cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Room and elevated temperature strength of perovskite membrane tubes

Abstract Lanthanum-based perovskite oxides are promising materials as membranes for oxygen separation and for direct oxidation of gaseous hydrocarbons. The physical and mechanical properties of these oxide membranes are however dependent on the temperature and environment. In the present study, two differing sets of oxide membrane tubes were evaluated for their fracture strength in a C-ring geometry in three different conditions: room temperature in air and at 1000 °C in air and nitrogen. The strength of the oxide tubes in ambient conditions was observed to be dependent on the processing route (initial composition, surface and volume flaws). With a change in temperature and environment from ambient to reducing condition, the strength degraded to nearly half its initial value. The strength degradation was accompanied by decomposition of the membranes and changes in fracture mode and morphology. The strength degradation as measured by mean strength and Weibull parameters and changes in fracture characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) are reported.
Homogenization of compacted blends of nickel and tungsten powders

The diffusional homogenization of compacted blends of elemental Ni and W powders was studied using quantitative metallography and X-ray compositional line broadening. Homogenization treatments were carried out in the temperature range from 1156 to 1271°C (in the region of the Ni-W phase diagram where only the terminal solid solutions exist). The mean compositions of the compacts studied ranged from 0.06 to 0.14 atomic fraction tungsten (in the Ni-rich solid solution). Other variables studied included the size and shape of the W particles, compaction pressure, and the effect of applied load during the homogenization treatment. Experimental measurements of the solution of the unstable W-rich phase and the increase in W concentration in the Ni-rich matrix were compared to calculated values obtained from a concentric-sphere mathematical model which assumed volume interdiffusion (concentration-independent diffusion coefficients) and local equilibrium at the heterophase interface. The model provided a fairly good approximation of the homogenization kinetics and the effects of the major processing and powder parameters investigated. The primary sources of discrepancy between model predictions and experimental data appeared to result from modest surface diffusion contributions to homogenization and imperfect powder blending.
Islet transplantation at subcutaneous and intramuscular sites.

The subcutaneous site is ideal for clinical islet transplantation because it has the advantage of being accessible and can be biopsied when needed. Sadly, the results at subcutaneous sites were disappointing. The reason for this failure is not known, but poor vascularization may play a role. We tested the hypothesis that islet grafts would do better if more vasculature or oxygen could be supplied. Six hundred isolated C57BL/6 mouse islets were syngeneically transplanted into inbred streptozotocin-diabetic recipients at a subcutaneous site on the back with (Group A, n = 6) or without (Group B, n = 8) postoperative hyperbaric oxygen (2.4 ATA, 100% O 2 ) therapy, or at a calf muscle (Group C, n = 9). During 13-week posttransplantation follow-up, recipients' blood glucose decreased and body weight increased significantly in all 3 groups (P <.05). However, there was no significant difference among the 3 groups. At 13 weeks, the insulin contents of the graft was also comparable among the 3 groups. Our data indicate the following: (1) postoperative hyperbaric oxygen therapy did not improve the outcome of islet transplantation at a subcutaneous site; and (2) a muscular site was not superior to a subcutaneous site for islet transplantation.
An epidemiological model for direct and indirect transmission of typhoid fever

The modified SIS epidemiological model considers the usual direct transmission (short cycle) and indirect transmission (long cycle) of typhoid fever. Thresholds are determined, and the equilibrium points are shown to be globally stable. Local stability of the equilibrium points is shown in the corresponding model with vaccines. After estimating parameters using current statistical data for typhoid fever in Chile, computer simulations are used to obtain the numerical behavior of this disease and to estimate the effect of several control policies.
Antecedents of negative self attitudes: Membership group devaluation and defenselessness

Specific hypotheses are derived from the general thesis that the experience of selfdevaluing circumstances in membership groups and the inability to effectively employ self-protective mechanisms (that is, a state of defenselessness) influence the subsequent development of negative self-attitudes. Data were gathered from junior high school students tested annually at three points in time. Of the 7, 618 students responding at the first testing (T1) 62 % responded at the second administration (T2) and 41 % responded to all three tests. It was hypothesized and observed that subjects who at T1 were high on factorially derived measures of perceived devaluation by peers, ... by family, ... by school, ... by membership groups in general, and on a measure of defenselessness/vulnerability (relative to those who were low on these measures) would manifest significantly higher subsequent levels of self-derogation at T2 and T3, and would manifest a significantly greater (”base-free”) increase in self-derogation from T1 – T2. After considering an alternative interpretation of the findings the data were interpreted as supporting the general thesis.
The design and composition of persuasive maps

Persuasive maps are ubiquitous in society, yet cartographers have largely neglected to conduct serious, holistic research on them. Persuasive maps represent a form of visual communication that diff...
Effects of Signal and Masker Uncertainty on Children's Detection.

This paper reports the results of two experiments that examined the effects of signal and masker uncertainty on preschool-age children’s and adults’ detection of tonal signals in noise maskers. In ...
Protecting the right to medical treatment from the War on Terror. The status of Guantanamo Bay detainees.

Envision a member of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. This life-saving surgery is not being performed in an unsanitary and ill-equipped “spider-ho...
Proteomic analysis of Sulfolobus solfataricus during Sulfolobus Turreted Icosahedral Virus infection.

Where there is life, there are viruses. The impact of viruses on evolution, global nutrient cycling, and disease has driven research on their cellular and molecular biology. Knowledge exists for a wide range of viruses; however, a major exception are viruses with archaeal hosts. Archaeal virus–host systems are of great interest because they have similarities to both eukaryotic and bacterial systems and often live in extreme environments. Here we report the first proteomics-based experiments on archaeal host response to viral infection. Sulfolobus Turreted Icosahedral Virus (STIV) infection of Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 was studied using 1D and 2D differential gel electrophoresis (DIGE) to measure abundance and redox changes. Cysteine reactivity was measured using novel fluorescent zwitterionic chemical probes that, together with abundance changes, suggest that virus and host are both vying for control of redox status in the cells. Proteins from nearly 50% of the predicted viral open reading frames were fo...
Some physical properties of deoxyribonucleic acids dissolved in a high-salt medium: salt hyperchromicity.

1. The effects of very high salt concentrations upon the u.v. absorption, viscosity, and optical rotation of DNA were studied. 2. Concentrated NaBr (7.4 M) caused a pronounced hyperchromicity (measured at 260 mμ) which was entirely reversible when excess salt was removed. The increased absorption (salt hyperchromicity) was approximately linear with salt concentration. 3. Heating of a DNA solution in saturated NaBr produced a further increase in absorption which was irreversible and independent of DNA concentration. 4. Salt hyperchromicity, which was most pronounced in NaBr solutions, was less evident in other halide and alkali salts, and completely absent with LiCl solutions. 5. Gradually increasing NaBr concentration produced a loss in dextrorotation of DNA from an initial value of about +117 degrees to a final value of +67 degrees at 7.4 M salt concentration. The rate of change in specific optical rotation was most pronounced in 4 to 5 M NaBr concentrations. 6. Concentrated NaBr solutions of DNA showed a striking loss in viscosity as compared with DNA solutions in 0.1 M salt. 7. Neutral salt concentration in excess of about 13 molal caused quantitative precipatation of DNA. Among the salts which were tested, precipitation of DNA resulted only from the use of LiCl solutions. 8. Some structural implications of these phenomena were discussed, and an attempt was made to compare the various types of hyperchromicity (“hydrolytic”, “water”, and “salt”) in nucleic acids.
Iseminger’s Literary Intentionalism and an Alternative

Evaluation de l'argument de G. Iseminger concernant la compatibilite et la verite des interpretations d'un poeme en fonction des intentions de l'auteur. Soulevant le probleme de la disposition au choix, du contexte de l'auto-interpretation, du principe de non-contradiction et du principe de charite, l'A. examine les jeux de langage qui interviennent dans l'interpretation litteraire et determine la nature organiciste et emergentiste de la signification linguistique. Au-dela de l'ontologie mecaniste et logiciste d'Iseminger, l'A. defend la these du contextualisme litteraire selon laquelle les intentions sont des entites abstraites qui doivent etre actualisees
On MEMS Reliability and Failure Mechanisms

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are a fast-growing field in microelectronics. MEMS are commonly used as actuators and sensors with a wide variety of applications in health care, automotives, and the military. The MEMS production cycle can be classified as three basic steps: (1) design process, (2) manufacturing process, and (3) operating cycle. Several studies have been conducted for steps (1) and (2); however, information regarding operational failure modes in MEMS is lacking. This paper discusses reliability in the context of MEMS functionality. It also presents a brief review of the most relevant failure mechanisms for MEMS.
Ultrasonic characterization performed during chemical foaming of cross-linked polyolefins

Abstract Injection molding of cross-linked low density foams made from poly(ethylene-co-octene) resins results from simultaneous reactions occurring during the process. The ultrasonic quasi-static characterization technique (no flow) can mimic adequately the conditions prevailing during the molding process (pressure, temperature, time) and monitor the blowing process through sound velocity, attenuation and specific volume measurements. In this work, compounds prepared from resins with different melt flow indices are investigated, showing the influence of the degree of cross-linking on the chemical blowing agent (CBA) decomposition, as well as the effect of viscosity on the degassing conditions. Experiments demonstrate the complexity of CBA decomposition and of gas molecule diffusion in the polymer matrix.
GestureAnalyzer: visual analytics for pattern analysis of mid-air hand gestures

Understanding the intent behind human gestures is a critical problem in the design of gestural interactions. A common method to observe and understand how users express gestures is to use elicitation studies. However, these studies require time-consuming analysis of user data to identify gesture patterns. Also, the analysis by humans cannot describe gestures in as detail as in data-based representations of motion features. In this paper, we present GestureAnalyzer, a system that supports exploratory analysis of gesture patterns by applying interactive clustering and visualization techniques to motion tracking data. GestureAnalyzer enables rapid categorization of similar gestures, and visual investigation of various geometric and kinematic properties of user gestures. We describe the system components, and then demonstrate its utility through a case study on mid-air hand gestures obtained from elicitation studies.
A Comparison of Different Statistical Procedures for Determining the Relationship Between Cognitive Tempo and Reading Achievement

Summary The relationship between reading achievement and performance on the Matching Familiar Figures Test was investigated in second-grade boys and girls (N = 37) with use of various statistical procedures recently suggested in the literature. Both latency and accuracy correlated with achievement significantly, although latency appeared to have greater salience than accuracy when correlations were not corrected for attenuation. Salkind and Wright's Impulsivity scale, which has the advantage of providing continuous rather than nominal measurement, correlated significantly with achievement. Salkind's Efficiency-Scale, as well as a multiple correlational procedure, did not appear to offer substantial additional predictive power.
Family Reunification as International History: Rethinking Sino-Canadian Relations after 1970

Building on the emerging scholarship that treats the history of global migration as a crucial aspect of international history, this article examines the little known 1973 family reunification agree...
Tectorial membrane I: Static mechanical properties in vivo

Abstract Although the tectorial membrane in the mammalian cochlea plays a crucial role in hair-cell stimulation, its mechanical properties have never been investigated under conditions approximating those under which it normally functions. For this reason, we performed such investigations in live Mongolian gerbils. Access to the tectorial membrane was gained through the lateral wall in the second cochlear turn. As far as possible, sodium ions were kept away from the tectorial membrane by avoiding injury to Reissner's membrane, relieving the perilymphatic pressure and rinsing the scala media with an isotonic KCl solution. The tectorial membrane was manipulated with a flexible micropipette in three, approximately orthogonal, directions. Under these conditions the membrane was found to be highly compliant and resilient and to have a relatively high tensile strength. Its viscosity was low. Some of these attributes were altered by sodium ions, dyes, or death.
Determination of soy protein, whey protein, and casein in unheated meats by high-performance liquid chromatography

Description d'une methode simple de dosage des proteines etrangeres ajoutees aux viandes hachees crues (boeuf, porc, poulet, dinde). Application a la detection des adulterations
Employee Relations in IBM

The author describes IBM's system of employee relations, and assesses its role in contributing towards the company's aspirations in terms of productivity and quality.
Kinship, courtship, and child maintenance law in Botswana

Official statistics in Botswana suggest very high numbers of extramarital births and female-headed households. One element of family policy in Botswana is a statute allowing women to claim maintenance payments from the biological fathers of their extramarital children. Formal interviews and informal conversations with women and men in a village in Botswana indicate that women do not make use of the maintenance law for a variety of reasons. Among these is that a continuing tie to the biological father of the child would interferen with the traditional mechanisms by which that child is supported and socially positioned and with the woman's own prospects for courtship and eventual marriage to the biological father or another man. Family policies should fit within, rather than being imposed upon, the cultural framework of the people they are trying to help.
Differential susceptibility of brain areas to cyanide involves different modes of cell death.

Abstract We have demonstrated that cyanide (KCN) induces selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in mice and apoptotic cell death in cultured neurons. In the present study the mode of cyanide-induced cell death was determined in the susceptible brain areas. Mice were treated with KCN (6 mg/kg ip) or vehicle (saline) twice daily for 1 to 12 days. After 3 days of KCN treatment, two separate lesions were observed in coronal brain sections. Widespread DNA fragmentation in parietal and suprarhinal regions of the motor cortex was observed by thein situterminal deoxynucleotide transferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique. Pyknosis and chromatin condensation, morphological hallmarks of apoptotic cells, were observed in TUNEL-positive regions. On the other hand, in the substantia nigra (SN), KCN produced a progressive, bilateral necrotic lesion that was evident by 3 days of treatment. The SN lesion was circumscribed by a prominent ring of glial infiltration, as determined by glial-acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) immunostaining. The extent of the SN lesion steadily increased with treatment duration, and DNA fragmentation was not observed over the 1- to 12-day period. On the other hand, cortical apoptosis was not associated with necrotic cell loss or astrogliosis. Pretreatment of animals with the antioxidant α-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) for 7 days prior to and during 3 days of KCN administration markedly reduced cortical DNA fragmentation whereas the PBN treatment did not influence the SN necrosis or astrocytic gliosis. Except for moderate GFAP immunostaining in corpus callosum, other brain areas were not affected by cyanide. It is concluded that KCN-induced neuronal loss involves selective activation of necrosis or apoptosis in different neuronal populations, and involves divergent mechanisms and sensitivity to antioxidants.
Real light simulates in projector

Light distribution curve from projection lamp is a key factor to design the illumination system. Realistically simulating the real light emitting behavior will let designer improve the system collection efficiency and uniformity. It is an advantage information to optimize the system performance.
A Study of Light-Sensitive Ideality Factor and Voltage-Dependent Carrier Collection of CdTe Solar Cells in Forward Bias

Two features that distinguish CdS/CdTe solar cells from traditional c-silicon cells have been widely confirmed by experiment: 1) The ideality factor of the diode current is sensitive to photon flux input, and 2) the photocurrent is voltage dependent. Here, numerical simulation of one-sided p-type CdTe junctions has been performed in order to interpret the experimental characteristics under forward bias. In these calculations, we assumed a distribution of trapping states within the CdTe bandgap. Detailed discussions have been divided into two parts: light-dependent forward current and voltage-dependent carrier collection. The former has demonstrated that recombination loss increases with increased optical generation. As a result, the diode current, in a certain forward bias region, depends on illumination. With this mechanism, the ideality factor of simulated J-V curves shows a variation consistent with experimental curves. Carrier collection loss under voltage bias is the combined result of carrier diffusion, drift, and recombination during transport. Simulations that are based on our assumption have demonstrated that collection loss increases at higher forward bias and depends on wavelength, carrier mobility, and carrier lifetime.
Degradation of silicone rubber under compression in a simulated PEM fuel cell environment

Abstract Long-term stability and durability of gaskets in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is critical to both sealing and the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell. In this paper, the time-dependent chemical and mechanical degradation of silicone rubber, which is one of the potential gasket materials for PEM fuel cells, was investigated. Test samples were subjected to a constant compressive load to simulate the actual loading on seals and soaked in a simulated PEM fuel cell environment. Based on actual PEM fuel cell operation, two temperatures 60 °C and 80 °C were selected and used in this study. The optical microscopy was used to reveal the topographical changes on the sample surface. Atomic absorption spectrometer analysis shows that silicon, calcium and magnesium were leached from the material into the soaking solution. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to study the surface chemistry of the silicone rubber before and after exposure to the test environment. The ATR-FTIR results indicate that the surface chemistry changed significantly via de-crosslinking and chain scission in the backbone for the material over time. The microindentation test was used to assess the change of mechanical properties of the material before and after exposure to the environment. It was found that the mechanical properties of the silicone rubber material changed significantly and both the temperature and the exposure time have direct effect on the stiffness of the material.
Approximating the Detection Limit of an Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging Microscope Operating in an Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) Modality: Theoretical and Empirical Results for an Instrument Using a Linear Array Detector and a 1.5 Millimeter Germanium Hemisphere Internal Reflection Element:

Theoretical and empirical detection limits have been estimated for aripiprazole (analyte) in alpha lactose monohydrate (matrix model pharmaceutical formulation) using a micro-attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopic imaging instrument equipped with a linear array detector and a 1.5 mm germanium hemisphere internal reflection element (IRE). The instrument yielded a theoretical detection limit of 0.0035% (35 parts per million (ppm)) when operating under diffraction-limited conditions, which was 49 times lower than what was achieved with a traditional macro-ATR instrument operating under practical conditions (0.17%, 1700 ppm). However, these results may not be achievable for most analyses because the detection limits will be particle size limited, rather than diffraction limited, for mixtures with average particle diameters greater than 8.3 μm (most pharmaceutical samples). For example, a theoretical detection limit of 0.028% (280 ppm) was calculated for an experiment operating under particle size-limited conditions where the average particle size was 23.4 μm. These conditions yielded a detection limit of 0.022% (220 ppm) when measured empirically, which was close to the theoretical value and only eight times lower than that of a faster, more simplistic macro-ATR instrument. Considering the longer data acquisition and processing times characteristic of the micro-ATR imaging approach (minutes or even hours versus seconds), the cost-benefit ratio may not often be favorable for the analysis of analytes in matrices that exhibit only a few overlapping absorptions (low-interfering matrices such as alpha lactose monohydrate) using this technique compared to what can be achieved using macro-ATR. However, the advantage was significant for detecting analytes in more complex matrices (those that exhibited several overlapping absorptions with the analyte) because the detection limit of the macro-ATR approach was highly formulation dependent while that of the micro-ATR imaging technique was not. As a result, the micro-ATR imaging technique is expected to be more valuable than macro-ATR for detecting analytes in high-interfering matrices and in products with unknown ingredients (e.g., illicit tablets, counterfeit tablets, and unknown powders).
Dendritic cell-mediated immunization in macroglobulinemia.

Abstract Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) specialized to initiate immunity and are critical targets for all vaccines. New methods to generate large quantities of these cells in the laboratory and load them with tumor antigens allows novel approaches targeting these APCs in the clinic. Injection of antigen loaded DCs can boost tumor-specific immunity in patients. Studies in myeloma suggest that the use of autologous tumor as a source of antigen may be the preferred approach. Boosting antitumor immunity may be a useful strategy to prevent tumor progression in patients with asymptomatic macroglobulinemia. Semin Oncol 30:305-308. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Immunohistochemical markers of uterine receptivity in the human endometrium

The factors responsible for the initial interaction between maternal and fetal epithelium leading to the establishment of pregnancy remain poorly understood. Temporal and spatial expression of specific endometrial peptides in response to ovarian steroids is thought to contribute to the development of a period of uterine receptivity, whereby the endometrium becomes hospitable to the implanting blastocyst. The failure to establish receptivity may account for a significant percentage of the cases of infertility in the female, especially affecting women with luteal phase deficiency, leiomyomata uteri, endometriosis, habitual abortion, and unexplained infertility. In addition, despite increasing global experience with advanced reproductive technologies, the majority of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) attempts remain unsuccessful, most likely on the basis of implantation failure. In this article, we review the concepts involved in the study of uterine receptivity in the human, highlight potential immunohistochemical (IHC) markers that have recently been discovered, and discuss how IHC assessment of the endometrium is a potentially valuable method for the evaluation of the receptive endometrial state. Using this approach we have examined several new potential markers of uterine receptivity. Endometrial progesterone receptors and one of the integrin cell adhesion molecules appear to undergo changes in expression around the time of implantation, and may be sensitive indicators of the receptive state. Further, these markers are delayed in women with infertility and luteal phase deficiency. These studies illustrate the utility of IHC diagnosis for the evaluation of endometrial function.
Effects of climate change and wildfire on soil loss in the Southern Rockies Ecoregion

Forests in the Southern Rockies Ecoregion surround the headwaters of several major rivers in the western and central US. Future climatic changes will increase the incidence of wildfire in those forests, and will likely lead to changes in downstream water quality, including sediment loads. We estimated soil loss under the historic climate and two IPCC climate change emissions scenarios (A2 and B1); each scenario was modeled using statistically downscaled climate data from global circulation models (GCMs; ECHAM5 and HadCM3) for each of thirteen land cover types. We used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and developed a way to calculate rainfall erosivity, a key factor in RUSLE, to account for climate change. We also incorporated the effects of climate change on wildfire to create stochastic spatial distributions of wildfires and to inform changes in land cover. Based on 100 simulations of future wildfire applied to RUSLE for each GCM-scenario combination, we found that soil loss will likely increase above historic levels but that considerable uncertainty remains about the amount of increase. Across the GCM-scenario combinations, mean soil loss increased above historic levels by from 3% (HadCM3-A2) to 65% (ECHAM5-B1) for climate change only and the effects of wildfire increased soil loss an additional 3 to 5%.
Megachip — a new potato variety for chipping

‘MegaChip’ is a medium-late variety for chipping, with round-oval tubers of white tan skin and white flesh. MegaChip has consistently shown good to high yield potential. The tubers bulk early and produce a good size distribution for chipping. The specific gravity is consistently high and is close to the solid content of ‘Atlantic’. MegaChip has longer dormancy than ‘Snowden’ and Atlantic and stores well. It produces high quality chips that have an excellent color both from the field and after storage at 7.2 to 10 C. MegaChip showed a high level of resistance to common scab at most locations in North Central Regional trials and is moderately resistant to foliar early blight, powdery scab, pink rot, dry rot and soft rot. MegaChip is also fairly resistant to shatter bruise.
Combined percutaneous coronary atherectomy and coronary angioplasty: Experience in 19 consecutive patients

Abstract Among 82 patients undergoing coronary atherectomy, 19 (23%) underwent this procedure in combination with coronary angioplasty. The most frequently involved vessel was the left anterior descending coronary artery. In 11 patients (58%), attempted atherectomy preceded coronary angioplasty. In 6 of the 11, angioplasty was used after the atherectomy catheter could not be positioned across the lesion; 4 patients underwent “rescue” angioplasty after developing vessel occlusion related to atherectomy and 1 patient had an unsatisfactory result of atherectomy. The success rate of the combined intervention was 82% for these 11 patients. In eight patients (42%), atherectomy was performed after initial angioplasty. In four of the eight, atherectomy was a rescue procedure to manage vessel occlusion by thrombus or intimal dissection and was successful in three. In the other four, angioplasty was performed to establish an easier passage for the atherectomy catheter and was successful in three. Thus, the success rate of the combined intervention was 75% for these eight patients. The overall success rate for all 19 patients was 79%; there was one in-hospital death and one non-Q wave infarction, and one patient required immediate coronary artery surgery. Two other patients underwent coronary artery surgery before hospital discharge. Combined intervention with coronary angioplasty and atherectomy seems to be a relatively safe and effective approach in selected patients when either of these procedures alone is unsuccessful or is accompanied by acute coronary complications.
Electronic health records and research: privacy versus scientific priorities.

In his insightful article, “Is Deidentification Sufficient to Protect Health Privacy in Research?” Mark Rothstein (2010) correctly highlights the shortcomings of deidentification and makes a compel...
Diagnostic Test Generation for Arbitrary Faults

It is now generally accepted that the stuck-at fault model is no longer sufficient for many manufacturing test activities. Consequently, diagnostic test pattern generation based solely on distinguishing stuck-at faults is unlikely to achieve the resolution required for emerging fault types. In this work we describe a new diagnostic ATPG implementation that uses a generalized fault model. It can be easily used in any diagnosis framework to refine diagnostic resolution for complex defects. For various types of faults that include, for example, bridge, transition, and transistor stuck-open, we show that diagnostic resolution can be significantly enhanced over a traditional diagnostic test set aimed only at stuck-at faults. Finally, we illustrate the use of our diagnostic ATPG to distinguish faults derived from a state-of-the-art diagnosis flow based on layout.
Behavioural vs. molecular sources of conflict between nuclear and mitochondrial DNA: the role of male‐biased dispersal in a Holarctic sea duck

Genetic studies of waterfowl (Anatidae) have observed the full spectrum of mitochondrial (mt) DNA population divergence, from apparent panmixia to deep, reciprocally monophyletic lineages. Yet, these studies often found weak or no nuclear (nu) DNA structure, which was often attributed to male-biased gene flow, a common behaviour within this family. An alternative explanation for this ‘conflict’ is that the smaller effective population size and faster sorting rate of mtDNA relative to nuDNA lead to different signals of population structure. We tested these alternatives by sequencing 12 nuDNA introns for a Holarctic pair of waterfowl subspecies, the European goosander (Mergus merganser merganser) and the North American common merganser (M. m. americanus), which exhibit strong population structure in mtDNA. We inferred effective population sizes, gene flow and divergence times from published mtDNA sequences and simulated expected differentiation for nuDNA based on those histories. Between Europe and North America, nuDNA ФST was 3.4-fold lower than mtDNA ФST, a result consistent with differences in sorting rates. However, despite geographically structured and monophyletic mtDNA lineages within continents, nuDNA ФST values were generally zero and significantly lower than predicted. This between- and within-continent contrast held when comparing mtDNA and nuDNA among published studies of ducks. Thus, male-mediated gene flow is a better explanation than slower sorting rates for limited nuDNA differentiation within continents, which is also supported by nonmolecular data. This study illustrates the value of quantitatively testing discrepancies between mtDNA and nuDNA to reject the null hypothesis that conflict simply reflects different sorting rates.
Magnetic field conditioned taste aversion in rats.

Nolte, C. M., D. W. Pittman, B. Kalevitch, R. Henderson and J. C. Smith. Magnetic field conditioned taste aversion in rats. Physiol Behav 63(4) 683–688, 1998. Conditioned taste aversion is a common classic conditioning procedure used to identify noxious stimuli. When a rat is given a taste solution, the conditioned stimulus (CS), followed by an unpleasant experience, the unconditioned stimulus (US), the rat will avoid consumption of the CS in future presentations. These experiments use the taste aversion procedure to examine the effect of exposure to a high magnetic field. A solution consisting of 3.0 g glucose and 1.25 g saccharin per 1 L of solution (G+S) was used as the CS and a 9.4-T magnet served as the US. In Experiment 1, all rats received a 10 min presentation of the G+S solution followed by either a 30 min exposure to the magnetic field (Magnet, n = 8), a 30-min exposure in a container with similar conditions but lacking the magnetic field (Sham, n = 8), or no exposure (Control, n = 8). The Magnet Group showed a taste aversion on the first day of preference testing (p < 0.05). Experiment 2 employed the same US-CS protocol for 3 consecutive days of conditioning. The Magnet Group demonstrated a taste aversion for the postexposure Days 1—8 (p < 0.01). There was no difference between the Sham and Control Groups in either experiment. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that the rats associated the G+S solution with the experience of being exposed to the high magnetic field and avoided the solution in subsequent presentations.
Complementary and Alternative Medicines for Alzheimer's Disease

The recent successes of large, multicenter clinical trials of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease have spawned enthusiasm that this common and fatal neurologic disease is “treatable.” A parallel explosion has occurred in the consumption of alternative medicines by the public seeking more effective, natural, or safer methods for treatment of dementia. Some of these medicines may, in fact, be biologically active in modulating the disease as well as producing side effects and interactions with accepted pharmaceuticals. This review brings to focus the scientific evidence presently available regarding such agents.
Single rays as indicators of fin vestigialization in coho salmon: patterns and perspectives☆

Although finrays in salmon normally contain a pair of elements (biramous), finrays with a single element (uniramous) occasionally develop. Exposure to chronic stress during character development has been shown to increase fluctuating asymmetry, suggesting the occurrence of single finrays may be stress-induced. On the other hand, single finrays may be evolutionary atavisms, reflecting fin vestigialization caused by reduced selection pressure. To assess the merits of these hypotheses, cleared and stained paired and median fins were examined for single finrays in juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch Walbaum) from two compatible hatchery stocks and their reciprocal hybrids which had been exposed to different patterns of chronic temperature fluctuation throughout embryogenesis. In the median fins, uniramous secondary finrays predominated, and single primary finrays were infrequent. Single finrays in the median fins did not respond to thermal treatment or cross, suggesting the fins were evolutionarily stable and under strong developmental control. The paired fins were observed to contain only primary finrays. Frequencies of single pelvic finrays increased under thermal stress, as did fluctuating asymmetry, suggesting increased sensitivity to stress due to reduced developmental control in this fin. However, the presence or absence of single finrays in the paired fins did not alter the statistical significance of the conclusions regarding levels of fluctuating asymmetry, the number of asymmetric fish, or the contribution to meristic variation from asymmetry. Locations of single finrays in the paired fins were unaffected by thermal treatment or cross. Single finrays were most commonly observed in the trailing margins of both paired fins, a finding consistent with vestigialization theory. Frequency histograms of single pectoral finray locations revealed a second peak in the leading quarter of the fin. The esults support the hypothesis that single primary finrays are evolutionary atavisms, and that reduced selection pressure is differentially influencing the paired fins.
Early Environmental Predictors of the Affective and Interpersonal Constructs of Psychopathy

Early childhood maltreatment (i.e., physical, sexual, emotional abuse) and caregiver disruptions are hypothesized to be instrumental in altering the neurobiology of the brain, particularly the amygdala, and contributing to the development of the affective deficits examined in individuals with psychopathy. Exposure to early untoward life events in models of rodent and nonhuman primates changes the neurobiology of the stress response. It is hypothesized that these changes may permanently shape brain regions that mediate stress and emotion and therefore play a role in the etiology of affective disorders in humans. The significance of experience (e.g., the intensity/severity, chronicity/duration, and developmental timing of experiences) and how the accompanying changes in the activity of the hypothalamic—pituitary—adrenocortical system affect alterations in the amygdala are discussed as critical contributors to the etiology of psychopathy. A model is proposed in which early maltreatment experiences contribute...
When gout goes to the heart: does gout equal a cardiovascular disease risk factor?

Cardiovascular disease is among the leading causes of mortality in the world1 and its prevalence is rising over time.2 Inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and others are commonly associated with a higher risk and an earlier onset of cardiovascular disease. This increased risk may be mediated at least partially by non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors (inflammation and other disease activity factors), in addition to the traditional cardiovascular risk factors.3 ,4 In a study by Clarson et al, 5 the authors found that gout was a risk factor in women for incident coronary heart disease, any vascular event and peripheral vascular disease, but not cerebrovascular disease. The cardiovascular risk associated with gout was lower in men. The study used the Clinical Practice Research Database (CPRD) that includes 3.5 million people in the UK from general practices, stated by the authors to be representative of the general population with gout. The authors compared 8386 patients with gout with 39 766 non-gout patients. Despite the strengths of this study, including a large sample size, exclusion of patients with previously known heart disease and adjustment for important covariates, the study's findings must be interpreted in the light of two important limitations. First, the diagnoses of gout and most cardiac outcomes were not validated, but obtained from primary care records, which are likely to lead to some misclassification. Second, from an epidemiologic perspective, some people with disease may not seek care despite having access to healthcare due to either low/intermittent disease activity or personal health beliefs; also, there may be surveillance or detection bias because patients with gout may be more likely to visit primary care physicians than those who are healthy or do not have gout. Thus, the study's findings may be generally applicable to the UK population, but one may …
Real-time lip-synch face animation driven by human voice

In this demo, we present a technique for synthesizing the mouth movement from acoustic speech information. The algorithm maps the audio parameter set to the visual parameter set using the Gaussian mixture model and the hidden Markov model. With this technique, we can create smooth and realistic lip movements.
Documentation of the nasal nitric oxide response to humming: methods evaluation

Rationale Nitric oxide (NO) is present at higher concentrations in the nasal cavity than in the lower airway, and at even higher concentrations within the paranasal sinuses proper. When the paranasal sinus ostia are patent, acoustic activity produced by vocalization with closed lips (humming) promotes mixing of sinus with nasal gases, producing a further increase in nasal NO. We wished to evaluate procedures for the documentation of the nasal NO response to humming. Materials and methods We compared two ATS-recommended sampling methods: 1) active exhalation of lower airway gas (parallel technique) and 2) passive aspiration of nasal gas with closed velopharynx (series technique). Variables controlled for included sampling rate, external resistance (parallel method), humming frequency, humming duration, and intertrial interval. Prior to upper airway sampling, exhaled lower airway NO was determined utilizing ATS-standardized technique. Results Ten volunteers (seven males and three females, aged 21‐58) with no history of respiratory allergies or sino-nasal disease were studied in a single session each. The parallel technique documented an increase in nasal NO during the humming manoeuvre in all subjects (mean ratio of humming-to-quiet NO, 4·2), whereas the series technique did so in eight of 10 subjects (mean ratio 2·1). Correcting for admixture from the lower airway, the ratio of humming-to-quiet NO was greater with the parallel than series sampling technique ( P < 0·05).
Herpes simplex virus induces neural oxidative damage via microglial cell Toll-like receptor-2

Using a murine model of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 encephalitis, our laboratory has determined that induction of proinflammatory mediators in response to viral infection is largely mediated through a Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2)-dependent mechanism. Published studies have shown that, like other inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated during viral brain infection. It is increasingly clear that ROS are responsible for facilitating secondary tissue damage during central nervous system infection and may contribute to neurotoxicity associated with herpes encephalitis. Purified microglial cell and mixed neural cell cultures were prepared from C57B/6 and TLR2-/- mice. Intracellular ROS production in cultured murine microglia was measured via 2', 7'-Dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) oxidation. An assay for 8-isoprostane, a marker of lipid peroxidation, was utilized to measure free radical-associated cellular damage. Mixed neural cultures obtained from β-actin promoter-luciferase transgenic mice were used to detect neurotoxicity induced by HSV-infected microglia. Stimulation with HSV-1 elevated intracellular ROS in wild-type microglial cell cultures, while TLR2-/- microglia displayed delayed and attenuated ROS production following viral infection. HSV-infected TLR2-/- microglia produced less neuronal oxidative damage to mixed neural cell cultures in comparison to HSV-infected wild-type microglia. Further, HSV-infected TLR2-/- microglia were found to be less cytotoxic to cultured neurons compared to HSV-infected wild-type microglia. These effects were associated with decreased activation of p38 MAPK and p42/p44 ERK in TLR2-/- mice. These studies demonstrate the importance of microglial cell TLR2 in inducing oxidative stress and neuronal damage in response to viral infection.
Turbidity currents interacting with three-dimensional seafloor topography

Direct numerical simulations are employed to investigate the interactions of bidisperse turbidity currents with three-dimensional seafloor topography in the form of Gaussian bumps. Results for two different bump heights are compared against currents propagating over a flat surface. The bump heights are chosen such that the current largely flows over the smaller bump, while it primarily flows around the taller bump. Furthermore, the effects of the settling velocity are investigated by comparing turbidity currents with corresponding compositional gravity currents. The influence of the bottom topography on the front velocity of turbidity currents is seen to be much weaker than the influence of the particle settling velocity. Consistent with earlier work on gravity currents propagating over flat boundaries, the influence of the Reynolds number on the front velocity of currents interacting with three-dimensional bottom topography is found to be small, as long as Re> O.1000/. The lobe-and-cleft structures, on the other hand, exhibit a stronger influence of the Reynolds number. The current/bump interaction deforms the bottom boundary-layer vorticity into traditional horseshoe vortices, with a downwash region in the centre of the wake. At the same time, the vorticity originating in the mixing layer between the current and the ambient interacts with the bump in such a way as to form ‘inverted horseshoe vortices’, with an upwash region in the wake centre. Additional streamwise vortical structures form as a result of baroclinic vorticity generation. The dependence of the sedimentation rate and streamwise vorticity generation on the height of the bump are discussed, and detailed analyses are presented of the energy budget and bottom wall-shear stress. It is shown that for typical laboratory-scale experiments, the range of parameters explored in the present investigation will not give rise to bedload transport or sediment resuspension. Based on balance arguments for the kinetic and potential energy components, a scaling law is obtained for the maximum bump height over which gravity currents can travel. This scaling law is validated by simulation results, and it provides a criterion for distinguishing between ‘short’ and ‘tall’ topographical features. For turbidity currents, this scaling result represents an upper limit. An interesting non-monotonic influence of the bump height is observed on the long-term propagation velocity of the current. On the one hand, the lateral deflection of the current by the bump leads to an effective increase in the current height and its front velocity in the region away from the bump. At the same time, taller bumps result in a more vigorous three-dimensional evolution of the current, accompanied by increased levels of dissipation, which slows the current down. For small bumps, the former mechanism dominates, so that on average the current front