cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Operational Benefits of Real-Time Monitoring and Visualization in Data Centers

The 2007 US EPA report to Congress (US EPA, 2007) on the state of energy consumption in data centers brought to light the true energy inefficiencies built into today’s data centers. Marquez et al. (2008) conducted an initial analysis on the productivity of a Pacific Northwest National Lab computer using The Green Grid’s Data Center Energy Productivity metric (The Green Grid, 2008). Their study highlights how the Top500 ranking of computers disguises the serious energy inefficiency of today’s High Performance Computing data centers. In the rapidly expanding Cloud Computing space, the race will be won by the providers that deliver the lowest cost of computing — such cost is heavily influenced by the operational costs incurred by data centers. As a means to address the urgent need to lower the cost of computing, solution providers have been intensely focusing on real-time monitoring, visualization, and control/management of data centers. The monitoring aspect involves the widespread use of networks of sensors that are used to monitor key data center environmental variables such as temperature, relative humidity, air flow rate, pressure, and energy consumption. Such data is then used to visualize and analyze data center problem areas (e.g., hotspots), which is then followed by control/management actions designed to alleviate such problem areas. The authors have been researching the operational benefits of a network of sensors tied in to a software package that uses the data to visualize, analyze, and control/manage the data center cooling system and IT Equipment for maximum operational efficiency. The research is being conducted in a corporate production data center that is networked in to the authors’ company’s global network of data centers. Results will be presented that highlight the operational benefits that are realizable through real-time monitoring and visualization.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Variability signatures distinguish verbal from nonverbal counting for both large and small numbers.

Humans appear to share with animals a nonverbal counting process. In a nonverbal counting condition, subjects pressed a key a numeral-specified number of times, while saying “the” at every press. The mean number of presses increased as a power function of the target number, with a constant coefficient of variation (c.v.), both within and beyond the proposed subitizing range (1–4 or 5), suggesting small numbers are represented on the same continuum as larger numbers and subject to the same noise process (scalar variability). By contrast, when subjects counted their presses out loud as fast as they could, the c.v. decreased as the inverse square root of the target value (binomial variability instead of scalar variability). The unexpected power-law relation between target value and mean number of presses in nonverbal counting suggests a new hypothesis about the development of the function relating number symbols to mental magnitudes.
Development of a Universal RNA Beacon for Exogenous Gene Detection

Stem cell therapy requires a nontoxic and high-throughput method to achieve a pure cell population to prevent teratomas that can occur if even one cell in the implant has not been transformed. A promising method to detect and separate cells expressing a particular gene is RNA beacon technology. However, developing a successful, specific beacon to a particular transfected gene can take months to develop and in some cases is impossible. Here, we report on an off-the-shelf universal beacon that decreases the time and cost of applying beacon technology to select any living cell population transfected with an exogenous gene.
Introduction to Data Mining for Medical Informatics

Data mining consists of a series of techniques for the discovery of patterns in large databases. This article provides an introduction to common data mining techniques with a view toward their use. The article begins by describing methods for discovering and exploring associations in observations and variables. The discussion then turns to methods for prediction. These techniques discover relationships between sets of variables. The article concludes with a description of evaluative techniques that are useful for assessing the results from data mining.
Kinetic and spectroscopic investigation of CoII, NiII, and N-oxalylglycine inhibition of the FeII/α-ketoglutarate dioxygenase, TauD

Abstract Co II , Ni II , and N -oxalylglycine (NOG) are well-known inhibitors of Fe II /α-ketoglutarate (αKG)-dependent hydroxylases, but few studies describe their kinetics and no spectroscopic investigations have been reported. Using taurine/αKG dioxygenase (TauD) as a paradigm for this enzyme family, time-dependent inhibition assays showed that Co II and Ni II follow slow-binding inhibition kinetics. Whereas Ni II -substituted TauD was non-chromophoric, spectroscopic studies of the Co II -substituted enzyme revealed a six-coordinate site (protein alone or with αKG) that became five-coordinate upon taurine addition. The Co II spectrum was not perturbed by a series of anions or oxidants, suggesting the Co II is inaccessible and could be used to stabilize the protein. NOG competed weakly ( K i ∼ 290 μM) with αKG for binding to TauD, with the increased electron density of NOG yielding electronic transitions for NOG-Fe II -TauD and taurine-NOG-Fe II -TauD at 380 nm ( e 380 90–105 M −1 cm −1 ). The spectra of the NOG-bound TauD species did not change significantly upon oxygen exposure, arguing against the formation of an oxygen-bound state mimicking an early intermediate in catalysis.
John Cockerill in Southern Russia, 1885-1905: A Study of Aggressive Foreign Entrepreneurship

A case study of two ventures undertaken by a Belgian company in Russia focuses upon several of the major problems experienced by foreign entrepreneurs under the Czars at the turn of the century.
Mμ and D2 Receptor Antisense Oligonucleotides Injected in Nucleus Accumbens Suppress High Alcohol Intake in Genetic Drinking HEP Rats

Abstract Numerous pharmacological and other studies have implicated both Mμ and dopamine receptor subtypes in alcohol consumption. In the genetic drinking rat as well as those chemically induced to drink, evidence has accrued that the abnormal intake of alcohol is underpined by these receptors in the brain. The purpose of this investigation was to demonstrate unequivocally that a biological impairment by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) targeted specifically to these two receptor subtypes would disrupt ongoing alcohol drinking. In this project, a new strain of female and male high-ethanol preferring (HEP) rats was used that had free access to preferred concentrations of alcohol over water in a two choice paradigm. A guide cannula for a microinjection needle was first implanted bilaterally above the nucleus accumbens (NAC) of each rat. Following recovery, a dose of either 250 or 500 ng of the Mμ ODN or 500 ng D 2 ODN was microinjected into the NAC of the rat in a volume of 0.8–1.0 μl. A standard temporal sequence was used in which microinjections were given four times at successive 12-h intervals over a 2-day interval. The control mismatch ODNs corresponding to both the Mμ or D 2 receptor antisense were microinjected identically at homologous sites in the NAC. Following the experiments, the brain of each rat was removed and sectioned in the coronal plane for histological analysis so that each microinjection site was identified. The results showed that the Mμ receptor antisense caused a significant dose dependent fall in free access alcohol drinking within 12 to 24 h following the initial microinjection. This decline often persisted for 1 to 2 days in terms of both g/kg intake and proportion of alcohol to water consumed. Similarly, the D 2 receptor ODN likewise induced an intense and significant decline in both g/kg and proportion measures of alcohol intake. Since the corresponding mismatch ODN for both Mμ and D 2 receptors exerted no effect on either of these measures of alcohol consumption, the specificity of molecular action of the respective antisense molecules on drinking behavior of the HEP rats was confirmed. Thus, these results provide the first unequivocal evidence that the genes for D 2 and Mμ receptors are fundamentally involved in abnormal alcohol drinking in the genetically predisposed individual. Finally, important new anatomical evidence is introduced for the critical role of the NAC in the genetic basis of aberrant drinking of alcohol.
Electric utility deregulation: Stranded costs vs. stranded benefits

Abstract This study re-examines the electric utility market value-book value relation in light of the changing regulatory climate. The change in the market value-book value relation is examined by comparing the market-to-book ratio in the post-regulatory period to the regulatory period. Additionally, this paper compares the stock market’s valuation of electric utility stranded costs (above market costs) to stranded benefits (below market costs). This paper demonstrates that electric utility market value and book value are no longer aligned. Additionally, this paper extends the research on deregulatory effects by documenting a differential market response to estimated stranded costs versus stranded benefits.
Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition of Gallium Nitride Thin Films

The atmospheric-pressure chemical vapor deposition of gallium nitride films from hexakis(dimethylamido)digallium, Ga2(NMe2)6, and ammonia precursors at 200 °C with growth rates up to 1000 min is described. The films were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Rutherford backscattering analysis showed that the N/Ga ratio was 1.12-1.17. The films were crystalline with ≈ 5-15 nm crystallites.
Structure assignment by retention index in gas-liquid radiochromatography of substituted cyclohexenes.

Abstract Substituents and functional groups cause increase in retention indexes of sixmembered ring compounds on apolar and polar columns. These retention index increments (δ I ) are characteristic and structure-dependent showing a structure-retention index relationship. The δ I values obtained for methyl and halogen atom substitution, double bond conjugationa and multiple substitution in substituted benzenes, cyclohexenes, and cyclohexanes are useful for predictive purpose in tritium labeling studies for tentative structure assignment of radioactive intermediates not amenable to analysis by conventional techniques.
A fast congestion estimator for routing with bounded detours

Congestion estimation is an important issue for design automation of the VLSI layout. Fast congestion estimation provides an efficient means to adjust the placement and wire planning. A probabilistic model of interconnections enables designers to quickly predict routing congestion. We propose a powerful and fast estimation approach that allows wires to have bounded-length detours to bypass congestions. The method is more realistic and precise than the previous work. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method on routing benchmarks.
Design and fabrication of a coherent array of single-mode optical fibers for the nulling coronagraph

We present the development of a single-mode spatial filter array for the nulling coronagraph application. The development consists of two generations of fiber array designs and a Zygo-interferometer based lens array to fiber array alignment methodology. We discuss the use of large mode field diameter (MFD) fibers to relax fiber placement tolerance of the fiber array. The pros and cons of using the Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) for building the array are discussed. The future plan for implementing a 1000-channel class, single-mode spatial filter array is described.
On the variation of small-signal alphas of a p-n-p-n device with current

Abstract The physical mechanisms that govern the variation of alphas of a silicon p - n - p - n device with current are investigated and an analytical expression for the small-signal alphas is derived. It is shown that both diffusion and electric field contribute to the transport of carriers and, therefore, affect the device transport factors and injection efficiencies. The value of alpha can be tailored to the desired range by choosing properly the base width, the diffusion length and the doping levels. A numerical example is worked out and the small-signal alpha, the d.c. alpha, the transport factor and the injection efficiency are plotted as functions of current for several values of base width of the p - n - p section of a p - n - p - n device. It is seen that the small-signal alpha is always greater than the d.c. alpha in the current range investigated.
Extradiscal ultrasound thermal therapy (ExDUSTT): evaluation in ex vivo and in vivo spine models (Invited Paper)

The application of heat to intervertebral discs is being clinically investigated for the treatment of discogenic back pain. The purpose of this study was to develop and test the feasibility of small ultrasound applicators that can be endoscopically placed adjacent to the disc, and deliver heating energy into the disc without puncturing the annular wall. Prototype devices were fabricated using curvilinear transducers (2.5-3.5 mm wide x 10 mm long, 5.4 - 6.5 MHz) that produce a narrow penetrating beam extending along the length of the ultrasound element. The transducer was affixed to either a flexible or rigid delivery catheter, and enclosed within an asymmetric coupling balloon with water-cooling flow. Bench measurements demonstrated 35-60% acoustic efficiencies, high-power output capabilities, and lightly focused beam patterns. The heating characteristics of these devices were evaluated with ex vivo and in vivo experiments within lumbar and cervical spine segments from sheep models and human cadaveric spine. The applicators were positioned adjacent to the annular wall of the surgically exposed discs. Ultrasound energy was focused directly into the disc to avoid heating the vertebral bodies. Multi-point thermocouple probes were placed throughout the disc to characterize the resultant temperature distributions. These studies demonstrated that ultrasound energy from these applicators penetrated the annular wall of the disc, and produced thermal coagulative temperatures of >60-65°C as far as 10 mm into the tissue. This study also showed that lower power levels and temperatures delivered for 10 minutes can generate a cytotoxic thermal dose of t 43°C >240 min penetrating 5-10 mm from the annular wall.
Responsiveness of the Dermatology-specific Quality of Life (DSQL) instrument to treatment for acne vulgaris in a placebo-controlled clinical trial

The Dermatology-specific Quality of Life (DSQL) instrument is a new tool which has been developed to address the effects of skin disease and its treatment on physical and social functioning and self- perceptions. Previous reports have demonstrated its cross-sectional validity. The current study examines the DSQL's responsiveness to 12 weeks of acne treatment in a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. The DSQL change scores were moderately correlated (r=0.18 to 0.37) with treatment efficacy parameters including: dermatologist's rating of improvement of acne and a skin irritation score, and highly correlated with patient's global rating of acne severity. Within treatment groups, the DSQL discriminated clinically meaningful changes associated with small and moderate effect sizes. The DSQL total score showed statistically significant differences on nearly all comparisons with placebo. The DSQL dimension scores were sensitive to the most effective therapy compared to placebo. Responsiveness benchmarks are provided for small and moderate-sized treatment effects. As a comprehensive instrument, the DSQL is a practical and psychometrically sound tool for use in clinical trials in dermatology.
Simple formulation of heat flux in the unstable atmospheric boundary layer

A formulation for the magnitude of the upward heat flux is developed for the common situation where information on temperature fluctuations is available but measurement of vertical motion fluctuations are unavailable or of inadequate quality. A relationship is also developed which allows inference of the vertical structure of the heat flux from the stability. This development uses data from the Air Mass Transformation Experiment and a number of existing studies in the literature.
The sum of the squares of the parts of a partition, and some related questions

Abstract Winkler has proved that, if n and m are positive integers with n ≤ m ≤ n 2 5 and m ≡ n (mod 2), then there exist positive integers {xi} such that Σxi = n and Σx12 = m. Extending work of Erdős, Purdy, and Hensley, we show that the best upper limit for m is n2 − 23/2n3/2 + O (n5/4). For k ≥ 2, we show that {Σ(kxi): xi ∈ N , Σxi = n} contains {0, 1, …, ap,k(n)}, where ap,k(n) = (kn){1 − k1 + 1/kn−1/k + O (n−2/k + 1/k2)}.
HYDROLYSIS OF LACTOSE IN ACID WHEY USING β‐GALACTOSIDASE ADSORBED TO A PHENOL FORMALDEHYDE RESIN

The feasibility of using immobilized enzymes for the commercial hydrolysis of lactose in acid whey was investigated. The areas of enzyme kinetics, enzyme adsorption, mass transfer, reactor design and economics were considered. All reaction studies were carried out at 40°C, pH 4. Adsorption of β-galactosidase into a porous phenol formaldehyde resin (Duolite ES-762) followed an S-shaped isotherm at low concentrations and adsorption increased with temperature at 0, 24 and 26°C. Up to 0.6g of Wallerstein enzyme preparation (4043 activity units) were adsorbed to 1g of dry resin. Adsorption had little effect on enzyme activity. An integral reactor of immobilized β-galactosidase retained nearly full activity for over 120 days of continual hydrolysis of lactose in acid whey and pure lactose solutions. Throughout the long term study, mold was effectively inhibited by the use of 0.1% w/v of potassium sorbate and CO2. Based on 120-day catalyst life and the integral reactor data for Duolite ES-762 loaded with 0.23g enzyme/g dry resin, the catalyst cost for the hydrolysis of 1 lb of lactose is 1.65 cents at 40% conversion using 50 mesh resin.
Human RAD2 Homolog 1 5′- to 3′-Exo/Endonuclease Can Efficiently Excise a Displaced DNA Fragment Containing a 5′-Terminal Abasic Lesion by Endonuclease Activity

Repair of abasic lesions, one of the most common types of damage found in DNA, is crucial to an organism's well-being. Studies in vitro indicate that after apurinic-apyrimidinic endonuclease cleaves immediately upstream of a baseless site, removal of the 5′-terminal sugar-phosphate residue is achieved by deoxyribophosphodiesterase activity, an enzyme-mediated β-elimination reaction, or by endonucleolytic cleavage downstream of the baseless sugar. Synthesis and ligation complete repair. Eukaryotic RAD2 homolog 1 (RTH1) nuclease, by genetic and biochemical evidence, is involved in repair of modified DNA. Efficient endonucleolytic cleavage by RTH1 nuclease has been demonstrated for annealed primers that have unannealed 5′-tails. In vivo, such substrate structures could result from repair-related strand displacement synthesis. Using 5′-tailed substrates, we examined the ability of human RTH1 nuclease to efficiently remove 5′-terminal abasic residues. A series of upstream primers were used to increasingly displace an otherwise annealed downstream primer containing a 5′-terminal deoxyribose-5-phosphate. Until displacement of the first annealed nucleotide, substrates resisted cleavage. With further displacement, efficient cleavage occurred at the 3′-end of the tail. Therefore, in combination with strand displacement activity, RTH1 nucleases may serve as an important alternative to other pathways in repair of abasic sites in DNA.
Bag model for DNA migration during pulsed-field electrophoresis.

Abstract A model for pulsed-field electrophoresis was developed by picturing large DNA as a deformable "bag" that (i) moves with limiting mobility in a continuous electric field, (ii) adopts an orientation aligned with the field direction, and (iii) reorients after a change in field direction in a size-dependent manner. The model correctly predicted the resolution of large DNA in a pulsed field including the surprising phenomena of mobility inversion, lateral band spreading, and improved resolution for obtuse angles. A simple parametrization agreed with observations of two completely different aspects of DNA behavior: bulk mobility as measured during gel electrophoresis and molecular reorientation as measured by linear dichroism. The model also provides quantitative guidelines for setting experimental parameters in pulsed-field electrophoresis experiments.
Profound Depletion of Host Conventional Dendritic Cells, Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells, and B Cells Does Not Prevent Graft-versus-Host Disease Induction

The efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Host hematopoietic APCs are important initiators of GVHD, making them logical targets for GVHD prevention. Conventional dendritic cells (DCs) are key APCs for T cell responses in other models of T cell immunity, and they are sufficient for GVHD induction. However, we report in this article that in two polyclonal GVHD models in which host hematopoietic APCs are essential, GVHD was not decreased when recipient conventional DCs were inducibly or constitutively deleted. Additional profound depletion of plasmacytoid DCs and B cells, with or without partial depletion of CD11b(+) cells, also did not ameliorate GVHD. These data indicate that, in contrast with pathogen models, there is a surprising redundancy as to which host cells can initiate GVHD. Alternatively, very low numbers of targeted APCs were sufficient. We hypothesize the difference in APC requirements in pathogen and GVHD models relates to the availability of target Ags. In antipathogen responses, specialized APCs are uniquely equipped to acquire and present exogenous Ags, whereas in GVHD, all host cells directly present alloantigens. These studies make it unlikely that reagent-based host APC depletion will prevent GVHD in the clinic.
Commentary: The challenge of training police officers.

Vermette et al. [1][1] offer significant observations about the training of police officers working with individuals who have a mental illness. The need to have effective training that meets the expectations of line officers as well as supervisors and police chiefs is readily apparent. Law
Capsaicin-sensitive nerves regulate the metabolic response to abdominal sepsis.

Background. Both the systemic release of inflammatory mediators and activation of the neuroendocrine axis by sensory afferent nerves (SANs) have been implicated as initiators of the metabolic response to infection. In this study, we investigate the role of SANs as mediators of protein catabolism and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis during abdominal sepsis using capsaicin (Cap) to selectively destroy nociceptive sensory axons. Methods. Four groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied: Control, Control+Cap, Sepsis, and Sepsis+Cap. Rats were injected with Cap (75 mg/kg) on day 1 and (50 mg/kg) on day 2 to destroy SANs. Time-matched control and septic rats were pair-fed and injected with vehicle on the same schedule. Controls underwent sham laparotomy, while septic rats had a fecal-agar pellet inoculated with Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis implanted in the peritoneal cavity. Blood and tissues were harvested 5 days after the induction of sepsis. Plasma IGF-I, IGFBP-1, and -3 were measured by radioimmunoassay and Western blot analysis. IGF-I, acid-labile subunit (ALS), IGFBP-1 and -3 mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis. Results. Mortality was 40% in septic rats vs 0% in the sepsis+Cap group. Capsaicin had no effect on muscle mass, protein content, or the IGF system in control rats. However, sepsis-induced reductions in gastrocnemius mass (25%) and protein content (35%) were ameliorated by capsaicin. The sepsis-induced decrease in hepatic IGF-I mRNA and circulating IGF-I (26%), as well as the 4-fold increase in plasma IGFBP-1 and hepatic IGFBP-1 mRNA were prevented by capsaicin. Conclusions. Capsaicin-sensitive nerves mediate mortality, the catabolism of skeletal muscle, and selected elements of the IGF system during abdominal sepsis. The results suggest an important role for nociceptive SANs and the neuroendocrine system in mediating the host response to abdominal infection.
The role of technology advocate and transfer mechanism on Ada adoption

Examines the association of various technology transfer mechanisms and technology advocates with the adoption of Ada. Preliminary analysis of data from structured interviews with 48 software developers in the defense sector supports the notion that organizations and change agents may wish to tailor transition mechanisms and choice of primary advocate to the specific stage of the adoption process, rather than adopt a single strategy for the entire process. >
Network Oscillations Generated by Balancing Graded Asymmetric Reciprocal Inhibition in Passive Neurons

We describe a novel mechanism by which network oscillations can arise from reciprocal inhibitory connections between two entirely passive neurons. The model was inspired by the activation of the gastric mill rhythm in the crab stomatogastric ganglion by the modulatory commissural ganglion neuron 1 (MCN1), but it is studied here in general terms. One model neuron has a linear current-voltage (I-V) curve with a low (L) resting potential, and the second model neuron has a linear current-voltage curve with a high (H) resting potential. The inhibitory connections between them are graded. There is an extrinsic modulatory excitatory input to the L neuron, and the L neuron presynaptically inhibits the modulatory neuron. Activation of the extrinsic modulatory neuron elicits stable network oscillations in which the L and H neurons are active in alternation. The oscillations arise because the graded reciprocal synapses create the equivalent of a negative-slope conductance region in the I-V curves for the cells. Geometrical methods are used to analyze the properties of and the mechanism underlying these network oscillations.
Pediatric emergency medicine: What lies ahead

Abstract In this report, Stephen Ludwig, MD, provides a perspective on the future growth and development of pediatric emergency medicine. The author acknowledges the great progress made over the past 2 decades and offers his vision for the future. The framework for that vision will address several areas of strategic growth for the specialty: continued academic achievement, improved relationships with other professional organizations and disciplines, advocacy, international health, and subspecialization within pediatric emergency medicine.
Behavioral level noise modeling and jitter simulation of phase-locked loops with faults using VHDL-AMS

It is important to predict noise at the early stages of a top down design. In this paper, we propose a methodology to model phase noise or jitter, a key specification for phase-locked loops, using a mixed-signal hardware description language, and to simulate the effects of catastrophic faults on the phase jitter at the behavioral level. In contrast to existing approaches which either require dedicated noise simulators or postpone noise and fault simulation to the transistor level, we have successfully demonstrated that noise in a voltage-controlled oscillator, power supply noise, and their effects on the overall phase jitter within a faulty phase locked loop can be modeled and simulated earlier on at the behavioral level. Our simulation results are consistent with experimentally verified, theoretical predictions.
Neuroimaging of childhood trauma.

Childhood abuse is a major public health problem affecting as many as a third of children in this country today at some point before their 18(th) birthday. The effects of childhood trauma on the brain are increasingly an area of interest. In trying to understand the effects of early stressors on the brain we use animal models of early stress to guide the development of hypotheses. An important potential tool in understanding the effects of abuse on the brain is neuroimaging. Neuroimaging studies in traumatized children are in a relative state of infancy. A number of methodological and ethical issues make this a difficult area for research, including problems ranging from patient motion during scanning to the ethical issues of the duty to report abuse and working with child protective services. Some studies have shown that adults abused as children have smaller volume of the hippocampus, a brain area involved in learning and memory, as measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One study in children with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) did not find smaller hippocampal volume, but did find smaller brain volume and corpus callosum. Functional neuroimaging studies are consistent with alteration in function and structure of medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in patients with childhood sexual trauma and PTSD. These initial results suggest that childhood abuse in the setting of PTSD is associated with long-term changes in brain structure and function.
Comparison of Time-Frequency Classification Methods for Intelligent Automatic Jettisoning Device of Helmet- Mounted Display Systems

Helmet-Mounted Display Systems (HMDS) improve the situational awareness of an air force pilot in combat; however, they can increase the probability of neck injury to a pilot during a crash or ejection due to their added weight and center of gravity shift. Attempts with simple mechanical force/acceleration release systems to release the HMDS during an ejection event have been unsatisfactory since helmet accelerations during normal air combat maneuvering (ACM) can be near peak accelerations seen during a crash or ejection. The HMDS acceleration responses indicated being non-stationary signals, which resulted in use of time-frequency classification methods to differentiate between the crash/ejection events and those of normal aircraft maneuvering. Parametric and non-parametric approaches for the optimization of the time-frequency representations (TFR) with the goal of classifications between these two environments were compared. The non-parametric approach was determined to be superior.
The penis as public part: Embodiment and the performance of masculinity in public settings:

Drawing on an online ethnography at PeniSanity.com, a support site for men who perceive their penises to be small, this article examines site members’ descriptions of their everyday experiences of ...
Quantifying the energetic contributions of desolvation and π-electron density during translesion DNA synthesis

This report examines the molecular mechanism by which high-fidelity DNA polymerases select nucleotides during the replication of an abasic site, a non-instructional DNA lesion. This was accomplished by synthesizing several unique 5-substituted indolyl 2'-deoxyribose triphosphates and defining their kinetic parameters for incorporation opposite an abasic site to interrogate the contributions of π-electron density and solvation energies. In general, the K(d, app) values for hydrophobic non-natural nucleotides are ∼10-fold lower than those measured for isosteric hydrophilic analogs. In addition, k(pol) values for nucleotides that contain less π-electron densities are slower than isosteric analogs possessing higher degrees of π-electron density. The differences in kinetic parameters were used to quantify the energetic contributions of desolvation and π-electron density on nucleotide binding and polymerization rate constant. We demonstrate that analogs lacking hydrogen-bonding capabilities act as chain terminators of translesion DNA replication while analogs with hydrogen bonding functional groups are extended when paired opposite an abasic site. Collectively, the data indicate that the efficiency of nucleotide incorporation opposite an abasic site is controlled by energies associated with nucleobase desolvation and π-electron stacking interactions whereas elongation beyond the lesion is achieved through a combination of base-stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions.
Rough Set Theory of Shape Perception

Humans can easily recognize complex objects even if values of their attributes are imprecise and often inconsistent. It is not clear how the brain processes uncertain visual information. We have tested electrophysiological activity of the visual cortex (area V4), which is responsible for shape classifications. We formulate a theory in which different visual stimuli are described through their attributes and placed into a decision table, together with the neural responses to them, which are treated as decision attributes. We assume that the brain interprets sensory input as bottom-up information which is related to hypotheses, while top-down information is related to predictions. We have divided neuronal responses into three categories: (a) Category 0 - cell response is below 20 spikes/s, which indicates that the hypothesis is rejected, (b) Category 1 - cell activity is higher than 20 spikes/s, which implies that the hypothesis is accepted, 3. Category 2 - cell response is above 40 spikes/s, which means that the hypothesis and prediction are valid. By comparing responses of different cells we have found equivalent concept classes. However, many different cells show inconsistency between their decision rules, which may suggest that parallel different decision logics may be implemented in the brain.
Persons with AIDS and their family caregivers: Negotiating the journey

Increased incidence of AIDS in North America and throughout the world has posed a challenge to nursing to provide care for these clients and their families. In this study a theoretical model was derived to explain howfamily members manage the experience of living with AIDS. Interviews with 11 family members and 9 persons with AIDS (PWAs) were submitted to the grounded theory method of constant comparative analysis. Negotiating the Journey was found to be the basic social psychological process that conceptually related and explained the variability in the experiences of participants. Strategies within the negotiating process included Control of Awareness, Gearing Up, Finding a Guide, Gauging the Territory, Living with AIDS, Working the System, Framing Time, and Making Tradeoffs. PWAs and their families learned and gained competencies in the negotiation of their journeys. They then used their wisdom to help others by Becoming Guides.
Attenuation of the cardiac effects of cocaine by dizocilpine

Cocaine abuse causes autonomic and cardiovascular effects that may be life threatening. Attenuation of cocaine-induced seizures has been produced by the noncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor channel complex, dizocilpine. The purpose of the present study was, first, to determine effects of dizocilpine on the incidence of pacing-induced ventricular arrhythmias and, second, to evaluate the effects of dizocilpine on cocaine-induced depression of sympathetic efferent activity to the heart. Adult dogs were anesthetized and instrumented for blood pressure and an electrocardiogram. After vagotomy and thoracotomy, electrodes and strain gauges were sutured onto the right atrium and ventricle. A left thoracic sympathetic efferent nerve was isolated and stimulated for analysis of the innervation pattern. Arrhythmias were induced with programmed electrical stimulation of the heart before and during left cardiac sympathetic efferent nerve stimulation. The control incidence of induced arrhythmias was only 2%, which increased to 21% during left sympathetic stimulation. Cocaine (2 mg/kg iv) significantly increased these to 11 and 42%, respectively. Dizocilpine (0.5 mg/kg iv) reduced the incidence of induced ventricular arrhythmias to 2% with cocaine (P < 0.05) and to 19% with cocaine and left sympathetic stimulation (P < 0.01). One or two sympathetic efferent cardiac nerves were stimulated to evaluate innervation patterns. These nerves were severed and prepared for recording multifiber efferent neurograms. Nerve traffic was analyzed by counting positive spikes for 15 s. Control activities were normalized at 100%. Within 6 min, cocaine (2 mg/kg iv) reduced the sympathetic efferent activity to 83 +/- 4% of control (n = 14 nerves).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Key Skills for Graduating Construction Management Students — A Comparative Study of Industry and Academic Perspectives

This research attempts to determine the extent of agreement between industry and academia as to the required key skills from graduating construction management students, both undergraduate and graduate level, in order to identify any differences in perspectives. This is indeed important in order to develop a strategic plan for construction management educators with specific curriculum improvements so as to prepare construction management students for the contemporary construction industry. As such, the study endeavors to provide insights into possible future directions undergraduate and graduate construction management education might be heading for and highlights some of the priorities that should be part of the movement. An important conclusion from the study is that skills ranked high by the industry, including interpreting contract documents (for both undergraduates and graduates), listening ability/ giving attention to details (for undergraduates), time management (for undergraduates), construction accounting (for graduates), value engineering/ constructability analysis/ design review (for graduates) and contract negotiations/ conflict resolution (for graduates) are given lesser significance by the educators. Hence, these skills signify areas that may require strategic curriculum improvement. Consequently, a collaborative effort to strategically assess and improve construction management curriculums is highly recommended.
Intra-hyphal hyphae in "clock" mutants of Neurospora.

A mutant of Neurospora crassa Shear & Dodge forms bands of loose (wild-type) and dense hyphae in which the frequency of lateral branching is greatly increased (Sussman et al., 1964). Each band is formed with a period of 23-28 hr on certain media between 20-30 C but the rhythm is not truly circadian because phase-shifting is not possible by light (Berliner and Neurath, 1965; Sussman et al., 1965). A model to explain the growth of the "clock" mutant has been proposed (Suss? man et al., 1965) based upon the formation of a substance which represses the apical dominance of N. crassa hyphae. This model assumes that the growth of individual hyphae is periodically stopped by this sub? stance. Therefore, the mycelium of "clock" strains was examined with the electron microscope and compared with that of wild-type, to determine the effects of the postulated substance upon the ultrastructure of hyphae, as an index of the effect upon growth.
Carbon Nanotube Complementary Wrap-Gate Transistors

Among the challenges hindering the integration of carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors in digital technology are the lack of a scalable self-aligned gate and complementary n- and p-type devices. We report CNT transistors with self-aligned gates scaled down to 20 nm in the ideal gate-all-around geometry. Uniformity of the gate wrapping the nanotube channels is confirmed, and the process is shown not to damage the CNTs. Further, both n- and p-type transistors were realized by using the appropriate gate dielectric—HfO2 yielded n-type and Al2O3 yielded p-type—with quantum simulations used to explore the impact of important device parameters on performance. These discoveries not only provide a promising platform for further research into gate-all-around CNT devices but also demonstrate that scalable digital switches with realistic technological potential can be achieved with carbon nanotubes.
Development and Application of Open-Type Power Quality Monitoring System for Jiangxi Section of Zhejiang-Jiangxi Electrified Railway

According to the requirements of power quality management in Jiangxi section of Zhejiang-Jiangxi electrified railway, a comprehensive open-type power quality monitoring system is developed. The idea of model driven architecture is applied to the design of system software and the modeling of objects related to power quality conforms to IEC 61850 standard. By use of power quality data concentrator, the connection of heterogeneous devices in substation system is implemented. Thus, the technical defects of existing power quality monitoring system in openness, standardization and automation are remedied. The real-time global power quality monitoring and connection of monitoring devices of different types and provided by different manufacturers in fourteen substations in Jiangxi section of Zhejiang-Jiangxi electrified railway are realized. The developed power quality monitoring system offer a good platform to power and railway departments for the monitoring, analysis and control of power quality.
Pathologic changes of coronary artery in patients with acute glomerular nephritis observed by echocardiogram

Objective To observe the changes of diameter of coronary artery(CA)dynamically in acute glomerular nephritis and to analyze the resons of CA dilation with echocardiogram. Methods Among 160 children with acute glomerular nephritis, there were 32 cases with CA dilation (22 females and 10 males).The age ranged from 5.6 years to 13 years,mean age 8.5 years.Each case was detected twice with Acuson 128 color ultrasonograph in acute stage and in restoration stage respectively. The detection parameter included diameter of left ventricle,diameter of aorta,diameter of left and right CA,the ratio of diameter of coronary artery and aorta. Result In acute stage,the diameter of coronary artery ranged from 3～5.6 mm, mean value 3.5 mm;the ratio ranged from 0.20～0.28,mean value 0.21.The enlargement of diameter of left ventricle was detected.Each parameter basically returned to normal value in restoration stage. Conclusion Serious circular congestion in acute glomerular nephritis can result in the increase in stroke value, the enhancement of myocardial contraction force and the increase in oxygen consumption of myocardium.Coronary artery is the nutritional vessels of the heart and is controlled by sympathetic nerves and vagus nerves.When the oxygen consumption of myocardium increases,the sympathetic nerves will be excited,which results in dilation of CA.It can be concluded that CAdialtion in acute glomerular nephritis might be a kind of compensatory mechanism,but the possibility of pathologic changes of CA itself couldnot be excluded.
The Analytic Hierarchy Process of Influence Factors of Carbon Dioxide Corrosion

The factors which affect CO2 corrosion of steel is considerable, and the relative importance (i.e,weight) of these factorsaffecting CO2 corrosion is the key to corrosion prediction and protection. However the open literatures generally can’t explicitly definethe weight of every influent factor in definite quantity, which will affect the correctness of corrosion prediction and protection. This paper,using Analytic Hierarchy Process, gives the weights of the influent factors, quantitatively showing the relative importance of them.
Exposure rates to patients' blood for surgical personnel.

BACKGROUND Surgical personnel are at risk of contracting blood-borne diseases through exposure to patients' blood. Exposure rates for each surgical subspecialty have not been previously reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of exposure to patients' blood for operating room personnel. METHODS The study was conducted at Yale-New Haven Hospital, a level I trauma center and tertiary care hospital. During a 3-month period, exposed personnel were interviewed by a study nurse immediately after a cutaneous exposure to blood or after a sharp injury. RESULTS During 2292 surgical procedures, 70 sharp injuries and 168 cutaneous exposures to blood were reported. The combined exposure rate (skin contact and sharp injury) was 10.4 per 100 procedures (95% confidence interval, 9.1 to 11.6) and ranged from 21.2 for general surgery to 3.3 for pediatric surgery (goodness-of-fit chi-squared, p < 0.001). The combined exposure rates were also significantly different among types of surgery and ranged from 18 for laparotomies to 4.3 for craniotomies (chi-squared, p < 0.001). The overall sharp injury rate was 3.1 per 100 procedures (95% confidence interval, 2.3 to 3.8) and ranged from 4.3 for general surgery to 1.3 for vascular surgery. CONCLUSIONS The rate of exposure to blood for operating room personnel, which differ from prior studies, was 10.4 per 100 procedures and was highest for general surgical procedures. The differences in rates among studies might be attributable to different surgical technique, dissimilar case-mix, or different research methods relating to definition or ascertainment of exposure.
Minimally Intrusive Optical Micro-Strain Sensing in Bulk Elastomer with Embedded Fabry-Perot Etalon

We demonstrate a minimally intrusive, highly sensitive optical strain transducer based on a Fabry-Perot etalon monolithically embedded into the elastomeric test structure. Using the extreme sensitivity of the etalon, we accomplished the limit of detection in the mechanical deformation as low as 110 nm.
Accounting for Fatal Militarized Interstate Disputes

Whether military fatalities can restrain belligerent foreign policies is an interesting issue for both theory and practice of international relations.1 Vigilant about potential loss of precious life, the public may be expected to raise its voice against military actions (Gartner and Segura 1998). In this regard, Luttwak (1996: 36) argues that “the prospect of high casualties, which can rapidly undermine domestic support for any military operation, is the key political constraint when decisions must be made on which forces to deploy in a crisis, and at what levels.” Sophisticated data analysis suggests that to be more than just speculation (Gartzke 2001). Oneal et al. (2003) use distributed-lag models to determine that democracy, economic interdependence, and joint membership in international organizations decrease the likelihood of fatal MIDs.
Using structural damage statistics to derive macroseismic intensity within the Kathmandu valley for the 2015 M7.8 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake

Abstract We make and analyze structural damage observations from within the Kathmandu valley following the 2015 M7.8 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake to derive macroseismic intensities at several locations including some located near ground motion recording sites. The macroseismic intensity estimates supplement the limited strong ground motion data in order to characterize the damage statistics. This augmentation allows for direct comparisons between ground motion amplitudes and structural damage characteristics and ultimately produces a more constrained ground shaking hazard map for the Gorkha earthquake. For systematic assessments, we focused on damage to three specific building categories: (a) low/mid-rise reinforced concrete frames with infill brick walls, (b) unreinforced brick masonry bearing walls with reinforced concrete slabs, and (c) unreinforced brick masonry bearing walls with partial timber framing. Evaluating dozens of photos of each construction type, assigning each building in the study sample to a European Macroseismic Scale (EMS)-98 Vulnerability Class based upon its structural characteristics, and then individually assigning an EMS-98 Damage Grade to each building allows a statistically derived estimate of macroseismic intensity for each of nine study areas in and around the Kathmandu valley. This analysis concludes that EMS-98 macroseismic intensities for the study areas from the Gorkha mainshock typically were in the VII–IX range. The intensity assignment process described is more rigorous than the informal approach of assigning intensities based upon anecdotal media or first-person accounts of felt-reports, shaking, and their interpretation of damage. Detailed EMS-98 macroseismic assessments in urban areas are critical for quantifying relations between shaking and damage as well as for calibrating loss estimates. We show that the macroseismic assignments made herein result in fatality estimates consistent with the overall and district-wide reported values.