cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A response-surface approach to the combined effects of temperature and salinity on the larval development of Adula californiensis (Pelecypoda: Mytilidae). II. Long-term Larval survival and growth in relation to respiration

Larvae of the bivalve molluso Adula californiensis (Phillippi, 1847) were reared for 3 days, from fertilization to veliger stage, at optimum conditions (15°C, 32.2‰ S), and then transferred to experimental temperatures and salinities for 22 more days to determine the effects of these factors on survival and growth. For larvae surviving to 25 days, maximum survival was estimated, by response-surface techniques, to occur at temperatures below 10°C and at salinities above 25‰. A comparison of 60% survival response contours for 3, 15 and 25-day old larvae indicated a progressive shift in temperature and salinity tolerance with age of larvae. The older larvae became more tolerant to reduced salinity, but less tolerant to high temperatures. Growth of the larvae over 25 days of culture was slight, and relatively independent of temperature and salinity conditions found in the environment. Oxygen consumption of 3-day old veliger larvae measured at various combinations of temperature and salinity generally increased from 7° to 18°C, and then sharply decreased from 18° to 21°C. A plateau of oxygen consumption from 9° to 15°C at 32.9‰ S indicated that the larvae are adapted to oceanic rather than estuarine conditions. A comparison of 25-day larval survival, mean length, and growth, with oxygen consumption of 3-day old veliger larvae indicated that high temperatures (15°C, and above) coupled with reduced salinities (26.1‰, and below) were unfavorable for prolonged larval life. Because of the lack of larval adaptations to estuarine conditions, larva survival and, hence, successful recruitment of this species within Yaquina Bay (Oregon, USA) depends upon the essentially oceanic conditions found only during the summer in the lower part of the Bay.
Real-time detection of packet drop attacks on synchrophasor data

The importance of phasor measurement unit (PMU) or synchrophasor data towards the functioning of real-time monitoring and control of power generation and distribution systems makes them an attractive target for cyber-attacks. An attack with potential for significant damage is the packet drop attack, where the adversary arbitrarily drops packets with synchrophasor data. This paper develops a real-time mechanism for detecting packet drop attacks on synchrophasor data carried over the Internet. The proposed solution is receiver-based, and uses the one-way packet delays to extract features that are used to detect attacks. The proposed attack detection mechanism leads to lower detection delays and greater accuracy as compared to existing mechanisms.
Dynamics of coastal meta-ecosystems: the intermittent upwelling hypothesis and a test in rocky intertidal regions

The intermittent upwelling hypothesis (IUH) predicts that the strength of ecological subsidies, organismal growth responses, and species interactions will vary unimodally along a gradient of upwelling from persistent downwelling to persistent upwelling, with maximal levels at an intermediate or “intermittent” state of upwelling. To test this model, we employed the comparative-experimental method to investigate these processes at 16–44 wave-exposed rocky intertidal sites in Oregon, California, and New Zealand, varying in average upwelling and/or downwelling during spring–summer. As predicted by the IUH, ecological subsidies (phytoplankton abundance, prey recruitment rates), prey responses (barnacle colonization, mussel growth), and species interactions (competition rate, predation rate and effects) were unimodally related to upwelling. On average, unimodal relationships with upwelling magnitude explained ∼50% of the variance in the various processes, and unimodal and monotonic positive relationships agains...
Growth of Trichoderma viride on crude cell wall preparations from barley.

Trichoderma viride can utilize crude cell wall preparations from barley starchy endosperm as sole source of carbon and energy. In the process β-(1→3)(1→4)-glucan and arabinoxylan are released. The onset of release of the latter preceded that of glucan, consistent with arabinoxylan being encountered and utilized first. The release of several enzymes was observed during growth of Trichoderma on this substrate: endo-β-(1→3)(1→4)-glucanase, endo-β-(1→4)-glucanase, endo-xylanase, arabinofuranosidase, esterase, carboxypeptidase, and “β-glucan solubilase”. It is inferred that each of these activities is necessary for the digestion of this substrate. Keywords: Barley; cell wall; endosperm; Trichoderma; enzymes
Braitenberg simulations as vehicles of evolution

In this paper, we describe a series of simulations that serve as a verification of the abstract similarity between vehicular and animal navigation. Valentino Braitenberg used this similarity to illustrate that vehicles controlled by very simple biologically inspired circuits, manifest a wonderful diversity of complex animal behaviors. By constructing a series of experiments that are designed around the possibility of interchanging phenomena that affect vehicles or animals, we hope to show that this analogical similarity is a useful tool.
Fitster: social fitness information visualizer

We present Fitster, a social visualization interface that supports fitness motivation among busy people struggling to exercise. Among our pilot group of busy graduate students, we found that a popular time-saving strategy is to recast exercise in terms of everyday, informal activities. Fitster employs pedometer data to support activity tracking, goal setting, and motivation through virtual competitions and teamwork. It contributes to the human-computer interaction (HCI) and health domains by identifying a new facet of exercise behavior and by offering a lightweight social interface to promote fitness motivation and enjoyment.
Concept analysis of Diné Hózhó: a Diné wellness philosophy.

American Indian Alaska Native people of the United States face challenges in attaining physical, mental, spiritual, and environmental health. This article presents a concept analysis of Dine Hozho, a complex and misunderstood wellness concept the Dine (Navajo) strive to attain. Findings from a literature review are presented to explore anthropological definitions and uses of the concept Hozho. The method of concept analysis of Walker and Avant is utilized, model cases are presented. Recommendations for application in nursing practice are presented.
Numerical simulation of underground Seasonal Solar Thermal Energy Storage (SSTES) for a single family dwelling using TRNSYS

Abstract A system for capturing and storing solar energy during the summer for use during the following winter has been simulated. Specifically, flat plate solar thermal collectors attached to the roof of a single family dwelling were used to collect solar thermal energy year round. The thermal energy was then stored in an underground fabricated Seasonal Solar Thermal Energy Storage (SSTES) bed. The SSTES bed allowed for the collected energy to supplement or replace fossil fuel supplied space heat in typical single family homes in Richmond, Virginia, USA. TRNSYS was used to model and simulate the winter thermal load of a typical Richmond home. The simulated heating load was found to be comparable to reported loads for various home designs. TRNSYS was then used to simulate the energy gain from solar thermal collectors and stored in an underground, insulated, vapor proof SSTES bed filled with sand. Combining the simulation of the winter heat demand of typical homes and the SSTES system showed reductions in fossil fuel supplied space heating in excess of 64%. The optimization of the SSTES scheme showed that a 15 m 3 bed volume, 90% of the south facing roof, and a flow rate of 11.356 lpm through the solar collectors were optimal parameters. The overall efficiency of the system ranged from 50% to 70% when compared to the total useful energy gain of the solar collectors. The overall efficiency was between 6.1% and 7.6% when compared to the total amount of solar radiation incident upon the solar collectors.
Everyday memory and aging

New investigations in memory and aging have focused on practical memory. The benefits of this new focus are to confirm findings based on laboratory research and to discover new variables that may influence age‐related differences in performance. Three areas of practical memory research are reviewed here. Spatial memory skills are influenced by familiarity and organization. Activity memory appears to be affected by automaticity, familiarity, and motor cues. Recall of names and faces is related to elaborative processing and overlearning. The diverse task‐specific findings require new theoretical and methodological integration, with specification of the critical differences between practical and laboratory tasks.
Models of coupled salt and water transport across leaky epithelia

A general formulation is presented for the verification of isotonic transport and for the assignment of a degree of osmotic coupling in any epithelial model. In particular, it is shown that the concentration of the transported fluid in the presence of exactly equal bathing media is, in general, not a sufficient calculation by which to decide the issue of isotonicity of transport. Within this framework, two epithelial models are considered: (1) A nonelectrolyte compartment model of the lateral intercellular space is presented along with its linearization about the condition of zero flux. This latter approximate model is shown to be useful in the estimation of deviation from isotonicity, intraepithelial solute polarization effects, and the capacity to transport water against a gradient. In the case of uphill water transport, some limitations of a model of fixed geometry are indicated and the advantage of modeling a compliant interspace is suggested. (2) A comprehensive model of cell and channel is described which includes the major electrolytes and the possible presence of intraepithelial gradients. The general approach to verification of isotonicity is illustrated for this numerical model. In addition, the insights about parameter dependence gained from the linear compartment model are shown to be applicable to understanding this large simulation.
Of Memes and Marriage: Toward a Positive Relationship Science

Marital and family research has tended to focus on distressed relationships. Reasons for this focus are documented before keys to establishing a positive relationship science are outlined. Increased study of positive affect is needed to better understand relationships, and the best way to accomplish this goal is to embrace the construct of "relationship flourishing." The behavioral approach system and the behavioral inhibition system are described and their potential role in understanding positive relationship processes is described using, as examples, commitment and forgiveness. A link to positive psychology is made, and it is proposed that the study of positive relationships constitutes the fourth pillar of this subdiscipline. Finally, the potential for focus on positive relationship processes to integrate multiple literatures is noted. Language: en
Uncertainty Modeling for Robustness Analysis of Control Upset Prevention and Recovery Systems

Formal robustness analysis of aircraft control upset prevention and recovery systems could play an important role in their validation and ultimate certification. Such systems (developed for failure detection, identification, and reconfiguration, as well as upset recovery) need to be evaluated over broad regions of the flight envelope and under extreme flight conditions, and should include various sources of uncertainty. However, formulation of linear fractional transformation (LFT) models for representing system uncertainty can be very difficult for complex parameter-dependent systems. This paper describes a preliminary LFT modeling software tool which uses a matrix-based computational approach that can be directly applied to parametric uncertainty problems involving multivariate matrix polynomial dependencies. Several examples are presented (including an F-16 at an extreme flight condition, a missile model, and a generic example with numerous crossproduct terms), and comparisons are given with other LFT modeling tools that are currently available. The LFT modeling method and preliminary software tool presented in this paper are shown to compare favorably with these methods.
Water column sound scattering and hydrography around the Pribilof Islands, Bering Sea

Abstract Water column structure around the Pribilof Islands is a complex mixture of salinity and temperature fronts. Elevated fluorescence and sound-scattering patterns were often observed in the upper 30 m around frontal regions during both 1987 and 1988. Salinity fronts with associated elevated sound scattering were particularly intense near the surface during 1987. During both years sound scattering was most intense over the shelf, decreased over the slope and was lowest over the deep basin. An epibenthic sound-scattering layer was often present but its distribution did not appear to be related to water column structure. Water column scattering patterns in 38- and 200-kHz data were similar, but epibenthic scattering peaks present in the 200-kHz data were absent from the 38-kHz data. Net samples indicate that a portion of the water column scattering was probably caused by large gelatinous zooplankton, while a portion of the 200-kHz peaks in the epibenthic layers probably resulted from sound reflected by euphausiid swarms.
Current options for the treatment of optic neuritis

Optic neuritis can be defined as typical (associated with multiple sclerosis, improving independent of steroid treatment), or atypical (not associated with multiple sclerosis, steroid-dependent improvement). Causes of atypical optic neuritis include connective tissue diseases (eg, lupus), vasculitis, sarcoidosis, or neuromyelitis optica. In this manuscript, updated treatment options for both typical and atypical optic neuritis are reviewed. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids, therapeutic plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy are all discussed with commentary regarding evidence-based outcomes. Less commonly used treatments and novel purported therapies for optic neuritis are also reviewed. Special scenarios in the treatment of optic neuritis - pediatric optic neuritis, acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, and optic neuritis occurring during pregnancy - are specifically examined.
Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Ceramics and Ceramic Composites at Elevated Temperatures

This paper presents the preliminary results of our research on dynamic mechanical properties of silicon nitride based ceramics and ceramic composites at elevated temperatures. The temperature-dependent dynamic elastic modulus and internal damping of the cantilever beam samples were measured from room temperature up to 1100°C. The dynamic mechanical behavior is found to be rather stable up to 700°C, but damping peaks are found to occur at around 900°C, accompanied by a corresponding relaxation in elastic modulus for the tested samples. By simulating the thermal cycling environment of engines, the resulting changes in the dynamic mechanical properties of the samples are observed. The possible mechanisms affecting the dynamic mechanical properties of these ceramics and ceramic composites, with special emphasis on high-temperature behavior, are discussed.
Transcription Factor B Contacts Promoter DNA Near the Transcription Start Site of the Archaeal Transcription Initiation Complex

Transcription initiation in all three domains of life requires the assembly of large multiprotein complexes at DNA promoters before RNA polymerase (RNAP)-catalyzed transcript synthesis. Core RNAP subunits show homology among the three domains of life, and recent structural information supports this homology. General transcription factors are required for productive transcription initiation complex formation. The archaeal general transcription factors TATA-element-binding protein (TBP), which mediates promoter recognition, and transcription factor B (TFB), which mediates recruitment of RNAP, show extensive homology to eukaryal TBP and TFIIB. Crystallographic information is becoming available for fragments of transcription initiation complexes (e.g. RNAP, TBP-TFB-DNA, TBP-TFIIB-DNA), but understanding the molecular topography of complete initiation complexes still requires biochemical and biophysical characterization of protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions. In published work, systematic site-specific protein-DNA photocrosslinking has been used to define positions of RNAP subunits and general transcription factors in bacterial and eukaryal initiation complexes. In this work, we have used systematic site-specific protein-DNA photocrosslinking to define positions of RNAP subunits and general transcription factors in an archaeal initiation complex. Employing a set of 41 derivatized DNA fragments, each having a phenyl azide photoactivable crosslinking agent incorporated at a single, defined site within positions -40 to +1 of the gdh promoter of the hyperthermophilic marine archaea, Pyrococcus furiosus (Pf), we have determined the locations of PfRNAP subunits PfTBP and PfTFB relative to promoter DNA. The resulting topographical information supports the striking homology with the eukaryal initiation complex and permits one major new conclusion, which is that PfTFB interacts with promoter DNA not only in the TATA-element region but also in the transcription-bubble region, near the transcription start site. Comparison with crystallographic information implicates the PfTFB N-terminal domain in the interaction with the transcription-bubble region. The results are discussed in relation to the known effects of substitutions in the TFB and TFIIB N-terminal domains on transcription initiation and transcription start-site selection.
Drug complexation, in vitro release and cellular entry of dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers

Highly branched, functionalized polymers have potential to act as efficient drug carrier systems. Dendrimers are ideal candidates among model hyperbranched polymers because of their well-defined structure and high density of functional groups. Using ibuprofen as a model drug, we studied the interaction between the drug and Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers (generations 3 and 4 with --NH2 functionality) and Perstrop Polyol (generation 5, hyperbranched polyester with --OH functionality). FTIR and NMR studies suggest that ibuprofen predominantly forms a complex with PAMAM dendrimers because of the ionic interaction between the --NH2 end groups and the carboxyl group of ibuprofen. On an average, up to 78 molecules of ibuprofen could be incorporated into one molecule of PAMAM-G4-NH2 with 64 end groups. This complex is stable in deionized water and methanol. The in vitro release of ibuprofen from drug-dendrimer complex is appreciably slower compared to pure ibuprofen. The complexed drug enters A549 cells much more rapidly than pure drug suggesting that dendrimers may be able to carry the complexed drug inside cells efficiently. Hyperbranched Polyol (with 128 --OH end groups) appears to encapsulate approximately 24 drug molecules. Perhaps the lack of strong interactions between the --OH end groups and the drugs prevents complex formation.
A hydrostatic rotary bearing with angled surface self-compensation

A design for a low profile hydrostatic rotary bearing is presented that utilizes a new type of self-compensation that allows a large number of bearing pockets to be present with only a few precision round parts, thus allowing high hydrostatic averaging with relatively low design complexity. A key feature of this design is that it does not use capillaries or orifices or a complex network of passageways to route fluid. The design consists of five easily assembled round parts which can be manufactured by cylindrical grinding. A seal is incorporated which prevents fluid leakage and creates a closed system. The theory of operation is discussed along with manufacturing considerations. Tests show that the rotary bearing has high stiffness, and achieves a high degree of averaging, resulting in a radial error motion of 0.05 μm from components ground to an accuracy of only 2.5 μm.
Peritonsillar Abscess, Retropharyngeal Abscess, Mediastinitis, and Nonclostridial Anaerobic Myonecrosis: A Case Report

Peritonsillar abscess is a potentially life-threatening complication of acute tonsillitis. On occasion, peritonsillar abscess can extend to neck spaces and/or to the mediastinum. We describe a case of a patient with a peritonsillar abscess that extended to the neck, producing bilateral retropharyngeal abscesses and myonecrosis of the strap muscles. Culture of a specimen of the necrotic muscle yielded Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella buccae, Lactobacillus catenaforme, another Lactobacillus species, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, and some nonanaerobes. Culture of the peritonsillar abscess yielded P. intermedia and P. buccae plus P. anaerobius, Peptostreptococcus asaccharolyticus, Bifidobacterium dentium, viridans and group F streptococci, and Citrobacter diversus
Student online assessment behaviors

Interactive online tutorials are used in an introductory circuits class as an adjunct to traditional educational delivery. The online behavior of the students was monitored using Web-based parameter-passing strategies and cookies. The authors found that most students repeated the tutorials a sufficient number of times to get perfect scores.
Stability of nuclear triiodothyronine binding sites.

Rat liver nuclei have recently been shown to possess limited, high affinity binding sites for triiodothyronine, only a fraction of which are believed to be filled in vivo. We have found that preincubation of nuclei in the absence of added triiodothyronine leads to a rapid decrease in binding capacity. This loss of binding sites is considerably faster at 37 C than at 4 C. On the other hand, once binding equilibrium is reached between nuclear bound and free triiodothyronine the level of binding does not change during the time in which a considerable loss of binding had occurred when nuclei were preincubated in the absence of hormone. Also, the rate of dissociation of triiodothyronine from nuclei is slower than the rate of loss of binding sites during preincubation in the absence of added hormone. Thus, it appears as if unfilled sites are being lost during the preincubation period. Administration ofcycloheximide or actinomycin D, inhibitors of protein and RNA synthesis, respectively, to rats caused a decreas...
A Meta-Analysis of Cancer Incidence in United States and Canadian Native Populations

A meta-analytic approach was used to summarize studies of cancer incidence among Native populations in the United States and Canada. Native males and females were found to have a significantly lower incidence of cancer for all sites combined. Among Native males, kidney cancer was found to exhibit significantly elevated incidence, while significantly lower incidence was found for cancers of the colon, lung, and prostate, and for lymphomas and leukaemias. Native females were found to have significantly elevated incidence for cancers of the gallbladder, cervix, and kidney, while significantly decreased incidence was found for cancers of the colon, breast and uterus, and for lymphomas. The use of meta-analysis to integrate the findings from these studies allowed the identification of subtle differences in cancer incidence. Although these findings are not definitive, they overcome the limited numbers of site-specific cancers reported in many previous studies and are suggestive of general patterns of cancer incidence among Native populations. In addition, these results may be useful in indicating directions for future research involving specific cancer sites with elevated incidence.
Telephone Charges and Payments in a Diabetes Clinic 445

Telephone charges for certain services provided by the Diabetes Care Center at Texas Children's Hospital were begun in 1966. A review of charges and payments received allowed calculation of reimbursement rates. Four hundred and seventy-two patient-initiated telephone calls were billed during the study period. Calls regarded management of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, ketonuria, sick day management, and insulin dose changes. Insured patients were charged for 384 calls and indigent patients were charged for 88 calls. Calls from insured patients generated charges of $9,215 and payments of $3,074. Insurance payments were $1,677 (15% of charges), and patient payments were $1,396 (12% of charges). Calls from uninsured patients covered by Texas Medicaid or CIDC generated charges of $2,195 and no payments. In summary, telephone charges were reimbursed at an overall rate of 27%. These data indicate that charges for diabetes services provided by telephone are reimbursed poorly, and indicate an inadequate appreciation for the preventive aspects of diabetes care by third party payors.
Further tests of entreaties to avoid hypothetical bias in referendum contingent valuation

Abstract Over-estimation of willingness to pay in contingent markets has been attributed largely to hypothetical bias. One promising approach for avoiding hypothetical bias is to tell respondents enough about such bias that they self-correct for it. A script designed for this purpose by Cummings and Taylor was used in hypothetical referenda that differed in payment amount. In comparisons with behavior observed in otherwise identical real payment referenda, the script worked remarkably well at higher payment levels (dropping the likelihood of a yes vote to the level obtained in separate sample real referenda), but less well at a lower payment level. The repeated success of the script at higher payment amounts is a clear sign that additional research is warranted—research that will bring us a more complete understanding of how the entreaty works. This research may need to explore its workings at the individual respondent level.
Resequencing Skills and Concepts in Applied Calculus Using the Computer as a Tool.

During the first 12 weeks of an applied calculus course, two classes of college,students (n = 39) studied calculus concepts using graphical and symbol-manipulation computer programs to perform routine manipulations. Only the last 3 weeks were spent on skill development. Class transcripts, student interviews, field notes, and test results were analyzed for patterns of understanding. Students showed better understanding of course concepts and performed almost as well on a final exam of routine skills as a class of 100 students who had practiced the skills for the entire 15 weeks.
Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis: anti-coxsackievirus A24 variant secretory immunoglobulin A in acute and convalescent tear.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to present the clinical course of a laboratory-acquired case of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) caused by coxsackievirus A24 variant (CA24v). Also, the anti-CA24v neutralizing activity and anti-CA24v immunoglobulin (Ig) G and secretory IgA (sIgA) in acute and convalescent tears and/or sera are presented. CASE: A 60-year-old male presented with acute-onset left eyelid edema, tearing, conjunctival erythema, pain, foreign body sensation, and subconjunctival hemorrhage 24 hours after suspected laboratory exposure. Bilateral conjunctivitis presented 24 hours later and resolved in 10 days. METHODS: Tear and blood samples were collected for virus isolation and neutralizing assays. CA24v-reactive IgG and sIgA in tear and/or serum samples were detected by immunofluorescent antibody analysis of ethanol-fixed virus-infected cells. RESULTS: Peak tear neutralization titers (1,000-1,500 U/mL) against the isolated virus occurred 1 day post-onset (po) of AHC. Tear neutralization titers became undetectable by the sixth day as serum neutralization titers became detectable on the ninth day po (60 U/mL), peaked by 21 days (3,000 U/mL), declined by 1 year to 200 U/mL, and remained at 30 U/mL 5 years po. Antibody to human IgG, IgA, and secretory component (sIgA) reacted with CA24v-infected cells treated with pooled acute tears collected 1-4 days po. Predominantly, sIgA was detected in CA24v-infected cells treated with tears collected 4 years and 5 years post-AHC, while convalescent serum contained predominantly anti-CA24v IgG. CONCLUSION: AHC was confirmed by CA24v isolation, tear anti-CA24v neutralizing activity, and seroconversion. The detection of CA24v-reactive IgG, sIgA, and neutralizing activity in tears collected 1-4 days po of AHC supports plasma extravasation of IgG and suggests a defensive role for tear anti-CA24v sIgA. The results suggest that immunofluorescent antibody analysis of tears for persistent anti-CA24v sIgA may be useful in epidemiological monitoring of AHC.
Frequency agile solar radiotelescope

The Frequency Agile Solar Radiotelescope (FASR) is a solar-dedicated, ground based, interferometric array optimized to perform broadband imaging spectroscopy from ~ 0.1-30+ GHz. It will do so with the angular, spectral, and temporal resolution required to exploit radio emission from the Sun as a diagnostic of the wide variety of astrophysical processes that occur there. FASR represents a major advance over existing radioheliographs, and is expected to remain the world's premier solar radio instrument for two decades or more after completion. FASR will be a versatile and powerful instrument, providing unique data to a broad users community. Solar, solar-terrestrial, and space physicists will exploit FASR to attack a broad science program, including problems of fundamental interest: coronal magnetography, solar flares and particle acceleration, drivers of space weather, and the thermal structure and dynamics of the solar atmosphere. A design study and implementation planning are underway. Recent progress is reviewed here.
A fast, high voltage, high frequency modulator at BNL

A high voltage modulator has been built and tested at the Brookhaven National Laboratory to drive the electron gun anode of the RHIC Electron Lens (E-Lens). It is capable of outputting a square wave at the voltage 10 kV and the continuous rep rate 80 kHz. The pulse width is continuously adjustable from 500 ns to DC. The rise time and the fall time (10%-90%) are under 50 ns.
Novel Optical Phase Demodulator Based on a Sampling Phase-Locked Loop

A novel phase-locked coherent demodulator, based on a sampling phase-locked loop, is presented and investigated theoretically. The demodulator is capable of operating at high frequencies, by using optical sampling to downconvert the high-frequency input radio-frequency signal to the frequency range of the baseband loop. We develop a detailed theoretical model of the (sampling) phase-locked coherent demodulator and perform detailed numerical simulations. The simulation results show that the operation of the sampling demodulator resembles the operation of the baseband demodulator for very short optical pulses (<2 ps). Furthermore, we investigate how the signal-to-noise ratio of the demodulator is affected by timing and amplitude jitter of the pulsed optical source
Control and data flow graph extraction for high-level synthesis

The first step in high level synthesis consists of translating a behavioural specification into its corresponding register transfer language (RTL) description. Behavioural specifications are composed by writing code in a hardware description language such as VHDL. The process of translation starts by first deriving a control and data flow graph (CDFG) from the source code of the behavioural specification. The derivation of the CDFG has been mostly done manually, which makes this process time-consuming and error-prone at least in the earlier stage of synthesis. In this paper, we describe a tool that we have developed for automatic conversion of the given VHDL behavioural specification of a circuit into its corresponding CDFG. Since there is no widely accepted format for representing CDFGs, we opted to make the tool generate several representations of the derived CDFG in different formats to accommodate different implementation approaches. This design decision makes our tool quite flexible and highly useful. The proposed tool has been tested on operation and control-dominated behavioural specifications to ensure its accuracy. Experimental results on benchmark circuits show that the tool is highly accurate and can produce a CDFG in a few seconds using minimal computing resources.
Noise propagation in electronically collimated single photon imaging

Cone-beam views of an object are produced from counts acquired with an electronically collimated system for SPECT (single-photon-emission computed tomography) using a deconvolution procedure. The propagation of noise through this procedure has been investigated using four approaches: a theoretical analysis using an approximate description of the point spread function in the form of an annulus; inverse filtering of a simulated disk source containing hot and cold regions; application of ART (algebraic reconstruction technique) using an accurate point spread function; and experimental reconstruction of a Cs-137 disk source. >
Multioscillatory Circadian Organization in a Vertebrate, Iguana iguana

The lizard Iguana iguana when kept in constant ambient temperature displays endogenously generated circadian rhythms of body temperature and locomotor activity. Although surgical removal of the parietal eye has only slight effects on overt circadian rhythmicity, subsequent pinealectomy completely abolishes the rhythm of body temperature. However, the rhythm of locomotor activity is only slightly affected by parietalectomy plus pinealectomy. Our results demonstrate that the pineal complex is centrally involved in the generation and control of the circadian rhythm of body temperature but is only marginally involved in locomotor rhythmicity. Plasma melatonin levels are not significantly reduced by parietalectomy, whereas pinealectomy dramatically lowers the level and completely eliminates the circadian rhythm of melatonin in the circulation. Isolated parietal eye, pineal, and retina all synthesize melatonin with robust circadian rhythmicity when maintained for >/=4 d in culture, although in the intact animal all or almost all of the circulating melatonin comes from the pineal. The circadian system of I. iguana is composed of multiple circadian oscillators that reside in different tissues and have specific and different roles.
Abstract 3930: Differences in Admitting Hospital Characteristics for African American and White Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients in United States

Background_ Racial disparities in acute ischemic stroke treatment may be due to differences in characteristics of admitting hospitals. Recent studies have found a significantly lower rate of admission for African-American patients with acute myocardial infarction to revascularization centers. Objective_ To ascertain if there are racial disparities in admitting hospital characteristics in regards to hospital based outcomes and availability of revascularization among patients with ischemic stroke. Methods_ We identified African-American and white acute ischemic stroke patients from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample-2009. We categorized hospitals based on availability of intravenous thrombolysis (>10 patients per year) and/or endovascular treatment (>1 patient per year). We assessed hospital’s quality using a score based on in-hospital stroke mortality. Hospitals with a score in the top 20% were categorized as high quality, and those in the lowest 20% as low quality. The odds of admission to high or low quality hospitals for white and African American patients was determined after adjusting for risk factors in multivariate analysis. Results- Of the 110,511 patients admitted with ischemic stroke including 16,334 (14.8%) African-American patients. African-American patients lower mean age (64.7 versus 72.7 years), higher percentage of females (56.5% versus 52.5%) and increased incidence of hypertension (86.6% versus 77.7%) p African American patients were relatively less likely ( P P Conclusions_ There appears to be higher odds for African-American stroke patients to be admitted to low quality hospitals in United States warranting a better understanding of associated factors.
Crystal structure of chlorido­(η2-phenyl iso­thio­cyanate-κ2C,S)-mer-tris­(tri­methyl­phosphane-κP)iridium(I)

The molecule of the title compound, [IrCl(C7H5NS)(C3H9P)3], is a distorted octa­hedral iridium complex with three PMe3 ligands arranged in a meridional geometry, a chloride ion cis to all three PMe3 groups and the phenyl iso­thio­cyanate ligand bonded in an η2-fashion through the C and S atoms. The C atom is trans to the chloride ion and the S atom is responsible for a significant deviation from an ideal octa­hedral geometry. The geometric parameters for the metal-complexing phenyl isothiocyanate group are compared with other metal-complexed phenyl iso­thio­cyanates, as well as with examples of uncomplexed aryl iso­thio­cyanates.
Tangent Line Transformations

(2003). Tangent Line Transformations. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 105-106.
Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Uvalde Sanitary Landfill Area, Uvalde County, Texas

During May 1985, the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, under contract with W. H. Mull ins, Inc., Consulting Engineers, conducted a 100% archaeological survey at the proposed Uvalde Sanitary Landfill area located on the Kellogg and Rodriguez leases approximately 3.8 miles southwest of Uvalde, Texas. The area is located adjacent to FM481. The Rodriguez 1 ease (63 acres) yiel ded one isol ated artifact (Clear Fork tool). No other cultural materials were observed. The Kellogg lease (63 acres) yielded one isolated artifact (end and/or side scraper). In addition, a small area of 1 ithic scatter was observed in the northeast corner of the property. Shovel tests throughout the area failed to produce any subsurface cultural material. The cultural resources found within the survey area are determined not to be significant, and therefore not eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places or to be listed as a State Archeological Landmark. We recommend that no further work is needed.
Anticorrosive Property of Three Types of Alloy Steels for Grounding Grid in Acid Soil

In order to reduce grounding grid accidents in the acid soil and insure the grid to run safely and stably,three types of alloy steels with different components were designed and trial-produced in the acid soil as the grid materials. The corrosion resistance of the three alloy steels in acid soil was studied by acetic acid-salt spray tests and compared with that of the galvanized steel commonly used for grounding grid. Results showed that in acid environment the corrosion rate of the rare earth alloy steel with high content of Si was lower than that of the galvanized steel.Moreover,life cycle total cost of this alloy steel was less than80% of the galvanized steel,which met the regulations of life cycle cost for the grounding device.
Dynamic detection of derrick damage structures

In this paper,structure kinetic detection methods for damaged structures were investigated to monitor damage instance of JJ160/41-K oil derrick.The flexibility difference method,the curvature mode method and the flexibility curvature method were used in the structure kinetic detection methods.The limitation of the flexibility difference method and the curvature mode law were analyzed,and the advantage of flexibility curvature method was also analyzed.The application of derrick showed that the detection precision of the flexibility difference method was low when the space of the damage points was near and the damage degree was slight.The interaction of damage points and the influence of the damage points to the undamaged points would make the precision of curvature mode method lower.The flexibility curvature could reflect damage existence,size,location,and damage points were not interactional,the detection precision was high.It was suited to use and generalized in on-line test of derrick structure damage.
Defining Molecular Basis for Longevity Traits in Natural Yeast Isolates.

The budding yeast has served as a useful model organism in aging studies, leading to the identification of genetic determinants of longevity, many of which are conserved in higher eukaryotes. However, factors that promote longevity in a laboratory setting often have severe fitness disadvantages in the wild. To obtain an unbiased view on longevity regulation, we analyzed how a replicative lifespan is shaped by transcriptional, translational, metabolic, and morphological factors across 22 wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates. We observed significant differences in lifespan across these strains and found that their longevity is strongly associated with up-regulation of oxidative phosphorylation and respiration and down-regulation of amino- acid and nitrogen compound biosynthesis. As calorie restriction and TOR signaling also extend the lifespan by adjusting many of the identified pathways, the data suggest that the natural plasticity of yeast lifespan is shaped by the processes that not only do not impose cost on fitness, but also are amenable to dietary intervention. A new study pinpoints a consistent set of genes and pathways underlying variations in yeast lifespan. Vadim Gladyshev at Harvard Medical School and co-workers analyzed 22 Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains with diverse lifespans and habitats, looking to identify genomic signatures associated with natural variations in longevity. They observed a number of factors that characterized the longest-lived strains, including the upregulation of aerobic respiration, and found that interactions between genes and the environment were key. They also showed that factors associated with increased longevity in yeast strains do not necessarily degrade the fitness of those strains in the wild, and that longevity can be influenced through diet. The study thus paints a more complete picture of how environmental factors trigger changes—some hard–wired in the genome—that have real consequences on aging and longevity.
Influence of single or multiple sires and serving capacity on mating behavior of beef bulls.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of serving capacity (SC) on sexual behavior of yearling bulls during single- and double-sire pasture matings. Approximately 60 crossbred virgin bulls were subjected to 3 SC tests, and 20 bulls were selected that were similar in age, BW, testes size and semen quality. Ten bulls were high SC (greater than or equal to 3 services/test) and 10 bulls were low SC (less than or equal to 2 services/test). Competitive order among the 20 bulls also was determined. Single-sire tests were conducted with 15 intact estrual heifers and 1 bull in a pasture for 6 h. Double-sire tests were conducted with 30 estrus-induced, ovariectomized heifers and 1 high SC and 1 low SC bull of approximately equal competitive order for 6 h. Bulls in double-sire tests had more (P less than .007) mounts than those in single-sire tests. High SC bulls in double-sire tests served more heifers (P less than .04) and had more services (P less than .04) than any other SC group and test type. There was no difference (P greater than .10) in the number of mounts or services between high and low SC bulls in single-sire tests. High SC bulls had a greater (P less than .002) percentage of mounts that culminated in a service that did low SC bulls. Conception rate was not different (P greater than .10) between SC groups in single-sire tests.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
ModelDB: a system for machine learning model management

Building a machine learning model is an iterative process. A data scientist will build many tens to hundreds of models before arriving at one that meets some acceptance criteria (e.g. AUC cutoff, accuracy threshold). However, the current style of model building is ad-hoc and there is no practical way for a data scientist to manage models that are built over time. As a result, the data scientist must attempt to "remember" previously constructed models and insights obtained from them. This task is challenging for more than a handful of models and can hamper the process of sensemaking. Without a means to manage models, there is no easy way for a data scientist to answer questions such as "Which models were built using an incorrect feature?", "Which model performed best on American customers?" or "How did the two top models compare?" In this paper, we describe our ongoing work on ModelDB, a novel end-to-end system for the management of machine learning models. ModelDB clients automatically track machine learning models in their native environments (e.g. scikit-learn, spark.ml), the ModelDB backend introduces a common layer of abstractions to represent models and pipelines, and the ModelDB frontend allows visual exploration and analyses of models via a web-based interface.
Multi-objective design of optical systems for space situational awareness

Abstract The successful implementation of Raven-class telescopes to detect, track, and characterize space objects has led to their widespread adoption. Selection of commercial-off-the-shelf components that optimizes the performance of such systems for a specific optical environment or mission is addressed. A collection of multi-disciplinary relationships and relevant assumptions necessary to create a physics-based optical systems model is presented. Several performance metrics are developed to quantify the utility of such systems. These metrics are used in a multi-objective optimization framework to produce optimal design points lying on the efficient frontier. Several trade studies are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of Raven-class telescopes.
Regional care of critically ill children.

Paediatric intensive care units have better outcomes for critically ill paediatric patients. Regional hospitals need to recognise and acknowledge their abilities and limitations and establish appropriate guidelines for clinical care, prehospital stabilisation and safe transport for individual patients. (non-author abstract)
National Security and Foreign Policy

The post-Khomeini government has faced two sets of problems: those which have arisen from deteriorating domestic conditions, and those which have originated from increasing international pressures. They are transnational, as well as inter-state in form; and they are non-military, as well as military, in character. Furthermore, though the post-Khomeini government has sought to alleviate these problems, as during the Khomeini era, in many instances its policies have unwittingly exacerbated them.