cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hardware Design Verification Using Signal Transitions and Transactions

Hardware prototyping has been widely used for ASIC/SoC verification. This paper proposes a new hardware design verification method, Transition and Transaction Tracer (TTT), which probes and records the signals of interest for a long time, hours, days, or even weeks, without a break. It compresses the captured data in real time and stores it in a state transition format in memory. Since it records all the transitions, it is effective in finding and fixing errors, even ones that occur rarely or intermittently. It can also be programmed to generate a trigger for a logic analyzer when it detects certain transitions. This is useful for debugging situations where the engineer has trouble finding an appropriate trigger condition to pinpoint the source of errors. We have been using the method in hardware prototyping for ASIC/SoC development for two years and found it useful for system level tests, and in particular for long running tests.
Measuring Distance Ratios with CMB-Galaxy Lensing Cross-correlations

We propose a method for cosmographic measurements by combining gravitational lensing of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) with cosmic shear surveys. We cross-correlate the galaxy counts in the lens plane with two different source planes: the CMB at $z\ensuremath{\sim}1100$ and galaxies at an intermediate redshift. The ratio of the galaxy count/CMB lensing cross-correlation to the galaxy count/galaxy lensing cross-correlation is shown to be a purely geometric quantity, depending only on the distribution function of the source galaxies. By combining Planck, the Advanced Dark Energy Physics Telescope, and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, the ratio can be measured to $\ensuremath{\sim}4%$ accuracy, whereas a future polarization-based experiment like CMBPOL can make a more precise ($\ensuremath{\sim}1%$) measurement. For cosmological models where the curvature and the equation of state parameter are allowed to vary, the direction of degeneracy defined by the measurement of this ratio is different from that traced out by baryon acoustic oscillation measurements. Combining this method with the stacked cluster mass reconstruction cosmography technique as proposed by Hu, Holz, and Vale (2007), the uncertainty in the ratio can be further reduced, improving the constraints on cosmological parameters. We also study the implications of the lensing-ratio measurement for early dark energy models, in the context of the parametrization proposed by Doran and Robbers (2006). For models which are degenerate with respect to the CMB, we find both baryon acoustic oscillation and lensing-ratio measurements to be insensitive to the early component of the dark energy density.
Reaction of Molecular Oxygen with a PdII-Hydride To Produce a PdII-Hydroperoxide: Experimental Evidence for an HX-Reductive-Elimination Pathway

The reaction of molecular oxygen with a PdII-hydride species to form a PdII-hydroperoxide represents one of the proposed catalyst reoxidation pathways in Pd-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions, but well-defined examples of this reaction were discovered only recently. Here, we present a mechanistic study of the reaction of O2 with trans-(IMes)2Pd(H)(OBz), 1 (IMes = 1,3-dimesitylimidazol-2-ylidene), which yields trans-(IMes)2Pd(OOH)(OBz), 2. The reaction was monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy in benzene-d6, and kinetic studies reveal a two-term rate law, rate = k1[1] + k2[1][BzOH], and a small deuterium kinetic isotope effect, kPd−H/kPd−D = 1.3(1). The rate is independent of the oxygen pressure. The data support a stepwise mechanism for the conversion of 1 into 2 consisting of rate-limiting reductive elimination of BzOH from 1 followed by rapid reaction of molecular oxygen with (IMes)2Pd0 and protonolysis of a Pd−O bond of the η2-peroxo complex (IMes)2Pd(O2). Benzoic acid and other protic additives (H2O, Ar...
Friction experiments on saturated sediments and their implications for the stress state of the Nankai and Barbados subduction thrusts

The Nankai and Barbados forearcs have low-stress subduction thrusts. The sediments entering the subduction zone, and namely the material in the decollement zones, have been well characterized by numerous deep-sea drilling legs and studies of the recovered cores. Nankai has high heat flow and significant amounts of illite, while Barbados is a smectite-dominated system. Based on results from ring shear (<2 MPa normal stress) and direct shear (<30 MPa) tests on marine sediments and mineral standards, this translates into a residual frictional resistance of μr=∼0.25 and μr=∼0.11 in clay horizons, respectively. Such values agree with theoretical estimates from critical wedge theory (Nankai: μb=∼0.16–0.26 and Barbados: μb=∼0.06–0.09) and fault spacing geometries from seismic profiles (Nankai μb=∼0.12–0.23 and Barbados: μb=∼0.11–0.19). Maximum pore pressure ratios of λ*=0.85 and 0.73 for Nankai and Barbados, respectively, allow us to estimate effective shear stresses as a function of friction coefficient and density of the sediment gouge to reach only ∼10 MPa or less in the frontal ∼50 km of the decollement zone, respectively. Our data support the contention that fluid pressure transients and sediment composition contribute equally to the weakness along plate boundary faults down to the seismogenic zone, with the first probably dominating the shallow decollement. Shear velocity stepping tests show that the clay-dominated gouges strengthen velocity irrespective of the clay mineralogy, and hence suggest that clay transformation does not affect the onset of seismogenesis.
Developing Historical 50-State Indices of Innovation Capacity and Commercialization Capacity

Recent attention to innovation as the core of a knowledge-based economy has resulted in an array of studies and reports that seek to measure states' relative ranks as they advance their economic ag...
A new synthesis of Rhein

Abstract A novel synthesis of Rhein (2), the active metabolite of the anti-osteoarthritic drug Diacetyl Rhein (1) has been acehived. Key steps include stereospecific olefination of aldehyde 21 with novel phosphonate 28 and the cyclisation of acid 31 to produce anthracene 32.
Hydrocortisone influences voltage‐dependent L‐type calcium channels in cultured human skeletal muscle

The glucocorticoid hydrocortisone (HC), applied for up to 2 weeks to either aneurally or innervated cultured human muscle, produced 2-fold increase of the number of dihydropyridine ([3H]PN200-110) binding sites. The K+ -induced, nifedipine-inhibited Ca2+ uptake was increased 40%. The effect of HC was concentration- and time-dependent. [3H]PN200-110 affinity for its receptor was not affected by HC treatment. HC did not exert significant influence on the total amount of protein, CK activity, and the number of myotubes. These results indicate that voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channel expression in human muscle is regulated by glucocorticoid. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Species differences in cell culture of mammalian articular chondrocytes.

Articular chondrocytes from eight mammalian species (rabbit, opossum, woodchuck, cat, dog, sheep, rhesus and cebus monkeys) were grown in monolayer culture using a single regimen. The animals were immature or young adult. ham's F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum was employed for the primary cultures and Dulbecco-Vogt medium, for the secondary. Marked species differences were found with respect to cell morphology, growth in primary and secondary cultures, incorporation of radiosulfate into macromolecules, adhesion to the flask surface, response to vitamin C, and chondroid expression in spinner bottles. Under these particular conditions, rabbit chondrocytes grew most rapidly and incorporated several times more sulfate than did the others. Additional experiments carried out with other media on four of the species indicate that optimal conditions for culturing mammalian chondrocytes must be determined for each species individually.
Naphthalene-Induced Atresia in the Ovary of the Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

Female crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, were exposed to 10 ppm naphthalene to determine its effect on ovarian development. Ovaries were removed for examination after 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 days of exposure to the naphthalene. Crayfish that had been exposed to naphthalene for 15 days were then returned to clean freshwater for 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 15 days to determine whether the ovaries would recover from the naphthalene exposure. The ovarian index, which reflects the weight of the ovary, decreased gradually over the 15-day naphthalene exposure period. The previtellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes degenerated. Intense atresia along with yolk resorption led to this decrease in the ovarian index. In contrast, the ovaries of the control crayfish developed into ripe gonads. However, immature oocytes reappeared in the ovaries of the crayfish subjected to depuration, which suggests that the ovary of P. clarkii can recover from naphthalene-induced atresia.
The Strategic Retention Initiative: Theory-Based Practice to Reduce College Student Departure.

The dean of students at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College calls every first-year student twice during the school year. The high-touch approach, as resource-intensive as it is, has proven well worth the effort.
Theoretical study of formation of ion pairs in (NH3·HCl)(H2O)6 and (NH3·HF)(H2O)6

We have performed theoretical studies on sixteen molecular cubes for both (NH3·HCl)(H2O)6 and (NH3·HF)(H2O)6. We use an empirical gauge, based upon the N–H and H–X bond lengths, to categorize the degree to which the cubes are neutral adduct or ion pair in character. On this basis, we describe all sixteen cubes of the former as highly ionized, but only five of the latter as greater than 85% ionic in character. Addition of one or two bridging water molecules to form (NH3·HF)(H2O)7 or (NH3·HF)(H2O)8 raises the percent ionic character to greater than 85% for these systems. The relative energy of the cubes can be categorized based on simple chemical principles. The computed vibrational frequency corresponding to the proton stretch in the N–H–F framework shows the highest degree of redshifting for systems near 50% ion-pair character. Molecular cubes close to neutral adduct or to ion-pair character show less redshifting of this vibrational motion.
Identifying Risk Factors for Tardive Dyskinesia Among Long-Term Outpatients Maintained With Neuroleptic Medications. Results of the Yale Tardive Dyskinesia Study

Objectives: To describe the incidence of tardive dyskinesia (TD) in the Yale TD Study and to identify demographic, treatment, and clinical risk factors for TD occurrence. Design: An ongoing prospective cohort study in which subjects have been examined every 6 months since 1985. Setting: The outpatient division of the Connecticut Mental Health Center in New Haven. Subjects: Three hundred ninety-eight adult outpatients who had been maintained with neuroleptics for 3 months to 33 years at intake and who were free of persistent TD at intake with no history of persistent TD movements. Outcome Measure: New cases of persistent TD were defined as the presence of mild or more severe dyskinetic movements at two successive follow-up visits, using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale. Results: As of July 1, 1990, there were 62 new persistent cases of TD, yielding an average incidence rate of 0.053 per year and a 5-year risk of 20%. The TD rate was positively affected by age, being nonwhite, and neuroleptic dose, and it was inversely affected by years of previous exposure. Little or no effects were found for age at first neuroleptic exposure, type of neuroleptic, use of other psychiatric medications, and psychiatric diagnosis. Conclusions: For outpatients maintained for many years with neuropleptics, dose should be minimized to reduce the risk of TD. This strategy does not appear to be negated by prescribing frequent changes in dosage. Although the TD rate is greatest during the first 5 years of neuroleptic treatment, new persistent cases continue to occur many years after first exposure.
Review of tropical nightglow studies with astronomical instruments

Abstract Much of upper atmospheric chemistry and physics can be read in the detailed study of the nightglow. There are several classic observables—oxygen green line, oxygen red lines, OH, O2 Atmospheric 0–1—but these are chosen for their convenient intensities, not necessarily because they reveal the most about the atmosphere. It has recently become evident that the sky spectra obtained at large telescopes show the nightglow and even glimpses of the dayglow with much more detail than has been previously available. Here we show examples of this new information, attempting to make the case that having such instruments for use by the aeronomic community would have great benefits. A recent review of this work has been published in conjunction with related laboratory experiments [Slanger, T.G., Copeland, R.A., 2003. Energetic oxygen in the upper atmosphere and the laboratory. Chemical Review Letters 103, 4731–4765].
The defining features of teacher talk within autonomy-supportive classroom management

Abstract Classroom management practices were studied in middle school classrooms with positive interpersonal classroom climates, high levels of student engagement, and high levels of autonomy support. Students' motivational responses to autonomy-supportive instructional interactions were explored to understand variability within classroom management practices identified and described in this study as providing autonomy support. Our findings suggest proactive classroom management is enacted through instructional interactions wherein teachers scaffold students' autonomous self-regulatory capacities that sustain student engagement in classroom activities by supporting students' strategy use, transferring responsibility to students, encouraging students' to structure physical and social contexts to support learning, and promoting prosocial behavior.
Decomposition of arc-like convolution operators into 3 x 3 operators

While the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is frequently used to efficiently implement a shift invariant convolution operator, it is of little use in implementing a variant operator which is to be evaluated at only selected locations in the image. The analysis of efficient implementation of a special class of circular-arc convolution operators found useful in the analysis of echocardiographic images leads to the observation that a much wider class of arc-like operators can also be approximated by the sum of a small number of invariant operators. While the immediate application is analyzed for the 3 X 3 computing environment, the techniques are general.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
B-Spline Wavelet-Based Multiresolution Analysis of Surface Texture in End-Milling of Aluminum

Modern manufacturing requires close monitoring by correlating finer frequency regimes of the surface texture to process parameters. This paper presents a study of B-spline wavelet-based multiresolution analysis (MRA) for surface texture characterization and process parameter correlation in end-milling. Motivated by multiresolution curves in computer graphics, an initial B-spline surface is first interpolated to the measured points of the surface texture. With a B-spline wavelet transform, the initial surface is decomposed into higher-frequency details and lower-frequency approximations. By taking the reconstructed surface roughness, waviness, and form based on different frequency regimes as the responses, regression models are created by considering the feed rate, spindle speed, axial depth of cut, and tool wear as controllable variables. The case studies and comparisons with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Gaussian filter have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed B-spline wavelet-based MRA algorithm for a surface texture analysis and manufacturing process diagnostics.
Optical lithography—present and future challenges

Abstract Optical lithography has been an industrial workhorse for many decades. It has reached a wavelength of 193 nm, a Numerical Aperture (NA) of 0.93 but was facing difficulties to advance further until the debut of immersion lithography. This review deals with the limit of dry and immersion lithography systems, their present and future challenges to reach these very limits. A discussion of defects in immersion lithography, the status of immersion lithography, polarized illumination, high-index materials, solid-immersion mask, double exposure and double patterning is included. To cite this article: B.J. Lin, C. R. Physique 7 (2006).
Bcl-6 predicts improved prognosis in primary central nervous system lymphoma

BACKGROUND. In systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), tumors that resemble germinal center B-cells are less aggressive than tumors that resemble postgerminal center B-cells. However, the value of B-cell differentiation markers in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is less clear. The objectives of this study were to characterize the immunophenotypes of PCNSL samples and to determine their utility in predicting clinical outcomes. METHODS. The immunohistochemical staining profile of PCNSL was determined from 66 immunocompetent patients. Then, the authors evaluated whether theexpression of these proteins was associated with progression-free or overall survival. RESULTS. Only 8% of PCNSL samples were positive for the cluster designation (CD) germinal center marker CD10. Another germinal center marker, bcl-6, was positive in 47% of samples. Ninety-four percent of samples expressed significant levels of the postgerminal center marker melanoma-associated antigen (MUM-1). In univariate analyses, only bcl-6 staining had a significant effect on progression-free survival (median, 20.5 months in bcl-6-positive patients vs 10.1 months in bcl-6-negative patients; P = .02). There was a nonsignificant trend toward improved overall survival in patients who had bcl-6 expressing tumors. Older age and poorer performance status, as observed previously, were associated with reduced survival. CONCLUSIONS. Bcl-6 expression was associated with a better prognosis in patients with PCNSL. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Structural Analysis of Mammalian Cytochrome P450 2b4 Covalently Bound to the Mechanism-Based Inactivator Tert-Butylphenylacetylene: Insight Into Partial Enzymatic Activity

A combined structural and computational analysis of rabbit cytochrome P450 2B4 covalently bound to the mechanism-based inactivator tert-butylphenylacetylene (tBPA) has yielded insight into how the enzyme retains partial activity. Since conjugation to tBPA modifies a highly conserved active site residue, the residual activity of tBPA-labeled 2B4 observed in previous studies was puzzling. Here we describe the first crystal structures of a modified mammalian P450, which show an oxygenated metabolite of tBPA conjugated to Thr 302 of helix I. These results are consistent with previous studies that identified Thr 302 as the site of conjugation. In each structure, the core of 2B4 remains unchanged, but the arrangement of plastic regions differs. This results in one structure that is compact and closed. In this conformation, tBPA points toward helix B', making a 31° angle with the heme plane. This conformation is in agreement with previously performed in silico experiments. However, dimerization of 2B4 in the other structure, which is caused by movement of the B/C loop and helices F through G, alters the position of tBPA. In this case, tBPA lies almost parallel to the heme plane due to the presence of helix F' of the opposite monomer entering the active site to stabilize the dimer. However, docking experiments using this open form show that tBPA is able to rotate upward to give testosterone and 7-ethoxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin access to the heme, which could explain the previously observed partial activity.
Experimental investigation of the thermal conductivity of toluene

The procedure of measurements of the thermal conductivity of toluene by the heated filament method is described and the results measured in four measuring cells in the temperature range of 0–130°C are presented. The effect of gap thickness on the heat transfer in liquids is discussed.
A Methodology to Assess the Accuracy with which Remote Data Characterize a Specific Surface, as a Function of Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM): Application to Three Italian Coastal Waters

This methodology assesses the accuracy with which remote data characterizes a surface, as a function of Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM). The purpose is to identify the best remote data that improves the characterization of a surface, evaluating the number of bands in the spectral range. The first step creates an accurate dataset of remote simulated data, using in situ hyperspectral reflectances. The second step evaluates the capability of remote simulated data to characterize this surface. The spectral similarity measurements, which are obtained using classifiers, provide this capability. The third step examines the precision of this capability. The assumption is that in situ hyperspectral reflectances are considered the “real” reflectances. They are resized with the same spectral range of the remote data. The spectral similarity measurements which are obtained from “real” resized reflectances, are considered “real” measurements. Therefore, the quantity and magnitude of “errors” (i.e., differences between spectral similarity measurements obtained from “real” resized reflectances and from remote data) provide the accuracy as a function of FWHM. This methodology was applied to evaluate the accuracy with which CHRIS-mode1, CHRIS-mode2, Landsat5-TM, MIVIS and PRISMA data characterize three coastal waters. Their mean values of uncertainty are 1.59%, 3.79%, 7.75%, 3.15% and 1.18%, respectively.
The degree of the set of sentences of predicate provability logic that are true under every interpretation

The formalism of P(redicate) P(rovability) L(ogic) is the result of adjoining the unary operator □ to first-order logic without identity, constants, or function symbols. The term “provability” indicates that □ is to be “read” as “it is provable in P(eano) A(rithmetic) that…” and that the formulae of predicate provability logic are to be interpreted via formulae of PA as follows. Pr( x ), alias Bew( x ), is the standard provability predicate of PA. For any formula F of PA, Pr[ F ] is the formula of PA that expresses the PA-provability of F “of” the values of the variables free in F , i.e., it is the formula of PA with the same free variables as F that expresses the PA-provability of the result of substituting for each variable free in F the numeral for the value of that variable. For the details of the construction of Pr[ F ], the reader may consult [B2, p. 42]. If F is a sentence of PA, then Pr[ F ] = Pr(‘ F ’), the sentence that expresses the PA-provability of F . Let υ 1 , υ 2 ,… be an enumeration of the variables of PA. An interpretation * of a formula ϕ of PPL is a function which assigns to each predicate symbol P of ϕ a formula P * of the language of arithmetic whose free variables are the first n variables of PA, where n is the degree of P .
New Methods in Mathematical Programming---Methods of Solution of Linear Programs Under Uncertainty

The three most usual methods of reducing the effects of uncertainty in the technology matrix, requirement vector, or cost vector of a linear programming problem are the expected-value solution, the “fat” solution, and the “slack” solution. These methods are explained in some detail, and the relation between these various methods is pointed out.
Cerebellar Purkinje cell responses to afferent inputs. I. Climbing fiber activation

Abstract (1) The climbing fiber pathway to the cerebellum was activated in decerebrate and lightly thiopental anesthetized cats by electrical stimulation of the inferior olive and various hind- and forelimb nerves. (2) Climbing fiber activation is found to produce both excitatory and inhibitory effects upon Purkinje cell firing. Salient features of each are described. (3) The excitatory effect represented by the climbing fiber response is separable from the pause in firing which may follow it. Either can occur without the other and the duration of the pause grades with the strength of a stimulus applied to the inferior olive. The duration of the pause which may follow spontaneous climbing fiber responses varies from next to nothing up to about 800 msec. (4) Both extracellular tests and intracellular recordings indicate that the larger pauses are not accompanied by membrane depolarization. (5) It is concluded that a significant role in the generation of these pauses in firing is played by inhibitory pathways in the cerebellar cortex which are activated by climbing fibers. These pathways comprise inhibitory interneurons and Purkinje cell axon collaterals. (6) A possible functional role for climbing fibers is discussed.
LIGHT ABSORPTION AND RELATED EFFECTS IN CHROMOPHORE-MODIFIED LANGMUIR FILMS

Abstract In previous work Langmuir multilayer films of N -(4-nitrobenzo)-2-oxa-1,3-diazole phosphatidylethanolamine have been shown to generate a dark internal potential which is increased by light energy in generating a photovoltage. In this paper we examine the change in the optical characteristics of this structure by adding the dyes carotene, rhodamine B and methyl violet. A significant drop in the internal potential is found for the dye-sensitized systems, but the photoresponse is enhanced relative to the lower internal potential at 300 K. From a study of the photovoltage versus temperature it was found that the range for the maximum photoresponse occurs in the vicinity of 300 K and extends up to the structural phase transition at 347 K.
Theory for toroidal momentum pinch and flow reversal in tokamaks.

It is demonstrated that besides the well-known toroidal momentum diffusion flux there is a pinchlike flux in the fluctuation-induced toroidal stress. A toroidal flow profile is determined up to a constant, e.g., the value of the flow at the magnetic axis, by balancing these two fluxes. The remaining residual toroidal stress determines the value of the flow at the axis. It is illustrated that the direction of the flow at the axis can change after plasma confinement is improved. The theory is applied to explain the toroidal flow reversal in tokamak experiments.
Scirpene Toxin Analyses of Feed Associated with Animal Intoxication

Field cases in which animals exhibit symptoms of feed refusal, mouth and lip irritation, and internal hemorrhage are common. These cases have been associated with the presence of scirpene toxins in feeds. The Chemistry Laboratory at the Iowa State University, Diagnostic Laboratory, has used existing methodology, and thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectroscopy to attempt to determine if known scirpene toxins were involved in a diagnostic laboratory case. Chicken embryo toxicity of the extracts, field desorption and chemical ionization indicate the presence of some known scirpene toxins as well as unknown compounds.
Multimedia abstract generation of intensive care data: the automation of clinical processes through AI methodologies.

Medical errors from communication failures are enormous during the perioperative period of cardiac surgical patients. As caregivers change shifts or surgical patients change location within the hospital, key information is lost or misconstrued. After a baseline cognitive study of information need and caregiver workflow, we implemented an advanced clinical decision support tool of intelligent agents, medical logic modules, and text generators called the “Inference Engine” to summarize individual patient’s raw medical data elements into procedural milestones, illness severity, and care therapies. The system generates two displays: 1) the continuum of care, multimedia abstract generation of intensive care data (MAGIC)—an expert system that would automatically generate a physician briefing of a cardiac patient’s operative course in a multimodal format; and 2) the isolated point in time, “Inference Engine”—a system that provides a real-time, high-level, summarized depiction of a patient’s clinical status. In our studies, system accuracy and efficacy was judged against clinician performance in the workplace. To test the automated physician briefing, “MAGIC,” the patient’s intraoperative course, was reviewed in the intensive care unit before patient arrival. It was then judged against the actual physician briefing and that given in a cohort of patients where the system was not used. To test the real-time representation of the patient’s clinical status, system inferences were judged against clinician decisions. Changes in workflow and situational awareness were assessed by questionnaires and process evaluation. MAGIC provides 200% more information, twice the accuracy, and enhances situational awareness. This study demonstrates that the automation of clinical processes through AI methodologies yields positive results.
Effect of Side Feed Pressurization on the Dynamic Performance of Gas Foil Bearings

Oil-free micro turbomachinery implementing gas foil bearings (GFBs) has improved mechanical efficiency and reliability. Adequate thermal management for operation in high temperature environments is an issue of importance in applications such as in gas turbines and turbochargers. GFBs often need a cooling gas flow, axially fed through one end of the bearing, to transport the heat conducted from a hot turbine, for example. Side gas pressurization, however, has a paramount effect on reducing amplitudes of motion, synchronous and subsynchronous. Presently, shaft motion measurements in a test rotor supported on GFBs show this remarkable effect. A computational gas film model implementing the evolution of gas circumferential flow velocity as a function of the imposed side pressure is advanced. Predicted direct stiffnesses and damping coefficients for the test GFB increase as the magnitude of feed pressure raises, while the difference in cross-coupled stiffnesses, directly related to rotor-bearing system stability, decreases. Predictions of threshold speed of instability and whirl frequency ratio are in close agreement with the measurements.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Effect of eliminating the residual fluoride gel on titanium bracket corrosion

Summary Introduction Fluoride ions, in long-term applications on titanium brackets, cause their corrosion. Fluoride gel used for caries prevention during orthodontic treatment has a very high concentration in fluoride ions, and therefore has the potential for causing bracket corrosion. The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of eliminating the residual fluoride gel, by rinsing it, on the corrosion of titanium brackets. The secondary aim was to evaluate the corrosion of titanium brackets in the presence of fluoride gel. Methods One hundred titanium brackets were divided into five groups of 20 brackets each. Group 1 being the control group, the rest of the groups were immersed in fluoride gel: Group 2 for 4 minutes and kept for 30 minutes with the residual fluoride gel on; Group 3 for 4 minutes followed by immediate water rinsing; Group 4 for 12 minutes and kept for 90 minutes with the residual fluoride gel on and Group 5 for 12 minutes followed by immediate water rinsing. All groups were rinsed then dried, for 20 hours, using Silica gel in a desiccator maintained at 37 °C before testing. Results Gravimetrical results and SEM analysis showed no significant difference between Groups 2, 3 and 5 compared to each other and to the control group. Only Group 4 showed significant weight loss and pitting corrosion in four of the 20 brackets. In sliding resistance, no significant difference was detected between any of the groups. Conclusions Short time applications of fluoride gel do not affect sliding resistance of titanium brackets. No titanium corrosion was detected for one application of concentrated fluoride gel and some brackets showed pitting corrosion for three applications. The rinsing of residual fluoride gel eliminates completely the risk of bracket corrosion.
The effect of pressure on the near-ultra-violet spectra of some fused-ring aromatic crystals∗

Abstract The effect of pressure has been studied on the near-ultraviolet and visible absorption peaks of anthracene, phenanthrene, ( a, h ) dibenzanthracene, and (α) benzanthracene. In general, the effect of pressure is to shift the peaks to the red (lower energy) and to broaden them. The greater shift and broadening were found, in general, for the peaks with the larger transition moments. The total shift cannot be accounted for by the increase in density if only dipole-dipole interactions are considered. There seems to be no measurable increase in integrated intensity, and therefore no increase in transition moment. The most likely cause of the shift (in addition to the dipole-dipole interaction) is increased importance of quadrupole and higher interactions at high pressures.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1C negatively regulates antigen receptor signaling in B lymphocytes and determines thresholds for negative selection

Abstract Motheaten viable ( me v ) mice are deficient in the cytosolic protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTP1C, and exhibit severe B cell immunodeficiency and autoantibody production. The role of PTP1 C in B cell selection and function was analyzed by breeding immunoglobulin transgenes specific for a defined antigen, hen egg lysozyme, into ma v mice. Antigen triggered a greater and more rapid elevation of intracellular calcium in PTP1 C-deficient B cells, indicating that this phosphatase negatively regulates immunoglobulin signaling. Elimination of self-reactive B cells carrying this signal-enhancing mutation was triggered during their development by binding a lower valency form of self-antigen than is normally required. These findings establish that activation of distinct repertoire-censoring mechanisms depends on quantitative differences in antigen receptor signaling, whose thresholds are determined by negative regulation through PTP1C.
Surgical management of ankle valgus in children : Use of a transphyseal medial malleolar screw

Valgus deformity of the ankle in children is associated with a wide variety of clinical conditions. A retrospective review was performed of 17 children (29 involved extremities) with ankle valgus deformity who had been managed by use of a percutaneously placed, transphyseal medial malleolar screw. Median age at the time of surgery was 11 years, 2 months. Median postoperative follow-up was 2 years, 2 months. Tibiotalar axis and ankle mechanical axis were the best radiographic indicators of ankle valgus deformity. Fibular station and epiphyseal wedging were poor predictors of ankle alignment. Significant improvement in the tibiotalar axis (median, 12 degrees) was noted at follow-up, and the median rate of correction was 0.59 degree/month. Resumption of physeal growth and recurrence of deformity (rate of 0.60 degree/month) was seen when the screws were removed before skeletal maturity. The transphyseal medial malleolar screw is a minimally invasive, minimally morbid, technically simple method of reversible partial epiphysiodesis at the ankle and is an effective technique for the correction of ankle valgus deformity associated with a wide variety of clinical conditions in children.
Preparation and Characterization of Polyimide/Organoclay Nanocomposites

Organically modified montmorrrillonite clay, containing a long chain aliphatic quarternary ammonium cation, was used to prepare polyimide/organoclay hybrids. Several approaches were examined in an attempt to achieve fully exfoliated nanocomposites. These included simple mixing of the clay in a pre-made high molecular weight poly(amide acid) solution; simple mixing followed by sonication of the organoclay/poly(amide acid) solutions; and the preparation of high molecular weight poly(amide acid)s in the presence of the organoclay dispersed in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP). The best results were obtained using the in-situ polymerization approach. The resulting nanocomposite films (both amide acid and imide), containing 3-8% by weight of organoclay, were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thin film tensile properties. A significant degree of dispersion was observed in the nanocomposite films of the amide acid and the imide. After thermal treatment of amide acid films to effect imidization, in both air and nitrogen, the films were visually darker than control films without clay and the level of clay dispersion appeared to have decreased. In the latter case, the separation between the layers of the clay decreased to a spacing less than that present in the original organoclay. These observations suggest that thermal degradation of the aliphatic quarternary ammonium cation occurred likely during thermal treatment to effect imidization and solvent removal. These thermal degradation effects were less pronounced when thermal treatment was performed under nitrogen. The polyimide/organoclay hybrid films exhibited higher room temperature tensile moduli and lower strength and elongation to break than the control films.
Scanning strategies and differential sensitivity in a visual signal detection task: Intersubject consistency

Forty Ss (20 of each sex) were run individually for 480 trials of a 16-alternative forced-choice visual signal detection task. Ordinal differential sensitivity to target locations (indicated by d′ values) across all Ss pooled was similar to that previously found (Clement & Hosking, 1971), rs =.90. Individual Ss performed in a manner indicating a common general scanning strategy (W=.48) with idiosyncratic differences. The outcome indicated that the consistent portion of the scanning strategy was a combination of fixation effects and reading habits, with the scan operating from the upper-left comer to the lower-right corner of the display. The scan was postexposural, as the exposure duration (200 msec) was too brief to allow more than one fixation.
Membrane Area Deformation under Osmotic Stress: Deuterium NMR Approach

We address the hypothesis that the sensitivity of lipid bilayers to pressure, temperature, and osmotic stress represents influences of non-specific lipid-protein interactions on functions of cellular membranes [1,2]. Measurements of membrane structural parameters such as bilayer thickness and area per lipid employ a mean-torque analysis [3] of 2H solid-state NMR order parameters (SCD). NMR lipid order parameters are very sensitive to changes in cross-sectional area per molecule. We observed striking (≈20%) changes in structural properties (decrease in area per lipid and increase in bilayer thickness) when ≈200 atmospheres of pressure (dehydration pressure or osmotic pressure) are applied to lipid (DMPC) bilayers in the liquid-crystalline state. We show the equivalence of osmotic and dehydration pressures by NMR experimental measurements as well as thermodynamically [2]. The elastic area compressibility modulus (Ka) of bilayers is determined by employing different pressure techniques in combination with NMR and vapor pressure osmometry methods. Our findings agree well with the reported Ka value for DMPC [4] obtained with a much smaller range of osmotic pressures. However, we observe an additional variation in Ka determined at higher osmotic pressures, where the role of complex dynamics in the bilayer structural changes becomes more evident. We propose that the hierarchy of forces and motions is perturbed by membrane dehydration (osmotic pressure) due to the alteration of interlamellar spacings, with corresponding changes in elastic area compressibility moduli. Our findings have significant implications for the applicability of solid-state 2H NMR spectroscopy together with membrane stress techniques for understanding the mechanisms of action of pressure-sensitive proteins.[1] A.V. Botelho et al. (2006) BJ 91, 4464-4477.[2] K.J. Mallikarjunaiah et al. (2011) BJ 100, 98-107.[3] H.I. Petrache et al. (2000) BJ 79, 3172-3192.[4] H.I. Petrache et al. (1998) CPL 95, 83-94.
Laboratory investigation of bit bearing temperatures in rotary drilling

Etude de l'influence du poids du trepan et de la vitesse de forage sur la surchauffe des roulements d'un trepan a molette; cette surchauffe pouvant provoquer la rupture du trepan lors du forage rotary. L'auteur propose une equation du second degre qui permet de calculer l'elevation de temperature des roulements
Knowledge and attitudes of postpartum women toward immunization during pregnancy and the peripartum period

Influenza and pertussis prevention in young infants requires immunizing pregnant women and all caregivers (cocooning). We evaluated the knowledge and attitude of postpartum women about these two recommendations. A survey of predominantly Hispanic, underinsured, medically underserved postpartum women in Houston, Texas was performed during June 2010 through July 2012. Five hundred eleven postpartum women [mean age 28.8 y (18–45); 94% Hispanic] with a mean of 3 children (1–12) participated. Ninety-one (17.8%) were first-time mothers. Four hundred ninety-six (97.1%) received prenatal care; care was delayed in 24.3%. Only 313 (61.3%) received vaccine education while pregnant, and 291 (57%) were immunized. Four hundred seventy-four women (93%) were willing to be immunized during pregnancy if recommended by their healthcare provider, (the most trusted information source for 62%). Immunization of infants or infant caregivers had been discussed with 41% and 10% of mothers, respectively. Two hundred thirty women (45%) had received influenza vaccine; most intended to (79%) or had already received (15%) tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Preferred locations for cocooning were hospital or community clinics (97%). Insufficient knowledge (46.6%), cost (31.4%), lack of transportation (26%), work commitments (13.3%), and fear of needles (13.3%) were perceived barriers to cocooning. Level of formal education received by mothers had no effect on the quantity or quality of immunization education received during PNC or their attitude toward immunization. Immunization during pregnancy and cocooning, if recommended by providers, are acceptable in this high-risk population. Healthcare providers, as reported in infant studies, have the greatest influence on vaccine acceptance by pregnant and postpartum women.
Reduction of hexavalent chromium by Pseudomonas fluorescens LB300 in batch and continuous cultures

Batch and continuous cultures of Pseudomonas fluorescens LB300 were shown to reduce hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), aerobically at neutral pH (pH 7.0) with citrate as carbon and energy source. The product of Cr(VI) reduction was previously shown and confirmed in this work to be trivalent chromium, Cr(III), by quantitative reoxidation to Cr(VI) with KMnO4. In separate batch cultures (100 ml) containing initial Cr(VI) concentrations of 314.0, 200.0 and 112.5 mg Cr(VI) L−1, the organism reduced 61%, 69% and 99.7% of the Cr(VI), respectively. In a comparison of stationary and shaken cultures, the organism reduced 81% of Cr(VI) in 147 h in stationary culture and 80% in 122 h in shaken culture. In continuous culture, the organism lowered the influent Cr(VI) concentration by 28% with an 11.7-h residence time, by 39% with a 20.8-h residence time and by 57% with a 38.5-h residence time. A mass balance of chromium in a continuous culture at steady state showed an insignificant uptake of chromium by cells of P. fluorescens LB300.
Laboratory and Field Evaluations of Hydramethylnon Bait Formulations for Control of American and German Cockroaches (Orthoptera: Blattellidae)

Hydramethylnon, an amidinohydrazone pesticide, was evaluated in bait formulations for control of American, Periplaneta americana (L.), and German, Blattella germanica (L.), cockroaches. In German cockroach-infested apartments, 12 small (25 cm2) 1.65% hydramethylnon bait trays per kitchen were required to provide control for 6 months posttreatment. A second field study with German cockroaches confirmed the efficacy of the 12 bait tray per kitchen rate and identified a 1.90% hydramethylnon paste bait formulation as equally effective. When the paste bait was applied at a heavy rate (0.45–0.60 g per kitchen), significantly higher percent control of German cockroaches was achieved. In simulated kitchens, large (56 cm2) bait trays provided 50% mortality of American cockroaches at 1.5 weeks posttreatment and 90% mortality at 3.5 weeks. Vertical placement of the bait trays significantly reduced efficacy.
The diagnostic uses of saliva

It is becoming increasingly apparent to investigators and clinicians in a variety of disciplines that saliva has many diagnostic uses and is especially valuable in the young, the old and infirm and in large scale screening and epidemiologic studies. The highly sensitive test procedures that are now commonplace makes it practical to quantitate, despite very low concentrations, a large number of hormones and drugs in saliva. Indeed, all steroids of diagnostic significance in routine clinical endocrinology can now be readily measured in saliva. Drug monitoring can include abusive as well as therapeutic agents. The concordance between anti HIV antibodies in saliva and serum has stimulated application to various other antiviral antibodies as well as to viral antigens per se. Saliva has found use as a diagnostic aid in an increasing number of clinical situations and in systemic diseases that can affect salivary gland function and composition such as Sjogren's syndrome, cystic fibrosis and diseases of the adrenal cortex. The list keeps growing.
Validity of the great circular average approximation for inversion of normal mode measurements

Summary. Synthetic seismograms based upon first-order perturbation theory are analysed to test the validity of assumptions which form the basis of current velocity inversion procedures. It is found that the lowest order geometrical optics approximation, namely that measured normal mode eigen-frequencies reflect the average structure underlying the source–receiver great circle path, becomes less valid near nodes in the source radiation pattern and near the surface wave foci at the source and its antipode. These failures are a consequence of singlet interference within an isolated normal mode multiplet. The technique of determing frequency by fitting a single resonance peak to a multiplet yields results which agree well with the first-order theory for slow and fast paths where excitation is dominated by one pair of singlets but on intermediate paths where singlet interference is more of a problem, agreement is not as good. Inversion of small data sets is particularly sensitive to frequency fluctuations near radiation nodes, while larger sets are influenced more by antipodal deviations from geometrical optics. The latter leads to inversions which fail to recover the short wavelength structure of the starting model. Basing inversions directly upon first-order theory shows promise of improving recovery of short wavelengths.
Why Engage? China and the Logic of Communicative Engagement

With the breakdown of American relations with China after 1989 and the rapid growth of Chinese power in the 1990s, the American policy of engagement attempted to encourage China to become a moderat...