cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface reconstruction using robust backpropagation

Conventional surface reconstruction methods often either require segmenting data into regions corresponding to piecewise smooth surface patches prior to reconstruction, or have difficulties in preserving discontinuities as well as removing severe noise effects such as outliers. The authors propose a new surface reconstruction method using multilayer feedforward neural networks. The parametric form represented by multilayer neural networks can model piecewise smooth surfaces in a way that is more general and flexible than many of the classical methods. The new approximation method is based upon a robust backpropagation (BP) algorithm, which is resistant to the noise effects and is capable of rejecting gross errors during the approximation process. The spirit of this algorithm comes from the pioneering work in robust statistics by Huber and Hampel. The authors' work is different from that of M-estimators in two aspects: (1) the shape of the objective function changes with the iteration time. (2) The parametric form of the functional approximator is no longer linear. In contrast to the conventional BP algorithm, three advantages of the robust BP algorithm are: (1) it approximates an underlying mapping rather than interpolating training samples; (2) it is robust against gross errors; and (3) its rate of convergence is improved since the influence of incorrect samples is gracefully suppressed. >
Master Class: Making Contact

Commentary and analysis of the ability of defense counsel to communicate with class members during Rule 23 class action litigation. In particular, the article deals with the question whether defense counsel may survey class members about their interests in joining a proposed class action, or to compile lists of grievances to present to the court during class certification proceedings. May defense counsel communicate with potential class members to solicit additional people to join a class? May defense counsel contact absent class members to survey their lack of interest in pursuing relief, or to inform these prospective class members of the defendant’s view of the situation? Are absent class members clients of the class counsel? Exactly what is the scope of communications that attorneys may have with absent class members, and when? The subject of permissible contacts with absent class members is one of the murkier and unsettled areas of class action jurisprudence. This article surveys various federal and state court decisions that have grappled with these questions concerning the permissible scope of defense communications with class members both before and after class certification, and decisions permitting and forbidding such communications.
A New Shot Boundary Detection Algorithm

Shot is often used as basic unit for both analyzing and indexing video. In this paper, we present an algorithm for automatic shot detection. In our algorithm, we use a 'flash model' and a 'cut model' to deal with the false detection due to flashing lights. A technique for determining the threshold that uses the local window based method combined with reliability verify process is also developed. The experimental results of our method are very promising, improving the performance of shot detection.
Motorola's first DCA product: the Gold Line Pen Pager

The Gold Line Pen Pager is the first Motorola product to use the Direct Chip Attachment (DCA) process for placing and packaging its microprocessor, an integrated circuit chip (IC). Motorola's Gold Line Pen Pager began shipping March 1995. However, several specific challenges had to be overcome to achieve ship acceptance. Motorola fulfilled its first major challenge when the DCA Pen Module passed reliability requirements. One major issue arose during biased temperature and humidity qualification testing. A vendor's DCA solder bump fluxing process caused solder pad corrosion problems. The corrosion issue was corrected by changing the vendor's DCA site reflow process. Motorola solved DCA IC light sensitivity by protecting the DCA IC from stimulating light. Broken waffle packer separation needles initiated DCA IC cracks. The broken separation needles were replaced. A periodic IC backside inspection procedure was then implemented to monitor the waffle packing process. Inadequate vendor testing permitted several bad DCA Printed Wire Boards (PWBs) to be marked good. The vendor began a DCA site electrical opens test and improved their visual DCA solder bump inspection process to address the testing problems. Motorola confirmed DCA production readiness when the Gold Line Pen Pager achieved ship acceptance in February 1995. This paper summarizes solutions to the issues that arose during the implementation of the DCA IC package on the Gold Line Pen Pager.
Evaluating the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Materials at Room and Elevated Temperatures

A series of tensile, compression and shear tests in room temperature were carried out on carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite materials (IM7/PEEKEK) to evaluate their mechanical properties. Also tensile tests at 160 degrees Fahrenheit (72 degrees Celsius) in longitudinal and transverse directions were done to study the effects of such temperature on the tensile strength of the mentioned composite materials. The setup of the testing equipment and the furnace that was used to provide elevated temperature conditions limited the possibility of conducting compressive and shear tests at high temperature as well as raising the temperature to higher levels. The experiments were set up in accordance with ASTM standards that best corresponded to the test specifications. Specimens were categorized into groups according to their nature of testing. All the specimens were reinforced at both ends by means of tabs which were bonded on both faces to reduce the effects of the external pressure exerted on them through the grips of the testing machines and were tested until failure. Load, elongation (displacement) and strain data were recorded by means of strain gages and data acquisition systems.The accuracy of the experimental data for the room temperature portion of the experiments is verified by comparing them to those of the most equivalent composite family, as having not been given any information regarding the structural properties and manufacturing processes of the composite materials that were used throughout the experiments made it difficult to find exact ASTM standards and reference materials for the testing and comparison of results.The results of the experiments showed that the tensile strength of this particular composite material is not effected by the 160 degrees Fahrenheit temperature; a point that is proved by the literature indicating their specific and sensitive application in aircraft heat dissipation [1].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Room-temperature deformation of single-crystal B2 Fe-Al alloys. The effect of stoichiometry and cooling rate

Abstract The slip behaviour of B2 Fe-Al single crystals has been examined. Fe-rich variations in stoichiometry have resulted in large decreases in the critical resolved shear stress for {110} slip. This decrease has been related to the associated decrease in antiphase-boundary energy from compositional disordering. Quenching has resulted in dramatic increases in strength for both stoichiometric and Fe-rich single crystals. This effect, which occurs without passing through an order-disorder transition, has been attributed to quenching-in of large concentrations of thermal vacancies which act to pin slip dislocations.
Effects of early diabetes on uridine diphosphosugar synthesis in the rat renal cortex.

The altered metabolism of renal structural glycoproteins in insulin-dependent diabetes leads to the continuing accumulation of basement membrane-like material. This abnormality is evidenced by progressive thickening of the glomerular and tubular basement membrane (BM) and deposition of BM-like material in the glomerular mesangium [1, 2]. Contrary to previous prevailing belief, the abnormal metabolism of renal BM glycoproteins is an early event in diabetes. Glomerular BM mass is significantly increased 4 days after the induction of diabetes in rats [3]. Since glomerular BM has a turnover of 23 to 100 days [4], increased synthesis, rather than decreased breakdown, is a more likely explanation for the rapid accumulation of BM. In support of this concept, studies of aminoacid incorporation into glomerular BM in vivo have demonstrated an accelerated rate of polypeptide synthesis and proline hydroxylation after 9 days of diabetes [5]. Additional evidence for the increased synthesis of renal BM glycoproteins is derived from studies of the specific glycosyltransferases involved in the postribosomal glycosylation of newly formed BM peptides. The activity of collagen glucosyltransferase, the enzyme attaching glucose to hydroxylysine-linked galactose, is increased in the renal cortex of alloxan-induced or spontaneously diabetic animals [6–8].
Of Rebates and Drawbacks: The Standard Oil (N.J.) Company and the Railroads

Standard Oil formed the South Improvement Company in the fall of 1871, supposedly to negotiate “secret” discounts on published railroad tariffs and place independent refiners at a transportation cost disadvantage. We argue that discriminatory railway rates were common both before and after Standard Oil’s founding in 1870, played little or no part in its rise to prominence and were not necessarily even illegal. Rebates and drawbacks were in fact ways of sharing the efficiency gains that flowed from the dependable high-volume rail traffic Rockefeller was able to guarantee as well as from other investments that he undertook that lowered the railroads’ costs.
Imposing International Norms: Great Powers and Norm Enforcement†

What role does force play in changing international norms and who is it used against? This essay argues that when great powers seek to promote new norms, they will coerce the weak; persuasion is saved for the strong. The interaction of two factors—the standing of the target state in the international society of states and its power relative to the norm-promoting great power—helps explain the use, or nonuse, of force by great powers seeking to promote norms. The cases of the slave trade, piracy, and state sponsorship of terrorism are examined to evaluate how the attributes of norm-violating states affect the likelihood that great powers will intervene to encourage states to adopt new norms. Power appears to be the best defense against being targeted by a great power seeking to promote norm change, but good standing in the international society of states is an important deterrent against intervention.
Religious / Spiritual: Differences in Substance or Style? (Ser “Religioso/a” ou “Espiritualizado/a”: Diferenças Essenciais ou de Estilo?) - DOI: 10.5752/P.2175-5841.2012v10n28p1280

Enquanto estudiosos debatem os termos “espiritualizado/a” e “religioso/a”, surgem no cenario pessoas que prontamente se auto-identificam como sendo “espiritualizadas mas nao religiosos/as” (SNR) ou “religiosas mas nao espiritualizadas” (RNS) ou ainda como sendo, simultaneamente, “espiritualizadas e religiosas” (BSR), ou entao, “nem espiritualizadas nem religiosas (NONE). Este estudo investigou como estas categorias auto identificatorias relacionam-se a essencia e estilo das oracoes das pessoas e outras caracteristicas com base em crencas religiosas. Participantes (N = 103) responderam a uma pesquisa via internet. RNS e SNR nao apresentaram respondentes suficientes para uma analise. Nao houve distincao entre os BSR e SNR em relacao a essencia de suas oracoes e percepcoes de Deus como amor ou controle. Igualmente, os dois grupos valorizaram suas posicoes de fe para se auto-identificarem. BSR relataram maior proximidade de Deus. Os respondentes das categorias BSR e SNR foram significativamente diferentes em muitas caracteristicas relacionadas aos estilos (por exemplo, frequencia aos cultos; frequencia e duracao da oracao; idade da primeira oracao). Estes dois grupos foram semelhantes em suas preferencias pela pratica da oracao a sos. Tais resultados sugerem que as diferencas que designam as categorias “espiritualizado/a” e/ou “religioso/a” podem ter mais a ver com o estilo do que a essencia do sistema de fe abracado.Key words: Religioso/a. Espiritualizado/a. Oracao. Essencia. Estilo.AbstractWhile scholars debate the terms “spiritual” and “religious,” people readily self-identify as “spiritual not religious (SNR),” “religious not spiritual (RNS),” “both spiritual and religious (BSR),” or “neither spiritual nor religious (NONE).” This study investigated how these self labels related to the substance and style of people’s prayers and other faith-based features. Respondents (N = 103) completed an internet survey. RNS and NSR did not have enough respondents for analysis. BSR and SNR groups were indistinguishable with regard to the substance of their prayers and perceptions of God as loving or controlling. Likewise the two groups equally valued their faith positions as important for self-identity. BSR reported greater nearness to God. BSR and SNR respondents were significantly different on many style related characteristics (e.g., attendance at formal services; frequency and duration of prayer; age at first prayer). They were similar in their preferences for praying alone. These results suggest that the differences between claiming the designation of “religious” and / or “spiritual” may have more to do with the style than the substance of the faith system embraced.Palavras-chave: Religious. Spiritual. Prayer. Substance. Style.
Cellular Levels of trp RNA-Binding Attenuation Protein in Bacillus subtilis

Expression of the Bacillus subtilis trp genes is negatively regulated by an 11-subunit trp RNA-binding attenuation protein (TRAP), which is activated to bind RNA by binding l-tryptophan. We used Western blotting to estimate that there are 200 to 400 TRAP 11-mer molecules per cell in cells grown in either minimal or rich medium.
Experimental delayed-onset pulmonary sensitivity: Identification of retest reactions in the lung

Abstract An animal model for delayed-onset pulmonary sensitivity has been described ( M. H. Karol, J. Stadler, D. Underhill, and Y. Alarie, 1981 , Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 61, 277–285) in which guinea pigs were sensitized by injection with Freund's complete adjuvant. Bronchial provocation challenge (BPC) with tuberculin protein (PPD) 4 to 5 weeks following injection resulted in respiratory reactions with maximal intensity 9 to 12 hr following challenge. Animals were rechallenged bimonthly with PPD aerosol. Responses to second and subsequent inhalation challenges had both earlier onset and earlier wane of response. Retest reactions were maximal 4 to 5 hr following challenge. Intensity of response to each of four challenges remained the same. Histologically, eosinophils were prominent in lungs after repeated BPC. The pulmonary response to repeated inhalation challenge resembled the “retest” reaction noted previously only in the skin. The mechanism of immunologic response appeared to be cell mediated since antibodies were not detected at the height of response, whereas mononuclear cells were abundant in lung tissue. Recognition of a retest reaction in the lung may clarify the pathogenesis of allergic pulmonary reactions occurring in industrial workers 3 to 6 hr following exposure.
Reactions of metal ions at surfaces of hydrous iron oxide

Abstract Cu, Ag and Cr concentrations in natural water may be lowered by mild chemical reduction involving ferric hydroxide-ferrous ion redox processes. V and Mo solubilities may be controlled by precipitation of ferrous vanadate or molybdate. Concentrations as low as 10−8.00 or 10−9.00 M are readily attainable for all these metals in oxygen-depleted systems that are relatively rich in Fe. Deposition of manganese oxides such as Mn3O4 can be catalyzed in oxygenated water by coupling to ferrous-ferric redox reactions. Once formed, these oxides may disproportionate, giving Mn4+ oxides. This reaction produces strongly oxidizing conditions at manganese oxide surfaces. The solubility of As is significantly influenced by ferric iron only at low pH. Spinel structures such as chromite or ferrites of Cu, Ni, and Zn, are very stable and if locally developed on ferric hydroxide surfaces could bring about solubilities much below 10−9.00 M for divalent metals near neutral pH. Solubilities calculated from thermodynamic data are shown graphically and compared with observed concentrations in some natural systems.
Selected prognostic variables for mammographic parenchymal patterns.

Conjecture exists about the influence of numerous risk-factors for breast cancer on mammographic parenchymal patterns. To allow more precise documentation of the common variables considered influential in alteration of breast parenchyma, we conducted a randomized retrospective analysis. Of 10,132 women participants in the Louisville Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project, every tenth participant was randomly selected for evaluation using SPSS statistical programming. Each accessioned patient had discriminant analysis for the risk factors of age, parity, age at birth of first child, family history, personal history, previous history of breast biopsy, and exogenous estrogen therapy. One-thousand-and-two women were examined for the significance of the selected prognostic variable association with Wolfe mammographic parenchymal patterns (WMPP). Each prognostic factor was tested by chi-square analysis for the low-risk pattern (N1P1) versus the high-risk pattern (P2DY). A high correlation existed between the age of patient and WMPP (P = 0.0002) in the subjects evaluated (50–85 years, mean 60). Similarly, a very significant correlation was evident between WMPP and parity (P = 0.0002), age at birth of first child (P = 0.0014), family history of breast cancer (P = 0.097), and history of previous breast biopsy (P = 0.0066). Little correlation existed between the Wolfe parenchymal pattern classification and a personal history of breast cancer (P = 0.7779) or the use of exogenous estrogens (P = 0.5776).
Neutral and non-neutral macroecology

Summary Because of the multiscalar nature of processes underlying biodiversity dynamics, macroecology has emerged as a discipline that seeks to build an understanding of this complexity by examining statistical patterns in large assemblages of species in geographic space and ecological time. Models that assume individual organisms within trophically defined assemblages are ecologically equivalent can produce many patterns identified by macroecology. Neutral models predict two important dynamical patterns that can be tested in real assemblages. First, they predict that species diversity will decline within an assemblage over time. The rate of this decay in species diversity can be predicted from estimates of migration rates from a “metacommunity” or species pool. Second, neutral models predict a divergence of species composition among local communities over time. The rate and degree of divergence among communities also depend on the migration rate. The few studies that have been done to date imply that the rate of migration in real species assemblages is much lower than that required to explain the degree of community similarity maintained in space and time. There are at least two alternative ways to extend neutral models to incorporate more biological realism. First, competitive asymmetries among species may be introduced to allow for the possibility that individuals of some species may have an advantage in replacing individuals that die. Second, environmental heterogeneity can be introduced by assuming sites available to individuals differ in quality to individuals of different species. The neutral model, because of its conceptual simplicity and rigor, should be considered as a null model for baseline comparison to actual patterns of distribution, abundance, species composition, and beta diversity.
Pulmonary and intracerebral plasmacytomas in a patient without multiple myeloma: a case report.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the lung or brain parenchyma is rare. We report herein a case of extramedullary plasmacytoma involving both the lung and parenchymal brain. We review the literature, comparing and contrasting the current case.
Isolation and characterization of 7 microsatellite loci in the Caribbean gorgonian Antillogorgia elisabethae

We report 7 new polymorphic microsatellite loci of the Caribbean gorgonian Antillogorgia elisabethae, and assess their utility as highly polymorphic markers for population genetic studies. We also found an indel of 4 base pairs in one of the microsatellite flanking region that can be used as an independent locus. A. elisabethae is of special interest because it is actively harvested in The Bahamas, thus characterization of gene flow and genetic diversity is critical for its conservation and management.
Immunochemical studies of dextran coupled ragweed pollen allergen, antigen E.

Abstract The major allergen of ragweed pollen antigen E has been coupled to periodate oxidized dextrans, followed with sodium borohydride reduction to stabilize the linkages. Two products having molecular weights of about 100,000 and 140,000 were prepared, and the molar ratio of dextran to antigen E in both products was the same in the range of 2–5. The antigenic and the allergenic activities of the products were on a molar basis about seven to eight fold less than those of antigen E. On dextranase digestion of the products, their biological activities were restored. The products were immunogenic in rabbits to stimulate the formation of antibodies reacting with antigen E and with dextran.
Oscillations of glycolytic intermediates in yeast cells

Abstract The damped sinusoidal oscillation of glycolytic intermediates of S. carlsbergensis (ATCC 4228) shows a close synchrony of FDP and RPN kinetics measured fluorometrically. A crossover point of the oscillatory metabolite pattern is found between G-6-P (F-6-P) and FDP identifying PFK as the control site. The phase relations of G-6-P and FDP are of especial interest; an open figure in the phase plane plot is obtained during maximal oscillations; the figure is more nearly closed as the oscillations subside. A reaction mechanism involving activation of PFK by one of its reaction products is proposed as the basic oscillator mechanism.
Hamming Masks: Toward defending constrained networked systems

The ability of intrusion detection systems to identify anomalous behavior successfully has lagged behind their ability to recognize activity based on signatures. Anomaly detection techniques for enterprises typically use statistical traffic models to accommodate varying network traffic profiles and limit the volume of false alerts. We offer a set of characteristics to identify constrained networked systems in which we hypothesize that anomaly detection techniques are well suited and useful. We offer a specific, concrete approach, Hamming Masks, for identifying expected behavior in a constrained networked system and recognizing unexpected behavior. We demonstrate the applicability of Hamming Masks for two different data sets and find that the distinctions between the enterprise data set and the constrained networked system data set are large.
Neonatal chlorpyrifos exposure alters synaptic development and neuronal activity in cholinergic and catecholaminergic pathways

Abstract After routine home application of chlorpyrifos (CPF), infant and child exposures can exceed acceptable levels. We treated neonatal rats daily on postnatal days (PN) 1–4 (1 mg/kg) or days 11–14 (5 mg/kg), treatments that evoked no overt signs of toxicity. Effects on the development of cholinergic neuronal function were assessed using choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and hemicholinium-3 (HC-3) binding as indices of synaptic proliferation and synaptic activity, respectively. In the forebrain, early CPF treatment caused a decrease in ChAT without affecting HC-3 binding; late treatment decreased HC-3 binding without affecting ChAT. In the brainstem, early treatment had no effect on either parameter but late treatment decreased both ChAT and HC-3 binding. Effects of CPF were not limited to development of cholinergic synapses but also involved catecholamine pathways. For norepinephrine or dopamine, either early or late CPF treatment evoked an increase in synaptic activity (transmitter turnover). The cerebellum, a region with sparse cholinergic innervation, was affected the most. Effects on catecholamine systems were unrelated to the magnitude or temporal pattern of cholinesterase inhibition. Our results suggest that CPF exposure during the postnatal period of synaptogenesis elicits widespread disruption of cholinergic and catecholaminergic pathways. As this is the period in which patterns of synaptic responsiveness is programmed by neural input, the period of developmental vulnerability to CPF is likely to extend into childhood.
Diet influences rates of carbon and nitrogen mineralization from decomposing grasshopper frass and cadavers

Insect herbivory can produce a pulse of mineral nitrogen (N) in soil from the decomposition of frass and cadavers. In this study, we examined how diet quality affects rates of N and carbon (C) mineralization from grasshopper frass and cadavers. Frass was collected from grasshoppers fed with natural or meridic diets which varied in N content. Frass was also collected from naturally foraging grasshoppers. Nitrogen concentration of frass was directly proportional to diet N, but N content of cadavers was not affected by diet. Incubations of soil plus frass were performed at constant soil moisture and temperature (15°C) for 28 days, after which levels of mineral N (KCl extract) were determined. About 44 % of C and N from the cadavers were mineralized after the 28-day incubation. Carbon mineralization of frass was not affected by diet or frass N but varied considerably among different food treatments: from 15 to 46 % of the C in frass was released as carbon dioxide. Generally, frass with C/N ratio greater than 20 resulted in net immobilization of N. Results suggest that much of the N in grasshopper frass and cadavers is labile and rapidly available for plants, depending on the quality of food consumed by the grasshoppers.
Psychometric Analyses of the Adult Manifest Anxiety Scale–Adult Version among Young and Middle-Aged Adults

Responses of 871 adults to the Adult Manifest Anxiety Scale–Adult version (AMAS-A) were factor analyzed using the method of principal axis factoring with promax rotation. Factor analysis yielded a ...
Improving remote sensing flood assessment using volunteered geographical data

Work performed under this project has been partially supported by the US Department of Transportation award 202717 (RITARS-12-H-GMU, CFDA). The publication of this article was funded in part by the George Mason University Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund.
An Inductive Study of Feedback Interactions over the Course of Creative Projects

While there is a large amount of literature on feedback, it is unclear how well traditional prescriptions for feedback apply during creative projects, since creativity often relies on nonlinear and...
Effects of Hole Shape on Film Cooling With Large Angle Injection

In this study the film cooling performance of a single row of discrete holes inclined at an injection angle of 55° is investigated at a density ratio of DR = 1.6. Three different hole geometries were used in this study, a round hole and two shaped holes. One shaped hole had forward and lateral expansions of 15°, and the other a 15° lateral with a 25° forward expansion. For reference, a round hole with an injection angle of 35° was also tested. The film cooling performance of each hole shape was evaluated using adiabatic effectiveness, thermal field, and velocity field measurements.The shaped holes showed higher spatially averaged adiabatic effectiveness than the round hole over the whole range of momentum flux ratios (I) investigated. The effectiveness values for the shaped holes were only marginally better than the round hole at the low I, but at the high I, the shaped holes performed much better than the round hole. The temperature and velocity field measurements near the hole exit suggest that there is a slight detachment of the jet from the wall for the round hole, while the jets remain attached for the two shaped holes. The shaped hole with the larger forward expansion had a warmer jet with a higher trajectory at the hole exit suggesting ingestion of mainstream fluid and flow separation within the hole.Copyright © 1999 by ASME
A CYTOSKELETAL LOCALIZING DOMAIN IN THE CYCLASE-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN, CAP/SRV2P, REGULATES ACCESS TO A DISTANT SH3-BINDING SITE

Abstract In the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, adenylyl cyclase consists of a 200-kDa catalytic subunit (CYR1) and a 70-kDa subunit (CAP/SRV2). CAP/Srv2p assists the small G protein Ras to activate adenylyl cyclase. CAP also regulates the cytoskeleton through an actin sequestering activity and is directed to cortical actin patches by a proline-rich SH3-binding site (P2). In this report we analyze the role of the actin cytoskeleton in Ras/cAMP signaling. Two alleles of CAP, L16P(Srv2) and R19T (SupC), first isolated in genetic screens for mutants that attenuate cAMP levels, reduced adenylyl cyclase binding, and cortical actin patch localization. A third mutation, L27F, also failed to localize but showed no loss of either cAMP signaling or adenylyl cyclase binding. However, all three N-terminal mutations reduced CAP-CAP multimer formation and SH3 domain binding, although the SH3-binding site is about 350 amino acids away. Finally, disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with latrunculin-A did not affect the cAMP phenotypes of the hyperactive Ras2Val19 allele. These data identify a novel region of CAP that controls access to the SH3-binding site and demonstrate that cytoskeletal localization of CAP or an intact cytoskeleton per se is not necessary for cAMP signaling.
Teaching optimization of time and energy in embedded systems

The graduate Embedded Systems Design class in the ECE Department at NCSU has evolved over the past ten years. This paper describes how the course prepares students for profiling and optimizing run-time and energy performance, porting code across architectures, and also provides student feedback.
A Parametric Numerical Study of Mixing in a Cylindrical Duct

The interaction is described of some of the important parameters affecting the mixing process in a quick mixing region of a rich burn/quick mix/lean burn (RQL) combustor. The performance of the quick mixing region is significantly affected by the geometric designs of both the mixing domain and the jet inlet orifices. Several of the important geometric parameters and operating conditions affecting the mixing process were analytically studied. Parameters such as jet-to-mainstream momentum flux ratio (J), mass flow ratio (MR), orifice geometry, orifice orientation, and number of orifices/row (equally spaced) around the circumferential direction were analyzed. Three different sets of orifice shapes were studied: (1) square, (2) elongated slots, and (3) equilateral triangles. Based on the analytical results, the best mixing configuration depends significantly on the penetration depth of the jet to prevent the hot mainstream flow from being entrained behind the orifice. The structure in a circular mixing section is highly weighted toward the outer wall and any mixing structure affecting this area significantly affects the overall results. The increase in the number of orifices per row increases the mixing at higher J conditions. Higher slot slant angles and aspect ratios are generally the best mixing configurations at higher momentum flux ratio (J) conditions. However, the square and triangular shaped orifices were more effective mixing configurations at lower J conditions.
Domestic violence, domestic dispute reporting, and police disposition patterns: A pilot study

The data supported prior research findings that, in general, the police response to domestic dispute and violence incidents does not result in criminal complaints and subsequently, no action is taken. Considered separately, urban areas produce a lower reported domestic dispute rate, but display a stronger tendency to arrest offenders under the Ohio Domestic Violence Program and disputes result in action not being taken more often than in suburban and less often than in rural areas. Surburban areas evidence the highest reported domestic dispute rate, the lowest tendency to initiate criminal complaints under the Ohio Domestic Violence Program, and tend to arrest offenders less often and make fewer referrals to other agencies than urban areas. Rural areas have a higher reported domestic dispute rate than urban areas, arrest fewer offenders, and make more referrals to other agencies than suburban areas. The data suggested that domestic dispute and violence incidents are handled differently by urban. suburban, and rural police jurisdictions.
Structure of the Martian atmosphere from ε-Gem occultation observations

Abstract We have collected information about Martian atmospheric scale heights derived from observations of the occultation of ϵ Gem by Mars on April 8, 1976. The observations give data in the altitude range ∼50 to 80 km. A rough, unweighted average of results so far available yields a temperature of ∼165°K. Excursions of ∼±40°K about this mean may be present as a function of both altitude and areographic coordinates.
“Alpine” mafic and ultramafic rocks — the ophiolite suite: A contribution to the discussion of the paper “the origin of ultramafic and ultrabasic rocks” by P.J. Wyllie

Abstract Ophiolites, though largely ignored in recent discussions of “Alpine” ultramafic rocks, characterize the Tethyan Belt from the Mediterranean east to the Himalayas and perhaps far beyond. The sequence consists fundamentally of a basal ultramafic layer overlain by diabasic rocks which in turn grade upward into extrusive breccias or pillow lavas. A layer of coarse gabbro may occur between ultramafics and diabase. Radiolarian cherts typically are associated with the lavas, and dense, siliceous pelagic limestones may intergrade with the cherts. Equivalent chert-limestone sequences are widespread among non-volcanic Tethyan sedimentary rocks. The Tethyan ophiolites perhaps resulted from diapiric up-welling and partial melting of mantle material during an early, possibly tensile, stage of the Alpine orogenic cycle. This occurred near the end of the Jurassic, when flysch troughs and associated ridges first appeared; lavas were extruded into the deep troughs and residual ultramafic rocks, perhaps lubricated by intergranular melt, moved plastically beneath the volcanic carapace. Gabbro was intruded later between ultramafics and the diabase-lava layer. The ophiolite complex was thus a composite subsea laccolith. Garnetiferous and pyroxenic ultramafic intrusives are known from the Rif and Betic chains. These may represent undifferentiated mantle material similar to that which gave rise to the highly differentiated ophiolite sequence. Ophiolites are now found primarily as disrupted blocks and slabs in more or less chaotic flysch, apparently displaced from the parent flysch trough during post-emplacement uplift and gravity sliding. Field data and geophysical measurements suggest that a large majority of ultramafic masses of “Alpine” type are rootless and allochthonous.
Inducible Cre recombinase activity in mouse mature astrocytes and adult neural precursor cells.

Two transgenic mouse lines expressing an inducible form of the Cre recombinase (CreERTM) under the control of the human GFAP promoter have been generated and characterized. In adult mice, expression of the fusion protein is largely confined to astrocytes in all regions of the central nervous system. Minimal spontaneous Cre activity was detected and recombination was efficiently induced by intraperitoneal administration of tamoxifen in adult mice. The pattern of recombination closely mirrored that of transgene expression. The percentage of astrocytes undergoing recombination varied from region to region ranging from 35% to 70% while a much smaller portion (<1%) of oligodendrocytes and neural precursor cells showed evidence of Cre activity. These mouse lines will provide important tools to dissect gene function in glial cells and in gliomagenesis.
Shock-tube study of high-pressure H 2 O spectroscopy

Water-vapor absorption features near 7117, 7185, and 7462 cm-1 were probed at pressures to 65 atm (1 atm = 760 Torr) and temperatures to 1800 K in shock-heated mixtures of H2O in N2 and Ar with a diode-laser source. Calculated absorbances based on Voigt line shapes and measured line parameters were in good agreement, within 10%, with measured absorbances at 7185.4 and 7117.4 cm-1. We obtained temperature-dependent N2 and Ar shift parameters for H2O absorption features by shifting the calculated spectra to match the recorded absorption scan. Absorbance simulations based on line parameters from HITRAN and HITEMP were found to be similar over the range of temperatures 600–1800 K and were within 25% of the measurements. The combined use of Toth’s [Appl. Opt.36, 4851 (1994)] line positions and strengths and HITRAN broadening parameters resulted in calculated absorption coefficients that were within 15% of the measurements at all three probed wavelengths.
Lighting sensitive display

Although display devices have been used for decades, they have functioned without taking into account the illumination of their environment. We present the concept of a lighting sensitive display (LSD)---a display that measures the incident illumination and modifies its content accordingly. An ideal LSD would be able to measure the 4D illumination field incident upon it and generate a 4D light field in response to the illumination. However, current sensing and display technologies do not allow for such an ideal implementation. Our initial LSD prototype uses a 2D measurement of the illumination field and produces a 2D image in response to it. In particular, it renders a 3D scene such that it always appears to be lit by the real environment that the display resides in. The current system is designed to perform best when the light sources in the environment are distant from the display, and a single user in a known location views the display.The displayed scene is represented by compressing a very large set of images (acquired or rendered) of the scene that correspond to different lighting conditions. The compression algorithm is a lossy one that exploits not only image correlations over the illumination dimensions but also coherences over the spatial dimensions of the image. This results in a highly compressed representation of the original image set. This representation enables us to achieve high quality relighting of the scene in real time. Our prototype LSD can render 640 × 480 images of scenes under complex and varying illuminations at 15 frames per second using a 2 GHz processor. We conclude with a discussion on the limitations of the current implementation and potential areas for future research.
Biquadratic exchange coupling and the magnetic properties of PrAg

Bulk magnetic and neutron diffraction studies show that the cubic (CsCl-type) compound PrAg becomes antiferromagnetic at ${T}_{N}\ensuremath{\approx}11$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, below which it undergoes a spin-flop transition at a critical field ${H}_{c}$ of \ensuremath{\sim} 5 kOe. However, the temperature dependence of the initial susceptibility below ${T}_{N}$ and the field dependence of the magnetization $M$ above ${H}_{c}$ are both anomalous. The measured $M$ vs $H$ curves for PrAg above ${T}_{N}$ and those for the related pseudobinary ${\mathrm{Pr}}_{0.5}$${\mathrm{La}}_{0.5}$Ag (which remains paramagnetic down to 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) are tested against the isotherms of $M$ vs effective field calculated for the crysta-field states of ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$ in these compounds. This analysis reveals that the net exchange field ${H}_{\mathrm{exch}}$ on a Pr atom in either compound does not vary linearly with $M$ but also contains a substantial negative term in ${M}^{3}$. It is shown that this higher-order ${H}_{\mathrm{exch}}(M)$ dependence can be generated by a positive biquadratic exchange term in the spin Hamiltonian of the paramagnetic system. Moreover, When the same biquadratic exchange term is included in a two-sublattice model for the ordered magnetic state, a consistent explanation is obtained for the anomalous properties of PrAg below ${T}_{N}$. Possible mechanisms for the origin of biquadratic exchange in these materials are discussed.
DNA-bending properties of TF1.

Abstract Transcription factor 1 (TF1) is the Bacillus subtilis phage SPO1-encoded member of the family of DNA-binding proteins that includes Escherichia coli HU and integration host factor, IHF. A gel electrophoretic retardation method has been used to show that a TF1 dimer binding to one of its preferred sites in (5-hydroxymethyl)uracil (hmUra)-containing DNA sharply bends the latter. In fact, the DNA-bending properties of TF1 and E. coli IHF are indistinguishable. Substitutions at amino acid 61 in the DNA-binding “arm” of TF1 are known to affect DNA-binding affinity and site selectivity. Experiments described here show that these substitutions also effect DNA bending. The selectivity of TF1 binding is very greatly diminished and the affinity is reduced when hmUra is replaced in DNA by thymine (T). An extension of the gel retardation method that permits an analysis of DNA bending by non-specifically bound TF1 is proposed. Under the assumptions of this analysis, the reduced affinity of TF1 for T-containing DNA is shown to be associated with bending that is still sharp. The analysis of the TF1-DNA interaction has also been extended by hydroxyl radical (·OH) and methylation interference footprinting at two DNA sites. At each of these sites, and on each strand, TF1 strongly protects three segments of DNA from attack by OH. Patches of protected DNA are centered approximately ten base-pairs apart and fall on one side of the B -helix. Methylation in either the major or minor groove in the central ten base-pairs of the two TF1 binding sites quantitatively diminishes, but does not abolish. TF1 binding. We propose that multiple protein contacts allow DNA to wrap around the relatively small TF1 dimer, considerably deforming the DNA B -helix in the process.
Cytokine rescue from glucocorticoid induced apoptosis in T cells is mediated through inhibition of IκBα

Abstract We previously reported that dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, causes apoptosis in mature Th cell lines, and that this induction of cell death is prevented by specific cytokines, namely, by IL-2 in Th1 cells and by IL-4 in Th2 cells. We now show that this differential rescue by specific cytokines in Th cells correlates with the level of IκBα that is regulated by DEX and cytokines. In both cell types the cellular levels of IκBα mRNA and protein were evaluated by DEX treatment. Interestingly, the DEX-mediated IκBα induction was completely inhibited by IL-2, but not IL-4, in Th1 cells, while the reverse profile was seen in Th2 cells. In both cell types, the cytokine that inhibits the induction of IκBα by DEX, also rescues these cells from DEX-induced apoptosis, although the rescue cytokine is different in Th1 and Th2 cells. Our results imply that T cells need to maintain a certain level of NF-κB transcriptional activity in order to survive; up- or down-regulation of nuclear NF κB through modulation of IκBα expression by cytokines or DEX may lead to cell survival or cell death, respectively.
Donald S. Williamson: Intergenerational Family Theorist and Therapist

Donald S. Williamson is a leading figure in intergenerational family therapy. This interview focused on his early attraction and introduction to thefield offamily therapy, his development and use of the concept of personal authority in the family system, and his views on family therapy and the training of marriage and family therapists.
Single bunch longitudinal measurements at the Cornell Electron-Positron Storage Ring

Measurements of the beam's bunch length in the Cornell Electron-Positron Storage Ring (CESR) have been made using a streak camera. The streak camera uses visible synchrotron radiation produced by the beam to measure its longitudinal distribution. A description of CESR, the experimental setup, the streak camera used, and systematic errors and analysis techniques of the streak camera are described in this paper. The dependence of the bunch distribution on the current and accelerating rf voltage for a single bunch CESR was measured and compared with a theoretical model of CESR. The CESR vacuum chamber impedance is determined from the measured bunch distributions and is presented in this paper.
Human evolution: Small remains still pose big problems

Ten years after the publication of a remarkable find, Chris Stringer explains why the discovery of Homo floresiensis is still so challenging.
Advanced Practice Nurses' Meaningful use of electronic health records.

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to better understand electronic health records (EHRs) use among advanced practice nurses (APNs). Background EHRs are becoming an integral part of the U.S. health care system. Federal law was enacted with provisions that offer incentive payments to eligible professionals and hospitals who use EHRs. Little is known about APNs' EHR use. Methods A quantitative, non-experimental research design was used. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Two thirds of the APNs were EHR-user. Statistically significant differences between EHR-users and non-users were found in age categories, practice setting, practice size, and in tasks related to imagery report review and care coordination. EHR use was associated with higher odds of practicing in hospital, and employment longevity, but with decreased odds in the number of patients seen per day. Conclusions With one third of the APNs being EHR non-users, more efforts are needed to help guide the adoption and diffusion of EHRs in practice.
Grape juice as an extender and sweetener for blueberry drinks

Blueberry juice has a strong flavor and low sugar content, but does not make an affordable, palatable drink unless mixed with water or another juice. This study investigated characteristics of blueberry juice blended with Concord, Reliance, Sunbelt, and Venus grape juices, and Thompson Seedless concentrate (TSC). The blends were evaluated by a trained sensory panel for the attributes of blueberry flavor, color, and aroma, and for astringency, body, and sweetness. Intensity of blueberry-related sensory attributes increased with increased concentration of blueberry juice for all two-way juice beverage blends. Blends sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as opposed to TSC were perceived as significantly different in triangle testing. In three-way blends of blueberry, Concord, and water, replacing HFCS with TSC as a sweetener, and increasing the percentage of blueberry and Concord juice increased intensity ratings for blueberry aroma, and the effects were additive. For the attributes of body, color, flavor, and sweetness, changing sweeteners had no effect, but increasing the percentage of blueberry and Concord grape juice increased the intensity ratings for these characteristics.
Teaching in Natural Areas: what urban teachers feel is most appropriate

Summary This paper describes and discusses a study of urban teachers’ perceptions of the use of various natural settings for environmental education. In the study 59 teachers were interviewed. Each teacher was asked to examine a set of black and white photographs depicting four different natural settings. For each setting the teacher made a judgement as to whether particular subject areas (e.g. science, social studies and art) and lesson activities (e.g. writing, plant studies and listening and observation) could be taught there. Implications for the infusion of environmental education throughout the curriculum are discussed.