cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal Diffusivity of Layered Composites

The heat diffusion equations for three- and two-layer composites without interfacial thermal contact resistance are solved with appropriate boundary conditions, and with a heat pulse function of the form of the Dirac delta function for composites with capacitive layers. The analytical solutions are compared with those for composites with resistive layers. Of special interests are the cases where the properties of the layers are grossly different and also where a thin layer of high diffusivity material is involved.
Strategic Actionable Net-Centric Biological Defense System

Technologies required for strategic actionable net-centric biological defense systems consist of : 1) multiplexed multi-array sensors for threat agents and for signatures of the host response to infection; 2) novel vaccines and restricted access antivirals/bacterials to reduce emergence of drug resistant strains pre- and post-event; 3) telemedicine capabilities to deliver post-event care to 20,000 victims of a biological strike; and 4) communication systems with intelligent software for resource allocation and redundant pathways that survive catastrophic attack. The integrated system must detect all threat agents with minimal false positive/negative events, a seamless integrated broad-band communications capability that enables conversion of data to actionable information, and novel pre- and post-event treatments. The development of multiplexed multi-array sensors, appropriate vaccines and antibiotics, and integrated communication capabilities are critical to sustaining normal health, commerce, and international activities.
INTEGRAL EQUATIONS FOR INHOMOGENEOUS FLUIDS

Useful theories of inhomogeneous fluids can be obtained either from the singlet Ornstein-Zernike (OZ1) equation (Henderson et al, 1976).
SRAM Bit-line Swings Optimization using Generalized Waterfilling

We propose an information-theoretic approach to optimize non-uniform bit-line swings for static random access memories (SRAMs). We formulate convex optimization problems whose objectives are to minimize energy (for low-power SRAMs), maximize speed (for high-speed SRAMs), and minimize energy-delay product for a given constraint on mean squared error of retrieved words. We show that these optimization problems can be interpreted as generalized water-filling including classical waterfilling, ground-flattening and water-filling, and sand-pouring and water-filling, respectively. Numerical results show that energy-optimal swing assignment reduces energy consumption by half at a peak signal-to-noise ratio of 30dB for an 8-bit accessed word.
Design and Development of Carbon Nanotube Antennas

Abstract The application of carbon nanotube (CNT) superfiber materials as lightweight, flexible, and durable RF antennas is explored through simulation, fabrication, and measurement. The fabrication of high-conductivity CNT thread is discussed, and a textile-integrated CNT bowtie antenna is explored through simulation and measurement. The fabrication of CNT sheet material is detailed, and an aperture-coupled CNT sheet patch antenna is measured, compared with a baseline copper patch antenna, and used to explore the effects of CNT orientation on the performance of a CNT sheet patch antenna. Postprocess treatments such as metal nanoparticle doping for enhanced conductivity and in situ atmospheric pressure plasma treatment for material functionalization are discussed, and the effects of these treatments on CNT antenna performance are explored through measurement.
Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Risk: A Machine Learning Approach

Background: A majority of adults in the United States are exposed to a potentially traumatic event but only a handful go on to develop impairing mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective: Identifying those at elevated risk shortly after trauma exposure is a clinical challenge. The aim of this study was to develop computational methods to more effectively identify at-risk patients and, thereby, support better early interventions. Methods: We proposed machine learning (ML) induction of models to automatically predict elevated PTSD symptoms in patients 1 month after a trauma, using self-reported symptoms from data collected via smartphones. Results: We show that an ensemble model accurately predicts elevated PTSD symptoms, with an area under the curve (AUC) of .85, using a bag of support vector machines, naive Bayes, logistic regression, and random forest algorithms. Furthermore, we show that only 7 self-reported items (features) are needed to obtain this AUC. Most importantly, we show that accurate predictions can be made 10 to 20 days posttrauma. Conclusions: These results suggest that simple smartphone-based patient surveys, coupled with automated analysis using ML-trained models, can identify those at risk for developing elevated PTSD symptoms and thus target them for early intervention.
Studies of thermal distortion and residual stresses of an Inconel 718 part fabricated by the laser powder deposition process

Laser powder deposition is essentially a thermal process involving rapid phase changes and high temperature gradients. Thermal stresses generated during rapid cooling have critical impacts on the geometric accuracy and material properties of a laser deposited part. Thermal control is critical for obtaining consistent deposition conditions and in limiting thermal deformation and stress induced cracking during the deposition process. In this work, thin-walled Inconel 718 parts were fabricated by laser powder deposition with different laser energy inputs and cylindrical wall curvatures similar to the aero-engine compressor blade geometries. The asdeposited parts were scanned by a CMM laser probe in order to examine the distortions of these parts. Residual stresses on the thin-walled parts were measured by the X-ray diffraction method in a transmission mode. Measurement results show that no significant distortions in the laser deposited thin-walled samples were detected. For single row deposition, residual stresses increases with linear energy input. Curved walls are found to have reduced residual stresses than the flat walls. Tensile stresses are only found in the build up direction at the edges of the flat thin-walled parts.Laser powder deposition is essentially a thermal process involving rapid phase changes and high temperature gradients. Thermal stresses generated during rapid cooling have critical impacts on the geometric accuracy and material properties of a laser deposited part. Thermal control is critical for obtaining consistent deposition conditions and in limiting thermal deformation and stress induced cracking during the deposition process. In this work, thin-walled Inconel 718 parts were fabricated by laser powder deposition with different laser energy inputs and cylindrical wall curvatures similar to the aero-engine compressor blade geometries. The asdeposited parts were scanned by a CMM laser probe in order to examine the distortions of these parts. Residual stresses on the thin-walled parts were measured by the X-ray diffraction method in a transmission mode. Measurement results show that no significant distortions in the laser deposited thin-walled samples were detected. For single row deposition, residual st...
Mitochondrial fusion is required for spermatogonial differentiation and meiosis

Differentiating cells tailor their metabolism to fulfill their specialized functions. We examined whether mitochondrial fusion is important for metabolic tailoring during spermatogenesis. Acutely after depletion of mitofusins Mfn1 and Mfn2, spermatogenesis arrests due to failure to accomplish a metabolic shift during meiosis. This metabolic shift includes increased mitochondrial content, mitochondrial elongation, and upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). With long-term mitofusin loss, all differentiating germ cell types are depleted, but proliferation of stem-like undifferentiated spermatogonia remains unaffected. Thus, compared with undifferentiated spermatogonia, differentiating spermatogonia and meiotic spermatocytes have cell physiologies that require high levels of mitochondrial fusion. Proteomics in fibroblasts reveals that mitofusin-null cells downregulate respiratory chain complexes and mitochondrial ribosomal subunits. Similarly, mitofusin depletion in immortalized spermatocytes or germ cells in vivo results in reduced OXPHOS subunits and activity. We reveal that by promoting OXPHOS, mitofusins enable spermatogonial differentiation and a metabolic shift during meiosis.
Effects of restraint and isolation stress and epidural blockade on endocrine and blood metabolite status, muscle glycogen metabolism, and incidence of dark-cutting longissimus muscle of sheep.

Crossbred lambs (47.3 kg BW) were used to study the effects of restraint and isolation stress on endocrine status and blood metabolites, antemortem glycogenolysis, and incidence of the dark- cutting condition (DCC ) in the longissimus muscle ( LM) and to determine the role of muscle contraction in the formation of the DCC in sheep. Lambs were assigned randomly to three treatments: unstressed controls (C ); a single 6-h period of restraint and isolation stress (RIS); and a single 6-h period of RIS following epidural blockade (RISEB) with lidocaine. Blood was collected immediately before lambs were subjected to RIS and RISEB and at 12-min intervals during the 6-h period. Serum concentrations of glu- cose, lactate, and insulin were higher ( P < .01) in RIS and RISEB lambs than in C lambs. Serum free fatty acid concentrations were higher ( P < .O 1) in stressed lambs only during the first 4 h of stress. Plasma epinephrine and cortisol concentrations also were higher ( P < .O 1) in RIS and RISEB lambs than in C lambs. Lambs were slaughtered within 30 min after completion of stress. Immediately after stunning and at .75, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h postmortem, samples were removed from the LM in the hindsaddle and foresad- dle for glycogen, lactate, and pH determinations. Muscle pH was elevated (P < .01) by RIS and RISEB; ultimate pH exceeded 6.0. The LM from carcasses of RIS and RISEB lambs had lower (P < .01) glycogen and lactate concentrations in both regions than the LM of C lambs. Subjecting sheep to a single 6-h period of RIS was an effective animal model to induce the DCC. Failure of the epidural blockade to inhibit antemortem glycogen metabolism and forma- tion of the DCC indicates that muscle contraction was not requisite to those processes in sheep.
Diabetes care management patterns before and after a cancer diagnosis: A SEER-Medicare matched cohort study.

Background Diabetes places patients with cancer at an increased risk of infections, hospitalizations, and mortality. The objective of the current study was to characterize diabetes care management patterns among patients with cancer in the year before and, separately, after cancer diagnosis. The authors hypothesized that diabetes care declines after a diagnosis of cancer. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry linked to Medicare claims data was used. The authors included diabetic beneficiaries aged ≥65 years who were diagnosed with incident, nonmetastatic breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer between 2008 and 2013. Controls were diabetic Medicare beneficiaries in SEER regions who did not have cancer. Cases were matched to controls based on age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and diabetes severity. Primary outcomes were diabetes care received over 12 months: 1) hemoglobin A1c testing; 2) eye examination; and 3) low-density lipoprotein testing. Using a difference-in-difference (DID) approach, the authors examined use differences 12 months before to after diagnosis for patients with cancer and controls. To avoid capturing testing related to diagnosis and not diabetes management, the authors implemented a 90-day washout period (45 days before and/or after diagnosis). Results A total of 32,728 diabetic patients with cancer and 32,728 matched noncancer controls were included. After diagnosis, patients with cancer were found to have modest, but significantly lower, rates of diabetes care use compared with controls. Patients with cancer had greater declines in hemoglobin A1c testing (DID, 2.4%; 95% CI, 1.7%-3.0%), low-density lipoprotein testing (DID, 4.3%; 95% CI, 3.6%-5.0%), and receipt of all diabetes indicators (DID, 2.7%; 95% CI, 1.8%-3.5%) 12 months before to after diagnosis. Conclusions Compared with controls, less diabetes care use was observed among patients with cancer in the year after diagnosis. Understanding and addressing the reasons for this may improve outcomes in this population.
Ceques and Huacas

Huacas and many of their functions were previously introduced in several sections of Chap. 3 (Sects. 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.7, 3.8, and 3.20). This chapter describes the Cusco ceque system and the role that huacas played in in it to organize society.
Child Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic Through a Life Course Theory Lens

The COVID-19 global pandemic and the resulting economic, health, and educational disruptions have upset all aspects of young people's lives. The pandemic's reach will likely continue in the near term and as psychological and academic trajectories unfold over time. In this article, we draw on the central tenets of life course theory-intertwined developmental trajectories, linked lives, and stratification systems (Elder, 1998)-to inform understanding of potential adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's and adolescents' adjustment and well-being, as well as mechanisms and processes that may buffer or exacerbate the pandemic's negative impact. We review empirical evidence on the impact of previous macro-level crises (e.g., the Great Recession) to illustrate how life course theory can aid developmental scientists in examining the effects of COVID-19 on children's development. We conclude with recommendations for research.
Use of Deep Learning to Examine the Association of the Built Environment With Prevalence of Neighborhood Adult Obesity

Importance More than one-third of the adult population in the United States is obese. Obesity has been linked to factors such as genetics, diet, physical activity, and the environment. However, evidence indicating associations between the built environment and obesity has varied across studies and geographical contexts. Objective To propose an approach for consistent measurement of the features of the built environment (ie, both natural and modified elements of the physical environment) and its association with obesity prevalence to allow for comparison across studies. Design The cross-sectional study was conducted from February 14 through October 31, 2017. A convolutional neural network, a deep learning approach, was applied to approximately 150 000 high-resolution satellite images from Google Static Maps API (application programing interface) to extract features of the built environment in Los Angeles, California; Memphis, Tennessee; San Antonio, Texas; and Seattle (representing Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue), Washington. Data on adult obesity prevalence were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 500 Cities project. Regression models were used to quantify the association between the features and obesity prevalence across census tracts. Main Outcomes and Measures Model-estimated obesity prevalence (obesity defined as body mass index ≥30, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) based on built environment information. Results The study included 1695 census tracts in 6 cities. The age-adjusted obesity prevalence was 18.8% (95% CI, 18.6%-18.9%) for Bellevue, 22.4% (95% CI, 22.3%-22.5%) for Seattle, 30.8% (95% CI, 30.6%-31.0%) for Tacoma, 26.7% (95% CI, 26.7%-26.8%) for Los Angeles, 36.3% (95% CI, 36.2%-36.5%) for Memphis, and 32.9% (95% CI, 32.8%-32.9%) for San Antonio. Features of the built environment explained 64.8% (root mean square error [RMSE], 4.3) of the variation in obesity prevalence across all census tracts. Individually, the variation explained was 55.8% (RMSE, 3.2) for Seattle (213 census tracts), 56.1% (RMSE, 4.2) for Los Angeles (993 census tracts), 73.3% (RMSE, 4.5) for Memphis (178 census tracts), and 61.5% (RMSE, 3.5) for San Antonio (311 census tracts). Conclusions and Relevance This study illustrates that convolutional neural networks can be used to automate the extraction of features of the built environment from satellite images for studying health indicators. Understanding the association between specific features of the built environment and obesity prevalence can lead to structural changes that could encourage physical activity and decreases in obesity prevalence.
Resolving the Structure of Cold Dark Matter Halos II

We study the effects of mass and force resolution on the density profiles of galaxy-size Cold Dark Matter (CDM) halos in a flat, low-density cosmological model with vacuum energy. We show thatalthough increasing the mass and force resolution allows us to probe deeper into the inner halo regions, it does not lead to steeper inner density profiles. Instead, the halo profiles converge at scales larger than four times the formal resolution or the radius containing more than 200 particles, whichever is larger. In the simulations presented in this paper, we are able to probe density profile of a relaxed isolated galaxy-size halo at scales r=(0.005-1)r_vir. We find that the density distribution can be well approximated by the profile suggested by Moore etal (1998): rho= x^{-1.5}(1+x^{1.5})^-1, where x=r/r_s and r_s is the characteristic radius. The analytical profile proposed by Navarro et al. (1996) rho= x^{-1}(1+x)^-2, also provides a good fit, with the same relative errors of about 10% for radii larger than 1% of the virial radius. Both analytical profiles fit equally well because for high-concentration galaxy-size halos the differences between these profiles become significant only at scales well below 0.01r_vir. We also find that halos of similar mass may have somewhat different parameters (characteristic radius, maximum rotation velocity, etc.) and shapes of their density profiles. We associate this scatter in properties with differences in halo merger histories and the amount of substructure present in the analyzed halos.
Converting conventional electron accelerators to high peak brilliance Compton light sources

Several proposals have been put forward for converting electron accelerators to inverse Compton scattering (ICS) gamma sources. Typical approaches suggest combining near-IR solid-state lasers operating continuously at a multimegahertz repetition rate with e-beams when setting their interaction point inside a field-enhancement, Fabry-Perot optical cavity. We introduce here an alternative method of pairing particle accelerator beams with trains of long-wave-infrared, ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{L}\ensuremath{\approx}9--11\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ pulses from a picosecond ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$ laser of a novel architecture operating in a repetitive pulse-burst mode. Because of a considerable increase in the laser energy per pulse, combined with an order-of-magnitude higher number of laser photons per joule of laser energy, our approach allows us to increase the ICS peak flux and brilliance by 4 orders of magnitude compared to previous proposals while maintaining high (${10}^{11}--{10}^{12}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ph}/\mathrm{s}$) average flux. This outcome is supported by the examples of the $\mathrm{DA}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Phi}}\mathrm{NE}$ and CBETA accelerator facilities, where ${10}^{20}--{10}^{21}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ph}/(\mathrm{s}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\mathrm{mm}}^{2}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\mathrm{mrad}}^{2}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}0.1%BW)$ peak brilliances at 50--1000 keV photon energy range can be achieved and is comparable or exceeds the capabilities of contemporary synchrotron light sources at hard x rays. Such high-brightness ICS sources will find applications in pump-probe and other ultrafast studies that require building up meaningful datasets on a single x-ray pulse.
The Severity of Pectus Excavatum Defect Is Associated With Impaired Cardiopulmonary Function.

Abstract Background Repair of pectus excavatum has cosmetic benefits, but the physiologic impact remains controversial. The aim of this study was to characterize the relationship between the degree of pectus excavatum and cardiopulmonary dysfunction seen on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and pulmonary function testing (PFT). Methods A single-center analysis of CMR, CPET, and PFT was conducted. Regression models evaluated relationships between pectus indices and the clinical end points of cardiopulmonary function. Results Data from 345 CMRs, 261 CPETs, and 281 PFTs were analyzed. Patients were a mean age of 15.2 ± 4 years, and 81% were aged Conclusions The severity of pectus excavatum is associated with ventricular systolic dysfunction. Pectus excavatum impacts right and left ventricular systolic function and can also impact exercise tolerance. The Haller index and correction index may be the most useful predictors of impairment.
Are Junior Residents Competent at Closed Reduction and Casting of Distal Radius Fractures in Children

Background At many institutions, junior orthopaedic surgery residents perform the closed reduction and casting of pediatric distal radius fractures (DRFs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the competency of junior residents compared to senior residents in the initial management of pediatric DRFs. Methods This investigation was a case-control study analyzing the outcomes of children with displaced DRFs treated by junior versus senior residents. The cohorts were matched with respect to fracture type. Radiographs were measured to assess fracture angulation, displacement, and cast index. Comparisons of patient characteristics, fracture characteristics, and outcome variables were made between the cohorts. Results A total of 132 patients (99 males; mean age 10.7±2.6 years) were included. Junior residents achieved a similar rate of acceptable initial reduction compared to senior residents (82% versus 79%; p=0.66). Twenty-four (23%) patients were found to have loss of reduction (LOR), though the rate of LOR was similar in the junior (16.7%) and senior resident (28.9%) cohorts (p=0.13). Overall, only 6 patients (3.7%) required surgery (1.5% in junior versus 7.6% in senior; p=0.09). The odds of LOR were 2.7 times higher in the first three reductions of the rotation for all residents (p=0.049). Conclusion Junior residents perform similarly to senior residents in the closed reduction and casting of pediatric DRFs. However, residents performing one of their first three closed reductions during a rotation-regardless of seniority-were more likely to experience subsequent loss of reduction, suggesting the need for close supervision during the beginning of each rotation.Level of Evidence: III.
Infrared spectroscopy of the protonated HCl dimer and trimer

The protonated HCl dimer and trimer complexes were prepared by pulsed discharges in supersonic expansions of helium or argon doped with HCl and hydrogen. The ions were mass selected in a reflectron time-of-flight spectrometer and investigated with photodissociation spectroscopy in the IR and near-IR regions. Anharmonic vibrational frequencies were computed with VPT2 at the MP2/cc-pVTZ level of theory. The Cl-H stretching fundamentals and overtones were measured in addition to stretch-torsion combinations. VPT2 theory at this level confirms the proton-bound structure of the dimer complex and provides a reasonably good description of the anharmonic vibrations in this system. The trimer has a HCl-HClH+-ClH structure in which a central chloronium ion is solvated by two HCl molecules via hydrogen bonding. VPT2 reproduces anharmonic frequencies for this system, including several combinations involving core ion Cl-H stretches, but fails to describe the relative band intensities.
Upregulation of type 1 conventional dendritic cells implicates antigen cross-presentation in multisystem inflammatory syndrome.

Background Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is an acute, febrile, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated syndrome, often with cardiohemodynamic dysfunction. Insight into mechanism of disease is still incomplete. Objective Our objective was to analyze immunologic features of MIS-C patients compared to febrile controls (FC). Methods MIS-C patients were defined by narrow criteria, including having evidence of cardiohemodynamic involvement and no macrophage activation syndrome. Samples were collected from 8 completely treatment-naive patients with MIS-C (SARS-CoV-2 serology positive), 3 patients with unclassified MIS-C–like disease (serology negative), 14 FC, and 5 MIS-C recovery (RCV). Three healthy controls (HCs) were used for comparisons of normal range. Using spectral flow cytometry, we assessed 36 parameters in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and 29 in T cells. We used biaxial analysis and uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP). Results Significant elevations in cytokines including CXCL9, M-CSF, and IL-27 were found in MIS-C compared to FC. Classic monocytes and type 2 dendritic cells (DCs) were downregulated (decreased CD86, HLA-DR) versus HCs; however, type 1 DCs (CD11c+CD141+CLEC9A+) were highly activated in MIS-C patients versus FC, expressing higher levels of CD86, CD275, and atypical conventional DC markers such as CD64, CD115, and CX3CR1. CD169 and CD38 were upregulated in multiple monocyte subtypes. CD56dim/CD57−/KLRGhi/CD161+/CD38− natural killer (NK) cells were a unique subset in MIS-C versus FC without macrophage activation syndrome. Conclusion Orchestrated by complex cytokine signaling, type 1 DC activation and NK dysregulation are key features in the pathophysiology of MIS-C. NK cell findings may suggest a relationship with macrophage activation syndrome, while type 1 DC upregulation implies a role for antigen cross-presentation.
The Use of Soft X-Rays to Probe Mechanisms of Radiobiological Damage

For the past four decades, soft X-rays have been perceived as a useful tool for the investigation of the mechanisms whereby all types of ionizing radiations damage living cells. In this review we shall describe this “prima facie” unusual use for low-energy X-rays.
Bid Protests: The Costs are Real, But the Benefits Outweigh Them

The author analyzes the costs and benefits of bid protests, with a focus on protests filed at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The author explains that the costs are often overstated, in that GAO’s reporting methodology leads observers to overstate the number of protests and the frequency of successful protests. The author also reports on research regarding what happens after GAO sustains protests, and indicates that firms that successfully protest to GAO generally do not obtain the contract that was the subject of the protest. The article also explains that the “automatic stay” of procurements triggered by a protest to GAO rarely stays in place for the maximum allowable time. The author also addresses the benefits of protests, such as the increase in transparency and accountability that they bring.
Surgical repair of cleft palate

Abstract The best result is obtained if the operaation for the surgical repair of a cleft palate is postponed until the child is between eighteen months and two years of age, or even older. The tissues are then in better condition to withstand the necessary manipulation and the mortality following operation is much lower than when performed at an earlier age. Early operation is of no advantage from the standpoint of speech improvement. The so-called “cleft palate speech” represents the inability of the child to prevent air from passing into the nose, especially in the articulation of consonants. From the anatomical and physiological standpoint, the von Langenbeck procedure with modifications, is the operation of choice to close the palate cleft. The soft palate should also be immobilized by the lead ribbon or tension relief wire, as an important requirement of the operation. The methods developed in the past few years for lengthening the velum, furnish a better functioning palate with improved articulation as an immediate result. In this connection, the procedure that retains the tissue intact covering the repaired bony cleft, offers a secure method for preventing an anterior perforation, especially as the bone is often cleft much farther anteriorly than indicated by the soft tissue defect.
The competitive inhibition of the urease-catalyzed hydrolysis of urea by phosphate.

The urease-catalyzed hydrolysis of urea has been found to be competitively inhibited by phosphate at pH 7.0 and 25°. The Michaelis constant of the urea-urease system has been found to be approximately 0.003 M urea and the comparable constant defining the phosphate-urease system 0.035 M phosphate.
A relativistic enhancement to software transactional memory

Relativistic Programming is a technique that allows low overhead, linearly-scalable concurrent reads. It also allows joint access parallelism between readers and a writer. Unfortunately, it has so far been limited to a single writer so it does not scale on the write side. Software Transactional Memory (STM) is a technique that allows programs to take advantage of disjoint access parallelism on both the read-side and write-side. Unfortunately, STM systems have a higher overhead than many other synchronization mechanisms so although STM scales, STM starts from a lower baseline. We propose combining relativistic programming and software transactional memory in a way that gets the best of both worlds: low-overhead linearly-scalable reads that never conflict with writes and scalable disjoint access parallel writes. We argue for the correctness of our approach and present performance data that shows an actual implementation that delivers the promised performance characteristics.
The genetic and molecular dissection of a prototypic circadian system.

A great deal is known about this archetypal circadian system, and it is likely that Neurospora will represent the first circadian system in which it will be possible to provide a complete description of the flow of information from the photoreceptor, through the components of oscillator, out to a terminal aspect of regulation. In Neurospora the strongest case has been made for there being a state variable of clock identified (Hall, 1995), it has now been shown that light resetting of the clock is mediated by the rapid light induction of the gene encoding this state variable, and a number of defined clock-regulated output genes have been identified, in two of which the clock-specific parts of the promoters have been localized. In addition to the importance of these factoids themselves, our efforts towards understanding of this system has allowed the development of tools and paradigms (e.g. Loros et al., 1989; Loros and Dunlap, 1991; Aronson et al., 1994a) that will help to pave the way for proving the identity of clock components in more complex systems, for understanding how clocks are regulated by entraining factors, and for showing how time information eventually is used to regulate the behaviors of clock cells, and of whole organisms.
An Overview of Lexical Semantics

This article reviews some linguistic and philosophical work in lexical semantics. In Section 1, the general methods of lexical semantics are explored, with particular attention to how semantic features of verbs are associated with grammatical patterns. In Section 2, philosophical consequences and issues arising from this sort of research is reviewed.
Amino acids chemical stability submitted to solid state irradiation: the case study of leucine, isoleucine and valine

A solid state radiolysis was conducted to examine the reactivity of amino acids towards high energy dose of gamma radiations. The presence of amino acids in the bulk of meteorites has raised the question of “if” and eventually “how” they could have been important in the development of life on Earth. The presence of radioactive elements in Solar System bodies could have played a crucial role in amino acids survival and in the formation of different organic molecules. The radioactive elements produced a total radiation dose of 14 MGy during the life of Solar System (4.6 × 109 years). The aim of this study is to investigate the amino acids capacity to survive at a dose of γ-irradiation equivalent to 1.05 × 109 years of Solar System life. In particular, we examined the behavior of three essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) submitted to a total dose of 3.2 MGy. We choose to irradiate l-enantiomers to analyze the behavior of a single enantiomer to radiations. We identified the radiation products formed in solid state radiolysis by mass spectrometric analysis and we were able to enlighten some common reactions. These reactions are particularly important to rationalize the formation of prebiotic molecules. Moreover, we studied the radioracemization process, the formation of d-enantiomer promoted by γ-irradiation.
Optimal Payload Lofting with Tethers

The problem of optimal use of a tether to increase the final energy of a payload is posed. The optimal solution must consist of zero tension arcs, full tension arcs, and possibly singular arcs. For a massless tether, the state solution can be obtained for both full tension and free arcs, reducing the system to a parameter optimization problem. Optimal trajectories begin with a coasting arc to obtain separation between the payload and the orbiter, and then the payload is accelerated toward the orbiter with positive cable tension. Optimal lofting trajectories thus require reel-in deployment systems. Example solutions are given for several values of the cable tension. The maximum reel-in speed at the winch device is always a substantial fraction of the payload release speed.
Further Perspectives on the Breeding Distribution of Migratory Birds: South American Austral Migrant Flycatchers

1. Patterns of distribution of breeding austral migrant tyrant-flycatchers in temperate South America were quantified and analysed in conjunction with a variety of ecological, biogeographical and climatic variables. 2. The pattern of proportion of migratory to total breeding tyrannids was most strongly associated with latitude and two temperature variables, mean temperature of the coldest month and relative annual range of temperature. 3. The strong associations of latitude and temperature with percentage of migrants are consistent with the results of most similar investigations of the breeding distributions of migratory birds, both for migrants breeding in North America and in Europe, but contradict the hypothesis that habitat complexity plays a major role in structuring the proportion of migrants in communities of breeding birds. 4. The consistency of results among studies of migrants on different continents suggests that temperature and latitude, presumably a surrogate for one or more climatic variables, are globally significant factors in the breeding distributions of migratory birds. 5. The results for austral migrant flycatchers are consistent with the hypothesis that the prevalence of migration at any particular locality is ultimately dependent on the abundance of resources in the breeding season and the severity of the winter season, or on the difference in resource levels between summer and winter.
Dynamic Simulation of Bioprosthetic Heart Valves Using a Stress Resultant Shell Model

It is a widely accepted axiom that localized concentration of mechanical stress and large flexural deformation is closely related to the calcification and tissue degeneration in bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV). In order to investigate the complex BHV deformations and stress distributions throughout the cardiac cycle, it is necessary to perform an accurate dynamic analysis with a morphologically and physiologically realistic material specification for the leaflets. We have developed a stress resultant shell model for BHV leaflets incorporating a Fung-elastic constitutive model for in-plane and bending responses separately. Validation studies were performed by comparing the finite element predicted displacement and strain measures with the experimentally measured data under physiological pressure loads. Computed regions of stress concentration and large flexural deformation during the opening and closing phases of the cardiac cycle correlated with previously reported regions of calcification and/or mechanical damage on BHV leaflets. It is expected that the developed experimental and computational methodology will aid in the understanding of the complex dynamic behavior of native and bioprosthetic valves and in the development of tissue engineered valve substitutes.
Effects of N-glycosylation on protein conformation and dynamics: Protein Data Bank analysis and molecular dynamics simulation study

N-linked glycosylation is one of the most important, chemically complex, and ubiquitous post-translational modifications in all eukaryotes. The N-glycans that are covalently linked to proteins are involved in numerous biological processes. There is considerable interest in developments of general approaches to predict the structural consequences of site-specific glycosylation and to understand how these effects can be exploited in protein design with advantageous properties. In this study, the impacts of N-glycans on protein structure and dynamics are systematically investigated using an integrated computational approach of the Protein Data Bank structure analysis and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of glycosylated and deglycosylated proteins. Our study reveals that N-glycosylation does not induce significant changes in protein structure, but decreases protein dynamics, likely leading to an increase in protein stability. Overall, these results suggest not only a common role of glycosylation in proteins, but also a need for certain proteins to be properly glycosylated to gain their intrinsic dynamic properties.
Does price reflect emotional, structural or performance quality?

Three denim jeans products from the same manufacturer with differentiated pricing and labels (antiqued, sandblasted, and stonewashed) were used to determine the relationship between price and quality. Both qualitative and quantitative procedures were used to analyse the garments. All three jeans were made of twill weave with 3 × 1 repeat. Both structural and performance characteristics were compared using standardized tests. Analysis of variance was used to compare the selected structural and performance characteristics among the three jeans products. Tukey’s HSD tests were used for post hoc multiple comparisons for three jeans. The findings revealed that despite the fact that all three jeans products were from the same store, and that the fabrics used the same weave, degree and direction of twist, the jeans differed significantly for several structural and performance characteristics. Several possibilities for future research were explored.
Beyond Judaisms: Metatron and the Divine Polymorphy of Ancient Judaism

My specific project in this paper is to combine several related and notorious questions in the history of Judaism into one: What is the nexus among the semi-divine (or high angel) figure known in the Talmud as Metatron, the figure of the exalted Enoch in the Enoch books (1-3 Enoch!), "The One Like a Son of Man" of Daniel, Jesus, the Son of Man, and the rabbinically named heresy of "Two Powers/Sovereignties in Heaven?" I believe that in order to move towards some kind of an answer to this question, we need to develop a somewhat different approach to the study of ancient Judaism, as I hope to show here. I claim that late-ancient rabbinic literature when read in the context of all contemporary and earlier texts of Judaism—those defined as rabbinic as well as those defined as non-, para-, or even anti-rabbinic—affords us a fair amount of evidence for and information about a belief in (and perhaps cult of) a second divine person within, or very close to, so-called "orthodox" rabbinic circles long after the advent of Christianity. Part of the evidence for this very cult will come from efforts at its suppression on the part of rabbinic texts. I believe, moreover, that a reasonable chain of inference links this late cult figure back through the late-antique Book of 3 Enoch to the Enoch of the first-century Parables of Enoch—also known in the scholarly literature as the Similitudes of Enoch—and thus to the Son of Man of that text and further back to the One Like a Son of Man of Daniel 7.
Absorption spectroscopy in sooting flames using a tunable diode laser

The diode laser serves as a source of narrow-linewidth irradiation whose wavelength can be rapidly tuned to perform fast high-resoltuion absorption spectroscopy. The laser beam is passed through the soot-laden post-flame region of a laminar premixed acetylene-air flame, and the wavelength is tuned across the full width of an absorption line of a gaseous component, in this instance, CO. The modulation of laser wavelength provides a simple means of discrimination against the continuum extinction effects of particulates. The result of a single measurement is the basis for a fully resolved profile of one or more CO absorption lines from which may be inferred the CO concentration, the temperature, or the collision halfwidth of the absorption line. The primary limitation of the technique, for some applications, is that it is a line-of-sight measurement. The advantages of tunable diode laser spectroscopy include its sensitivity, simplicity, and high spectral resolution. 1 figure.
Imexon and biological response modifiers in murine models of AIDS.

Abstract The Rauscher murine leukemia retrovirus system provides an in vivo model of the human acquired immune deficiency syndrome for testing the ability of antiviral agents and biological response modifiers (BRM) to suppress viremia and retroviral disease. In the present report we examined three agents in the Rauscher retrovirus model: imexon, Ampligen and poly[I,C]-LC. Imexon reduced splenomegaly, viremia, and serum reverse transcriptase levels even when treatment was not initiated until 7 days after virus infection. Imexon also significantly prolonged the survival of infected mice. Thus it proved to be an effective antiviral agent in this system, although imexon did not completely eliminate retroviral infection in treated mice. Poly[I,C]-LC and Ampligen had immunomodulatory effects. Both of these BRM augmented the cytolytic activity of splenic natural killer (NK) cells in infected animals when treatment was initiated 24 h after infection. Poly[I,C]-LC had antiretroviral activity when administered on this schedule. In order to examine the role of NK cell augmentation in the antiviral activity of poly[I,C]-LC, we attempted to deplete NK activity by treatment with rabbit antibody to asialo GM 1 , a ganglioside on the surface of murine NK cells. Combined treatment of infected mice with poly[I,C]-LC and anti-asialo GM 1 decreased the antiviral activity of poly[I,C]-LC. This finding suggests that NK cells may be involved in the antiviral effect of this BRM.
Cognitive training may improve targeted cognitive functions in older adults.

(2002) JAMA 288, 2271; Ball K, Berch D, Helmers K et al. . Effects of cognitive training interventions with older adults. A randomized controlled trial. . Nov; . : . –81 . [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] QUESTION: Do interventions targeting memory, reasoning and cognitive speed affect the mental abilities and everyday activities of older adults? Randomised controlled trial. Analysts were blind to treatment allocation. 6 cities in the United States; March 1998-December 2001. 2802 older adults recruited from senior housing, community centres, clinics and driver’s licence registries. Mean age 73.6 years (range 65–94); 76% women; 73% white. Exclusion criteria were age under 65 years; not living independently; recent cognitive training; substantial cognitive decline; Alzheimer’s disease; medical conditions with increased risk of functional decline or death, or severe loss of vision, hearing or communicative ability. Participants received 10 group training sessions in either (1) memory (verbal episodic memory); (2) reasoning (ability to solve problems following a serial pattern); (3) speed … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJAMA%26rft.stitle%253DJAMA%26rft.issn%253D0002-9955%26rft.aulast%253DBall%26rft.auinit1%253DK.%26rft.volume%253D288%26rft.issue%253D18%26rft.spage%253D2271%26rft.epage%253D2281%26rft.atitle%253DEffects%2Bof%2BCognitive%2BTraining%2BInterventions%2BWith%2BOlder%2BAdults%253A%2BA%2BRandomized%2BControlled%2BTrial%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1001%252Fjama.288.18.2271%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F12425704%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1001/jama.288.18.2271&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=12425704&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmental%2F6%2F2%2F54.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000179186400026&link_type=ISI
How an Individual Style is Generated

The author develops a method to study how an individual style in architectural design is generated. He explores and explains the possible mechanisms that could influence the formation of a style through a laboratory experiment with an experienced practising architect. Results show that, for this architect, the exercises of personal preference to certain forms; a common set of design constraints, plus some common design rules; certain fixed orders of design goals; and the use of presolution models are the determining factors in his individual style.
Glassy Objects (Microtektites?) from Deep-Sea Sediments near the Ivory Coast

Glassy objects of spherical, oval, dumbbell, teardrop, and irregular shapes have been found in a deep-sea sediment core taken off the Ivory Coast. They occur in a layer of sediment that was apparently deposited about 800,000 years ago. Their geographic location, appearance, and physical properties suggest that they are microtektites and that they are related to the tektite-strewn field of the Ivory Coast.
Post-fundoplication symptoms: The role for endoscopic assessment of fundoplication integrity☆

Abstract Background: Fundoplication is now almost exclusively a laparoscopic procedure. The aim of this study was the comparison of the diagnostic usefulness of endoscopy and barium esophagram in the detection of fundoplication abnormalities. Methods: Twenty-two patients presented with symptoms post-laparoscopic (Nissen) fundoplication that included dysphagia (14 patients), heartburn (5 patients), dyspepsia (2 patients), and chest pain (1 patient). Barium esophagram and upper endoscopy were performed in all patients and the results were compared. Key features included presence of esophagitis, resistance to endoscope passage, location of the wrap relative to the diaphragmatic hiatus, location of squamocolumnar junction greater than 1 cm proximal to the wrap zone, and the appearance of the wrap (intact, loose, disrupted, or tight). Results: The key features explained symptoms in 20 of 22 patients. Endoscopy detected twice as many key features as radiography. Disruption of the wrap or excessive proximal location of the squamocolumnar junction proximal to the wrap zone were the most incriminating endoscopic findings. Resistance to endoscope passage was rarely encountered and the esophagram was more accurate in detecting an overly tight wrap. Conclusions: Endoscopic evaluation is more accurate than barium esophagram in detecting post-fundoplication abnormalities. The appearance of the fundoplication wrap and an abnormal proximal location of the squamocolumnar junction appear to be major endoscopic clues in diagnosis of post-fundoplication problems. (Gastrointest Endosc 2001;54:351-6.)