cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The NASA debris radar for characterizing static and dynamic ascent debris events for safety of flight

During the NASA “Columbia” accident investigation, the root cause of the accident was ultimately attributed to liberated foam debris damaging the left wing heat shield during ascent. After the accident, The Space Shuttle Program Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) Office tasked a joint AFRL, NASA, and US Navy team to create a day/night radar sensor to characterize the debris threat during the ascent phase of a Space Shuttle launch, and further identify/define the return signals as seen by the radar. Ultimately the team co-developed the “NASA Debris Radar (NDR),” a three-sensor C- and X-Band Doppler and radar imaging system that provided Shuttle mission managers unprecedented all weather insight into Shuttle dynamic debris events. This paper will briefly summarize the development and capabilities of the NDR and highlight exemplars of the processed radar data products, demonstrating how these products provided unprecedented insight into the complex ascent debris environment of the Shuttle. The NDR was successfully employed on every “post-accident” Shuttle mission.
Delamination Trends of Underfill in Dca Assemblies

Underfill delamination is one of the most common failure mechanisms for the Direct Chip Attach (DCA) assemblies. This paper, based on finite element and analytical analysis of stress concentrations, proposes the possible delamination trends of the underfill in the DCA assembly. The results explain well the recent experimental observations. The analysis suggests that good adhesion between underfill and solder joints might help compensate for the relatively poor adhesion of the underfill/passivation interfaces. It also suggests that voids in the underfill material may sometimes be detrimental.
Modulation of NaCl absorption by [HCO3−] in the marine teleost intestine is mediated by soluble adenylyl cyclase

Intestinal HCO3− secretion and NaCl absorption are essential for counteracting dehydration in marine teleost fish. We investigated how these two processes are coordinated in toadfish. HCO3− stimula...
Resting state functional connectivity of the hippocampus associated with neurocognitive function in left temporal lobe epilepsy

The majority of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) experience disturbances of episodic memory from structural damage or dysfunction of the hippocampus. The objective of this study was to use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to identify regions where resting state connectivity to the left hippocampus (LH) is correlated with neuropsychological measures of verbal memory retention in TLE patients. Eleven left TLE (LTLE) patients and 15 control subjects participated in resting state fMRI scans. All LTLE patients underwent neuropsychological testing. Resting state functional connectivity maps to the LH were calculated for each patient, and subsequently used in a multiple regression analysis with verbal memory retention scores as a covariate. The analysis identified brain regions whose connectivity to the LH was linearly related to memory retention scores across the group of patients. In LTLE patients, right sided (contralateral) clusters in the precuneus and inferior parietal lobule (IPL) exhibited increased connectivity to the LH with increased memory retention score; left sided (ipsilateral) regions in the precuneus and IPL showed increased connectivity to the LH with decreased retention score. Patients with high memory retention scores had greater connectivity between the LH-right parietal clusters than between the LH-left parietal clusters; in contrast, control subjects had significantly and consistently greater LH-left hemisphere than LH-right hemisphere connectivity. Our results suggest that increased connectivity in contralateral hippocampal functional pathways within the episodic verbal memory network represents a strengthening of alternative pathways in LTLE patients with strong verbal memory retention abilities.
Genetic mouse models for bone studies—Strengths and limitations

Mice have become a preferred model system for bone research because of their genetic and pathophysiological similarities to humans: a relatively short reproductive period, leading to relatively low cost of maintenance and the availability of the entire mouse genome sequence information. The success in producing the first transgenic mouse line that expressed rabbit β-globin protein in mouse erythrocytes three decades ago marked the beginning of the use of genetically engineered mice as model system to study human diseases. Soon afterward the development of cultured pluripotent embryonic stem cells provided the possibility of gene replacement or gene deletion in mice. These technologies have been critical to identify new genes involved in bone development, growth, remodeling, repair, and diseases, but like many other approaches, they have limitations. This review will introduce the approaches that allow the generation of transgenic mice and global or conditional (tissue-specific and inducible) mutant mice. A list of the various promoters used to achieve bone-specific gene deletion or overexpression is included. The limitations of these approaches are discussed, and general guidelines related to the analysis of genetic mouse models are provided.
Efficient timing analysis for CMOS circuit considering data dependent delays

Both long and short path delays are used to determine the valid clocking for various CMOS circuits such as single phase latching, asynchronous and wave pipelining. Therefore, accurate estimation of both long and short path delays is very crucial in the designing and testing of high speed CMOS circuits. Most of the previous approaches in detecting long and short sensitizable paths assume that the rising and falling of gate delays are either fixed or bounded. We propose several algorithms to compute the longest and shortest sensitizable path delays based on a data dependent delay model. A proposed algorithm which is based on a combination of modified static (topological) timing analysis and path sensitization techniques seems to offer the best performance. The results obtained have shown to be more accurate than the traditional path sensitization approach based on the bounded delay model. >
Effects of Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury on Anticipating Consequences of Actions in Adolescents: A Preliminary Study

For this pilot study, we compared performance of 15 adolescents with moderate–severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) to that of 13 typically developing (TD) adolescents in predicting social actions and consequences for avatars in a virtual microworld environment faced with dilemmas involving legal or moral infractions. Performance was analyzed in relation to cortical thickness in brain regions implicated in social cognition. Groups did not differ in number of actions predicted nor in reasons cited for predictions when presented only the conflict situation. After viewing the entire scenario, including the choice made by the avatar, TD and TBI adolescents provided similar numbers of short-term consequences. However, TD adolescents provided significantly more long-term consequences (p 5 .010). Additionally, for the Overall qualitative score, TD adolescents’ responses were more likely to reflect the long-term impact of the decision made (p 5 .053). Groups differed in relation of the Overall measure to thickness of right medial prefrontal cortex/frontal pole and precuneus, with stronger relations for the TD group (p , .01). For long-term consequences, the relations to the posterior cingulate, superior medial frontal, and precentral regions, and to a lesser extent, the middle temporal region, were stronger for the TBI group (p , .01). (JINS, 2013, 19, 508–517)
New approaches to the chemical control of arthropod pests of livestock.

Abstract Chemicals are important tools in our effort to control livestock ectoparasites, and they are likely to remain so in the foreseeable future. Chemical control is the most widely used and in most cases the only method available to the producer. Therefore, it is imperative that we continue to seek new chemicals as well as new systems for delivery of those chemicals in an effective, efficient, and safe manner. New approaches to chemical control involve both new chemicals and new delivery systems in a complementary and often a synergistic relationship. Three relatively new classes of chemicals, pyrethroids, insect growth regulators, and avermectins, have provided special opportunities for development of new delivery systems. The development of the insecticidal ear tag has been perhaps the most significant new approach to chemical control of livestock ectoparasites in recent years. Although originally developed for control of ear ticks, the tag has had its greatest impact on control of the horn fly, a major pest of cattle in the U.S. The pyrethroid tags provided season-long control of horn flies in most climates and at the same time dramatically reduced the use of pesticide. Unfortunately, the problem of resistance to pyrethroids in the tags has been encountered. Unless effective techniques for resistance management can be developed, the producer may lose this valuable new tool. Sustained-release boluses provide a means of delivering IGR's, such as methoprene and diflubenzuron, for control of immature stages of the horn fly and face fly in manure of cattle. These devices are designed to lodge in the reticulum of cattle and release the chemical to the digestive tract over an extended period. Bolus formulations may in fact provide a tool for management of horn fly resistance to pyrethroids. Ivermectin, a potent new chemical from a new class of agricultural pesticides, provides an important opportunity for developing innovative delivery systems for control of livestock pests. Its systemic activity against ticks and blood-sucking flies at extremely low dosages provides potential for development of long-lasting subcutaneous implants. Its ability to control immature stages of dung-breeding flies, such as the horn fly and face fly, offers the potential for development of sustained-release boluses for larvicidal treatments. These three selected examples of new approaches to chemical control of livestock ectoparasites point to two obvious trends: 1) reduction in quantity of a chemical to be applied without sacrifice of efficacy and 2) use of controlled-release technology to prolong effectiveness of the chemical. Although the examples presented are focused on applications to cattle, similar approaches have application for other livestock. New approaches such as these have important implications in implementation of either area-wide or IPM control programs. Such programs will need convenient and effective chemical delivery systems to be successful if in fact chemicals are to be a part of the programs.
An efficient full-wave layered interconnect simulator (UA-FWLIS)

In this paper, efficient analytical methods are used to implement a full-wave layered interconnect simulator (UA-FWLIS) that is based on the method of moments (MoM). In order to demonstrate these analytical techniques, we first developed a prototype simulator that could only handle thin, single-line stripline structures by modeling the current cells with filamentary expansion and test functions. However, the simple filamentary functions are not valid for modeling the coupling between multiple lines. Therefore, in this paper, we discuss the extension of UA-FWLIS to finite-width expansion and test functions so that it can accurately model complex, multiple-line structures. This paper describes how to extend the analytical analysis for computing the elements in the reaction (impedance) matrix from filamentary models to finite-width models. We then validate UA-FWLIS by comparing results with those obtained by Agilent Momentum for some stripline structures, including a single transmission line and a coupled-line bandpass filter. We then compare the computational efficiency of UA-FWLIS with Momentum.
Pathogenic Forms of Tau Inhibit Kinesin-Dependent Axonal Transport through a Mechanism Involving Activation of Axonal Phosphotransferases

Aggregated filamentous forms of hyperphosphorylated tau (a microtubule-associated protein) represent pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. While axonal transport dysfunction is thought to represent a primary pathogenic factor in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases, the direct molecular link between pathogenic forms of tau and deficits in axonal transport remain unclear. Recently, we demonstrated that filamentous, but not soluble, forms of wild-type tau inhibit anterograde, kinesin-based fast axonal transport (FAT) by activating axonal protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), independent of microtubule binding. Here, we demonstrate that amino acids 2-18 of tau, comprising a phosphatase-activating domain (PAD), are necessary and sufficient for activation of this pathway in axoplasms isolated from squid giant axons. Various pathogenic forms of tau displaying increased exposure of PAD inhibited anterograde FAT in squid axoplasm. Importantly, immunohistochemical studies using a novel PAD-specific monoclonal antibody in human postmortem tissue indicated that increased PAD exposure represents an early pathogenic event in AD that closely associates in time with AT8 immunoreactivity, an early marker of pathological tau. We propose a model of pathogenesis in which disease-associated changes in tau conformation lead to increased exposure of PAD, activation of PP1-GSK3, and inhibition of FAT. Results from these studies reveal a novel role for tau in modulating axonal phosphotransferases and provide a molecular basis for a toxic gain-of-function associated with pathogenic forms of tau.
Three versions of the Jonah story: an investigation of narrative technique in Old English homilies

As Professor Clemoes has demonstrated, AElfric treats a wide variety of subjects with both felicity and facility. While Clemoes makes his case by presenting passages differing in intellectual content but displaying the same flexibility of style, it is noteworthy that first among his selections is a narrative excerpt from the Life of St Swithhun. Generally students of Old English prose have not chosen to pursue the implicit connections between narrative and intellectual prose, preferring, it appears, to keep generic guidelines clear and distinct. At least one significant exception is C. E. Wright's search for saga in histories and chronicles. Clemoes's suggestion of a ‘narrative style’, however, merits a wider application to Old English, homiletic literature. Obviously homilies are not stories, but one can find in the use of exemplum, anecdote and history a narrative style at work, or at least a narrative consciousness.
The syntaxin family of proteins in Arabidopsis: a new syntaxin homologue shows polymorphism between two ecotypes

tus, plasma membrane, and vacuole. Soluble proteins containing an N-terminal signal sequence are The syntaxin family of proteins are involved in vesicle co-translationally inserted into the ER lumen and from sorting, docking and fusion in the secretory pathway. here are transported through the secretory system in The discovery of several syntaxin homologues in plants transport vesicles which bud from one compartment and (AtPEP12p, KNOLLE, AtVAM3p) suggested that the fuse with the next. From the ER, proteins are transported general mechanisms of protein trafficking through the through the Golgi cisternae to the trans-Golgi network, secretory pathway also apply to plant cells. The identi- where a major sorting event occurs. Proteins are either fication of another syntaxin homologue, the AtPLP secreted to the outside of the cell (the default pathway) (AtPEP12p-Like Protein) gene, in Arabidopsis thaliana, or they are targeted to the vacuole via a prevacuolar which is not present in yeast, is reported here. The compartment (PVC ), a route that is believed to be putative amino acid sequence of AtPLP shows high receptor-mediated. similarity to AtPEP12p and AtVAM3p, and AtPEP12p antibodies cross-react with in vitro translated AtPLP. Protein sorting to the vacuole The AtPLP gene shows polymorphism between two For a soluble protein to reach the vacuole, it must contain Arabidopsis ecotypes: In ecotype Columbia, it encodes a specific vacuolar sorting signal. Three types of vacuolar a syntaxin homologue lacking the C-terminal trans- sorting signal have been identified. Some proteins contain membrane domain (TMD), whereas in ecotype RLD, a propeptide which comprises the sorting signal and due to a frame shift in the genomic sequence, it results which is removed from the protein upon deposition in in a typical syntaxin-like protein with a C-terminal the vacuole. Several proteins are known to contain a TMD. The distribution pattern of AtPLP mRNA among propeptide at their N-terminus, including sweet potato various tissues is different from that of AtPEP12, sporamin (Matsuoka and Nakamura, 1991) and barley AtVAM3 and KNOLLE mRNA, indicating that the protein aleurain (Holwerda et al., 1992). Deletion and mutagenmay play a novel role in vesicle trafficking in plant esis studies have shown that the N-terminal propeptide is cells.
Genomics Are Transforming Our Understanding of Responses to Climate Change

Genomic approaches are revolutionizing the biomedical sciences, providing new ways in which to approach the development of therapeutic practices and the understanding of the causal bases of disease. So, too, do genomics approaches have the potential to transform the way in which ecological studies can be conducted by providing powerful tools in which genotype and phenotype data of diverse “wild” populations can be measured with a never-before-possible level of fine-scale resolution. In this article, we examine the potential for genomics-enabled approaches to aid in understanding the responses of populations to climate change and highlight examples in which these tools have been applied to understand physiological adaptation or migration.
Treatment of chronic daily posttraumatic headache with divalproex sodium

Objective.—To determine the effectiveness of divalproex sodium in the treatment of chronic daily posttraumatic headaches. Background.—Divalproex sodium has been found to be useful for the treatment of migraine and chronic daily headache. No studies have been done to evaluate effectiveness in posttraumatic headache. Methods.—A retrospective review was done of 100 patients treated with divalproex for chronic daily posttraumatic headache of 2 months or longer. Results.—Sixty percent of patients with chronic posttraumatic headache had mild to moderate improvement in their headaches after at least 1 month of divalproex sodium. Forty percent either showed no response (26%) or discontinued treatment because of side effects (14%). Fifty-eight percent of patients showing improvement had a change in headache pattern from daily to episodic. Conclusions.—Divalproex sodium appears to be safe and effective for treatment of patients with persistent, chronic daily posttraumatic headaches.
New noise-reduction technique applied to long-period oscillations from the Alaskan earthquake

We develop a method of noise reduction for seismological data in which bursts of noise are detected and replaced with the use of a prediction error operator. The method is applied to the Alaskan earthquake gravimeter record of Slichter. Nearly all long-period energy can be attributed to transient noise in the signal. There is no evidence for a long-period core oscillation.
Teaching Elementary School Social Studies Methods under edTPA.

ABSTRACTThis article reports a self-study that analyzes my experience as a teacher educator navigating a turbulent educational landscape with the advent of edTPA. The data consist of my journal entries, the syllabi, handouts, work submitted by my students, and course evaluations. Data were analyzed by using an inductive process to describe how the edTPA compounds my work of teaching future elementary teachers for social studies for social justice. I discuss challenges associated with my teaching and the ways that I have grappled with these challenges. Implications for teacher educators are discussed, because we all must deal with important issues in the current era of accountability and testing.
Coping strategies and real-world functioning in bipolar disorder.

Abstract Background Bipolar disorder (BD) patients encounter significant life adversity, which has contributed to bipolar disorder being a leading cause of disability worldwide. Studies suggest BD patients have more maladaptive coping strategies, some of which can impact their illness course. Yet research on which coping strategies most influence disability is lacking. Such research could inform cognitive-behavioral targets to improve functional outcomes. Thus, we sought to identify relations between coping strategies and real-world function in BD. Methods In 92 affectively-stable BD outpatients, we measured coping strategies via the Brief COPE, real-world disability via the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, current symptoms, illness chronicity, and neurocognitive functioning via the MATRICS. Multiple regression analysis served to identify the neurocognitive domains predictive of disability for entry into subsequent analyses. Multiple regressions assessed how adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies influenced disability. Results Only one neurocognitive domain, verbal learning, significantly predicted disability and was included in subsequent analyses. Maladaptive coping significantly predicted disability while adaptive coping did not. Behavioral disengagement (giving up) and self-blame were the only remaining predictors of disability, after controlling for age, sex, illness chronicity, current symptoms, and neurocognitive functioning. Limitations The study was limited by the use of a self-report disability measure and a brief-form coping scale. Conclusions Results suggest that giving up and self-blame are significant predictors of real-world functioning beyond sub-threshold depressive symptoms. Our results in BD expand upon recent schizophrenia studies suggesting that defeatist beliefs negatively influence functional outcomes across the range of major psychiatric disorders.
Sulfation and cation effects on the conformational properties of the glycan backbone of chondroitin sulfate disaccharides.

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is one of several glycosaminoglycans that are major components of proteoglycans. A linear polymer consisting of repeats of the disaccharide −4GlcAβ1–3GalNAcβ1–, CS undergoes differential sulfation resulting in five unique sulfation patterns. Because of the dimer repeat, the CS glycosidic “backbone” has two distinct sets of conformational degrees of freedom defined by pairs of dihedral angles: (ϕ1, ψ1) about the β1–3 glycosidic linkage and (ϕ2, ψ2) about the β1–4 glycosidic linkage. Differential sulfation and the possibility of cation binding, combined with the conformational flexibility and biological diversity of CS, complicate experimental efforts to understand CS three-dimensional structures at atomic resolution. Therefore, all-atom explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations with Adaptive Biasing Force sampling of the CS backbone were applied to obtain high-resolution, high-precision free energies of CS disaccharides as a function of all possible backbone geometries. All 1...
Reactive, Ion-Assisted Deposition of E-Beam Evaporated Ti for High Refractive Index TiO2 Layers and Laser Damage Resistant, Broad Bandwidth, High Reflection Coatings

We report on the effect of deposition rate, O2 back pressure, and ion beam properties towards achieving high index of refraction and low absorption e-beam evaporated TiO2 layers for laser damage resistant, broad bandwidth, high reflection coatings.
An improved attosecond pulse characterization based on the FROG-CRAB technique

The FROG-CRAB method was improved to account for the photoionization process, significantly improving its accuracy for low-photon-energy EUV pulses. A method for accounting for the photoionization step while using the conventional retrieval algorithm was demonstrated.
Multifunctional DNA-gold nanoparticles for targeted doxorubicin delivery.

In this report we describe the synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic properties of DNA-capped gold nanoparticles having attached folic acid (FA), a thermoresponsive polymer (p), and/or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) oligomers that could be used to deliver the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) in chemotherapy. The FA-DNA oligomer used in the construction of the delivery vehicle was synthesized through the reaction of the isolated folic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester with the amino-DNA and the conjugated DNA product was purified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This approach ultimately allowed control of the amount of FA attached to the surface of the delivery vehicle. Cytotoxicity studies using SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells with drug loaded delivery vehicles were carried out using a variety of exposure times (1–48 h) and recovery times (1–72 h), and in order to access the effects of varying amounts of attached FA, in culture media deficient in FA. DOX loaded delivery vehicles having 50...
Perspectives on Image-Based Wavefront Sensing

We review the development of image-based wavefront sensing, some tools (phase retrieval, phase diversity), some successes (Hubble fix, curvature sensing, solar research), and some future applications (control of the JWST, human vision, video cameras).
The physical examination in pediatric cardiology.

The proper approach to pediatric cardiovascular examination involves patience, timing, consideration of the baby's needs, and use of diagnostic implements of correct size. The most important general considerations are those concerned with color and respiration. Careful inspection and palpation of the chest is most instructive, and percussion and auscultation reveal valuable information. The author prefers the auscultatory method of determining blood pressure, which is an essential part of evaluating the circulatory system.
Studies of the effects of hypothermia on regional myocardial blood flow and metabolism during cardiopulmonary bypass: III. Effects of temperature, time, and perfusion pressure in fibrillating hearts

This study compares the effects of normothermic and hypothermic spontaneous fibrillation at perfusion pressures of 100 and 50 mm. Hg on the adequacy and distribution of coronary blood flow. During normothermia (37 degrees C.), subendocardial oxygen delivery decreased 45 per cent ( p less than 0.01) and left ventricular flow became redistributed away from the subendocardium (endo-epi flow ratio fell from 1.2 to 0.8) when perfusion pressure was lowered to 50 mm. Hg; abnormal glycolysis (lactate washout) became evident when perfusion pressure was raised to 100 mm. Hg and ischemia was demonstrated by histochemical stains. Hypothermia (28 degrees C) reduced myocardial oxygen uptake 52 per cent (p less than 0.01) at 100 mm. Hg perfusion pressure; left ventricular flow, distribution, and metabolism did not change from control values. Lowering perfusion 50 mm Hg caused a pronounced reduction in subendocardial oxygen delivery (63 per cent, p less than 0.01); abnormal glycolysis developed and histochemical ischemia was seen. These studies show that lowering perfusion pressure in normothermic fibrillating hearts impairs oxygen delivery to the left ventricular subendocardium. While hypothermia significantly reduces left ventricular oxygen requirements, the ventricle is not protected against subendocardial ischemia if perfusion pressure falls to levels frequently used during clinical open-heart surgery.
Model-Based Inference of Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanisms from DNA Microarray Data

The development of DNA microarray technology has made it possible to monitor the mRNA abundance of all genes simultaneously (the transcriptome) for a variety of cellular conditions. In addition, microarray-based genomewide measurements of promoter occupancy (the occupome) are now available for an increasing number of transcription factors. With this data and the complete genome sequence of many important organisms, it is becoming possible to quantitatively model the molecular computation performed at each promoter, which has as input the nuclear concentration of the active form of various regulatory proteins (the regulome) and as output a transcription rate, which in turn determines mRNA abundance. In this chapter, we describe how our group has used multivariate linear regression methods to: (i) discover cis-regulatory elements in upstream regulatory regions in an unbiased manner; (ii) infer a regulatory activity profile across conditions for each transcription factor; and (iii) determine whether the mRNA expression level of a gene whose promoter is occupied by a particular transcription factor is truly regulated by that factor, through integrated modeling of expression and promoter occupancy data. Together, these results show model-based analysis of functional genomics data to be a versatile conceptual and practical framework for the elucidation of regulatory circuitry, and a powerful alternative to the currently prevalent clustering-based methods.
Analysis of Human Cremains

This chapter provides a detailed overview of the contemporary cremation process that begins with a human body and ends with a small volume of inorganic matter that can fit in a small box or an urn. The various methods that cremation analysts have traditionally used to analyse cremated remains are discussed first. Next, the potential of using chemical methods that help to answer some basic questions about the elemental make-up and basic properties of cremated bones and teeth are explored. The use of chemical methods for elemental analysis is now considered to be a regular step when analysing cremains. In particular, chemical techniques can answer some basic questions about the composition of cremains that cannot be determined from gross and microscopic methods alone. For example, this method can be used to determine whether the disputed cremains comprise bones or a foreign material that was substituted for the cremains. Additionally, chemical methods may provide the only supporting evidence for the identification of cremains by detecting elevated levels of normal minor elements found in bone tissue or the presence of rare trace elements that were acquired during the decedent’s life.
“Bring on Sector Two!” The sounds of bent and broken circuits

AbstractThis paper presents an ethnographic investigation of the electronic music practice of circuit-bending. It argues that circuit-benders use sonic skills in rendering desirable sounds from old, discarded and broken devices. The paper is based upon the author’s own experiences with bent and broken circuits and upon interviews with circuit-benders. The paper argues that the interest in circuit-bending lies in its double challenge to conventional meanings of technology and to conventional meanings of musical instruments. It shows how circuit-benders share the aspirations of fields such as Science and Technology Studies (STS) in deriving new meanings of technology, in challenging linear and deterministic views of technological development, and in wrestling with the agency of non-humans. It explores the contradictions and paradoxes in using circuit-bent devices as musical instruments given conventional musical notions of control and the prerequisites of live performance. It contrasts and compares the arti...
Probabilistic failure criteria for individual microstructural elements: an application to hydrogen-assisted crack initiation in alloy 725

Mechanical failure of polycrystalline metals is often difficult to predict, in part because of the wide range of conditions under which individual elements of the material’s microstructure fail. We describe an efficient method for posing, assessing, and optimizing failure criteria for individual microstructural elements, such as grains, grain boundaries, precipitates, or precipitate–matrix interfaces. Such criteria may lead to improved failure predictions for polycrystalline metals. Our method constructs a failure probability function from a database of individual failure events obtained from experiments on polycrystalline samples. It then uses the Kullback–Leibler (K–L) divergence to compare it to probability densities corresponding to specific hypothesized failure mechanisms. The likeliest failure mechanism is the one that minimizes the K–L divergence with respect to a suitably chosen null hypothesis. As a demonstration, we apply this approach to hydrogen-assisted crack initiation at coherent twin boundaries in Ni-based alloy 725 and deduce a best-fit failure criterion for them.
PREDICTORS OF TRUE ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN COCAINE POSITIVE PATIENTS

Background: More than 500,000 emergency department visits in the United States each year are related to cocaine use. This patient population tends to have a low incidence of a true ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (0.7% to 6.0%). Identification of the frequency and factors
The Uncommon Enzymology of Cis-Acyltransferase Assembly Lines

The enzymology of 135 assembly lines containing primarily cis-acyltransferase modules is comprehensively analyzed, with greater attention paid to less common phenomena. Diverse online transformations, in which the substrate and/or product of the reaction is an acyl chain bound to an acyl carrier protein, are classified so that unusual reactions can be compared and underlying assembly-line logic can emerge. As a complement to the chemistry surrounding the loading, extension, and offloading of assembly lines that construct primarily polyketide products, structural aspects of the assembly-line machinery itself are considered. This review of assembly-line phenomena, covering the literature up to 2017, should thus be informative to the modular polyketide synthase novice and expert alike.
Determination if VISSIM and SSAM could estimate pedestrian-vehicle conflicts at signalized intersections

This article examines the optimum values of postencroachment time (PET) and time-to-collision (TTC) parameters that would define a pedestrian-to-vehicle conflict at signalized intersections using a simulation model (VISSIM) and a surrogate safety assessment model (SSAM). A total of 42 video hours were recorded at seven signalized intersections for field data collection. The observed conflicts from the field were used to calibrate VISSIM and replicate the conflicts. The calibrated and validated VISSIM model generated the pedestrian–vehicle conflicts from SSAM software using the vehicle trajectory data in VISSIM. The mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was used to determine the optimum TTC and PET thresholds for pedestrian–vehicle conflicts and linear regression analysis was used to study the correlation between the observed and simulated conflicts at the established thresholds. The results of the regression analysis indicated the highest correlation between the simulated and observed conflicts when ...
Differential effects of thiopurine methyltransferase ( TPMT ) and multidrug resistance-associated protein gene 4 ( MRP4 ) on mercaptopurine toxicity

Mercaptopurine plays a pivotal role in treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and autoimmune diseases, and inter-individual variability in mercaptopurine tolerance can influence treatment outcome. Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) and multi-drug resistant Protein 4 (MRP4) have both been associated with mercaptopurine toxicity in clinical studies, but their relative contributions remain unclear. We studied the metabolism of and tolerance to mercaptopurine in murine knockout models of Tpmt, Mrp4, and both genes simultaneously. Upon mercaptopurine treatment, Tpmt −/− Mrp4 −/− mice had the highest concentration of bone marrow thioguanine nucleotides (8.5 pmol/5 × 106 cells, P = 7.8 × 10−4 compared with 2.7 pmol/5 × 106 cells in wild-types), followed by those with Mrp4 or Tpmt deficiency alone (6.1 and 4.3 pmol/5 × 106 cells, respectively). Mrp4-deficient mice accumulated higher concentrations of methylmercaptopurine metabolites compared with wild-type (76.5 vs. 23.2 pmol/5 × 106 cells, P = 0.027). Mice exposed to a clinically relevant mercaptopurine dosing regimen displayed differences in toxicity and survival among the genotypes. The double knock-out of both genes experienced greater toxicity and shorter survival compared to the single knockout of either Tpmt (P = 1.7 × 10−6) or Mrp4 (P = 7.4 × 10−10). We showed that both Tpmt and Mrp4 influence mercaptopurine disposition and toxicity.
The Circadian Rhythm in the Expression of Nitrate Reductase in Tomato is Driven by Changes in Protein Level and Not by Protein Phosphorylation

The presence of clock-controlled processes in virtually all living organisms is suggestive of a fundamental biological relevance. Circadian rhythms are involved in diverse processes ranging from daily sleep/wake cycles in humans, to gene transcription in prokaryotes, as well as leaf movements, stomatal, and photosynthesis in higher plants. Attempts to understand both the mechanism and purposes of circadian oscillations in higher plants have revealed numerous genes that exhibit circadian regulation of transcription. By comparison, there are relatively few examples of circadian rhythms in enzyme activity. One reason is that the protein products are often abundant and quite stable, so that a circadian oscillation in gene transcription and subsequent translation often does not result in any detectable oscillation at the protein level. This, for example, is the case for the chlorophyll a/b binding protein and rubisco activase (1). However, because circadian rhythms are observed in numberous whole plant processes it is apparent that many enzymes must have circadian rhythms in activity. Circadian oscillations in enzyme activity could be conferred in various ways including cycling protein levels, changing substrate concentrations, cycling levels of allosteric effectors, or oscillations in protein phosphorylation or redox state.
A high-performance permanent-magnet-free machine for wide load ranges

This paper presents the design and operational analysis of a high-performance squirrel-cage induction machine intended for wide load range applications, including electric traction and highly dynamic industrial loads. High performance operation and high torque density are achieved through a combination of four strategies: (1) An inverter-dedicated design in which stator and rotor configurations are based on low slip; (2) High-performance materials including high flux cobalt alloy and copper rotor bars; (3) Optimized pole counts with relatively high frequency stator operation to avoid field weakening in most load ranges; (4) Adaptive flux control to maintain high efficiency over a 10:1 or more load range. Based on the high cost of rare-earth permanent magnets, the cost tradeoffs for cobalt alloys become plausible and feasibility is studied. The design and operation of the induction machine's broad motor behavior are discussed, and simulation results are used to validate its application in electric vehicles. It is verified that the design achieves 4x higher torque density than conventional machines of the same size. At the same time, nominal efficiency of the design is greater than 96% over a wide load range, and the machine is capable of peak efficiency as high as 98%.
Spatial-temporal trajectory redesign for dual-stage nanopositioning systems

This paper focuses on trajectory redesign for dualstage nanopositioning systems where speed, range, and resolution are considered. This approach differs from many existing approaches that consider only speed. Dual-stage nanopositioning systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique ability to achieve long-range and high-speed operation. However, typical control strategies rely on temporal (frequency-based) information to split the control effort between the two actuators, which can render some precision positioning trajectories unachievable. Building on the authors' previous work, a novel systematic spatial-temporal trajectory redesign process is presented, where the desired trajectory is first split based on achievable positioning bandwidth and then split spatially based on achievable range and positioning resolution. The split signals can then be followed by the dual-stage nanopositioner, where in this paper an inversion-based feedforward controller is used. This trajectory redesign process allows each actuator to fully utilize its bandwidth and range of motion. Simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate feasibility.
Social Bases of Language Development: A Reassessment

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces child language research and linguistic theory that forms the base for language development. Researchers in child language look outside linguistic theory for the “causes” of development, seeking both cognitive and social influences on language acquisition and language structure. Of the two affairs, one with cognitive and the other with social theories, the chapter concentrates on the search for social influences on language acquisition. It concludes that the case for externally driven, structural effects on language development is not very good. Research on social factors in language acquisition has concentrated primarily on these kinds of effects, and as a result, social-causal theories have not yet obtained adequate empirical support.
Refocusing the Digital Lens of Idiomaticity: A Second Look at Understanding Idiomaticity in CALL

This article takes a critical second look at understanding idiomaticity in CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning). The conditions markedly affecting second language teaching and learning are highlighted amidst pedagogical constructs supporting the reconstructive nature of idiomatic understanding and production in English. The ensuing discussion underscores the promise digital technologies hold for further research work on idiomaticity including, but not limited to, idiom, metaphor, simile, metonymy, hyperbole, proverb, slang, cliche, lexical bundle, phrasal expression, multiword construction, collocation, colloquialism, and tropes of figurative language. It is argued that for the purposes of diagnosis and achievement idiomaticity must be thoughtfully anchored in pedagogical paradigms requiring further examination and care. These exemplars, as the need arises across contexts and audiences, are seen as particularly useful to the development and refinement of idiomatic knowledge, especially when such knowledge reflects the judicious and purposeful use of CALL technologies, electronic tools, and digital resources. Pedagogical implications addressing idiom-learning activities and task-based digital projects are also discussed.
Volumetric Stability of Concrete Using Recycled Concrete Aggregates

Recent studies show that many pavements built in the United States of America using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA)-based concretes have experienced high amount of shrinkage cracking. Fresh and hardened concrete properties of RCA-based concretes are linked to the porosity and absorption capacity of the RCA aggregate. In this study, detailed evaluation of the porosity and absorption capacity using petrographic techniques of the selected aggregates was performed. This paper presents a study performed to evaluate the volumetric stability of RCA-based concretes using two types of locally manufactured RCA and one virgin aggregate type to assess the effect of recycling operations on the concrete performance. Concrete mixtures with water to cement ratio ( w/c of 0.42 were prepared using the selected virgin aggregates and RCA. Fresh concrete properties such as slump and air content were assessed in addition to hardened concrete properties at 28 days such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus. One-dimensional shrinkage of the virgin aggregate and RCA-based concretes was also measured using sealed and unsealed specimens stored at 50% RH to assess drying and total shrinkage respectively. The difference between the sealed and unsealed prisms gave an indication of the drying shrinkage potential of both the RCA-based and virgin aggregate concretes. Restrained shrinkage behavior and its associated cracking susceptibility was evaluated using the ring test as per AASHTO PP 34.
Delusions V. conversion

Russian defense conversion is a gloomy story, punctuated by only a few isolated successes. Overall industrial production in the first quarter of 1994 fell 27.4 percent below 1993 levels. Additionally the defense industry has been afflicted by the government`s failure to pay its debts to the industry, which, in the first quarter of 1994 grew from 2.1 trillion to 4.7 trillion rubles. Some members of government realize that the overmilitarized economy is burdensome and wasteful, and that post-Cold Ware reality necessitates a rapid reorientation to civilian purposes. Defense conversion has been called the first and foremost element in Russian economic reform. A converted defense industry must manufacture high-priority equipment in oil, gas, telecommunications, and space ventures. Russian economists estimate that modernization and conversion of the military-industrial comples will cost from $150 billion to $300 billion, which, Russia does not have. The lamentable state of Russia`s defense conversion projects reflects the disarray of the overall economy. The government can turn the defense industry into an asset, both the task will require time, patience, money and innovation.
Laziness by need

Lazy functional programming has many benefits that strict functional languages can simulate via lazy data constructors. In recognition, ML, Scheme, and other strict functional languages have supported lazy stream programming with delaytt and forcett for several decades. Unfortunately, the manual insertion of delaytt and forcett can be tedious and error-prone. We present a semantics-based refactoring that helps strict programmers manage manual lazy programming. The refactoring uses a static analysis to identify where additional delaytts and forcetts might be needed to achieve the desired simplification and performance benefits, once the programmer has added the initial lazy data constructors. The paper presents a correctness argument for the underlying transformations and some preliminary experiences with a prototype tool implementation.
Rayleigh's Problem at low Mach number according to the kinetic theory of gases

Rayleigh's problem of an infinite flat plate set into uniform motion impulsively in its own plane is studied by using Grad's equations and boundary conditions developed from the kinetic theory of gases. For a heat insulated plate and a small impulsive velocity (low Mach number), only tangential shear stress and velocity and energy (heat) flow parallel to the plate are generated, while the pressure, density, and temperature of the gas remain unchanged. Moreover, no normal velocity, normal stress, or normal energy flow is developed. Near the start of the motion the flow behaves like a "free-molecule flow", and all physical quantities are analytic functions of the flow parameters and time. The results obtained for "large time", however, add to the growing lack of confidence in the Burnett-type series expansions in powers of mean free path. Although such expansions are obtained here, they are poorly convergent and inappropriate to the problem. To replace these unsatisfactory solutions, approximate closed-form solutions valid for all values of the time are developed, which agree with the free-molecule values for small time and the classical Rayleigh solution for large time. This technique may be useful in studying more general flow problems within the framework of the kinetic theory of gases.