cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anselm’s Modal Conceptions

Modal concepts play a central role in the works of Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109).1 The notions of necessity and possibility are particularly important in the arguments which dominate his earlier writings: the ontological proof of the existence of God and the defense of freedom of the will. Later, Anselm’s conception of necessity is a crucial component of the extensive and innovative project in rational theology in which he proposes ‘necessary reasons’ for the redemption of mankind through the Incarnation. Although many of his writings had involved modal concepts, near the end of his career Anselm acknowledged the need to provide a thorough account of his ideas about possibility and necessity, in conjunction with the concepts of capacity and freedom.2 Of course he accepted the equivalences articulated by Aristotle between ‘necessarily’ and ‘not possibly not’ and between ‘possibly’ and ‘not necessarily not’; but he was interested in investigating what further considerations determine the meaning of modal predicates.3 A late incomplete treatise, the Lambeth Fragments, represents at least a partial fulfilment of Anselm’s intention to elaborate and defend his understanding of modality.4 Scholarly studies based primarily on his other writings tend to portray Anselm’s treatment of modal concepts as unclear or inconsistent, since the evidence in these writings, though substantial, is so scattered and sketchy that a plausible guiding rationale is difficult to discern.5 This difficulty hampers attempts to understand and assess a variety of Anselm’s best-known contentions: Did he intend to argue in the Proslogion and the Reply for the necessary existence of God?6 Or did he indeed deny that God has any properties necessarily, since he asserts in the Proslogion and in Cur Deus Homo that necessity involves constraint, and thus is incompatible with divine omnipotence?7 Yet if he held that we should not impute necessity to God, what could he mean by proposing ‘necessary reasons’ for the Incarnation?
Concurrent Resource Scheduling for Flexible Automation

Abstract Recent advances in automation and computer integrated manufacturing have resulted in the introduction of flexible machines. Flexible machines can perform several operations requiring little or no set-up, whereas dedicated machines in conventional manufacturing can perform one type of operation per machine. This paper presents a method that concurrently schedules the operations of jobs and the resources required to perform them.
Spatio-temporal analysis of road traffic accident fatality in Bangladesh integrating newspaper accounts and gridded population data

Road traffic accidents pose serious threats to human lives and often cause premature deaths, disabilities, and socioeconomic impacts. The objective of this study is to analyze the fatal road traffic accidents in Bangladesh by performing a space–time characterization of fatality rates involving an innovative newspaper-based method in concert with gridded population data to construct a road traffic fatality database. Kernel density estimation, temporal data plots and space–time pattern mining tools that combine the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic with the Mann–Kendall test are used to describe spatio-temporal hotspots/coldspots and trends. Results show different patterns between the urban and rural areas of Bangladesh and higher rates of road traffic accidents occur in the metropolitan regions (Dhaka) and in a northern region centered on Sirajganj area. Most of the road traffic accidents took place in between 9:00 and 12:00 pm while the accident rates remain low between 12:00 and 3:00 am. Spacetime analysis results reveal a core region of persistently high rates along with four smaller regions with high and intensifying rates. The output of this study could be useful to reduce road traffic fatalities, injuries, increase awareness, and adopt necessary interventions for public safety through integrating both the local, regional, and central level decision makers of public transportation policy and issues in Bangladesh. The approach has potential to be translated to other developing countries.
CMOS sensor for dual fluorescence intensity and lifetime sensing using multicycle charge modulation

This paper proposes a novel CMOS sensor chip that can realize both fast and accurate intensity and lifetime sensing for fluorescence. To enable high sensitivity, we propose parasitic insensitive multi-cycle charge modulation scheme for low-light lifetime extraction benefiting from simplicity, accuracy and compatibility with CMOS process. The designed in-pixel CTIA-based structure is able to capture the weak fluorescence-induced voltage signal by accumulating photon-generated charges in 25 discrete gated time windows within 10ms, in which each time window has 10us pulse width. A pinned photodiode on chip with 1.04pA dark current is utilized for fluorescence detection. The proposed CTIA-based circuitry can achieve 2.1mV/(nW/cm2) responsivity and 4.38nW/cm2 resolution at 630nm for intensity measurement and 45ns resolution for lifetime measurement. We demonstrate functionality by measuring dissolved oxygen concentration with sensitivity of 7.5%/ppm and 6%/ppm in both intensity and lifetime domain.
A time-resolved CMOS image sensor with high conversion-gain pixels and pipelined ADCs

This paper presents a CMOS image sensor with high conversion-gain pixels and column-shared pipelined ADCs for Fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Pixel conversion gain of 121 uV/e-is achieved by creating a distal floating diffusion from transfer gate and reset transistor gate without any process modification. 32-channel 10-bit on-chip column-shared pipelined ADCs with sampling rate up to 5MS/s are designed using area-efficient ring amplifiers for the sensor readout. The ring amplifiers are designed based on actively-biased technique which reduces the area further by 40%. This image sensor chip is fabricated in a standard 180nm CMOS image sensor (CIS) process.
Internal Quantum Efficiency Dependence on Thickness of NiSi Schottky Barrier Photodetectors

We investigate the thickness dependence of internal quantum efficiency for NiSi/n-Si Schottky barrier photodetectors. We observe a 20-fold improvement between the thinnest and thickest films tested and find that internal quantum efficiency improves until the film becomes discontinuous, falling below its percolation thickness.
Improving Quality, Reproducibility, and Usability of FRET-Based Tension Sensors.

Mechanobiology, the study of how mechanical forces affect cellular behavior, is an emerging field of study that has garnered broad and significant interest. Researchers are currently seeking to better understand how mechanical signals are transmitted, detected, and integrated at a subcellular level. One tool for addressing these questions is a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based tension sensor, which enables the measurement of molecular-scale forces across proteins based on changes in emitted light. However, the reliability and reproducibility of measurements made with these sensors has not been thoroughly examined. To address these concerns, we developed numerical methods that improve the accuracy of measurements made using sensitized emission-based imaging. To establish that FRET-based tension sensors are versatile tools that provide consistent measurements, we used these methods, and demonstrated that a vinculin tension sensor is unperturbed by cell fixation, permeabilization, and immunolabeling. This suggests FRET-based tension sensors could be coupled with a variety of immuno-fluorescent labeling techniques. Additionally, as tension sensors are frequently employed in complex biological samples where large experimental repeats may be challenging, we examined how sample size affects the uncertainty of FRET measurements. In total, this work establishes guidelines to improve FRET-based tension sensor measurements, validate novel implementations of these sensors, and ensure that results are precise and reproducible. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Suburbia in Irish Literary and Visual Culture

Contrary to its popular image, Irish suburbia contains within it an extraordinary number of productive cultures. Tracing this productivity in aesthetic terms demonstrates that many Irish artists have been more attuned to the possibilities, and indeed, necessity, of writing out of and about Irish suburbia than has been recognised. Through consideration of a range of literary and visual artists, this chapter reveals that, both historically and in the contemporary moment, the Irish suburb has been imagined as a space, or spaces, of cultural decay and artistic possibility, social degradation and cultural transformation. In charting this variety of response, the plurality of a hitherto, relatively unexplored aspect of modern Irish cultural production is brought into view; one which is neither rural nor urban, but distinctively itself on its own terms, rich in cultural and creative potentialities.
Finite-Dimensional Bounds on Zm and Binary LDPC Codes with Belief Propagation Decoders

This paper focuses on finite-dimensional upper and lower bounds on decodable thresholds of Zm and binary low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, assuming belief propagation decoding on memoryless channels. A concrete framework is presented, admitting systematic searches for new bounds. Two noise measures are considered: the Bhattacharyya noise parameter and the soft bit value for a maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) decoder on the uncoded channel. For Zm LDPC codes, an iterative m-dimensional bound is derived for m-ary-input/symmetric-output channels, which gives a sufficient stability condition for Zm LDPC codes and is complemented by a matched necessary stability condition introduced herein. Applications to coded modulation and to codes with non-equiprobable distributed codewords are also discussed. For binary codes, two new lower bounds are provided for symmetric channels, including a two-dimensional iterative bound and a one-dimensional non-iterative bound, the latter of which is the best known bound that is tight for binary symmetric channels (BSCs), and is a strict improvement over the bound derived by the channel degradation argument. By adopting the reverse channel perspective, upper and lower bounds on the decodable Bhattacharyya noise parameter are derived for non-symmetric channels, which coincides with the existing bound for symmetric channels.
Microsecond charge separation at heterojunctions between transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers and single-walled carbon nanotubes

The use of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) for optical-to-electrical or optical-to-chemical energy conversion can be limited by the ultrafast excited state relaxation inherent to neat monolayers. Photoinduced charge separation at nanoscale heterojunctions is an important strategy to extend carrier lifetimes, enabling photodetectors, solar cells, and solar fuel production with these ultrathin materials. We demonstrate TMDC/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) heterojunctions with exceptionally long, microsecond timescale, charge separation following sub-picosecond interfacial charge transfer. These carrier lifetimes are orders of magnitude longer-lived than in other monolayer TMDC heterojunctions. We further present two unique methodologies for estimating charge-transfer quantum yields in MoS2 that can be broadly applied and refined for other TMDC systems. Our results highlight the promise of TMDC/SWCNT heterojunctions for advanced (photo)catalytic and optoelectronic systems and devices.
Postictal clinical and EEG activity following intracranially recorded bilateral tonic-clonic seizures.

Objective: The dynamics of the postictal period, which may demonstrate such dramatic clinical phenomena as focal neurological deficits, prolonged coma and immobility, and even sudden death, are poorly understood. We sought to classify and characterize postictal phases of bilateral tonic-clonic seizures based on EEG criteria and associated clinical features.
Induction of DNA Hydroxymethylation Protects the Brain After Stroke

Background and Purpose- Epigenetics play a significant role in brain pathologies. We currently evaluated the role of a recently discovered brain-enriched epigenetic modification known as 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in regulating transcriptomic and pathogenic mechanisms after focal ischemic injury. Methods- Young and aged male and female mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, and the peri-infarct region was analyzed at various times of reperfusion. Two days before middle cerebral artery occlusion, short-interfering RNA against an isoform of the 5hmC producing enzyme TET (ten-eleven translocase) was injected intracerebrally. Ascorbate was injected intraperitoneally at 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or 2 hours of reperfusion. Motor function was tested with rotarod and beam-walk test. Results- Focal ischemia rapidly induced the activity of TET, the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of 5hmC and preferentially increased expression of the TET3 isoform in the peri-infarct region of the ischemic cortex. Levels of 5hmC were increased in a TET3-dependent manner, and inhibition of TET3 led to wide-scale reductions in the postischemic expression of neuroprotective genes involved in antioxidant defense and DNA repair. TET3 knockdown in adult male and female mice further increased brain degeneration after focal ischemia, demonstrating a role for TET3 and 5hmC in endogenous protection against stroke. Ascorbate treatment after focal ischemia enhanced TET3 activity and 5hmC enrichment in the peri-infarct region. TET3 activation by ascorbate provided robust protection against ischemic injury in young and aged mice of both sexes. Moreover, ascorbate treatment improved motor function recovery in both male and female mice. Conclusions- Collectively, these results indicate the potential of TET3 and 5hmC as novel stroke therapeutic targets. Visual Overview- An online visual overview is available for this article.
Two Views of the International Monetary System

Distinguishing between two different schools of thought that are named after two different universities, Harvard and Berkeley, the article looks at the evolution, past and future, of the international monetary system. While the empirical view holds that the system will remain unipolar and dollar-based, the opposing view uses history to contend that it may potenially evolve away from the dollar into a multipolar system.
Recent pace of change in human impact on the world's ocean.

Humans interact with the oceans in diverse and profound ways. The scope, magnitude, footprint and ultimate cumulative impacts of human activities can threaten ocean ecosystems and have changed over time, resulting in new challenges and threats to marine ecosystems. A fundamental gap in understanding how humanity is affecting the oceans is our limited knowledge about the pace of change in cumulative impact on ocean ecosystems from expanding human activities – and the patterns, locations and drivers of most significant change. To help address this, we combined high resolution, annual data on the intensity of 14 human stressors and their impact on 21 marine ecosystems over 11 years (2003–2013) to assess pace of change in cumulative impacts on global oceans, where and how much that pace differs across the ocean, and which stressors and their impacts contribute most to those changes. We found that most of the ocean (59%) is experiencing significantly increasing cumulative impact, in particular due to climate change but also from fishing, land-based pollution and shipping. Nearly all countries saw increases in cumulative impacts in their coastal waters, as did all ecosystems, with coral reefs, seagrasses and mangroves at most risk. Mitigation of stressors most contributing to increases in overall cumulative impacts is urgently needed to sustain healthy oceans.
Reasons Patients Choose the Emergency Department over Primary Care: a Qualitative Metasynthesis

To enhance the acute care delivery system, a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s perspectives for seeking care in the emergency department (ED) versus primary care (PC) is necessary. We conducted a qualitative metasynthesis on reasons patients seek care in the ED instead of PC. A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, CINAHL, Psych Info, and Web of Science was completed to identify qualitative studies relevant to the research question. Articles were critically appraised using the McMaster University Critical Review Form for Qualitative Studies. We excluded pediatric articles and nonqualitative and mixed-methods studies. The metasynthesis was completed with an interpretive approach using reciprocal translation analyses. Nine articles met criteria for inclusion. Eleven themes under four domains were identified. The first domain was acuity of condition that led to the ED visit. In this domain, themes included pain: “it’s urgent because it hurts,” and concern for severe illness. The second domain was barriers associated with PC, which included difficulty accessing PC when ill: “my doctor said he was booked up and he instructed me to go to the ED.” The third domain was related to multiple advantages associated with ED care: “my doctor cannot do X-rays and laboratory tests, while the ED has all the technical support.” In this domain, patients also identified 24/7 accessibility of the ED and no need for an immediate copay at the ED as advantageous. The fourth domain included fulfillment of medical needs. Themes in this domain included the alleviation of pain and the perceived expertise of the ED healthcare providers. In this qualitative metasynthesis, reasons patients visit the ED over primary care included (1) urgency of the medical condition, (2) barriers to accessing primary care, (3) advantages of the ED, and (4) fulfillment of medical needs and quality of care in the ED.
Isospora svecica sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new species of coccidium from the white-spotted bluethroat Luscinia svecica cyanecula (Aves: Passeriformes: Muscicapidae)

Using a combination of morphological and molecular data, we describe a new apicomplexan parasite, Isospora svecica sp. n., from the white-spotted bluethroat, Luscinia svecica cyanecula, from the Czech Republic. Oocysts were found in its intestinal tract. Sporulation was exogenous and took 1–3 days. The oocysts were slightly ellipsoidal, of average size 26.17 × 20.33 μm, with a smooth bilayered wall. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granules were absent. Sporocysts were bottle-shaped, of an average size of 18.82 × 8.82 μm, with a thin, colourless wall. A conspicuous knob-like Stieda body was present. Substieda body was barely visible. Sporocyst residuum was present in the form of granules of various sizes. Sporozoites were banana-shaped and contained large anterior and small posterior refractile bodies. Partial DNA sequences of three genes were obtained from oocysts of Isospora svecica sp. n., being most closely related to other isosporans described from passerines. Little is known about the parasites of the avian family Muscicapidae, including coccidia, a highly prevalent parasitic protist group in all vertebrate classes. Only six species of the genus Isospora have so far been described in Muscicapidae, together with several “Isospora sp.” that in fact most likely represent Isospora lacazei. The newly described Isospora svecica sp. n. differs morphologically from other coccidia reported from muscicapid birds, and represents the first coccidian species described from Luscinia svecica.
Consolidation of vitamin A and E methods onto a multiplexing liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry platform simplifies laboratory workflow

Abstract Background Vitamin A and E are routinely monitored to assess nutritional status. The most commonly used approach for their measurement involves laborious liquid-liquid extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis on dedicated instrumentation. We describe a simple, rapid protocol for measurement of vitamin A and E and their integration into an existing online sample preparation liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (SPLC-MS/MS) workflow. Methods We performed a method comparison between the SPLC-MS/MS and HPLC methods for vitamin A and E by measuring patient specimens across the concentration range 11–81 µg/dL for vitamin A and 1–18 mg/L for vitamin E. The analysis times on each platform were also compared. Results SPLC-MS/MS and HPLC methods were comparable with regards to analytical performance; mean bias across the measured range was 2.54% (95% CL: −11.56–16.64%) for vitamin A and −2.04% (95% CL: −18.20–14.12%) for vitamin E. Total analysis times were 7 min and 15 min for SPLC-MS/MS and HPLC respectively. Conclusions The development of a simplified sample preparation protocol and the use of multiplexing SPLC-MS/MS have reduced sample analysis times for vitamin A and E. This method has also optimized clinical workflow through consolidation of previously independent benches.
DULAGLUTIDE REDUCES HBA1C IRRESPECTIVE OF ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC AGENTS, DURATION OF DIABETES, BMI AND WEIGHT LOSS: A POST HOC ANALYSIS FROM THE REWIND TRIAL

In the REWIND CV outcomes trial, the addition of dulaglutide 1.5 mg (DU) vs placebo (PL) to standard of care reduced the composite risk of CV death, nonfatal MI and nonfatal stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes and prior CV disease or CV risk factors. DU also reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Increased hip arthroscopy operative duration is an independent risk factor for overnight hospital admission.

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between operative duration and short-term complications as well as overnight hospital admission following hip arthroscopy. Hip arthroscopy cases from 2006 to 2016 were retrieved from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry, which prospectively collects 30-day postoperative complications. Patients were stratified into the following groups based on procedure length: group 1 ( 120 min). Preoperative characteristics were compared across the cohorts. Multivariate regressions were used to compare complication rates and overnight hospital admission between the three groups. Independent risk factors for overnight hospital admission were characterized. A total of 2129 hip arthroscopy cases were identified. Average operative duration was 99.3 ± 55.7 min. As operative time increased, patients were more likely to be younger, male, and had lower American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (p 120 min relative to < 60 min, relative risk [RR] = 3.53, 95% CI 2.50–5.00, p < 0.001) and increasing ASA classification (most notably ASA III or IV relative to ASA I, RR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.18–2.27; p = 0.013). Increasing operative duration was not associated with increased postoperative complications following hip arthroscopy. However, patients were more than three times likely to stay in the hospital overnight if their surgery was longer than 120 min, relative to cases that were less than 60 min. III.
Self-Healing First-Order Distributed Optimization.

In this paper we describe a parameterized family of first-order distributed optimization algorithms that enable a network of agents to collaboratively calculate a decision variable that minimizes the sum of cost functions at each agent. These algorithms are self-healing in that their correctness is guaranteed even if they are initialized randomly, agents drop in or out of the network, local cost functions change, or communication packets are dropped. Our algorithms are the first single-Laplacian methods to exhibit all of these characteristics. We achieve self-healing by sacrificing internal stability, a fundamental trade-off for single-Laplacian methods.
BCR Affinity Influences T-B Interactions and B Cell Development in Secondary Lymphoid Organs.

B cells produce high-affinity immunoglobulins (Igs), or antibodies, to eliminate foreign pathogens. Mature, naive B cells expressing an antigen-specific cell surface Ig, or B cell receptor (BCR), are directed toward either an extrafollicular (EF) or germinal center (GC) response upon antigen binding. B cell interactions with CD4+ pre-T follicular helper (pre-Tfh) cells at the T-B border and effector Tfh cells in the B cell follicle and GC control B cell development in response to antigen. Here, we review recent studies demonstrating the role of B cell receptor (BCR) affinity in modulating T-B interactions and the subsequent differentiation of B cells in the EF and GC response. Overall, these studies demonstrate that B cells expressing high affinity BCRs preferentially differentiate into antibody secreting cells (ASCs) while those expressing low affinity BCRs undergo further affinity maturation or differentiate into memory B cells (MBCs).
Invasion Genetics of the Blue Catfish (Ictalurus Furcatus) Range Expansion into Large River Ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

INVASION GENETICS OF THE BLUE CATFISH (ICTALURUS FURCATUS) RANGE EXPANSION INTO LARGE RIVER ECOSYSTEMS OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED Colleen Beth Higgins, B.S., B.A. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Corilmonwealth University, 2006 Director: Bonnie L. Brown, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Biology The blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus (Ictaluridae), is ranked among the most invasive, nonnative species of concern in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This species, intentionally introduced to three major tributaries and a number of impoundments between 1974 and 1989 for sport fishing, has spread into three additional tributaries. Using samples from the introduced tributary populations as a baseline, we evaluated microsatellite genetic variation in light of demographic and ecological data to elucidate the potential sources of the invasive I. furcatus populations. In general, the populations surveyed in the Chesapeake 'Bay watershed were considerably more inbred ( F ranged from 0.03 0.27) than four native populations (all F = 0.03) and they exhibited 12% lower allelic diversity viii than native populations, showing evidence consistent with a founder effect. Lack of evidence for significant bottlenecks combined with high effective migration rates suggested that there may be a great deal more movement of this species within the Bay than was previously thought. Two proposed scenarios for expansion (dispersal from introduced populations and intentional surreptitious introductions) were evaluated. Although not inconceivable, genetic evidence did not support the Bubba mechanism as the primary mode of expansion and dispersal was found to be the most probable mode underlying the recent range expansion. However, a number of characteristics of the population genetic and mixed stock analyses indicate that a separate scenario, escapement from impoundments, is worth investigating as a substantial source of the expansion. The study has important implications for ecosystenl-based management because it is the first application of mixed stock analysis to an invasive species.
A Spatiotemporal Analysis and Description of Hurricane Ivan's (2004) Tornado Clusters

Tropical cyclones often produce tornadoes before, during, and after their landfall. Some tropical cyclones have produced no tornadoes, or only a few, whereas others have produced more than 100. Hurricane Ivan (2004) produced more tornadoes than any other tropical cyclone that has impacted the United States. Ivan produced 118 tornadoes over a three-day period from Florida north through Pennsylvania. These tornadoes were not produced uniformly across space and time, but rather occurred in spatiotemporal clusters. The purpose of this study is to explore the nature of Ivan's tornado clusters using geographic information systems.
Simulation of Atmospheric Compensation for a Laser phased array in the presence of target speckle

Propagation of a laser beam from a phased array source through atmospheric turbulence to a target and techniques to compensate for this atmospheric turbulence are simulated. A large rough target is simulated which causes speckle on the returned light. This return is used as a beacon to command the phased array to correct for aberrations caused by the atmosphere; however, this target speckle degrades the performance of the compensation algorithm over that which could be achieved with an ideal beacon. One way to reduce this degradation is to repetitively apply this compensation and measurement procedure until convergence. If the light field scattered back from the target due to each element of the phased array can be independently measured, the relative phase between these transmitters can be removed. These two approaches are simulated and compared for a 127 element piston-only controlled phased array in a 10 km tactical engagement. Performance of these techniques is evaluated using Strehl ratio (peak intensity) metric.
CIM in der Fertigungsindustrie am Beispiel der Kunststoffverarbeitung - Schwerpunkt Qualitätssicherung

Die Bedeutung der Qualitatssicherung hat in den letzten Jahren bestandig zugenommen. Die besondere Stellung der Qualitatssicherung fur Spritzgiesbetriebe wird einleitend beschrieben. Darauf aufbauend die Vorgehensweise des Projektes „Qualitatssicherung fur Spritzgiesbetriebe“ erlautert und auf die Besonderheiten der Verbindung zur Prozesuberwachung hingewiesen. Besonders wichtig dabei scheint der Punkt zu sein, das das Anwendungspaket auf Basis PROQUAM auf einem Offenen System aufbaut und die Vorteile von UNIX fur die Einbindung in heterogene Systemlandschaften nutzt. Der Einsatz von UNIX-basierten Systemen bietet den Anwendern signifikante Vorteile gegenuber den neuesten herstellerspezifischen Produkten: Anwendungsentwicklung weitgehend unabhangig von HW-Plattform durchfuhrbar Softwarelosungen relativ schnell und einfach auf neue HW-Technologien portierbar Zunehmende Unabhangigkeit von einzelnen HW-Lieferanten --> Zukunftssicherheit von Organisation und SW-Investitionen Nutzbarkeit von Systemen mit dem besten Preis-Leistungsverhaltnis Gleiche Systemumgebung uber mehrere Rechnerebenen.
Tire and Runway Surface Research

The condition of aircraft tires and runway surfaces can be crucial in meeting the stringent demands of aircraft ground operations, particularly under adverse weather conditions. Gaining a better understanding of the factors influencing the tire/pavement interface is the aim of several ongoing NASA Langley research programs which are described in this paper. Results from several studies conducted at the Langley Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility, tests with instrumented ground vehicles and aircraft, and some recent aircraft accident investigations are summarized to indicate effects of different tire and runway properties. The Joint FAA/NASA Runway Friction Program is described together with some preliminary test findings. The scope of future NASA Langley research directed towards solving aircraft ground operational problems related to the tire/pavement interface is given.
Physical properties of Lu1-xYbxNi2B2C

The Lu1−x Yb x Ni2B2 system exhibits superconductivity at low Yb concentrations (0≤x≤ 0.1), Kondo behaviour at low and moderate Yb concentrations (0≤x≤ 0.34), and heavy fermion behaviour with a non-magnetic ground state at high Yb concentrations. In order to characterize the evolution of these phenomena with x, we have performed dc magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, thermoelectric power, and specific heat measurements on single crystals of Lu1−x Yb x Ni2B2 with various values of x between 0 and 1. The enhanced suppression of T c by Yb substitution, compared to other rare earth substitutions, is consistent with the behaviour of superconducting Kondo systems with T K≫T c when T K decreases with increasing x. The electronic specific heat coefficient γ increases from ∼11 mJ/mol K2 for x=0 to ∼530 mJ/mol K2 for x=1. The curve of the reduced specific heat jump ΔC/ΔC 0 versus T c/T c0, where ΔC 0 and T c0 refer to the LuNi2B2C matrix, does not conform to the BCS theory, but is consistent with the m...
Within-Site Variation of Growth Rates and Terminal Sizes in Mytilus californianus Along Wave Exposure and Tidal Gradients

Mytilus californianus is a foundation species of rocky shores of western North America. Its dominance depends on rapid growth to large sizes, which confers an advantage in size-dependent species interactions. Initial rates of growth and final (terminal) sizes of the mussels depend on environmental factors. Prior comparisons of growth made over large spatial scales (tens of meters to hundreds of kilometers) indicate that temperature, submergence time, and wave exposure affect growth. However, there are few studies quantifying variation in temperature, wave force, and mussel growth parameters at small scales within local populations—that is, meter-level increments. Such measures are necessary to better understand the consequences of the complex spatial mosaic of physical factors in the intertidal zone. We measured variation in temperature, wave force, size-specific shell growth, and terminal size at 3–4-m intervals along horizontal contours within two mussel beds separated by 15 ds of latitude. Both mussel ...
Operator model-based design evaluation of advanced systems: conceptual models

A multilevel operator modeling approach is recommended to provide broad support for the integrated design of advanced control and protection systems for nuclear power plants. Preliminary design should address the symbiosis of automated systems and human operators by giving careful attention to the roles assigned to these two system elements. A conceptual model of the operator role is developed in the context of a command-control-communication problem. According to this approach, joint responsibility can be realized in at least two ways: sharing or allocation. The inherent stabilities of different regions of the operator role space are considered. It is conjectured that the 'supervisor' role may prove to be less effective than an 'equal partner' role, because the latter maximizes the degree of engagement for the operator. >
The right to food: Progress and pitfalls

Over the course of the past decade the human right to adequate food has definitively emerged as a normative response to widespread food insecurity, global food crises, and to the related phenomenon of agricultural “land grabbing.” This article considers both the progress and pitfalls in using the “right to food” framework to meet the paramount challenge of ensuring equitable and sustainable access to sufficient, nutritious food for all.
Quantum Strings in Quantum Spin Ice

We study quantum spin ice in an external magnetic field applied along a direction. When quantum spin fluctuations are weak, elementary excitations are quantum strings with monopoles at their ends manifested as multiple spin wave branches in the dynamical structure factor. Strong quantum fluctuations make the string tension negative and give rise to the deconfinement of monopoles. We discuss our results in the light of recent neutron scattering experiments in Yb2Ti2O7.
Numerical study of shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions in premixed combustible gases

A computational study of shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions involving premixed combustible gases is presented. The analysis is carried out using a new fully implicit, total variation diminishing code that solves the fully coupled Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and species continuity equations in an efficient manner. To accelerate the convergence of the basic iterative procedure, the code is combined with vector extrapolation methods. The chemical nonequilibrium processes are stimulated by means of a finite-rate chemistry model for hydrogen-air combustion
The Kremlin Oracle for Sequential Code Parallelization

The Kremlin open-source tool helps programmers by automatically identifying regions in sequential programs that merit parallelization. Kremlin combines a novel dynamic program analysis, hierarchical critical-path analysis, with multicore processor models to evaluate thousands of potential parallelization strategies and estimate their performance outcomes.
Nondesignated preliminary residents in general surgery: 25-year outcomes

Abstract Background This study assesses the outcomes of nondesignated preliminary (NDP) residents in general surgery (GS) at an independent, nonuniversity training program. Methods Records of all NDP residents from 1984–1985 through 2008–2009 were reviewed, and residents' careers were followed. Designated preliminary and categorical residents were excluded. Results Sixty-two residents completed the NDP year. Three of these residents also completed a second postgraduate NDP year. A total of 60 NDPs (97%) continued in accredited postgraduate programs. Forty-eight graduates (77%) pursued surgery-associated careers: 26 (42%) in GS and 22 (35%) in other surgery-related specialties. Eleven of the 26 NDPs who entered GS (42%) became categorical residents in our program. All NDP GS graduates are board certified, board eligible, or are residents in training. Conclusions After a preliminary year in GS, NDPs continued in postgraduate medical education followed by board certification, usually in GS or surgery-related specialties. NDPs often obtain categorical positions in the parent GS program.
Effects of grain size on the dislocation density and flow stress of niobium

Effects of grain size from 32 to 435 μ on the dislocation density and distribution and on the yield and flow stresses of 125-μ-thick niobium foil fulled in tension at room temperature (300°K) were investigated. For a given grain size, the dislocation density initially increased in an approximately linear manner with strain; for a given strain, the dislocation density was proportional to the reciprocal of the grain size. The tensile flow stress σ increased with the square root of the dislocation density, yielding the relation σ = σf + 0.88 Gbπ12 where σf was independent of grain size when the grain diameter was less than the foil thickness. A significant part of σf was identified with the thermally activated nucleation of kinks. The effect of grain size on the lower yield and flow stresses of the fine-grained niobium is explained in terms of a work-hardening model. A cellular network of dislocations developed for strains of the order of 10%. The strain at which the network was first well defined increased with grain size. Once the cell was formed, the cell size tended to decrease with further straining. Cell size at a given strain was proportional to the square root of the grain diameter and was approximately equal to the average dislocation spacing, assuming a random distribution. Flow stress increased linearly with the reciprocal of the cell size.
The 'troubles' in Northern Ireland and suicide.

In Northern Ireland from 1965 to 1997, suicide rates and deaths from the civil unrest were negatively associated. Language: en
WE‐G‐108‐07: EPID Dosimetry Comparisons and Corrections: Portal Image Prediction Vs. Portal Dose Conversion

Purpose: To compare the pretreatment quality assurance robustness of two forms of EPID dosimetry: dose image prediction and dose plane conversion. Both systems are tested for accuracy in all areas of the detecting surface, for both symmetric and asymmetric field sizes, and various levels of modulation intensity. Both EPID dosimetry techniques are sensitivity‐tested for their ability to identify crucial TPS errors. Methods: Over 50 IMRT fields, from low‐modulation breast electronic compensation to high‐modulation head/neck plans, were measured and analyzed via a commercial portal dose prediction package and a commercial portal dose conversion package. Various beam characteristics and dose calibration errors were induced into the TPS, then dose planes and dose predictions for several IMRT fields were recalculated for comparison to respective measurements. A common diode array system was also used in these studies, representing a standard for dose comparison. Results: For IMRT fields with no induced errors, both EPID dosimetry systems perform similarly, except for large and/or off‐axis fields where the EPID prediction system underestimates EPID response by up to 15%. In these cases, a 2D matrix correction developed by the authors and applied to individual EPID predictions brings the portal dose prediction system into good agreement with measurements. The portal dose prediction system, which uses actual fluence as an input, is able to catch some TPS errors, such as erroneous MLC transmission or dosimetric‐leaf‐gap values, but not errors downstream from the leaf‐motion calculation. The portal dose conversion system, which compares measured absolute dose planes to TPS dose planes, is sensitive to errors anywhere in the fluence/dose calculation. Conclusions: All EPID dosimetry systems are not created equal. Empirically‐derived prediction algorithms may need substantial correction techniques, and may be insensitive to some TPS errors. Portal image conversion to dose matrix is a more comprehensive form of pretreatment IMRT QA.
Numerical Investigation of the Dynamical Behavior of a Row of Square Jets in Crossflow Over a Surface

Results of a three dimensional unsteady computational study of a row of jets injected normal to a cross-flow are presented with the aim of understanding the dynamics of the large scale structures in the region near the jet. The jet hole is square in cross-section, and the jet to cross-flow velocity ratio is 0.5. The calculations are based on higher-order finite differences, and are performed on extremely refined spatial and temporal meshes so that all the important energy-carrying scales are resolved. Results obtained indicate that the near field large scale structures include the shear layer vortices, the counter rotating vortex pair (CVP), the horseshoe vortex system, and wake and wall vortices. The dynamics of these structures appear to be significantly influenced by a time-periodic interaction between the jet hole boundary layer and the approaching crossflow. This periodic behavior involves the approaching crossflow periodically ingressing into the jet hole region and pushing the injected jet back toward the trailing edge at a Strouhal number of 0.44 based on the jet velocity and diameter. A new mechanism for the formation of shear layer vortices is identified and consists of alternate shedding of positive vorticity from the hole leading edge boundary layer and negative vorticity from the leading horseshoe vortex. Comparison of the predicted turbulent statistics with experimental measurements are made and reasonable agreement is observed.Copyright © 1999 by ASME
Blood pressure and plasma renin activity responses to chronic stress in the borderline hypertensive rat

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the systolic blood pressure and plasma renin activity (PRA) responses to chronic stress in normotensive rats and in rats with one hypertensive parent. Twenty-four male Wistar-Kyoto (WKR) and 24 male F1 offspring of spontaneously hypertensive and WKY rats (BHR) were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 8 each. Experimental (E) animals were subjected to 2 hr daily of shock-shock conflict. Each response produced a 0.2 sec, 0.2–0.4 mA cutaneous electric shock. Failure to respond in 10 sec resulted in a train of 5 shocks (0.2 sec each sec). Yoked animals (Y) received the same shocks as E but had no control over their presentation. Finally, a control group (C) for maturation received no shocks. The E and Y animals were subjected to 14 weeks of conflict and were then monitored an additional 14 weeks in the absence of shock. All animals had their tail cuff blood pressures taken weekly except for 3 times when bloods were obtained for PRA assays. Analysis of blood pressure data revealed that: (1) BHR animals showed more of a blood pressure response to shock than WKY animals; (2) Y animals showed more of a response to conflict than E, especially for the BHR group; and (3) BHR shocked animals remained permanently elevated compared to BHR control animals even in the 14 week post-conflict period during which no shocks were given. Although PRAs for BHR animals were significantly higher than for WKY at the beginning of study, the stress-induced hypertension was associated with either normal or suppressed PRA values, suggesting that the hypertension in these animals is not a high renin hypertension.
Formation of compound I by photo-oxidation of compound II.

Compound I is the heme−iron(IV)−oxo porphyrin radical cation formed in peroxidase and catalase enzymes by reaction with hydrogen peroxide. As an alternative to chemical oxidations of porphyrin−iron(III) species, various compound I species were produced by 355 nm laser flash photolysis photooxidation of the corresponding compound II species, porphyrin−iron(IV)−oxo derivatives. The method is demonstrated by production and kinetic studies of the compound I species from 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin−iron, from horseradish peroxidase, and from wild-type horse skeletal myoglobin.
Improved therapy for atopic eczema. New immunomodulators clear the rash with few side effects.

(2004). Improved therapy for atopic eczema. Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 115, No. 1, pp. 35-37.
Comparing and combining off-line feedrate rescheduling strategies in free-form surface machining with feedrate acceleration and deceleration

Off-line rescheduling feedrates based on changing surface geometry in free-form surface machining could reduce machining time, increase tool life, and improve surface finish quality. Various feedrate rescheduling strategies have different feedrate rescheduling control parameters. These parameters could be chip thickness, metal removal rate (MRR), or resultant forces. The paper compares these feedrate rescheduling strategies in machining time and feedrate changes. Machining time could be reduced significantly if appropriate values are set for those control parameters. Further, various strategies are combined for better results in two ways: the minimum and the maximum feedrate combination. Machining time could be reduced with both feedrate combinations. The minimum feedrate combination could protect machining against excessive chip thickness, MRR, resultant force, or other conditions that may occur using only one of these rescheduling strategies. The maximum feedrate combination could further reduce machining time with a loose control on those conditions. The paper also points out that advantages of feedrate rescheduling may not been in real if distances between neighboring cutting locations are too small for the machine to arrive at rescheduled feedrates in sharply changing cutting directions and feedrates. The method to calculate real feedrates and machining time is provided in consideration with feedrate ac/deceleration.
Ascomycete phylotypes recovered from a Gulf of Mexico methane seep are identical to an uncultured deep-sea fungal clade from the Pacific

Deep-sea endemic fungi are one component of an under-sampled invisible biosphere whose contribution to benthic ecosystems is not yet understood. In the last decade, molecular techniques have facilitated the discovery of several new deep-sea fungal groups, especially in habitats such as hydrothermal vents and methane seeps. We assessed fungal diversity at a methane seep in the Gulf of Mexico by sequencing partial ITS and LSU gene regions from environmental DNA recovered from microoxic and anoxic sediment. While most phylotypes were closely allied with common fungal species, the dominant phylotype did not match any known terrestrial species and aligned with an uncultured deep-sea fungus found in oxygen-depleted sediment at multiple sites in the Pacific Ocean. Despite its apparently broad distribution and frequent occurrence in oxygen-depleted sediment, the ecological role of this phylotype is not yet known.