cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Error measures for object-based image compression

Image compression based on transform coding appears to be approaching a bit-rate limit for visually acceptable distortion levels. Although an emerging compression technology called object-based compression (OBC) promises significantly improved bit rate and computational efficiency, OBC is epistemologically distinct in a way that renders existing image quality measures (IQMs) for compression transform optimization less suitable for OBC. In particular, OBC segments source image regions, then efficiently encodes each region's content and boundary. During decompression, region contents are often replaced by similar-appearing objects from a codebook, thus producing a reconstructed image that corresponds semantically to the source image, but has pixel-, featural-, and object-level differences that are apparent visually. OBC thus gains the advantage of fast decompression via efficient codebook-based substitutions, albeit at the cost of codebook search in the compression step and significant pixel- or region-level errors in decompression. Existing IQMs are pixel- and region oriented, and thus tend to indicate high error due to OBC's lack of pixel-level correlation between source and reconstructed imagery. Thus, current IQMs do not necessarily measure the semantic correspondence that OBC is designed to produce. This paper presents image quality measures for estimating semantic correspondence between a source image and a corresponding OBC-decompressed image. In particular, we examine the semantic assumptions and models that underlie various approaches to OBC, especially those based on textural as well as high-level name and spatial similarities. We propose several measures that are designed to quantify this type of high-level similarity, and can be combined with existing IQMs for assessing compression transform performance. Discussion also highlights how these novel IQMs can be combined with time and space complexity measures for compression transform optimization.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
PROBABILITY DENSITY FUNCTION PROPAGATION MODEL FOR TURBULENT PARTICLE DISPERSION

Abstract This study presents a probability density function propagation approach to dispersion modeling. The model calculates the instantaneous spatial spread about the ensemble-mean trajectory for a group of particles as they move in the Lagrangian reference frame, and thus it precludes the need to generate large numbers of individual particle trajectories to represent the particle phase. This method for finite-inertia particle dispersion is based on Taylor's approach and it approximates the normalized particle velocity correlation functions with Frenkiel functions. The required particle time scales are based on published analytical studies and some independent analysis. All the turbulent scales needed in this approach can be obtained from practical turbulence models. A new procedure to estimate the particle fluctuating velocity statistics along the ensemble mean particle trajectory is also developed. This procedure is based on the particle momentum equation and does not involve any empirical constants. The present model is evaluated by use of the experimental data of Snyder and Lumley and those of Wells and Stock. The ability of the model to predict particle dispersion and particle velocity decay is quite satisfactory for the cases studied. The study also demonstrates the computational advantage of the present model in comparison with the Lagrangian stochastic models that rely on the Monte Carlo procedure to represent the particle phase. The Frenkiel functions seem adequate to model the normalized particle velocity correlations. The validation studies indicate that the crossing trajectory effects induce a negative loop in the normalized particle transverse (relative to particle drift) velocity correlations. These negative loops apparently do not exist in the normalized particle longitudinal (relative to particle drift) velocity correlations.
Reevaluation of the lumbosacral region of Oreopithecus bambolii.

Abstract Functional interpretations of the postcranium of the late Miocene ape Oreopithecus bambolii are controversial. The claim that Oreopithecus practiced habitual terrestrial bipedalism is partly based on restored postcranial remains originally recovered from Baccinello, Tuscany ( Kohler and Moya-Sola, 1997 ). The lower lumbar vertebrae of BA#72 were cited as evidence that Oreopithecus exhibits features indicative of a lordotic lumbar spine, including dorsal wedging of the vertebral bodies and a caudally progressive increase in postzygapophyseal interfacet distance. Here, we demonstrate why the dorsal wedging index value obtained by Kohler and Moya-Sola (1997) for the BA#72 last lumbar vertebra is questionable due to distortion in that region, present a more reliable way to measure postzygapophyseal interfacet distance, and include an additional metric (laminar width) with which to examine changes in the transverse dimensions of the neural arches. We also quantify the external morphology of the BA#72 proximal sacrum, which, despite well-documented links between sacral morphology and bipedal locomotion, and excellent preservation of the sacral prezygapophyses, first sacral vertebral body, and right ala, was not evaluated by Kohler and Moya-Sola (1997) . Measures of postzygapophyseal interfacet distance and laminar width on the penultimate and last lumbar vertebrae of BA#72 reveal a pattern encompassed within the range of living nonhuman hominoids and unlike that of modern humans, suggesting that Oreopithecus did not possess a lordotic lumbar spine. Results further show that the BA#72 sacrum exhibits relatively small prezygapophyseal articular facet surface areas and mediolaterally narrow alae compared with modern humans, indicating that the morphology of the Oreopithecus sacrum is incompatible with the functional demands of habitual bipedal stance and locomotion. The Oreopithecus lumbosacral region does not exhibit adaptations for habitual bipedal locomotion.
Growth of η phase scallops and whiskers in liquid tin-solid copper reaction couples

In the microelectronics industry, many solder junctions rely upon reaction between a copper substrate and a molten tin-based alloy. For the tin/copper system, interfacial continuity is afforded by the formation of the η (Cu6Sn5) and ɛ (Cu3Sn) phase intermetallic compounds. The η grows in a scalloped morphology along the tin interface with whiskers emanating from their tops. This article quantitatively describes the unusual growth behavior of the η phase scallops and whiskers formed during reaction of liquid tin with a solid copper substrate.
Overview of wide-viewing-angle LCD using interdigital electrodes

We have compared the performance of wide-viewing angle technology using interdigital electrodes, which are in-plane switching (IPS), fringing field switching (FFS) and finger on plane (FOP). What we have found is that IPS has the fastest response, FOP has the largest process window, and FFS can provide the similar transmittance as FOP but with more difficult process. The basic properties of these technologies will be reviewed in this paper.
High resolution Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using a high temperature argon arc source

Abstract Application of a high temperature wall-stabilized argon arc source (HTAAS) for high resolution near- and mid-infrared Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been investigated. Spectra of N2O, NH3 and the complex OC-HCl were recorded at maximum apodized instrumental resolution (0.004 cm−1). The signal to noise (S/N) ratio of these molecular absorption transitions were compared with corresponding spectra recorded using a 1520(30) K globar source. At 7.6 μm, recorded 14 N 2 16 O transitions are consistent with a HTAAS at approximately 10,000 K and an enhancement of 12.6 in recorded S/N ratios with respect to the latter globar source. Such results demonstrate a significantly enhanced performance for specific FTIR applications such as high resolution static gas phase spectroscopy and molecular spectroscopy in supersonic jet expansions, and potentially for infrared microscopy.
Amino Terminal Domains of the NMDA Receptor Are Organized as Local Heterodimers

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, an obligate heterotetrameric assembly organized as a dimer of dimers, is typically composed of two glycine-binding GluN1 subunits and two glutamate-binding GluN2 subunits. Despite the crucial role that the NMDA receptor plays in the nervous system, the specific arrangement of subunits within the dimer-of-dimer assemblage is not conclusively known. Here we studied the organization of the amino terminal domain (ATD) of the rat GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B NMDA receptors by cysteine-directed, disulfide bond-mediated cross-linking. We found that GluN1 ATDs and GluN2 ATDs spontaneously formed disulfide bond-mediated dimers after introducing cysteines into the L1 interface of GluN2A or GluN2B ATD. The formation of dimer could be prevented by knocking out endogenous cysteines located near the L1 interface of GluN1. These results indicate that GluN1 and GluN2 ATDs form local heterodimers through the interactions in the L1-L1 interface and further demonstrate a dimer-of-heterodimer arrangement in GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B NMDA receptors.
A study of the solid phase epitaxial regrowth of amorphous silicon utilizing differential reflectometry

Abstract Solid phase epitaxial regrowth (SPER) of amorphous silicon on a crystalline silicon substrate has been intensively studied in the past by applying predominantly Rutherford backscattering and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. This article shows that differential reflectometry is capable of monitoring SPER nondestructively, fast, and with high precision. This is demonstrated for annealing experiments involving arsenic ion-implanted silicon. Three distinct regimes of the recrystallization process have been identified. Their activation energies have been measured.
From Affirmative Action to Full Spectrum Diversity in the American Workplace: Shifting the Organizational Paradigm

This article addresses the need to enhance both group diversity and individualism in the workplace by shifting attention away from affirmative action principles and strategies, as they are commonly implemented, and by focusing more on securing a comprehensive, or full spectrum, diversity in the workplace To do so, an accompanying shift in organizational paradigm must also occur, from one externally-driven to one that uses internally-based incentives to accomplish full spectrum diversity A workplace strategy is constructed which attempts to (1) eliminate the perceived or actual weaknesses found currently in many affirmative action practices and (2) maintain and enhance the asset of diversity m the American workplace.
Over-expression of glutathione S-transferases, DT-diaphorase and an apparently tumour-specific cytosolic class-3 aldehyde dehydrogenase by Warthin tumours and mucoepidermoid carcinomas of the human parotid gland.

Cytosolic class-3 aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH-3) may help to protect organisms from certain environmental aldehydes by catalysing their detoxification. Consistent with this notion are the reports that relatively high levels of this enzyme are present in tissues, e.g. stomach mucosa and lung, that are so-called ports of entry for such agents. Further, it is found in human saliva. The present investigation revealed that small amounts of this enzyme are also present in human salivary glands; mean values for ALDH-3 activities (NADP-dependent enzyme-catalysed oxidation of benzaldehyde) in cytosolic fractions prepared from submandibular and parotid glands were 52 (range: 29-92) and 44 (range: 13-73) mIU/g tissue, respectively. Essentially identical or slightly lower levels of this enzyme activity were found in pleomorphic adenomas, an undifferentiated carcinoma, and an adenocystic carcinomas, of the parotid gland. On the other hand, Warthin tumours, and mucoepidermoid carcinomas of the parotid gland exhibited relatively elevated levels of ALDH-3 activity; mean values were 1200 (range: 780-1880) and 810 (range: 580-1200) mIU/g tissue, respectively. The ALDH-3 found in normal salivary glands was, as judged by physical, immunological and kinetic criteria, identical to human stomach mucosa ALDH-3 whereas the ALDH-3 present in Warthin tumours, and mucoepidermoid carcinomas, of the parotid gland appeared to be a subtle variant thereof. Qualitatively paralleling the relatively elevated ALDH-3 levels in mucoepidermoid carcinomas and Warthin tumours were relatively elevated levels of glutathione S-transferase (alpha and pi) and DT-diaphorase. As was the case with ALDH-3 levels, glutathione S-transferase (alpha and pi) and DT-diaphorase levels were not elevated in pleomorphic adenomas. Glutathione S-transferase mu was not detected in the two normal parotid gland samples, or in the single pleomorphic adenoma sample, tested. It was found in the single mucoepidermoid carcinoma sample, and in one of the two Warthin tumour samples tested. Cellular levels of ALDH-3, glutathione S-transferases and/or DT-diaphorase could be useful criteria when the decision to be made is whether a salivary gland tumour is a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. ALDH-3 and glutathione S-transferases are known to catalyse the detoxification of two agents that are used to treat salivary gland tumours, viz. cyclophosphamide and cisplatin, respectively. Thus, elevated levels of these enzymes in the mucoepidermoid carcinomas must account for, or at least contribute to, the relative ineffectiveness of these agents when used to treat this tumour.
Environmentally-induced modification of the benzodiazepine/GABA receptor coupled chloride ionophore.

The benzodiazepine/GABA receptor coupled chloride ionophore was examined in brain membranes of rats maintained in either a conventional animal facility or a “protected” (low-stress) environment. Following a 10 min ambient temperature swim, animals maintained in both environments had qualitatively similar increases in the number (Bmax) of [35S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) binding sites, the apparent affinity of this radioligand, and the efficacy and potency of Cl− to enhance [3H]flunitrazepam binding. Nonetheless, the Bmax of [35S]TBPS and efficacy of Cl− to enhance [3H]flunitrazepam binding were significantly lower in animals housed in the protected environment compared to those maintained in a conventional facility both before and after swim stress. Furthermore, in rats housed in a protected environment, sequential removal of animals from a common cage (cohort removal), produced a very rapid increase (≤15 s) in Cl−-enhanced [3H]flunitrazepam binding in cortical and hippocampal but not cerebellar membranes. Cohort removal also produced a sequential increase in the number of [35S]TBPS binding sites and apparent affinity of this radioligand in cerebral cortical membranes. The effects of cohort removal were not observed in animals subjected to ambient temperature swim or if animals were removed from different cages. Changes in the benzodiazepine/GABA receptor coupled chloride ionophore produced by cohort removal from a common cage preceded any statistically significant changes in circulating levels of α-MSH, β-endorphin, ACTH or corticosterone. These findings suggest that the benzodiazepine/GABA receptor chloride ionophore complex (supramolecular complex) is under both tonic and acute regulation by the environment, and may subserve a physiologically relevant function in the response to stressful or anxiety producing stimuli.
Multidifferential video coding algorithm for video conferencing applications

This paper introduces a multi-differential video coding algorithm for the efficient transmission of video conference streams. Because the camera is typically stationary during a video conference, we can take advantage of this information to aid in the robust transmission of the video. Specifically, we describe two simple techniques that can be used to segment the video in to background and foreground information. Using this information, we can then efficiently transmit the video stream while reducing the burstiness seen at the network layer. This technique does not require any changes to the video compression standard (typically H.261 or H.263 for video conferencing) but can reduce the bandwidth required for transmission by 20%. Experimental results are shown with actual video stream traces.
An Integrated Framework for Obstacle Mapping With See-Through Capabilities Using Laser and Wireless Channel Measurements

In this paper, we consider a team of mobile robots that are tasked with building a map of the obstacles, including occluded ones, in a given environment. We propose an integrated framework for mapping with see-through capabilities using laser and wireless channel measurements, which can provide mapping capabilities beyond existing methods in the literature. Our approach leverages the laser measurements to map the visible parts of the environment (the parts that can be sensed directly by the laser scanners) using occupancy grid mapping. The parts that cannot be properly mapped by laser scanners (e.g., the occluded parts) are then identified and mapped based on wireless channel measurements. For the latter, we extend our recently-proposed wireless-based obstacle mapping framework to a probabilistic approach using Bayesian Compressive Sensing. We further consider an integrated approach based on using total variation minimization. We compare the performance of our two integrated methods, using both simulated and real data, and show the underlying tradeoffs. Finally, we propose an adaptive path planning strategy that uses the current estimate of uncertainty to collect wireless measurements that are more informative for obstacle mapping. Overall, our framework enables mapping occluded structures that cannot be mapped with laser scanners alone or a small number of wireless measurements. Our experimental robotic testbed further confirms that the proposed integrated framework can map a more complex real occluded structure that cannot be mapped with existing strategies in the literature.
First-order pressure-induced polyamorphism in germanium

We report on the pressure-induced phase transition in amorphous Germanium $(a$-Ge) using an ab initio constant pressure-relaxation simulation. a-Ge exhibits a first-order polyamorphic phase transition at 12.75 GPa with a discontinuous volume change of $\ensuremath{\sim}19%$. The transition pressure is also calculated from the Gibbs free-energy curves, and it is found that the transition occurs at 5.2 GPa in agreement, with the experimental result of 6 GPa. The pressure-induced delocalization of electronic and vibrational states is obtained.
Bright and Compact Alloyed Quantum Dots with Broadly Tunable Near-Infrared Absorption and Fluorescence Spectra through Mercury Cation Exchange

We report a new strategy based on mercury cation exchange in nonpolar solvents to prepare bright and compact alloyed quantum dots (QDs) (Hg(x)Cd(1-x)E, where E = Te, Se, or S) with equalized particle size and broadly tunable absorption and fluorescence emission in the near-infrared. The main rationale is that cubic CdE and HgE have nearly identical lattice constants but very different band gap energies and electron/hole masses. Thus, replacement of Cd(2+) by Hg(2+) in CdTe nanocrystals does not change the particle size, but it greatly alters the band gap energy. After capping with a multilayer shell and solubilization with a multidentate ligand, this class of cation-exchanged QDs are compact (6.5 nm nanocrystal size and 10 nm hydrodynamic diameter) and very bright (60-80% quantum yield), with narrow and symmetric fluorescence spectra tunable across the wavelength range from 700 to 1150 nm.
Adaptive Changes in the Self-Concept During a Life Transition

Theories about the self-concept suggest that different aspects of the self are organized according to importance, or psychological centrality. The ways in which psychological centrality can change and how these changes are associated with psychological well-being were investigated in a sample of aging women who had experienced community relocation. The self-concept was measured before and after the move, with regard to five life domains (health, family, friends, economics, and daily activities). It was hypothesized that well-being is maximized by increasing the psychological centrality of life domains in which one is doing well and by lowering the psychological centrality of life domains in which one is doing poorly. The hypothesized, adaptive psychological centrality shifts emerged in the health and friends domains for select outcome measures. Centrality shifts with different patterns of directionality were observed for the other three domains and are interpreted as reflecting problem-focused coping.
Design, modeling and experimental evaluation of a minimally invasive cage for spinal fusion surgery utilizing superelastic Nitinol hinges

Spinal fusion surgery is performed to alleviate low back pain, and a cage implant is a spacer that sits in between two vertebrae to allow for bone growth and fusion, all while relieving compression of the spinal cord. This paper presents the design, modeling, and experimental evaluation of a minimally invasive cage which utilizes superelastic Nitinol elliptical shaped hinges. The actuation mechanism is presented and the employed additive manufacturing technique is discussed. The modeling approach is also introduced and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the model.
New diluted magnetic semiconductors based on III–V compounds

Abstract This paper focuses on the homogeneity of Mn ions in the new diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) In 1− x Mn x As. It is demonstrated that, when grown at 200°C substrate temperature, the In compound produces a homogeneous alloy. The most extensive proof of this lies in detailed magnetization measurements. Supportive evidence comes from X-ray (lattice constant), optical (bandgap) and transport measurements.
Rhetorical Critic(ism)'s Body: Affect and Fieldwork on a Plane of Immanence

Rhetorical interventions, witnessed from Tahrir Square to Zuccotti Park, demonstrate the potential of local political collectivities and grassroots communities to rhetorically craft broadly shared oppositional identities, commonly held ideologies, and communally constructed symbolic resources. Likewise, they confront rhetorical theorists with a proliferation of everyday, ephemeral, and mundane rhetorical actions that demand a rethinking of what constitutes the object of rhetorical criticism. In this article, we join efforts to theorize the shift from focusing on traditional rhetorical artifacts to attending to rhetorical exchanges encountered by in situ rhetoricians. We expand on contemporary efforts to theorize this shift by focusing on immanent participation as a critical practice through which critics embed their bodies in a web of interpersonal relationships, affective claims on the critic, potential vulnerabilities, and political choices. We augment our theoretical arguments with vignettes from our o...
Three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging: an aging aircraft nondestructive inspection tool

Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation is a valuable technique for finding defects in aircraft structures. It can detect unbonds, corrosion damage, and cracks in various aircraft components. Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation techniques interrogate materials with high frequency acoustic energy. A piezoelectric transducer generates acoustic energy and converts returned acoustic energy into electrical signals which can be processed to identify the reflector. The acoustic energy propagates through the component and is reflected by abrupt changes in modulus and/or density that can be caused by a defect. Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation typically provides a two dimensional image of internal defects. These images are either a planar view (C-scan) or a cross-sectional view (B-scan) of the component. The planar view is generated by raster scanning an ultrasonic transducer over the area of interest and capturing the peak amplitude of internal reflections. Depth information is generally ignored.
Employee Drinking Practices and Their Relationships to Workplace Alcohol Social Control and Social Availability

This study explored relationships between employee drinking practices and employee perceptions of workplace alcohol social controls and social availability. Study data were gathered via a survey and open-ended interviews. Study participants were Administrative Support Unit and blue collar employees of a large, public urban university in the midwestern United States. Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that employee problem drinkers were more likely than nonproblem drinkers to perceive lower levels of certain workplace alcohol social controls against drinking. Employee problem drinkers also were found more likely than abstainers and nonproblem drinkers to report higher levels of certain forms of workplace alcohol social availability. A key informant interview revealed the potential manipulation of alcohol social controls and influence on alcohol social availability that probable employee problem drinkers can have in the workplace. Implications for workplace alcohol prevention are discussed.
Accommodation Coefficients of the Noble Gases and the Specific Heat of Tungsten

By the use of the specific heat theory developed by A. H. Compton and a simple one-dimensional model, a semi-classical treatment of the problem of the thermal accommodation coefficients for monatomic gases against solid surfaces has been obtained. Application of this theory to the data of Roberts gives a satisfactory fit if the heats of absorption of helium and neon on tungsten are taken as 50 cal. per gram atom and 278 cal. per gram atom, respectively. The Compton characteristic temperature for tungsten is found to be 148\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, which leads to the conclusion that the excess specific heat of tungsten above the classical value is partially due to anharmonic terms in the potential energy of the atomic oscillators, as suggested by Born and Brody.
Within-population genetic structure differs between two sympatric sister-species of ectomycorrhizal fungi, Rhizopogon vinicolor and R. vesiculosus

Using spatial autocorrelation analysis, we examined the within-population genetic structure of Rhizopogon vinicolor and R. vesiculosus, two hypoge- ous ectomycorrhizal (EM) species that are sympatric sister taxa known to differ in their clonal structure. We collected 121 sporocarps and 482 tuberculate EM of both species from a 20 ha forest stand dominated by Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Field collec- tions were identified to species with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the nucle- ar ribosomal internal transcribed spacer. Five and six microsatellite markers were used to characterize the genetic diversity of EM and sporocarp samples from R. vesiculosus and R. vinicolor respectively. After correcting for genet structure, spatial autocorrelation analyses of the EM samples were used to test the null hypothesis that multilocus genotypes characterized from each species were randomly distributed within the study area. We detected positive and statistically significant fine-scale genetic structure up to 120 m within the R. vesiculosus sample. In contrast, no spatial genetic structure was evident for R. vinicolor, indicating that the genotypes characterized for this species were randomly distributed throughout the study area. Differences in statistical power or the nuclear count of basidiospores are unlikely agents of the genetic patterns observed. Our results suggest that differences in reproductive output or competitive ability may act individually or in combination to create clusters of similar genotypes for R. vesiculosus throughout the study area.
Progress in direct-drive inertial confinement fusion

Recent progress in direct-drive inertial confinement fusion research at LLE using the 60-beam, 30-kJUV OMEGA laser system and cryogenic target capability to perform ignition-scaled implosions will be reported. In addition, a new high-energy (2.6-kJ) petawatt capability–OMEGA EP–is currently under construction.
Wear of Composite Resin Restorations in Primary versus Permanent Molar Teeth

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the wear rates of posterior composite resin restorations in primary versus permanent teeth. Based on theories of composite wear in primary molars, as well as on empirical observations, we hypothesized that wear would be greater in permanent tooth restorations. In Part I of the study, quantitative wear data from four different clinical trials (three permanent tooth studies and one primary tooth study) were compared. The same posterior composite restorative material was investigated in each of the four studies.In Part II of the study, quantitative wear data were drawn from a single clinical trial wherein the same experimental posterior composite material was placed in primary and permanent molars in the same children. In Part II, the baseline sample size included posterior composite restorations placed in 92 primary and 95 permanent molars in all children (ages 7-10). Quantitative wear data were obtained by the cast assessment method at baseline, six, 12, and...
Periodicity of the P-adic Expansion after Arithmetic Operations in P-adic Field

For the past few years, we have been developing the Exact Scientific Computational Library (ESCL) using P-adic arithmetic. The effort has been focusing on converting all rational number operations to integer calculation, and fully taking the advantage of fast integer multiplication of modern computer architectures. By properly selecting prime numbers as the bases and practically choosing the length r for P-adic expansion of rational numbers, we have shown some promising results for large matrix operations. One problem that we have confronted is the overflow of the prescribed bound in P-adic arithmetic, Hensel code originally defined by Krishnamurthy, Rao, and Subramanian [3] may give an invalid Hensel code after arithmetic operations if the length r of the P-adic expansion is not properly chosen. In this paper, we will show and prove the periodicity after arithmetic operations in P-adic number systems. If we can represent all the P-adic sequences with a complete period during all the calculations, then we are sure to be able to carry out all the arithmetic operations exactly. Two formulas for the maximum length of the P-adic expansion's periodic part after the P-adic arithmetic operations are given in this paper.
Effect of sodium selenite upon bromobenzene toxicity in rats. II. Metabolism.

Abstract The effects of sodium selenite (12.5 or 30 μmol/kg, ip) upon bromobenzene metabolism were examined in male rats treated with selenite at 72 hr prior to bromobenzene exposure (7.5 mmol/kg, ip). The inhibitory nature of selenium treatment upon xenobiotic metabolism and increased production of hepatic thiol suggested that selenite might affect metabolic activation and detoxification of bromobenzene. Selenite treatment lowered in vivo covalent binding of [ 14 C]bromobenzene while the in vitro covalent binding of [ 14 C]bromobenzene in microsomes isolated from selenite-treated rats was unaffected compared to control. When the rate of [ 14 C]bromobenzene decline in whole blood was evaluated in selenite-treated rats over 48 hr after bromobenzene administration, no significant differences were observed when compared to control. Furthermore, values of glutathione conjugates and hydroxylated metabolites of bromobenzene were similar in urine samples collected over 48 hr from selenite and control rats. Mechanistically, reduction of bromobenzene hepatotoxicity by selenite is not mediated through an altered metabolism of bromobenzene, but by alteration of cellular events occurring after metabolic activation.
Financialization and US Income Inequality, 1970-2008

Focusing on U.S. non-finance industries, we examine the connection between the financialization of the US economy and rising income inequality. We argue that the increasing reliance by firms on earnings realized through financial channels decoupled the generation of surplus from production, strengthening owners' and elite workers' negotiating power relative to other workers. Moreover, the financial conception of the firm reduced capital and management commitment to production, further marginalizing labor’s role in U.S. corporations. The result was an incremental exclusion of the general workforce from revenue generating and compensation setting processes. Using time-series cross-section data at the industry level, our analysis shows that increased dependence on financial income, in the long run, decreased labor's share of income, increased top executives' share of compensation, and increased earnings dispersion among workers. Net of conventional explanations, including declining unionization, globalization, technological change, and capital investment, the effects of financialization are substantial on all three dimensions of increased inequality. The counterfactual analysis suggests that financialization accounts for more than half of the decline in labor's share of income, 10 percent of the growth in officers' share of compensation, and 15 percent of the growth in earnings dispersion between 1970 and 2008.
Sonographic Evaluation of the Renal Transplant

Sonography is an important imaging technique in the evaluation of patients who have had renal transplantation. Sonographic examination can detect many of the potential urologic and vascular surgical complications that occur in the early postoperative period and threaten graft viability. Sonography is often able to guide diagnostic and therapeutic interventions when these complications are noted. Additionally, sonography provides an excellent noninvasive way to monitor the graft for late complications, such as renal artery stenosis.
Partial decision-feedback detection for multiple-input multiple-output channels

The BLAST ordered decision-feedback (ODF) detector is a nonlinear detection strategy for multiple-input multiple-output channels that can significantly outperform a linear detector at the expense of the increased computational complexity. We propose the partial decision-feedback (PDF) detector, a simplified version of the ODF detector that only feeds back one decision. The PDF detector reduces complexity significantly compared to the ODF detector while suffering limited performance loss. For example, over a 5 /spl times/ 5 Rayleigh fading channel with 64-QAM inputs, the PDF detector is one-third as complex as the ODF detector yet it requires only 0.5 dB more average signal energy to reach a symbol-error rate of 10/sup -3/.
The long-term effects of CO2 enrichment on fine root productivity, mortality, and survivorship in a scrub-oak ecosystem at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA

Abstract Fine root dynamics play an important role in the cycling of carbon belowground. Previous studies have indicated that CO 2 enrichment results in increased root productivity, mortality and relative turnover; however, our understanding of the duration and long-term trends of this effect are limited. Non-destructive minirhizotron observation tubes were used to measure effects of elevated CO 2 on root dynamics and survivorship in a fire dominated scrub-oak ecosystem. Open-top chambers were exposed to elevated atmospheric CO 2 for 10 years at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. In this study, initial fine root dynamics from an earlier published study from this experiment ( Dilustro et al., 2002 ) were compared to our findings 5 years later. Significant increases in root productivity, mortality, and turnover due to CO 2 enrichment were no longer present after 9 years of treatment. However, the vertical variation in these parameters suggests the upper 50 cm of the soil are the most dynamic. A greater proportion of the fine roots were deeper in the soil profile later in the study, but no CO 2 effect was observed. Survivorship analysis suggested the smallest fine roots (i.e. 2 enrichment is no longer driving changes in fine root dynamics, but rather root closure in the upper portions of the soil profile seem to be the strongest influence. Fine roots comprise nearly 25% of the total plant biomass in the scrub-oak ecosystem and their turnover and persistence is an important pathway for carbon inputs into the soil. In order to develop accurate predictive models of the impacts of increasing anthropogenic CO 2 on carbon cycling, it is imperative to examine long-term fine root dynamics rather than just shorter observations that could result in misleading conclusions regarding ecosystem responses.
Impact of secondary pulmonary hypertension on lung transplant outcome.

Introduction Secondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH), defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAM) greater than 25 mm Hg, complicates end-stage lung diseases of varying etiology. Although previous studies have suggested that SPH does not adversely affect outcome, no study has assessed the impact of the degree of SPH. Methods A retrospective review of the lung transplant database was used to identify patients who underwent either single-lung (SLT) or bilateral lung transplantation (BLT) complicated by SPH. SPH patients were stratified into low SPH (PAM = 30–40 mm Hg) and high SPH (PAM ≥ 40 mm Hg). Each group was further sub-categorized into SLT or BLT. Patients with a heart–lung transplant or primary pulmonary hypertension were excluded. Recipients without pulmonary hypertension transplanted over the same time were used as controls. Data are reported as controls vs low SPH vs high SPH. Results One hundred-four patients received lung transplants between August 1998 and March 2003. There were 45 patients (18 men and 27 women) with SPH. Of these, 28 patients had low SPH, and 17 patients had high SPH. Forty-two patients (18 men and 24 women) without PH were the controls. There were no significant differences between groups except pre-operative oxygen dependence (81% vs 100% vs 94%, respectively) and use of CPB (28.6% vs 57.1% vs 64.7%, respectively). Pao 2 –Pao 2 gradients and Pao 2 /Fio 2 ratios were significantly worse in the high SPH group (116.2 vs 132.9 vs 186.3; p p p p Conclusion Although SPH increases the risk of reperfusion injury; survival is equivalent with mild or moderate pulmonary hypertension. Either SLT or BLT may be used in patients with SPH without compromising outcome. This has the added benefit of expanding the donor pool.
Bayesian Inference of Functional Connectivity and Network Structure From Spikes

Current multielectrode techniques enable the simultaneous recording of spikes from hundreds of neurons. To study neural plasticity and network structure it is desirable to infer the underlying functional connectivity between the recorded neurons. Functional connectivity is defined by a large number of parameters, which characterize how each neuron influences the other neurons. A Bayesian approach that combines information from the recorded spikes (likelihood) with prior beliefs about functional connectivity (prior) can improve inference of these parameters and reduce overfitting. Recent studies have used likelihood functions based on the statistics of point-processes and a prior that captures the sparseness of neural connections. Here we include a prior that captures the empirical finding that interactions tend to vary smoothly in time. We show that this method can successfully infer connectivity patterns in simulated data and apply the algorithm to spike data recorded from primary motor (M1) and premotor (PMd) cortices of a monkey. Finally, we present a new approach to studying structure in inferred connections based on a Bayesian clustering algorithm. Groups of neurons in M1 and PMd show common patterns of input and output that may correspond to functional assemblies.
Daytime Multilayered Cloud Detection Using Multispectral Imager Data

Abstract This study reports on recent progress toward the daytime detection of multilayered clouds in satellite multispectral data, specifically for the case of optically thin cirrus overlying lower-level water clouds. The technique is applied to 200 × 200 pixel arrays of data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and is primarily based on the relationship between the near-infrared reflectance (at either 1.6 or 2.1 μm) and the 11-μm brightness temperature. Additional information used by the algorithm includes the operational MODIS cloud mask and cloud thermodynamic phase as inferred from the 8.5- and 11-μm brightness temperatures. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated for two MODIS case studies, and results are compared to coincident cloud physics lidar (CPL) data obtained from an aircraft platform. In both cases, the multilayered cloud detection algorithm results appear reasonable in comparison with the CPL data. The first case study, from 11 December 2002 during the Terr...
College Students' Study Time: Course Level, Time of Semester, and Grade Earned

The association of total study time, number of events, time per event ratio, study strategies, and course grades across the semester were examined by linking students' study logs to course performance. There were 37 upper-division and 109 lower-division participants. Students earning As and Bs studied more frequently at the end of the semester but for shorter periods of time than students earning lower grades. Results are discussed in terms of providing college students and faculty with recommendations about learning strategies and time spent studying.
Radiocarbon evidence of mid-Holocene mammoths stranded on an Alaskan Bering Sea island

Island colonization and subsequent dwarfing of Pleistocene proboscideans is one of the more dramatic evolutionary and ecological occurrences, especially in situations where island populations survived end-Pleistocene extinctions whereas those on the nearby mainland did not. For example, Holocene mammoths have been dated from Wrangel Island in northern Russia. In most of these cases, few details are available about the dynamics of how island colonization and extinction occurred. As part of a large radiocarbon dating project of Alaskan mammoth fossils, I addressed this question by including mammoth specimens from Bering Sea islands known to have formed during the end-Pleistocene sea transgression. One date of 7,908 +/- 100 yr bp (radiocarbon years before present) established the presence of Holocene mammoths on St Paul Island, a first Holocene island record for the Americas. Four lines of evidence--265 accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) radiocarbon dates from Alaskan mainland mammoths, 13 new dates from Alaskan island mammoths, recent reconstructions of bathymetric plots and sea transgression rates from the Bering Sea--made it possible to reconstruct how mammoths became stranded in the Pribilofs and why this apparently did not happen on other Alaskan Bering Sea islands.
Biphasic alterations in serotonin-1B (5-HT1B) receptor function during abstinence from extended cocaine self-administration.

Alterations in 5-HT1B receptor function during cocaine abstinence were evaluated in rats given either limited- or extended access (LA and EA, respectively) to cocaine self-administration. The locomotor response to the 5-HT1B/1A agonist RU24969 was significantly reduced in cocaine-experienced animals relative to cocaine-naive controls following 6 h of abstinence but became sensitized over the subsequent 14 days of abstinence. Both the early phase subsensitivity and later phase supersensivity to RU 24969-induced activity were greater in EA versus LA animals. Intra-nucleus accumbens administration of the 5-HT1B agonist CP 93, 129 produced significantly greater increases in dialysate dopamine levels in EA versus control animals following 14 days of abstinence. However, there was no difference between EA and cocaine-naive control animals in the augmentation of cocaine-induced increases in nucleus accumbens DA produced by intra-VTA CP 93, 129. Collectively these findings demonstrate that 5-HT1B receptor function is persistently altered by cocaine self-administration.
Historical perspectives on studies of Clostridium difficile and C. difficile infection.

The initial period of studies on Clostridium difficile (published during 1978–1980) appeared to provide a nearly complete portfolio of criteria for diagnosing and treating C. difficile infection (CDI). The putative pathogenic role of C. difficile was established using Koch’s postulates, risk factors were well-defined, use of a cell cytotoxicity assay as the diagnostic test provided accurate results, and treatment with oral vancomycin was highly effective and rapidly incorporated into practice. During the next 10 years, enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) were introduced as diagnostic tests and became the standard for most laboratories. This was not because EIAs were as good as the cell cytotoxicity assay; rather, EIAs were inexpensive and yielded results quickly. Similarly, metronidazole became the favored treatment because it was less expensive and quelled fears of colonization with vancomycin-resistant organisms, not because it was better than vancomycin therapy. Cephalosporins replaced clindamycin as the major inducers of CDI because they were so extensively used, rather than because they incurred the same risk. Some serious issues remained unresolved during this period: the major challenges were to determine ways to treat seriously ill patients for whom it was not possible to get vancomycin into the colon and to find methods that stop persistent relapses. These concerns persist today.
Prevalence of Myxobolus cerebralis at Juvenile Salmonid Acclimation Sites in Northeastern Oregon

Abstract Fry of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss held as sentinel fish became infected with Myxobolus cerebralis when held at all juvenile acclimation sites for spring Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha and steelhead O. mykiss (anadromous rainbow trout) and thus expand the known range of M. cerebralis in northeastern Oregon. In spring 2001, replicate cages of rainbow trout fry were placed at the intake site of each facility and sampled at approximately 14, 28, and 50 d. Infection prevalence, as determined by the presence of M. cerebralis DNA following polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, was relatively low (<17.5%) at most acclimation sites. However, a significantly higher prevalence of infection in sentinel fry held at the Wallowa facility (65%) identified this site as presenting a higher risk for juvenile steelhead to M. cerebralis exposure than other sites. Further, PCR analysis of ossified cranial elements from steelhead juveniles held at the Wallowa facility for 6 weeks demonstrated a comparabl...
MicroRNAs sculpt gene expression in embryonic development: new insights from plants

Zygotic microRNAs coordinate the clearance of maternal mRNA in animals to facilitate developmental transitions. In a recent issue of Genes and Development, Nodine and Bartel (2010) uncover a reciprocal function in plants, where miRNA-156 preemptively represses genes that function later in development to prevent premature developmental transitions.
Design and Demonstration of a 3.6-kV–120-V/10-kVA Solid-State Transformer for Smart Grid Application

Solid-state transformer (SST) has been regarded as one of the most important emerging technologies for traction system and smart grid application. This paper presents the system design and performance demonstration of a high-voltage SST lab prototype that works as the active grid interface in smart grid architecture. Specifically, the designs of the key components of the system, including both power stage and controller platform, are presented. In addition, the advanced control system is developed to achieve high-performance operation. Furthermore, integration issues of SST with dc microgrid are presented. Lastly, tests under different scenarios are conducted to verify the following advanced features of the presented SST technology: 1) VAR compensation; 2) voltage regulation; 3) source voltage sag operation; and 4) microgrid integration.