cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The postreinforcement pause and the blackout procedure: Are blackouts neutral stimuli?

Three pigeons were trained to respond on a fixed-interval 300-sec schedule. Blackouts were introduced following each unreinforced response during either the first 180 sec or the last 120 sec of the interval. Blackouts reduced responding, with the greatest reduction occurring when they occurred during the last 120 sec of the interval. Only blackouts during the last 120 sec of the interval resulted in consistent decreases in pause length. These results are not consistent with the view that blackouts are neutral stimuli that simply function to reduce the number of interreinforcement responses.
Correlation Between Positron Lifetime Parameters and Crystallographic Data for some Esters of Cholesterol

Abstract Positron lifetimes have been measured in fifteen n-alkanoate esters of cholesterol. These data reveal five sequences of esters having similarities in their lifetime parameters. Comparison with sequences determined from crystallographic data shows good agreement.
Stability of extemporaneously prepared lansoprazole suspension at two temperatures.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the stability of a generic lansoprazole product in a 3 mg/mL sodium bicarbonate suspension under room temperature and refrigerated conditions. METHODS Lansoprazole suspensions (3 mg/mL) were prepared in triplicate using an 8.4% sodium bicarbonate vehicle for each storage condition (room temperature and refrigerated). During 1 month, samples from each replicate were periodically removed and analyzed for lansoprazole concentration by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Each sample was spiked with 10 mg/L omeprazole to serve as the internal standard. A positive electrospray LC-MS/MS method was validated over the calibration range of 5 to 25 mg/L using Food and Drug Administration Guidance. The identities of the analyte and internal standard in the samples were verified by monitoring the MS/MS transitions of m/z 370 to m/z 252 and m/z 346 to m/z 198 for lansoprazole and omeprazole, respectively. Additionally, the pH of the suspensions w...
Effect of intra‐articular injections of methylprednisolone on body weight in rats. A circadian rhythm

Abstract Clock hour independent groups of young female rats received a series of 3 alternate day intra‐articular injections of methylprednisolone acetate. All rats lost body weight, but the change was minimal when the injections were given in the late afternoon (‐30.8 g) vs the night (‐42.4 g, P < .02). The data imply that methylprednisolone acetate, which is designed to be locally active in joint spaces, can be absorbed into the circulation and that the rate of absorption is subject to circadian control.
Long-term stability of NIST chip-scale atomic clock physics packages

We discuss the long-term stability of the NIST chip-scale atomic clock (CSAC) physics packages. We identify the major factors that currently limit the frequency stability of our CSAC packages after 100 s. The requirements for the stability of the vapor cell and laser temperature, local magnetic field, and local oscillator output power are evaluated. Due to the small size of CSAC physics package assemblies, advances MEMS packaging techniques for vacuum sealing and thermal isolation can be used to achieve the temperature stability goals. We discuss various ideas on how to aid temperature control solutions over wide variations in ambient temperature by implementing atom-based stabilization schemes. Control of environment-related frequency instabilities will be critical for successful insertion of CSACs into portable instruments in the areas of navigation and communication.
Responses of Seedlings to Extracts of Soybean Nodules Bearing Selected Strains of Rhizobium Japonicum

Responses of Seedlings to Extracts of Soybean Nodules Bearing Selected Strains of Rhizobium Japonicum
Food supply as a factor in the survival of frozen and thawed rotifers

Summary The provision of an adequate food supply (bacteria) after freezing and thawing the rotifer Philodina is shown to increase the percentage survival. Furthermore, variations in the survival statistics as a function of cooling rate appear to be minimized by the addition of food after thawing. Both glyceerol and DMSO provide high levels of cryoprotection, DMSO being slightly more effective. Recovery of close to 100% of a population can be achieved with proper attention to pretreatment, cooling, and thawing procedures.
Spin density wave fluctuations and transport properties

Fluctuation contributions to the electric conductivity and the sound attenuation in the vicinity of the spin density wave transition are considered within single loop approximation. We find that the electric resistance of the extremely clean sample diverges like ¦T−Tc¦−α with α = 1/2(4− D) where D is the spatial dimension of the fluctuation.
The anthropologist and the historian as storytellers

L'A. demontre que les anthropologues et les historiens ont en commun un mode de representation qui s'effectue par la forme de la narration meme si les seconds ont souvent oppose au mythos (sources orales) le logos, seule source de verite, et meme si les premiers ne s'interessaient qu'aux petites societes a tradition orale
Methods for and Benefits of Centrifugal Compressor Design Audits

As gas pipeline and industrial compressors become more powerful and more complex, it has become beneficial to conduct technical audits of these machines in the design stage. Detailed analysis of critical or advanced compressors by independent evaluators have identified operating limitations, resonant responses, potential vibrations, weak components, the onset of stall, and other instabilities, and have recommended ways to eliminate a variety of potential problems before the compressor is placed in operation. The suitability of a compressor and its driver for the planned service should be thoroughly evaluated, so that each component and the system not only satisfy the design conditions, but also extreme operating conditions. This paper presents a description of the tools available for design audits and gives examples of benefits that have resulted from recent audits. The rotordynamics of any large high-speed compressor should be carefully evaluated to identify potential instabilities, high vibration levels, and even destructive responses of the machine. Powerful rotordynamic analysis tools and specific knowledge exists to accurately predict bearing and seal stiffness and damping, lateral critical speeds, and damped forced responses. Some examples of significant results obtained from rotordynamic evaluations are presented, and typical problems that have been identified and eliminated are highlighted. Torsional vibration analyses for compressor trains are an essential aspect of a design audit that have identified vibration problems and weak components. Examples of torsional vibration responses and problems that can be identified and corrected are included in this paper. The aerodynamics of a compressor is a design audit topic to which attention should be paid. Thermophysical properties of the process gas, as it is compressed, are important quantities which can be accurately determined by modern equations of state. The internal velocity distribution and pressure rise per impeller and diffuser can be evaluated to identify areas of excess loss, poor work transfer, or restrictions within a compressor. Flow angles such as at the impeller and diffuser entrances can be predicted and evaluated. The diffuser inlet flow angle is a critical indicator of the onset of rotating stall. This type of aerodynamic analysis also provides important input for performance test planning and evaluation. This paper concludes with a summary of benefits of design audits for pipeline and industrial compressors.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Reforming from "Without" by Leading from Within

Teacher education programs are facing a range of external pressures today — from shifts in the educational landscape to an ever-expanding curriculum to meet changing standards. In this article we shared how our process of “reforming from without by leading from within” is the beginning of a culture change. Partnership initiatives, newly involved classroom teachers, school liaisons, training for classroom teachers and university faculty alike, all may make a difference in our culture and our efforts. As teacher educators we must adapt our programs to the changing standards for teachers, accountability measures and student testing, and a diverse population. The ETRA faculty at Northern Illinois University lead from within by seizing opportunities in administrative changes, existing partnerships, funding opportunities, and collaborations. Our goal continues to focus on demonstrating that technology innovation may serve an important role in coping with these external pressures and achieving the changes required.
Linear maps that preserve commuting pairs of matrices

Abstract Let L be a linear map on the space of n by n matrices with entries in an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0. In this article we characterize all non-singular L with the property that AB = BA implies L ( A ) L ( B ) = L ( B ) L ( A ).
Occurrence of Multiple Hemoglobins in Certain Breeds of Dairy Cattle

Summary An investigation was conducted to determine whether multiple adult hemoglobins occur normally in dairy cattle. Hemoglobin preparations from 158 animals were examined by paper electrophoresis. All the Holsteins, Brown Swiss, and Ayrshires examined possessed a single component, designated Hemoglobin A. It was concluded that the possession of Hemoglobin A alone is characteristic of Holsteins. On the other hand, a second, faster-migrating component, called Hemoglobin F, was found in the blood of 15 of 34 Guernseys and 17 of 25 Jerseys. Nineteen Guernseys and eight Jerseys had Hemoglobin A only, and two Guernseys and four Jerseys had Hemoglobin F alone. In all blood samples containing both types, the ratio of Hemoglobin A to Hemoglobin F was close to 1:1. The occurrence of Hemoglobin F in some adult dairy animals appears to be a normal, breed-specific phenomenon.
Implementation of an in vivo diode dosimetry program and changes in diode characteristics over a 4-year clinical history.

An in vivodosimetry system that used n-type semiconductor diodes with integral build-up caps was introduced into the clinic. Measurements were made on the entrance surface of the patient and were compared to calculated diode readings expected from monitor units delivered by each beam. A method is given for calibration and correction for changes in diode sensitivity, dose-per-pulse effects, collimated field-size (head-scatter factor), wedges, compensators, and scatter from blocks and block trays. Clinically relevant temperature corrections are determined based on temperature measurements made with the diode used as a thermistor. Changes in diode characteristics over 4 years of clinical use are presented. With proper correction for clinical variables it is shown that difference between calculated and measured diode readings are within ±1% for phantom measurements and within ±3% for clinical measurements at a 95% confidence level. The correlation of dose measurements on the patient surface to dose inside a target volume is discussed.
A molecular mechanism for glaucoma: endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a common late-onset neurodegenerative disease. Ocular hypertension represents a major risk factor, but POAG etiology remains poorly understood. Some cases of early-onset congenital glaucoma and adult POAG are linked to mutations in myocilin, a secreted protein of poorly defined function. Transgenic overexpression of myocilin in Drosophila and experiments in mice and human populations implicate the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. We postulate that compromised ability of the UPR to eliminate misfolded mutant or damaged proteins, including myocilin, causes endoplasmic reticulum stress, resulting in functional impairment of trabecular meshwork cells that regulate intraocular pressure. This mechanism of POAG is reminiscent of other age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases that involve accumulation of protein aggregates.
Steroid Receptor Coactivator-3/AIB1 Promotes Cell Migration and Invasiveness through Focal Adhesion Turnover and Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression

Steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3)/AIB1 is a member of the p160 nuclear receptor coactivator family involved in development and cell cycle progression. We previously showed that SRC-3/AIB1 is required for prostate cancer cell proliferation and survival. Here, we reported that the elevated SRC-3/AIB1 expression is significantly correlated with human prostate cancer seminal vesicle invasion and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, SRC-3/AIB1 is associated with increased prostate cancer cell migration and invasion. SRC-3/AIB1 is required for focal adhesion turnover and focal adhesion kinase activation. In addition, SRC-3/AIB1 directly regulates transcription of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-13 through its coactivation of AP-1 and PEA3. Taken together, these data suggest that SRC-3/AIB1 plays an essential role in prostate cancer cell invasion and metastasis. [Cancer Res 2008;68(13):5460–8]
The role of experience and culture in computer graphing and graph interpretive processes

This paper supports critics of current approaches to the development of computer graphing and graph visualization programs which model the user as an individual problem solver reliant on perceptual skills. These critics argue that such a model of graphing is ill-suited to meet the complex needs of real users. This paper agrees with this criticism and provides conclusions from two bodies of literature on graphing practices which have not been traditionally cited in studies of computer development, graph production and human factors. These literature surveys are taken from the fields of the sociology of scientific and technical practices and of educational research in science and technology. Surveys of these literatures illustrate the importance of experience and culture in the successful practice of designing and interpreting graphs.
Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lobectomy via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has a lower rate of morbidity and is less immunosuppressive than open lobectomy. Compared with open lobectomy, VATS lobectomy appears to have equivalent oncological results. We review the literature on perioperative outcomes, biological impact, and oncological results. Most published reports to date—although retrospective—suggest significant perioperative advantages to VATS lobectomy over open lobectomy. Data on acute phase reactants and cellular immunity show that VATS lobectomy causes less of an inflammatory response and is less immunosuppressive than open lobectomy. Mid- to long-term oncological results of patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) appear to be equivalent for VATS and open lobectomy. Clinical evidence indicates that VATS lobectomy for early-stage NSCLC is associated with fewer postoperative complications and less negative biological impact than open lobectomy. Furthermore, all data to date strongly suggest oncological equivalence between VATS and open lobectomy for patients with early-stage NSCLC.
Age at HPV vaccine initiation and completion among US adolescent girls: trend from 2008 to 2012

Abstract Objective To examine the trend of provider-verified HPV vaccine initiation (≥1 dose) and completion (≥3 doses) among adolescent girls at the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended age (11–12 years). Methods We analyzed National Immunization Survey of Teens 2008–2012 data and examined the trend of provider-verified HPV vaccine initiation and completion among Results Data on age at HPV vaccine initiation and completion were available for 24,466 and 15,972 girls, respectively. The weighted proportion of girls who initiated the vaccine at p for trend p Conclusions Additional efforts are needed to increase HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent girls as only half of them receive this vaccine at ACIP recommended age.
Finite-wavelength scattering of incident vorticity and acoustic waves at a shrouded-jet exit

As the vortical disturbances of a shrouded jet pass the sharp edge of the shroud exit some of the energy is scattered into acoustic waves. Scattering into upstream-propagating acoustic modes is a potential mechanism for closing the resonance loop in the ‘howling’ resonances that have been observed in various shrouded jet configurations over the years. A model is developed for this interaction at the shroud exit. The jet is represented as a uniform flow separated by a cylindrical vortex sheet from a concentric co-flow within the cylindrical shroud. A second vortex sheet separates the co-flow from an ambient flow outside the shroud, downstream of its exit. The Wiener–Hopf technique is used to compute reflectivities at the shroud exit. For some conditions it appears that the reflection of finite-wavelength hydrodynamic vorticity modes on the vortex sheet defining the jet could be sufficient to reinforce the shroud acoustic modes to facilitate resonance. The analysis also gives the reflectivities for the shroud acoustic modes, which would also be important in establishing resonance conditions. Interestingly, it is also predicted that the shroud exit can be ‘transparent’ for ranges of Mach numbers, with no reflection into any upstream-propagating acoustic mode. This is phenomenologically consistent with observations that indicate a peculiar sensitivity of resonances of this kind to, say, jet Mach number.
A prospective, randomized study of endothelin and postoperative recovery in off-pump versus conventional coronary artery bypass surgery.

Abstract Objective: The objectives are 2-fold: (1) to serially determine endothelin (ET) levels in arterial vascular compartments in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery using either cardiopulmonary bypass or off-pump techniques, and (2) to define potential relationships between endothelial levels and specific perioperative parameters of patient recovery. Methods: In a prospective, randomized study, endothelin plasma content was measured from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting using either off-pump techniques (OPCAB group, n = 25) or conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB group, n = 25) before surgery, before and after coronary artery anastomosis, and 6 and 24 hours postoperatively. Specific indices of patient recovery including pulmonary artery pressures, ventilation requirement, and hospital stay were documented for patients in both study groups. Results: Postoperative systemic arterial ET levels were significantly increased by 200% in the CPB group and 50% in the OPCAB group. ET levels remained significantly higher in the CPB group relative to the OPCAB group throughout the postoperative period of observation (p Conclusions: Postoperative ET levels were higher in patients who underwent CPB for coronary artery bypass surgery. Increased ET in the postoperative period may contribute to a more complex recovery from coronary artery bypass surgery in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.
Frequency biases in phonological variation

In the past two decades, variation has received a lot of attention in mainstream generative phonology, and several different models have been developed to account for variable phonological phenomena. However, all existing generative models of phonological variation account for the overall rate at which some process applies in a corpus, and therefore implicitly assume that all words are affected equally by a variable process. In this paper, we show that this is not the case. Many variable phenomena are more likely to apply to frequent than to infrequent words. A model that accounts perfectly for the overall rate of application of some variable process therefore does not necessarily account very well for the actual application of the process to individual words. We illustrate this with two examples, English t/d-deletion and Japanese geminate devoicing. We then augment one existing generative model (noisy Harmonic Grammar) to incorporate the contribution of usage frequency to the application of variable processes. In this model, the influence of frequency is incorporated by scaling the weights of faithfulness constraints up or down for words of different frequencies. This augmented model accounts significantly better for variation than existing generative models.
Elimination of Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization of Radioactive Seed Implants

Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) was routinely used to prepare radioactive seeds for use in elective urology cases at an urban academic medical center. In an attempt to eliminate this practice, the senior clinical nurse queried educators from nearby facilities about their practices for processing these implants and met with all stakeholders to identify concerns and explore acceptable alternatives. After rejecting the alternative of having central sterile processing personnel sterilize the seeds, a project team conducted a trial by using manufacturer presterilized seeds. After the trial and subsequent evaluation, the team decided to convert to using presterilized seeds for all procedures. The incidence of immediate-use steam sterilization for nonemergent brachytherapy procedures was reduced from an average of three per month to zero.
Hypersensitivity to Procaine, Tetracaine, Mepivacaine, and Methylparaben: Report of a Case

Differentiation between allergic and psychomotor reactions to local anesthetics is imperative if the patient is to receive local anesthesia for dental therapy.
Assembly and Test of HD2, a 36 mm Bore High Field ${\rm Nb}_{3}{\rm Sn}$ Dipole Magnet

We report on the fabrication, assembly, and test of the Nb3Sn dipole magnet HD2. The magnet, aimed at demonstrating the application of Nb3Sn superconductor in high field accelerator-type dipoles, features a 36 mm clear bore surrounded by block-type coils with tilted ends. The coil design is optimized to minimize geometric harmonics in the aperture and the magnetic peak field on the conductor in the coil ends. The target bore field of 15 T at 4.3 K is consistent with critical current measurements of extracted strands. The coils are horizontally pre-stressed during assembly using an external aluminum shell pre-tensioned with water-pressurized bladders. Axial pre-loading of the coil ends is accomplished through two end plates and four aluminum tension rods. The strain in coil, shell, and rods is monitored with strain gauges during assembly, cool-down and magnet excitation, and compared with 3D finite element computations. Magnet's training performance, quench locations, and ramp-rate dependence are then analysed and discussed.
Mechanics and chemical thermodynamics of phase transition in temperature-sensitive hydrogels

This paper uses the thermodynamic data of aqueous solutions of uncrosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) to study the phase transition of PNIPAM hydrogels. At a low temperature, uncrosslinked PNIPAM can be dissolved in water and form a homogenous liquid solution. When the temperature is increased, the solution separates into two liquid phases with different concentrations of the polymer. Covalently crosslinked PNIPAM, however, does not dissolve in water, but can imbibe water and form a hydrogel. When the temperature is changed, the hydrogel undergoes a phase transition: the amount of water in the hydrogel in equilibrium changes with temperature discontinuously. While the aqueous solution is a liquid and cannot sustain any nonhydrostatic stress in equilibrium, the hydrogel is a solid and can sustain nonhydrostatic stress in equilibrium. The nonhydrostatic stress can markedly affect various aspects of the phase transition in the hydrogel. We adopt the Flory–Rehner model, and show that the interaction parameter as a function of temperature and concentration obtained from the PNIPAM–water solution can be used to analyze diverse phenomena associated with the phase transition of the PNIPAM hydrogel. We analyze free swelling, uniaxially and biaxially constrained swelling of a hydrogel, swelling of a core–shell structure, and coexistent phases in a rod. The analysis is related to available experimental observations. Also outlined is a general theory of coexistent phases undergoing inhomogeneous deformation.
Head Tracking Using Particle Filter with Intensity Gradient and Color Histogram

This paper presents a method for tracking human head using a particle filter to naturally integrate two complementary cues: intensity gradient and color histogram. The shape of the head is modeled as an ellipse, along which an intensity gradient is estimated, while the interior appearance is modeled using a color histogram. These two cues play complementary roles in tracking a human head with free rotation on a cluttered background. To evaluate the tracker performance, we test with both synthetic image sequences and real sequences. Experiments show that the tracker is robust to 360-degree rotation of the head on a cluttered background
Minimum Cost Blocking Problem in Multi-Path Wireless Routing Protocols

We present a class of Minimum Cost Blocking (MCB) problems in Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) with multi-path routing protocols. We establish the provable superiority of multi-path routing protocols over conventional protocols against blocking, node-isolation and network-partitioning type attacks. In our attack model, an adversary is considered successful if he is able to capture/isolate a subset of nodes such that no more than a certain amount of traffic from source nodes reaches the gateways. Two scenarios, viz. (a) low mobility for network nodes, and (b) high degree of node mobility, are evaluated. Scenario (a) is proven to be NP-hard and scenario (b) is proven to be #P-hard for the adversary to realize the goal. Further, several approximation algorithms are presented which show that even in the best case scenario it is at least exponentially hard for the adversary to optimally succeed in such blocking-type attacks. These results are verified through simulations which demonstrate the robustness of multi-path routing protocols against such attacks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that theoretically evaluates the attack-resiliency and performance of multi-path protocols with network node mobility.
Feasibility of using a wireless mesh sensor network in a coal-fired power plant

Low cost, battery powered wireless sensors have recently become commercially available and have the potential to radically alter traditional methods of equipment monitoring in power plants. This paper reports on a research project co-sponsored by Southern Company and EPRI to demonstrate wireless sensors in a power plant environment. The designed wireless mesh sensor networks studied in this project operated consistently in the 2.4 GHz wireless frequency band within a coal-fired power plant. Transmission distances of approximately 30–50 feet were achieved inside the plant despite concrete and steel obstructions. Communication across multiple levels or floors of the plant was also achieved. The lifetime of the wireless sensor node batteries was adequate for temporary installation (approximately 4–6 months), but can be further increased by reducing data sampling rates, using intelligent local processing techniques, using power harvesting where practical, and taking advantage of advancing battery technologies as they become commercially available. In addition to on-board, embedded sensors that measure light intensity, noise, humidity, temperature and other variables depending on the sensor board, the motes were interfaced to thermocouples for high temperature and accelerometers for rotating machinery vibration measurements.
Putative Activation of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Impairs Androgen and Enhances Progesterone Biosynthesis in Primary Cultures of Porcine Theca Cells

Ovarian theca cells are the predominant source of gonadotropin-stimulated androgen biosynthesis in vivo. Troglitazone (TG), a synthetic agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g (PPARg) and a thiazolidinedione used to treat insulin resistance, decreases serum androgen concentrations in women with hyperthecosis and/or polycystic ovary syndrome. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we demonstrated the presence of PPARg mRNA in the porcine ovary. Since activation of ovarian PPARg may alter hormonestimulated steroidogenesis in vitro, we cultured porcine theca cells for 48 h in the presence of two different PPARg ligands, TG and 15-deoxy-D12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2). Putative TGmediated activation of PPARg resulted in a 53%‐69% decrease in LH- and/or insulin-stimulated androstenedione and testosterone accumulation. Although TG reduced 3-isobutylmethylxanthine-enhanced LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation by 74%‐ 78%, it did not alter basal cAMP concentrations. Exposure to 8Br-cAMP did not overcome the TG-induced inhibition of androgen accumulation. In contrast, TG administration amplified basal and hormone-stimulated progesterone accumulation, particularly in the presence of insulin, without altering levels of 17a-hydroxyprogesterone. The putative natural PPARg ligand, 15d-PGJ2, inhibited androgen biosynthesis and stimulated progesterone production. RT-PCR-based amplification of cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (CYP11A) and cytochrome P450 17a-hydroxylase/C-17,20-lyase (CYP17) transcripts indicated that TG moderately enhanced expression of these genes. However, TG did not affect CYP17 protein expression. We conclude that putative ligand-mediated activation of PPARg decreases LH- and/or insulin-driven theca cell androgen production by impairing the ability of CYP17 to synthesize androstenedione from available progestins. The corresponding augmentation of progesterone production could suggest that PPARg activation induces theca cell differentiation toward a progestinsynthesizing phenotype. gene regulation, mechanisms of hormone action, ovary, steroid hormones, theca cells
Exploring multiplier architecture and layout for low power

Multiplication represents a fundamental building block in all DSP tasks. Due to the large latency inherent in multiplication, schemes have been devised to minimize the delay. Two methods are common in current implementations: regular arrays and Wallace trees. Previous gate-level analyses have suggested that not only are Wallace trees faster than array schemes, they also consume much less power. However these analyses did not take wiring into account, resulting in optimistic timing and power estimates. We develop a simplified comparative layout methodology to analyze the effect of physical layout on these designs. Results for short bit-width (8, 16, 24 bit) DSP multipliers show that while wiring has a major impact on signal delay and power, Wallace trees still show roughly a 10% power advantage over array-based designs.
Cyberstalking and the technologies of interpersonal terrorism

Despite extensive popular press coverage of the dark side of the internet, apparently no social scientific research has yet been published on the topic of cyberstalking. This report summarizes three pilot studies conducted in the process of developing a satisfactory factorially complex measure of cyberstalking victimization, and then investigates the incidence of such victimization, and its interrelationships to obsessive relational intrusion. Findings indicate that cyberstalking is experienced by a nontrivial proportion of the sample, and that there are small but generally consistent relationships between facets of cyberstalking and spatially based stalking. In addition, the results suggested that only interactional forms of coping were related consistently with forms of cyberstalking.
Adaptive Modulation for Limited Diversity Fading Channels

In this paper, we describe a recently proposed bit- loading algorithm and a novel power-loading algorithm for block fading channels with channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter. We consider channels that offer a relatively small order of diversity, the so-called limited diversity fading channels. Limited diversity channels such as those encountered in indoor orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems are characterized by the fact that achievable diversity orders are small and are limited by the channel and not by complexity of the code used. We first discuss a recently proposed analysis technique for the performance of bit-interleaved coded modulation on block fading channels. We then describe a bit-loading technique for maximizing the throughput at a fixed bit error probability. We also propose a new and simple power loading solution to minimize the bit error probability at a fixed rate. Lastly, we show comparative simulation results that corroborate the arguments presented in this paper.
Interventional MRI‐guided local delivery of agents into swine bile duct walls using MR‐compatible needle‐integrated balloon catheter system

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of interventional MRI-guided local agent delivery into pig common bile duct (CBD) walls using a newly designed MR-compatible, needle-integrated balloon catheter system. We first designed a needle-integrated balloon catheter system that comprised of a 22 G MR-compatible Chiba biopsy needle and a conventional 12 mm × 2 cm balloon catheter. Under fluoroscopy guidance, a custom needle–balloon system was positioned in the target CBD via a transcholecystic access. T1-weighted MRI was used to localize and reposition the needle–balloon system in the target. A 0.5 mL mixture of motexafin gadolinium (MGd) and trypan blue dye as well as 5-fluorouracil was delivered into the CBD wall through the needle–balloon system. Post-infusion T1-weighted MRI was obtained and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of CBD walls of pre- and post-MGd–blue infusions were compared by a paired t-test. In addition, post-infusion x-ray cholangiography was achieved to evaluate the potential injuries of CBDs by the needle–balloon system. Subsequent histologic analysis was performed to correlate and confirm the imaging findings. A post-infusion cholangiogram did not show any extravasation of contrast agent, indicating no procedure-related damage to the CBDs. MRI demonstrated clear enhancement of the target bile duct walls infused with MGd–trypan blue dye with average penetration depth of 4.7 ± 1.2 mm and an average MGd perfusion length of 21 ± 1.5 mm in the bile ducts and their surrounding tissues. The average CNR of the post-infusion bile ducts was significant higher than that of the pre-infusion bile ducts (110.6 ± 22 versus 5.7 ± 2.8, p < 0.0001). Histology depicted the blue dye staining and red fluorescence of MGd through the target CBD walls, which was well correlated with the imaging findings. It is feasible to use the new MR-compatible, needle-integrated balloon catheter system for intrabiliary local agent delivery into CBD walls under MRI guidance, which may open new avenues for efficient management of pancreatobiliary malignancies using MR-guided interventional oncology. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endocrine-Modulating Substances in the Environment: Estrogenic Effects of Pharmaceutical Products

Several classes of anthropogenic substances modulate endocrine pathways. To date, most of the research has focused on chemical classes such as chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants, pesticides, or degradation products of high-use industrial surfactants. However, little is known about the environmental impact of another important class of chem icals: hormonally active pharmaceutical products. This deficit of information is surprising, given the biological potencies of these widely used substances and their potential to enter the environment through sewage treatment effluents and runoff from agricultural applications. Estrogenic pharmaceutical products are used extensively in human estrogen-replacement therapy and oral contraceptive formulations. Estrogenic substances are also used as growth enhancement products in veterinary medicine. This report describes the potencies, pharm acokinetics, and metabolic pathways of such estrogenic products. The amounts of pharmaceutical-derived estrogens that reach the envi...
Osteoradionecrosis after Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer: Differentiation from Recurrent Disease with CT and PET/CT Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our aim was to compare the CT and PET/CT imaging features of osteoradionecrosis with those of recurrent disease after treatment of head and neck malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed maxillofacial and neck CT scans obtained for suspected osteoradionecrosis or tumor recurrence for the presence of the following: 1) discrete solid mass, 2) cystic mass, 3) interruption of the bony cortex, 4) bony fragmentation, 5) bony trabecular loss, 6) intraosseous gas, and 7) bony sclerosis. Trabecular bone loss was further categorized as permeative ( 75% loss). PET/CT studies performed for suspected osteoradionecrosis or tumor recurrence were evaluated for mean standard uptake value and maximum standard uptake value. RESULTS: Ten maxillofacial CT, 53 neck CT, and 23 PET/CT studies were performed in 63 patients. Osteoradionecrosis was diagnosed by pathology or imaging stability in 46 patients, and tumor recurrence, in 17 patients. Bony sclerosis was found to be significantly more prevalent in osteoradionecrosis and was never seen with tumor recurrence (P = .013). Patients with tumor recurrence were more likely to have a solid (P CONCLUSIONS: There is significant overlap of standard uptake values in patients with osteoradionecrosis and tumor recurrence. CT findings provide more reliable diagnostic tools, with a solid or cystic mass strongly associated with tumor recurrence and bony sclerosis seen only with osteoradionecrosis.
Some Origins of Psychology as Science

THE NOMINAL BEGINNING ..... 9 AN INTERPRETATION OF THIS BEGINNING ..... 12 SOME EVENTS 25 YEARS LATER .... ....... ....... . 14 A SUGGESTED HISTORICAL MODEL ......... .... .... 15 FIFTY YEARS OF SYSTEMATIC DEBATE ...... ... ... ........ 17 A SEARCH OF PSYCHOLOGY'S PAST ..... 23
FECUNDITY AND EGG SIZE OF SCYLLARIDES SQUAMMOSUS (DECAPODA: SCYLLARIDAE) AT MARO REEF, NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Abstract The body size-specific fecundity of Scyllarides squammosus is described based on the numbers of eggs carried externally on the pleopods of “berried” (ovigerous) females collected during June 1999, at Maro Reef, located mid-chain in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Fecundity was positively and nonlinearly related to “tail” (abdomen) width (TW); fecundity ranged from 53,807 to 227,489 eggs in 43 females spanning 52–77-mm TW. The smallest berried female encountered at Maro Reef in 1999 was larger than the smallest berried female observed during most previous years' (1986–97) lobster research cruises. Fecundity of the median-sized (60-mm TW) female caught at Maro Reef in 1999 by the NWHI commercial lobster trap fishery was an estimated 89,660 ± 3,980 (SE) eggs. Brooded eggs averaged 0.67 ± 0.006-mm diameter (range: 0.61–0.77 mm), equivalent to 0.17 and 0.13–0.24 mg, respectively. Egg size was unrelated to female body size. Fecundity and egg size estimates and their body size relationships ar...
The 1991 Sierra Madre earthquake sequence in southern California: Seismological and tectonic analysis

The (M_L 5.8) Sierra Madre earthquake of 28 June 1991 occurred at a depth of 12 km under the San Gabriel Mountains of the central Transverse Ranges. Since at least 1932 this region had been quiescent for M ≧ 3. The mainshock focal mechanism derived from first-motion polarities exhibited almost pure thrust faulting, with a rake of 82° on a plane striking N62°E and dipping 50° to the north. The event appears to have occurred on the Clamshell-Sawpit fault, a splay of the Sierra Madre fault zone. The aftershock sequence following the mainshock occurred at a depth of 9 to 14 km and was deficient in small earthquakes, having a b value of 0.6. Twenty nine single-event focal mechanisms were determined for aftershocks of M > 1.5. The 4-km-long segment of the Clamshell-Sawpit fault that may have ruptured in the mainshock is outlined by several thrust focal mechanisms with an east-northeast-striking fault plane dipping to the north. To the west, several thrust aftershocks with east-striking nodal planes suggest some complexity in the aftershock faulting, such as a curved rupture surface. In addition, several strike-slip and normal faulting events occurred along the edges of the mainshock fault plane, indicating secondary tear faulting. The tectonic stress field driving the coexisting left-lateral strike-slip and thrust faults in the northern Los Angeles basin is north-south horizontal compression with vertical intermediate or minimum principal stress axis.
From Greenspan’s Despair to Obama’s Hope: The Scientific Basis of Cooperation as Principles of Regulation (Del Desespero de Greenspan a la Esperanza de Obama: Las Bases Científicas de la Cooperación Como Principios de Regulación) (Spanish)

A common assumption, often accepted by regulators – that individuals act only in their narrow self-interest – is false. Evidence from both the natural and social sciences suggests that most people are strongly motivated to cooperate and help one another. Organizations (such as Toyota and Wikipedia) that cultivate and take advantage of these inclinations have prospered. Policy can be designed to incorporate attitudes toward cooperation, and to channel these tendencies in productive directions.
We Have Always Had Mashups, or Mashing Up Transmediality

After examining the intertwined concepts of media, information technology, and mashups, this essay draws upon examples from ancient Greek literature based upon orality, Latin scribal culture, and printed poetry to demonstrate that the practice of mash-up is central to our understanding of both media and transmediality. Translating texts originally created in another language and verse form exemplifies one major instance of transmediality, and the way Elizabethan English poets self-consciously borrow, rewrite, and challenge Catullus provide far more wonderfully outrageous examples of mash-up than modern musical ones.
Primary Nonadherence, Associated Clinical Outcomes, and Health Care Resource Use Among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Prescribed Treatment with Injectable Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often suboptimal in routine clinical practice. Low or nonadherence can reduce the effectiveness of bDMARD therapies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate filling of newly prescribed initial bDMARDs for the treatment of RA and evaluate potential for characterizing treatment decisions and patient outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort analysis, patients aged ≥ 18 years with an RA diagnosis (ICD-9-CM code 714.xx) were selected from a de-identified database of clinical information from the Electronic Health Record (EHR; Humedica) database linked to health care claims (Optum) from commercial and Medicare Advantage health plans (2007-2013). The first biologic prescription date in EHR was the index date. Patients were categorized as filling the prescription within 30 days (early fillers), 31-180 days (late fillers), or not at all within 180 days (nonfillers) of index date. RESULTS: Of 373...
The information content of shareholder tender agreements

In approximately 60% of tender offers a shareholder pre-commits to tender shares to a particular bidder by signing a Shareholder Tender Agreement (STA). This paper demonstrates the optimality of such a contract as a mechanism to overcome asymmetric information. An STA certifies the bidder’s synergy value to uniformed shareholders, thereby mitigating potential negative effects of asymmetric information and increasing the efficiency of the takeover process. A low valuation bidder who cannot afford a bid that entices tendering without an STA incurs the cost of an STA to certify his low valuation. The STA enables a value increasing takeover, thus benefiting all bidder and target firm shareholders. Consistent with existing empirical evidence, the model predicts lower bids, greater uncertainty, and greater ownership concentration in STA offers.
Particle filtering for slice-to-volume motion correction in EPI based functional MRI

Head movement during scanning introduces artificial signal changes and impedes activation detection in fMRI studies. The head motion in fMRI acquired using slice-based Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) sequence can be estimated and compensated by aligning the images onto a reference volume through image registration. Registering EPI images volume by volume fails to consider head motion between slices, leading to biased head motion estimates. Slice-to-volume registration is used to estimate motion parameters for each slice by more accurately representing the image acquisition sequence. However, it is prone to image noise and geometric distortion, resulting in high variance estimates. In this work, we propose a Gaussian particle filter based head motion tracking algorithm to reduce the image misregistration errors. The algorithm models head motion by using a dynamic state space model (SSM) to model continuous slice acquisition thereby providing more accurate motion estimates and voxel position estimates. We demonstrate significant performance improvement of the proposed approach as compared to previous registration-only methods of head motion estimation.
Charged Particle Spectra and Calculated Kerma from 25 to 60 MeV Neutrons

Charged particle proton, deuteron, triton, helium-3, and alpha particle spectra have been measured over a wide angular range for neutron energies of 27.4, 39.7, and 60.7 MeV, incident on Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen. The main purpose of these measurements is to provide data for neutron dosimetry and for tests of nuclear models and their interpolation and extrapolation to other energies, particles, nuclei, etc. Good agreement is found in comparisons with charge symmetric proton-induced energy spectra, such as in (p,d) vs (n,d). Comparisons with models are being carried out. Kerma have been calculated at the three energies for each nucleus including elastic recoil contributions. The contributions from other reaction channels (6Li, etc.) have been estimated using sum rules and, where available, proton induced data. The total Kerma one obtains for C, N, and O appear to be considerably less than recent predictions of several authors.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Growth Regulating SDF-1 Peptides on Breast Carcinoma Cells

Despite significant research advances, breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American women [1]. Thus, new therapeutic modalities are desperately needed with different mechanisms of action from those currently available. The G-protein coupled CXCR4 chemokine receptor and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), the only known endogenous ligand for CXCR4, are overexpressed on the cell surface of both primary breast tumor cells and breast tumor cell lines [2], However, neither CXCR4 nor SDF-1 are expressed in normal breast tissue [3]. By designing and synthesizing a series of small synthetic peptides as potential antagonists at CXCR4 and evaluating their antiproliferative activity in breast cancer cell lines, we are the first research group to evaluate the growth regulating effect of SDF-1 derived peptides on breast cancer cells and explore CXCR4 as a potential drug target for breast cancer.