cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using the Callsign Acquisition Test (CAT) to investigate the impact of background noise, gender, and bone vibrator location on the intelligibility of bone-conducted speech

Abstract Traditionally, combat operations have relied on air-conducted radio communication to receive and transmit information. Recently, however, there has been the need to find alternatives because headphones used in air conduction are bulky and cover the ears of the listener, thus reducing the listener's awareness of his/her surroundings. Bone-conducted radio communication, however, uses lightweight and inconspicuous transducers which allow radio communication without compromising the listener's awareness of his/her surroundings. This research investigated the intelligibility of bone-conducted speech in white, pink, babble and quiet background environments at the condyle and mastoid locations on the head using the Callsign Acquisition Test (CAT). Data were collected and analyzed from 20 normal hearing participants (10 males and 10 females) between the ages of 19 and 31 years. Significant interaction effect between gender and background noise was found from the results. Post-hoc analysis showed that for both males and females, background noise had a significant impact on speech intelligibility. In babble background, there was a significant difference in speech intelligibility between the male and female listeners (males performed better than females). However, no significant effects were found for the other type of background noises. The results also indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in intelligibility scores between the condyle and mastoid locations. Relevance to industry This study investigated the impact of background noise, gender of listener, and location of bone vibrator on the intelligibility of bone-conducted speech. Findings of this study revealed the impact of different background environments and listener's gender on speech intelligibility and will assist in the development of improved bone conduction devices in the future.
Roles for soluble guanylate cyclase and a thiol oxidation-elicited subunit dimerization of protein kinase G in pulmonary artery relaxation to hydrogen peroxide

We have previously provided evidence that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) under conditions where it relaxes isolated endothelium-removed bovine pulmonary arterie...
Signaller: receiver coordination and the timing of communication in Amazonian birds

The efficacy of communication relies on the detection of signals against background noise. Some species are known to alter the timing of vocalizations to avoid acoustic interference from similar signals of other species, but nothing is known about the possibility of coordinated adjustments in the timing of receivers' attention. I examined the possibility that co-occurring species might respond as well as vocalize at different times in a diverse tropical avifauna by presenting playbacks of recordings to territorial birds at typical and atypical times for singing during the dawn chorus. The results show that co-occurring species of birds in a diverse avifauna partition the timing of both production and response in a way that would reduce acoustic interference between species.
Analyses of the Amalgam-Tooth Interface Using the Electron Microprobe

The electron microprobe was used to study tooth discoloration caused by old silver amalgam fillings. Oscilloscopic displays were obtained for the distribution of tin, silver, and mercury. In addition, a linear graphic display technic on the Enhancitron was used. The oscilloscopic displays showed the migration of tin from the amalgam into the enamel and dentin as opposed to silver or mercury, or both. These findings confirm that tooth discoloration is due to the presence of tin from the process of corrosion rather than from mercury.
A Model for Estimating the Hydraulic Conductivity of Granular Material Based on Grain Shape, Grain Size, and Porosity

Particle shape is an important parameter in numerous civil, environmental, and petroleum engineering applications. In ground-water flow, the shape of individual particles comprising the soil affects the soil`s pore size distribution and, hence, the important flow characteristics such as hydraulic conductivity and headloss. A model for delineating the relative importance of particle size, particle shape, and porosity, (and their interactions), in explaining the variability of hydraulic conductivity of a granular porous medium is developed and tested. Three types of porous media are considered in this work: spherical glass beads; granular sand; and irregularly shaped, shredded glass particles. A reliable method for quantifying the three-dimensional shape and packing of large samples of irregular particles based on their angle of repose is presented. The results of column experiments indicate that in the size range examined (i.e., 149 {micro}m to 2,380 {micro}m), the single most important predictor of hydraulic conductivity is seen to be particle size, explaining 69% of the variability. Porous media comprising irregular particles exhibit lower hydraulic conductivity only for the larger (707 to 841 {micro}m) particles. For the smaller (149 to 177 {micro}m) particles, particle shape has no observable influence on hydraulic conductivity. The results of the regression analysis revealmore » the importance off the interaction between particle size and porosity, indicating that similar pore configurations for a given type of particle are not achieved at different sizes. This empirical model seems to provide better estimates of the hydraulic conductivity of granular porous media comprising irregular particles than selected models based solely on grain size, including Hazen, Kozeny-Carman, and more recently Alyamani and Sen.« less
Markov Chain Analysis of Computer-Simulated Limestone Sequences

In the hopes of proving that the Markov property of a marine stratigraphic sequence is controlled by its position relative to basin margins, a computer-simulated sequence was generated and tested. The computer manufactures a sequence of 1,000 sedimentation units (beds), each positioned by a sea-level transgression-regression subroutine that may be systematic, random, or systematic-random. The facies-distribution pattern at each sea-level stand is controlled by the variation of five facies components (micrite, spar, fossils, coated grains, and oolites). At each of 200 points along the sea floor, the proportion of each of these components is calculated, and a facies identification number is assigned to that point. The result is a data array of 1,000 rows (beds) by 200 columns (columnar sections). Each columnar section is then analyzed for its Markov property, and a test value is computed. The test value is then plotted as a function of relative shoreline position. The major conclusion is that there is no relationship between the Markov property of a stratigraphic sequence and its position relative to basin margins.
A study of phase transformation in hedenbergite to 40 GPa at ∼1200° C

Phase transformations in a natural sample of hedenbergite ((Ca0.93Fe0.61Mn0.34Mg0.08Na0.01Zn0.02Al0.003)Si2O6) have been studied by X-ray diffraction up to 40 GPa at ∼ 1200°C in a diamond anvil cell interfaced with a laser heating system. The starting hedenbergite phase decomposed into a garnet plus γ-spinel and stishovite at ∼ 14 GPa; then into garnet plus stishovite and wustite at ∼ 18 GPa; and finally into perovskite plus stishovite and wustite at pressures higher than ∼ 24 GPa. On decompression to 0.1 MPa, all the high pressure phases are retained except for the cubic perovskite, which reverts back into the ɛ-CaSiO3 phase, in accordance with previous reports. Energy-dispersive SEM analyses show that the garnet is present as a calcium-rich ABO 3-type phase. As no garnet phase has been previously observed either in pure CaSiO3 or in pure CaMgSi2O6, it appears that the observed calcium-rich garnet phase has been stabilized by the presence of other cations such as the Na+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Mn3+, Fe3+ and Al3+.
A complicated relationship: fulfilling the interactive needs of the T lymphocyte and the dendritic cell

T cells recognize antigenic peptides displayed on the surface of MHC-bearing antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and with sufficient costimulation become activated. However, the ability of an APC (even bearing the correct peptide) to initiate and fulfill the requirements for T cell activation is not easily achieved. Naive T cells use multiple copies of a single receptor to survey the vast array of peptides presented on an APC, and require multiple receptor engagements to initiate T cell activation. Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized cells with optimal capabilities for priming naive CD4+ T cells. Activation occurs, after initial antigen recognition by T cells, followed by a rapid dialogue between the T cells and the DCs. The resulting changes in both the cytoskeleton and the expression or regulation of cell-surface molecules on both cell types act to further strengthen engagement. In this report, we review the fundamentals of CD4+ T helper cell : DC interactions and discuss recent data concerning the molecular characteristics of this engagement.
On PSL(2,q) as a totally irregular collineation group

Non-abelian simple totally irregular collineation groups containing an involutorial perspectivity have been classified by the authors in a recent paper. They are PSL(2,q), PSL(3,q), PSU(3,q), Sz(q), the alternating group on 7 letters, and the second Janko sporadic simple group. In this article, we study PSL(2,q),q congruent to 1 modulo 4, as a collineation group containing an involutory homology.
Experimental Evidence regarding the Field of the Deuteron

A METHOD for determining the field surrounding nuclei is to scatter charged particles by the nuclei in question. If the field were of the Coulomb type, the yield of nuclei projected in a given direction under the bombardment of -particles would be proportional to 1/V4, where V is the velocity of the incident -particles. Any deviation from the Coulomb field will manifest itself in a deviation from this relation. The experiments of Chad wick and Bieler1 have shown that such anomalous scattering is very clearly evident in collisions between -particles and protons for -particle velocities corresponding to ranges greater than about 2 cm.
Ethanol consumption potentiates viral pancreatitis and may inhibit pancreas regeneration: preliminary findings

Alcohol abuse is often associated with acute pancreatitis. The pathogenesis of alcoholic pancreatitis remains poorly understood, in part because of the lack of a suitable animal model to study the mechanism or mechanisms of this disease. It has been proposed that ethanol predisposes or sensitizes the pancreas to the effects of co-factors, and the combination of the effects of ethanol on the pancreas and the actions of these co-factors results in alcoholic pancreatitis. A number of viruses are known to infect the pancreas, and we have suggested that one co-factor that could be involved in the development of alcoholic pancreatitis is a viral infection. One of the most-studied groups of viruses that infect the pancreas and cause pancreatitis in human beings is the coxsackieviruses. We have shown that short-term (5-14 days) and subchronic (>28 days) administration of ethanol to mice increases the severity of coxsackie B3-induced pancreas damage. We hypothesize that consumption of ethanol would result in an impairment of pancreas regeneration after injury, similar to the effect of ethanol on liver regeneration. With the use of the murine model of coxsackie B3-mediated alcoholic pancreatitis we have obtained preliminary data to support the hypothesis. Specifically, consumption of ethanol by mice is associated with changes in the replication of acinar cells and their organization into acini after viral-mediated injury. We believe that this model will be a valuable tool to study the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in alcoholic pancreatitis.
The Association of the DiGeorge Anomalad With Partial Monosomy of Chromosome 22

We have seen three unrelated patients with the DiGeorge anomalad who also had the same deletion of chromosome 22 (pter leads to qll). In each, the remaining long arm material (qll leads to qter) was translocated to a different autosome. Our patients and a review of the literature, including a recent report of a family having four infants with the DiGeorge anomalad and the same deletion of chromosome 22 (de la Chapelle et al: Hum Genet 57:253, 1981), make a strong argument for at least some cases of the DiGeorge anomalad arising from a deletion of the pericentromeric region of chromosome 22.
Social Psychology, Science and History

Further exploration into the historical dependency of social knowledge is undertaken, with special attention given to various objections to the earlier thesis. Initial concern is with general theory as a means of transcending historical period. It is found that while such theory may be of continuous utility as an explanatory device, its contribution to the task of pre diction is highly limited. The related issue of "underlying regularity" is then considered, and the conclusion reached that regularity must continuously be negotiated post hoc. Further, social life is sufficiently complex that virtually all hypo thetical regularities may be supported. The "if then..." solution is then considered, and it is found that the process of continued qualification over time renders theories untestable. Numerous instances of eroding knowledge are then considered, along with the issue of enlightenment effects in social psy chology. It is concluded that the important question is not if present knowledge is passing into ...
Active control systems for large segmented optical mirrors

A new generation of optical telescopes is on the drawing board. These will be true giants with primary mirrors having a diameter of up to 100 metres. The technology that will enable this revolution to take place was developed at the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, where the world's largest segmented mirrors are in daily use. This article looks at how the W. M. Keck Observatory proved the mirror technology that will be behind this new generation of telescopes.
Extracting Inflation from Stock Returns to Test Purchasing Power Parity

Relative purchasing power parity (PPP) holds for pure price inflations, which affect prices of all goods and services by the same proportion, while leaving relative prices unchanged. Pure price inflations also affect nominal returns of all traded financial assets by exactly the same amount. Recognizing that relative PPP may not hold for the official inflation data constructed from commodity price indices because of relative price changes and other frictions that cause prices to be \sticky, we provide a novel method for extracting a proxy for realized pure price inflation from stock returns. We find strong support for relative PPP in the short run using the extracted inflation measures.
Incremental validity of college alcohol beliefs in the prediction of freshman drinking and its consequences: A prospective study

Osberg et al. (2010) recently developed the College Life Alcohol Salience Scale (CLASS), which assesses the extent to which students identify with the college drinking culture. Using a prospective design, we explored the incremental and predictive validity of the new measure in a sample of 479 college freshmen. Scores obtained on the new measure at Time 1 demonstrated strong positive associations with concurrently assessed drinking patterns and alcohol consequences, as well as those collected at Time 2 1 month later. The college alcohol beliefs measured by the CLASS also explained significant additional variance in drinking and its consequences at Time 2 beyond that accounted for by gender, perceived descriptive and injunctive norms, and positive and negative alcohol expectancies. Moreover, CLASS scores predicted typical drinking levels and alcohol consequences at Time 2, even when baseline levels of these drinking indices were controlled. Potential future lines of research with the CLASS are discussed.
New field measurement system for single-mode fibre dispersion utilising wavelength division multiplexing technique

A new system designed to measure the chromatic dispersion of installed single-mode fibres is presented. This system utilises the modulation phase technique but eliminates the reference laser and fibre. A large dynamic range was demonstrated by the measurement of an 81.1 km length of fibre.
Advances in the gas chromatographic analysis of amino acid phenyl- and methylthiohydantoins

Abstract Advances in the gas chromatography procedure for the identification of amino acid thiohydantoins include: (1) a new blend of silicone stationary phases (CFC), which provides superior resolving power than hitherto obtained with single phases or earlier blends; (2) use of a carrier gas helium, which is a superior carrier gas to the more commonly used nitrogen and argon in that it gives the best resolution and the greatest range of flow rates with no sacrifice in efficiency; and (3) high-temperature conditioning, which gives more efficient columns with significantly less bleed (baseline rise) during temperature programming. Application of the technique is demonstrated with representative analyses of phenylthiohydantoins (PTH's) obtained in the manual Edman degradation of bovine thyrocalcitonin. The methylthiodydantoins (MTH's) were also examined. All derivatives, except the seryl (unstable) and arginyl (nonvolatile) were separable on a column using the stationary phase, OV-225.
3D-FDTD-PML analysis of left-handed metamaterials

The increasing interest in negative-index metamaterials requires a formulation capable of a full analysis of wave propagation in such materials. Since two-dimensional (2D) problems have been largely explored in the literature, the natural step is a three-dimensional (3D) formulation of a metamaterial. In this work, we present a simulation of a left-handed metamaterial using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method in conjunction with perfectly matched layers (PMLs). First, we develop a PML to work with a Drude medium model. Then we apply our formulation to a 3D domain and compare our results with 2D problems. Finally, we simulate a dipole on the top of a metamaterial slab, presenting the field distribution in three different directions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 40: 201–205, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11328
Longitudinal trends in the treatment of abdominal pain in an academic emergency department.

Abstract Background Abdominal pain is a top chief complaint of patients presenting to Emergency Departments (ED). Historically, uncertainty surrounded correct management. Evidence has shown adequate analgesia does not obscure the diagnosis, making it the standard of care. Objective We sought to evaluate trends in treatment of abdominal pain in an academic ED during a 10-year period. Methods We prospectively evaluated a convenience sample of patients in an urban academic tertiary care hospital ED from September 2000 through April 2010. Adult patients presenting with a chief complaint of abdominal pain were included in this study. Analgesic administration rates and times, pain scores, and patient satisfaction at discharge were analyzed to evaluate trends by year. Results There were 2,646 patients presenting with abdominal pain who were enrolled during the study period. Rates of analgesic administration generally increased each year from 39.9% in 2000 to 65.5% in 2010 ( p value for trend p p = 0.27) and 48% of patients during the 10-year period still reported moderate to severe pain at discharge. Patient satisfaction with pain treatment increased from a score of 7.1 to 9.0 during the study period ( p Conclusions In patients presenting to the ED with abdominal pain, analgesia administration increased and time to medication decreased during the 10-year period. Despite overall improvements in satisfaction, significant numbers of patients presenting with abdominal pain still reported moderate to severe pain at discharge.
Identification of Affinity Ligands for Protein Purification from Synthetic Chemical Combinatorial Libraries

A method to screen combinatorial libraries for the development of selective ligands for protein affinity chromatographic purification is described. The method is based on the application of parallel combinatorial libraries, and it has several potential advantages. The screening procedure is simple and straightforward, and it does not require the chemical derivatization of the target proteins or even that the target protein be pure. The experiment can also be designed to select binders that are less likely to cause protein denaturation. Feasibility of this approach is demonstrated with a model study of the chromatographic purification of bovine albumin serum (BSA) and Avidin.
Derrida and friendship

(1999). Derrida and friendship. Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy: Vol. 2, The Challenge to Friendship in Modernity, pp. 105-130.
Benign symmetric lipomatosis associated with protease inhibitors.

Unprecedented advances in the treatment of HIV-1 infection can be attributed in a large part to the use of protease inhibitors. Protease inhibitors are metabolised by the hepatic cytochrome P450 system of enzymes, and interactions at this site of metabolism are a cause of the side effects associated with these medications. Protease inhibitors can affect lipid metabolism, and glucose tolerance. We report a patient who developed unusual fatty deposits (benign symmetric lipomatosis) while on indinavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine. A 34-year-old man has been seen for HIV-1 infection as an outpatient at our clinic since May, 1995. In October 1993 he and his wife both tested positive for HIV-1. At that time he was without symptoms and his CD4 count was 285 10/L. Zidovudine was begun in November, 1993, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxasole prophylaxis in August, 1994. Other than an episode of herpes zoster he remained well. In April and June, 1996, lamivudine and indinavir were added to his medications. In August, 1996, myalgia and weakness prompted a measurement of his creatine kinase (CK), which was elevated. Without any change in treatment, his myalgia and weakness resolved within 3 weeks, although his CK has remained elevated. At a follow up in December 1996 a “buffalo hump”—accumulation of fat in the cervical fat pad area and across the shoulders—was noted (figure). He also had fatty changes in the supraclavicular area, but no other features suggestive of Cushing’s syndrome at that time. Blood tests revealed only a minimally elevated blood glucose. Electrolytes and cholesterol were normal. A low-dose dexamethasone suppression test was normal, ruling out Cushing’s syndrome. His HIV-1 RNA viral load was undetectable, and he has continued on what has otherwise been a successful regimen for his HIV-1 infection without any worsening of fat deposition. Benign symmetric lipomatosis is an uncommon condition seen predominantly in male alcoholics. Apart from alcohol, associations have included glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, and polyneuropathy. Studies have implicated abnormal lipolytic responses of adipocytes to catecholamine and elevated levels of lipoprotein lipase and lipoprotein 1 . Our patient has never drunk alcohol. The temporal association between starting his medications and developing his “buffalo hump”, the effect of protease inhibitors on P450 enzymes, and the recent associations between indinavir use and glucose and lipid metabolism lead us to believe indinavir may be implicated in the development of benign symmetric lipomatosis.
Angular distributions for near-threshold (e,2e) processes for Li and Mg

Distorted-wave calculations of the triply differential cross sections for electron-impact ionization of Li and Mg are presented for the coplanar, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{12}$=\ensuremath{\pi} geometry in which the final-state electrons share 2 eV of excess energy equally. Our theoretical approach, described in detail elsewhere [C. Pan and A. F. Starace, Phys. Rev. A 45, 4588 (1992)], employs a partial-wave expansion of initial- and final-state wave functions, treats direct and exchange interactions of initial and final electrons with the target core, and treats the final-state interaction between the two continuum electrons by a screening potential. Li and Mg targets are found to have more complex (e,2e) angular distributions than either H or He targets, stemming in large part from significant p-wave and higher one-electron phase shifts in the former elements.
Reduced Swimming Performance of Striped Bass after Confinement Stress

Abstract Length of confinement in a dip net affected subsequent performance of 2–3-year-old striped bass Morone saxatilis in a swimming challenge. Fish that were not confined or were confined for only 5 min could consistently swim for 10 min at 100 cm/s, whereas fish confined for longer than 15 min often could not. Average swimming time was significantly less for striped bass confined for 15 min or longer than for unconfined controls. Plasma cortisol, glucose, and lactate concentrations were always higher in fish after a swimming challenge than in resting fish sampled from the holding tank, although length of net confinement before swimming had little effect on postchallenge plasma variables. Time of postchallenge blood sampling, however, had a significant effect on all three plasma variables: glucose and cortisol concentrations were higher in striped bass immediately after they were removed from the swimming chamber, whereas lactate concentration was higher after 45 min of recovery. Resting and stress le...
Concurrent measurement of solvent vapor concentrations and effects on operant behavior using a dynamic exposure system

A method is described for exposing mice, lever-pressing on an operant schedule for water reinforcement, to continuously-generated solvent vapors. Concurrent monitoring of chamber concentration and schedule-controlled behavior allows a correlation of the magnitude and time course for behavioral effects with changes in the levels of solvent exposure. Data are presented showing the acute effects of 1,1,1-trichloroethane over the range of 1000-8000 ppm on behavior maintained by a fixed-ratio 100 schedule of water presentation. Concentration-dependent decreases in response rates with a rapid onset and recovery were obtained.
Correcting socially introduced false memories: The effect of re-study

Abstract This study examined whether participants could utilize re-study and perceptual elaboration to correct erroneous suggestions from their partner in the social contagion of memory paradigm. Participants studied household scenes and then collaboratively recalled the scenes with a confederate who interjected erroneous items. Before completing subsequent individual recall and recognition tests, participants were allowed to re-study the original items and/or to generate perceptual details of the items. Across two experiments, participants who re-studied the original material were less likely to incorporate the confederate's misleading suggestions. Re-study reduced false recall and recognition and increased veridical recall and recognition (Experiment 1) and the effect was especially pronounced with longer re-study episodes (Experiment 2). Items generated on the perceptual elaboration test offered no corrective benefit above and beyond the effects of re-study. These data demonstrate that participants can rely on self-initiated correction processes engaged during re-study to reduce socially suggested false memories.
Magnesium: Applications and advanced processing in the automotive industry

forming experience, and problematic properties impede the widespread use of magnesium alloys. Incorporation of magnesium into the automotive body is not a simple drop-in substitution of one alloy for another. Conventional sheet steels have a fi ne grain size and a body-centered cubic crystal structure that facilitates plastic deformation, whereas most magnesium alloys are hexagonal closed-packed (hcp) with considerably larger grain sizes than steel. Of the three commonly occurring crystal structures in engineering alloys, hcp alloys have the fewest available primary slip systems, and only the basal plane of the hcp unit cell is close-packed. This confi nes slip to the basal planes, exacerbating the infl uence of initial crystal orientation on room-temperature deformation. The limited slip systems in the hcp structure also produce more pronounced grainto-grain inhomogeneity. Magnesium is prone to twinning,
Glass electrode response to lithium-ion activity in propylene carbonate solutions

Abstract Equilibrium response characteristics of a Beckman cation-sensitive glass electrode have been examined at 25°C in solutions of pure univalent Li(I) salts in propylene carbonate as a solvent and also in the presence of certain univalent cations, which are liable to exercise competing effects. The effects of the ions K + , NH 4 + and (Et) 4 N + have been studied at an ionic strength of 0·25 M. An equation, for the electrode potential, involving the swelling pressure in the glass matrix and the specific volume of Li + and that of the interfering cation, is derived to explain the observed results.
Seismic risk evaluation within the technology neutral framework

Abstract The NRC Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research has proposed a risk-informed and performance-based licensing process that is referred to as the technology neutral framework (TNF). In the TNF, licensing basis events (LBEs), determined using probabilistic risk assessment methods, take the place of design basis accidents. These LBEs are constructed by grouping together accident sequences with similar phenomenology. All event sequences with a mean frequency greater than 10−7 per reactor year are to be considered as part of the licensing basis. Imposing such a limit would require that earthquakes with a mean return period of ten million years be considered as part of the licensing basis. It is difficult to get seismic hazards (i.e., ground accelerations) from expert seismologists at such low frequencies. This is because it is difficult or impossible to confidently say what the seismic hazard might be at these extremely low frequencies. A linear extrapolation in log-log space of hazard curves at the Clinton site down to 10−7 per year leads to a peak ground acceleration of about 4.5 g. A Weibull distribution is also used to fit the curve leading to a peak ground acceleration of about 2.6 g. These extrapolations demonstrate the extreme nature of rare earthquakes. Even when seismic isolation is implemented, the TNF goal is not met. The problem appears to be that there is no limit on initiating event frequency in the TNF. Demonstrating that a design meets the goals of the TNF would be nearly impossible. A frequency limit for earthquakes could be imposed at a frequency of about 10−5 per year to focus on events that may be designed against. This type of initiating event frequency screening is consistent with current practice.
Extraction of non-timber forest products, including fodder and fuelwood, in Mudumalai, India.

Mudumalai is biologically rich with a wealth of plant and animal life. Increasing human numbers and current patterns of non-timber forest product, fodder and fuelwood extraction threaten the integrity of the ecosystem. Change in management of the protected areas that include the Mudumalai region is needed. In particular, policies relating to grazing and basic energy requirements need to be reexamined. At the same time, mechanisms must be developed to increase rural incomes using means other than exploitation of natural resources.
Role of bending in gravity-driven overthrusts

Abstract The decrease in potential energy of gravity-driven overthrusts due to change in position can be equated to the sum of strain energy required for deformation, the work done against friction, and the kinetic energy. An analytical model based on this relationship allows the strain energy in pure bending to be expressed as a function of displacement. The model applies to an elastic material, and assumes frictionless slip for the multilayered case. Minimization of potential energy leads to an estimate of the minimum initial length required for gravitational sliding, and to the apparent coefficient of friction, displacements, and velocities for given slide geometries and properties. An example problem is worked out for the case of the Heart Mountain detachment of Wyoming, U.S.A. Minimum initial length for frictionless sliding is about 5.9 km, ignoring the effect of bending, and 8.5 km for a case of multilayered bending. Blocks of this size would move only a short distance as the increase in potential energy experienced in the riser prevents further sliding. But multilayered bending seems to have been necessary for sliding, compared to bending of the overthrust sheet as a single layer. Kinetic energy relationships suggest that the apparent coefficient of sliding friction for the 45 km long block was less than 0.031; e.g., for a friction coefficient of 0.025, a velocity of 19 m/sec is predicted at a characteristic displacement of 7 km. The model thereby illustrates the need for drastic friction reduction, but does not attempt to address the question of mechanism by which friction was reduced. The energy required to deform the slide mass is thought to be small compared to the decrease in potential energy due to changing position.
Failure of type 316 stainless steel cladding during thermal transients

Abstract To obtain a basic understanding of the deformation and failure behaviors of 20% cold-worked type 316 stainless steel cladding during reactor over-power and loss-of-coolant transients, the mechanical response of the cladding was investigated, using a true 2 to 1 stress-state transient tube-burst method at a heating rate of 5.6°C/s (10°F/s). The uniform diametral strain to failure of the tubular cladding specimens was uniquely defined, based on strain profiles of the failure specimens and high-speed motion pictures taken during the tests. The effects of initial hoop stress, specimen length and metallurgical condition on the transient tube-burst response were studied. The heat-to-heat variation of the test results were examined. The uniform diametral strains to failure for the three heats of cladding tested in the present study were found to be consistently higher than the strains reported by Hunter et al.
Measurement of π - p-->π - π + n near Threshold and Chiral-Symmetry Breaking

$\frac{{d}^{2}\ensuremath{\sigma}}{d\ensuremath{\Omega}\mathrm{dT}}$ for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ mesons produced in ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}n$ was measured at seven incident energies between 203 and 357 MeV and the integrated reaction cross section was calculated. The matrix element, when extrapolated to threshold and compared with soft-pion calculations, determined the chiral-symmetry-breaking parameter $\ensuremath{\xi}=0.05\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.26$, which is consistent with the Weinberg Lagrangian. The large hard-pion contributions at 203 MeV demonstrated the absolute necessity for comparing at threshold.
Background Clutter Leakage Estimation In A Mosaic Sensor Whose Field Of View Moves Relative To The Background

This paper examines the basic equation for clutter leakage in an optical system and discusses approximation techniques for rapid estimation of noise-equivalent target as a function of background PSD, optical system parameters, range and rate of motion of the sensor FOV relative to the background. Approximations which were developed for the conventional single-break-point PSD with a slope of -12 dB/octave, with a system using frame-to-frame differencing over an extended range of FOV motion rate are included as an appendix. A new method is derived, valid for low rates of FOV motion and a more general PSD, which can be approximated by a broken-line Bode plot. This method is extended to cover Nth order frame differencing and two-dimensional FOV motion, with the background viewed from a direction other than perpendicular to the surface. Given a specific optical system observing a specific background with any typical PSD, clutter leakage will display a dependence on FOV motion rate proportional to VN, where V is the motion rate, and N is the order of frame-differencing used for clutter rejection. This result is independent of the shape of the PSD curve for usual PSD's and system parameters.
Fuse Selection for Power Semiconductor Conversion Equipment

The proper selection of fuses for use with power semiconductor conversion equipment has taken on greater importance as the size of these equipments has increased and the designs become more sophisticated. Approximately four years ago a working group was formed to study the application and specification of fuses for semiconductor devices and to establish testing procedure, and basis of rating of such fuses.
Event-causal libertarianism, functional reduction, and the disappearing agent argument

Event-causal libertarians maintain that an agent’s freely bringing about a choice is reducible to states and events involving him bringing about the choice. Agent-causal libertarians demur, arguing that free will requires that the agent be irreducibly causally involved. Derk Pereboom and Meghan Griffith have defended agent-causal libertarianism on this score, arguing that since on event-causal libertarianism an agent’s contribution to his choice is exhausted by the causal role of states and events involving him, and since these states and events leave it open which decision he will make, he does not settle which decision occurs, and thus “disappears.” My aim is to explain why this argument fails. In particular, I demonstrate that event-causal libertarians can dismantle the argument by enriching the reductive base in their analysis of free will to include a state that plays the functional role of the self-determining agent and with which the agent is identified.
Bayesian Detection of Intensity Changes in Single Molecule and Molecular Dynamics Trajectories

Single molecule spectroscopy experiments and molecular dynamics simulations have several profound features in common, chief among which is that both follow the dynamics of some degrees of freedom of a single molecule over time. The analysis is essentially the same: one investigates the changes in the degrees of freedom followed. For instance, in a single molecule fluorescence experiment, the degree of freedom is often the number of photons detected in some time period. In this article, we introduce a straightforward Bayesian method for detecting if and when changes occurred. In contrast to methods based upon maximum likelihood estimates, a Bayesian approach allows for a more systematic means not only to change point detection but also to cluster the data into states. Most importantly, the Bayesian method supplies a simpler hypothesis testing framework. Although we focus on Poisson-distributed data, the Bayesian methods outlined here can in principle be applied to data sampled from any distribution.
Bonding and the Agency Problem: Evidence from the Royal African Company, 1672-1691

Abstract The paper focuses on the argument found extensively in the literature that the managers of early chartered companies operated in their own self-interest and thus were these companies own worst enemies. Using recent work from both the labor and the efficient contracts literature and archival material from one of these companies-the Royal African Company-I argue that the view prevalent in the literature greatly overstates the level of agent opportunism. The contract between the Royal African Company and its managers was well designed to mitigate moral hazard. While the Company paid a non-compensating differential, the interesting feature of the contract is the use of bonding. This study, while arguing that these early chartered companies did attenuate managerial opportunism, describes a fully functioning bonding market for managers. The paper also argues that the Royal African Company, because of an inappropriate head office structure (one which was imposed on the company in its charter), was unable to develop an internal trust network between subordinate and superior which would have helped further to reduce moral hazard.
A dynamic set point for thermal adaptation requires phospholipase C-mediated regulation of TRPM8 in vivo

The ability to sense and respond to thermal stimuli at varied environmental temperatures is essential for survival in seasonal areas. In this study, we show that mice respond similarly to ramping changes in temperature from a wide range of baseline temperatures. Further investigation suggests that this ability to adapt to different ambient environments is based on rapid adjustments made to a dynamic temperature set point. The adjustment of this set point requires transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily member 8 (TRPM8), but not transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, member 1 (TRPA1), and is regulated by phospholipase C (PLC) activity. Overall, our findings suggest that temperature response thresholds in mice are dynamic, and that this ability to adapt to environmental temperature seems to mirror the in vitro findings that PLC-mediated hydrolysis of phosphoinositol 4,5-bisphosphate modulates TRPM8 activity and thereby regulates the response thresholds to cold stimuli.
Dopa oxidase expression in fibroblast X melanoma fusions: Extinction in heterokaryons and maintenance in non-dividing cybrids

Abstract Pigmented B-16 mouse melanoma cells were fused with chick embryo fibroblasts or fibroblast cytoplasts and maintained as heterokaryons or non-dividing cybrids, respectively. These single cells were examined ultrastructurally for evidence of pigment gene expression using a cytochemical test for dopa oxidase, the initial enzyme in the conversion of dopa to melanin. Heterokaryons showed significantly less enzyme activity than control cells, whereas non-dividing cybrids showed no significant difference. Therefore, the presence of the intact nuclear membranes in the heterokaryons did not serve as a barrier to the interactions resulting in extinction of differentiated function(s). However, the presence of the fibroblast nucleus was necessary to elicit continued response.
Hospital volume, provider volume, and complications after childbirth in U.S. hospitals.

RESULTS: We found no consistent relationship between hospital volume and rates of maternal complications. In contrast, we found that women cared for by providers in the lowest quartile of provider volume (fewer than seven deliveries per year) had a 50% higher odds of complications compared with women cared for by obstetricians in the highest quartile (odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval, 1.3–1.7, P<.001). Each of the individual complications occurred more frequently among the lowestvolume providers compared with others. Models that adjusted for hospital characteristics and cesarean delivery rate had only modest effects. CONCLUSION: Individual providers with a low volume of deliveries have greater maternal complication rates than providers with a high volume. If volume is causally related to lower complication rates, strategies for improving care for women during childbirth may include selective referral to higher-volume providers or additional training for low-volume providers to ensure better outcomes.
Integrating stations from the North America Gravity Database into a local GPS-based land gravity survey

Abstract The ability to augment local gravity surveys with additional gravity stations from easily accessible national databases can greatly increase the areal coverage and spatial resolution of a survey. It is, however, necessary to integrate such data seamlessly with the local survey. One challenge to overcome in integrating data from national databases is that these data are typically of unknown quality. This study presents a procedure for the evaluation and seamless integration of gravity data of unknown quality from a national database with data from a local Global Positioning System (GPS)-based survey. The starting components include the latitude, longitude, elevation and observed gravity at each station location. Interpolated surfaces of the complete Bouguer anomaly are used as a means of quality control and comparison. The result is an integrated dataset of varying quality with many stations having GPS accuracy and other reliable stations of unknown origin, yielding a wider coverage and greater spatial resolution than either survey alone.
Hardware-less testing for RAS software

Reliability Accessibility and Serviceability (RAS) software deals with hardware-related processes that typically include manual operations such as replacing components. The necessity to perform manual operations inhibits automated tests, reduces the scope of unit testing, and makes it challenging to create a regression test suite for RAS.We define Small Scale Simulation (S3), a novel and cost effective type of testing harness whose abstraction level lies between full simulation and mock objects. We describe our experience in creating, deploying, using, and maintaining a small scale simulation system for testing the RAS subsystem of an enterprise storage controller. By replacing physical operations with logical commands, this small scale simulation system enables early release of code related to new hardware feature, and the creation of an automatic regression test suite.
Comparative Study of Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy to Assess Self-assembled Monolayer Coverage on Any Type of Substrate.

Abstract: In this work, we show how field emission–scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) can be a useful tool for the study of self-assembled monolayer systems. We have carried out a comparative study using FE-SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to assess the morphology and coverage of self-assembled monolayers (SAM) on different substrates. The results show that FE-SEM images present the same qualitative information obtained by AFM images when the SAM is deposited on a smooth substrate (e.g., mica). Further experiments with rough substrates (e.g., Al grains on glass) show that FE-SEM is capable of unambiguously identifying SAMs on any type of substrate, whereas AFM has significant difficulties in identifying SAMs on rough surfaces.
Home non-invasive ventilation use following acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in COPD

Summary Rationale Patients with COPD and hypercapnic respiratory failure have a worse prognosis and experience a faster deterioration in their pulmonary function. The benefit of home NPPV following an acute exacerbation of COPD with hypercapnic respiratory failure is not well understood. Objectives To evaluate the effect of home NPPV use in patients following a hospitalization for AECOPD with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure on event-free survival after an index admission. Methods We conducted a retrospective, single-center, chart review on patients hospitalized in 2011 with a diagnosis of AECOPD, hypercapnia, and used NPPV during hospitalization. 166 patients were included and were divided into two groups: patients who used NPPV post discharge and patients who did not. Results Patients in the NPPV post discharge group demonstrated superior event-free survival compared to the no-NPPV post discharge group ( х 2 = 23.8, p p Conclusions Patients who used NPPV following an admission for AECOPD with hypercapnic respiratory failure had lower readmission rates and improved event-free survival after 180 days from an index admission compared to patients who did not use NPPV post discharge.