cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inter-Trial Dynamics of Repeated Skilled Movements

In this paper, we develop a class of discrete dynamical systems for modeling repeated, goal-directed, kinematically redundant human movements. The approach is based on a mathematical definition of movement tasks in terms of goal functions. Each goal function can give rise to an associated goal equivalent manifold (GEM), which contains all body states that exactly satisfy the task requirements. A hierarchical control scheme involving in-trial action templates and inter-trial stochastic optimal error correction is included to generate a nonlinear map for the repeated execution of the task. A simple throwing task is used to illustrate the underlying concepts and to develop a model problem for further study. The performance at the goal level, as measured by the root mean square error, is shown to result from factors that are measures of passive sensitivity, the magnitude of body fluctuations, the orientation of fluctuations with the GEM, and the stability properties of the inter-trial controller. The action of the inter-trial controller developed for our model system is simulated and is shown to agree with the mathematically predicted performance.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
A 40-year-old man with spells of generalized weakness and paresthesias

A 40-year-old man who works as a roofer has begun to experience episodes of generalized weakness, perioral numbness, and diffuse paresthesias. What is the cause?
Techniques for Iterative Design of Observer Field Tests

In field tests to compare the observability of combat vehicles, the test designer must select the optimum number of observation opportunities in order to balance collecting enough data to draw valid conclusions against the high cost of supporting vehicles and personnel at a test site. The test designer, however, generally lacks key parameters for the efficient design of the test. Namely, the designer lacks the detection probabilities of the vehicles at each range. The standard deviation of the difference in detection probability depends upon the detection probability itself. Therefore, the test designer must select the number of observations for each range based upon the conservative assumption that the probabilities are near 50%, the probability for the maximum standard deviation. In this paper, an iterative technique of test design is explored in order to improve the efficiency of observability tests.
Simultaneous Determination of Copper and Zinc in Human Lung Tissue by Neutron Activation Analysis

Abstract This paper presents a split-standard technique for estimating the chemical yields of rapid two-step radiochemical separation procedures which have been applied to the Cu64 and Zn60m isotopes produced in 125 mg portions of dried human lung samples as the result of 30-minute irradiations in a thermal neutron flux of 1013 n/cm2-sec. The separated radioactivities were counted by using a 400-channel pulse-height analyzer and a 5-inch by 4-inch single NaI(Tl) crystal. The relative standard deviations for a set of five replicate determinations were 2.9% for copper and 5.7% for zinc.
Influence of Reproductive Management Factors on Genetic Merit of Service Sires

Records were terminated (by sale or dry date) lactation records for cows on DHI test in Virginia for 1982 through 1984. July 1986 production evaluations, most recent type evaluations, and appropriate semen prices for date of service for AI bulls were merged with service sire identification from 384,990 DHI records. Repeat breedings and multiple lactations per cow were used. Least squares procedures revealed significant influences of season, mate's sire's PD for type and dollars, mate's milk yield deviation, registry status, and insemination number on production evaluations, PD type, and semen price of service sire. Significant effects of several of the same variables on linear type traits were observed. Season effects were possibly due to genetic trends. Genetic merit for production and type of service sire declined for daughters of sires with missing or low type and production evaluations, for mates with low or missing herdmate deviations, for grade cows, and for repeat services, especially fourth and later. Days between breedings were nonsignificant or of limited importance in predicting genetic merit of service sires. Proven bulls in AI accounted for 76.3% of all breedings, AI sample sires for 6.3%, and non-AI or unknown sires for 17.4% of breedings in these data.
Organizational correlates of perceived role performance in the research laboratory

It is shown through an empirical study that scientists perceive themselves at higher levels of role performance in research laboratories managed through the so-called organic system identified by T. Burns and G.M. Stalker, 1966. It is the hypothesis of the author that the more organic the system of management, the higher the perceived role performance of the individual scientist. The study involved a survey of five research institutes populated by scientists who held faculty rank in a state university and who for the most part were performing basic and applied research in the physical sciences. The findings of this study replicate the empirical results of previous studies which have shown that scientists tend to perceive themselves at high levels of role performance in laboratory settings managed through the organic system. The evidence indicates that perceived and actual role performance in the research laboratory will be improved if the individual scientist is encouraged and permitted to participate actively and regularly in the setting of objectives and the making of decisions that affect his research projects.
Is HIV screening in the labor and delivery unit feasible and acceptable in low-income settings?

Despite the downward revision of the estimated national prevalence of HIV infection in India from 5.7 million to 2.5 million in UNAIDS' December 2007 report, the burden faced in providing national HIV prevention and care remains massive [1]. The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) of India estimated that some 60% of cases of HIV infection are found in rural areas, where about half of India's citizens live [2]. In rural and urban areas, women of reproductive age are principally at risk for HIV acquisition through marriage—this risk reflects their husband's premarital behavior and sexual concurrency during marriage [3,4]. Therefore, NACO has focused on the expansion of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services to increase early case-finding, in large part through antenatal care in conjunction with the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV during labor and delivery [2]. What is the impact of these national policies on HIV testing during pregnancy in India? Sinha and colleagues found that out of a random sample of 400 recently pregnant women in rural Maharashtra State, where sentinel surveillance suggested an antenatal HIV rate of at least 1%, only 3.3% of women reported receiving VCT during pregnancy [5]. This exceptionally low rate of antenatal testing for HIV was attributed to two identified barriers: (1) lack of discussion of HIV testing by antenatal care providers; and (2) women's lack of awareness of HIV testing, including VCT. Interestingly, of the 13 participants reporting VCT during antenatal care, 12 received it through the private sector—thus, only one woman (in 400) reported receiving the Indian standard of care for HIV testing during pregnancy through a government clinic. In this issue of PLoS Medicine, Nitika Pant Pai and colleagues evaluated the uptake of 24-hour rapid HIV testing of women in a labor and delivery center in a rural, tertiary teaching hospital in Sevagram, Maharashtra State, India [6]. The research team wanted to determine if offering round-the-clock rapid HIV testing would be feasible, lead to increased uptake of testing, and identify women in labor who could be provided optimal PMTCT. Linked Research Article This Perspective discusses the following new study published in PLoS Medicine: Pai NPP, Barick R, Tulsky JP, Shivkumar PV, Cohan D, et al. (2008) Impact of round-the-clock, rapid oral fluid HIV testing of women in labor in rural India. PLoS Med 5(5): e92. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0050092 Nitika Pant Pai and colleagues report the results of offering a round-the-clock rapid HIV testing program in a rural labor ward setting in India.
A Randomized Response Approach to Dichotomous Choice Contingent Valuation

In this paper we combine dichotomous choice contingent valuation (DC-CV) with the randomized response (RR) method for asking sensitive survey questions. RR increases respondents' anonymity by allowing them to answer a sensitive question without revealing, with certainty, their true response. We combine RR with DC-CV to test for response effects in the valuation of a public good, in a setting of expected social pressure. While there are practical implementation issues, our findings suggest that the RR technique is a useful tool for exploring social context effects. Rather than generalize from our pre-test results, we instead emphasize the development of the experimental technique.
Partner preference for strain of female in Long-Evans male rats.

Abstract Although male rats are reported to show greater sexual arousal and mating preference for a novel female compared to a familiar one, we have shown that after repeated copulation to ejaculation with a female bearing a neutral odor in bilevel pacing chambers, or unilevel pacing chambers bisected by a 1-hole divider, male rats display a conditioned ejaculatory preference for a female bearing the odor relative to a female not bearing the odor. The aim of the present study was to examine whether males might also develop a conditioned ejaculatory preference for the strain characteristics of the female after repeated copulation with the same female in a pacing chamber bisected by either a 1-hole or 4-hole divider. In this experiment, male Long–Evans rats were given 10 copulatory trials with the same Long–Evans or Wistar female in either the 1-hole or 4-hole condition. Copulatory preferences were then examined in an open field where males had the choice to copulate with either the familiar female or a novel one of a different strain from the familiar female. Results indicated that Long–Evans males trained in the 1-hole condition with the same Long–Evans female displayed a conditioned ejaculatory preference for the familiar vs. novel female. However, males trained in the 1-hole condition with the same Wistar female at every trial copulated indiscriminately with the familiar and novel females. No preference was detected in males trained in the 4-hole condition. These findings suggest that, following training in a 1-hole pacing chamber, males displayed an ejaculatory preference only if the familiar female is of their own strain.
FIREARMS AND FAMILY VIOLENCE

Firearms contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in family violence. This article discusses the debate on gun use for protection and guns in the home. Weapons-related risks in the setting of intimate partner violence are closely reviewed. Recommendations for physicians are discussed in the context of firearms and family violence.
TAG-72 expression in primary, metastatic and hormonally treated prostate cancer as defined by monoclonal antibody CC49.

AbstractMonoclonal antibodies CC49 and B72.3, which recognize a tumor associated glycoprotein (TAG-72) related to sialyted Tn antigen, have been used in clinical trials for radionuclide imaging, and treatment of colon, breast and ovarian carcinoma. In addition, studies with CC49 in patients with metastatic hormone refractory prostate cancer have been initiated based on the observed expression of TAG-72 in primary prostate cancer. We examined whether TAG-72 expression is a common feature of primary, metastatic and hormonally treated prostatic carcinoma.Immunohistochemical analysis of 25 primary prostatic carcinomas confirmed previous data that 21 of 25 specimens (80 percent) were immunoreactive with CC49. CC49 staining was noted in all 6 well (Gleason score 2 to 4), 8 of 10 moderately (Gleason score 5 to 6) and 7 of 9 poorly (Gleason score 7 to 9) differentiated tumors. CC49 immunoreactivity was noted in 10 of 20 hormonally treated prostate cancers and in 21 of 25 tumors without hormonal therapy. Intense C...
Simulation of asperity plowing in an atomic force microscope. Part II: plowing of aluminum alloys

Abstract In this second part, we present results of plowing tests on three commercial aluminum alloys using the atomic force microscope technique presented in Part I. Pure (99.99%) aluminum, 5182-O, and 7150-T6 were chosen as substrates because of their different material properties. These properties create different tribological conditions in processes such as rolling, forging, and extrusion where a metal workpiece flows plastically due to contact with a hard tool surface having many asperities. In the present technique, a single plow track was generated with a sharp diamond indentor which simulated a single tool asperity. A series of plow tracks was thus generated on each substrate surface over a range of plowing speeds and normal forces. The resulting plow track geometries and plowing forces were measured for input to the theoretical model presented in Part I. The model was used to predict material flow stress as a function of normal force as well as friction factors at the different indentor faces. The flow stress predictions from the model w ere compared with flow stress measurements from Vickers microhardness tests of each material. This helped to reveal possible scale effects and highlight tribological phenomena that are peculiar to plowing. The friction factor was found to be strongly dependent on the ratio of the measured ridge height to the depth of cut. This ratio is known to depend upon material properties such as strain hardening, elastic recovery, densification beneath the indentor, etc., that are not captured within the theoretical framework. Results from some plowing tests with a blunt indentor are reported and comparisons are made with those with the sharp indentor.
Wide-angle scattering of 43 MeV alpha particles by 58Ni

Abstract Elastic and inelastic scattering of 43 MeV alpha particles by 58Ni has been observed over the angular range from 15° to 142° c.m. Angular distributions were derived for elastic scattering and for inelastic scattering to the 2+ first excited level at 1.45 MeV, the two-phonon group at 2.47 MeV and the strong 3− level at 4.45 MeV. The angular distributions show strong oscillations (with a period of 10°) at angles less than about 70°, but the oscillations become less pronounced for angles greater than 70°. The oscillation period tends to increase with increasing angle to a value of about 15° at the largest angles observed. Optical model analysis of the elastic scattering has been made, and the inelastic scattering to the 2+ and 3− levels calculated using the distorted-wave method. A coupled-channel analysis of the elastic scattering and inelastic scattering to the 2+ and 4+ levels was also undertaken. Good agreement with experiment is found in all cases. It was found necessary to use an optical potential in which the absorptive potential has a somewhat different shape than the real potential. There is also some indication that better results are obtained by using a complex coupling in the distorted-wave calculations.
New observations on the mechanisms of dynamic strain aging and of jerky flow

Abstract The rate sensitivity of the flow stress was investigated as a function of pre-strain for a commercial nickel alloy (INCONEL 600) and for polycrystalline Al-1% Mg. over a wide temperature range encompassing the regime of jerky flow. Anomalies were observed which suggest that the dynamic strain aging mechanism operates over a wider temperature range than that in which jerky flow is found. A detailed analysis shows that a negative rate sensitivity is associated with the strain hardening contribution to the flow stress from the beginning of deformation. The total rate sensitivity becomes negative only after this strain hardening contribution dominates. This suggests an interpretation of the ‘critical strain’ for the appearance of jerky flow, which does not rely on the production of vacancies and moreover casts doubt on any interpretation that associates dynamic strain aging with the interaction of mobile solutes with the moving dislocations. Instead, a dislocation arrest model is used in which solute atoms diffuse along dislocations at forest intersections.
D-C motor driven robotic manipulator control

A controller design for a dc motor driven robotic manipulator is presented. The main difficulties are caused by the Coulomb frictions, disturbance due to the gravitational pull and the rather stiff spring effect of the link between the drive motor and the manipulator arm. The objective is to design a feedback controller which ensures zero steady state positioning error. It is shown that the proposed controller gives satisfactory results.
The pituitary: Aging and spaceflown rats

Decrements in growth hormone (GH) release we observed in two spaceflight experiments and four tail-suspended rat studies mimic age-associated changes in the mammalian pituitary GH system seen by Meites and others. The spaceflight data suggest that formation of high molecular weight bioactive disulfide-linked aggregates of the 20 and 22K monomeric GH forms may be reduced in microgravity, thereby, reducing target tissue activity. Correlative studies to confirm spaceflight as a model for pituitary GH system aging should include: (1) investigation of mechanisms of intracellular hormone packaging, (2) consequences to biological activity of the hormone molecule, and (3) study of intracellular microtubule dynamics.
Chemical transformations of acetone on ZnO powder

Abstract Acetone transformations on ZnO powder encompass a number of practical implications for heterogeneous catalysis, and the interest towards this system has fueled a substantial debate over the nature of the adsorbed molecule and its possible self-reactions. This work combines vibrational analysis and computational density functional theory investigation to reconcile some of the disagreements posed by the previous studies spanning wide range of experimental conditions and a variety of ZnO surfaces. The formation of rehybridized and non-rehybridized enolate species following acetone adsorption is analyzed by varying the molecular coverage in computational investigation using cluster models representing ZnO surfaces, and the resulting vibrational spectra are compared with the experimental measurements. In addition, self-aldol-condensation is explored to offer possible surface-catalyzed reaction pathways. Aldol condensation of acetone results in a stable species – enolized diacetone alcohol. Further transformation of this species into mesityl oxide is found to have a very high kinetic barrier.
Use of diagnostic bones to identify and estimate original lengths of ingested prey fishes

Abstract We examined and measured cleithra, dentaries, opercles, and pharyngeal arches – bones found to persist during digestion of most prey fish – to identify 24 prey fish species and back-calculate their original fork length. Eighteen of the 24 species examined could be easily distinguished; however, for certain congenerics, identification was neither consistent nor reliable for all bones within the size ranges examined. Relations between bone length and fish length were linear for 14 species for which the sample sizes were adequate (N > 30); coefficients of determination (r 2) ranged from 0.79 to 0.99. Diagnostic characteristics and measurements of these bones provided reliable identification of genera and species and estimates of original fork lengths of partly digested prey fish from three predators. This method, compared with that of examining only prey fish in a measurable condition, greatly increased the amount of dietary information available from gut analysis.
Power and Trust in the Public Realm: John Dewey, Saul Alinsky, and the Limits of Progressive Democratic Education.

Throughout the twentieth century, middle-class progressives embraced visions of democracy rooted in their relatively privileged life experiences. Progressive educators developed pedagogies designed to nurture the individual voice within egalitarian classrooms, assuming that collective action in the public realm could be modeled on the relatively safe small-group interactions they were familiar with in their families, schools, and associations. Partly as a result, they remained blind to (and often denigrated) the democratic aspects of working-class organizations, such as unions and community action groups, which found strength in solidarity. In this article Aaron Schutz argues that progressives must integrate into their models the often brutal lessons about power learned by those with less privilege. Until they do so, their approaches to democratic education will continue to have limited capacity to support social transformation and empowerment in the world as it is.
The use of a ring tensile test to evaluate plasma-deposited metals

A ring tensile test using a split disc fixture was developed and used to evaluate the tensile properties of a low-pressure plasma-deposited nickel-base superalloy from 25 to 1010° C. These properties were compared to those obtained with conventional uniaxial tensile specimens. It was concluded that the ring tensile test is an adequate test to rapidly and inexpensively evaluate the strength of thin (≈ 1.0 mm) as-deposited plasma-deposited structures. A finite-element analysis of the test indicated that for sufficiently large deformation (≈ 2%) the stress and strain fields approximated those of a uniaxial distribution.
Accelerated graft atherosclerosis following cardiac transplantation: Do viruses play a role?

Summary: A member of the herpesvirus family is known to cause atherosclerosis in chickens. The same virus can induce a proliferative disease, malignant lymphoma, suggesting that it may also have the potential to stimulate the proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells, a prominent feature of atherogenesis. The evidence for involvement of one or more members of the herpesvirus family in atherosclerosis in humans is much more circumstantial. The findings of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens and nucleic acid sequences in arterial smooth muscle cells suggest that viral infection of the arterial wall may be common in the general population, including patients with severe atherosclerosis. In seroepidemiologic studies, high levels of CMV antibodies were found to be associated with clinically manifest atherosclerotic disease, suggesting that a periodically activated latent infection or a continuously active infection is present in patients with atherosclerosis. Since the viral genome but not infectious virus is found in arterial cells, the artery itself may be the site of CMV latency. Of special importance is the recent finding that heart transplant recipients who are immunosuppressed and actively infected with CMV are particularly prone to develop severe atherosclerosis in the transplanted organ. Although certainly suggestive, these observations by themselves do not demonstrate that viruses have a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, but they support a working hypothesis of the steps involved.
Behavioral Facilitation of Reproduction in Sexual and Parthenogenetic Drosophila

In a normal bisexual laboratory strain of Drosophila mercatorum, females housed with either fertile or sterile males lay more eggs than do females housed in pairs or as isolates. Females of a derived parthenogenetic strain have suffered genetic loss of this behavioral facilitation of egg production, a loss comparable to the loss of sexual receptivity. Despite these losses there has been a large increase in fecundity in the parthenogenetic strain. These findings are compared with those in a parthenogenetic lizard.
Substrate selection as a factor in Hexagenia distribution

Abstract Our observations demonstrate that in laboratory aquaria Hexagenia bilineata (Say) nymphs will leave clay, gravel, and sandy clay and migrate to adhesive mud or fine sandy mud with no response to coarse sandy mud indicated. The nymphs were able to burrow into all substrates offered, but the time required for penetration varied significantly. Burrowing times ranged from 30 s in adhesive mud to 168 s in clay. Ease of penetration (as measured by burrowing time) correlated well with observed substrate preferences. None of the physical or chemical parameters of the substrates which we measured correlated significantly with either selection or burrowing time. Ease of penetration seemed to be dependent upon a combination of factors including particle size and compactness and cohesiveness of the substrates. The characteristics of the two selected substrates include high moisture content (40% for each), low bulk density (0.91 and 0.94 g/ cm3), high organic content (7.1 and 7.9%), and predominantly silt com...
Search for anomalously heavy nuclei in gold and iron

There are a number of theoretical motivations for searching for anomalously heavy isotopes ${}_{Z}X$ of known elements, where Z is the nuclear charge of the anomalous nucleus X. Such nuclei could arise from the binding of a new strongly interacting massive particle (SIMP) to the nucleus of a known element, and could thus be detected as an anomalously heavy isotope of that element. SIMPs have been proposed as candidates for dark matter, and for the lightest supersymmetric particle, as well as a possible explanation for ultra high-energy cosmic rays. A search for anomalous nuclei X has been performed by analyzing several unique samples including gold nuggets collected in Australia, Arizona and North Carolina, gold foils flown on NASA's LDEF satellite, and an Fe meteorite. In each gold sample we scanned for Au isotopes with masses up to $1.67 \mathrm{TeV}{/c}^{2}$ using PRIME Lab, the Purdue accelerator mass spectrometer facility. We have also searched for anomalous Fe isotopes with masses up to $0.65 \mathrm{TeV}{/c}^{2}$ in the iron meteorite sample. We find no evidence for SIMPs in any of our samples, and our results set stringent limits on the abundance of anomalous isotopes of ordinary matter as a function of X mass.
Evolution: Stuck between the teeth

A computer model of tooth evolution designed to assess the impact of developmental dynamics on natural selection reveals that complexity reduces the likelihood of maximum fitness being attained. See Letter p.361 How are genotypes translated into phenotypes? And when they are, what manifestation of the genotype–phenotype mix does natural selection act upon? Does it 'see' a lot of little points, each one in its own adaptive landscape, or a coarser picture representing the sum of all of them? The answer is the latter of course, but the filter here is development, which constrains and shapes the options. A new simulation based on real data from tooth development goes into the often complex interplay between genes, development and phenotypes during morphological evolution.
Chemokine regulation of naïve T cell traffic in health and disease.

A central feature of the immune response is the precise spatio-temporal convergence of T cells and antigen presenting cells (APC) in particular microenvironments within secondary lymphoid organs (SLO). CCR7 and its ligands CCL19 and CCL21 have been identified as the gatekeepers for both naive T lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DC) to these defined anatomical compartments. A new perception on the regulation of lymphocyte traffic in lymph nodes (LN) has come from observations that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor agonists affect T cell entry and exit from these organs. Recent developments in intravital microscopy (IVM) techniques reveal unexpected autonomous random motion of lymphocytes within secondary lymphoid tissues, and provoke questions about the mechanisms that guide their compartmental navigation.
Levels of cyclic AMP in the pyloric caeca, tube feet and gonads of Luidia clathrata (Say) (Echinodermata: Asteroidea)

Abstract 1. 1. The pyloric caeca contained 0.309 ± 0.172 pmoles cyclic AMP/mg wet tissue and the tube feet contained 0.073 ± 0.045 pmoles cyclic AMP/mg wet tissue. 2. 2. The testes contained 0.519 ± 0.045 pmoles cyclic AMP/mg wet tissue and the ovaries contained 0.066 ± 0.017 pmoles cyclic AMP/mg wet tissue.
Combined phase transfer catalysis and ultrasound to enhance tandem alkylation of azo dyes

Ultrasound has been found to enhance N-substitution against elimination in the reaction of carbazole-containing bromides 3 with a Disperse Orange 3 derivative 2 under PTC condition. Upon using combined PTC and ultrasound conditions, a series of bifunctional molecules 1 have been prepared to possess charge-transporting agents and nonlinear optical chromophores in 2:1 ratio.
Biological stability of RNA isolated from RNAlater-treated brain tumor and neuroblastoma xenografts.

Background Advances in molecular biological research have led to identification of prognostic factors such as Trk mRNA expression in primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the CNS and neuroblastoma. To study prospectively the importance of these prognostic factors in large groups of homogeneously treated patients, tumor specimens of good quality must be acquired, preserved, and stored at multiple institutions. Immediate freezing of tumor biopsy samples in liquid nitrogen and storage at −70°C are the most commonly used method of tissue preservation for future RNA analysis. Procedure To evaluate alternative methods of preserving tissue samples for subsequent RNA analysis, we tested a new RNA stabilization solution. Using tumor tissue of two CNS tumor and one neuroblastoma human xenografts, we compared total RNA isolated from tumor tissue stored for 7 days at room temperature in stabilization solution to that of snap-frozen tissue. The quality of the RNA was studied by spectrophotometry, gel electrophoresis, RT-PCR, and gene expression profiling. Results No major differences were observed in the quality of RNA isolated from tumor samples stored at room temperature in the RNA stabilization solution compared to snap-frozen tumor samples stored at −70°C. Conclusions High-quality RNA can be prepared from tumor tissue stored at room temperature. Whenever snap freezing is not feasible, pieces of tumor tissue can be treated with RNAlater for subsequent RNA analysis. Short-term storage and shipment of well-preserved tumor tissue are clearly feasible for all institutions, thereby facilitating large multiinstitutional studies of biological prognostic factors. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 34:438–442, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Process Variation-Aware Vdd Assignment Technique for Repeated Interconnects

Variation during the die manufacturing process is an increasing concern as we move further along the technology roadmap. Designers are looking to improve their designs by making their circuits tolerant to these variations while incurring in as little overhead as possible. A supply voltage (Vdd) assignment technique is proposed to correct the effects of intra-die channel length variation (Leff) on delay, and consequently, on power in 70 nm CMOS. By using the proposed Vdd assignment technique on a one-bit repeated interconnect, the delay spread is reduced by 90%, with a negligible power overhead of only 0.74%.
Differences between American and Chinese preschoolers in emotional responses to resistance to temptation and mishap contexts

Americans typically are more emotionally expressive than Chinese, even in early childhood (Camras et al. in Infancy 11:131–155, 2007; Markus and Kitayama in The self in social psychology. Psychology Press, New York, pp 339–371, 1999; Rothbaum and Rusk in Socioemotional development in cultural context. Guilford Press, New York, pp 99–127, 2011), probably because emotional expression, especially intense or negative expression, disrupts social harmony and is discouraged in Chinese children, but indicates individuality and is more accepted in American children. However, extant research has primarily focused on emotions elicited by relatively primitive stimuli. As highly socialized contexts have particular potential to reveal sociocultural impact on children’s emotional expressiveness, 35 Chinese and 39 American 3-year olds were compared in the current study on a range of emotional indices in two highly socialized, emotionally challenging situations—resistance to temptation and a “mishap” paradigm, in which children were led to believe they broke someone’s toy. American children were more emotionally expressive of happiness and sadness than Chinese children. However, Chinese children’s anger showed a cumulative pattern across contexts, in contrast to Americans’. Findings suggest that differences in emotional expressiveness between American and Chinese children are dimension-specific, emotion-specific, and context-specific. Implications for children’s individualized emotional well-being are discussed.
The evolutionary consequences of ecological interactions mediated through phenotypic plasticity

Phenotypic plasticity describes the capacity of a genotype to exhibit a range of phenotypes in response to variation in the environment. Environmental variation encompasses both abiotic and biotic components of the environment, including interactions among organisms. The strength and outcome of many ecological interactions, ranging from antagonism to mutualism, are mediated through the phenotypically plastic responses of one or more players in the interaction. Herein, three broadly defined, non-mutually exclusive, evolutionary consequences of ecological interactions mediated through phenotypic plasticity are discussed. (1) The predictable plastic response of one partner can favor behaviors, physiological responses, and life history traits of an interacting partner that manipulate, circumvent, or ameliorate the response of that partner. (2) Phenotypic plasticity can generate substantial spatial and temporal variation within and among populations. Such phenotypic variation can depend on the density and identity of interacting players in an ecological community, and can ultimately affect the evolutionary outcome of ecological interactions. (3) Phenotypic plasticity affects the strength and direction of natural selection. Ecological interactions mediated through phenotypic plasticity are ubiquitous in nature, and the potential evolutionary consequences of these interactions illustrate the complexity inherent in understanding evolution in a community context.
A New Type of Adjustable-Speed Drive for A-C Systems-II

This paper describes the theory and characteristics of a new type of polyphase adjustable-speed motor and its control circuit. The system provides an a-c drive that has characteristics comparable to those of the Ward Leonard system used on direct currents. The control circuit provides starting as well as speed adjustments from 0 to 100 per cent of rated value. The power factor of the motor is either leading or very close to unity over its operating range, and consequently the efficiency is high. Low costs of this type of motor and its control system, the large speed range, the facility for rapid reversal by regeneration, and its high starting torque make it suitable for some industrial applications.
{2,6-Bis[(di-tert-butyl-phosphino)-methyl]-phenyl}chloridonickel(II).

In the title compound, [Ni(C24H43P2)Cl], the Ni atom adopts a distorted square-planar geometry, with the P atoms of the 2,6-bis­[(di-tert-butyl­phosphino)meth­yl]phenyl ligand trans to one another. The P—Ni—P plane is twisted out of the plane of the aromatic ring by 21.97 (6)°.
Multi-output local Gaussian process regression: Applications to uncertainty quantification

We develop an efficient, Bayesian Uncertainty Quantification framework using a novel treed Gaussian process model. The tree is adaptively constructed using information conveyed by the observed data about the length scales of the underlying process. On each leaf of the tree, we utilize Bayesian Experimental Design techniques in order to learn a multi-output Gaussian process. The constructed surrogate can provide analytical point estimates, as well as error bars, for the statistics of interest. We numerically demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested framework in identifying discontinuities, local features and unimportant dimensions in the solution of stochastic differential equations.
New-onset atrial fibrillation

Patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation are often hospitalized emergently. To determine whether this is necessary, the authors retrospectively reviewed the care of 97 consecutive patients with this illness. No reason for the atrial fibrillation in 43 patients could be identified. Hypertension, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease were the most commonly associated conditions; myocardial infarction occurred in one patient. In 82% of patients, atrial fibrillation reverted to normal sinus rhythm during hospitalization. Three patients needed emergent hospitalization irrespective of the presence of atrial fibrillation. In the remainder, admission was based solely on the diagnosis of new-onset atrial fibrillation. Ninety-eight per cent had an uncomplicated hospital course. It is concluded that hospitalization is not necessary for all patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation. Those in whom reversion to normal sinus rhythm occurs rapidly during digoxin therapy can be discharged. Where no major medical illness is evident patients can be admitted to a bed outside the intensive care unit until reversion to normal sinus rhythm or rate control is achieved.
Teacher effects upon the outcomes of science instruction

The effect of an individual teacher upon his student, whether positive or negative, is always open to debate and discussion. This research lends additional support to the arguments.
Autoregulation of renal hemodynamics is not impaired by a 'physiologic' dose of glucagon.

Glucagon has been suggested to be involved in the pathway by which protein and amino acids elevate renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) postprandially. Recent data suggest that amino acids elevate RBF and GFR through an autoregulatory mechanism (i.e., by impairing renal autoregulation). If glucagon mediates the renal hemodynamic effects of amino acids, 'physiologic' infusion of glucagon would also be expected to impair autoregulation. We examined the effects of glucagon (5 ng/kg per min given intraportally and intravenously) on RBF and GFR autoregulation in anesthetized dogs. Intraportal glucagon (n = 6) increased RBF (24%) and GFR (23%) at normal arterial pressure. RBF and GFR were well autoregulated (greater than 90% of control) at renal arterial pressures greater than or equal to 85 mm Hg before and after glucagon. At 70 mm Hg, RBF and GFR decreased by 15 and 16%, respectively, before glucagon and by 19 and 22%, respectively, after glucagon. Intravenous glucagon (n = 6) produced similar effects. Intraportal glucagon at 500 ng/kg per min increased RBF (35%), heart rate (69%) and plasma glucose (78%) and decreased arterial pressure (16%) (GFR not measured). This dose impaired RBF autoregulation by 30%. The data suggest that a 'physiologic' dose of glucagon increases renal hemodynamics without impairing renal autoregulation. It is suggested that glucagon's vasodilatory effect on the renal vasculature may be additive to the renal effects of amino acids.
Use of self‐report activities of daily living questionnaires in osteoarthritis

Self-report activities of daily living (ADL) questionnaires and traditional observer-reported physical measures were used to assess clinical status in a clinical trial involving patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The observer-reported measures included pain on active motion, pain on passive motion, joint tenderness, joint swelling, joint crepitus, walking time, and observer global assessment. Self-report ADL questionnaires included scales to assess difficulty, dissatisfaction, and pain in eight activities of daily living, as well as a visual analog pain scale and patient global assessment. Significant correlations were seen between the observerreported physical measures and self-report questionnaire measures, indicating that both types of measures detect similar information. In comparisons made four weeks apart, changes in observer-reported physical measures and self-report questionnaire measures were also significantly correlated. Among the eight individual activities within the ADL scales, poorest status was reported for walking, and minimal problems were reported for the two activities involving use of the upper extremities, indicating criterion validity. Self-report ADL questionnaire measures appeared as sensitive as traditional observer-reported measures in detecting changes in clinical status over a four-week period. Self-reported ADL questionnaires appear valid, sensitive, and useful in assessment of clinical status in OA.
Development of a Rapid HPLC-UV Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Protodioscin and Rutin in White and Green Asparagus Spears

Abstract: Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) spears are rich in bioactive compounds such as protodioscin, a saponin, and rutin, a flavonoid. Protodioscin and rutin are routinely quantified separately, and an approach permitting simultaneous measurement would significantly improve speed of analysis. We have optimized an extraction procedure and modified a method of high-performance liquid chromatography by coupling to an ultraviolet detector to simultaneously analyze protodioscin and rutin in asparagus extracts. An acidic ethanol solvent was more efficient than methanol, acetonitrile, or water in coextraction of protodioscin and rutin. Protodioscin and rutin were detected at 210 nm, with retention times of 12.6 min and 7.9 min, respectively. The method was validated by high linear correlations between 3.13 and 1000.0 μg/mL for protodioscin (r2= 0.9999), and between 0.3 and 1087.5 μg/mL for rutin (r2= 0.9997). The limit(s) of detection and quantification for protodioscin were 1.6 μg/mL and 3.13 μg/mL, respectively, and for rutin 0.2 μg/mL and 0.3 μg/mL, respectively. White asparagus spears and the crown of the plants were revealed to be rich sources of protodioscin and contained 2.59 to 10.4 mg/g dry weight. Green asparagus spears, particularly the upper portion, were rich in rutin and contained between 1.51 and 7.29 mg/g dry weight.
A protective role for kidney apolipoprotein E. Regulation of mesangial cell proliferation and matrix expansion.

Mesangial expansion is a key feature in the pathogenesis of numerous renal diseases involving the glomerulus. Studies indicate that mutations in apolipoprotein E (apoE) might independently contribute to kidney dysfunction. Although the role of apoE as an atheroprotective molecule is well established, its role in kidney is unclear. In this study, we sought to explore whether apoE has a protective function in kidney. Northern blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed apoE expression in kidney, and mesangial cell is a major source of apoE in kidney. In the kidneys of 14–16-month-old apoE-null mice, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining revealed increased mesangial cell proliferation and matrix formation compared with wild type mice or apoB-overexpressing mice, which have elevated plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. These data suggest that lack of apoE, rather than hyperlipidemia, contributes to increased mesangial expansion. We isolated mesangial cells from mouse kidney and determined the effect of apoE on cell growth. ApoE (E3, 10 μg/ml) completely inhibited serum, platelet-derived growth factor (10 ng/ml), as well as low density lipoprotein-induced mesangial cell proliferation. Among the three isoforms, E3 was found to be most effective in inhibiting mesangial cell proliferation. ApoE did not show any cytotoxic effect, and moreover, inhibited mesangial cell apoptosis induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein. These data suggest that apoE regulates growth as well as survival of mesangial cells. We previously showed that apoE induces matrix heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) in vascular cells, which has an antiproliferative effect. Similarly, apoE induced the mesangial matrix HSPG. Perlecan is the major HSPG of mesangial matrix and subendothelial space, and consistent with this, blockade of perlecan reversed the antiproliferative effect of apoE. Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced staining of perlecan in kidney from apoE-null mice. Because the loss of anionic HSPG in the basement membrane and mesangial matrix is associated with disruption of filtration barrier, these data suggest a novel role for kidney apoE in preserving the filtration barrier. In summary, apoE has a protective function in kidney as an autocrine regulator of mesangial expansion and kidney function.
A note on equal unions in families of sets

Abstract A family of sets has the equal union property if and only if there exist two nonempty disjoint subfamilies having the same union. We prove that any n nonempty subsets of an n-element set have the equal union property if the sum of their cardinalities exceeds n ( n +1)/2. This bound is tight. Among families in which the sum of the cardinalities equals n ( n +1)/2, we characterize those having the equal union property.
Fundamental formulas and critical technologies for step-stare detection of moving targets

Performance in area step-stare detection is measured primarily by the sensitivity and revisit time. The various steps of the detection process are modeled by simple equations, resulting in approximations for the performance figures of a sensor as a function of the design parameters. A second more difficult problem is to arrive at the basic sensor design parameters given the performance figures of detectable target size and required revisit time. The procedure outlined for doing this is to consider the footprint size as a parametric variable. A family of sensor designs described by simple formulas is the result. A trade-off study can then be used to arrive at the optimum footprint size and optimum design. This process must be repeated for each of the candidate wavebands with a final trade-off selection between these optimum designs.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Differential effect of glucocorticoids on synthesis and secretion of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Our previous work has suggested that glucocorticoid pretreatment suppresses the enhanced responsiveness to GnRH seen in serum LH 12 h after castration. By contrast, serum FSH continues to show the castration-induced hypersensitivity to GnRH. Our attempts to replicate this LH suppression in static pituitary culture in vitro were not successful. This suggested to us the possibility that corticoids in vivo might be preventing castration-induced increases in pituitary GnRH receptor levels. We tested this at 24 h post-castration and, in fact, corticoids did not suppress the increase in GnRH receptors. In addition to the aforementioned effects of corticoids, we have seen that cortisol reverses the castration-induced drop in pituitary FSH content. It does this for 7 days post-castration, even though it no longer has an effect in suppressing serum LH. Thus, our accumulated data reveal that glucocorticoids have a differential effect on LH and FSH synthesis and secretion. Further studies are needed to clarify the site(s) of action of glucocorticoids in gonadotropin secretion and synthesis. Glucocorticoids may well prove to be a key in unlocking the mystery of the mechanism of differential control of regulation of LH and FSH.
TEST OF (rho,A$sub 2$) EXCHANGE DEGENERACY, DUALITY, AND EVIDENCE FOR SECONDARY TRAJECTORIES OBTAINED FROM (KN, anti KN) CHARGE-EXCHANGE REACTIONS.

An analysis of the difference between the charge-exchange reactions ${K}^{+}n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{0}p$ and ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\overline{K}}^{0}n$ over the momentum range 1-5.5 GeV/c provides strong evidence for exchange degeneracy of the ($\ensuremath{\rho}$, ${A}_{2}$) trajectories and shows the importance of the exchange of secondary trajectories. The energy dependence of this difference is shown to be inconsistent with simple cut models. A new test of the duality principle is proposed and appears to be in good agreement with the present data.