cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Cross-Layer Perspective for Energy Efficient Processing: - From beyond-CMOS Devices to Deep Learning

As Moore's Law based device scaling and accompanying performance scaling trends are slowing down, there is increasing interest in new technologies and computational models for fast and more energy-efficient information processing. Meanwhile, there is growing evidence that, with respect to traditional Boolean circuits and von Neumann processors, it will be challenging for beyond-CMOS devices to compete with the CMOS technology. Nevertheless, some beyond-CMOS devices demonstrate other unique characteristics such as ambipolarity, negative differential resistance, hysteresis, and oscillatory behavior. Exploiting such unique characteristics, especially in the context of alternative circuit and architectural paradigms, has the potential to offer orders of magnitude improvement in terms of power, performance and capability. In order to take full advantage of beyond-CMOS devices, however, it is no longer sufficient to develop algorithms, architectures and circuits independent of one another. Cross-layer efforts spanning from devices to circuits to architectures to algorithms are indispensable. This talk will examine energy-efficient neural network accelerators for embedded applications in this context. Several deep neural network accelerator designs based on alternative device technologies, circuit styles and architectures will be highlighted. A comprehensive application-level benchmarking study for the MNIST dataset will be presented. The discussions will demonstrate that cross-layer efforts indeed can lead to orders of magnitude gain towards achieving extreme scale energy-efficient processing.
Angiographische Untersuchung des aortoiliakalen Arterienabschnitts heutzutage

I.a. und i.v. DSA-Untersuchungen von 100 Patienten mit aortoiliakalen Gefaserkrankungen wurden retrospektiv verglichen. Die Bildqualitat war bei 48% der i.v. Untersuchungen befriedigend, wahrend dies bei 96% der i.a. Untersuchungen der Fall war. Im Vergleich zur i.a. DSA wurden 52% der Befunde mit Hilfe der i.v. DSA richtig eingeschatzt. Die i.v. DSA wird als Screeningmethode bei ambulanten Patienten oder als Verlaufskontrolluntersuchung empfohlen. Manifeste Herzinsuffizienz oder mangelnde Kooperativitat der Patienten sind Indikationen fur eine primare i.a. DSA.
Recognizing Argument Structures

In previous chapters it was shown that the editorials read by OpEd involve arguments centered on two contradictory evaluations of plans for economic protection. Furthermore, it was established that the conceptual representation for this type of editorials forms an argument graph in which configurations of support and attack relationships among beliefs are organized by instances of argument units (AUs). This chapter examines another interrelated issue addressed within the context of OpEd, namely: how the components of an editorial’s argument graph are recognized from the editorial text.
Pressure Ulcer Assessment

Pressure ulcer assessment requires quantification of multiple parameters of the ulcer and periulcer tissue. Clinical assessment should include ulcer history (including etiology, duration, and prior treatment), anatomic location, stage, size (including length, width, and depth measured in centimeters), sinus tracts, undermining, tunneling, exudate or drainage, necrotic tissue (slough and eschar), presence or absence of granulation tissue, and epithelialization. In addition, the ulcer borders can provide clues to healing potential. Intact skin surrounding the ulcer should be assessed for redness, warmth, induration or hardness, swelling, and any obvious signs of clinical infection. Pressure ulcer associated pain should be assessed prior to examination of the ulcer.
Motivation for a Memory-Based Computing Hardware

In this chapter we first provide a summary of the desired characteristics that a compute framework must have to overcome the challenges faced by conventional hardware and software reconfigurable frameworks at nanoscale technologies. We then provide an outline for a new computing model which bridges the gap between memory and logic. Given the rapid evolution of CMOS and non-CMOS memory technologies, we explain the benefits of such in-memory computing model.
An Integrated Optimization and Knowledge - Based Job Shop Scheduling System

Abstract The complexity of the job shop scheduling problem has led some researchers away from the difficulties associated with optimization approaches. Instead, they have chosen to pursue knowledge-based techniques more capable of handling dynamic changes such as machine breakdowns and new jobs. This paper presents a synergetic combination of optimization and knowledge-based methods in a system of distributed architecture. The high level knowledge-based component schedules the operations of a job through a contract negotiation process with relevant work centers. A scheduling algorithm based on Lagrangian relaxation is adapted to schedule individual work centers. Work centers “bid” on operations and the knowledge-based components “ward” contracts for their completion. Methods to prevent distributed components from violating the decisions of others are considered. The tradeoff between obtaining a good schedule and meeting originally promised job delivery dates is also examined. The net result is an effective, informative, and flexible job shop scheduling system.
Food loves company: Risky eating with friends increases interpersonal closeness

Abstract Risky eating—that is, indulging in ultra-processed, high-calorie foods including sweets, salty snacks, and/or fried foods—harms physical health. Yet, risky eating is pervasive with many people unwilling to give it up. Why do people engage in risky eating despite known risks? The current research tests a novel hypothesis that engaging in risky eating with friends increases feelings of interpersonal closeness. In Study 1, participants (N = 385) reported how often they engaged in risky eating in three non-romantic/non-familial relationships with varying degrees of interpersonal closeness. Individuals more frequently engaged in risky eating in their closer relationships than in their less close ones. In Study 2, participants (N = 100) were randomly assigned to perceive they were engaging in high-risk versus low-risk eating behavior with a friend. They then reported feelings of interpersonal closeness as well as chose how close to sit to their friend. Individuals who were randomly assigned to perceive they were engaging in high-risk eating behavior with a friend reported increased feelings of interpersonal closeness. Also, restrained eaters in the high-risk eating behavior condition reported greater feelings of interpersonal closeness while eating, which was mediated by increased feelings of activated positive affect (e.g., excited, alert). No effect on how close participants sat to their friend was observed. Overall, the current research highlights a previously unstudied pathway from risky eating to excitement to feelings of interpersonal closeness. This provides insight into one psychosocial process that may undermine personal and public health efforts.
OpenMoves: A System for Interpreting Person-Tracking Data

While person-tracking systems can capture very fine-grained, accurate data, the creation of art pieces and interactive experiences making use of captured data often benefits from being able to work with higher-level features. We propose a computational framework for interpreting person-tracking data and publishing the resulting information over a network for use by client applications, and emphasize the recognition of patterns of movement, both over time and instantaneously. Our system consists of four modules for tracking instantaneous features, short-time features, and using unsupervised and supervised machine learning techniques to extract features at higher levels of abstraction. Data used by the system is collected using OpenPTrack, an open-source library for person and object tracking geared towards accessibility to the arts and education communities.
Hardware Security and Trust: Logic Locking as a Design-for-Trust Solution

Ever-increasing design complexity and the skyrocketing cost of setting up a foundry have led to the globalization of the integrated circuit (IC) supply chain. A globalized and distributed IC supply fosters security threats such as reverse engineering, piracy, and hardware Trojans, and forces the stakeholders to revisit the trust at various steps in the IC design and fabrication flow. Among the ensemble of solutions proposed to address hardware-related trust issues, logic locking has gained significant interest from the research community. A series of defense techniques and attacks have been developed over the past few years. This chapter presents a comprehensive survey of recent research efforts in the field of logic locking. The emphasis is on the subtle difference between the logic locking attacks/countermeasures in terms of the threat models employed and strengths/vulnerabilities of existing logic locking techniques.
Treating Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis by Modulating Mitochondrial Pyruvate Metabolism.

A hepatic comorbidity of metabolic syndrome, known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is increasing in prevalence in conjunction with the pandemics of obesity and diabetes. The spectrum of NAFLD ranges from simple hepatic fat accumulation to a more severe disease termed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), involving inflammation, hepatocyte death, and fibrosis. Importantly, NASH is linked to a much higher risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as an increased risk for nonhepatic malignancies and cardiovascular disease. Interest in the understanding of the disease processes and search for treatments for the spectrum of NAFLD-NASH has increased exponentially, but there are no approved pharmacologic therapies. In this review, we discuss the existing literature supporting insulin-sensitizing thiazolidinedione compounds as potential drug candidates for the treatment of NASH. In addition, we put these results into new context by summarizing recent studies suggesting these compounds alter mitochondrial metabolism by binding and inhibiting the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier.
The Measure of All Things: Toward an Architecture of Information

A famous medieval illumination depicts God as an architect, armed with a set of calipers, measuring the boundaries of the universe.1 Today, as compass and scale yield to 3D modeling, immersive visu...
Theorizing the EU’s International Promotion of LGBTI Rights Policies in the Global South

The EU has developed an impressive catalog of internal Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) norms. It has also been able to express support for those in multilateral fora and bilateral relations with third countries. The linking and conditioning of EU association and aid agreements to respect LGBT rights has become a contentious issue in recent years. Yet less attention seems to be paid to the EU’s international promotion and the effect this has on its cooperation partners and—practices. This chapter analyzes the means by and the degree to which the EU is able to internationalize its progressive policy stance in other intergovernmental organizations, in bilateral/multilateral aid and trade agreements, and in other negotiation arenas.
Prevalence and epidemiological associates of novel psychedelic use in the United States adult population.

Background:Novel psychedelics approximate classic psychedelics, but unlike classic psychedelics, novel psychedelics have been used by humans for a shorter period of time, with fewer data available ...
From Orientation to Onboarding: A Survey-Based Departmental Improvement Program for New Radiation Oncology Faculty Physicians

PURPOSE:To evaluate physician-reported assessments of an established faculty orientation program for new radiation oncology physicians at a large academic center and to prospectively analyze the ef...
Complete, closed bacterial genomes from microbiomes using nanopore sequencing

Microbial genomes can be assembled from short-read sequencing data, but the assembly contiguity of these metagenome-assembled genomes is constrained by repeat elements. Correct assignment of genomic positions of repeats is crucial for understanding the effect of genome structure on genome function. We applied nanopore sequencing and our workflow, named Lathe, which incorporates long-read assembly and short-read error correction, to assemble closed bacterial genomes from complex microbiomes. We validated our approach with a synthetic mixture of 12 bacterial species. Seven genomes were completely assembled into single contigs and three genomes were assembled into four or fewer contigs. Next, we used our methods to analyze metagenomics data from 13 human stool samples. We assembled 20 circular genomes, including genomes of Prevotella copri and a candidate Cibiobacter sp. Despite the decreased nucleotide accuracy compared with alternative sequencing and assembly approaches, our methods improved assembly contiguity, allowing for investigation of the role of repeat elements in microbial function and adaptation.
Neural hemispheric organization in successful adult language learning: Is left always right?

Abstract Learning a new language during adulthood is a markedly difficult and heterogeneous process. Whether language learning engages the same left-lateralized language network as native language processing or a more distributed network is currently unknown. One approach to address this question is to evaluate the contributions of each cerebral hemisphere in successful language learning. The current review adopts an individual difference approach and provides a systematic overview of (1) the neural factors that predict various language learning outcomes and (2) neuroplastic effects of successful language learning. Our analysis shows that, prior to learning, the neural characteristics of the left hemisphere predominantly predict future speech sound learning. However, more higher-level learning tends to be predicted by a more distributed network including the right hemisphere and bilateral brain structures. Over the course of language learning, both hemispheres show structural and functional malleability. We argue that a dynamic bilateral framework involving neural correlates both within and between the two hemispheres underlies the ultimate success of language learning. Learners' native language network (the leftward functional organization for language processing) is related to learning success at the speech sound and word levels. However, when learning involves greater complexity, the initial recruitment of the right hemisphere and the subsequent functional shift from right to left and bilateral hemispheres are essential to ensure successful attainment.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Following Routine Genitourinary Surgery In Healthy Infants

Morbidity and mortality associated with pediatric necrotizing fasciitis are strongly dependent on early diagnosis and timely intervention. Yet, the lack of early cutaneous findings and nonspecific symptoms may result in initial delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. Infants may be particularly at risk of missed or delayed diagnosis due to inherent barriers in communication and rarity of the condition, especially among healthy patients. We describe 2 cases of necrotizing fasciitis following routine genitourinary surgery in healthy infants.
Cannabis: An Emerging Treatment for Common Symptoms in Older Adults

Background/objectives Use of cannabis is increasing in a variety of populations in the United States; however, few investigations about how and for what reasons cannabis is used in older populations exist. Design Anonymous survey. Setting Geriatrics clinic. Participants A total of 568 adults 65 years and older. Intervention Not applicable. Measurements Survey assessing characteristics of cannabis use. Results Approximately 15% (N = 83) of survey responders reported using cannabis within the past 3 years. Half (53%) reported using cannabis regularly on a daily or weekly basis, and reported using cannabidiol-only products (46%). The majority (78%) used cannabis for medical purposes only, with the most common targeted conditions/symptoms being pain/arthritis (73%), sleep disturbance (29%), anxiety (24%), and depression (17%). Just over three-quarters reported cannabis "somewhat" or "extremely" helpful in managing one of these conditions, with few adverse effects. Just over half obtained cannabis via a dispensary, and lotions (35%), tinctures (35%), and smoking (30%) were the most common administration forms. Most indicated family members (94%) knew about their cannabis use, about half reported their friends knew, and 41% reported their healthcare provider knowing. Sixty-one percent used cannabis for the first time as older adults (aged ≥61 years), and these users overall engaged in less risky use patterns (e.g., more likely to use for medical purposes, less likely to consume via smoking). Conclusion Most older adults in the sample initiated cannabis use after the age of 60 years and used it primarily for medical purposes to treat pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and/or depression. Cannabis use by older adults is likely to increase due to medical need, favorable legalization, and attitudes.
Altitude Correction and Selection of Air Gap Discharge Voltage in Converter Stations in High Altitude Areas

A converter station is an important part of an HVDC transmission project. The shielding fittings at the end of converter station equipment are generally large in size, and the air gap between them and the surrounding grounding body is much more approximate to a slightly uneven electric field. Its discharge characteristics are quite different from rod-plane, rod-rod and transmission tower gaps. With relatively few UHVDC converter stations located at an altitude of 2,000m and above, and few discharge test curves of air gaps available in the world, in order to ensure a reliable design of converter stations and valve halls in high altitude areas, typical gaps of valve halls and DC fields in converter stations are analyzed, and a variety of typical gaps are obtained, including sphere-ground, shpere-wall/ground, valve tower-ground, and the most typical gap is shpere-plane gap. Discharge tests of 1.5m sphere-plane gap in converter stations are conducted at 55m and 4,300m above sea level. The altitude correction methods of gap discharge voltage specified by IEC60071-2, IEC60060-1 are analyzed, and the difference of discharge voltage and variation law of gap factor in high-altitude areas obtained by different altitude correction methods are compared and analyzed. According to the SI discharge test results of 1.5m sphere-ground gap and rod-plane gap at different altitudes, the minimum air gap distance required for valve hall at converter stations above 4,000m and below is calculated and analyzed using different altitude correction methods and gap factors. Research results can be used in the design of valve hall and DC field of converter stations in high altitude areas. On the other hand, it provides basic data for altitude correction of long air gap in high altitude areas.
Is There a Trade-Off between Protecting Investors and Promoting Entrepreneurial Activity? Evidence from Angel Financing

This paper studies how changes in investor protection regulations affect local entrepreneurial activity, relying on the heterogeneous impact of a 2011 SEC regulation change on the definition of accredited investors across U.S. cities. Using a difference-in-differences approach, I show that cities more affected by the regulation change experienced a significantly larger decrease in local angel financing, entrepreneurial activity, innovation output, employment, and sales. I find that small business loans and second-lien mortgages became entrepreneurs’ partial substitutes for angel investment. My cost-benefit analysis suggests that the costs of protecting angel investors through the 2011 regulation change outweigh its benefits.
Binding of Divalent Transition Metal Ions to Immobilized Phosphinic Acid Ligands. Part I. Characterization by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

This report introduces a multi-part study on determining the fundamental mechanisms by which a range of phosphorus-based ligands bind metal ions. FTIR spectroscopy is utilized to propose the mechan...
Who Benefits from Removing Mobility Restrictions

Using the extent to which firms rely on knowledge workers, we find significant unequal distribution of economic gains across workers and firms after non-compete enforcement weakens. While lower enforceability may expose firms to greater hold-up problems, it incentivizes workers to invest in their human capital, boosting productivity. We find that weaker enforceability results in larger increases in profitability, valuation, productivity and growth for knowledge-worker-intensive firms, more so for those productive. More efficient talent reallocation has implications for aggregate inequality: states weakly enforcing non-competes see greater performance and employment increases in highly productive firms and more wage gains in knowledge workers.
Plant Metabolic Network: A multi-species resource of plant metabolic information

Abstract Plant metabolism is a pillar of our ecosystem, food security, and economy. To understand and engineer plant metabolism, we first need a comprehensive and accurate annotation of all metabolic information across plant species. As a step towards this goal, we previously created the Plant Metabolic Network (PMN), an online resource of curated and computationally predicted information about the enzymes, compounds, reactions, and pathways that make up plant metabolism. Here we report PMN 15, which contains genome-scale metabolic pathway databases of 126 algal and plant genomes, ranging from model organisms to crops to medicinal plants, and new tools for analyzing and viewing metabolism information across species and integrating omics data in a metabolic context. We systematically evaluated the quality of the databases, which revealed that our semi-automated validation pipeline dramatically improves the quality. We then compared the metabolic content across the 126 organisms using multiple correspondence analysis and found that Brassicaceae, Poaceae, and Chlorophyta appeared as metabolically distinct groups. To demonstrate the utility of this resource, we used recently published sorghum transcriptomics data to discover previously unreported trends of metabolism underlying drought tolerance. We also used single-cell transcriptomics data from the Arabidopsis root to infer cell-type specific metabolic pathways. This work shows the continued growth and refinement of the PMN resource and demonstrates its wide-ranging utility in integrating metabolism with other areas of plant biology. One-sentence Summary The Plant Metabolic Network is a collection of databases containing experimentally-supported and predicted information about plant metabolism spanning many species.
Effects of Heat Treatment and Build Orientation on the Evolution of ε and α' Martensite and Strength During Compressive Loading of Additively Manufactured 304L Stainless Steel

The effect of heat-treatment and build orientation on martensitic phase transformation in additively manufactured (AM) 304L stainless steel is studied and compared with conventionally produced wrought material. The relationships between observed martensitic transformations and material microstructures and their effects on mechanical strength are established through experimental observations. In situ high-energy X-ray powder diffraction measurements were performed to monitor the evolution of e and α' martensite during compressive loading of stainless steel. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was used to provide insight on initial grain morphology, crystallographic misorientation within grains, and crystallographic texture. Heat treatment alters the microstructure of AM samples creating different initial conditions. This difference in starting microstructure resulted in variability in martensitic transformation during compressive deformation. The rate of martensitic transformation decreased for samples treated with temperatures up to 1100oC, after which the AM microstructures recrystallized, resulting in increased rate of martensitic transformation for those samples treated at higher temperatures. It was also observed that aligning the axis of compression with the AM build direction resulted in a lower rate of strain-induced martensite formation as opposed to aligning the compression axis perpendicular to it. More favorable distribution of crystal orientations in the latter loading orientation promoted martensitic transformation. These and additional experimental observations from EBSD in terms of kernel average misorientation, mean grain orientation spread, and mean crystallite size reveal strong microstructural effects on strength of additively manufactured metallic materials.
Penile Extra-Tunical Graft Reconstruction of Peyronie's Disease Concavity Deformities.

ABSTRACT Objectives To report our initial experience with the extra-tunical grafting (ETG) procedure. This procedure was recently introduced by UCSF investigators as a tunica-sparing technique for management of penile concavity deformities. Methods We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent ETG at our tertiary-care referral center between 2017-2020. A collagen graft made from bovine pericardium (Lyoplant®) was placed overlying the defect without violating the tunica albuginea or mobilizing the neurovascular bundle. The stretched penile length (SPL) and circumference at the location of deformity were measured intra-operatively. Patient reported outcomes were evaluated by an anonymous ten-question online survey. Results Nineteen men underwent ETG with a median follow-up of 59 (IQR: 24 - 708) days. ETG was performed via either a window (15/19, 78%) or a de-gloving (4/19, 21%) incision with concomitant penile plication performed in 16/19 (84%) patients. Penile circumference increased by an average of 1.4 cm + 0.5 (p = 0.03) at the location of deformity, while pre- and post-operative SPL were similar (14.0 + 1.4 vs. 14.0 + 1.3 cm, p = 0.95). Overall patient satisfaction was reported by 13/15 (86%) patients. Twelve out of 15 (80%) patients reported concavity deformity to be “improved”, with 73% reporting “much better”. Among 8 patients with follow up greater than six months, graft palpability was reported in 4/8 (50%) patients but was not bothersome. Conclusions The ETG procedure appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of penile concavity deformities. Patient outcomes and satisfaction are favorable at intermediate follow up.
Privacy, Surveillance, and Law

"Privacy" is a word of many meanings. The meaning that is most relevant to this essay is secrecy?the interest in concealing personal information about oneself. But I need to distinguish between a per son's pure interest in concealment of personal information and his instrumental interest, which is based on fear that the information will be used against him. In many cultures, including our own, there is a nudity taboo. Except in the sex industry (prostitution, striptease, por nography, and so forth), nudist colonies, and locker rooms, people generally are embarrassed to be seen naked by strangers, particularly of the opposite sex, even when there are no practical consequences. Why this is so is unclear; but it is a brute fact about the psychology of most people in our society. A woman (an occasional man as well) might be disturbed to learn that nude photographs taken surrepti tiously of her had been seen by a stranger in a remote country before being destroyed. That invasion of privacy would not have harmed her in any practical sense. Yet it might cause her at least transitory emo tional distress, and that is a harm even if it seems to have no rational basis (in that respect it is no different from having nightmares after watching a horror movie?another emotional reaction that is real de spite being irrational from an instrumental standpoint). But if the stranger used the photos to blackmail her, or, in an effort to destroy her budding career as an anchorwoman for the Christian Broadcasting System, published the photos in Hustler magazine, she would have a different and stronger grievance. In many cases of instrumental concealment of personal informa tion, the motive is disreputable (deceptive, manipulative): a person might want to conceal his age, or a serious health problem, from a pro spective spouse or his criminal record from a prospective employer. But the motive is not disreputable in all cases; the blackmailed woman in my example was not trying to mislead anyone in resisting the publi cation of the photos.
Marriage, Violence and the Nation in the American Literary West

Introduction 1. Western unions 2. Turner's rhetorical frontier 3. Marrying for race and nation: Wister's omniscience and omissions 4. Polygamy and empire: Grey's distinctions 5. Unwedded West: Cather's divides 6. Accident and destiny: Fitzgerald's fantastic geography 7. Promises and betrayals: Joan Didion and Wallace Stegner Afterword Notes Index.
Effects of nonreciprocity in structure with noncollinear orientation of magnetization of layers

We study nonreciprocity effects that manifest themselves as a difference of transmissive and reflective optical properties for waves of the same polarization that are incident at the angles φ and -φ on a bilayer ferromagnetic structure with noncollinear orientation of the magnetization vectors of the layers in the plane of the film. We consider specific features of these effects and show that the nonreciprocity of the optical properties can be controlled by varying the angle between the magnetization vectors of the layers.
Repository therapy. Further clinical and immunological studies.

Abstract 1. 1. The results of repository therapy in our hands with either one or two injections of emulsified ragweed antigen has not proved as effective as claimed elsewhere. 2. 2. The large number of reactions occurring despite the use of recommended precautions in the preparations of the emulsion is quite disturbing. As compared to 1960, the following changes were made, and may, in part, be responsible for this high reaction rate: larger doses, 1:1 oil-to-water ratio, two injections of 0.5 c.c. each, use of undefatted pollen extract and Brown Emulsor. 3. 3. The use of a purified fraction of ragweed pollen as a coating antigen on tanned red blood cells provided a much better indication of antibody stimulation. About 80 per cent of patients who received repository therapy showed an increased hemagglutination titer. However, no relationship of hemagglutination titers to clinical response could be found.
Variable interleaving technique for photovoltaic cascaded DC-DC converters

This paper introduces a variable interleaving technique for photovoltaic cascaded DC-DC converters. A series rather than parallel connection of converters allows higher switch utilization and lower rating of components; however, they suffer from nonhomogeneous irradiations condition. Under partial shading conditions, the input power of all PV panel will not be the same and as a result the output voltage of each converter will not be identical. This causes system to operate in an asymmetric condition, in which, the conventional interleaving techniques are not capable of eliminating the DC link output voltage variations. In this work, an interleaving algorithm is reported on cascaded DC/DC converters under asymmetric condition to minimize the DC link output voltage variations. The effectiveness of this algorithm for cascaded DC-DC converters has been validated by simulation and Hardware-In-the-Loop tests.
A Survey of the Return Times Theorem

The goal of this paper is to survey the history, development and current status of the Return Times Theorem and its many extensions and variations. Let (X;F; ) be a
Estimating the Growth Rate of Slowly Growing Marine Bacteria from RNA Content

In past studies of enteric bacteria such as Escherichia coli, various measures of cellular RNA content have been shown to be strongly correlated with growth rate. We examined this correlation for four marine bacterial isolates. Isolates were grown in chemostats at four or five dilution rates, yielding growth rates that spanned the range typically determined for marine bacterial communities in nature (μ = 0.01 to 0.25 h-1). All measures of RNA content (RNA cell-1, RNA:biovolume ratio, RNA:DNA ratio, RNA:DNA:biovolume ratio) were significantly different among isolates. Normalizing RNA content to cell volume substantially reduced, but did not eliminate, these differences. On average, the correlation between μ and the RNA:DNA ratio accounted for 94% of variance when isolates were considered individually. For data pooled across isolates (analogous to an average measurement for a community), the ratio of RNA:DNA μm-3 (cell volume) accounted for nearly half of variance in μ (r2 = 0.47). The maximum RNA:DNA ratio for each isolate was extrapolated from regressions. The regression of (RNA:DNA)/(RNA:DNA)max on μ was highly significant (r2 = 0.76 for data pooled across four isolates) and virtually identical for three of the four isolates, perhaps reflecting an underlying common relationship between RNA content and growth rate. The dissimilar isolate was the only one derived from sediment. Cellular RNA content is likely to be a useful predictor of growth rate for slowly growing marine bacteria but in practice may be most successful when applied at the level of individual species.
Source of mercury in fish in new impoundments.

That high levels of mercury are often found in fish flesh in new impoundments is well-known; however, the source(s) of the mercury is typically not identified. From the present study, data are obtained which support a hypothesis that the primary source may often be natural rather than anthropogenic. A subsequent conclusion is that the problem will be short-term; within ca. 5 years the mercury levels in fish in such systems should be normal.
Stable Suspension of Crystalline Fe3O4 Nanoparticles from In Situ Hot-Fluid Annealing

Crystalline Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared via chemical precipitation in reverse micellar cavities in a microemulsion, followed by in situ thermal annealing of the microemulsion at 150 °C. A valuable feature of the annealing is that the physical properties of the nanoparticles are preserved in the crystallization process, and the resulting crystalline Fe3O4 nanoparticles remain in stable suspensions. The method thus allows the control of average sizes in the final crystalline nanoparticles by varying the initial microemulsion parameters. Results from the characterization of the nanoparticle samples are presented and discussed.
Sex cues in estimating and performing a simple motor task.

The present study examined direct behavioral effects of sex cues in a modified level of aspiration experiment for 60 male and 60 female undergraduates. Each S was provided a constant referent score (25), identified as the average score, average score for men, or average score for women. E's sex was controlled and its effects examined. Male Ss estimated and performed significantly higher than female Ss. All Ss provided the average score for the men estimated and performed lower than Ss provided the average score for women. Effect of E's sex was nonsignificant. Results were discussed in terms of behavioral effects of sex-role stereotypes and the implications of such effects for future research. Language: en
Drop growth in the atmosphere by condensation: Application to cloud physics

Abstract A practical theory of drop growth by condensation is discussed with a view toward its meteorological (mainly cloud physics) applications; the size range contemplated extends to about thirty microns. The working equation is derived in some detail and presented as an interpolation between the continuum and free molecular regimes of the the Knudsen number. A number of important consequences of the theory are identified. Its immediate application to cloud growth is discussed.
Investigation of Copper(I) Oxide Quantum Dots by Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy

Copper oxide quantum dots (CuOQD) were grown in various thicknesses on different SrTiO3(001) surfaces and were investigated by near edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The experimental growth conditions for the CuOQD were optimized to obtain Cu2O as the major phase. The CuOQD grown on clean SrTiO3(001) surfaces at 825 K or higher with p(O2) of 9.0x10-7 Torr or above contain mostly CuO contrasting to CuOQD grown at 800 K with p(O2) of {approx}7.0x10-7 Torr that contain primarily Cu2O. Furthermore, it is established that there is a strong interaction between the SrTiO3(001) surface and the first few monolayers of the CuOQD, which induces the formation of Cu(II). However, this interaction is mitigated with increasing thickness of CuOQD resulting in the exclusive formation of Cu2O in the topmost layers. The influence of the SrTiO3(001) substrate on the formation of CuOQD can be reduced by modifying the substrate surface using chemical treatment and/or energetic Au2? ion-beam irradiation, since the substrate effect results from the reaction between the substrate oxygen and the copper atoms from the CuOQD. Examination of the photochemical properties of these CuOQD shows that prolonged soft x-ray irradiation under vacuum reduces Cu(II), which is present as a minor impuritymore » in the CuOQD.« less
Event-related oscillations (ERO) during an active discrimination task: Effects of lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis.

Abstract The cholinergic system in the brain is involved in attentional processes that are engaged for the identification and selection of relevant information in the environment and the formation of new stimulus associations. In the present study we determined the effects of cholinergic lesions of nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) on amplitude and phase characteristics of event related oscillations (EROs) generated in an auditory active discrimination task in rats. Rats were trained to press a lever to begin a series of 1 kHz tones and to release the lever upon hearing a 2 kHz tone. A time-frequency based representation was used to determine ERO energy and phase synchronization (phase lock index, PLI) across trials, recorded within frontal cortical structures. Lesions in NBM produced by an infusion of a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) resulted in (1) a reduction of the number of correct behavioral responses in the active discrimination task, (2) an increase in ERO energy in the delta frequency bands, (3) an increase in theta, alpha and beta ERO energy in the N1, P3a and P3b regions of interest (ROI), and (4) an increase in PLI in the theta frequency band in the N1 ROIs. These studies suggest that the NBM cholinergic system is involved in maintaining the synchronization/phase resetting of oscillations in different frequencies in response to the presentation of the target stimuli in an active discrimination task.
Health inspection reports as predictors of specific training needs.

Abstract This study examined the impact of inspector and operation type on restaurant inspection scores and estimated the probability of each violation found by each inspector and operation type. General linear models and a logistic regression model were employed to analyze 1,067 regular routine inspection results. The results of this study showed that inspector and operation type significantly impacted inspection scores, explaining 28.07% of the variation in scores. A significant difference was found in the prediction of the probability of each violation found by inspector and operation type. The estimated probability of each violation being found by inspector during a specific inspection of operation ranged from 0% to 47.9%. The probability of each violation occurrence by inspector and operation type was considered as specific training needs for inspectors and restaurant managers. Possible implications are suggested for training programs for inspectors and restaurant managers to improve standardized results of inspection.
Pd(II)-catalyzed acetal/ketal hydrolysis/exchange reactions

PdCl2(CH3CN)2 catalyzes the hydrolysis of dioxolane acetals and ketals in moist CH3CN, while in acetoze, efficient and more reproducible exchange reactions take place.
Human resources development for communications in the Third World

Abstract This article summarizes Third World prospects for the development of human resources in communication programs. The discussion examines the structural causes of high demand for development of human resources. Also studied are pressures that stem from the dense populations in the regions, the cultural and linguistic diversity faced by their peoples, and the global media explosion. The shortage of suitable staff for communication programs has become chronic in most non-industrialized regions, making human resource development a high priority for media and other information services.
Chemical homogeneity of National Bureau of Standards coal flyash (SRM 1633a)

The chemical homogeneity of 10 mg samples of the (U. S.) National Bureau of Standards standard reference material 1633a (coal flyash) was determined for several elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The homogeneity was tested for the purpose of using small samples of the flyash as a multielement comparator standard. For small sample masses the flyash may be unacceptably heterogeneous for Fe, Co, Ba, and perhaps As and Sb. Homogeneity is improved by grinding the flyash. For comparison, homogeneity data for USGS GSP-1 is also presented.
Calmodulin Mediates Calcium-Dependent Inactivation of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors

Ca2+ influx through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors activates signal transduction pathways critical for many forms of synaptic plasticity in the brain. NMDA receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx also downregulates the gating of NMDA channels through a process called Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI). Recent studies have demonstrated that the calcium binding protein calmodulin directly interacts with NMDA receptors, suggesting that calmodulin may play a role in CDI. We report here that the mutation of a specific calmodulin binding site in the CO region of the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor blocks CDI. Moreover, intracellular infusion of a calmodulin inhibitory peptide markedly reduces CDI of both recombinant and neuronal NMDA receptors. Furthermore, this inactivating effect of calmodulin can be prevented by coexpressing a region of the cytoskeletal protein alpha-actinin2 known to interact with the CO region of NR1. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the binding of Ca2+/calmodulin to NR1 mediates CDI of the NMDA receptor and suggest that inactivation occurs via Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent release of the receptor complex from the neuronal cytoskeleton.
Interactions of beef heart mitichrondrial adenosine triphosphatase and aurovertin

Abstract Aurovertin forms a complex with soluble beef heart mitochondrial ATPase (F 1 ) while exhibiting a biphasic fluorence enhancement. The effect of substrate, activators and inhibitors of F 1 1 of the fluorescence of the aurovertin-F 1 complex is reported. The aurovertin-F 1 complex can exist in two different states, one showing low fluorescence and the other with high fluorescence. Transition into the low fluorescence state is induced by various nucleoside triphosphates (ATP ± Mg 2+ , ITP ± Mg 2+ , GIP + Gg 2+ , and AMP-P(NH)P ± Mg 2+ ). The rate and extent of fluorescence decrease caused by nucleotide addition (except that caused by ATP) is dependent on the presence of added Mg 2+ . The inhibitors of ATPase activity (AMP-P(NH)P, GMP-P(NH)P and EDTA) at concentrations that inhibit hydrolysis of ATP did not prevent the ATP induced decrease of aurovertin fluorescence. EDTA at high concentration (>0.4 mM) enhanced the effect of ADP. The complex of aurovertin with F 1 that had previously been treated with butanedione loses sensitivity to ATP. Addition of ADP to the system containing butanedione-treated enzyme caused a 2-fold greater enhancement of fluorescence than the addition of ADP to the control system. In contrast to the butanedione-treated enzyme, the complex of aurovertin with F 1 previously treated at pH 5.6 loses sensitivity to ADP. Addition of ATP to this system lowered the fluorescence as in the system containing native enzyme. On the basis of the analyses of the aurovertin fluorescence changes and hydrolytic activity of F 1 , the existence of several types of ligand binding sties with varying degrees of specificity are proposed. It is further proposed that these sites are important in control of the conformation and the catalytic properties of the ATPase molecule.
Subwavelength Optical Coatings for Sensing

We present findings on novel subwavelength resonant optical sensor coatings that can be probed in the visible or NIR. These may be used for buildings sensing applications as occupancy, air quality, humidity, or other applications.
Chronic cocaine use as a neuropsychiatric syndrome: A model for debate

In humans, chronic cocaine abuse is associated with changes in the central nervous system (CNS). Neuropathological changes include cerebrovascular events, EEG abnormalities, vasculitis, seizures, and decrements in neurobehavioral performance. The acute administration of cocaine is associated with acute psychotic episodes and paranoid states while withdrawal from the drug is often associated with depressed mood. The mechanistic basis of these behavioral states is not known. Given the structural and functional changes associated with cocaine use, we propose that the chronic heavy use of cocaine may result in a neuropsychiatric syndrome which might be associated with neuropsychological changes that are not obvious during routine clinical evaluation of drug-using individuals. This disconnection syndrome, because of its sublety, might have deleterious effects on both acute and long-term therapeutic interventions with these subjects. An approach which deals with cocaine abuse as a neuropsychiatric disorder might be more beneficial to the long-term goal of treating these patients. This approach entails a neurobehavioral evaluation which will be comprised of a thorough neurological and psychiatric examination, neuropsychological testing, and imaging studies. The results of this evaluation would provide a more rational basis for cognitive and/or pharmacological therapies.
Prevention of cardiovascular disease

The February 1996 issue of the Cardiology Clinics, entitled ‘‘Changing the Natural History of Coronary Artery Disease’’ and edited by Drs. Jonathan Abrams and Richard Pasternak, was the first issue in this series that was devoted to cardiovascular disease prevention. We didn t use the word prevention in the title because we didn t want to discourage physicians from reading the issue. At the time, the evidence that prevention actually worked had reached a critical mass, but many physicians were not yet convinced of its value. We had hoped to help change that attitude with that issue, and I believe we did, because cardiologists have subsequently been the vanguard of cardiovascular prevention. The January 2000 issue of the Medical Clinics of North America was entitled ‘‘Risk Factor Modification for Cardiac Disease’’ and suggested that interest in prevention is growing among generalists. Again you will notice that prevention was not mentioned in the title. At this point the evidence for the value of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention is overwhelming, so we are putting prevention in the title of this issue of the Cardiology Clinics.