cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-latency architectures for high-throughput rate Viterbi decoders

In this paper, a novel K-nested layered look-ahead method and its corresponding architecture, which combine K-trellis steps into one trellis step (where K is the encoder constraint length), are proposed for implementing low-latency high-throughput rate Viterbi decoders. The proposed method guarantees parallel paths between any two-trellis states in the look-ahead trellises and distributes the add-compare-select (ACS) computations to all trellis layers. It leads to regular and simple architecture for the Viterbi decoding algorithm. The look-ahead ACS computation latency of the proposed method increases logarithmically with respect to the look-ahead step (M) divided by the encoder constraint length (K) as opposed to linearly as in prior work. For a 4-state (i.e., K=3) convolutional code, the decoding latency of the Viterbi decoder using proposed method is reduced by 84%, at the expense of about 22% increase in hardware complexity, compared with conventional M-step look-ahead method with M=48 (where M is also the level of parallelism). The main advantage of our proposed design is that it has the least latency among all known look-ahead Viterbi decoders for a given level of parallelism.
CLOPRO: A Framework for Context Cloaking Privacy Protection

Smartphones, loaded with users' personal information have become the primary computing device for many. This makes privacy an increasingly important issue. To protect the privacy of the context based service users we propose CLOPRO framework (Context Cloaking Privacy Protection) using two non-colluding servers. Each service request has three parameters: identity, context and actual query. The proposed, integrated framework achieves the identity privacy, the context privacy, and the query privacy to reduce the risk of an adversary linking all of the three parameters. The methodology used is as follows: A group of users having a similar query are clustered together, a unique id for each cluster of users is created ensuring identity privacy. The centroid of the location coordinates replaces the actual location for the users in the cluster for location privacy, the query abstraction at multiple levels ensures the query privacy. The refined query is then sent to the service provider for processing. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is established by analyzing CLOPRO privacy protection model and comparing it with the other approaches.
An application of genetic algorithms for flow shop problems

Abstract This research studies an application of genetic algorithms for flow shop problems with makespan as the criterion. We generate a genetic Algorithm (GA) based heuristic for these problems, and compare the computational results of the heuristic with the results of some existing heuristics. The conclusions show that the GA based heuristic can always give the best results in a short time on a SUN workstation.
PARTICLE FORMATION USING SUPERCRITICAL UIDS: PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS

Small particles in the micrometre to nanometre range have attracted growing interest for increasingly sophisticated drug delivery and targeting systems. The design of particles for this application has to address specific and demanding needs, such as particle size and morphology control, polymorphic purity, batch consistency and regulatory compliance. These needs have highlighted the limitations of conventional particle formation processes. Supercritical fluid (SCF) processing is emerging as an alternative technology that addresses and fulfils some of these needs. This paper reviews the process concepts using SCF processing methods for controlled particle formation disclosed in recent patent literature, and provides perspectives of applications and future development of SCF technology in pharmaceutical/biological formulations and drug delivery systems.
A Raman spectroscopy study of hydroxo and carbonato species of the uranyl (VI) ion

Abstract The Raman spectra of a number of uranyl species in carbonate and alkaline solutions have been obtained as well as those of solids obtained from carbonate media. The frequency of the UO2−ν1 symmetric stretching vibration of these species can be used to complement evidence derived by other means in their identification. Thus, the existence of uranyl hemicarbonate, (UO2)2CO3(OH)3−, has been demonstrated as well as that of anionic hydroxo species, such as UO2(OH)42−. The conversion of UO2(CO)32− into UO2(CO3)34− by addition of HCO3− was followed by Raman spectroscopy and 13C NMR. Solid solutions with compositions within that of UO2CO3 and sodium uranate have been detected. A correlation was observed between the ν1 frequency and the number and nature of the ligands surrounding the uranyl ion.
MRF Applications: Measurement of Process-dependent Subsurface Damage in Optical Materials using the MRF Wedge Technique

Understanding the behavior of fractures and subsurface damage in the processes used during optic fabrication plays a key role in determining the final quality of the optical surface finish. During the early stages of surface preparation, brittle grinding processes induce fractures at or near an optical surface whose range can extend from depths of a few μm to hundreds of μm depending upon the process and tooling being employed. Controlling the occurrence, structure, and propagation of these sites during subsequent grinding and polishing operations is highly desirable if one wishes to obtain high-quality surfaces that are free of such artifacts. Over the past year, our team has made significant strides in developing a diagnostic technique that combines magnetorheological finishing (MRF) and scanning optical microscopy to measure and characterize subsurface damage in optical materials. The technique takes advantage of the unique nature of MRF to polish a prescribed large-area wedge into the optical surface without propagating existing damage or introducing new damage. The polished wedge is then analyzed to quantify subsurface damage as a function of depth from the original surface. Large-area measurement using scanning optical microscopy provides for improved accuracy and reliability over methods such as the COM ball-dimple technique. Examples of the technique's use will be presented that illustrate the behavior of subsurface damage in fused silica that arises during a variety of intermediate optical fabrication process steps.
CIRCUITS, HORMONES, AND LEARNING : VOCAL BEHAVIOR IN SONGBIRDS

Species-typical vocal patterns subserve species identification and communication for individual organisms. Only a few groups of organisms learn the sounds used for vocal communication, including songbirds, humans, and cetaceans. Vocal learning in songbirds has come to serve as a model system for the study of brain-behavior relationships and neural mechanisms of learning and memory. Songbirds learn specific vocal patterns during a sensitive period of development via a complex assortment of neurobehavioral mechanisms. In many species of songbirds, the production of vocal behavior by adult males is used to defend territories and attract females, and both males and females must perceive vocal patterns and respond to them. In both juveniles and adults, specific types of auditory experience are necessary for initial song learning as well as the maintenance of stable song patterns. External sources of experience such as acoustic cues must be integrated with internal regulatory factors such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and cytokines for vocal patterns to be learned and produced. Thus, vocal behavior in songbirds is a culturally acquired trait that is regulated by multiple intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors. Here, we focus on functional relationships between circuitry and behavior in male songbirds. In that context, we consider in particular the influence of sex hormones on vocal behavior and its underlying circuitry, as well as the regulatory and functional mechanisms suggested by morphologic changes in the neural substrate for song control. We describe new data on the architecture of the song system that suggests strong similarities between the songbird vocal control system and neural circuits for memory, cognition, and use-dependent plasticity in the mammalian brain.
Preliminary determination of Σ-Λ parity using polology

A convenient expression for the normalization of theT-matrix pole term is given. The method of polology is applied to various processes. The coupling constant of theNΛK interaction is determined from the\(\bar p + p \to \Lambda + \bar \Lambda \) angular distribution. Further application of the method to Σ0-K0 production from π−-p interactions and Σ−+π+ production from K−+p interactions indicate that the Σ-Λ relative parity is even, although this conclusion cannot be considered firm. This constitutes support for the hypothesis of global symmetry. Some additional applications of polology are suggested and discussed.
Evaluation of the knowledge-sharing social network of hospital-based infection preventionists in Kentucky.

Background The role of the infection preventionist (IP) has become increasingly complex, underscoring the need for rapid mechanisms of knowledge acquisition. One mechanism for knowledge acquisition is knowledge-sharing through social networks. In a state such as Kentucky with predominantly rural health care facilities, an optimal knowledge-sharing network is critical; however, descriptions of these networks are absent from the literature. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge-sharing networks of hospital-based IPs in Kentucky. Methods A survey was sent to all hospital-based IPs in Kentucky in November 2010. Density and component analyses were used to evaluate network cohesion, and centrality statistics and key player algorithms were used to identify IPs important to the network. Results A total of 75 (58%) IPs completed the survey. The network density was 1.8%. Three components were identified. The median (range) centrality measures were as follows: in-degree, 2 (0-11); out-degree, 0.5 (0-5); betweenness, 0 (0-567); and eigenvector 0.02 (0-0.45). Three key players were identified. Conclusions Low network statistics indicate that the knowledge-sharing network of hospital-based IPs might not be adequate for efficient knowledge-sharing. Interventions to increase the density of the network and reduce the number of components are needed.
Characterisation of Particle Size for Polydisperse Powders aerosolised and detected by light scattering

This paper describes a study to determine the most appropriate particle size parameter for polydisperse powders dispersed as aerosol and detected by light scattering. It is relevant to many areas of engineering research. By means of calculations of the intensity of light scattered from particles of different sizes, it has been shown that the surface median aerodynamic diameter (SMAD) is an appropriate measure for polydisperse aerosolised powders. The microscope-based procedure for obtaining the SMAD is described, as well as its implementation for narrowly-graded polydisperse powders of fused alumina of the type which have been widely used in studies of particle transport in wind tunnels. It was shown that, for the fused alumina powders examined, SMAD=1.25x(PASMAD), where PASMAD is the projected area surface median aerodynamic diameter.
Metal-Clad Subwavelength Semiconductor Lasers with Temperature-Insensitive Spontaneous Hyper-Emission

Accounting for the temperature dependence of the cavity resonances and gain medium, we investigate a metal-clad subwavelength semiconductor laser with a spontaneous emission factor, b, approaching unity for all temperatures.
On Economics: A Review of Why Nations Fail by D. Acemoglu and J. Robinson and Pillars of Prosperity by T. Besley and T. Persson

The purpose of this essay is to review the books Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, and Pillars of Prosperity by Timothy Besley and Torsten Persson. The essay briefly discusses the main contributions of the books and the role of politics for economic performance. The review then discusses these contributions in the light of recent research on organizational economics, particularly the modern theory of the firm. (JEL D23, D72, O10, O47, O57)
Regulation of T cell receptor beta allelic exclusion at a level beyond accessibility.

Allelic exclusion of Vβ-to-DJβ recombination depends on asynchronous rearrangement of alleles of the gene encoding T cell receptor β in double-negative thymocytes and feedback inhibition that is maintained in double-positive thymocytes. Feedback is thought to be enforced through downregulation of Vβ accessibility. In an attempt to override this negative regulation, we introduced the enhancer of the gene encoding T cell receptor α into the Vβ gene cluster downstream of Vβ12. In double-negative thymocytes, the introduced enhancer had no measurable effect on accessibility, but Vβ12 rearrangement was stimulated and Vβ12 allelic exclusion was partially subverted. In contrast, double-positive thymocytes showed increased Vβ transcription and accessibility, but feedback inhibition of Vβ-to-DJβ recombination remained intact. Our results indicate additional regulatory constraints on Vβ-to-DJβ recombination that operate beyond the accessibility barrier.
The Development of a Questionnaire to Assess Sleep-Related Practices, Beliefs, and Attitudes

There are no established questionnaires that evaluate habitual sleep practices in the context of beliefs and attitudes about sleep. This study describes an effort to develop and evaluate a questionnaire that assesses habitual sleep; behaviors associated with sleep and potential sleep problems; sleep hygiene; social and environmental determinants of sleep; beliefs and attitudes about sleep as it relates to health, safety, and functioning; and knowledge about sleep. A total of 124 participants completed the final questionnaire. Overall, the questionnaire and subscales demonstrated moderate internal consistency, and concurrent and divergent validity were demonstrated by comparing various subscales to existing measures. Future studies may utilize the descriptive data to determine the role of behavioral, social, and environmental determinants of healthy sleep.
On the problem of the infinite elastic plate with a circular insert reinforced by a beam

Abstract The deflection of an infinite plate with a circular insert which is reinforced by a simply supported beam and loaded by a concentrated force is determined. The problem is formulated within the framework of classical plate theory and the Euler-Bernouli hypothesis for beams. The fact that the plate, insert and beam may possess different elastic properties is included in the solution.
The Minimum Perceptible Colorimetric Purity as a Function of Dominant Wave-Length*

A 4° square, two-part photometric field, symmetrical about a vertical division and viewed through a pupil 3 mm in diameter, is illuminated in both parts by artificial sunlight at a constant brightness of about 3 or 4 millilamberts (retinal illumination, 70 to 90 photons) with a surrounding field of about 0.5 millilambert. Homogeneous light is added to one-half, and sunlight simultaneously subtracted so that the field remains matched in brightness. Two adjustments of the mixture are made: (1) the least purity perceptible with certainty (pmax), and (2) the greatest imperceptible purity (pmin). The purity of these mixtures is then measured, increased accuracy being obtained by measuring a known large multiple of the homogeneous brightness. Values of pmax and pmin have been obtained as a function of the wave-length of the homogeneous component; these values are reported in detail, and some discussion of their interpretation is given.
Activation of orexin/hypocretin projections to basal forebrain and paraventricular thalamus by acute nicotine

Orexin/hypocretin neurons of the lateral hypothalamus/perifornical area project to a diverse array of brain regions and are responsive to a variety of psychostimulant drugs. It has been shown that orexin neurons are activated by systemic nicotine administration suggesting a possible orexinergic contribution to the effects of this drug on arousal and cognitive function. The basal forebrain and paraventricular nucleus of the dorsal thalamus (PVT) both receive orexin inputs and have been implicated in arousal, attention and psychostimulant drug responses. However, it is unknown whether orexin inputs to these areas are activated by psychostimulant drugs such as nicotine. Here, we infused the retrograde tract tracer cholera toxin B subunit (CTb) into either the basal forebrain or PVT of adult male rats. Seven to 10 days later, animals received an acute systemic administration of (-) nicotine hydrogen tartrate or vehicle and were euthanized 2h later. Triple-label immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence was used to detect Fos expression in retrogradely-labeled orexin neurons. Nicotine increased Fos expression in orexin neurons projecting to both basal forebrain and PVT. The relative activation in lateral and medial banks of retrogradely-labeled orexin neurons was similar following basal forebrain CTb deposits, but was more pronounced in the medial bank following PVT deposits of CTb. Our findings suggest that orexin inputs to the basal forebrain and PVT may contribute to nicotine effects on arousal and cognition and provide further support for the existence of functional heterogeneity across the medial-lateral distribution of orexin neurons.
5-Hydroxytryptamine -- a neurotransmitter of bovine retina.

Abstract Bovine retina was found to contain appreciable amounts of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its major metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). In vitro incubation studies demonstrated a high affinity uptake system for [ 3 H]5-HT that is sodium and temperature dependent, ouabain-sensitive and saturable. Kinetic analysis of the uptake data demonstrates a high affinity transport system with an apparent K m of 4·3 × 10 −7 m . The uptake is blocked by chlorimipramine, an inhibitor of monoamine uptake. The 5-HT is presumably stored in storage vesicles as reserpine completely abolished the [ 3 H]5-HT uptake. Release studies demonstrated a K + stimulated, Ca 2+ dependent release of [ 3 H]5-HT from retina preloaded with [ 3 H]5-HT. The results are consistent with the suggestion that 5-HT is a transmitter in bovine retina.
Triptolide causes global changes in the microRNAome and transcriptome of pancreatic cancer cells

s / Pancreatology 13 (2013) e1–e94 e51 Results: Etiologies of CP included idiopathic disease (n1⁄416), pancreatic divisum (11), sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (5), genetic /familial (10), and other causes (2). Mean IEQ isolated was 286,228 153,619, and mean IEQ/ kg 4,286 2,244. Higher recipient BMI correlated with greater IEQ (r1⁄40.41 p1⁄40.006) but not IEQ/kg. The area under the curve (AUC) for C-peptide and the peak C-peptide from the IVGTT correlated with higher IEQ isolated (r1⁄40.44, p1⁄40.004 and r1⁄40.42, p1⁄40.005, respectively). Similarly, total IEQ positively correlated with AUC C-peptide (r1⁄40.39, p1⁄40.01) and peak Cpeptide (r1⁄40.34, p1⁄40.03) from the MMTT. Peak C-peptide fromMMTT was particularly predictive in this cohort: 91% of patients with peak C peptide 4 ng/mL received 200,000 IEQ, while 89% of those with peak C-peptide <4 ng/mL received <200,000 IEQ. Glucose levels, glucagon secretion, and HbA1c did not predict islet yield. Discussion: These preliminary results suggest that C-peptide secretion determined from simple metabolic testing may aid in predicting islet yield before TP-IAT.
Multiplicity of ethnic identification during middle childhood: conceptual and methodological considerations.

This chapter introduces ways to conceptualize and measure the multiplicity of ethnic identifications among elementary-school-aged children of color and children from immigrant families.
Misregulation of the broad-range phospholipase C activity increases the susceptibility of Listeria monocytogenes to intracellular killing by neutrophils.

Abstract Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen that tightly regulates the activities of various virulence factors during infection. A mutant strain (the plcB Δpro mutant) that has lost the ability to control the activity of a phospholipase C (PC-PLC) is attenuated a hundred fold in mice. This attenuation is not due to a lack of bacterial fitness, but appears to result from a modified host response to infection. The transcriptomic pattern of immune-related genes indicated that PC-PLC did not enhance the innate immune response in infected macrophages. However, it partially protected the cells from bacteria-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation. In mice, the plcB Δpro mutant transiently caused an increase in liver pathology, as judged by the size of neutrophil-filled micro-abscesses. Moreover, the plcB Δpro mutant was more susceptible to intracellular killing by neutrophils than wild-type L. monocytogenes . Together, these data indicate that in vivo attenuation of the plcB Δpro mutant results from its reduced ability to disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis and to resist intracellular killing by neutrophils.
Regulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha-mediated apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts by the protein kinase Akt.

Objective To determine if tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)–driven proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF) is associated with up-regulation of the activity of serine/threonine kinase B/Akt and with survival of RASF. Methods Staining of phosphorylated Akt was done using anti–phosphorylated Thr308 Akt antibody. Levels of phosphorylated Akt were analyzed by Western blot and Akt activity was analyzed using a kinase assay. TUNEL staining was used to analyze the cytotoxicity of TNFα treatment or TNFα combined with either the Akt activity inhibitor wortmannin, an adenovirus expressing dominant-negative mutant (AdAkt-DN), or an adenovirus expressing phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (AdPTEN). Results The levels of phosphorylated Akt were higher in RASF than in osteoarthritis synovial fibroblasts (OASF), as demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining, immunoblot analysis, and an Akt kinase assay. The levels of phosphorylated Akt and Akt kinase activity were increased by stimulation of primary RASF with TNFα (10 ng/ml). Treatment of RASF with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin (50 nM) plus TNFα resulted in apoptosis of 60 ± 8% (mean ± SEM) of RASF within 24 hours. This pro-apoptosis effect was specific for Akt, since equivalent levels of apoptosis were observed upon TNFα treatment of RASF transfected with AdAkt-DN and with AdPTEN, which opposes the action of Akt. Conclusion These results indicate that phosphorylated Akt acts as a survival signal in RASF and contributes to the stimulatory effect of TNFα on these cells by inhibiting the apoptosis response. This effect was not observed in OASF and may reflect the pathophysiologic changes associated with the proliferating synovium in rheumatoid arthritis.
A Ship Made of Paper: From Dissociation to Engagement to Empathy

This article examines how modes of play in psychoanalytic child treatment can create clinical momentum and resumption of psychological growth through a process of procedural enactment, empathic immersion, and ongoing repair of fragile relational bonds. The author portrays a process of treatment that allowed an engagement of previously dissociated affect states and served to build expanded capacities for both self-reflective thought and creative action. The author provides clinical material that portrays work with a schoolyard “bully” in a series of enactments that enabled her to empathically engage with the patient while also helping the patient to establish new empathic capacities—for both self and others. Together, the patient and the analyst constructed a cardboard toy boat, which came to serve both as a vivid depiction of the vicissitudes of the emergent analytic third, as well as a symbol of the forward edge of development.
Active Concentration-Independent Chemical Identification With a Tunable Infrared Sensor

This paper presents an active-sensing framework for concentration-independent identification of volatile chemicals using a tunable infrared interferometer. The framework operates in real time to generate a sequence of absorption lines that can best discriminate among a given set of chemicals. The active-sensing algorithm was previously developed to optimize temperature programs for metal-oxide chemosensors. Here, we adapt it to tune a nondispersive infrared spectroscope on the basis of a Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI). We also extend this framework to allow the identification of chemical samples irrespective of their concentrations. Therefore, we use nonnegative matrix factorization to create concentration-independent absorption profiles of different chemicals, and then employ linear least squares to fit sensor observations to the response profiles. We tested the framework on a simulated classification problem with 27 chemicals and compared against a passive sensing approach; the active-sensing consistently outperformed the passive sensing in terms of classification performance for various sensing budgets and at various levels of sensor noise. We also validated the approach experimentally using a commercial FPI sensor and a database of eight household chemicals. Our results show that the method can predict the sample identity irrespective of concentration.
Thermal analysis of fatty acids

Abstract Heats of fusion and heat capacities have been measured for saturated, unsaturated and hydroxy fatty acids, differing in degree of unsaturation, geometric isomerism, and position of unsaturated and hydroxy groups. Entropies of fusion are used to draw conclusions concerning molecular structure of fatty acid chains and lateral chain-chain interactions. Position of the functional group on the chain does not seem to significantly affect the entropy values for trans and cis single double bonds and single triple bonds, but differences are noted with hydroxy group position. Whereas single acid triglycerides of saturated acids have entropies which are about three times that of the corresponding acid, cis and trans single acid triglycerides do not show the same relationship with their corresponding acids. Comparing entropies of fusion for certain groups of fatty acids, only differing in carbon number, allows the estimation of chain equivalence with saturated fatty acids. Hence, for example it is shown that a 22 to 23-carbon cis mono-unsaturated fatty acid is equivalent to an 18-carbon saturated fatty acid.
Relaxation and embrittlement of Fe40Ni40Si8B12 glass

Abstract Structural relaxation and embrittlement of Fe40Ni40Si8B12 glass was studied by a combination of calorimetric and bending tests. The homogeneous deformation mode decreased as a result of free volume annihilation and embrittlement resulted from the development of chemical short range order. A wide, reversible endothermic peak, similar to a glass transition was observed and described by changes in the cluster concentration in the glassy phase.
Motor Protein Receptors: Moonlighting on Other Jobs

The recent work described here suggests that cytoskeletal-based transport is intimately coupled to other events in membrane trafficking. During membrane budding, for example, the export of secretory proteins from the TGN is likely achieved by simultaneously packaging them at the membrane and recruiting motor proteins to immediately transport nascent vesicles or to extend cargo-containing membrane tubules. Indeed, active motors have been observed to attach selectively to membrane domains at sites of concentrated cargo protein (Allan and Vale 1994xAllan, V.J. and Vale, R.D. J. Cell Sci. 1994; 107: 1885–1897PubMedSee all ReferencesAllan and Vale 1994). The connection between motors and Rabs also suggests a coordination between vesicle formation/fusion and the control of motor-based transport. Such “integration points” may also transduce information arriving from different signaling pathways to regulate the flow of vesicle formation and delivery in the secretory and endocytotic pathways. These findings on motor receptors likely mark a new era in which the molecular machinery linking motor proteins to cargo selection and delivery will be defined.‡To whom correspondence should be addressed (e-mail: vale@phy.ucsf.edu).
Audience Costs: An Historical Analysis

This article examines the argument that the ability of a government to generate “audience costs”—to create a situation, that is, in which it would pay a domestic political price for backing down—plays a key role in determining how international crises run their course. It does this by looking at a dozen great power crises to see how well various aspects of the audience costs argument hold up in the light of the historical evidence. The audience costs mechanism, it turns out, does not play a major role in any of those crises—a conclusion which, the author claims, has certain important methodological implications.
Learning from Knowledge Maps: The Effects of Map Orientation

Abstract The effects of the orientation of knowledge maps on learning were examined in this study. Twenty-eight participants were randomly assigned to study from knowledge maps presented vertically (top to bottom) or horizontally (from left to right). Participants were then asked to answer a series of questions about the studied materials. The performance of high and low vocabulary participants in the two experimental groups was evaluated. Questions involved five different kinds of information: declarative, bottom-up, negative, integration, and inference. Performance on the different types of questions was not uniform. Low vocabulary participants who used linear maps performed more poorly than any other group.
Nineteen documented cases of Loxosceles reclusa envenomation

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to review documented Loxosceles reclusa (brown recluse spider) envenomations and to describe the natural history. Methods: This article is a retrospective review of 19 documented cases seen in a university dermatology clinic. The study included the cases of 11 female and 8 male patients between the ages of 15 and 54 years with documented cases of brown recluse spider bite between 1987 and 1993. Rest, ice compresses, elevation, and prophylactic antibiotics were used in all cases. Fourteen patients received dapsone and 11 received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Two patients were hospitalized. A 3-point scale of cutaneous lesion severity was developed. Analysis of the association between maximum lesion severity (mild, moderate, severe) and time to complete healing or final evaluation was statistically significant ( P Results: All patients presented with localized erythema. Most bites were on the extremities (18/19; 95%). The most common presenting symptom was pain at the bite site (10/19; 53%). Eleven patients (58%) had skin necrosis; 32% of them had areas of necrosis larger than 1 cm 2 . Time to healing ranged from 5 days to more than 17 weeks (mean, 5.6 weeks). Average time to healing for grade 3 (severe) lesions was 74 days, for grade 2 (moderate) lesions 22 days, and for grade 1 (mild) lesions 8 days (in patients seen more than once). Conclusions: Brown recluse spider bites frequently induce necrotic, slowly healing lesions. Maximum lesion severity is a predictor of time to complete healing. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:603-8.)
Layered neural nets for pattern recognition

A pattern recognition concept involving first an 'invariance net' and second a 'trainable classifier' is proposed. The invariance net can be trained or designed to produce a set of outputs that are insensitive to translation, rotation, scale change, perspective change, etc., of the retinal input pattern. The outputs of the invariance net are scrambled, however. When these outputs are fed to a trainable classifier, the final outputs are descrambled and the original patterns are reproduced in standard position, orientation, scale, etc. It is expected that the same basic approach will be effective for speech recognition, where insensitivity to certain aspects of speech signals and at the same time sensitivity to other aspects of speech signals will be required. The entire recognition system is a layered network of ADALINE neurons. The ability to adapt a multilayered neural net is fundamental. An adaptation rule is proposed for layered nets which is an extension of the MADALINE rule of the 1960s. The new rule, MRII, is a useful alternative to the backpropagation algorithm. >
Robotic Observations of Enhanced Carbon Biomass and Export at 55°S During SOFeX

Autonomous floats profiling in high-nitrate low-silicate waters of the Southern Ocean observed carbon biomass variability and carbon exported to depths of 100 m during the 2002 Southern Ocean Iron Experiment (SOFeX) to detect the effects of iron fertilization of surface water there. Control and "in-patch" measurements documented a greater than fourfold enhancement of carbon biomass in the iron-amended waters. Carbon export through 100 m increased two- to sixfold as the patch subducted below a front. The molar ratio of iron added to carbon exported ranged between 10(4) and 10(5). The biomass buildup and export were much higher than expected for iron-amended low-silicate waters.
Mirroring or Muscling: An Examination of State Class Action Appellate Rulemaking

This article examines the impact of Federal Rule 23(f), the first significant amendment to the federal class action rule in over thirty years, on state class action rule counterparts. Rule 23(f) authorized class litigants to seek discretionary appellate review of such orders without the same stringent requirements of preexisting exceptions to the final judgment rule. While states have their own class action rules, and are not bound by any changes to the federal class action rule, they face many of the same controversies about the proper role and parameters of the class action. Indeed, in the decade after Rule 23(f), a number of states altered their existing appellate rules relating to interlocutory review of class certification orders. Subject to several important limitations, I posit a few tentative conclusions about state rulemaking behavior post-Rule 23(f). I found some clear evidence of a replica effect: following Rule 23(f), states that more closely patterned their rules after the federal rules (“replica states”) amended their rules to expand class litigant appellate access at higher rates than states less inclined to mirror federal rules in the first instance. But the high rate of expanded class appeals rules among non-replica states both pre- and post-Rule 23(f) clearly suggests the presence of significant influences other than Rule 23(f) itself. The data also suggest that interest group pressures likely played a role in some state rulemaking conduct: highly populous states, states with relatively large numbers of Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, and states with elevated levels of perceived class action activity were more likely to have allowed expanded class action appeals even before Rule 23(f), and appear to have been more amenable to amending their class action rules post-Rule 23(f) to provide greater levels of appellate access. But the flexing of interest group muscles does not wholly explain state class action rulemaking conduct in this era, some of which remains apparently attributable to a Replica Theory effect.
Using checksum to reduce power consumption of display systems for low-motion content

Power consumption of the display subsytem has been a relatively less explored area compared to other components of a mobile device including computing, storage, and networking units, although the former often constitutes one of the most power-hungry portions of the system. Typical applications on a mobile device such as web browsing and text editing tend to have rather static image content; each frame hardly changes from the previous one. Efficiently detecting and handling no-motion scenarios is thus critical to extend the battery life. This paper focuses on image change detection. We propose to use checksum to detect image changes. Specifically, CRC hardware is used to optimize the power consumption of 1) refresh of a local display and 2) data compression for wireless remote display. Compared with a traditional, pixel-by-pixel comparison approach, using checksum for image change detection is not only fast, but also reduces accesses to the frame buffer, resulting in significant power savings. We have built a FPGA prototype to verify that CRC can capture image changes well enough to ensure a “visually lossless” quality.
Bi-layer segmentation of binocular stereo video

This paper demonstrates the high quality, real-time segmentation techniques. We achieve real-time segmentation of foreground from background layers in stereo video sequences. Automatic separation of layers from colour/contrast or from stereo alone is known to be error-prone. Here, colour, contrast and stereo matching information are fused to infer layers accurately and efficiently. The first algorithm, layered dynamic programming (LDP), solves stereo in an extended 6-state space that represents both foreground/background layers and occluded regions. The stereo-match likelihood is then fused with a contrast-sensitive colour model that is learned on the fly, and stereo disparities are obtained by dynamic programming. The second algorithm, layered graph cut (LGC), does not directly solve stereo. Instead the stereo match likelihood is marginalised over foreground and background hypotheses, and fused with a contrast-sensitive colour model like the one used in LDP. Segmentation is solved efficiently by ternary graph cut. Both algorithms are evaluated with respect to ground truth data and found to have similar performance, substantially better than stereo or colour/contrast alone. However, their characteristics with respect to computational efficiency are rather different. The algorithms are demonstrated in the application of background substitution and shown to give good quality composite video output.
Fates and Travel Times of Denmark Strait Overflow Water in the Irminger Basin

The Denmark Strait Overflow (DSO) supplies about one-third of the North Atlantic Deep Water and is critical to global thermohaline circulation. Knowledge of the pathways of DSO through the Irminger Basin and its transformation there is still incomplete, however. The authors deploy over 10 000 Lagrangian particles at the Denmark Strait in a high-resolution ocean model to study these issues. First, the particle trajectories show that the mean position and potential density of dense waters cascading over the Denmark Strait sill evolve consistently with hydrographic observations. These sill particles transit the Irminger Basin to the Spill Jet section (65.25°N) in 5–7 days and to the Angmagssalik section (63.5°N) in 2–3 weeks. Second, the dense water pathways on the continental shelf are consistent with observations and particles released on the shelf in the strait constitute a significant fraction of the dense water particles recorded at the Angmagssalik section within 60 days (~25%). Some particles circulate on the shelf for several weeks before they spill off the shelf break and join the overflow from the sill. Third, there are two places where the water density following particle trajectories decreases rapidly due to intense mixing: to the southwest of the sill and southwest of the Kangerdlugssuaq Trough on the continental slope. After transformation in these places, the overflow particles exhibit a wide range of densities.
Pacific ventilation of the Arctic Ocean's lower halocline by upwelling and diapycnal mixing over the continental margin

[1] Pacific winter waters, a major source of nutrients and buoyancy to the Arctic Ocean, are thought to ventilate the Arctic's lower halocline either by injection (isopycnal or penetrative) of cold saline shelf waters, or by cooling and freshening Atlantic waters upwelled onto the shelf. Although ventilation at salinity (S) > 34 psu has previously been attributed to hypersaline polynya waters, temperature, salinity, nutrient and tracer data suggest instead that much of the western Arctic's lower halocline is in fact influenced by a diapycnal mixing of Pacific winter waters (with S ∼ 33.1 psu) and denser eastern Arctic halocline (Atlantic) waters, the mixing taking place possibly over the northern Chukchi shelf/slope. Estimates from observational data confirm that sufficient quantities of Atlantic water may be upwelled to mix with the inflowing Pacific waters, with volumes implying the halocline over the Chukchi Borderland region may be renewed on timescales of order a year.
SENSORY PROPERTIES, PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND COOKING LOSSES OF MEAT LOAVES EXTENDED WITH CHICKPEA MEAL OR TEXTURED SOY PROTEIN

Substitution of meat with 30% textured soy protein (TSP) or chickpea meal decreased intensity of beef aroma and flavor of beef loaves, with chickpea substitution giving the most intense bean flavor. Control loaves were the most juicy, and chickpea-substituted loaves were the least. Legume substitution resulted in significant decreases in total cooking losses and losses due to drip, with chickpea meal having a greater effect. There were no differences in mean sensory scores for loaves baked in a loaf pan or on a rack, but cooking losses tended to be greater for loaves baked on a rack. Protein content was reduced significantly by substitution with chickpea meal.
Shared and Unique Features of Evolutionary Diversification

Abstract: A fundamental question in evolutionary biology asks whether organisms experiencing similar selective pressures will evolve similar solutions or whether historical contingencies dominate the evolutionary process and yield disparate evolutionary outcomes. It is perhaps most likely that both shared selective forces as well as unique histories play key roles in the course of evolution. Consequently, when multiple species face a common environmental gradient, their patterns of divergence might exhibit both shared and unique elements. Here we describe a general framework for investigating and evaluating the relative importance of these contrasting features of diversification. We examined morphological diversification in three species of livebearing fishes across a predation gradient. All species (Gambusia affinis from the United States of America, Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora from Costa Rica, and Poecilia reticulata from Trinidad) exhibited more elongate bodies, a larger caudal peduncle, and a relatively...
Security, Internet connectivity and aircraft data networks

Internet connectivity, which was in experimental stages only a few years ago, is a reality today. Current implementations allow passengers to access the Internet for pleasure, and, in some cases, secure VPN access is provided to corporate networks. Several researchers are looking at the possibility of the existence a total of three networks: passenger network (PN), crew network (CRN), and the control network (CON). Researchers envision an architecture where these three networks will co-exist in an airplane. The available Internet connectivity can be utilized for transporting flight critical information like cockpit flight data recorder (CFDR) data, digital tight data recorder (DFDR) data, cockpit voice recorder (CVR) data and controller pilot data link communication. In addition, the internet connectivity could also be used for other safety mechanisms like video surveillance and remote control of the flight. Security is one of the major concerns that affect the successful deployment of aircraft data networks (ADN) and other safety features. Several studies have been carried out to secure the network using firewalls and intrusion detection systems but so far no study has focused on securing the communication channel (between the aircraft and the ground station) and its impact on the ADN. The scope of this research is to determine the viability and need of a security mechanism. The research will also focus on the performance of different security architectures and determine their usability in the framework of an ADN
Cell-free heterologous desensitization of adenylyl cyclase in S49 lymphoma cell membranes mediated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

We have examined the cell-free heterologous desensitization of adenylyl cyclase in plasma membrane preparations from S49 wild-type (WT) and kin- cells (which lack cAMP-dependent protein kinase) inc...
Archeology and Optimal Foraging Theory: Appropriate Analytical Units

Contrary, then, to Lancy and Strathern, I assume that each label in a pair has fit in a definition structure that contains a category beneath which the label from the pair is attached. This assumption would not be necessary if twos were idioms; in such a case their meanings would not be inferable from their constituent parts. However, if the meanings of twos are inferable from their constituent parts, they need not be listed separately in a Melpa lexicon. It is plausible to assume that entries in a lexicon are basic or atomic meanings that figure in the derived meanings of sequences constructed from lexical entries and rules for
Effects of substrate structure on speed and acceleration capacity in climbing geckos

We studied the effects of substrate structure on locomotor performance in a climbing gecko, Hemidactylus garnoti. We quantified three performance traits (acceleration capacity, instantaneous speed, and final speed) on three substrates: (i) smooth wood, (ii) a cloth surface, and (iii) a wire mesh. While acceleration capacity and instantaneous speed were highest on the wooden surface, final speed did not differ significantly among substrates. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures, we estimated that 98% of the wooden surface is available for adhesion by the setae on the toepads, while this percentage is much lower for the mesh and cloth (41 and 37%, respectively). We suggest that when a gecko climbs up a gap-filled substrate, such as the wire mesh or cloth, adhesion will only happen between part of the toepad and the substrate, resulting in a diminished acceleration capacity. The higher acceleration capacity on the wooden substrate and the fact that the geckos tend to slip less often on this particular surface, may explain the difference in instantaneous speed. As for final speed, geckos might achieve similar final speeds on all three substrates by employing different locomotor strategies. Our results suggest that microhabitat use in nature might have a profound effect on locomotor performance and survival for climbing lizards such as geckos. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 85, 385–393.
Norepinephrine: the next therapeutics frontier for Parkinson's disease

Tissue concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) are markedly decreased in various regions of the Parkinson's disease (PD) brain. As in the substantia nigra pars compacta, neuronal dropout and Lewy bodies are prominent changes affecting the locus coeruleus, which is the source of ascending NErgic projections. Despite the major roles of NE throughout the brain, there has been only minimal exploration of pharmacological intervention with NErgic neurotransmission. Cognitive operations, "freezing" of gait, tremor, dyskinesia, REM sleep regulation, and other aspects of brain function are tied into signaling by NE, and there is also evidence that it may have a role in the neurodegenerative process itself. This article reviews the reported pharmacological experience in PD therapeutics.