cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytochemical localization of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction by means of horseradish peroxidase-labelled α-bungarotoxin

The cytochemical localization of acetylcholine (ACh) receptors at the neuromuscular junction was investigated with a procedure utilizing alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BtX) labeled directly with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Following incubation of tissues in the conjugate and reaction for peroxidase, activity was observed on the junctional folds of the motor endplate. A uniform layer of reaction product approximately 15 nm thick occurred over the apical portions of the junctional folds. Membranes at the bases of the synaptic cleft showed only small amounts of reaction product. Non-junctional regions of the muscle fiber were unreactive. Activity was also observed in the membrane of the axon facing the muscle surface, often including the axolemma overlying the "active zones" of the nerve terminal. Such presynaptic activity was still evident on nerve terminals disjuncted from the synapse by enzymatic treatment prior to incubation in the conjugate. This localization indicates the possible presence of presynaptic ACh receptors within the axolemma. In muscle denervated for 7-12 days, motor endplates were reactive and parajunctional sarcolemma showed slight activity, but most extrajunctional regions contained no obvious accumulations of reaction product. Activity at all sites was prevented by preincubation of tissues in native alpha-BTX prior to incubation in the conjugate and reaction for HRP. This procedure represents a simple and convenient method for the high resolution localization of ACh receptors.
A protocol for assessing the effectiveness of oil spill dispersants in stimulating the biodegradation of oil

Dispersants are important tools in oil spill response. Taking advantage of the energy in even small waves, they disperse floating oil slicks into tiny droplets ( 10 m), conditions that are impossible to replicate in the laboratory. To date, laboratory experiments aimed at following the biodegradation of dispersed oil usually show only minimal stimulation of the rate of biodegradation, but principally because the oil in these experiments disperses fairly effectively without dispersant. What is needed is a test protocol that allows comparison between an untreated slick that remains on the water surface during the entire biodegradation study and dispersant-treated oil that remains in the water column as small dispersed oil droplets. We show here that when this is accomplished, the rate of biodegradation is dramatically stimulated by an effective dispersant, Corexit 9500®. Further development of this approach might result in a useful tool for comparing the full benefits of different dispersants.
A system of one dimensional balls with gravity

We introduce a Hamiltonian system with many degrees of freedom for which the nonvanishing of (some) Lyapunov exponents almost everywhere can be established analytically.
Association of vitamin D with cardiometabolic risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory arthritis associated with increased morbidity and mortality, primarily related to greater atherosclerotic burden. Compared to non-RA controls, patients with RA are at a 1.5–3 fold increased risk of cardiovascular events (1, 2). The risk factors contributing to this increased propensity towards atherosclerosis in RA are poorly understood and have been a focus of expanding research. RA specific risk factors, such as chronic systemic inflammation (3), altered lipid function (4) and change in body composition (5) have been identified as few of the possible mechanisms driving the increased cardiovascular risk. Thus, identification of these and other risk factors is critical as their modification may result in improved long term outcomes in the RA population. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic risk factors, such as insulin resistance (6) hypertension (7) metabolic syndrome (8) and cardiovascular events (9, 10) in cross-sectional analyses of non-RA populations. In a meta-analysis of 28 studies, the highest levels of serum 25(OH)D were associated with a 43% reduction in cardiometabolic disorders, (ie CVD, DM and metabolic syndrome) [OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.48–0.68] (11). However, not all studies have confirmed these associations (12). Vitamin D is a pleiotropic steroid molecule and exerts its physiological effects through the ubiquitous vitamin D receptor, a nuclear hormone receptor (13). Activated vitamin D is now implicated in regulating several genes with diverse biological functions (14, 15) which may explain its possible epidemiological associations with diverse chronic diseases, such as common cancers, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and autoimmune disorders (16, 17). Vitamin D also has known immunomodulatory effects (18) and its possible role in initiation and exacerbation of autoimmune diseases is an area of ongoing scientific study. Low levels of vitamin D are noted to be common in RA, with several studies indicating greater than 50% prevalence of suboptimal vitamin D levels in this population (19, 20). Our data suggest that up to 60% of RA patients have suboptimal vitamin D levels in the mid-Atlantic region (21). It is plausible that vitamin D deficiency in RA may pose an independent risk of cardiometabolic disease and thus may provide a modifiable target to potentially reduce cardiovascular disease burden in this population. However, any possible link between vitamin D deficiency and cardiometabolic risk factors in RA has not been evaluated. We thus investigated the relationship of vitamin D levels with cardiometabolic risk factors in a cohort of RA patients without established CVD and hypothesized that low vitamin D levels would be associated with greater cardiometabolic burden this population.
A Convenient Model for the Evolution of Early Psychology as a Scientific Discipline

Scientific and technological advances by the 1850s serve as a backdrop for an appreciation of early psychology.
An Assessment of Milling Time on the Structure and Properties of a Nanostructured Ferritic Alloy (NFA)

The tensile properties of a 14 wt pct chromium nanostructured ferritic alloy (NFA) are assessed as a function of attrition time. Small angle X-ray scattering results show quantitatively that the number density of precipitated oxides increases as a function of milling time. This difference in oxide density alone is not enough to describe the tensile behavior of the NFA as a function of temperature. As a result, a previously proposed root mean square strengthening model is applied to the current study where direct dispersion strengthening, grain boundary strengthening, dislocation forest hardening, and matrix hardening are all considered. When an optimization routine is conducted, the fitting results suggest that the precipitated oxides are soft obstacles to dislocation motion.
Seepage flow problems in layered soils solved by the finite element method

General two-dimensional free surface seepage flow problems have been solved in the complex potential plane by the finite element method using rectangular elements. The inverse formulation in which the x and y coordinates are considered dependent variables, and the stream function and potential function are the independent variables, was used in the solution. The free surface seepage problems investigated were the seepage from trapezoidal ditches through layered, isotropic and anisotropic homogeneous media. Included is a comparison between finite element and finite difference solutions. The finite element method proved to be more accurate and easier to apply for these free surface boundary value problems in which the free surface is not known a priori.
MST radar studies of wind and turbulence in the middle atmosphere

Abstract A survey is presented of recent developments in the observation of wind and turbulence in the stratosphere and mesosphere using MST radars. One of the highlights of these developments is the growing recognition that the MST/ST radar is a valuable tool for routine monitoring of the atmospheric wind field. Furthermore, preliminary observations have shown the feasibility of monitoring atmospheric turbulence as well. Recent observations of mesospheric turbulence support theoretical models that emphasize the role of propagating waves in coupling the lower and middle atmospheres. Scientific groups in several countries are now planning or constructing MST radars so that within a few years observations should be available from diverse geographical locations spanning the globe.
Relationships at Work: Toward a Multidimensional Conceptualization of Dyadic Work Relationships

Work relationships have come to form the very foundation of organizations and the contemporary embodiment of how most work gets accomplished, and there has been increased scholarly interest in this area. Although research has investigated the nature of high-quality and low-quality work relationships, few attempts have taken that next important step in more precisely articulating the actual dimensions that underlie work relationships, how they relate to one another, and how, as contextual background, they frame and influence organizational phenomena. In an effort to help address this gap in our understanding of relationships at work, this study briefly reviews the relevant literature on work relationships, extracting what is currently known about the specific aspects or underlying dimensions of such relationships. Then, the authors introduce an integrative multidimensional conceptualization of dyadic work relationships, which specifies the critical foundational dimensions and processes, and discusses the i...
Individual and interactive effects of environmental stress on the embryonic development of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas. I. The toxicity of copper and silver

Abstract Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas Thunberg, embryos were exposed to copper and silver salts, alone and in combination, through the completion of embryogenesis and metal effects upon normal embryonic development were monitored. Copper concentrations throughout the test period ranged from 0·0 to 12·0 μg litre−1 while silver concentrations were between 0·0 and 18·0 μg litre−1. Administered individually, silver and copper yielded decreasing per cent normal embryonic development with increasing metal concentration. However, both metals exhibited ‘plateaus’ wherein per cent normal embryonic development did not decrease with increasing metal concentration until a particular concentration was attained. A rapid decrease in per cent normal embryonic development occurred with increasing metal concentrations greater than 6·0 μg litre−1 copper and 11·0 μg litre−1 silver. The dose-response patterns of copper and silver appear to be similar with copper exhibiting somewhat greater toxicity. At a copper concentration of 10 μg litre−1 only 50% of the embryos could be considered normally developed, whereas silver concentrations between 16·0 and 18·0 μg litre−1 yielded 50% normal embryonic development. Response surface methodology indicated that copper and silver interacted additively, with embryonic development affected to a much greater degree by copper than by silver. Optimum development of Crassostrea gigas embryos was greatly influenced by copper concentrations and occurred at all silver concentrations wherein the corresponding copper concentrations were 6·0 μg litre−1 or less. Above 6·0 μg litre−1 copper, per cent normal embryonic development was significantly reduced, even at the lowest tested silver concentrations. Abnormal embryos exhibited retarded shell growth, reduced size and extremely erratic swimming behaviour. These sublethal effects probably have a biochemical origin and would limit the organism's capacity to feed properly, escape predation and develop normally, thereby reducing the chances of successful metamorphosis and recruitment into the adult population.
Variable temperature infrared spectroscopy of cytosine-guanine base pairs: tautomerism versus polarization.

Abstract This report describes an infrared (IR) spectroscopic study of a model cytosine - guanine base pair. This base pair is part of a self-consistent experimental system based on lipophilic ribose derivatives of cytidine (C), guanosine (G) and O6-methylguanosine (O6MeG) that are soluble in non-aqueous, low dielectric solvents at appreciable concentrations. Previous experiments on this system have revealed different rotation dynamics for the amino bonds within the CG base pair, an observation that could be explained by the presence of rare tautomers (P.O. Lowdin, Reviews of Modern Physics 35, 724 (1963)), or by mutual polarization of the base pairs (L.D. Williams, N.G. Williams and B.R. Shaw, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 112, 829 (1990)). The IR spectra in the OH and NH stretching region indicate formation of hydrogen-bonded CG base pairs and self associates in 1,2-dichlorobenzene over a temperature range from 10 to 290K. Changes in the lineshapes and intensities of the IR bands with temperature correlate with pha...
Investigation of laser-induced damage in KDP crystals under simultaneous exposure to laser harmonics

We investigate the laser-induced damage behavior of KDP and DKDP crystals under simultaneous multi-wavelength irradiation as a function of laser fluences to approximate conditions during frequency conversion. Our results reveal fundamental behaviors of damage initiation
BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF QUINOXALINE 1,4-di-N-OXIDE IN RADIATION INJURY IN MICE

It has been shown that premedication with Quinoxaline1,4-di-N-oxide is beneficial to irradiated mice, significantly increasing both the ST/sub 50/ day and total number of survivors. The effect has been related to a significant reduction in number of enteric organisms causing the usual irradiation bacteremia. It has been demonstrated that lactobacilli were the predominating invaders under conditions of our experiments. The drug does not appear to have an effect on bone marrow. (auth)
FUNDAMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL REACTIVITY TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF THE HYDROGEN STORAGE MATERIAL 2LIBH4 MGH2

Abstract While the storage of hydrogen for portable and stationary applications is regarded as critical in bringing PEM fuel cells to commercial acceptance, little is known of the environmental exposure risks posed in utilizing condensed phase chemical storage options as in complex hydrides. It is thus important to understand the effect of environmental exposure of metal hydrides in the case of accident scenarios. Simulated tests were performed following the United Nations standards to test for flammability and water reactivity in air for a destabilized lithium borohydride and magnesium hydride system in a 2 to 1 molar ratio respectively. It was determined that the mixture acted similarly to the parent, lithium borohydride, but at slower rate of reaction seen in magnesium hydride. To quantify environmental exposure kinetics, isothermal calorimetry was utilized to measure the enthalpy of reaction as a function of exposure time to dry and humid air, and liquid water. The reaction with liquid water was found to increase the heat flow significantly during exposure compared to exposure in dry or humid air environments. Calorimetric results showed the maximum normalized heat flow of the fully charged material was 6 mW/mg under liquid phase hydrolysis; and 14 mW/mg for the fully discharged material also occurring under liquid phase hydrolysis conditions.
Cutaneous antimicrobial gene therapy: engineering human skin replacements to combat wound infection

Skin substitutes have been developed as adjunctive treatments for massive burns and chronic wounds. However, compared with native skin autograft, skin substitutes display increased susceptibility to microbial contamination. Wound infection increases the likelihood of amputation in patients with lower extremity chronic wounds and can lead to life-threatening complications in burn patients. Infections in these populations are currently treated with topical antimicrobial agents in addition to broad-spectrum oral or intravenous antibiotics, but this may facilitate development of resistant organisms. Skin replacements with innate resistance to infection could reduce or eliminate the requirement for exogenous antibiotics. Gene-encoded antimicrobial peptides have demonstrated activity against a variety of pathogens and expression of these peptides can be increased in skin cells using gene transfer. Theoretically, skin replacements engineered to overexpress antimicrobial peptides may represent a novel approach fo...
Human Neutrophil Fcγ Receptors Initiate and Play Specialized Nonredundant Roles in Antibody-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases

Inflammation mediated by antibody-antigen complexes contributes to autoimmune diseases. Mice deficient in the common Fcgamma-chain are protected from IgG-mediated glomerulonephritis and the reverse passive Arthus (RPA) reaction and FcR-bearing macrophages, and mast cells have been assigned primary roles in these processes. Here we demonstrate that neutrophil-selective transgenic expression of the two uniquely human neutrophil Fc gamma receptors (FcgammaRs), FcgammaRIIA and FcgammaRIIIB, in Fcgamma-chain-deficient mice restored susceptibility to progressive glomerulonephritis and the cutaneous RPA reaction. FcgammaRIIIB and FcgammaRIIA mediated neutrophil accumulation, whereas FcgammaRIIA alone promoted organ injury. In a model of soluble immune complexes deposited within the vasculature, FcgammaRIIIB was responsible for neutrophil slow rolling and adhesion whereas in the cremaster RPA, induced by both vascular and tissue soluble immune complexes, FcgammaRIIA predominated. Thus, human FcgammaRs on neutrophils serve as molecular links between antibody and immunological disease, with FcgammaRIIA promoting tissue injury and FcgammaRIIIB and FcgammaRIIA displaying specialized context-dependent functions in neutrophil recruitment.
Circadian rhythms during gradually delaying and advancing sleep and light schedules

The circadian rhythms of the night shift worker show very little phase shift in response to the daytime sleep and night work schedule. One strategy for producing circadian adaptation may be to use appropriately timed exposure to high-intensity light. We attempted to shift the circadian temperature rhythms of seven normal subjects while they followed a sleep schedule that gradually delayed (2 h per day) until sleep occurred during the daytime, as is customary for workers during the night shift. After 5 days, the sleep schedule was gradually advanced back to baseline. High illuminance light (2 h per day) and the attenuation or avoidance of sunlight were timed to facilitate temperature rhythm phase shifts. In general, the temperature rhythm did not shift along with the sleep-wake schedule, but appeared either to free run or remain entrained to the natural 24-h zeitgebers. This study showed how difficult it can be to shift human circadian rhythms in the field, when subjects are exposed to competing 24-hr zeitgebers.
Effects of Different Floor Types and Levels of Washing of Waterers on Broiler Performance and Bacteria Count of Drinking Water

Abstract The objective of the present experiment was to determine the effect of different flooring materials and washing of waterers on broiler performance. The floor treatments were 1) black, plastic-coated expanded metal, relatively rigid (B); 2) white plastic, semi-rigid, with rectangular openings (WR); 3) white plastic, semi-rigid, with square openings (WS); and 4) 3 cm of rice hull litter (C). One hanging waterer was placed in each pen. Wash treatments were 1) trough and bell washed every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (AW); 2) wash trough only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (TW); and 3) the waterers were never washed after the 2nd wk (NW). Broilers reared on C has significantly lower BW than those broilers on B floors. Broilers reared on the B and WS floors had significantly higher breast blister scores and percentage of birds with blisters than broilers reared on C floors. Broilers reared on C had lower enlarged feather follicle scores than those reared on all raised floors and a lower percentage of enlarged feather follicles than those broilers reared on WS or WR floors. Broilers reared on WS+TW had significantly better feed conversion than WS+AW, B+TW, and B+AW treatments. Broilers reared on WR+TW treatment were significantly higher in breast blister score than broilers reared on WR+AW, C+TW, and C+AW treatments. Broilers reared on C+TW and C+AW treatments were significantly lower in breast blister score except for broilers reared on C+NW, WR+AW, and WS+AW treatments. Broilers reared on C+NW treatment were significantly lower in enlarged feather follicle score than those broilers reared on B+TW, WR+AW, and WS+NW treatments. Broilers reared on C+TW and C+AW were significantly lower in enlarged feather follicle score than all treatments except C+NW treatment. Broilers reared on WR+TW and WS+AW treatments were significantly higher in percentage enlarged feather follicles than all C treatments and B+NW treatment. Broilers reared on C+TW and C+AW treatments had significantly lower percentage enlarged feather follicles than all treatments except C+NW and B+NW treatments. Little difference was found among floor types and wash treatments for bacteria count of the drinking water.
Measuring the forces required for circular motion

An easy-to-construct apparatus can be used with an MBL force probe to allow students to measure the forces acting on a mass moving in horizontal or vertical circular motion. The apparatus and its construction are described and sample data is discussed.
An internal clock generates repetitive predictive saccades

Previously we demonstrated the presence of a behavioral phase transition between reactive and predictive eye tracking of alternating targets. Prior studies of repetitive movements have proposed that an "internal clock" is the neural mechanism by which interval timing is achieved. In the present report we tested whether predictive oculomotor (saccade) tracking is based on an internal time reference (clock) by examining the effect of transient perturbations to the periodic pacing stimulus. These perturbations consisted of altering the timing of the stimulus (abruptly increasing or decreasing the inter-stimulus interval) or extinguishing the targets altogether. Although reactive tracking (at low pacing rates) was greatly affected by these timing perturbations, once predictive tracking was established subjects continued to time their eye movement responses at the pre-existing rate despite the perturbation. As expected from certain clock models, inter-stimulus intervals for predictive tracking followed Weber's law and the scalar property (timing variability increases in proportion to interval duration), but this was not true for reactive tracking. In addition, the perturbation results show that subjects can establish an internal representation of target pacing (the internal clock) in as little as two eye-movement intervals, which suggests that this mechanism is relevant for real-world situations. These findings are consistent with the presence of an internal clock for the generation of these predictive movements, and demonstrate that the neural mechanism responsible for this behavior is temporally accurate and flexible.
Recordkeeping in the Production of Scientific Knowledge: An Ethnographic Study

Recent scholarship in archival studies has employed “non-traditional” modes of analysis to theorize the nature of the record and recordkeeping in organizational contexts. In that tradition, this paper discusses the author’s use of ethnographic methodology to study recordkeeping in one academic research laboratory. The paper explores how ethnography contributes to our understanding of the laboratory as a recordkeeping organization and the intersections of scientific practice and the kinds of records scientists create and use. The paper calls for more analysis of recordkeeping as an information infrastructure and inquiry into the nature of the record in other kinds of knowledge production environments.
That Was Then and This Is Now: A Longitudinal Study of Teachers' Portfolio Practices

Abstract This study uses portfolio and teacher change literature as frames for analyzing four teachers' use of classroom portfolios over a three-year period. The teachers taught in a summer literacy program for young students who were considered at-risk for literacy failure. At the time of this investigation, they had taught in this program for three consecutive years. A portfolio approach to assessment was a program mandate. Qualitative research techniques were used in data gathering and analysis. Teacher interviews and the classroom portfolios were the data resources. The content of the portfolios and the interview comments were inspected, and each teacher's first- and third-year portfolios and interview comments were contrasted and compared with those of the other teachers. The layer of comparisons allowed for the emergence of themes that portrayed each teacher's shifts in portfolio use and literacy beliefs over time. Marked shifts were discovered in the portfolio as a document (from many items to care...
Increased plasma tryptophan in HIV-infected patients treated with pharmacologic doses of nicotinamide

METHODS: After receiving approval from the institutional review board, we treated HIV-infected patients for 2 mo with high-dose niacin in the form of oral nicotinamide. RESULTS: There was an average 40% increase in plasma tryptophan (P 5 0.01) in the four HIV-infected individuals who completed the 2-mo protocol. This finding was specific in that four other amino acids, which have been shown to have significant plasma concentration alterations during HIV infection (i.e., cystine, methionine, taurine, and lysine), showed no significant change with nicotinamide therapy. CONCLUSIONS: There were no adverse side effects attributable to this treatment. The effects of high-dose nicotinamide treatment on morbidity or mortality in HIV-infected persons are yet to be determined. This report marks the first successful use of a vitamin to reverse this HIV-induced metabolic abnormality. Nutrition 2001;17:654 ‐ 656. ©Elsevier Science Inc. 2001
Metrology and pointing for astronomical interferometers

Metrology and pointing will be enabling technologies for a new generation of astronomical missions having large and distributed apertures and delivering unprecedented performance. The UV interferometer Stellar Imager would study stellar dynamos by imaging magnetic activity on the disks of stars in our Galaxy. The X-ray interferometer Black Hole Imager would study strong gravity physics and the formation of jets by imaging the event horizons of supermassive black holes. These missions require pointing to microarcseconds or better, and metrology to nm accuracy of optical elements separated by km, for control of optical path difference. This paper describes a metrology and pointing system that meets these requirements for the Stellar Imager. A reference platform uses interferometers to sense alignment with a guide star. Laser gauges determine mirror positions in the frame of the reference platform, and detector position is monitored by laser gauges or observations of an artificial star. Applications to other astronomical instruments are discussed.
Contemporary management of frontal sinus mucoceles: A meta-analysis

Objectives/Hypothesis To analyze trends in the surgical management of frontal and fronto-ethmoid mucoceles through meta-analysis. Study Design Meta-analysis and case series. Methods A systematic literature review on surgical management of frontal and fronto-ethmoid mucoceles was conducted. Studies were divided into historical (1975–2001) and contemporary (2002–2012) groups. A meta-analysis of these studies was performed. The historical and contemporary cohorts were compared (surgical approach, recurrence, and complications). To study evolution in surgical management, a senior surgeon's experience over 28 years was analyzed separately. Results Thirty-one studies were included for meta-analysis. The historical cohort included 425 mucoceles from 11 studies. The contemporary cohort included 542 mucoceles from 20 studies. More endoscopic techniques were used in the contemporary versus historical cohort (53.9% vs. 24.7%; P = <0.001). In the authors' series, a higher percentage was treated endoscopically (82.8% of 122 mucoceles). Recurrence (P = 0.20) and major complication (P = 0.23) rates were similar between cohorts. Minor complication rates were superior for endoscopic techniques in both cohorts (P = 0.02 historical; P = <0.001 contemporary). In the historical cohort, higher recurrence was noted in the external group (P = 0.03). Conclusions Results from endoscopic and open approaches are comparable. Although endoscopic techniques are being increasingly adopted, comparison with our series shows that more cases could potentially be treated endoscopically. Frequent use of open approaches may reflect efficacy, or perhaps lack of expertise and equipment required for endoscopic management. Most contemporary authors favor endoscopic management, limiting open approaches for specific indications (unfavorable anatomy, lateral disease, and scarring). Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:378–386, 2014
Yttrium Iron Garnet Nano Films: Epitaxial Growth, Spin-Pumping Efficiency, and Pt-Capping-Caused Damping

Abstract This chapter touches upon several topics related to yttrium iron garnet (YIG)-based spintronics. The chapter consists of four main sections. The first section introduces the structure and magnetic properties of YIG materials. The second section reports on the feasibility of the use of pulsed laser deposition to grow low-damping, nanometer-thick YIG films. Such films are critically needed for both fundamental studies, such as the study of spin pumping, and device applications, such as spin torque oscillators. Surface imperfection-associated damping in YIG nano films is also discussed. The third section presents the determination of efficiency of spin angular momentum transfer across YIG/normal metal interfaces. The last section reports on damping enhancement in YIG nano films due to the magnetic proximity effect in Pt capping layers. The results reported in this section not only demonstrate a new type of damping in magnetic films, but are also of practical significance, as Pt is being widely used for the generation and detection of spin currents.
Dynamic thermal management for multimedia applications using machine learning

Multimedia applications are expected to form the largest portion of workload in general purpose PC and portable devices. The ever-increasing computation intensity of multimedia applications elevates the processor temperature and consequently impairs the reliability and performance of the system. In this paper, we propose to perform dynamic thermal management using reinforcement learning algorithm for multimedia applications. The proposed learning model does not need any prior knowledge of the workload information or the system thermal and power characteristics. It learns the temperature change and workload switching patterns by observing the temperature sensor and event counters on the processor, and finds the management policy that provides good performance-thermal tradeoff during the runtime. We validated our model on a Dell personal computer with Intel Core 2 processor. Experimental results show that our approach provides considerable performance improvements with marginal increase in the percentage of thermal hotspot comparing to existing workload phase detection approach.
Restoration of mandibular continuity defects using combinations of hydroxylapatite and autogenous bone: microscopic observations.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to assess by light, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy the healing of mandibular continuity defects reconstructed with varying ratios of an alloplastic hydroxylapatite implant material (HA) mixed with autogenous bone (AB). This study reports the microscopic observations of implant and control sites at 6 and 18 months postsurgery. The results confirm the biocompatibility of dense HA granules. Specimens exhibited differing degrees of osseous regeneration that appeared related to the percent composition of HA. At 18 months, 86% and 91% of the HA granules were completely surrounded by bone in those specimens reconstructed with implants consisting of 25% and 50% HA, respectively. In contrast, specimens receiving implants consisting of 75% and 100% HA featured osseous encapsulation of 75% and 66% of the granules, respectively. The results of this limited study indicate that dense HA granules mixed with AB in ratios ranging from 3:1 to 1:1 (AB:HA) may be successfully used as a bone extender during reconstructive surgery.
until death do us part: marriage/death in anthropological discourse

Anthropology has represented marriage as the definitive ritual and universally translatable regulative ideal of human societies. Its relation to the assertion of privilege, to closure, death, abjection, and exclusion are rarely examined in anthropological analyses. In this article I analyze the specific and changing representations of marriage in anthropological literature. I ask what forms of inclusion and exclusion are derived from the use of marriage as a universal equivalent. I argue that there has been a metaphysical privileging of the categories marriage, gender, heterosexuality, and life, which obtain their privilege by functioning as part of violent hierarchies in occasions of symbolization. Given the high political stakes in this imagining of marriage in the age of AIDS, I conclude that anthropologists should pay more attention to variability and instability as well as to that which is denied articulation in the occasions of reiteration of marriage. [marriage, death, AIDS, kinship, gender, sex]
Practical performance/power alternatives within an existing CMOS technology generation

The tremendous demand for advanced microprocessors is making developers offer a superior product at a competitive price which meets specific performance, power, and reliability requirements. Today's products are designed and built with essentially the same design, fabrication, and test tools used by all industry manufacturers and are constrained by the same device physics, package impedance, heat dissipation capability, and battery energy density limitations. In addition, the current technology generation presents a new set of difficult challenges for the treatment of power dissipation. Lowering voltage to reduce power diminishes FET overdrive and the performance of the device. Recapturing performance by migrating quickly to the next scaled technology generation, however, makes low-power designs expensive, and is not always necessary. Standard full scaling preserves physical and electrical relationships between parameters. On the other hand, selective scaling of specific device parameters may allow the exploitation of existing tools and designs by the use of a different design point on the process "surface". This paper describes recent attempts to explore the feasibility of selective scaling and anticipated constraints associated with future technology generations.
Minimum feedback rates for multicarrier transmission with correlated frequency-selective fading

In this paper, we consider multicarrier transmission through a frequency-selective fading channel with limited feedback. An on-off power allocation activates the set of subchannels with gains above a threshold. We model the sequence of subchannel gains as a Markov process, and give a lower bound on the feedback rate in bits per subchannel needed to specify the sequence of activated subchannels as a function of the activation threshold. Optimizing the threshold gives the same asymptotic growth in capacity as optimal water-filling as the number of subchannels N goes to infinity. If the ratio of coherence bandwidth to the total available bandwidth is fixed, then the ratio between minimum feedback rates with correlated and i.i.d. subchannels, respectively, converges to zero with N. For a sequence of Rayleigh fading subchannels, which are modeled as a first-order autoregressive process, the ratio goes to zero as O (/spl radic/logN/N) with the optimized threshold. We also consider finite-precision rate control on each subchannel, and show that the feedback rate required to specify the sequence of assigned rate levels across subchannels gives the same asymptotic increase in achievable rate with N as the (infinite-precision) on-off power allocation.
A Low-cost seismograph and recording drum

The science of seismology is one which has been cultivated, for the most part, by professional seismologists. There are amateur astronomers and amateur radio operators. The work of these amateurs has been of great value, not only to the sciences themselves, but also to the cultural advancement of the amateurs. This being true, it would be advantageous to the science of seismology to encourage work by amateurs in this field.
Comparative Effectiveness of Mitoxantrone Plus Prednisone Versus Prednisone Alone in Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer After Docetaxel Failure

Background. Mitoxantrone was approved for use in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) based on pain palliation without observed survival benefit in a small phase III trial in 1996. To re-evaluate for possible survival benefits in a larger contemporary sample and to demonstrate analytic uses of the newly available Project Data Sphere online resource, we used data from control arms of completed clinical trials to compare survival and toxicity among patients with postdocetaxel mCRPC treated with mitoxantrone and prednisone.
Effects of hydralazine, nitroglycerin, and food on estimated hepatic blood flow.

Several recent studies have shown that hydralazine and nitroglycerin may increase the apparent oral bioavailability of high-clearance drugs. It has been postulated that the mechanism responsible may be a vasodilator-induced transient increase in hepatic blood flow with an associated reduction in first-pass metabolism. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of hydralazine (25 mg) and sublingual nitroglycerin (2 doses of 0.6 mg separated by 30 minutes) on indocyanine green (ICG) blood clearance (ClB). Forty minutes after the start of nitroglycerin therapy, ICG ClB fell from a baseline of 648 ± 98 to 607 ±151 ml/min, and was further decreased to 578 ± 98 ml/min 80 minutes after dosing. Hydralazine induced no consistent effect on ICG ClB. ICG ClB was 744 ± 376, 721 ± 218, and 763 ± 195 ml/min at baseline, 40 minutes, and 80 minutes after dosing. As a positive control, ICG ClB was assessed after a high-protein meal. After this meal, ICG ClB increased from 656 ± 107 to 811 ± 141 and 801 ± 132 ml/min at 40 and 80 minutes after dosing. These data suggest that one or more mechanism(s) other than changes in hepatic blood flow are involved in the vasodilator-induced increase in the apparent oral bioavailability of high-clearance drugs. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1985) 37, 464–468; doi:10.1038/clpt.1985.72
Terrans, extraterrestrials, warriors and the last (wo)man standing

In science fiction and horror thriller films, black protagonists are rare; even rarer are black female protagonists who not only survive, but also prevail as heroic figures. This article explores the trope of the last woman standing, the one who survives in combat and struggles for existence regarding humans in conflict for survival with Others – powerful technologically-advanced extraterrestrials. Through examination of two film franchises, Alien and Predator, this article examines the role of two female lead protagonists, representations of females and the feminine, the narratives in which they are situated and considers the questions of race, gender, power and the heroic. This article posits that black women can perform as heroes in non-stereotypical ways and that science fiction films (and for that matter, literature by black writers in particular) offer possibilities for black women to perform in ways that are emancipatory, not only as warriors in the traditional sense, but also as warriors in defenc...
Technical Note-On Sensitivity Analysis in Geometric Programming

This note develops efficient sensitivity procedures for posynomial geometric programs. These procedures provide ranging information for the primal coefficients, means for dealing with problems with loose primal constraints, and an incremental procedure for improving the estimated solutions. These sensitivity procedures are independent of the method of solution of the geometric program.
Construction results for MDS-convolutional codes

The generalized singleton bound and maximum distance separable(MDS)-convolutional codes are reviewed. For each n, k and /spl delta/ an elementary construction of rate k/n MDS convolutional codes of degree /spl delta/ is given.
Randomized Recruitment in Case-Control Studies

A new sampling approach for case-control studies offers a flexible alternative to frequency matching. In the "randomized recruitment" method, subjects are individually randomized to be recruited or not on the basis of investigator-imposed recruitment probabilities that can depend on both disease status and values of covariates already available or ascertained in a screening interview. When there is prior information about the odds ratios associated with the screening variables, such a design can achieve "probability matching," without the well-known disadvantages that encumber traditional matching. The method can also be used to enlarge the relative size of subsamples of interest. Following randomized recruitment, a modified logistic regression analysis allows unbiased estimation of effects associated with all variables studied, including the "matching" variables. One can also readily fit an additive model. The method is illustrated by developing the recruitment probabilities required for probability matching on age, sex, and cigarette smoking status in an ongoing study of lung cancer and exposure to radon progeny in which smoking cases are undersampled.
Actor-Networks in Music History: Clarifications and Critiques

This article offers clarifications and critiques of actor-network theory and its usefulness for music historiography. Reviewing the work of ANT theorists Bruno Latour, Annemarie Mol, and other social theorists (such as Georgina Born and Anna Tsing), the author explains that ANT is a methodology, not a theory. As a general introduction, the author outlines ANT's methodological presuppositions about human and non-human agency, action, ontology, and performance. He then examines how these methodological principles affect three concerns of music-historical interest: influence, genre, and context. In conclusion, he addresses problems related to temporality, critique, and reflexivity. He draws on music-historical examples after 1960: John Cage, the Jazz Composer's Guild, Henry Cow, Iggy Pop, and the Velvet Underground.
The many ways to make a luminal cell and a prostate cancer cell

Research in the area of stem/progenitor cells has led to the identification of multiple stem-like cell populations implicated in prostate homeostasis and cancer initiation. Given that there are multiple cells that can regenerate prostatic tissue and give rise to prostate cancer, our focus should shift to defining the signaling mechanisms that drive differentiation and progenitor self-renewal. In this article, we will review the literature, present the evidence and raise important unanswered questions that will help guide the field forward in dissecting critical mechanisms regulating stem-cell differentiation and tumor initiation.
Projected changes of temperature and precipitation in Texas from downscaled global climate models

Climate change projections, in particular precipitation and temperature under differ- ent IPCC future emissions scenarios in Texas, were based on statistically downscaled multi-model ensembles. A comparison of downscaled model results with observations and reanalysis data for the present-day climate shows that all models simulate monthly variations in surface air tempera- ture well (correlation coefficient: 0.98), while precipitation correlation coefficients vary widely across different models (from 0.79 to 0.92). We performed a detailed analysis for the Texas region with an emphasis on 5 sub-regions. Our probability analysis shows an overall increase in surface air temperature towards the end of the 21st century of 4.8, 3.6, and 2.2°C for A2, A1B, and B1 emis- sion scenarios, respectively, relative to the mean of 1971�2000. Surface air temperatures in north- western Texas increase more under various scenarios, while they are projected to increase steadily in southeastern Texas in response to the large thermal capacity of the Gulf of Mexico. The trends in precipitation are not as clear as those in temperature, suggesting more complicated mechanisms. Precipitation and surface air temperature changes are negatively correlated on an annual basis. This indicates that, as surface air temperature increases in Texas, most regions are projected to become drier. Precipitation changes correlate negatively with surface air temperature changes in summer, while no correlation appears between them for the winter season.
Estimating Purchase Regularity with Two Interpurchase Times

Determining how regularly purchases occur is an elemental step in modeling and interpreting several aspects of purchase behavior. Methods that calculate regularity at the individual level lack powe...
A preliminary study of the factors which influence the sparkover of insulators in dry air and with dry air SF6 mixtures

All of the data given in this report are the result of hundreds of flashover tests with no resulting physical damage to the test specimens. Each Vd and V value given represents an average of ten or more successive tests. More work is planned to lend further credibility to the reasons mentioned for the Vd/V values obtained. Impulse and non-uniform tests are contemplated together with photo-multiplier techniques to measure the pre-breakdown discharges in the series gap. All of the necessary figures cannot be included here due to space limitation, but will be included in a final published report when the work is completed.
Influence of Alternating Magnetic Field on the Crystal Process of Al-11.4%Cu Alloy

The liquidus temperature, solidus temperature and crystal interval of Al-11.4%Cu alloy are determined by testing and analysing the resistance of Al-11.4%Cu alloy solidified under an alternating magnetic field. It is found through experiments that the liquidus temperature and solidus temperature of the alloy increase while the crystal interval decrease by the use of the alternating magnetic field. Furthermore, this variety is more evident when the magnetic density becomes bigger.
Pharmacology of Neuromuscular Blocking Agents in the Intensive Care Unit

This article describes the historical development of neuromuscular blockade agents, the physiology of the neuromuscular junction, and the agents commonly used in the intensive care unit. It includes a description of the pharmacokinetics and dynamics of the agents and discusses the distinctions between their use in the operating room and the intensive care setting.