cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pushing the limits of PCI-express: A PCIe application within an IBM supercomputing environment

Performance demands placed on high-speed computers raise the requirements of sub-system interfaces. While many design practices exist to maximize sub-system performance, cost and schedule limitations can reduce the variables designers have to enable targeted bus speeds. In the case of IBM's new petaflop supercomputer, analysis revealed the strategic nature of the PCI Expressreg interface for this design. This is due to the channel variables' ability to be modified to improve performance without impacting overall system architecture. Therefore, this paper will discuss the research and development activities of the PCIereg channel within the IBM Roadrunner petaflop supercomputer to be delivered to Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2008 (http://www.lanl.gov/roadrunner/). These development activities include novel methods aimed at reducing channel insertion loss, with minimal impact to system hardware, schedule, and cost, through utilization of flexible circuit interconnect. IBM flex circuit research and development activities will be described, as well as the channel attenuation improvements realized as a result of this research. Finally, impacts to IBM Roadrunner manufacturing, cost and qualification activities, as a result of new flex circuit constructs, will be discussed.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents that target endotoxin

Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are a major clinical problem. Lipid A, the active part of lipopolysaccharide endotoxins in Gram-negative bacteria, is an intriguing target for new antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. Inhibition of lipid A biosynthesis kills most Gram-negative bacteria, increases bacterial permeability to antibiotics and decreases endotoxin production.
MAJOR DECLINE IN NUMBER OF HARBOR SEALS, PHOCA VITULINA RICHARDSI, ON TUGIDAK ISLAND, GULF OF ALASKA

Tugidak Island, located in the Gulf of Alaska, was once the site of one of largest local concentrations of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) in the world. This population, which probably consisted of about 20,500 animals in the mid-1960s declined by about 85% between 1976 and 1988. The population appeared to decline more rapidly during the late 1970s than during the 1980s. Causes for the decline are not apparent. There appear to be both similarities and dissimilarities between this decline and recent declines in abundance of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.
Aeromonas hydrophila infection of a puncture wound

Aeromonas hydrophila is a gram-negative organism generally considered a pathogen of low virulence, rarely reported as causing infection in man. Recently it has been recognized as causing infection in wounds. This article reports the case of a patient who suffered a puncture wound while standing in a fresh water lake. He subsequently developed a rapidly progressing cellulitis requiring hospitalization. This organism was cultured from the wound and responded dramatically to appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
An Empiric Evaluation of the Institute of Medicine’s Pregnancy Weight Gain Guidelines by Race

Abstract Objective: To examine associations between pregnancy weight gain outside and within ranges recommended by the Institute of Medicine and birth weight by both prepregnant body mass index (BMI) and race-ethnicity. Methods: Mean birth weight and incidence of term low birth weight (LBW, less than 2500 g) and high birth weight (more than 4500 g) were compared across BMI-pregnancy weight gain-race-ethnicity strata. Subjects were 173,066 white, black, and Hispanic low-income pregnant women attending prenatal nutrition programs between 1990 and 1993. Results: Among low and average BMI women (all race-ethnicity groups), weight gain within Institute of Medicine ranges resulted in significant LBW reductions; further LBW reductions at gains beyond Institute of Medicine ranges were offset by increasing high birth weight risk. Among women of high and obese BMI, LBW trends were less pronounced; thus, the benefit of gaining within the Institute of Medicine range was less apparent. Although blacks in every BMI-weight gain category had lower mean birth weights than white women, gaining in the upper end of the Institute of Medicine ranges did not provide a consistent LBW reduction for black women; adjusted LBW odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for gains in the upper relative to the lower half of the Institute of Medicine range were 1.3 (0.8, 2.1), 0.7 (0.5, 1.03), 0.3 (0.2, 0.8), and 1.3 (0.7, 2.5) for black women of low, average, high, and obese BMI, respectively. Conclusion: Institute of Medicine pregnancy weight gain ranges recommended for low and average BMI women appear reasonable, but recommendations for high and obese BMI women require further evaluation. The recommendation that black women in all BMI groups strive for gains toward the upper ends of the ranges is not supported clearly by these data. (Obstet Gynecol 1998;91:878–84.)
The polymer-like organic material in the Orgueil meteorite

Results are reported for analysis of polymeric organic material contained in powder from the Orgueil chondrite, using a stepwise high-vacuum pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. Pyrolysis products obtained include a series of alkanes and alkenes to C8, an extensive series of alkylbenzene isomers, thiophene, alkylthiophenes, benzothiophene, acetonitrile, acrylonitrile, benzonitrile, acetone, and phenol. Most of these products are shown to be similar both qualitatively and quantitatively to those previously obtained from solvent-extracted Allende powder, indicating a basically aromatic and heteroaromatic polymer matrix with short aliphatic bridges or side chains. The production of acrylonitrile, acetonitrile, and benzonitrile (common breakdown products of amino acids) from the insoluble organic material is taken to suggest that amino acids exist in an insoluble form, perhaps as peptides, in the meteorite's polymeric component. Similarities between the structure of the Orgueil polymeric material and terrestrial kerogen are discussed which raise the possibility that both might have been produced in part by similar reactions.
Discursive representation and enactment of national identities: the case of Generation 1.5 Japanese

This study, as part of a larger ethnographic project, focuses on the language-in-use, in research interviews, of two Generation 1.5 Japanese, who immigrated to the US in their early life stages. To address the issue of construction of national identities, I examine linguistic resources that the participants use to (co-)construct their identities and stances toward Japanese and Americans. By drawing on discourse analysis from a multidisciplinary perspective, I found that: the interview data contain a large number of ‘complaint sequences,’ in which the Japanese participants complain about Japan/Japanese to a Japanese researcher; both participants represent and enact the past self in Japan negatively and the present self in the US positively; the participants take highly negative stances toward Japanese, although paradoxically identifying themselves with Japanese. I discuss the implications of the study for larger social processes that reconsider the complex relationships among language, ethnicities and nati...
Methodology for the synthesis of the core EFGH rings of diazonamide A

Conversion of substituted 2-oxindoles into 2-thionoindoles followed by Raney nickel desulfurization provides a mild method for synthesizing the core EFGH rings of diazonamide A.
Use of Interactive Computer Software in Teaching Thermodynamics Fundamental Concepts

In recent years many publishing companies have provided optional computer software for engineering textbooks. Some of these software packages are tools for enhancing classroom instruction and others are capable of engineering analysis. Several software are currently available as an option with most engineering thermodynamics. They can be used for thermodynamic property evaluations and are extremely useful tools in analysis and design in introductory courses. They are also useful in teaching fundamental thermodynamic concepts. The most significant advantage of these software programs is that no prior knowledge of programming language is necessary in their applications. This paper will discuss the benefits associated with the use of computer software in introductory thermodynamics courses. Available software tools are compared and, in each case, their strengths and limitations are highlighted. The paper describes how one software tool has been integrated into our introductory thermodynamics course to teach the fundamental concepts. Several examples are provided.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Distribution of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the brain of Citellus lateralis during the hibernating cycle.

Abstract 1. The regional concentration of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the brain of golden-mantled ground squirrels ( Citellus lateralis ) was measured at different intervals of the hibernating cycle. 2. The concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the hypothalamus and cerebellum were constant during induction into hibernation, during three segments of the hibernating period, and during the period of activity between hibernation periods. 3. The concentration of epinephrine in the medulla oblongata (with pons) showed no variation related to sampling time; however, the concentration of norepinephrine in this tissue was significantly reduced during the period of activity. 4. The data indicate that progressive irritability during the hibernating period is probably not accounted for by a generalized accumulation of epinephrine in the hypothalamus as was previously proposed.
Two Loop Calculations Using Nonlocal Regularization

Abstract The renormalization of scalar φ4 theory for D = 4 and of scalar φ3 theory for D = 6 is carried out at one and two loops using the technique of nonlocal regularization. This demonstrates that the method treats overlapping divergences correctly. The two loop beta functions are computed and shown to agree with the known, universal results. An explicit formula is derived for inferring the nonlocally regulated result from the dimensionally regulated result. This leads to a conjecture for the general functional measure factor in nonlocally regulated gauge theories.
Evidence for the involvement of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel in a novel model of hypoxic preconditioning in dogs.

Objectives: The major aims of the present study were to determine if a 5 min period of hypoxic (pO2 = 30–40 mmHg) buffer perfusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery 10 min prior to a 60-min LAD occlusion produces myocardial preconditioning (PC) and to determine if hypoxic PC is mediated via activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP). Normoxic (pO2 = 500–600 mmHg) buffer perfusion served as a control. Methods: Barbital-anesthetized dogs were subjected to 60 min of LAD occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Hypoxic PC was produced by 5 min of LAD perfusion with hypoxic buffer followed by 10 min of blood reperfusion prior to a 60-min occlusion. A sham PC group, elicited by 5 min of LAD perfusion with normoxic buffer, served as a control. A final group of animals was treated with glibenclamide (0.3 mg/kg i.V.), a specific KATP channel antagonist, 15 min prior to hypoxic PC and 3 μM of glibenclamide was also added to the hypoxic buffer. Transmural myocardial blood flow (TMBF, ml/min/100 g) was determined by radioactive microspheres 30 min after the initiation of the prolonged 60-min occlusion and infarct size (IF/AAR) as a percent of the area at risk (AAR) was determined by triphenyltetrazolium staining. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in hemodynamics, AAR, or TMBF. Five minutes of perfusion with hypoxic buffer prior to the 60-min occlusion produced a marked reduction in myocardial infarct size as compared to control animals (control, 30 ± 7 to 9 ± 2%, hypoxic PC, P < 0.05). Five minutes of perfusion with normoxic buffer had no effect on infarct size (30 ± 6%) and pretreatment with glibenclamide completely blocked the protective effect of hypoxic PC (31 ± 7%). Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that a brief period of hypoxic buffer perfusion can precondition the heart and that this cardioprotective effect is dependent on the opening of myocardial KATP channels.
Amphidynamic Character of Crystalline MOF-5: Rotational Dynamics of Terephthalate Phenylenes in a Free-Volume, Sterically Unhindered Environment

Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) have been the focus of much interest within the context of hydrogen storage and other materials applications. With static metal clusters linked by axially substituted organic spacers capable of experiencing internal rotations, MOFs are one of the most promising amphidynamic materials to investigate and exploit the dynamics of crystalline solids. In this communication we report an experimental study of the rotational dynamics of the 1,4-phenylenedicarboxylate bridge of MOF-5, which has no steric contacts that might contribute to the rotational barrier. Highly reproducible 1H T1 relaxation, high-resolution 13C CPMAS, and variable temperature quadrupolar echo 2H NMR data were obtained from high quality samples that were sealed at reduced pressure (ca. 3 mTorr). 2H NMR line shape simulation revealed an activation barrier for rotation of 11.3 ± 2.0 kcal/mol, which is lower than the 14−16 kcal/mol values reported in theoretical studies of truncated models. While our results sugge...
Development of a Finite Element Model of a Pediatric Pelvis and Material Property Estimation

The pediatric pelvis is vulnerable to injuries in motor vehicle collisions, sport activities, and fall accidents. Pelvic fractures and injury mechanisms in children differ substantially from those found in adults [1]. While the injury mechanisms and tolerances of the adult pelvis have been fairly well characterized through cadaveric experiments and computational models, efforts related to the pediatric pelvis have been limited due to difficulties in acquiring and testing pediatric cadavers. The objective of this study was to develop a finite element (FE) model of a 10-year-old (10YO) human pelvis to provide more comprehensive understanding of injury mechanisms experienced by children.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The excision proteins of CTnDOT positively regulate the transfer operon

The Bacteroides conjugative transposon, CTnDOT, is an integrated conjugative element (ICE), found in many human colonic Bacteroides spp. strains. It has a complex regulatory system for both excision from the chromosome and transfer and mobilization into a new host. It was previously shown that a cloned DNA segment encoding the xis2c, xis2d, orf3, and exc genes was required for tetracycline dependent activation of the Ptra promoter. The Xis2c and Xis2d proteins are required for excision while the Exc protein stimulates excision. We report here that neither the Orf3 nor the Exc proteins are involved in activation of the Ptra promoter. Deletion analysis and electromobility shift assays showed that the Xis2c and Xis2d proteins bind to the Ptra promoter to activate the tra operon. Thus, the recombination directionality factors of CTnDOT excision also function as activator proteins of the Ptra promoter.
Reply to the discussion by F. Lagroix and S.K. Banerjee of “Geochemical evidence for the origin of late Quaternary loess in central Alaska”

We thank F. Lagroix and (S.K. Banerjee 2006) for their interest in our recent paper and welcome this opportunity to clarify our thoughts on the issues they raise. Lagroix and (Banerjee 2006) state that we have “misinterpreted” past work on paleowinds of Alaska and furthermore that considerations of temporal variability have been “cast aside.” We believe that Lagroix and (Banerjee 2006) have misinterpreted our statements about last-glacial paleowinds versus early Holocene winds in the Yukon River valley. We stated that Hopkins (1982) and Lea and Waythomas (1990) presented a picture of northeasterly winds to explain eolian sand distribution over much of Alaska during the last-glacial period. We then cited the Yukon River example of Froese et al. (2005), Holocene eolian sands on the north side of the river, as an example of how paleowinds may have changed at the end of the last-glacial period. We stated the following (Muhs and Budahn 2006, p. 324): “ If the ages are maximum-limiting estimates and if the sands were locally derived, these deposits imply sand-transporting winds from the south by the start of the Holocene”. [Italics added for emphasis]. This statement, coming after our summary of northeasterly paleowinds from Hopkins (1982) and Lea and Waythomas (1990), was intended to show not a contradiction, but a shift in winds from glacial to interglacial time. Furthermore, we do not disagree with Lagroix and Banerjee (2006) that the deposits studied by Froese et al. (2005) could have come from the north, derived from the Porcupine River. We qualified our statement about both the age and the source of the sands with the word “if,” which emphasizes the uncertainty we had at that time and still have today. Until provenance studies are conducted, the source or sources of eolian sand along the Yukon River are purely speculative. …
Processing and dielectric properties of sol-gel derived bst thin films

Abstract The processing and dielectric properties of BaxSr1-xTiO3 (x = 0.0–1.0) thin films prepared by a sol-gel method were investigated. The films were prepared using solutions consisting of acetate powders and titanium IV isopropoxide in a mixture of acetic acid and ethylene glycol. Processing parameters were optimized to develop stable solutions which yielded relatively low crystallization temperatures. Electron microscopy techniques were used to examine the grain size and microstructure of the thin films. The grain size was on the order of 50 nm and had a marked effect on the electrical properties of the films. Properties such as dielectric constant, dissipation factor and leakage current were also measured as a function of film thickness. A dielectric constant ranging from 200 to 625 was obtained for BST films with x = 0.6 over a thickness range of 100 to 900 nm. Leakage current densities of the films remained below 0.1 μA/cm2 for extended time periods when measured at an applied field of 75 kV/cm.
Photodesorption from powdered zinc oxide

Abstract Mass spectrometric measurements of photodesorption from powdered ZnO under controlled radiation are reported. Neutral carbon dioxide and atomic oxygen prevail as the desorbing species. From photodesorption rate decay curves we obtain cross sections for photodesorption of ~ 2 × 10 −17 cm 2 for O and ~4 × 10 −19 cm 2 for CO 2 . Both species desorb only when the incoming photon energy exceeds the ZnO band gap energy (3.2 eV). The desorption rate is linear with incoming photon flux. All the data seem to support a substrate dependent process of photodesorption by neutralization of chemisorbed species by photogenerated holes. The temperature dependence of the photodesorption rate for CO 2 yields a value of 0.26 eV for the apparent binding energy of the physisorbed CO 2 molecule.
A Study of the Thermal-Hydraulic Performance and System-Level Effects of Aluminum Oxide-Propanol Nanofluid

The application of nanofluids in real systems could lead to smaller, more compact heat exchangers and reductions in material cost. However, few studies have been conducted which have carefully measured the thermo-physical properties and thermal performance of these fluids as well as examine the system-level effects of using these fluids in traditional cooling systems. In this work, dilute suspensions of 10 nm aluminum oxide nanoparticles in propanol (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, and 3 wt%) were investigated. Changes in density, specific heat, and thermal conductivity with particle concentration were measured and found to be linear whereas changes in viscosity were nonlinear and increased sharply with particle loading. Nanofluid heat transfer performance data were generally commensurate with that measured for the baseline. For the 1 wt% concentration, a small but significant enhancement in the heat transfer coefficient was recorded for 1800 2800 which is attributed to an earlier transition to turbulent flow. In the case of high particle loading (i.e. 3 wt%), the thermal performance was observed to deteriorate with respect to the baseline case. Discoloration of the fluid was also observed after being cycled at high flow rates and increased temperature.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The inactivation of dilute solutions of crystalline trypsin by x-radiation. I. Kinetics and characteristics.

The activity of dilute solutions of crystalline trypsin is destroyed by x-rays. The inactivation is an exponential function of the radiation dose. The reaction yield of inactivation is independent of the intensity at which the radiation is delivered or the quality of the x-rays. The reaction yield increases with increasing concentration of trypsin, varying from 0.06 to 0.7 micromoles per liter per 1000 r for trypsin solutions ranging from 1 x 10–7 to 2 x 10–4 M.
Analysis of an introgressed Nicotiana tomentosa genomic region affecting leaf number and correlated traits in Nicotiana tabacum

Germplasm from closely related diploid relatives of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) could be of value for continued genetic modification of this species and for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs). We examined near isogenic tobacco lines and hybrids differing for an introgressed genomic region from N. tomentosa Ruiz and Pavon designated as Many Leaves that exhibits a large influence on leaf number and correlated traits. Within a ‘Red Russian’ genetic background, the region acted in an additive to partially dominant fashion to delay flowering time, and increase leaf number, plant height, and green leaf yield. Evidence of epistasis was observed as the region affected these traits to varying degrees in diverse near isogenic hybrids. Fifteen amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers of N. tomentosa origin were mapped within a single linkage group of 34.5 cM using a population of 207 BC1F1 individuals segregating for Many Leaves. Composite interval mapping produced 2–LOD confidence intervals for likely QTL positions influencing leaf number (3.1 cM region), plant height (2.9 cM region), and days to flowering (3.3 cM region). These intervals were overlapping. Results demonstrate that genomic regions with large genetic effects can be transferred to tobacco from closely related diploid relatives, and that sufficient recombination within these regions may permit mapping of genes controlling quantitative traits. Materials and results described here may be useful in future research to gain insight on the genetic control of the transition from vegetative to reproductive development in Nicotiana.
Multimodality imaging assessment of a rare intracardiac mass: caseous calcification of the mitral valve annulus

A 75-year-old man with a poorly defined intracardiac mass on transthoracic echocardiogram was referred for further evaluation by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. CMR cine ( Panel A ) and dark blood ( Panel B ) images demonstrated a large, hypointense mass involving a mitral valve (MV) annulus. Perfusion images revealed no enhancement of the mass compared with normal myocardium …
Calculation of electronic band structures for some rigid benzobisoxazole and benzobisthiazole polymers

Quantum-mechanical methods were employed to calculate electronic band structures for the polybenzobisoxazole (PBO) and polybenzobisthiazole (PBT) chains originally synthesized and much studied because of their utility as high-performance fibers and films. For cis-PBO, trans-PBO, and trans-PBT chains in their coplanar conformations, the band gaps in the axial direction were found to be 1.72, 1.62, and 1.73 eV, respectively. Since trans-PBT is nonplanar, calculations on it were also carried out as a function of the rotation angle ϕ about the C—C bond joining the two +ing systems in the repeat unit. The band gap was found to increase markedly with increase in nonpla-narity, as would be expected from the decrease in charge delocalization. The calculations suggest the most likely value of ϕ to be ca. 30°, in good agreement with the experimental value 23° obtained by x-ray analysis of a crystalline trans-PBT model compound. At this value of ϕ, the calculated value of the band gap is.1.98 eV. All of these values are very close to the corresponding values of 1.4-1.9 eV reported for trans-polyacetylene, which should encourage further theoretical and experimental investigations of the electronic properties of these polymers.
Deconstructing a Definition: Social Maladjustment versus Emotional Disturbance and Moving the EBD Field Forward.

In this article we discuss the definition of emotionally disturbed (ED) from the Individuals with Disabilities EducationAct, with a specific focus on the clause contained in this definition, which is designed to exclude from special education services students who are considered to be socially maladjusted (SM). The history of the SM exclusionary clause and its impact is detailed herein. We argue that the federal ED definition, and especially its SM exclusionary clause, have both served to inhibit the progress of the behavior disorders subspecialty within the special education field, and have diverted energy and attention from more important aspects of serving students with behavioral and emotional problems. From both a pragmatic and empirical standpoint, we argue that the SM exclusionary clause is untenable, and that it deserves neither our support nor the continued professional focus that it continues to demand. Using the “Triangle of Support” model as an exemplar, we propose that assessment methods should be linked to comprehensive systems of service delivery to provide a true cascade of services for students with behavioral and emotional problems. Recommended alternative definitions of ED are discussed, including the National Coalition definition of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders that narrowly missed congressional approval for replacing the current definition. Further, we recommend adoption of the externalizing‐internalizing broadband dimensional dichotomy as an emerging and scientifically sound alternative way of conceptualizing emotional and behavioral problems. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PAK5, a new brain-specific kinase, promotes neurite outgrowth in N1E-115 cells.

We have characterized a new member of the mammalian PAK family of serine/threonine kinases, PAK5, which is a novel target of the Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac. The kinase domain and GTPase-binding domain (GBD) of PAK5 are most closely related in sequence to those of mammalian PAK4. Outside of these domains, however, PAK5 is completely different in sequence from any known mammalian proteins. PAK5 does share considerable sequence homology with the Drosophila MBT protein (for “mushroom body tiny”), however, which is thought to play a role in development of cells in Drosophila brain. Interestingly, PAK5 is highly expressed in mammalian brain and is not expressed in most other tissues. We have found that PAK5, like Cdc42, promotes the induction of filopodia. In N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells, expression of PAK5 also triggered the induction of neurite-like processes, and a dominant-negative PAK5 mutant inhibited neurite outgrowth. Expression of activated PAK1 caused no noticeable changes in these cells. An activated mutant of PAK5 had an even more dramatic effect than wild-type PAK5, indicating that the morphologic changes induced by PAK5 are directly related to its kinase activity. Although PAK5 activates the JNK pathway, dominant-negative JNK did not inhibit neurite outgrowth. In contrast, the induction of neurites by PAK5 was abolished by expression of activated RhoA. Previous work has shown that Cdc42 and Rac promote neurite outgrowth by a pathway that is antagonistic to Rho. Our results suggest, therefore, that PAK5 operates downstream to Cdc42 and Rac and antagonizes Rho in the pathway, leading to neurite development.
Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition Growth of GaN and GaMnN Multifunctional Nanostructures

Quantum dots (QDs) have been shown to improve the efficiency and optical properties of opto- electronic devices compared to two dimensional quantum wells in the active region. The formation of self-assembled GaN nanostructures on aluminum nitride (AlN) grown on sapphire substrates by Metal Organic Chemical Vapor deposition (MOCVD) was explored. This paper reports on the effect of in-situ activation in nitrogen atmosphere on MOCVD grown GaN nanostructures. The effect of introducing manganese in these nanostructures was also studied. Optically active nanostructures were successfully obtained. A blue shift is observed in the photoluminescence data with a decrease in nanostructure size.
PV-PPV: parameter variability aware, automatically extracted, nonlinear time-shifted oscillator macromodels

The PPV is a robust phase domain macromodel for oscillators. It has been proven to predict oscillators' responses correctly under small signal perturbations, and capture nonlinear phase effects such as injection locking/pulling. In this work, we present a novel approach to extend the PPV macromodel to handle variability in circuit parameters. We derive a modified PPV-based phase equation in which parameter variations are modelled as special inputs. An important feature of our technique is that it avoids PPV re-extraction, this resulting in great convenience and efficiency in its use for, e.g., Monte Carlo type simulations. Using LC and ring oscillators as examples, we demonstrate the capability of the proposed technique for capturing parameter variation effects in injection locking analysis. Simulation results show that our new approach accurately predicts the maximum locking range of oscillators with speedups of two orders of magnitude over direct simulation.
Hydrogen peroxide and superoxide photoproduction in diverse marine waters: A simple proxy for estimating direct CO2 photochemical fluxes

The photoproduction of H2O2 and CO2 exhibits a well-defined relationship with an average CO2:H2O2 molar ratio of 6.6 ± 1.8 as determined in a variety of marine waters ranging from a dark tidal creek to clear offshore stations near the Gulf Stream. Even when corrected for photobleaching, accumulation of both H2O2 and CO2 was not linear beyond 12 h of constant irradiation, with interval rates indicating that production efficiency for both products decreased with increasing photon dose. Direct measurements of O2− photoproduction, together with its dark thermal decay to H2O2, indicate that O2− may be the better proxy for photochemical dissolved organic matter oxidation to CO2. Given the very short irradiation times needed to determine O2− production rates (~2–5 min), determination of O2− photoproduction may provide robust estimates for initial CO2 photoproduction rates even in blue water, allowing greatly improved estimates for the global significance of dissolved organic carbon photooxidation.
Determination of Time-Dependent Plastic Properties of Metals by Indentation Load Relaxation Techniques

Load relaxation testing has been demonstrated to be useful for characterizing the time dependent plastic properties of metals. However, for testing of small material volumes, such as thin film metallizations, thin films, and contact surfaces, conventional load relaxation techniques cannot be used. For such applications an indentation test offers an attractive means for obtaining data necessary for materials characterization. This work shows that an indentation load relaxation test is experimentally feasible for thin film testing. Experiments on brass and beryllium copper samples with or without a gold/nickel plating illustrate different relaxation properties of the substrates and the surface layers. Furthermore, results of experiments on some fcc metals suggest rather simple relations between the conventional uniaxial load relaxation (LR) test and the indentation load relaxation (ILR) test.
Shadow Dirichlet for Restricted Probability Modeling

Although the Dirichlet distribution is widely used, the independence structure of its components limits its accuracy as a model. The proposed shadow Dirichlet distribution manipulates the support in order to model probability mass functions (pmfs) with dependencies or constraints that often arise in real world problems, such as regularized pmfs, monotonic pmfs, and pmfs with bounded variation. We describe some properties of this new class of distributions, provide maximum entropy constructions, give an expectation-maximization method for estimating the mean parameter, and illustrate with real data.
Interactive Demonstration of Pointing Gestures for Virtual Trainers

While interactive virtual humans are becoming widely used in education, training and delivery of instructions, building the animations required for such interactive characters in a given scenario remains a complex and time consuming work. One of the key problems is that most of the systems controlling virtual humans are mainly based on pre-defined animations which have to be re-built by skilled animators specifically for each scenario. In order to improve this situation this paper proposes a framework based on the direct demonstration of motions via a simplified and easy to wear set of motion capture sensors. The proposed system integrates motion segmentation, clustering and interactive motion blending in order to enable a seamless interface for programming motions by demonstration.
Newport, rhode Island, adopts a Mayor–Council–Manager charter

This interesting charter, adopted by the people and subject to hte approval of hte legislature, is based upon the 1927 Model Charter of hte National Municipal League and is in addition a conscious attempt to place int he mayor a responsible leadership for public policy and law enforcement, as well as to overcome the peculiar provisions of hte Rhode Island constitution which divides the voters into taxpaying and registry groups.
Transcriptional Activation by the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Latency-Associated Nuclear Antigen Is Facilitated by an N-Terminal Chromatin-Binding Motif

In immunocompromised patients, infection with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) can give rise to Kaposi's sarcoma and several lymphoproliferative disorders. In these tumors, KSHV establishes a latent infection in many of the rapidly proliferating and morphologically abnormal cells. Only a few viral gene products are expressed by the latent virus, and one of the best characterized is the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA), a nuclear protein required for the maintenance of viral episomal DNA in the dividing host cell. LANA can also activate or repress an assortment of cellular and viral promoters and may contribute to pathogenesis by allowing the proliferation and survival of host cells. Here we show that activation of the human E2F1 and cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (CDK2) promoters requires elements from both the N- and C-terminal regions of LANA. Deletion of the first 22 amino acids, which are necessary for episome tethering, does not affect nuclear localization but significantly reduces transactivation. Within the deleted peptide, we have identified a short sequence, termed the chromatin-binding motif (CBM), that binds tightly to interphase and mitotic chromatin. A second chromatin-binding activity resides in the C terminus but is not sufficient for optimal transactivation. Alanine substitutions within the CBM reveal a close correlation between the transactivation and chromatin binding activities, implying a mechanistic link. In contrast to promoter activation, we find that the 223 amino acids of the LANA C terminus are sufficient to inhibit p53-mediated activation of the human BAX promoter, indicating that the CBM is not required for all transcription-related functions.
Motivational drivers for status consumption: A study of Generation Y consumers

Abstract The younger generation is more open to new concepts of conspicuous products/services, such as luxury restaurants/cafes, as a means of self-expression or symbols of their desired lifestyle. This study addressed why Generation Y pursues status consumption lifestyles despite the fact that many young adults still rely on parental financial support and limited incomes. This study presents an interdisciplinary bridge between research on the psychology of status consumption, economic mental accounting, and evolutionary biology by testing hypotheses assessed in an upscale foodservice setting. Notably, we found that “income source accounting” actually impacts attitudes toward status consumption when people are highly materialistic, their social comparison goals are activated, or their desire for prestige is strong. Furthermore, we examined gender-based consumption patterns using conspicuous signaling theory. Specifically, costly-signaling displays of status consumption by Gen Y women lead them to spend more money on luxurious and publicly consumed purchases. Finally, this study confirmed the moderating role of Gen Y's income source.
Characterizing a Mississippian Tripolitic Chert reservoir using 3D unsupervised seismic facies analysis and well logs: an example from Osage County, Oklahoma

The most popular seismic attributes fall into three broad categories – those that are sensitive to lateral changes in waveform and structure such as coherence and curvature, those sensitive to thin bed tuning and stratigraphy, such as spectral components, and those sensitive to lithology and fluid properties – such as AVO and impedance inversion. We present a workflow that mimics multi-attribute clustering routinely done by human interpreters. This workflow automatically differentiates depositional packages characterized by subtle changes in the stratigraphic column as well as lateral changes in texture.
Ankle arthroscopy for ankle fractures.

In many patients who undergo open reduction–internal fixation of ankle fractures, there is a failure to achieve good clinical outcomes despite radiographic evidence of anatomic reduction. One possible reason for this is the high incidence of concomitant intra-articular pathology associated with ankle fractures that may go unrecognized using traditional open approaches. Arthroscopy in the setting of acute operative management of ankle fractures provides a means to completely assess intra-articular pathology, as well as provide direct therapeutic intervention in many instances. Arthroscopic management techniques include debridement of loose intra-articular fragments, assisted fracture reduction, microfracture of chondral injuries, and assessment of syndesmotic stability. The indications for arthroscopy in the setting of ankle fractures have not been fully defined; however, it is our practice to perform an arthroscopic assessment of all ankle fractures requiring surgical intervention. We present a sample of our experience using this technique that shows the severity of intra-articular pathology that is often found and occurs even in association with fracture patterns with seemingly innocuous radiographic appearances.
Hemoglobin and Overt Nephropathy Complications in Type 1 Diabetes

Purpose Anemia tends to be more severe and occur earlier in individuals with diabetic nephropathy. We thus examined whether hemoglobin (HGB) relates to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and all cause mortality in type 1 diabetes (T1D) subjects with overt nephropathy (ON). Methods We prospectively followed up 174 individuals with childhood-onset T1D and ON (albumin excretion rate >200 μg/min in multiple urine samples) from the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study cohort for 12 years. One hundred forty persons had ON at baseline, whereas another 34 were followed up from their incidence of ON as determined by biennial examinations. Results Baseline HGB inversely predicted ESRD (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.70, 0.61–0.80) and mortality (HR = 0.84, 0.72–0.98), but not CAD (HR = 0.91, 0.79–1.0). After adjustment for sex, diabetes duration, and other known risk factors, HGB remained significantly predictive of ESRD (HR = 0.72, 0.61–0.85), but not CAD (HR = 0.94, 0.80–1.10) or overall mortality (HR = 0.92, 0.77–1.10). However, in those who never progressed to ESRD, HGB was significantly predictive of mortality (HR = 0.59, 0.39–0.89). After including ESRD as a time-dependent, HGB was significantly predictive of overall mortality (HR = 0.75, 0.59–0.93). Gender-specific analyses, although limited by sample size, suggests similarity in the association between absolute HGB and ESRD in both genders, but differences for CAD and mortality. Conclusion Our data suggest that in T1D with ON, a higher HGB level is associated not only with reduced risk of ESRD, but also of mortality, particularly in those who do not develop ESRD. HGB, even in the clinically normal range, is able to predict long-term complications in those with T1D and ON.
Comparison of wetland and agriculture drainage as sources of biochemical oxygen demand to the San Joaquin River, California

Abstract For many years, the San Joaquin River (SJR) has had low dissolved oxygen conditions intermittently during the late summer and early fall. The low dissolved oxygen conditions are impacting critical fish habitat and the SJR is being regulated under a state of California remediation plan that includes the development of a total maximum daily load (TMDL) allocation for oxygen demanding substances. In support of the development of a scientific TMDL allocation, studies are being conducted to characterize water quality in the many tributaries of the SJR. This study identified the sources of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in two western tributaries of the SJR, Mud Slough and Salt Slough, and measured the loads of BOD, algae, and ammonia entering the SJR from wetland and agricultural sources. Mud and Salt Sloughs drain the Grassland Watershed. The watershed contains seasonal wetlands, irrigated farmland, and other agricultural lands. This drainage is under close regulatory scrutiny, because it produces a majority of the selenium and boron entering the SJR. In this study, wetland and irrigated agricultural drainage were sampled separately and a comparison was made to determine differences in water quality. In addition, water entering the study area was compared to water exiting the study area to determine the effect of water use in the region on water quality. This study demonstrated that BOD loads from the Grassland Watershed to the SJR were proportional to flow during June–October, the most critical time for dissolved oxygen deficits in the lower SJR. This indicates that Mud and Salt Sloughs are not producing more BOD than other tributaries in the region that are not under close regulatory scrutiny. The BOD concentration of wetland drainage is higher than that of agricultural drainage, but the higher agricultural drainage flows result in a higher mass loading of BOD. Wetland flooding and irrigation of crops both had a negative impact on water quality. Algal growth was identified as the major source of BOD in agricultural drainage and locations where BOD control could potentially be implemented were identified.
A prospective study of depression following combat deployment in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Objective. We investigated relations between deployment and new-onset depression among US service members recently deployed to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.Methods. We included 40 219 Millennium Cohort Study participants who completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires and met inclusion criteria. Participants were identified with depression if they met the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Patient Health Questionnaire criteria for depression at follow-up, but not at baseline.Results. Deployed men and women with combat exposures had the highest onset of depression, followed by those not deployed and those deployed without combat exposures. Combat-deployed men and women were at increased risk for new-onset depression compared with nondeployed men and women (men: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13, 1.54; women: AOR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.70, 2.65). Conversely, deployment without combat exposures led to decreased risk for new-onset depression compared with those...
A mathematical approach to the mechanical capabilities of limbs and fingers.

Neuromuscular function is the interaction between the nervous system and the physical world. Limbs and fingers are, therefore, the ultimate mechanical filters between the motor commands that the nervous system issues and the physical actions that result. In this chapter we present a mathematical approach to understanding how their anatomy (i.e., physical structure) defines their mechanical capabilities. We call them “mechanical filters” because they attenuate, amplify, and transform neural signals into mechanical output. We explicitly distinguish between limbs and fingers because their subtle anatomical differences have profound effects on their mechanical properties. Our main message is that many aspects of neuromuscular function such as co-contraction, posture selection, muscle redundancy, optimality of motor command, are fundamentally affected (if not defined) by the physical structure of limbs and fingers. We attempt to present the fundamental filtering properties of limbs and fingers in a unified manner to allow for a direct and useful application of powerful mathematical concepts to the study of neuromuscular function. Every researcher of motor control is well advised to consider these filtering properties to properly understand the co-evolution and synergistic interactions between brain and body. At the end of the day, every inquiry in neuromuscular function can be reduced to the fundamental question whether and how the nervous system can perform the necessary sensorimotor functions to exploit and reach the mechanical capabilities of limbs and fingers.
18S rRNA and COI haplotype diversity of Trichodorus obtusus from turfgrass in South Carolina

The stubby-root nematode, Trichodorus obtusus , was recently identified on zoysiagrass in South Carolina, USA. In Florida, T. obtusus causes more damage than other stubby-root nematodes encountered in turfgrass. The objective of this study was to use morphological analysis, mitochondrial DNA (COI: cytochrome oxidase 1) and nuclear (18S rRNA) sequence data to study the genetic structure and haplotype diversity of populations recovered from turfgrasses in South Carolina. Numerous morphological differences were observed among populations. Three 18S haplotypes were shared among South Carolina and Florida populations, and six mitochondrial haplotypes were identified in South Carolina samples. Of the six COI haplotypes, four haplotypes were restricted to one population from St Augustinegrass. The lowest haplotype diversity was found in samples from zoysiagrass. Sequences of the COI mtDNA gene of T. obtusus were published in GenBank and represent the first mtDNA sequences for the genus Trichodorus .
Mass Spectrometry of Ligand Exchange Chelation of the Nanoparticle [Au25(SCH2CH2C6H5)18]1− by CH3C6H3(SH)2

Mass spectrally detected products of ligand exchange reactions of the nanoparticle [Au25(SC2H4C6H5)18]1−, (abbrev. Au25(SC2Ph)18), where the dithiol is toluene-3,4-dithiol, CH3C6H3(SH)2, include na...