cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thematic mapper analysis of coniferous forest structure and composition

Abstract Simple regressions of single band thematic mapper simulator (TMS) reflectance data against stand basal area and leaf biomass show that the spectral feature most strongly related to vegetation amount is visible reflectance (TM bands 1, 2 and 3), which decreases as conifer basal area increases. Principal components analysis of TMS spectral data for sample stands, and stepwise multiple regression of transformed axes, showed the first principal component, interpreted as scene brightness, to be the composite spectral feature most correlated to vegetation amount. TMS data showed some ability to discriminate spectrally between coniferous forest stands dominated by different species. Dense stands of large timber dominated by red fir (Abies magnified var. shastemis) had a different average spectral reflectance from white fir (Abies concolor) dominated stands, particularly in TM bands 4 (0.76-0.90μm) and 6 (10-4-12-5μm).
ABCs of the Interview: The Role of Affective, Behavioral, and Cognitive Responses by Applicants in the Employment Interview

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of a job applicant's verbal statements on interviewer ratings of an applicant's interpersonal characteristics. Applicant verbal statements were coded as containing affective, behavioral, and cognitive components. Verbal statements were analyzed using regression analysis and findings indicated that behavioral and cognitive speech components significantly impacted interviewer ratings of an applicant's self-confidence. In turn, interpersonal characteristics of enthusiasm, self-confidence and effectiveness had a significant influence on an interviewer's rating of an applicant's overall quality and the ultimate hiring decision.
Application-aware adaptive cache architecture for power-sensitive mobile processors

Today, mobile smartphones are expected to be able to run the same complex, algorithm-heavy, memory-intensive applications that were originally designed and coded for general-purpose processors. All the while, it is also expected that these mobile processors be power-conscientious as well as of minimal area impact. These devices pose unique usage demands of ultra-portability but also demand an always-on, continuous data access paradigm. As a result, this dichotomy of continuous execution versus long battery life poses a difficult challenge. This article explores a novel approach to mitigating mobile processor power consumption while abating any significant degradation in execution speed. The concept relies on efficiently leveraging both compile-time and runtime application memory behavior to intelligently target adjustments in the cache to significantly reduce overall processor power, taking into account both the dynamic and leakage power footprint of the cache subsystem. The simulation results show a significant reduction in power consumption of approximately 13p to 29p, while only incurring a nominal increase in execution time and area.
World line dependence of current sheet normals inferred by minimum variance techniques

[1] The reconstruction of current sheet geometry is investigated as a function of paths through an oblique two-dimensional (2-D) hybrid supercritical shock and two fluid simulations of the magnetopause with no, small, and large guide fields, respectively. For world lines near the separator or 2-D structures in shocks, systematic errors swamp statistical ones tenfold. The systematic angular errors of the magnetopause surface normal determined by minimum variance analysis (MVA) using >100,000 world lines are contrasted with recommended statistical error cones. The systematic errors range as high as 90° but typically more than 20°. Errors do not have a most probable value at the magnetopause when using MVA on the magnetic data, MnVA(B), and remain substantial when the Faraday residue, MnVA(FR), is minimized. The 68% confidence error on MnVA(FR) normals is 0–15°. “Skimming” world lines oblique to the current sheet normal are the most susceptible to the MnVA(B) and MnVA(FR) systematic errors discussed here, whether or not the world line pierces the separator. MnVA(B) almost always erroneously insists that a guide field is present when none is present in the simulation. MnVA(FR) does a better job at guide field recovery, although it too can be error prone. Similar issues are demonstrated for oblique world lines through a 2-D hybrid simulation of an oblique supercritical shock. Shock normal systematic errors are 35° and 20° at the 68% confidence for MnVA(B) and MnVA(FR), respectively. The eigenvalue ratios that accompany the least error prone MnVA(FR) reconstructions usually satisfy λ2/λ1 > 10. Eigenvalue ratios for MVA(B) are rarely this large, and the errors reported here reflect this circumstance.
Tissue expansion in management of failed phallic reconstruction: initial report of clinical series.

Abstract Objectives To report the first significant experience with the use of tissue expanders in phallic reconstruction. Patients who have undergone multiple failed surgical procedures for repair of hypospadias or epispadias often have minimal residual skin available for additional reconstructive efforts. Although a variety of graft options exist, local skin expansion can provide pigment and texture-matched skin for reconstructive procedures. Methods We reviewed our experience with tissue expansion in patients after multiple failed phallic reconstructive efforts. A total of 18 males (mean age 13.2 years) with an underlying diagnosis of exstrophy/epispadias (n = 9), hypospadias (n = 7), partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (n = 1), and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (n = 1) had penile tissue expanders placed and inflated during a 6-week period. The expanders were removed at penile reconstruction. Results Tissue expanders were placed in 18 patients and successfully inflated in 17 patients. Good surgical results requiring no additional procedures were obtained in 8 (47%) of the 17 patients. Two patients subsequently underwent repeated tissue expansion; one of these patients had a good outcome after two expansions and supplemental pedicle graft, and the other had persistent fistulas and required a forearm graft. The implants were replaced because of extrusion in 3 patients and removed for malfunction, erosion, or infection in 1 patient each. Conclusions The use of tissue expansion provides a useful option for reconstruction in patients with minimal or scarred skin after multiple failed prior phallic reconstructions and offers certain benefits over the transfer of free grafts. The availability of smaller tissue expanders makes this technique feasible even for young children.
Sequential Modeling Framework for Optimal Sensor Placement for Multiple Intelligent Transportation System Applications

Traffic sensors have been deployed for decades to freeways to meet the requirements of various traffic/transportation applications, most noticeably traffic control and traveler information applications. A unique feature of traffic sensor deployment is that it is a continuous and evolving process. That is, with new applications that emerge, additional sensors are usually required to be deployed to meet new requirements. This process is also sequential in nature and the new deployment has to consider existing sensors. In this paper, we propose a modeling framework to capture this sequential decision-making process for traffic sensor deployment. The framework is based on our recent findings that (1) optimal sensor deployment for a single application can be determined by a staged process or, more formally, a dynamic programming (DP) method and (2) new sensor locations for new applications can be optimally solved by the DP method via considering existing sensors. We illustrate the framework using two applicati...
Distribution of photons and atomic momentum in resonance fluorescence

This paper discusses the connection between the atomic-momentum distribution due to photon recoil and photon statistics. A new formulation is presented based on a Fourier transform with respect to momentum. The asymptotic approximation that is equivalent to a Fokker-Planck treatment is found. Resonance fluorescence is treated in detail. The anomalous diffusion contribution recently found by Ashkin, Gordon, and Cook is separated, and its physical significance is discussed. In particular, it is pointed out that it signifies the coherence between successive photon recoil events. It follows that to obtain the correct diffusion expression one must perform the adiabatic elimination of internal atomic degrees of freedom in the frame moving with the atom, including the deflection caused by light-pressure force. Connections to earlier work are discussed.
La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 nanofibers for in situ, real-time, and stable high temperature oxygen sensing

By calcining electrospun La(NO3)3–Sr(NO3)2–Mn(NO3)2–PVP precursory nanofibers, La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) nanofibers have been successfully fabricated on a large scale. The as-prepared LSMO nanofibers with an average diameter of ∼126 nm displayed a homogenous perovskite phase with a rough surface and porous structure. The LSMO nanofibers were thermally stable in terms of composition and crystalline structure after multiple heating/cooling cycles between room temperature and 1000 °C, accompanied by a slightly increased grain size. The LSMO nanofibers were applied for in situ real-time oxygen sensing at 800 °C and showed sensitive, reversible and reproducible response towards oxygen with a detection limit as low as 3.5 ppb (S/N = 3). These results suggest that electrospun LSMO nanofibers are a promising nanomaterial for the design and fabrication of stable high temperature gas sensors.
Wall stress distribution on three-dimensionally reconstructed models of human abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract Purpose: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture is believed to occur when the mechanical stress acting on the wall exceeds the strength of the wall tissue. Therefore, knowledge of the stress distribution in an intact AAA wall could be useful in assessing its risk of rupture. We developed a methodology to noninvasively estimate the in vivo wall stress distribution for actual AAAs on a patient-to-patient basis. Methods: Six patients with AAAs and one control patient with a nonaneurysmal aorta were the study subjects. Data from spiral computed tomography scans were used as a means of three-dimensionally reconstructing the in situ geometry of the intact AAAs and the control aorta. We used a nonlinear biomechanical model developed specifically for AAA wall tissue. By means of the finite element method, the stress distribution on the aortic wall of all subjects under systolic blood pressure was determined and studied. Results: In all the AAA cases, the wall stress was complexly distributed, with distinct regions of high and low stress. Peak wall stress among AAA patients varied from 29 N/cm 2 to 45 N/cm 2 and was found on the posterior surface in all cases studied. The wall stress on the nonaneurysmal aorta in the control subject was relatively low and uniformly distributed, with a peak wall stress of 12 N/cm 2 . AAA volume, rather than AAA diameter, was shown by means of statistical analysis to be a better indicator of high wall stresses and possibly rupture. Conclusion: The approach taken to estimate AAA wall stress distribution is completely noninvasive and does not require any additional involvement or expense by the AAA patient. We believe that this methodology may allow for the evaluation of an individual AAA's rupture risk on a more biophysically sound basis than the widely used 5-cm AAA diameter criterion. (J Vasc Surg 2000;31:760-9.)
On the maleic acid induced Fanconi syndrome: Effects on transport by isolated rat kidney brushborder membrane vesicles

Abstract The association of maleic acid with isolated rat kidney brushborder membranes and the effect of maleic acid on uptake of amino acids and α-methyl-D-glucoside by brushborder membrane vesicles has been studied. Although maleic acid associates with the membrane, no alteration of sodium dependent transport of these substrates into the vesicles was observed. These findings indicate that the maleic acid induced Fanconi syndrome in the rat with aminoaciduria and glycosuria is not due to a direct, adverse effect on the renal tubule brushborder membrane per se .
Ammonia toxicity to larval copepods in eutrophic marine ecosystems: A comparison of results from bioassays and enclosed experimental ecosystems

In an experiment designed to simulate eutrophication of a shallow coastal ecosystem, nutrients were added to experimental ecosystems (MERL mesocosms) in six different treatment levels. We observed large reductions in the numbers of normally dominant copepods of the species Acartia tonsa and A. hudsonica associated with high concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH 3 ) in the two most nutrient enriched treatments. Comparison of 48 h LC 50 values of 10–15 μM·l −1 NH 3 obtained from laboratory bioassays with concentrations of NH 3 associated with increased mortality in the MERL tanks indicated that bioassay data correctly predicted trends of high and low mortality as well as fluctuations in the numbers of copepods in MERL tanks. Actual mortality rates of the mesocosm copepods was sometimes higher than predicted, however.
A new ambient-pressure organic superconductor: (BEDT-TTF)2(NH4)Hg(SCN)4

Abstract A new ambient-pressure organic superconducting charge-transfer salt, (BEDT-TTF) 2 (NH 4 )Hg(SCN) 4 , is reported. The unit cell parameters of this salt indicate that it is isostructural to (BEDT-TTF) 2 KHg(SCN) 4 , which possesses an α-type packing motif. The broad ESR line width of 56 to 84 G at 300 K as well as its temperature dependence further indicates that this salt has an α-type packing. Conductivity measurements show that (BEDT-TTF) 2 (NH 4 )Hg(SCN) 4 is metallic to low temperatures and inductive studies by RF penetration depth measurements demonstrate that it is superconducting with an onset at 1.15 K.
A systematic approach to psychiatric consultation.

Abstract A method for gathering and organizing data about patients has been developed that takes into account the biological, psychological (personal) and environmental dimensions of the patient. The three dimensions are considered in terms of three time contexts, the current, recent, and background. This three-by-three format provides the Patient Evaluation Grid (PEG), which may be used to summarize comprehensive data. The PEG may be used effectively in psychosomatic medicine and psychiatric consultation. In hospital consultation situations, special emphasis is placed on the current state, recent experiences, and the background needs and expectations of the medical and nursing staff as part of the environmental dimension of the patient. The current context contains data concerning the current state of the patient and the hospital unit and represents immediate limitations (e.g. organic brain syndrome) and pressing needs (e.g. agitation requires immediate sedation). The recent context contains information about recent changes and stresses. For example, recent bereavement may have contibuted to the physical illness. A recent change in medication may also account for the patient's confusion. The background context refers to long-standing, relatively stable factors such as the patient's genetic endowment, personality and coping styles, cultural sick-role expectations, etc. Although the background factors are relatively stable and resistant to change, some are amenable to change if specifically elicited and discussed. For example, irrational fantasies of the patient concerning a medical procedure. The PEG allows the consultant to organize pertinent information and develop intervention plans that are three-dimensional. Priorities may be assigned to the plans on the basis of urgency and feasibility. The use of this format in the psychiatric consultation situation helps the consultant to consider the staff, who, in interaction with the patient system, generated the consultation request.
Salivary, nasal wash, and sputum IgA concentrations in atopic and nonatopic individuals

Abstract IgA and IgG levels were quantitated in parotid and nasal secretions of atopic and nonatopic children and young adults by single radial diffusion and electroimmunodifsion on the hypothesis that exocrine IgA deficiencies in atopic individuals might facilitate absorption of common "natural" inhalant allergens across respiratory tract mucosal tissues. Mean salivary and nasal wash IgA and nasal wash IgG levels were similar in both groups when expressed as per cent total protein or as IgA/ albumin ratios. Salivary IgA levels varied in individual subjects on repeated weekly, daily, or hourly analysis, but a relationship between IgA and albumin was noted in repeated samples from the same individual. Nasal wash IgA and IgG levels varied markedly among all subjects irrespective of atopic status, whether expressed in absolute values, per cent total protein, or per cent albumin. These findings suggest that a theoretical heightened mucosal absorption of inhalant allergens by atopic individuals cannot be accounted for on the basis of a local "protective" exocrine IgA deficiency per se.
On the frequency response of a Van der Pol-Duffing oscillator

It is shown that the harmonic response curves of a combined Van der Pol-Duffing oscillator without memory represented by x + e(x2- 1)x + ω 0 2- αex3/3 = F sin ωt resemble those of an RLC series circuit when the inductance has a wide hysteresis loop.
Management of the respiratory complications of neuromuscular diseases in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Pediatric neuromuscular diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy cause pulmonary compromise. In severely affected patients, upper respiratory tract infections exacerbate lower respiratory tract secretion retention, with the potential for pneumonia, pulmonary atelectasis, and respiratory failure. In the pediatric intensive care unit, effective treatment includes noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and manual and mechanical mucus clearance techniques. A practical approach to commonly encountered respiratory complications in pediatric neuromuscular diseases is presented in this review. (J Child Neurol 1999; 14:139-143).
Biaxial thermal creep of V–4Cr–4Ti at 700°C and 800°C

Abstract A study of the thermal creep properties of V–4Cr–4Ti were performed using pressurized tube specimens. Creep tubes nominally 4.57 mm OD by 0.25 mm wall thickness were pressurized with high-purity helium gas to mid-wall effective stresses below the uniaxial yield strength. Specimens were heated to 700°C and 800°C in an ultra-high vacuum furnace and periodically removed to measure the change in OD with a high-precision laser profilometer. The secondary creep rate was found to be power-law dependent on the applied stress with a stress exponent of 3.7 at 700°C and 2.7 at 800°C. The average activation energy for creep of V–4Cr–4Ti was 299 kJ/mol, which is quite close to the activation energy for self-diffusion in pure vanadium in this temperature regime. The predominant mechanism of creep deformation for the conditions employed in this study is most likely climb-assisted dislocation motion.
A Primary Care Musculoskeletal Clinic for Residents: Success and Sustainability

Musculoskeletal complaints are common, but are often underemphasized in residency training. We evaluated the experience of residents (12) in 4 sessions of an innovative concentrated ambulatory, community-based musculoskeletal (MS) clinic precepted by general internists with additional training in teaching MS medicine. Compared with the year long longitudinal house staff (HS) clinic experience, the mean number of musculoskeletal diagnoses per resident seen in MS clinic was higher (13.9 [standard deviation 4.0] vs 5.4 [standard deviation 4.0]; P <.01). Common diagnoses in MS clinic included shoulder, hip, and knee tendonitis/bursitis, and the majority of diagnoses in HS clinic were nonspecific arthralgia (66%). Fifty-two injections were performed in MS clinic over the year, compared with one in HS clinic.
Patterns of nonresident father contact.

We used the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 cohort (NLSY79) from 1979 to 2002 and the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (CNLSY) from 1986 to 2002 to describe the number, shape, and population frequencies of U.S. nonresident father contact trajectories over a 14-year period using growth mixture models. The resulting four-category classification indicated that nonresident father involvement is not adequately characterized by a single population with a monotonic pattern of declining contact over time. Contrary to expectations, about two-thirds of fathers were consistently either highly involved or rarely involved in their children’s lives. Only one group, constituting approximately 23% of fathers, exhibited a clear pattern of declining contact. In addition, a small group of fathers (8%) displayed a pattern of increasing contact. A variety ofvariables differentiated between these groups, including the child’s age at father-child separation, whether the child was born within marriage, the mother’s education, the mother’s age at birth, whether the father pays child support regularly, and the geographical distance between fathers and children.
Ideas for projects in undergraduate information assurance and security courses

In this work, we present some ideas for projects that can be used in undergraduate Information Assurance and Security (IAS) courses. The projects range from cryptanalysis of ciphertext, network security, security vulnerability analysis, and programming to demonstrate buffer overflow. The projects can be used in IAS courses such as cryptography, network security, and computer security. Alternatively, they can be used as separate modules in computer science courses such as operating systems, networking, and programming. Some of these projects have been piloted by the author and have achieved their objectives.
Sea urchin egg-cortical granule protease has arginyl proteolytic specificity

Sea urchin eggs secrete esteroproteolytic activity at fertilization. This enzyme has been shown to be proteolytic toward embryo protein and casein, but a systematic study of its substrate specificity has not been done. In this communication we present data that demonstrates for the first time that the cortical granule protease from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus eggs cleaves arginyl residues in a protein substrate, lysozyme. We have developed a sensitive reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) assay that detects femtomole levels of trypsin and chymotrypsin protease activity [Green, 1986: Anal Biochem 152:83–88]. In the sea urchin system, we have detected protease activity from as few as 50 eggs. Correlating the RP-HPLC analysis with a spectrophotometric Nα-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester assay, we have found that each egg secretes approximately 40 attomoles of trypsin-like activity. This general method should be quite useful in investigations into the natural substrate of the egg protease.
Neighborhood impact of foreclosure: A quantile regression approach

Abstract This paper uses quantile regression, while accounting for spatial autocorrelation, to examine the simultaneous space–time impact of foreclosures on neighborhood property values. We find that negative price externalities associated with neighborhood foreclosures are greatest (1) among lower-priced homes, (2) within 250 ft of the property and (3) in the 12 months following a foreclosure auction. By using quantile regression, we are able to also investigate changes in the distribution of house prices associated with varying levels of neighborhood foreclosures.
PX DNA Triangle Oligomerized Using a Novel Three-Domain Motif

Structural DNA nanotechnology is directed at building objects, lattices, and arrays from cohesive interactions between DNA molecules. The predominant means of doing this takes advantage of the information inherent in Watson−Crick base pairing in duplex formation and in sticky-ended cohesion. Nevertheless, other forms of nucleic acid cohesion are also known, particularly paranemic edge-sharing interactions (PX). Here we report the formation of a triangular species that has four strands per edge, held together by PX interactions. We demonstrate by nondenaturing gel electrophoresis and by atomic force microscopy (AFM) that we can combine a partial triangle with other strands to form a four-stranded molecule that is robust. By combining them with a new mixed-fusion type of three-domain molecule, we demonstrate by AFM that these triangles can be self-assembled into a linear array.
Productive Engagement of Older Adults: Elements of a Cross-Cultural Research Agenda

Population aging is affecting almost every country in the world and has become a global issue. This demographic shift creates huge challenges and opportunities in societies where the population of older adults is large and growing. A productive aging perspective that addresses the challenges of an aging population by drawing on the capacity of the older population is critical. Knowledge about the best ways to support such productive engagement will be essential to shaping societies where older adults, families, and communities all benefit. Culturally-specific and cross-cultural knowledge is also needed. This paper reviews four key elements of a cross-cultural research agenda to develop knowledge on productive engagement in later life: definitions, theoretical frameworks, key research questions, and core values. The aim of this paper is to catalyze research on an important topic and to ensure that this research is carried forward as effectively as possible.
Quantitative evaluation of flatfish behavior during capture by trawl gear

Abstract Flatfish behavior at the footrope of trawl gear is described, and herding and entry sequences are quantified. Data were collected from video tapes filmed under natural light conditions during commercial fishing operations. Behavior observations were made using computer controlled video analysis and enhancement techniques. Two distinct behavior patterns were evident during trawl entry. Escape behavior is characterized by a rapid 180 ° change in direction accompanied by the fish turning onto its side or back. Avoidance behavior is distinguished by a slow movement of the fish from the herding position to height above the footrope associated with deliberate net entry. The probable origin and practical application of these behavior patterns are evaluated and discussed.
Negotiating with the North: Doubting Its Enrichment Claims

Pyongyang can say it is aggressively pursuing a uranium enrichment capability, but more than likely, it is selling the international community a bill of goods.
d-wave superconducting condensation in the spin-density-wave background.

It is shown within the random-phase approximation that through exchanging the amplitude fluctuations an attractive interaction is induced between the holes doped in the commensurate spin-density-wave background. Without including the polaronic effects, such an effective interaction is shown to lead to a $d$-wave superconducting condensation of the doped holes, instead of the $s$-wave pairing concluded by Schrieffer, Wen, and Zhang Phys. Rev. Lett. 60 944 1988 in a similar approach. The superconducting order parameter as a function of the doping concentration has been calculated also.
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and risk of venous thrombosis in older adults

Platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAFAH) is an enzyme in the phospholipase A2 family. PAFAH inactivates platelet activating factor (PAF) by hydrolyzing the acetyl group at the sn-2 position [1] and is synthesized by a variety of cell types [2]. Three isoforms of PAFAH have been identified: intracellular types Ib and II and a plasma form [3]. Plasma PAFAH, which is also called lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), is a 45 kDa monomeric enzyme associated primarily with high and low density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) [4]. PAF is a phospholipid messenger involved in the mediation of a variety of biological activities [5]. Lp-PLA2 regulates the inflammatory effects of PAF in the vasculature by terminating PAF signaling [6]. A loss of function mutation in the Lp-PLA2 gene was reported in 4% of a Japanese population and this deficiency state has been associated with thrombotic inflammatory diseases including myocardial infarction, stroke and non-familial dilated cardiomyopathy [7-11]. Conversely, several studies of middle aged men and women have reported that elevated circulating levels of Lp-PLA2 was associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke [12-15]. Although Lp-PLA2 is related to thrombosis and inflammation status, there is no information on the association of Lp-PLA2 levels and venous thrombosis (VT), a disease that millions of patients annually are at risk for [16]. Given its biological roles in coagulation and inflammation and the recently described links between atherosclerosis and VT [17], we examined the association of Lp-PLA2 concentration with subsequent VT. Because both low and high levels of Lp-PLA2 levels are associated with atherosclerotic disease, we hypothesized that both low and high Lp-PLA2 activity and mass levels would be associated with increased rates of VT.
Supercritical Solvent Effects on Hydrocarbon Product Distributions from Fischer−Tropsch Synthesis over an Alumina-Supported Cobalt Catalyst

This study is designed to examine the effects of supercritical fluid (SCF) solvents (pentane or hexane) on product distributions from Fischer−Tropsch synthesis (FTS) over an alumina-supported cobalt catalyst in a fixed-bed-reactor. The influence of reaction conditions (such as temperature, pressure, syngas feed ratio, contact time, and space velocity) on the FTS hydrocarbon product distributions in the supercritical solvents was studied. Changing the density-dependent bulk thermophysical properties of the supercritical pentane medium, by tuning either temperature (210−250 °C) or pressure (45−65 bar), resulted in notable effects on the (C6+) hydrocarbon product distributions and selectivity. One particular set of experiments was designed to directly compare hexane and pentane solvent effects at constant density (ca., ρ = 0.3 g/cm3) and temperature (240 °C) where significantly higher pressure was required in pentane to achieve this density. Interestingly, both pentane and hexane supercritical FTS performed ...
Reliability Aware Gate Sizing Combating NBTI and Oxide Breakdown

Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) and Oxide Breakdown (OBD) are two key reliability concerns for nanometer VLSI circuits. Gate over-sizing has been done in the past to mitigate the effect of NBTI and aging to meet performance constraints. However, this could make the entire circuit more prone to OBD. In this paper, we propose a new gate sizing formulation that considers both NBTI-induced delay degradation and OBD-induced circuit lifetime. Since NBTI and OBD are highly sensitive to the input vectors in a conflicting way, we consider their dependencies on signal probabilities. Moreover, we take into account the degradation in rise slew due to NBTI which could affect the fall delay/slew of the inverting gates in the next stage, and this has not been considered in previous work on NBTI aware gate sizing. Experimental results on industry strength benchmarks demonstrate that by incorporating OBD into holistic gate sizing, we can achieve more reliable circuit without compromising the circuit performance and area.
Virtual gifts and guanxi: supporting social exchange in a chinese online community

Significant cultural differences persist between East and West. Software systems that have been proven to operate efficiently within one culture can fail in the context of the other, especially if they are intended to support rich social interactions. In this paper we demonstrate how a virtual currency system, not unlike ones employed by many US-based websites, evolved within a thriving Chinese online forum into an essential medium for extremely diverse and culturally specific social exchange activities. The social interactions reflect the traditional Chinese idea of guanxi, or interpersonal influence and connectedness, while at the same time incorporating the norms of a new generation of Internet users.
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT IN THE NATIONAL PARKS: QUESTIONS IN SEARCH OF ANSWERS

The history of wildlife management in the national parks can be traced in the ungulate management policies of the National Park Service (NPS). These policies have, at various times, embraced total protection at the expense of other species, authorized culling to maintain explicit population levels, and since 1970 advocated natural regulation combined with limited human interference with park ecosystems. Current policy has had important ramifications for ungulate populations in parks as discussed in the preceding papers in this Invited Feature. This paper synthesizes those papers, interpreting the answers to three questions in relation to NPS wildlife management: (1) how does this management differ from other public resource managers; (2) can thresholds for management intervention be established for the species of concern; and (3) is scientific knowledge adequate to make and implement management decisions? The paper finds that NPS management does differ significantly from other federal land management and ...
Fading of quinoline dye by light: application to the measurement of the integrated lamp output and solar energy.

The fading rates of plastic plates dyed with a quinoline derivative (quinophthalone) have been measured under exposure to light of 366-, 404.7-, and 435.8-nm wavelengths and to a high pressure Xe arc. The initial quantum yield of fading is 2 × 10−5 and is independent of incident wavelengths. The correlation between the fading by lamp exposure and that by solar exposure is obtained using a filtered 1000-W Xe arc, a simulated solar radiation source. The fading plates provide simple and inexpensive means to measure the integrated lamp output and solar energy.
Heat Transfer in the Annular Space Between Two Coaxial Cylinders

Two brass tubes are mounted with a common axis, one inside of the other, and are warmed by driving hot air, in turbulent flow, through the annular space between them. The rates of transfer of heat to the two tubes are compared by means of a coefficient representing heat transmitted per unit time per unit area of metal surface per unit difference of temperature between metal and air. Lees has shown that in streamline flow there would be a difference in the surface friction per unit area for the two tubes, and if that were true in turbulent flow, there would be a corresponding difference in the coefficients of heat transfer. The experimental results show that if there is such a difference in turbulent flow, it is not of the magnitude to be expected from Lees' equations, and fail to show with certainty that any difference exists.
On the Far-Field Propagation of High-Speed Jet Noise

This paper deals with the effects of atmospheric absorption on the propagation of high-speed jet noise. The common practice for determining the far-field jet noise spectra at a distance far from the jet exit (>100D, where D is the nozzle exit diameter) involves extrapolating data that is typically obtained between 35D and 100D from the nozzle exit. The data is extrapolated along a radial line from the nozzle exit by accounting for the effects of spherical spreading and atmospheric absorption. A previous paper discussed far-field measurements that were obtained for a twin engine aircraft at three locations along a radial line in the peak noise radiation direction. The authors were unable to extrapolate the spectra from the nearest location to either of the further locations and the observed differences were attributed to nonlinear effects in the jet noise signal. It is the purpose of this paper to show that the common extrapolation practice is valid for high speed jets, except in the peak radiation direction and its surrounding angles. Mach wave radiation is present at these locations and the common practice will yield unsatisfactory results, similar to those observed in the previous paper. The data used in this paper is taken from experiments carried out at 1/5th-scale and full scale and the experimental conditions of these high-speed jets are quite similar to those of the previous paper.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
On the Frontline of Screening for Breast Cancer

The mainstay of screening for breast cancer is the mammogram. There are several randomized control trials that demonstrate a significant decrease in breast cancer mortality when compared to women without screening mammography included in their care. Digital mammography has improved detection in the dense breast. With the introduction of digital mammography, other novel techniques such as stereo digital mammography (SDM) and tomosynthesis can reduce recall significantly without a negative effect on cancer detection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound added to mammography can improve cancer detection for high-risk women but can have false positive consequences.
Predictive capability of long-term cavitation and liquid impingement erosion models

A brief overview of long-term cavitation and liquid impingement erosion and modeling methods proposed by different investigators, including the curve-fit approach is presented. A table was prepared to highlight the number of variables necessary for each model in order to compute the erosion-versus-time curves. A power law relation based on the average erosion rate is suggested which may solve several modeling problems. Previously announced in STAR as N83-22386
The role of beverage consumption, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and demographics on body mass index of adolescents

The percentage of US adolescents who are overweight or at-risk of overweight has increased over the past 20 years. Using data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988-1994, multivariate regression models of body mass index (BMI) for adolescent males and females aged 12-16 years were developed to examine the relative importance of demographics, beverage consumption, physical activity, and sedentary behavior for maintaining a healthy body weight. The models explained between 11% and 19% of the variance in BMI. Demographic characteristics accounted for roughly one-half of the explained variance in the models. Age was positively associated with BMI for males and females. Family income had a negative association with BMI for females, but no association with BMI for males. The variables for race/ethnicity and region were only occasionally statistically significant. A strong negative association was found between BMI and participation in team sports or exercise programs for both males and females. The estimate of the relationship between television viewing and BMI was positive but not statistically significant. Consumption of regular carbonated soft drinks (RCSD) and fruit drinks/ades--two beverages widely hypothesized to be positively associated with BMI--were not statistically significant in any of the models. Consumption of diet carbonated soft drinks was very low and was positively associated with BMI for females but not for males. The potential impacts of increasing participation in teams or exercise programs, reducing television viewing, and reducing RCSD consumption on BMI were examined. Increasing participation in teams or exercise programs consistently had the largest impact on reducing predicted BMI. The impact of reducing television viewing had the next largest impact. Reducing consumption of RCSD had the smallest impact. Policies that revitalize physical activity and physical education programs for all students--not just student athletes--and educational efforts that discourage sedentary behavior will be far more successful in combating overweight than an undue focus on beverage consumption.
Will cloned animals suffer premature aging – The story at the end of clones' chromosomes

Dolly the sheep, the 1st cloned mammal in the world [1], was put down on February 14th of this year. She was suffering from a virus that caused a tumor in the lung [2]. This has triggered a new round of debate on cloning, particularly on the aging problems of cloned animals. Scientists have long worried that cloned animals might inherit its age from its cell donor, thus being born old and die early. In this review we focus on – telomeres – the units which are at the end of all chromosomes and discuss how telomeres are related to the ageing problems of clones.
Computer-based clinical simulation cases in oncology pharmacotherapy: Student perceptions from two campuses

Abstract Objectives To describe the development of computer-based clinical simulation cases (CBCSCs) in an oncology pharmacotherapy course and review student perceptions of this learning strategy. Methods Hematologic/Oncologic Pharmacotherapy is a two-credit hour course for third-year student pharmacists. It provides students with an understanding and ability to deliver pharmaceutical care to patients with cancer. CBCSCs were prepared in advance using decision simulator technology. Student pharmacists in the 2013 course solved the CBCSCs in teams of three during the class on two campuses. Participants completed an Institutional Review Board-approved survey and rated agreement with statements about the utility of the CBCSCs using a 4-point Likert-type scale (4—completely agree to 1—completely disagree). Results The survey response rate was 99% ( n = 77 main campus and n = 14 satellite campus). Overall, the majority of students completely agreed or agreed that CBCSCs helped identify learning needs (89%), promoted understanding of key concepts (93.4%), and should be continued in this course and other courses (90%). The preference of completing the CBCSCs individually, as opposed to a group format, was expressed. In contrast to student responses on the main campus, fewer students on the satellite campus agreed or strongly agreed that the CBCSCs should be continued in this course and others (93.8% vs 69.2%, respectively). Conclusions CBCSCs are well-received by students and can be a useful mechanism to apply pharmacotherapy knowledge in a low-risk environment to identify areas for continued improvement and areas of mastery. The differences in perception between the campuses require further study.
Canards for a reduction of the Hodgkin-Huxley equations

This paper shows that canards, which are periodic orbits for which the trajectory follows both the attracting and repelling part of a slow manifold, can exist for a two-dimensional reduction of the Hodgkin-Huxley equations. Such canards are associated with a dramatic change in the properties of the periodic orbit within a very narrow interval of a control parameter. By smoothly connecting stable and unstable manifolds in an asymptotic limit, we predict with great accuracy the parameter value at which the canards exist for this system. This illustrates the power of using singular perturbation theory to understand the dynamical properties of realistic biological systems.
Baseline corticosterone is positively related to juvenile survival in a migrant passerine bird

Summary 1. Glucocorticoid hormones are an integral part of the vertebrate stress response, and theoretical models argue for a link between glucocorticoid levels and individual fitness. The cort-fitness hypothesis posits that elevated levels of baseline glucocorticoids are reflective of an individual in poor condition and with a reduced likelihood of survival. Surprisingly, this hypothesis remains virtually untested for the juvenile life-history stage, a period that is often characterized by high mortality rates. 2. To address this issue, we explored whether glucocorticoid levels just prior to fledging were related to survival during the juvenile period in the Swainson’s thrush (Catharus ustulatus), a short-lived, temperate-breeding passerine bird. Over 2 years, we blood-sampled nestling thrushes to quantify glucocorticoid levels and then used radio telemetry to assess whether individuals died or survived to emigrate from the study area. Finally, we measured vegetation characteristics at the nest and at locations used by individuals during the juvenile period to quantify the relative importance of habitat features and glucocorticoid levels on survival. 3. Predation was the leading cause of death, and overall juvenile survival rate was 34·6%. We found that survival was positively associated with baseline corticosterone and, to a lesser extent, size-corrected body mass and date of fledging. Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence that the amount of vegetative cover at the nest site or at locations used during the juvenile period was associated with survival. 5. Although we cannot completely rule out the cort-fitness hypothesis, our data appear to support the cort-activity hypothesis and suggest that elevated baseline corticosterone levels in juvenile thrushes may be linked to enhanced post-fledging survival via increased locomotor activity that promotes foraging, more effective escape from predators or both.
MODEL-BASED DESIGN FOR SYSTEM INTEGRATION

System partitioning is essential to the design of complex systems such as automobiles. Complexity can be because of compounded phenomena or because of intricate behavior. This paper focuses on the compounding effect of integrating the different subsystems that result from the partitioning. In particular, it concentrates on subsystems, or features, that have an embedded computation part to them. Three types of feature integration are classified: (i) shared resources, (ii) communicating features, and (iii) interacting control. The integration is addressed from a Model-Based Design perspective. It is discussed how this allows managing the complexity of integrating computations because it is operative at a higher level of abstraction than even high-level programming languages.
Design and Performance Evaluation of Filtered Multitone (FMT) in Doubly Dispersive Channels

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is the most popular scheme for broadband communications. However, it has been shown that OFDM has disadvantages in time-varying channels. Filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) is an alternative multicarrier modulation method that can be designed for robust performance in doubly (time and frequency) dispersive channels. The emphasis of this paper is on a class of FBMC systems that are called filtered multitone (FMT). We note that although unlike the more popular FBMC systems that use offset quadrature amplitude modulation (OQAM) or cosine modulated techniques to achieve full bandwidth efficiency, FMT does not have full bandwidth efficiency, its possible use in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels still makes it an attractive method. In a recent work, we have noted that the FBMC systems that are based on OQAM/cosine modulated techniques are very restrictive in MIMO channels and introduced a class of FMT systems with robust performance in doubly dispersive channels. This paper extends our previous results and shows that further improvement can be obtained by organizing the data symbols in a hexagonal lattice structure, as compared to the more popular rectangular structure. In addition, results that compare our proposed FMT systems with the conventional FMT and OFDM are presented and we show that a substantial gain in performance is achieved.
Absent Fathers in the Inner City

The influences of structural economic factors, social ecology, and culture on producing young absent fathers in the inner city and on defining their relationships to their children are examined. Ethnographic data on three low-income urban neighborhoods are reported and compared with respect to the careers of young males, patterns of sexual activity and contraception, and responses to early pregnancy.