previous estimates.
Global register allocation for minimizing energy consumption

Data referencing during program execution can be a significant source of energy consumption especially for data-intensive programs. In this paper, we propose an approach to minimize such energy consumption by allocating data to proper registers and memory. Through careful analysis of boundary conditions between consecutive blocks, our approach efficiently handles various control structures including branches, merges and loops, and achieves superior allocation results for the whole program. The computational cost of our approach for solving the global register allocation problem is rather low comparing with known approaches while the quality of our results is very encouraging.
A Convenient Synthesis and Resolution of R- and S- Atrolactic Acid in High Enantiomeric Purity

Abstract Although chiral atrolactic acid has been the subject of extensive studies by Prelog1 and others,2 there is no simple method to obtain either enantiomer in high purity. During the course of an investigation designed to assess the utility of chiral oxazolines3 as vehicles for asymmetric syntheses, we encountered an efficient technique to obtain either R or S atrolactic acid 4 from a single chiral precursor.
Ovarian contraction in various teleost families

Fishes from 12 species (a minimum of three fish of each species), representing nine families were examined for ovarian contraction. An ovary from each fish was removed, placed in a muscle bath and assessed for contractions using a force-displacement transducer. After at least 30 min of observation for spontaneous contractions, acetylcholine (ACh) was added to the muscle bath to assess the ovary’s capacity for contraction. At least one third of the ovaries from each species contracted spontaneously or in response to 10−5 M ACh. Mean ±s.e. frequencies of spontaneous contractions ranged from 7·5 ± 2·0 h−1 in the Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia to 380·3 ± 101·5 h−1 in the sheepshead minnow Cyprinodon variegatus. Simultaneously tested ovaries from a single white perch Morone americana contracted at rates of 31·4 and 81·9 h−1. This is consistent with independent generation of the contractile rhythm in the two ovaries. In three species (goldfish Carassius auratus, mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus and white perch), the tunica albuginea was removed from the ovary and found to be capable of independent contraction. This suggests that this membrane contributes to the observed contractions. The presence of ovarian contractions in this varied group of fish species indicates that the contractions play an important role in reproduction.
Al-to-Mg Friction Stir Welding: Effect of Material Position, Travel Speed, and Rotation Speed

Because joining dissimilar metals is often difficult by fusion joining, interest has been growing rapidly in using friction stir welding (FSW), which is considered a revolutionary solid-state welding process, as a new way to join dissimilar metals such as Al alloys to Mg alloys, Cu, and steels. Butt FSW of Al to Mg alloys has been studied frequently recently, but the basic issue of how the welding conditions affect the resultant joint strength still is not well understood. Using the widely used alloys 6061 Al and AZ31 Mg, the current study investigated the effect of the welding conditions, including the positions of Al and Mg with respect to the welding tool, the tool travel speed, and the tool rotation speed on the weld strength. Unlike previous studies, the current study (1) determined the heat input by both torque and temperature measurements during FSW, (2) used color metallography with Al, Mg, Al3Mg2, and Al12Mg17 all shown in different colors to reveal clearly the formation of intermetallic compounds and material flow in the stir zone, which are known to affect the joint strength significantly, and (3) determined the windows for travel and rotation speeds to optimize the joint strength for various material positions. The current study demonstrated clearly that the welding conditions affect the heat input, which in turn affects (1) the formation of intermetallics and even liquid and (2) material flow. Thus, the effect of welding conditions in Al-to-Mg butt FSW on the joint strength now can be explained.
Mississippi Farm to Feedlot Program 13-year summary: Effects of steer age and morbidity on feedlot performance and carcass traits1

ABSTRACT Records of steers (n = 6,392) consigned to the Mississippi Farm to Feedlot Program from 1993 to 2006 were used to assess effects of steer age and morbidity on feedlot performance and carcass traits and to describe characteristics of steers fitting certain carcass specifications by finishing net return quartile ranking. Morbidity rate, days treated, treatment cost, and mortality rate were dramatically greater (P
Cloning of decidual prolactin from rhesus macaque

Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) decidual prolactin cDNA was cloned and sequenced. The first 210 bp of the monkey sequence is not contiguous to the human pituitary prolactin transcription initiation site. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern analysis confirmed that this 5'-extended prolactin transcript is present in monkey decidua but not in pituitary. Isolation and sequencing of a partial genomic monkey prolactin clone verified the nucleotide changes found in the rhesus cDNA. Comparison of the rhesus decidual prolactin cDNA to the human pituitary cDNA revealed more than 97% homology between the two. These data indicate that monkey prolactin mRNA from the decidualized endometrium of pregnancy contains unique 5' sequence not present in pituitary prolactin mRNA, suggesting the use of an alternative start site. Thus it is likely that the decidua uses promoter and regulatory regions different from those reported for pituitary prolactin.
Insights into Fluency Instruction: Short- and Long-term Effects of Two Reading Programs.

The purpose of the study was to examine short- and long-term effects of two instructional approaches designed to improve the reading fluency of second-grade children: Fluency-Oriented Reading Instruction (or FORI; Stahl & Heubach, 2005) and a wide reading approach (Kuhn et al., 2006). By the end of second grade, children in the wide reading classrooms showed better fluency and self-concept compared to children in control classrooms. Classroom observations indicated children in FORI classrooms were more likely to be off-task than controls. However, by the end of third grade, children in both programs displayed better comprehension. We conclude that extensive and long-term focus on the oral reading of complex texts using practices that scaffold reading in second grade is beneficial for the long-term development of reading comprehension skills.
Signal decomposition method of evaluating head movement to measure induced forelimb lameness in horses trotting on a treadmill.

Summary In horses at a trot, the head moves up and down twice in one stride. In horses with unilateral forelimb lameness this movement is asymmetric. Computer-assisted kinematic analysis of vertical head movement can be used to quantify objectively lameness in horses in clinical trials. However, in mild lameness, absolute measurements of vertical head height may not be sensitive enough to detect small differences in lameness, and extraneous head movement by the horse due to curiosity, excitement or nervousness interferes with the accurate measurement of vertical head movement asymmetry. We describe a simple, signal-decompensation method of evaluating vertical head movement using a model of induced mild foot lameness in 9 horses. The technique assumes that the vertical head movement pattern can be broken down into 3 components; the vertical head movement caused by forelimb lameness (A1), the amplitude of the natural biphasic vertical head movement (A2) and extraneous head movement. Extraneous head movement is mathematically removed from the vertical head movement pat tern. A1 and A2 are then calculated. After induction of lameness, mean A1 increased by 1.63 cm (range 0.10–3.33 cm, P = 0.005). Mean A2 did not significantly change after lameness induction. Error in reproduction of the original head movement pattern was 0.3–0.5%. We calculated that a hypothetical clinical trial would require 12 subjects for testing to be 80% certain that this difference would be successfully detected using this method of lameness evaluation.
Benjamin Leigh Smith's first Arctic expedition: Svalbard, 1871

In 1873, the British explorer Benjamin Leigh Smith concluded the private oceanographic and geographical explorations in the seas around Svalbard that he had begun in 1871 and continued in 1872. The logistics of the 1873 expedition, however, were far more complicated than those of the first two voyages. Rather than using a single ship as he had done with the sailing vessel Samson the previous summers, Leigh Smith chartered James Lamont's Arctic steamer Diana and employed Samson as a reserve supply tender. With the added supplies Samson afforded, Leigh Smith planned to round the northeast limit of Svalbard, which he had discovered in 1871, and survey Kong Karls Land. Among those invited to join to expedition was a twenty-three-year-old member of the Royal Engineers, Lieutenant Herbert C. Chermside, who would visit the Arctic for the first and last time in a long life of military service. It was to Chermside that Leigh Smith entrusted the keeping of the expedition's logbooks. These three unpublished journals, along with a log kept by Samson's captain, William Walker, provide details of an expedition that, while it failed in its primary objective to round Nordaustlandet, did succeed in relieving Adolf Erik Nordenskiold's Swedish polar expedition beset near Mosselbukta. It also maintained an array of contacts with whalers and sealers, for example the Peterhead whaler David Gray and the Norwegian skipper Frederick Christian Mack, regarding local conditions around Svalbard. At Augustabukta, Chermside's observations of uplifted skeletons of remotely harvested whales give estimated death ranges of between 1569–1691 and 1764–1807. The expedition would end with a major island in Svalbard being named for Chermside.
Nonintrusive Pressure Measurements with Laser-Induced Iodine Fluorescence

Laser-induced fluorescence from iodine molecules seeded into a flowfield is shown to provide the capability for the nonintrusive measurement of pressure with both spatial and temporal resolution. It is shown theoretically that, in the limit of high pressure, fluorescence from iodine, excited at linecenter by a tunable, narrow-band­ width laser, is inversely proportional to pressure and insensitive to other flowfield variables. The high­ pressure limit is shown to apply for pressures greater than about 150 Torr in an iodine-seeded flowfield. Data col­ lected in a static cell and in an underexpanded-jet flow­ field verify the theoretical prediction. A photographic negative is shown to record two-dimensional pressure distributions directly when exposed by fluorescence from a sheet of laser radiation. Iodine transitions which are optimum for pressure measurement and accessible with a tunable dye laser are identified. The effect of fluid velocity on the linecenter fluorescence signal is evalu­ ated. Preliminary measurements in a non-steady flow demonstrate that the technique can be used to resolve pressure fluctuations on the order of 1% at frequencies up to a few kHz with good spatial resolution.
Assessing Wireless Network Dependability through Knowledge Extraction via Decision Trees

Critical infrastructures such as wireless network systems demand dependability. Dependability attributes reported here include availability, reliability, maintainability and survivability (ARMS). This research uses computer simulation and knowledge extraction to introduce a new approach to measure dependability of wireless networks. Earlier research has used computer simulation for estimating wireless network dependability. This work introduces a new methodology which uses discrete time event simulation in-put/output to train an artificial neural network and then extract knowledge via decision trees. A comparison of decision tree extraction technique results are discussed, including those from neural (TREPAN) and non neural networks (C4.5). Significant insights are gained into increasing wireless infrastructure dependability through such knowledge extraction techniques; however the neural approach is superior from a parsimonious and comprehensibility perspective.
GoCast: gossip-enhanced overlay multicast for fast and dependable group communication

We study dependable group communication for large-scale and delay-sensitive mission critical applications. The goal is to design a protocol that imposes low loads on bottleneck network links and provides both stable throughput and fast delivery of multicast messages even in the presence of frequent node and link failures. To this end, we propose our GoCast protocol. GoCast builds a resilient overlay network that is proximity aware and has balanced node degrees. Multicast messages propagate rapidly through an efficient tree embedded in the overlay. In the background, nodes exchange message summaries (gossips) with their overlay neighbors and pick up missing messages due to disruptions in the tree-based multicast. Our simulation based on real Internet data shows that, compared with a traditional gossip-based multicast protocol, GoCast can reduce the delivery delay of multicast messages by a factor of 8.9 when no node fails or a factor of 2.3 when 20% nodes fail.
An M/M/1 queue with delayed feedback

We present some results for M/M/1 queues with finite capacities with delayed feedback. The delay in the feedback to an M/M/1 queue is modelled as another M-server queue with a finite capacity. The steady state probabilities for the two dimensional Markov process {N(t), M(t)} are solved when N(t) = queue length at server 1 at t and M(t) = queue length at server 2 at t. It is shown that a matrix operation can be performed to obtain the steady state probabilities. The eigenvalues of the operator and its eigenvectors are found. The problem is solved by fitting boundary conditions to the general solution and by normalizing. A sample problem is run to show that the solution methods can be programmed and meaningful results obtained numerically.
Design of continuous and quantized amplitude holograms by generalized projections

The method of generalized projections is used to design pure-amplitude diffraction holograms that generate gray-scale images. Two algorithms are presented: the direct method nonlinearly constrains the hologram transmittance to the range of real values in [0, 1]; the indirect method constrains the transmittance values to the real axis and linearly transforms the resulting values to the range [0, 1]. Digital amplitude holograms were simulated by quantizing the amplitude holograms resulting from the indirect method. Performance is demonstrated with objective measures (error, efficiency, and variance) as well as with subjective comparison of images. Test images included a photographic quality image of Lena, a uniform intensity spot array, and a binary amplitude block text image.
Manufacturability issues related to transient thermal annealing of titanium silicide films in a rapid thermal processor

Transient thermal annealing of sputtered titanium films in a rapid thermal processor (RTP) is critically evaluated from the viewpoint of manufacturability-related considerations. In particular, the thin-film properties of the resulting titanium silicide on polysilicon and silicon, process uniformity, and unit step wafer yield of high-density scaled device structures are investigated. The experimental results suggest that RTP silicides show good thin-film properties for manufacturability on planar wafer surfaces. Transient thermal gradients in an RTP system are shown to cause substantial variations in the electrical and structural properties of TiSi/sub x/ films formed on silicon substrates with varying substrate thicknesses. Closed-loop temperature control in an RTP reactor provided stoichiometrically identical TiSi/sub x/ films with negligible substrate thickness dependence. The experimental results also suggest that careful wafer surface temperature control is needed when forming titanium silicide films on nonplanar silicon surfaces, silicon trenches, and process monitor wafers without predetermined wafer thicknesses. >
Planning Temporary Hoists for Building Construction

An effective plan of temporary hoists is important in building construction that demands much vertical transportation of resources during the construction phase. Almost every trade of building project relies on hoists to move personnel, materials, and equipment in vertical direction. Thus, the availability of such equipment inevitably influences performance of each trade. Despite its significant roles and functions in building construction, it is challenging to develop an effective plan for the procurement, install, and operation of the equipment. One needs to deal with many decision variables and information associated with decision-making with regard to the selection, erection, operation, and maintenance of hoists. Understanding such significance and difficulties, the present research initiative intends to develop a method that can support decision-making process of planning hoists for building construction. This paper reports the results of the first phase of the present research.
Effects of snow crystal shape on the scattering of passive microwave radiation

A discrete dipole scattering model is used to measure the passive microwave radiation scattered by snow particles having different shapes and sizes. The model results demonstrate that the shape of the snow crystal is insignificant in scattering microwave energy in the 37-GHz region of the spectrum.
Does metatarsal/femur ratio predict maximal running speed in cursorial mammals?

We tested the hypothesis that hind limb proportions may be used to predict locomotor performance in a sample of 49 species of primarily cursorial mamals. Data on maximal sprint running speeds taken from published sources were related to measurements of hind limb lengths. To control for statistical complications due to the hierarchical nature of phylogenetic relationships, we used Felsenstein's (1985) independent contrasts method for analysing comparative data, and a composite phylogeny for all 49 species, based on a variety of published sources. The independent contrasts method indicates that maximal running speed does not covary significantly with body mass for this sample of mammals (mass range= 2.5–2,000 kg). Even though quality of the available speed data is highly variable, both metatarsal/femur ratio—the traditional index of ‘cursoriality’ in mammals—and hind limb length (corrected for body size) are significant predictors of maximal running speed. When only fully curorial species are included in the analyses (n = 32), hind limb length still significantly predicts speed (r2= 16%), but MT/F ratio does not. Although ungulates tend to have larger MT/F ratios than do Carnivora, they are not generally faster; relatonships between speed and limb proportions within the two clades show no significant differences. These and previous results suggest that hind limb proportions and maximal running speed may not have evolved in a tightly coupled fashion. Prediction of locomotor performance of extinct forms, based solely on their limb proportions, should be undertaken with caution.
Opportunities in radar-2002

This paper addresses some of the potential opportunities for achieving advances in radar systems and technology. It is not a summary of current interests in radar, nor is it a forecast of what 'will be', but is speculation about what 'could be' based on the limited experiences and personal biases of the writer. Included are the replacement of existing radars that have been in use for some time, 'on-the-shelf' concepts and demonstrated technology that have yet to be employed, a few new directions that might offer capabilities that do not currently exist, and areas of basic technology that could be further explored to provide new understanding and new capabilities. Although much is included in the paper, it is not meant to be an exhaustive enumeration of the many possible directions for future radar.
Calcium‐sensing receptor stimulates secretion of an interferon‐γ‐induced monokine (CXCL10) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐3 in immortalized GnRH neurons

Biology of GnRH neurons is critically dependent on extracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(2+) (o)). We evaluated differences in gene expression patterns with low and high Ca(2+) (o) in an immortalized GnRH neuron line, GT1-7 cells. Mouse global oligonucleotide microarray was used to evaluate transcriptional differences among the genes regulated by elevated Ca(2+) (o). Our result identified two interferon-gamma (IFNgamma)-inducible chemokines, CXCL9 and CXCL10, and a beta chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 (MCP-3/CCL7), being up-regulated in GT1-7 cells treated with high Ca(2+) (o) (3.0 mM) compared with low Ca(2+) (o) (0.5 mM). Up-regulation of these mRNAs by elevated Ca(2+) (o) was confirmed by quantitative PCR. Elevated Ca(2+) (o) stimulated secretion of CXCL10 and MCP-3 but not CXCL9 in GT1-7 cells, and this effect was mediated by an extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) as the dominant negative CaR attenuated secretion of CXCL10 and MCP-3. CXCL10 and MCP-3 were localized in mouse GnRH neurons in the preoptic hypothalamus. Suppression of K(+) channels (BK channels) with 25 nM charybdotoxin inhibited high-Ca(2+) (o)-stimulated CXCL10 release. Accordingly, CaR activation by a specific CaR agonist, NPS-467, resulted in the activation of a Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel in these cells. CaR-mediated MCP-3 secretion involves the PI3 kinase pathway in GT1-7 cells. MCP-3 stimulated chemotaxis of astrocytes treated with transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta). With TGFbeta-treated astrocytes, we next observed that conditioned medium from GT1-7 cells treated with high Ca(2+) promoted chemotaxis of astrocytes, and this effect was attenuated by a neutralizing antibody to MCP-3. These results implicate CaR as an important regulator of GnRH neuron function in vivo by stimulating secretion of heretofore unsuspected cytokines, i.e., CXCL10 and MCP-3.
The re-tooled mind: how culture re-engineers cognition

One of the main goals of cognitive science is to discover the underlying principles that characterize human cognition, but this enterprise is complicated by culturally-driven variability. While much fruitful work has focused on how culture influences the contents of cognition, here I argue that culture can in addition exercise a profound effect on the how of cognition-the mechanisms by which cognitive tasks get done. I argue that much of the fundamental processes of daily cognitive activity involve the operation of cognitive tools that are not genetically determined but instead are invented and culturally transmitted. Further, these cognitive inventions become 'firmware', consituting a re-engineering of the individual's cognitive architecture. That is, ontogenetic experience from one's cultural context serves to re-tool the developing mind into a variety of disparate cognitive phenotypes. Drawing on several mutually isolated literatures, I advance four claims to the effect that cognitive tools (i) are ubitquitous in everyday cognition, (ii) result in reorganization of the neural system, (iii) are founded in embodied representations and (iv) were made possible by the evolution of an unprecedented degree of voluntary control over the body. I conclude by discussing the implications for the agenda of cognitive science.
Biological variation of thromboelastrography variables in 10 clinically healthy horses.

Objective To assess the utility of population-based reference intervals (PRIs) for interpreting thromboelastography (TEG) variables in horses using biological variation data. Design Prospective cohort biologic variation study conducted over a 5-week period. Setting Veterinary teaching hospital and research facility. Animals Ten clinically healthy horses randomly selected from a veterinary school research and teaching herd. Interventions Horse health was determined using physical examination, CBC, and biochemical and coagulation profiles prior to the start of the study. Subsequently, once weekly blood sampling for TEG testing was performed for 5 weeks. Measurements and Main Results The 4 TEG variables reaction time (R), clot formation time (K), angle, and maximum amplitude (MA) were measured, and coefficient of variation representing within- and between-horse biological variation (CVi and CVg, respectively) and coefficient of variation representing analytical variation (CVa) were calculated using a nested ANOVA after removing outlier data. The CVi, CVg, and CVa for R were 26.8%, 5.2%, and 5.9%; for K were 31.0%, 0.0%, and 5.9%; for angle were 9.4%, 6.2%, and 21.7%; and for MA were 3.4%, 4.1%, and 4.4%, respectively. Index of individuality (IOI) was then calculated for each variable using the formula IOI for R was 5.3, for angle was 3.8, and for MA was 1.4; IOI was not assessed for K. Conclusions PRIs are appropriate for TEG variables, R, angle, and MA when interpreting results from individual horses based on calculated IOI values equal to or greater than 1.4. PRIs are likely appropriate when interpreting K, but IOI could not be calculated for this variable.
Bad Marriage, Broken Heart? Age and Gender Differences in the Link between Marital Quality and Cardiovascular Risks among Older Adults

Working from a life course perspective, we develop hypotheses about age and gender differences in the link between marital quality and cardiovascular risk and test them using data from the first two waves of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. The analytic sample includes 459 married women and 739 married men (aged 57-85 in the first wave) who were interviewed in both waves. We apply Heckman-type corrections for selection bias due to mortality and marriage. Cardiovascular risk is measured as hypertension, rapid heart rate, C-reactive protein, and general cardiovascular events. Results suggest that changes in marital quality and cardiovascular risk are more closely related for older married people than for their younger counterparts and that the link between marital quality and cardiovascular risk is more pronounced among women than among men at older ages. These findings fit with the gendered life course perspective and cumulative disadvantage framework.
The molecular organization of the human ribosomal gene

One of the attractive features of ribosomal genes is that they can be analyzed at both a cytological and a molecular level. Cytologically the ribosomal genes can be demonstrated by in situ hybridization. In metaphase the appear as the 1–5 micron stalks on the short arm of the acrocentric chromosomes. In interphase cells they appear as fibrillar centers measuring 0.5 to 5 microns in diameter (Stahl 1980). The association of the acrocentric chromosomes in nucleoli and at metaphase is well known. There is also a tendency for chromosomal recombination between the short arms of the acrocentric chromosomes which often results in the loss of ribosomal genes. The ribosomal genes are located on the short arm of the acrocentric chromosomes between the distal fluorescent chromatin and the centromeric alphoid heterochromatin. The appearance of this region is highly variable and serves as a marker for nondisjunction (Magenis and Chamberlin 1981).
A hierarchical demand-response algorithm for optimal vehicle-to-grid coordination

We propose an algorithm to deal with the problem of decentralized coordination of charging/discharging of a large population of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). We introduce a framework in which the power grid is modeled as an undirected rooted tree. The root of the tree represents the generation/transmission side of the system and the leaves represent PEVs. Intermediate nodes represent congestible elements on the distribution side (e.g., transformers), which have a bound on the demand they can attend. In the proposed algorithm, the root generates a control signal based on the price per unit of power according to the demand for each time. Intermediate nodes modify the control signal according to the difference between the demand they take care of, and its capacity upper bound. PEVs update their charging/discharging strategies according to this pricing signal. Simulations demonstrate the algorithm performance for a particular example.
System-level requirements of DC-DC converters for dynamic power supplies of power amplifiers

The energy efficiency of battery-operated portable applications can be improved by increasing the efficiency of power amplifiers (PAs). By dynamically changing the supply voltage from the fixed battery supply using a DC-DC converter, the PA can be operated with high efficiency during power back-off. This paper presents the system level requirements for a buck converter and other blocks in a dynamic power supply scheme for PA. Simulation results for the effects of ripple in the power supply of the PA and delay mismatch using behavioral models of constituent blocks and circuit-level PA have been presented.
A Broad but Restricted Requirement for TAF-5 (Human TAFII100) for Embryonic Transcription inCaenorhabditis elegans

As conserved components of the transcription factor (TF) IID- and TFTC/SAGA-related complexes, TATA-binding protein-associated factors (TAF(II)s) are important for eukaryotic mRNA transcription. In yeast, genetic analyses suggest that, although some individual TAF(II)s are required for transcription of most genes, others have highly specialized functions. Much less is known about the functions of TAF(II)s in metazoans, which have more complex genomes that include many tissue-specific genes. TAF-5 (human (h) TAF(II)100) is of particular interest because it is predicted to have an important structural role. Here we describe the first genetics-based analysis of TAF-5 in a metazoan. By performing RNA interference in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, which can survive for several cell generations without transcription, we found that taf-5 is important for a significant fraction of transcription. However, TAF-5 is apparently not essential for the expression of multiple developmental and other metazoan-specific genes. This phenotype remarkably resembles the previously described effects of similarly depleting two C. elegans histone fold TAF(II)s, TAF-9 (hTAF(II)31/32) and TAF-10 (hTAF(II)30), but is distinct from the widespread transcription block caused by TAF-4 (hTAF(II)130) depletion. Our findings suggest that TAF-5, TAF-9, and TAF-10 are part of a functional module of TFIID- and TFTC/SAGA-related complexes that can be bypassed in many metazoan-specific genes.