cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A connectionist model of a continuous developmental transition in the balance scale task

A connectionist model of the balance scale task is presented which exhibits developmental transitions between ‘Rule I’ and ‘Rule II’ behavior [Siegler, R. S. (1976). Three aspects of cognitive development. Cognitive Psychology, 8, 481–520.] as well as the ‘catastrophe flags’ seen in data from Jansen and van der Maas [Jansen, B. R. J., & van der Maas, H. L. J. (2001). Evidence for the phase transition from Rule I to Rule II on the balance scale task. Developmental Review, 21, 450–494]. The model extends a connectionist model of this task [McClelland, J. L. (1989). Parallel distributed processing: Implications for cognition and development. In R. G. M. Morris (Ed.), Parallel distributed processing: Implications for psychology and neurobiology (pp. 8–45). Oxford: Clarendon Press] by introducing intrinsic variability into processing and by allowing the network to adapt during testing in response to its own outputs. The simulations direct attention to several aspects of the experimental data indicating that children generally show gradual change in sensitivity to the distance dimension on the balance scale. While a few children show larger changes than are characteristic of the model, its ability to account for nearly all of the data using continuous processes is consistent with the view that the transition from Rule I to Rule II behavior is typically continuous rather than discrete in nature.
Effect of thymidine analogues on reproductive morphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.

Effect of Thymidine Analogues on Reproductive Morphogenesis in Arabidopsis Thaliana (L.) Heynh.
Topological properties in nearness spaces

Abstract Characterization of countably compact, Lindelof, H-closed, first countable and second countable are provided in terms of the nearness structure. Applications of these results are provided for uniform spaces and specific nearness structures.
Geriatric sexuality breakdown syndrome

This paper focuses on the relationship between the social environment and the older individual. By utilizing the Social Breakdown Syndrome [1, 2] as a basis for examining this relationship, the author has proposed a cycle of events, the Geriatric Sexuality Breakdown Syndrome, in which an older individual is initially predisposed to diminished sexual activity to the end point of self-identification as non-sexual. Suggestions for interrupting this breakdown syndrome are given.
A survey of numerical methods and computer programs for dynamic structural analysis

Abstract The safety analysis of nuclear reactors often involves the solution of non-linear, transient structure-continuum problems. Many general-purpose and special-purpose programs are available for this class of problems. The methods of integration found in these programs are described, particularly from the viewpoint of computational efficiency for the various classes of problems that are found in reactor safety analysis. The methods of time integration, in the usual manner, are subdivided into two categories: explicit and implicit. These methods are summarized along with their advantages and disadvantages and some recent results on their stability and accuracy. Customary practice in the use of these methods is outlined. The programs used in reactor structural safety analysis are surveyed and their salient features tabulated.
Prophylaxis and treatment of dermatologic adverse events from epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors.

Purpose of reviewAs the number and uses for targeted therapies such as epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) increase, so does the need to recognize and treat the dermatologic side-effects of these agents. Although agents such as gefitinib, erlotinib, cetuximab, lapatinib, and panitum
Hodgkin's disease limited to intrathoracic sites

The records of 1470 patients treated for Hodgkin's disease between 1960 and 1980 were reviewed, and sites of initial involvement were scored. Forty-four patients had disease limited to the chest after clinical and/or pathologic staging. Eighteen asymptomatic patients underwent a staging laparotomy and no occult subdiaphragmatic disease was identified. All 44 patients were treated with irradiation (XRT) to involved (IF), mantle (M), subtotal lymphoid (STLI), or total lymphoid (TLI) fields. Eighteen patients were also treated with chemotherapy, consisting of nitrogen mustard, vincristine, and procarbazine, with or without prednisone (MOP(P)), or procarbazine, melphalan, and vinblastine (PAVe). With a median follow-up of 7.5 years the survival at five and ten years was 93% and 89%, respectively, and the freedom from relapse (FFR) at five and ten years was 81% and 78%, respectively. Ten patients relapsed, all in supradiaphragmatic sites (including six relapses within lung parenchyma). Eight had initially received XRT alone, and two had received combined modality treatment. The risk of relapse in the 26 patients treated with XRT alone varied inversely with the volume irradiated: IF, 100% (3/3); M, 45% (3/7); STLI, 17% (2/12); TLI, 0% (0/4) relapsed. Seven of the eight relapsing patients treated with XRT alone were salvaged with subsequent XRT and/or chemotherapy whereas both of the combined modality patients who relapsed, died with progressive disease despite all salvage therapy. Cancer 52:18-13, 1983.
Agent-Based Analysis of Biomass Feedstock Production Dynamics

The success of the bioenergy sector based on lignocellulosic feedstock will require a sustainable and resilient transition from the current agricultural system focused on food crops to one also producing energy crops. The dynamics of this transition are not well understood. It will be driven significantly by the collective participation, behavior, and interaction of various stakeholders such as farmers within the production system. The objective of this work is to study the system dynamics through the development and application of an agent-based model using the theory of complex adaptive systems. Farmers and biorefinery, two key stakeholders in the system, are modeled as independent agents. The decision making of each agent as well as its interaction with other agents is modeled using a set of rules reflecting the economic, social, and personal attributes of the agent. These rules and model parameters are adapted from literature. Regulatory mechanisms such as Biomass Crop Assistance Program are embedded in the decision-making process. The model is then used to simulate the production of Miscanthus as an energy crop in Illinois. Particular focus has been given on understanding the dynamics of Miscanthus adaptation as an agricultural crop and its impact on biorefinery capacity and contractual agreements. Results showed that only 60% of the maximum regional production capacity could be reached, and it took up to 15 years to establish that capacity. A 25% reduction in the land opportunity cost led to a 63% increase in the steady- state productivity. Sensitivity analysis showed that higher initial conversion of land by farmers to grow energy crop led to faster growth in regional productivity.
Ballistic-like supercurrent in suspended graphene Josephson weak links

Attempts to observe new phenomena in graphene–superconductor hybrid devices have been hindered by the poor quality of the junctions formed. Suspended graphene Josephson junctions that exhibit superlative transport characteristics fabricated by Mizuno et al. could be the solution to this problem.
The vertical variation of the wind through the friction-layer over the Greenland ice cap

The peculiar wind spirals observed at Station Centrale, Expeditions Polaires Francaises 1949–51, are explained by accounting for the effect of the thermal wind due to the presence of a strong surface inversion over sloped terrain. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1972.tb01528.x
Expansion and Compression of a Protein Folding Intermediate by GroEL

The GroEL-GroES chaperonin system is required for the assisted folding of many essential proteins. The precise nature of this assistance remains unclear, however. Here we show that denatured RuBisCO from Rhodospirillum rubrum populates a stable, nonaggregating, and kinetically trapped monomeric state at low temperature. Productive folding of this nonnative intermediate is fully dependent on GroEL, GroES, and ATP. Reactivation of the trapped RuBisCO monomer proceeds through a series of GroEL-induced structural rearrangements, as judged by resonance energy transfer measurements between the amino- and carboxy-terminal domains of RuBisCO. A general mechanism used by GroEL to push large, recalcitrant proteins like RuBisCO toward their native states thus appears to involve two steps: partial unfolding or rearrangement of a nonnative protein upon capture by a GroEL ring, followed by spatial constriction within the GroEL-GroES cavity that favors or enforces compact, folding-competent intermediate states.
New level of relativity

In their origins Einstein’s studies of relativity principles called into question the validity of important assumptions that had previously been made in formulating physical theories, assumptions made without investigation into alternatives. Examples of this include notions of absolute time and space, flat Euclidean geometry, and trivial topology. In this paper, we review an intermediate niche, differentiable (smooth) structure, which must be defined between topology and geometry. We now know that this choice need not be trivial. Just as it seemed for centuries to be obvious that space should be flat, so it would seem until recently that standard, trivial, smoothness for spacetime is the only choice. We now know that this is not true. In this paper we review these topics in the light of very surprising and often counter-intuitive mathematical discoveries of the last 20 years or so. Since our regions of observability are necessarily constrained we do not have any a priori justification for extending standard smoothness globally. This opens up the possibility of non-standard extension of solutions to field equations to exotically smooth regions, leading to examples such as exotic black holes and exotic cosmological models.
A machine learning and wavelet-based fault location method for hybrid transmission lines

This paper presents a single-ended traveling-wave based fault location method for a hybrid transmission line: an overhead line combined with an underground cable. Discrete Wavelet Transformation (DWT) is used to extract transient information from the measured voltages. Support vector machine (SVM) classifiers are utilized to identify the faulty section and faulty-half. Bewley diagrams are observed for the traveling wave patterns and the wavelet coefficients of the aerial mode voltage are used to locate the fault. The transient simulation for different fault types and locations are obtained by ATP using frequency-dependent line and cable models. MATLAB is used to process the simulated transients and apply the proposed method. The performance of the method is tested for different fault inception angles (FIA), different fault resistances, non-linear high impedance faults (NLHIF) and non-ideal faults with satisfactory results. The impact of cable aging on the proposed method accuracy is also investigated.
The Administrative Internship and Role Change: A Study of the Relationship between Interaction and Attitudes

In interpreting data gathered in an administrative internship program, the author suggests that certain attitude changes, taken as an index of role shift, are associated with interaction patterns with "significant others." The data interpretation further suggests a proposition that interns' attitudes are not substantially affected by the influence of the role-model (cooperating administrator).
Rapid verification of disulfide linkages in recombinant human growth hormone by tandem column tryptic mapping

An automated tryptic mapping method was developed for characterization of disulfide linkages in recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). The hormone was trypsin digested and the peptide fragments concentrated by eluting rhGH through an immobilized trypsin column and transferring the peptides directly to a reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) column where they were collected. Reaction time was controlled by the flow-rate. Following tryptic digestion of a sample, the immobilized enzyme column was uncoupled from the flow train by a switching valve and the RP-LC column eluted with a solvent gradient ranging from 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) with 1% acetonitrile (ACN) to ACN with 0.1% TFA and 5% water. This two-step mapping process was achieved within 2 h on both native and reduced rhGH samples. The chromatographic elution position and mass spectra matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of native rhGH and sulfur-containing peptides were determined with standards. Standards of the individual sulfhydryl (-SH) containing peptides and all possible disulfide linked peptides that could result from coupling the -SH peptides in disulfide linkages were obtained by synthesis and chromatographic purification. This approach allowed the chromatographic elution position of all possible mismatched disulfide containing peptides to be established and samples of rhGH to be examined for improper folding.
Acute motor and lethal effects of inhaled toluene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, halothane, and ethanol in mice: Effects of exposure duration

Abstract Some acute effects of inhalation exposure to toluene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCE), halothane, and ethanol were examined in mice. Lethality and performance on an inverted screen test of motor performance were measured following 10-, 30-, and 60-min exposures. Concentration-dependent effects were obtained on both measures for all solvents except that lethal concentrations of ethanol could not be produced under these exposure conditions. Lethality increased with longer exposures for toluene, 1,1,1-TCE, and halothane. Sensitivity to the motor effects of 1,1,1-TCE, halothane, and ethanol increased when exposure duration was increased from 10 to 30 min, with no further change with 60-min exposures. In contrast, behavioral sensitivity to toluence increased over the entire range of exposure durations. The relative lipid solubilities of the solvents correlate with potency for behavioral activity but not as well with potency for lethality. The ratio of potency for motor and lethal effects depended on the chemical studied and in some cases exposure duration. These results demonstrate that both concentration and exposure duration determine the effects of inhaled compounds, but a simple linear relationship does not exist and it depends upon the effect measured.
To wait or to respond

Emitting a certain response and waiting for a specified time without making that response had the same consequence. In Experiment 1, food-deprived pigeons were as likely to wait as to respond only if waiting provided food at a much higher frequency than did pecking. In Experiment 2, the consequence for humans was a brief light flash and tone. People were not biased for responding over waiting. Instead, their choices suggested crude payoff maximization. In Experiment 3, pigeons again obtained food, but they were not food deprived and could eat freely at each opportunity. Their behavior was more like that of the humans of Experiment 2 than that of food-deprived pigeons given small quantities of food at each feeding opportunity. The three experiments together showed that biases for responding over waiting were neither inherent characteristics of species nor inevitable outcomes of particular schedules. Choice between active search and waiting depended on ecological-motivational factors even when species and schedules were held constant.
Assessment of intra- and interobserver reproducibility of rest and cold pressor test-stimulated myocardial blood flow with 13N-ammonia and PET

Purpose We investigated the intraobserver reproducibility of myocardial blood flow (MBF) measurements with PET at rest and during cold pressor test (CPT), and the interobserver agreement.
Prompt gamma rays emitted in the thermal-neutron-induced fission of 235 U

The average number and average energy of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays emitted within \ensuremath{\sim}5 nsec after fission have been determined as functions of fragment mass and as functions of fragment mass and total kinetic energy in two-dimensional representations. In a four-parameter experiment, energies of coincident pairs of fission fragments were measured with surface-barrier detectors and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray energies were measured with a large NaI(Tl) detector, which was located 89 cm from a thin $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ target and positioned coaxially with the fragment detectors. The time difference between detection of a fission fragment and a $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ ray was measured to allow time-of-flight discrimination against fission neutrons. The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray data were analyzed with a "weighting method" proposed by Maier-Leibnitz to deduce average numbers and energies of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays from measured pulse heights. The Doppler shift in the laboratory angular distribution of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ emission was utilized to obtain the number and energy of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays as functions of single fragment mass. The results, for both average number and average energy as functions of single fragment mass, are characterized by a sawtooth behavior similar to that which is well known for neutron emission. The over-all average number and energy of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays emitted per fission were found to be 6.51 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.3 and 6.43 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.3 MeV, respectively, giving an average photon energy of 0.99 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.07 MeV.
Focusing on context in network traffic analysis

The time-based network traffic visualizer combines low-level, textual detail with multiple visualizations of the larger context to help users construct a security event's big picture. TNV is a visualization tool grounded in an under standing of the work practices of security analysts. We designed it to support ID analysis by giving analysts a visual display that facilitates pattern and anomaly recognition, particularly overtime. It also offers more focused views on packet-level detail in the context of the surrounding network traffic.
The capacity region of the Gaussian cognitive radio channels at high SNR

Deterministic channel models have recently proven to be powerful tools for obtaining capacity bounds for Gaussian multiuser networks that are tight in the high SNR regime. In this work we apply this technique to the Gaussian cognitive radio channel: a 2×2 interference channel in which one transmitter has non-causal knowledge of the message of the other, whose capacity region in general is unknown. We approximate the Gaussian cognitive radio channel at high SNR by an underlying binary linear deterministic channel model for which we determine the exact capacity region.
Intrinsic germanium detector efficiency calculations

The efficiency of large high-purity germanium detectors has been studied through Monte Carlo simulation for gamma rays from 0.5 MeV to 20 MeV. Broad-beam and point-source calculations have been carried out for two high-purity germanium detectors. The significant effects of geometric details are described, and a comparison of the Monte Carlo calculations to measurements is given. The comparison shows the need to include geometrical detail in calculations of detector efficiency. >
Norrie disease and MAO genes: nearest neighbors

The Norrie disease and MAO genes are tandemly arranged in the p11.4-p11.3 region of the human X chromosome in the order tel-MAOA-MAOB-NDP-cent. This relationship is conserved in the mouse in the order tel-MAOB-MAOA-NDP-cent. The MAO genes appear to have arisen by tandem duplication of an ancestral MAO gene, but their positional relationship to NDP appears to be random. Distinctive X-linked syndromes have been described for mutations in the MAOA and NDP genes, and in addition, individuals have been identified with contiguous gene syndromes due to chromosomal deletions which encompass two or three of these genes. Loss of function of the NDP gene causes a syndrome of congenital blindness and progressive hearing loss, sometimes accompanied by signs of CNS dysfunction, including variable mental retardation and psychiatric symptoms. Other mutations in the NDP gene have been found to underlie another X-linked eye disease, exudative vitreo-retinopathy. An MAOA deficiency state has been described in one family to date, with features of altered amine and amine metabolite levels, low normal intelligence, apparent difficulty in impulse control and cardiovascular difficulty in affected males. A contiguous gene syndrome in which all three genes are lacking, as well as other as yet unidentified flanking genes, results in severe mental retardation, small stature, seizures and congenital blindness, as well as altered amine and amine metabolites. Issues that remain to be resolved are the function of the NDP gene product, the frequency and phenotype of the MAOA deficiency state, and the possible occurrence and phenotype of an MAOB deficiency state.
Enhanced Receptor-mediated Endocytosis and Cytotoxicity of a Folic Acid-desacetylvinblastine Monohydrazide Conjugate in a Pemetrexed-Resistant Cell Line Lacking Folate-specific Facilitative Carriers but with Increased Folate Receptor Expression

The reduced folate carrier (RFC), proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), and folate receptors (FR) are folate-specific transporters. Antifolates currently in the clinic, such as pemetrexed, methotrexate, and pralatrexate, are transported into tumor cells primarily via RFC. Folic acid conjugated to cytotoxics, a new class of antineoplastics, are transported into cells via FR-mediated endocytosis. To better define the role of PCFT in antifolate resistance, a methotrexate-resistant cell line, M160-8, was selected from a HeLa subline in which the RFC gene was deleted and PCFT was highly overexpressed. These cells were cross-resistant to pemetrexed. PCFT function and the PCFT mRNA level in M160-8 cells were barely detectable, and FR-α function and mRNA level were increased as compared with the parent cells. While pemetrexed rapidly associated with FR and was internalized within endosomes in M160-8 cells, consistent with FR-mediated transport, subsequent pemetrexed and (6S)-5-formyltetrahydrofolate export into the cytosol was markedly impaired. In contrast, M160-8 cells were collaterally sensitive to EC0905, a folic acid–desacetylvinblastine monohydrazide conjugate also transported by FR-mediated endocytosis. However, in this case a sulfhydryl bond is cleaved to release the lipophilic cytotoxic moiety into the endosome, which passively diffuses out of the endosome into the cytosol. Hence, resistance to pemetrexed in M160-8 cells was due to entrapment of the drug within the endosome due to the absence of PCFT under conditions in which the FR cycling function was intact.
Register-Transfer Level Digital Design Automation: The Allocation Process

This paper presents a portion of the register-transfer level computer aided design (RT-CAD) research at Carnegie-Mellon University. This part of the research involves the design and construction of an allocator, consisting of a set of algorithms and data structures which synthesize hardware at the logical level from a behavioral description. Preliminary results indicate the allocators performance compares favorably with a human designer.
Biomimetic matrices for myocardial stabilization and stem cell transplantation

Although natural biological matrices have demonstrated modest improvement in the survival of cells transplanted into the infarcted myocardium, these materials have not been amenable to systematic optimization and therefore have limited potential to treat postinfarct cardiac injuries. Here we have developed tunable bioactive semi-interpenetrating polymer network (sIPN) hydrogels with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) labile crosslinkers to be used as an assistive microenvironment for transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into the infarcted myocardium. Injectable sIPN hydrogels were designed with a range of mechanical and biological properties that yielded material-dependent BMSC proliferation in vitro. Five groups were evaluated to treat myocardial infarction (MI) in adult mice: saline injection; green fluorescent protein (GFP)(+)-BMSCs delivered in saline; a sIPN matrix; a sIPN + GFP(+)-BMSCs; and Matrigel™ + GFP(+)-BMSCs. Injection of cells alone created a transient improvement in LV function that declined over time, and the synthetic hydrogel without cells resulted in the highest LV function at 6 weeks. Donor GFP-positive cells were detected after matrix-enhanced transplantation, but not without matrix support. Biomimetic sIPN hydrogel matrices succeeded both in mechanically supporting the injured myocardium and modestly enhancing donor cell survival. These matrices provide a foundation for systematic development of “pro-survival” microenvironments, and improvement in the long-term results of cardiac stem cell transplantation therapies. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Localized hybridization circuits

Molecular computing executed via local interactions of spatially contiguous sets of molecules has potential advantages of (i) speed due to increased local concentration of reacting species, (ii) generally sharper switching behavior and higher precision due to single molecule interactions, (iii) parallelism since each circuit operates independently of the others and (iv) modularity and scalability due to the ability to reuse DNA sequences in spatially separated regions. We propose detailed designs for local molecular computations that involve spatially contiguous molecules arranged on addressable substrates. The circuits act via enzyme-free DNA hybridization reaction cascades. Our designs include composable OR, AND and propagation Boolean gates, and techniques to achieve higher degree fan-in and fan-out. A biophysical model of localized hybridization reactions is used to estimate the effect of locality on reaction rates. We also use the Visual DSD simulation software in conjunction with localized reaction rates to simulate a localized circuit for computing the square root of a four bit number.
Hypocaloric Home Parenteral Nutrition and Nutrition Parameters in Patients Following Bariatric Surgery

Background: Surgical intervention is considered an acceptable treatment for morbid obesity. Complications following bariatric surgery procedures (BSPs) may necessitate home parenteral nutrition (HPN). No studies have been published on patients receiving HPN following BSP complications. The study aim was to determine if hypocaloric HPN has an effect on body mass index (BMI), albumin, and HPN complications. Methods: A historic cohort of patients was identified from a clinical database. Obese patients (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) who underwent BSP and received HPN for an anastomotic leak/fistula or bowel obstruction were included. Comparisons for start and end of therapy were made for calorie and protein intake, BMI, white blood cell count, and serum albumin level. Readmissions and metabolic and infectious complications were recorded. Obese patients received hypocaloric feeds to promote weight loss and protein for wound healing. Results: Twenty-three patients were included for an average study length of 1.5 months. Patie...
Localized corrosion induced in graphite/aluminum metal-matrix composites by residual microstructural chloride

Abstract Graphite fiber/aluminum (G/Al) metal-matrix composites (MMCs) manufactured using the titanium-boron vapor deposit (Ti-B VD) method were found susceptible to localized corrosion in chloride-free sodium sulfate solutions in which Al should be passive. G/Al MMC precursor wires and plates made of diffusion-bonded packs of precursor wires were investigated in this study. When G/Al MMC plates were exposed to chloride-free sodium sulfate solutions, pitting regimes were visible in the anodic polarization diagrams. Accordingly, wire-wire diffusion bonds were severely pitted, causing disbonding of precursor wires that led to the exfoliation of plates. The pitting was found to be caused by residual microstructural chloride originating from the Ti-B VD method. This work suggests that the exfoliation of G/Al MMC plates could be prevented by producing composites with halide-free microstructures.
Paradoxical blockade of a muscimol response by thip, a GABA agonist and also by GABA-transaminase inhibitors

Abstract In a particular strain of mice, relatively large doses of muscimol caused myoclonic jerks of high frequency. This muscimol response was blocked in a dose-dependent manner by a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo(5,4-c)pyridin-3-ol-hydrate (THIP). Studies using γ-acetylenic GABA and γ-vinyl GABA demonstrated that the blockade of the muscimol-induced jerks caused by these irreversible GABA-transaminase inhibitors closely paralleled the elevation of brain GABA level. It seems that, in this particular strain of mice, muscimol, or one of its metabolites, possibly acts on certain specific binding sites in the central nervous system, eliciting myoclonic jerks and that these receptor sites are different from those to which GABA or THIP binds. Earlier studies demonstrated the value of the muscimol-induced myoclonic jerks as an animal model for postanoxic action myoclonus. Based on this finding, it is proposed that both THIP and the GABA-transaminase inhibitors might prove to be of value in the management of this clinical condition.
On-chip bus signaling using passive compensation

A new scheme for bus signaling using on-chip lossy transmission lines with passive compensation is introduced in this paper to address the performance limitation brought by the scaling issues of on-chip global wires. The new scheme is designed and optimized based on eye-diagram prediction algorithm and sequential quadratic programming (SQP) flow. We perform a case study to demonstrate feasibility of the proposed scheme. The results show that, at 45 nm technology node, the new scheme achieves 20.58 ps/mm transmission speed and has the power efficiency of 0.106 pJ/bit considering the crosstalk effects.
A Model for the Study of Switching-Surge Breakdown of Long Air Gaps

A model of the discharge process leading to the switching surge flashover of long air gaps is presented. This model is based on a new non-thermal equilibriummodel of thedischargechannel. Dependingon temperature and current, the volt ampere characteristics of the discharge channel simulation behave either like a resistoror a zener diode. This channel simulation is combined with an electric field calculation to produce a breakdown model for arbitrary gap geometries and applied voltage waveforms. The model is currently implemented on a minicomputer system.
Database allocation in Ethernet-based local area networks: a queueing analytic approach

An analysis is made of the transaction response time in an Ethernet-based distributed system by evaluating the queuing models of Ethernet transmission and local database subsystems. The results obtained provide a basis for addressing design problems related to distributed database systems. A number of the analytic properties of transaction response time are established, and these can be used to simplify the solution procedure for the database allocation problem in Ethernet-based systems. >
Source of nonlinearity in echo‐time‐dependent BOLD fMRI

Stimulation-induced changes in transverse relaxation rates can provide important insight into underlying physiological changes in blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast. It is often assumed that BOLD fractional signal change (DeltaS/S) is linearly dependent on echo time (TE). This relationship was evaluated at 9.4 T during visual stimulation in cats with gradient-echo (GE) and spin-echo (SE) echo-planar imaging (EPI). The TE dependence of GE DeltaS/S is close to linear in both the parenchyma and large vessel area at the cortical surface for TEs of 6-20 ms. However, this dependence is nonlinear for SE studies in the TE range of 16-70 ms unless a diffusion-weighting of b = 200 s/mm(2) is applied. This behavior is not caused by inflow effects, T(2)* decay during data acquisition in SE-EPI, or extravascular spin density changes. Our results are explained by a two-compartment model in which the extravascular contribution to DeltaS/S vs. TE is linear, while the intravascular contribution can be nonlinear depending on the magnetic field strength and TE. At 9.4 T, the large-vessel IV signal can be minimized by using long TE and/or moderate diffusion weighting. Thus, stimulation-induced relaxation rate changes should be carefully determined, and their physiological meanings should be interpreted with caution.
A hardware framework for the fast generation of multiple long-period random number streams

Stochastic simulations and other scientific applications that depend on random numbers are increasingly implemented in a parallelized manner in programmable logic. High-quality pseudo-random number generators (PRNG), such as the Mersenne Twister, are often based on binary linear recurrences and have extremely long periods (more than 21024. Many software implementations of such PRNGs exist, but hardware implementations are rare. We have developed an optimized, resource-efficient parallel framework for this class of random number generators that exploits the underlying algorithm as well as FPGA-specific architectural features. The framework also incorporates fast "jump-ahead" capability for these PRNGs, allowing simultaneous, independent sub-streams to be generated in parallel by partitioning one long-period pseudo-random sequenceWe demonstrate parallelized implementations of three types of PRNGs -- the 32-, 64- and 128-bit SIMD Mersenne Twister -- on Xilinx Virtex-II Pro FPGAs. Their area/throughput performance is impressive: for example, compared clock-for-clock with a previous FPGA implementation, a "two-parallelized" 32-bit Mersenne Twister uses 41% fewer resources. It can also scale to 350 MHz for a throughput of 22.4 Gbps, which is 5.5x faster than the older FPGA implementation and 7.1x faster than a dedicated software implementation. The quality of generated random numbers is verified with the standard statistical test batteries Diehard and TestU01. We also present two real-world application studies with multiple RNG streams: the Ziggurat method for generating normal random variables and a Monte Carlo photon-transport simulation.The availability of fast long-period random number generators with multiple streams accelerates hardware-based scientific simulations and allows them to scale to greater complexities
Effect of Land-Use Pattern on the Development of Low-Level Jets

Abstract Land-use patterns are a major factor that causes land surface heterogeneities, which in turn influence the development of mesoscale circulations. In the present study, effects of land-use patterns on the formation and structure of mesoscale circulations were investigated using the North Carolina State University mesoscale model linked with the soil–vegetation system. The Midwest type of low-level jet (LLJ) was successfully generated in the model simulation. Characteristics of the LLJ generated in the numerical experiments are consistent with observations. The results suggest that land surface heterogeneities could have significant impacts on the formation and the maintenance of the LLJ.
Case Histories of Selection Criteria for Random Vibration Screening

This paper describes the criteria for selecting the random vibration screening level and duration such that defects are uncovered without consuming significant useful life prior to service use. Miner’s Linear Damage Rule is used as the basis for the derived damage expressions. Three real-world case histories are included to demonstrate the application of these criteria.
Revenge, Justice, and Law: Recognizing the Victim's Desire for Vengeance as a Justification for Punishment

In this article I examine the legitimacy of allowing crime victims' desires for revenge to serve as a factor when imposing criminal punishment upon wrongdoers. I argue that revenge is in and of itself a value neutral emotion; an emotion which simply describes a victim's desire to get back at his victimizer. For example, if the victim wishes to mete out punishment upon a person who actually committed a criminal wrong upon him, such a desire for revenge, I suggest, is moral. Furthermore, if the punishment inflicted by the wronged party is proportional to the harm suffered, I argue that such a punishment represents a just resolution of the criminal matter. In other words, I disagree with the notion that revenge is, per se, immoral or unjust. My article then examines the historical and religious reasons why revenge justice was supplanted by State imposed justice, and concludes that it was not because of a belief in the inherent immorality of the desire for revenge, but rather, was due to the very practical concerns that revenge justice often punished the innocent, and permitted disproportionate and inequitable levels of punishment. Revenge justice also frequently created an endless and escalating level of violence which threatened, and in some cases, actually destroyed early civilizations. Based upon the above analyses, the article critically examines the traditional theories of Retribution and Utilitarianism as justifications for imposing criminal punishment, and concludes that both theories are deficient in that they fail to recognize and address the victim's interest in assuring just punishment. Similarly, the article also criticizes the notions that traditional tort remedies and restorative justice models, provide adequate venues for victim involvement and redress. The article thus concludes that victims' desires for revenge deserve to be recognized as a legitimate factor when deciding what the level of punishment should be, so long as the ultimate sentencing authority remains with the State. I then offer a number of procedural mechanisms which would enhance the level of victim participation at the sentencing phase of criminal justice proceedings, including granting victims party status at all proceedings where sentencing decisions are rendered.
Advances in cirrhosis: Optimizing the management of hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major complication of cirrhosis resulting in significant socioeconomic burden, morbidity, and mortality. HE can be further subdivided into covert HE (CHE) and overt HE (OHE). CHE is a subclinical, less severe manifestation of HE and requires psychometric testing for diagnosis. Due to the time consuming screening process and lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, CHE is frequently underdiagnosed despite its recognized role as a precursor to OHE. Screening for CHE with the availability of the Stroop test has provided a pragmatic method to promptly diagnose CHE. Management of acute OHE involves institution of lactulose, the preferred first-line therapy. In addition, prompt recognition and treatment of precipitating factors is critical as it may result in complete resolution of acute episodes of OHE. Treatment goals include improvement of daily functioning, evaluation for liver transplantation, and prevention of OHE recurrence. For secondary prophylaxis, intolerance to indefinite lactulose therapy may lead to non-adherence and has been identified as a precipitating factor for recurrent OHE. Rifaximin is an effective add-on therapy to lactulose for treatment and prevention of recurrent OHE. Recent studies have demonstrated comparable efficacy of probiotic therapy to lactulose use in both primary prophylaxis and secondary prophylaxis.
Process improvements and characterization of ultrasonic additive manufactured structures

Abstract Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) is a solid state joining technology that produces metal parts and components at low temperatures by utilizing principles of ultrasonic metal welding. The process can produce solid and gapless structures, however under certain processing conditions voids and poor mechanical properties may occur. Builds wider than the foil width require stacking of foils next to and on top of one another, leading to the potential for voids, while also requiring periodic machining to maintain flatness. This study proposes a methodology to improve the bonding and mechanical properties of Al 6061 UAM builds. Specifically, the stacking sequence of foil layers, the effects of surface roughness during welding and following machining, and post-process heat treatments are examined. An optimized stacking sequence for foils has been identified via mechanical strength testing, whereby tape to tape overlap should be greater than 0.0025 in. (0.0635 mm) using a randomized layer stacking sequence. Sonotrodes with a 14 μm R a surface roughness are shown to provide improved bond quality compared to sonotrodes with 7 μm roughness. Welding onto surfaces roughened with the sonotrode after flattening passes has also shown to improve bond strength. Post-process heat treatments increase the bond strength over as-built conditions, providing strengths close to 90% of bulk material.
Mechanism of Notch Pathway Activation and Its Role in the Regulation of Olfactory Plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster

The neural plasticity of sensory systems is being increasingly recognized as playing a role in learning and memory. We have previously shown that Notch, part of an evolutionarily conserved intercellular signaling pathway, is required in adult Drosophila melanogaster olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) for the structural and functional plasticity of olfactory glomeruli that is induced by chronic odor exposure. In this paper we address how long-term exposure to odor activates Notch and how Notch in conjunction with chronic odor mediates olfactory plasticity. We show that upon chronic odor exposure a non-canonical Notch pathway mediates an increase in the volume of glomeruli by a mechanism that is autonomous to ORNs. In addition to activating a pathway that is autonomous to ORNs, chronic odor exposure also activates the Notch ligand Delta in second order projection neurons (PNs), but this does not appear to require acetylcholine receptor activation in PNs. Delta on PNs then feeds back to activate canonical Notch signaling in ORNs, which restricts the extent of the odor induced increase in glomerular volume. Surprisingly, even though the pathway that mediates the increase in glomerular volume is autonomous to ORNs, nonproductive transsynaptic Delta/Notch interactions that do not activate the canonical pathway can block the increase in volume. In conjunction with chronic odor, the canonical Notch pathway also enhances cholinergic activation of PNs. We present evidence suggesting that this is due to increased acetylcholine release from ORNs. In regulating physiological plasticity, Notch functions solely by the canonical pathway, suggesting that there is no direct connection between morphological and physiological plasticity.
Larval Protein Quality of Six Species of Lepidoptera (Saturniidae, Sphingidae, Noctuidae)

Six lepidopteran species representing three families were evaluated for their potential use as protein supplements for poultry. Proximate and amino acid analyses were conducted on larval powders of each species. Larvae ranged from 49.4 to 58.1 % crude protein on a dry-weight basis. Amino acid analysis indicated deficiencies in arginine, methionine, cysteine, and possibly lysine, when larvae are used in chick rations. In a chickfeeding trial with three of the species, however, these deficiencies were not substantiated: the average weight gained by chicks fed the lepidopteran-supplemented diet did not differ significantly from that of chicks fed a conventional corn/soybean control diet.
Interactions and Stability of Cu on CoSi2

Copper is being investigated for application as multi-level interconnection metal in silicon ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI). On the other hand, COSi 2 is being tested for application as contacts in sub-half micron ULSI circuits. Copper will thus be used on COSi 2 to bring the electrical connection to the outside world. In this investigation we have therefore studied the interactions of copper with CoSi 2 employing sheet resistance measurements (four-point probe), Rutherford back scattering (RBS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition the stability of the Schottky diodes, n-Si/CoS 2 /Cu, has been investigated as a function of the heat treatment in the range of room temperature to 600° C in argon-3% hydrogen mixture gas ambient. Both the measurements of the analytical and electrical characteristics show that Cu on n-Si/CoSi 2 is stable at least up to a 30 minutes anneal at 600°C in argon-3% hydrogen medium. These results will be presented and discussed.
Study on the Application of Preparation of Paintings from Deposed PSF

The right mix-solvent was chose and a water painting was produced on taking crylic acid,butyl acrylate and maleic anhydride as the material of grafting modification.In the end,a new line of changing rubbish into treasures was put forward.
Effects of a plasticizer leached from polyvinyl chloride on the subhuman primate: a consequence of chronic transfusion therapy.

Abstract The effects of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) on hepatic function and histology were evaluated in the rhesus monkey undergoing chronic transfusion. DEHP was solubilized as a result of leaching by platelets or plasma stored in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blood bags. The average cumulative amount of DEHP infused in 1 year was 69.3 mg., or 21.3 mg./kg. Comparable amounts of DEHP are received by patients who undergo chronic transfusions with whole blood, packed cells, platelets, and plasma in the same time period. Four of the seven PVC-transfused monkeys had abnormal 99m Tc liver-spleen scan ratios, four of the seven demonstrated abnormal BSP clearance, and six of the seven had abnormal liver histopathology upon completion of transfusion therapy. These findings persisted in a majority of the monkeys throughout the follow-up period. DEHP persisted in the tissues for up to 14 months after transfusion. The nontransfused monkeys and those transfused with platelets processed in polyethylene containers were normal.
The relative effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs in Caucasians and Negroes

A secondary analysis of 133 clinical trials of antihypertensive drugs was conducted for the purpose of assessing the relationship between race and drug effectiveness. The race categories were whites and nonwhites (all or almost all of whom were Negroes). Effectiveness and ineffectiveness were generally defined in terms of reduced blood pressure. Two different methods of analyzing the data were used: the Fisher Exact Test approach and the logit approach. The analyses showed a consistent tendency for the whites to be more responsive to antihypertensive therapy than were the nonwhites. The race difference in average successrates was fairly small and not consistently significant at the 0.05 level, but the trend in favor of whites merits reporting. Three possible explanations for the race difference are suggested: a differential cooperation hypothesis, a differential severity of illness hypothesis, and a genetic hypothesis.
Preseason bias in the NFL and NBA betting markets

ABSTRACTThis study extends research in the sports gaming literature by examining the efficiency of betting markets related to preseason professional sporting events. Using NFL (1995–2014) and NBA (2005–2014) data from preseason games, we examine the pricing efficiency of point spreads in these markets and consider evidence of systematic mispricing. Findings suggest point spreads are too large in these situations, providing a profitable betting opportunity for those willing to systematically wager on underdogs. Similar findings are not seen within the context of NFL or NBA regular seasons. These findings are more pronounced as preseason point spreads become larger. Further stratification by week of the NFL preseason demonstrates that underdogs discontinue their superior performance for the one week (Week 3) in which clubs tend to expel a higher level of effort.