cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Goodness has nothing to do with it: Why problem orientation need not make for parochial theory

Social-cognitive psychologists' problem orientation is, in itself, no threat to the generation of normatively neutral general theory. What would put general theory at risk is, rather, the reliance on a valence-balancing explanatory heuristic. Fortunately, social-cognitive research communities have resources to override this heuristic and utilize more epistemically effective cultural tools.
On methods of inhomogeneity corrections for photon transport

Eight methods of photon inhomogeneity correction were examined for their photon transport approximations. The methods were categorized according to the different approaches used to model scatter photon dose contribution. They were the ratio of TAR (RTAR) and the modified Batho power law which utilized only the 1-D density information along the primary photon path; the equivalent TAR (ETAR) and the FFT convolution methods which incorporated the 3-D density information of the medium for empirical scatter dose calculation; the differential SAR (DSAR), the delta volume (DV), dose spread array (DSA), and differential pencil beam (DPB) methods which employed explicit 3-D scatter ray-trace calculation. Cobalt-60 measurements in horizontal slab phantoms were used to allow simpler data analysis. RTAR consistently overestimated lung corrections by approximately 10%. The scatter ray-trace approach was not always better as the DSAR calculations were inferior to those using the Batho method. The ray-tracing DV, DPB, and DSA methods agreed with measurements mostly to within 2%, at the expense of long computation time. The nonscatter ray-tracing ETAR and FFT convolution calculations were only slightly inferior in the same geometries. These methods improve on the current 1-D methods and should be seriously considered for fast optimization purposes in practical 3-D treatment planning.
On the apparent rotation of transformation twins in Fe-Ni martensites

Fe-Ni alloys containing 28 to 33 wt pct Ni have been studied by transmission electron microscopy and by selected area diffraction to elucidate the phenomenon of the apparent deviation of the twin interface from the twinning plane 112m. Trace analyses of the twin interfaces are reported for 35 cases. Deviations of the twin trace, as projected onto the image plane, of up to 46 deg from those expected from 122m transformation twins were observed. Contrary to previous interpretations, the conclusion of this study is that the deviations are due to the uncertainty of the orientation of the foil surface with respect to the electron beam. Thus, it has not been shown explicitly that this phenomenon provides a basis either for invoking multiple lattice invariant shears or for explaining habit plane scatter.
Incompatible Goals in Unconventional Organization: The Politics of Alaska Native Corporations:

This article examines issues of culture and values in the context of a highly unusual situation. Alaska Natives (Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts) are attempting to mould a corporate organizational structure (established by an act of the U.S. Federal Govern ment) into development institutions that will help them keep their traditional home- land. After presenting relevant aspects of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the legislation which mandated these corporations, this article discusses fundamental differences in values, goals, and operational styles of conventional bureaucratic cor porations, and contrasts them with the shared values of Alaska Natives. An effort is made to expose the reader to the variety and complexity of institutional responses, while at the same time offering certain insights that expose critically important problems faced by Alaska Natives regarding conflicts between Native culture and the profit-making functions of their corporations. Our research suggests that there are limite...
H-ras protein in a bilayer: interaction and structure perturbation.

Ras GTPases become functionally active when anchored to membranes by inserting their lipid modified side chains. Their role in cell division, development, and cancer has made them targets of extensive research efforts, yet the mechanism of membrane insertion and the structure of the resulting complex remain elusive. Recently, the structure of the full-length H-ras protein in a DMPC bilayer has been computationally characterized. Here, the atomic interactions between the H-ras membrane anchor and the DMPC bilayer are investigated in detail. We find that the palmitoylated cysteines and Met182 have dual contributions to membrane affinity: hydrogen bonding by their amides and van der Waals interaction by their hydrophobic side chains. The polar side chains help maintain the orientation of the anchor. Although the overall structure of the bilayer is similar to that of a pure DMPC, there are localized perturbations. These perturbations depend on the insertion depth and backbone localization of the anchor, whic...
Determination of bismuth and lead by controlled-potential coulometric oxidation

Abstract A method has been developed for the determination of lead and bismuth by controlled-potential coulometric oxidation. After simultaneous reduction of both metals into a mercury pool, lead and bismuth are determined by stepwise anodic stripping at -0.16 and +0.20 V vs . Ag/AgCl/sat. KC1 electrode, respectively, in a supporting electrolyte of 0.4 M tartaric acid and 0.30–0.72 M perchloric acid. The reduction of lead and bismuth is carried out at -0.50 V or more negative potential. Bismuth alone can be reduced at -0.25 V. Polarography with a dropping amalgam electrode was advantageously applied to establish optimum conditions for coulometric oxidation of these metals. Solutions containing 0.02–0.2 meq of lead and/or bismuth were analyzed with an accuracy and precision of ±0.2% or better for lead and ±0.3% for bismuth. The method was applied to the analysis of glasses and thin films.
Sexing Shakespeare's Sonnets: Reading Beyond Sonnet 20

AbstractCritics of Shakespeare's Sonnets typically accept the premise that Sonnets 1–126 are addressed to a young man, and Sonnets 127–52 to a woman. Two main schools of analysis, by no means mutually exclusive, have dominated the discussion of these groups: either the Young Man and Dark Lady sonnets are read as belonging to sustained, and usually interlaced, narrative sequences, or the sonnets are seen as a series of n number of contiguous mini‐sequences connected by themes and images; we might call these the strong and weak sequence theories. Despite the widespread acceptance of these two approaches, serious weaknesses and inconsistencies underlie the arguments offered in support of both theories. A review and rebuttal of these dubious arguments may help to reestablish the burden of logical proof where it belongs, at the door of those critics who want to make sweeping interpretive claims about the sequence of the sonnets.
Solubility of α-tocopheryl succinate in supercritical carbon dioxide using offline HPLC-MS/MS analysis

The solubility of the vitamin E-related compound α-tocopheryl succinate in supercritical carbon dioxide was measured at pressures ranging from (15.0 to 30.0) MPa and temperatures of (40 and 50) °C using a simple microsampling type apparatus with a 100.5 μL sample loop to remove aliquots and collect them in ethanol for off line analysis. α-Tocopheryl succinate concentrations in the collected samples were measured using HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The solubility of α-tocopheryl succinate in supercritical carbon dioxide ranged from mole fractions of 0.28 × 10-5 at 15.0 MPa and 50 °C to 2.56 × 10-5 at 30.0 MPa and 50 °C.
Rent-seeking in the deregulatory environment: State telecommunications

Proponents of rent-seeking theories argue that firms pressure and reward politicians and bureaucrats to pursue favorable policies so they can achieve higher than normal, market returns. In an era of deregulation, often with long transition periods toward unregulated competition, how do firms develop specific political strategies to achieve success in rent-seeking? Deregulation of telecommunications at the state level allows comparison of the strategies of the seven firms created in the AT&T divestiture in more than one political jurisdiction. One firm, U S West, has pursued the most aggresive political strategy. This paper argues that U S West executives correctly perceived that the political environment in which they operated differed greatly from that in the rest of the country and that a different deregulatory strategy was appropriate. The firm exploited institutional differences by bypassing state regulators and going directly to state legislators to get favorable policies.
Targeted therapy to prevent progression of calcific aortic stenosis.

Calcific aortic valve disease is common, affecting 25% of adults over the age of 65 years, with progression to severe valve obstruction resulting in more than 50 000 aortic valve replacements annually in the United States. “Degenerative” calcific aortic valve disease was thought for many years to be a passive accumulation of calcium binding to the aortic surface of the valve leaflet. Now, convincing data indicate aortic stenosis is an active disease process with a distinctive histological appearance, associated clinical factors, and variable disease progression, which suggests this disease may be amenable to medical therapy to prevent or slow disease progression. See p 1291 Aortic valve disease is an active cellular process ranging from aortic sclerosis (a process similar to early atherosclerosis) to severe calcification with bone formation and valve obstruction.1–3 Ex vivo studies have defined the cellular markers and potential signaling pathways important in the progression of this disease. Early valvular sclerotic lesions demonstrate a chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate (macrophages and T lymphocytes), lipid accumulation (apolipoprotein [apo] B, apo(a), and apoE), and α-actin-expressing cells in the lesion and adjacent fibrosa. End-stage calcified valves contain mature lamellar bone2 with expression of specific bone markers important in the development of osteoblast bone formation.3 In addition, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors are present in stenotic aortic valves, implicating this signaling pathway in the disease process.4 These observations are analogous to the cellular findings in vascular atherosclerosis and corroborate epidemiological studies that showed similar associations of clinical risk factors with both atherosclerosis and aortic valve disease.5 Our understanding of the biological mechanisms that result in calcification of valve leaflets has led to the hypothesis …
Reading Comprehension Skills of Young Adults with Childhood Diagnoses of Dyslexia

This study explores the contribution of cognitive processes to comprehension skills in adults who suffered from childhood developmental dyslexia (CD). The performance of adults with CD (ages 17 to 23), chronological age-matched (CA) adults, and reading level-matched (RL) children was compared on measures of phonological processing, naming speed, working memory (WM), general knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension. The results showed that adults with CD scored lower on measures of phonological processing, naming speed, WM, general knowledge, and vocabulary when compared to CA readers but were comparable to RL children on the majority of process measures. Phonological processing, naming speed, vocabulary, general knowledge, and listening comprehension contributed independent variance to reading comprehension accuracy, whereas WM, intelligence, phonological processing, and listening comprehension contributed independent variance to comprehension fluency. Adults with CD scored lower than CA adults and higher than RL children on measures of lexical processing, WM, and listening comprehension when word recognition and intelligence were partialed from the analysis. In summary, constraints in phonological processing and naming speed mediate only some of the influence of high-order processes on reading comprehension. Furthermore, adults with CD experience difficulties in WM, listening comprehension, and vocabulary independently of their word recognition problems and intellectual ability.
Comparison of On-Road Driving Between Young Adults With and Without ADHD.

Objective: This study compared video recordings from routine driving of ADHD and non-ADHD young adults to identify differences in driving behaviors. Method: A matched sample of young adult drivers with and without ADHD are compared via blinded ratings of videoed g-force events recorded by DriveCam technology over 3 months of on-road driving. Results: ADHD drivers were significantly more likely to have more crashes, minor events, and g-force events. G-force events for the ADHD drivers involved significantly more risky and illegal, hyperactive/impulsive, and distracted behaviors. The g-force events of non-ADHD drivers were due to evasive, defensive driving or lapses in attention. Conclusion: Increased risk for ADHD drivers may be the result of increased risk taking, increased hyperactivity/impulsivity or distraction behavior, and increased vulnerability to factors that interfere with driving in general, whereas the consequences of faulty driving were either higher or potentially higher in those drivers with ADHD. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en
On the Spatial Compliance of Robotic Manipulators

Interactive control schemes, such as stiffness control and impedance control, are widely accepted as a means to actively accomodate environmental forces, but have not been widely applied. This is in part because well-known controllers are parametrized in a mathematically convenient, but nonintuitive way. Spatial compliance control is a Euclidean-geometrical version of compliance control that is parametrized in an intuitive way. A family of compliances is introduced with spatial transformation properties that simplify spatial reasoning aspects of compliance parameter selection. A control law is derived assuming that the robot consists of a serial linkage of rigid links actuated by variable-effort actuators.
Deleting the root of a heap

The average behavior of the familiar algorithm for root deletion is considered, when every heap has the same probability to occur. The analysis centers around the notion of a viable path in the tree representation, i.e. such a path the label which replaces the label of the root may be allowed to travel when the heap is reconstructed. In case the size of the heap is a power of 2 it is shown that both the expected number of comparisons and of interchanges are asymptotically equal to the respective numbers in the worst case.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Laves-phase alloys based on Cr2Nb

Abstract Mechanical properties of Laves-phase alloys based on Cr2Nb at temperatures up to 1000°C were examined and correlated with microstructures and phase relationships. Single-phase Cr2Nb alloys are very hard and brittle at ambient temperatures, indicating the difficulty in generation and glide of dislocations due to the complicated crystal structure (C-15). Examination of the CrCr2Nb two-phase region revealed the following: (a) the hardness decreases with increasing amounts of the soft chromium-rich phase; (b) the eutectic composition has a niobium concentration of 17 at.%, instead of 12 at.% as reported in the currently existing phase diagram; (c) heat treatments produce uniform dispersion of fine Laves-phase precipitates in primary chromium-rich patches for the hypoeutectic alloys, and these particles are very stable even at temperatures above 1000°C; (d) the soft particles are very effective in preventing crack propagation originating in the brittle Laves-phase matrix, which results in a high yield strength with moderate ductility up to 1000°C. These results demonstrate that the introduction of a soft chromium phase has promising effects in improving the mechanical properties of brittle Cr2Nb Laves-phase alloys.
Clinical drug-drug interaction assessment of ivacaftor as a potential inhibitor of cytochrome P450 and P-glycoprotein

Ivacaftor is approved in the USA for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients with a G551D-CFTR mutation or one of eight other CFTR mutations. A series of in vitro experiments conducted early in the development of ivacaftor indicated ivacaftor and metabolites may have the potential to inhibit cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8, CYP2C9, CYP3A, and CYP2D6, as well as P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Based on these results, a series of clinical drug-drug interaction (DDI) studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of ivacaftor on sensitive substrates of CYP2C8 (rosiglitazone), CYP3A (midazolam), CYP2D6 (desipramine), and P-gp (digoxin). In addition, a DDI study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ivacaftor on a combined oral contraceptive, as this is considered an important comedication in CF patients. The results indicate ivacaftor is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A and P-gp, but has no effect on CYP2C8 or CYP2D6. Ivacaftor caused non-clinically significant increases in ethinyl estradiol and norethisterone exposure. Based on these results, caution and appropriate monitoring are recommended when concomitant substrates of CYP2C9, CYP3A and/or P-gp are used during treatment with ivacaftor, particularly drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, such as warfarin.
Effects of tumor promoters on the rate and commitment to terminal differentiation of subpopulations of murine keratinocytes

Abstract The effects of skin-tumor-promoting and -nonpromoting agents on the kinetics of terminal differentiation of subpopulations of keratinocytes differing in buoyant density isolated from mice (SENCAR) that are very sensitive to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) promotion were investigated. Topical pretreatment of dorsal skin with complete (TPA), first-stage (calcium ionophore A23187) and second-stage (mezerein) tumor promoters, but not the hyperplastic agent ethylphenylpropiolate, accelerated the rate of terminal differentiation of keratinocytes with densities less than 1.074 g/cm 3 , but had little effect on cells with a greater density. Within 8.5 hr of TPA treatment, a period preceding mitosis, a large percentage of the most dense basal-cell keratinocytes (⩾1.074 g/cm 3 ) were converted to cells with a lower density, with a reduced plating efficiency and with an increased rate of differentiation, suggesting that TPA induces a subpopulation of basal cells to commit to terminal differentiation, and accelerates the rate of differentiation of committed cells.
Positive Trait Item Response Models

Measurement models from item response theory (IRT) (Embretson and Reise 2000) have been recently and increasingly applied to measures of addictive disorders such as alcohol use disorder (Keyes et al. 2011; Wu et al. 2009, and references therein), nicotine use disorder (Liu et al. 2012, and references therein), illicit drug use disorders (Saha et al. 2012; Wu et al. 2009, and references therein), and gambling behavior disorder (Sharp et al. 2012, and references therein).
Barriers in Diagnosing and Treating Men With Depression: A Focus Group Report:

This study reports on the experiences of 45 male focus group participants with a history of depression. Men responded to questions addressing the interaction between the male role, masculinity, depression, and experiences with treatment for depression. Using a qualitative, thematic-based coding strategy, three primary themes emerged. First, participants described aspects of the male gender as being in conflict or incongruent with their experiences of depression and beliefs about appropriate help-seeking behaviors. Second, men outlined alternative symptom profiles that could interfere with the recognition of depression and willingness to seek help. Finally, men expressed a range of positive and negative reactions toward depression treatment and treatment providers. Implications for health care providers are provided.
A graduate certificate in computer network communications

The paper describes a graduate certificate program and curriculum in computer network communications. First the paper introduces the concept of a "graduate certification" that has been in place for nearly five years at Rensselaer At Hartford. Graduate certificate programs have a selective focus and require that a student successfully complete four graduate-level courses in a specific area. Second, the specific course curriculum for the Computer Network Communications certificate is presented. Although the certificate is limited to just four graduate courses, we believe that the "content" includes a fair balance of traditional and innovative computer networking courses. The paper identifies the objectives of each course. Our intent is to provide solid graduate education, with an eye on diversity in computer network solutions. The program is not tied to any vendor specific solutions; rather the students are asked to use their fundamental knowledge of networking to evaluate several choices. Third, the paper looks at the evolution of the computer network communications certificate. Feedback from working professionals in the field of network engineering, network management, and client/server applications support will influence the content of the program. Using preliminary student feedback (from students who have completed the requirements of the certificate), we propose some changes and additional electives within the certificate.
Defibrotide: A Swiss Army Knife Intervention in the Battle Against Cerebral Malaria

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe manifestation of Plasmodium falciparum infection, characterized by seizures and coma, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and acidosis. Intensely studied for decades, important advances in understanding this clinically complex syndrome have been achieved, but highly efficacious treatment remains elusive.1 Even with rapid delivery of antimalarial drugs on diagnosis and the best supportive care, many CM victims do not survive.1 An effective malaria vaccine to prevent CM and other severe malaria syndromes is not yet available, making continued efforts to identify novel therapies, particularly those that can serve as adjuncts to antimalarial drugs, essential.2 Defibrotide (DF), a mixture of single-stranded ≈50-mer DNA aptamers with a minor component of double stranded DNA that is derived from depolymerized mammalian genomic DNA,3–5 is an exciting potential new recruit to the ranks of such adjunctive treatments. This multipotent drug displays endothelial-protective, antiischemic, anti-inflammatory, and mild anticoagulant effects and has been successfully used to treat comatose children experiencing veno-occlusive disease.3–5 See accompanying article on page 786 CM develops when mature intraerythrocytic stages of P. falciparum adhere to the brain microvasculature, interrupt normal blood flow, and promote endothelial activation, culminating in disruption of normal vascular function1 (Figure). Intense systemic and local inflammatory responses are believed to be important players in disease pathogenesis,6 and more recently, a role for dysregulated hemostasis has also been suggested.7,8 Francischetti et al identified a potential role for tissue factor (TF) in CM9 and argued that the TF-mediated coagulation-inflammation cycle underlies the pathogenesis of this disease.7,8 In this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , Francischetti et al10 advance our understanding of malarial parasite/host interactions in this context. They argue that effective treatment of CM will require control of multiple …
The effects of buprenorphine in buprenorphine-maintained volunteers

Buprenorphine is a mu opioid partial agonist currently used as an analgesic, and being developed for the treatment of opioid dependence. The purpose of this study was to determine the abuse liability of parenteral buprenorphine in volunteers maintained on daily sublingual (SL) buprenorphine (8 mg). In a residential laboratory, eight volunteers underwent pharmacologic challenges two times per week. Medication challenges were 16 h after the daily dose of buprenorphine, and consisted of double-blind IM injections of buprenorphine (4, 8, 16 mg), the prototypic mu opioid agonist hydromorphone (9 and 18 mg), or saline. Assessments consisted of physiologic monitoring, subjects' self-reports, and a trained observer's ratings of drug effects, and were collected for 0.5 h before and 2.0 h following injection. Supplemental doses of IM buprenorphine produced opioid agonist-like effects, indicating some abuse potential of parenteral buprenorphine in buprenorphine-maintained patients. There was incomplete cross-tolerance to the effects of hydromorphone, suggesting that higher maintenance doses of buprenorphine may be needed to maximize clinical efficacy. However, there was a lack of graded dose-effects for hydromorphone, suggesting that buprenorphine's combination of partial agonist effects and high affinity for opioid receptors may limit the magnitude of effects of supplemental full agonists. Finally, participants tolerated cumulative doses of maintenance buprenorphine plus challenge buprenorphine without adverse effects, suggesting higher doses of buprenorphine can be safely administered to opioid dependent patients.
INTER-SPECIFIC RELATIONS BETWEEN SOME ANDEAN BIRDS

Summary. Four types of partly nectarivorous and partly insectivorous “honey creepers”, Diglossa lafresnayei lafresnayei, D. carbonaria aterrima, D. cyanea cyanea and Conirostrum cinereum fraseri are more or less common near Quito, Ecuador. They compete with one another to a very considerable extent, since their ranges are broadly overlapping, they occur in many of the same habitats, and they feed on many of the same flowers and types of insects in exactly the same places. The relations between these birds are so distinctive and so obviously specialized that they may be considered to form a special social group or “complex”. Some of the reactions between individuals of different species in this complex are quite different from both their intra-specific reactions and their reactions to other species (not belonging to the complex). This differential responsiveness is shown in three ways. 1 Individuals of different species of this complex never (or almost never) come close together, due to the fact that they deliberately refrain from approaching one another. They also keep apart from other individuals of their own species (except members of the same family group), but they do this by defending territories against such individuals, not merely by refraining from approaching them. They do not refrain from approaching individuals of any other species. 2 Individuals of different species of this complex never (or almost never) become openly aggressive toward one another; but they do show such hostility toward most other individuals of their own species and (usually to a lesser extent) individuals of all other species. 3 Individuals of different species of this complex usually refrain from singing simultaneously. They do not show the same degree of restraint when other individuals of their own species are singing, and they usually ignore the songs of other species. All the distinctive features of the behaviour of the different species of this complex toward one another seem to be adaptations (or the results of adaptations) to permit them to live in the same areas and habitats, during the same general periods of time, and still remain segregated from one another at any given moment. There is reason to believe that this type of segregation may be more advantageous than inter-specific fighting. It seems likely that the members of this complex have been in contact with one another for a long time. Some of the morphological and behaviourial characters of lafresnayei, cyanea, and fraseri seem to be adaptations to the presence of aterrima. Theoretical considerations would suggest that there will be strong selection pressure against both further divergence and convergence of these forms as long as it continues to be advantageous for them to maintain the same interspecific relations with one another.
Relationships between Imagery and Creativity in High-IQ Children

The frequently postulated connection between imagery and creative thinking abilities was examined. Three commonly used creativity tests and three measures of imagery (self-reported vividness of imagery, self-reported control of imagery and visual memory) were administered to a sample of high-IQ children (to maximize the independence of creative thinking from IQ). Results of various regression analyses suggest that creativity and imagery are related in high-IQ children, and that neither creativity nor imagery as measured are unitary constructs but rather that some types and aspects of each are related. Implications for theories of human imagery, creativity, and intelligence are discussed.
Multiple Products and Oligopoly Strategy: A Development of Chamberlin's Theory of Products

Introduction, 461. — I. The traditional approach to oligopoly market strategy, 462. — II. Competition via self-competing products, 465. — III. Product diversification across industry lines, 460. — IV. Other considerations — summary, 472.
A unified compressed memory hierarchy

The memory system's large and growing contribution to system performance motivates more aggressive approaches to improving its efficiency. We propose and analyze a memory hierarchy that uses a unified compression scheme encompassing the last-level on-chip cache, the off-chip memory channel, and off-chip main memory. This scheme simultaneously increases the effective on-chip cache capacity, off-chip bandwidth, and main memory size, while avoiding compression and decompression overheads between levels. Simulations of the SPEC CPU2000 benchmarks using a 1MB cache and 128-byte blocks show an average speedup of 19%, while degrading performance by no more than 5%. The combined scheme achieves a peak improvement of 292%, compared to 165% and 83% for cache or bus compression alone. The compressed system generally provides even better performance as the block size is increased to 512 bytes.
Integrating actions and state constraints: a closed-form solution to the ramification problem (sometimes)

Abstract Integrating actions and state constraints is a central problem in knowledge representation. State constraints are commonly used to represent the relationship between objects in the world. When a representation of action is integrated, state constraints implicitly define indirect effects of actions and impose further preconditions on the performance of actions. Thus, a semantically correct integration of actions and state constraints must address the ramification and qualification problems, as well as the frame problem. In this paper we achieve such an integration for a syntactically restricted class of situation calculus theories. This paper presents two major technical contributions. The first contribution is an axiomatic closed-form solution to the frame, ramification and qualification problems for a common class of theories. The solution is presented in the form of an automatable procedure that compiles a syntactically restricted set of situation calculus ramification constraints and effect axioms into a set of successor state axioms. The second major contribution of this paper is an independent semantic justification for this closed-form solution. In particular, we present a semantic specification for a solution to the frame and ramification problems in terms of a prioritized minimization policy, and show that the successor state axioms of our closed-form solution adhere to this specification. Observing that our minimization policy is simply an instance of prioritized circumscription, we exploit results of Lifschitz (1985) on computing circumscription to show that computing the prioritized circumscription yields our successor state axioms. In the special case where there are no ramification constraints, computing the circumscription yields Reiter's (1991) earlier successor state axiom solution to the frame problem.
Reducing foreign language communication apprehension with computer-mediated communication: A preliminary study

Abstract Many studies (e.g., [Beauvois, M.H., 1998. E-talk: Computer-assisted classroom discussion – attitudes and motivation. In: Swaffar, J., Romano, S., Markley, P., Arens, K. (Eds.), Language learning online: Theory and practice in the ESL and L2 computer classroom. Labyrinth Publications, Austin, TX, pp. 99–120; Bump, J., 1990. Radical changes in class discussion using networked computers. Computers and the Humanities 24, 49–65; Kern, R.G., 1995. Restructuring classroom interaction with networked computers: Effects on quantity and characteristics of language production. Modern Language Journal 79 (4), 457–476; Lee, L., 2002. Enhancing learners’ communication skills through synchronous electronic interaction and task-based instruction. Foreign Language Annals 35 (1), 16–23; Perez, L.C., 2003. Foreign language productivity in synchronous versus asynchronous computer-mediated communication. CALICO Journal 21 (1), 89–104; Roed, J., 2003. Language learner behaviour in a virtual environment. Computer Assisted Language Learning 16 (2–3), 155–172; Warschauer, M., 1996. Comparing face-to-face and electronic discussion in the second language classroom. CALICO Journal 13 (2), 7–26]) indicate that computer-mediated communication (CMC) can lower foreign language learners’ anxiety levels. This study investigates the relationship between CMC and communication apprehension by using the established definitions and instruments of foreign language anxiety research. During one semester, 56 students enrolled in third semester German participated in six group discussions. The control group ( n = 12) completed the discussions face-to-face while the two experimental groups used synchronous ( n = 21) or asynchronous CMC ( n = 23). Data from pretest and posttest questionnaires show no significant difference in reduction of communication apprehension between the control and experimental groups.
Mechanical loading regulates NOS expression and activity in developing and adult skeletal muscle

The hypothesis that changes in muscle activation and loading regulate the expression and activity of neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase (nNOS) was tested using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Removal of weight bearing from rat hindlimb muscles for 10 days resulted in a significant decrease in nNOS protein and mRNA concentration in soleus muscles, which returned to control concentrations after return to weight bearing. Similarly, the concentration of nNOS in cultured myotubes increased by application of cyclic loading for 2 days. NO release from excised soleus muscles was increased significantly by a single passive stretch of 20% or by submaximal activation at 2 Hz, although the increases were not additive when both stimuli were applied simultaneously. Increased NO release resulting from passive stretch or activation was dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. Cyclic loading of cultured myotubes also resulted in a significant increase in NO release. Together, these findings show that activity of muscle influences NO production in the short term, by regulating NOS activity, and in the long term, by regulating nNOS expression.
Lagrangian sampling of 3-D air quality model results for regional transport contributions to sulfate aerosol concentrations at Baltimore, MD, in summer 2004

Abstract We use ensemble-mean Lagrangian sampling of a 3-D Eulerian air quality model, CMAQ, together with ground-based ambient monitors data from several air monitoring networks and satellite (MODIS) observations to provide source apportionment and regional transport vs. local contributions to sulfate aerosol and PM2.5 concentrations at Baltimore, MD, for summer 2004. The Lagrangian method provides estimates of the chemical and physical evolution of air arriving in the daytime boundary layer at Baltimore. Study results indicate a dominant role for regional transport contributions on those days when sulfate air pollution is highest in Baltimore, with a principal transport pathway from the Ohio River Valley (ORV) through southern Pennsylvania and Maryland, consistent with earlier studies. Thus, reductions in sulfur emissions from the ORV under the EPA's Clean Air Interstate Rule may be expected to improve particulate air quality in Baltimore during summer. The Lagrangian sampling of CMAQ offers an inexpensive and complimentary approach to traditional methods of source apportionment based on multivariate observational data analysis, and air quality model emissions separation. This study serves as a prototype for the method applied to Baltimore. EPA is establishing a system to allow air quality planners to readily produce and access equivalent results for locations of their choice.
Accelerating multiphysics modeling using FPGA

Multiphysics system involves the interaction of different processes, including electrical, mechanical, and chemical processes. Modeling a multiphysics system is a complicated task. A physically-based modeling technique starts with a set of governing differential equations. Analytic solution is hard to achieve, and numerical simulation generally requires intensive computation power and excessive execution time. A general purpose processor is unable to satisfy both the performance and the speed requirement. This paper presents a FPGA-based architecture that could speed up multiphysics system modeling in an order of one to two magnitudes. Hardware architectures for equations used to modeling both linear and nonlinear systems are presented, which provide an FPGA-based platform where multiple equations can perform integration simultaneously in a collaborative mode. This new methodology utilizes both parallel and pipeline mechanisms of the FPGA to accelerate complex system simulation. The performance of the FPGA-based architectures is tested using the initial value problem case studies. The implementation results show that the FPGA-based computing engine provides satisfactory computation accuracy, fast implementation speed, and affordable low cost.
Substructure Hybrid Simulation with Multiple-Support Excitation

Substructure hybrid simulation of engineering structures subjected to multiple-support excitation (MSE) is investigated. In time- history analysis of MSE problems, the equations of motion are generally posed in relative coordinates (designated EOM-rel), which only require the ground acceleration as an input. However, the suitability of EOM-rel for hybrid simulation with MSE is unclear. Because estimating the tangent stiffness of the experimental substructure during testing is challenging, constant stiffness is often adopted in widely used integration schemes for hybrid simulation (e.g., the operator-splitting method); the equivalent force is not updated during experimen- tation. In previous studies, the equations of motion in absolute coordinates (designated EOM-abs) have been employed for hybrid simulation considering MSE. With EOM-abs, nonlinearity in the stiffness matrix is naturally considered in the measured restoring force—no approxi- mation is involved. One drawback to EOM-abs is that the displacement and velocity of the ground motion must be computed prior to the experiment. This paper carefully formulates the hybrid simulation problem for structures subjected to MSE and examines the tradeoffs in the two approaches. First, the EOM-rel approximation and the EOM-abs are formulated and compared for a nonlinear single degree of freedom structure with nonlinearities modeled by a Bouc-Wen model subjected to two ground inputs. Significant error is found in the EOM-rel approximation because of the constant stiffness matrices used. Both formulations are then evaluated in hybrid simulation of a four-span highway ramp bridge. This study demonstrates that the EOM-rel approximation can provide results with good accuracy if the nonlinear components of the experimental substructure do not significantly affect the global stiffness matrix. Otherwise, the EOM-abs is recommended for hybrid simulation with MSE. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)EM.1943-7889.0000394. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Hybrid methods; Simulation; Excitation; Nonlinear response; Highway bridges; Substructures. Author keywords: Hybrid simulation; Multiple-support excitation; Nonlinear; Bouc-Wen hysteretic model; Highway bridge.
Evidence of mixing between polluted convective outflow and stratospheric air in the upper troposphere during DC3

Aircraft measurements, including non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), long-lived halocarbons, carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) collected on board the NASA DC-8 during the Deep Convection, Clouds, and Chemistry (DC3) field campaign (May – June 2012), were used to investigate interactions and mixing between stratospheric intrusions and polluted air masses. Stratospherically influenced air masses were detected using a suite of long-lived halocarbons, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and HCFCs, as a tracer for stratospheric air. A large number of stratospherically influenced samples were found to have reduced levels of O3 and elevated levels of CO (both relative to background stratospheric air), indicative of mixing with anthropogenically influenced air. Using n-butane and propane as further tracers of anthropogenically influenced air, we show that this type of mixing was present both at low altitudes and in the upper troposphere (UT). At low altitudes, this mixing resulted in O3 enhancements consistent with those reported at surface sites during deep stratospheric intrusions, while in the UT, two case studies were performed to identify the process by which this mixing occurs. In the first case study, stratospheric air was found to be mixed with aged outflow from a convective storm, while in the second case study, stratospheric air was found to have mixed with outflow from an active storm occurring in the vicinity of a stratospheric intrusion. From these analyses, we conclude that deep convective events may facilitate the mixing between stratospheric air and polluted boundary layer air in the UT. Throughout the entire DC3 study region, this mixing was found to be prevalent: 72% of all samples that involve stratosphere-troposphere mixing show influence of polluted air. Applying a simple chemical kinetics analysis to these data, we show that during DC3, the instantaneous production of hydroxyl radical (OH) in these mixed stratospheric-polluted air masses was 11 ± 8 times higher than that of stratospheric air, and 4.2 ± 1.8 times higher than that of background upper tropospheric air.
A New Time Series Model for Transaction Data and Marked Point Processes

We propose a new time series model for the bivariate/multivariate transaction data, where model their joint transition dynamics by directly modeling the conditional distribution of the current observation to be a mixture of conditional distributions given the past p-lags information. Each joint multivariate conditional distribution in the mixture is constructed via a certain class of Copula. Such model can successfully capture some distinguished nonlinear non-Gaussian time series features, such as the irregular bursts or jumps that are so widely observed in the transaction data set and other more general marked point processes. We illustrate the new time series model and related methods by modeling three pieces of IBM stock transaction data, and show its advantages over some benchmark models.
A Predictive Model for Feedgas Hydrocarbon Emissions: An Extension to Warm Engine Maps

A feedgas hydrocarbon emissions model that extends the usefulness of fully-warmed steady-state engine maps to the cold transient regime was developed for use within a vehicle simulation program that focuses on the powertrain control system (Virtual Powertrain and Control System, VPACS). The formulation considers three main sources of hydrocarbon. The primary component originates from in-cylinder crevice effects which are correlated with engine coolant temperature. The second component includes the mass of fuel that enters the cylinder but remains unavailable for combustion (liquid phase) and subsequently vaporizes during the exhaust portion of the cycle. The third component includes any fuel that remains from a slow or incomplete burn as predicted by a crank angle resolved combustion model. The hydrocarbon model estimates the oxidized portion of these fuel sources according to a simplified empirical model incorporating exhaust port temperature predictions from a simple, heat transfer-based pipe model. Calibration of the hydrocarbon model to a base vehicle/powertrain/engine run allows estimates of feedgas hydrocarbons when changes are made to vehicle calibration, hardware, or external environment. Agreement between the hydrocarbon model prediction and vehicle data measurements for a range of vehicle calibrations is excellent.
Development of the Central Dogma Concept Inventory (CDCI) Assessment Tool

Scientific teaching requires scientifically constructed, field-tested instruments to accurately evaluate student thinking and gauge teacher effectiveness. We have developed a 23-question, multiple select–format assessment of student understanding of the essential concepts of the central dogma of molecular biology that is appropriate for all levels of undergraduate biology. Questions for the Central Dogma Concept Inventory (CDCI) tool were developed and iteratively revised based on student language and review by experts. The ability of the CDCI to discriminate between levels of understanding of the central dogma is supported by field testing (N = 54), and large-scale beta testing (N = 1733). Performance on the assessment increased with experience in biology; scores covered a broad range and showed no ceiling effect, even with senior biology majors, and pre/posttesting of a single class focused on the central dogma showed significant improvement. The multiple-select format reduces the chances of correct answers by random guessing, allows students at different levels to exhibit the extent of their knowledge, and provides deeper insight into the complexity of student thinking on each theme. To date, the CDCI is the first tool dedicated to measuring student thinking about the central dogma of molecular biology, and version 5 is ready to use.
Ecological Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion

Abstract The operation of an anaerobic digester on the poultry farm can generate multiple benefits in addition to its basic function for the treatment of animal waste. It generates biogas, which is a combustible fuel. The residue after digestion can be recovered as a solid by-product which has nutritional value as a feed supplement. The digestion process, especially at the thermophilic temperature, can destroy excreta-born pathogens and therefore protect environmental health. The liquid effluent with its nutrient content can support fish growth. With a simple and low cost anaerobic digester system that has been developed at North Carolina State University laboratories and poultry farm, the integrated operation may be economical. The energy, ecology, and environmental health-integrated farm is a new agricultural ecosystem called holistic farming.
Interplay among nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species: a complex network determining cell survival or death.

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an integrated cellular process occurring in plant growth, development, and defense responses to facilitate normal growth and development and better survival against various stresses as a whole. As universal toxic chemicals in plant and animal cells, reactive oxygen or nitrogen species (ROS or RNS), mainly superoxide anion (O2-•), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or nitric oxide (•NO), have been studied extensively for their roles in PCD induction. Physiological and genetic studies have convincingly confirmed their essential roles. However, the details and mechanisms by which ROS and •NO interplay and induce PCD are not understood. Our study on cell death in elicitor-treated Cupressus lusitanica cell culture revealed the elicitor-induced co-accumulation of ROS and •NO and interactions between H2O2 or O2-• with •NO in different ways to regulate cell death. •NO and H2O2 reciprocally enhanced on production of each other whereas •NO and O2-• showed reciprocal suppression on each other’s ...