cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FlashVM: virtual memory management on flash

With the decreasing price of flash memory, systems will increasingly use solid-state storage for virtual-memory paging rather than disks. FlashVM is a system architecture and a core virtual memory subsystem built in the Linux kernel that uses dedicated flash for paging. FlashVM focuses on three major design goals for memory management on flash: high performance, reduced flash wear out for improved reliability, and efficient garbage collection. FlashVM modifies the paging system along code paths for allocating, reading and writing back pages to optimize for the performance characteristics of flash. It also reduces the number of page writes using zero-page sharing and page sampling that prioritize the eviction of clean pages. In addition, we present the first comprehensive description of the usage of the discard command on a real flash device and show two enhancements to provide fast online garbage collection of free VM pages. Overall, the FlashVM system provides up to 94% reduction in application execution time and is four times more responsive than swapping to disk. Furthermore, it improves reliability by writing up to 93% fewer pages than Linux, and provides a garbage collection mechanism that is up to 10 times faster than Linux with discard support.
Covariance matrix matching for multi-spectral image classification

This paper introduces two new statistics for use in classifying multispectral satellite images where classes are characterised by multispectral texture and are not easily separated by conventional algorithms. We provide motivation for their introduction and discuss some of their properties. Empirical results are presented to support the hypothesis that the covariance matrix of a pixel's neighbourhood contains useful information when used for the classification of landcover in multispectral images. We speculate that these statistics could also provide an efficient means of matching multicoloured objects in computer vision problems, and in particular avoid some problems with lack of colour constancy. >
Concavity in time of conditional entropy for stationary Markov sources

We show that the conditional entropy H(X/sub n/|X/sub 0/) of a discrete time stationary Markov process is concave in n. This has a number of implications.
Birth Cohort Testing for Hepatitis C Virus: Implications for Clinical Social Workers in Health Care Settings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends one-time hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for baby boomers born between 1945–1965 in the United States. This public health initiative is known as birth cohort (baby boomer) testing for HCV. The intent of birth cohort testing is to identify and mobilize undiagnosed HCV-infected persons into care and treatment. Subsequently, clinical social workers in health care settings can anticipate a substantial increase in the number of HCV-infected persons presenting for care and treatment. The purpose of this article is to inform clinical social workers in health care settings of HCV, the standard of care and treatment for HCV, and clinical dilemmas associated with HCV patient care. Epidemiology and natural history of HCV, the standard of care and treatment for HCV, and etiology and management of neuropsychiatric adverse effects associated with patient care are discussed.
Battle-outcome-prediction conditions for variable-coefficient Lanchester-type equations for area fire†☆

Abstract New important battle-outcome-prediction conditions are developed for combat between two homogeneous military forces modelled by variable-coefficient Lanchester-type equations for area fire. Such conditions are very significant in modern operations research for developing important insights into the dynamics of combat. However, similar differential-equation models do arise in other fields of science and technology such as mathematical ecology and epidemiology, and consequently our new mathematical results may also find application there. These new important “simple approximate” battle-outcome-prediction conditions depend on not only the combat-attrition model but also the battle-termination model, and they are developed for two different types of battle-termination conditions (fixed-force-level-breakpoint battles and fixed-force-ratio-breakpoint battles). They are sufficient (but not necessary) to determine the outcome of battle without having to explicitly compute the force-level trajectories, and a generalization of Lanchester’s famous linear law to variable-coefficient combat is involved in their development. Certain integrability properties of the Lanchester attrition-rate coefficients figure prominently in these results, and an important physical interpretation (relating to logistics considerations) is given for these properties.
Na+, K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase activity during arm regeneration in the starfish Asterias forbesi

Abstract 1. 1. The starfish, Asterias forbesi lacks a ouabain-sensitive, Mg 2+ -dependent Na + , K + -ATPase but possesses Mg 2+ -ATPase. 2. 2. This Mg 2+ -ATPase activity does not change during arm regeneration. 3. 3. The starfish also lacks a high-affinity Ca 2+ -ATPase, but possesses a low-affinity Ca 2+ -ATPase. 4. 4. The low-affinity Ca 2+ -ATPase activity increases 7 days after autotomy. Levels of activity return to those of control non-regenerating individuals by 20 days post-autotomy, the time at which newly formed ossicles are first visible.
Effect of structure on the cloud-point curves of silicone-based amphiphiles in supercritical carbon dioxide

Abstract The use of surfactants in nonpolar supercritical fluid (SCF) systems helps to increase solvating power of the SCF. Although C02 is the most widely used SCF, many commercially available surfactants generally exhibit poor solubility in this fluid. Our goal is to design and synthesize amphiphiles that are both functional and highly CO2-soluble, and evaluate the relationship between structure and solubility. The basis of the design involves the synthesis of molecules whose hydrophobic groups interact favorably, in a thermodynamic sense, with CO2 while the hydrophilic group(s) interacts with the chosen solute (water, polar molecules, metals). In this work, we will explore the relationship between structure and solubility of silicone-based amphiphiles in CO2 via high-pressure phase-behavior experiments. The phase-behavior results clearly indicate that the silicone-based amphiphiles exhibit high CO2 solubility at temperatures of 313 K and pressures below 40 MPa.
A Generalized DIF Effect Variance Estimator for Measuring Unsigned Differential Test Functioning in Mixed Format Tests

One approach to measuring unsigned differential test functioning is to estimate the variance of the differential item functioning (DIF) effect across the items of the test. This article proposes two estimators of the DIF effect variance for tests containing dichotomous and polytomous items. The proposed estimators are direct extensions of the noniterative estimators developed by Camilli and Penfield (1997) for tests composed of dichotomous items. A small simulation study is reported in which the statistical properties of the generalized variance estimators are assessed, and guidelines are proposed for interpreting values of DIF effect variance estimators.
Spectrum of thermal voltage fluctuations in current-driven, small-capacitance Josephson junctions

We have calculated the spectrum of thermally induced voltage fluctuations in a small-capacitance, current-driven Josephson junction, within the resistively shunted model but with no other approximations. We exploit a novel representation of the solution to the initial value problem for the diffusion of the phase to reduce the fluctuation spectrum to integrals. Numerical results are presented.
Benevolent deception in human computer interaction

Though it has been asserted that "good design is honest", [42] deception exists throughout human-computer interaction research and practice. Because of the stigma associated with deception - in many cases rightfully so - the research community has focused its energy on eradicating malicious deception, and ignored instances in which deception is positively employed. In this paper we present the notion of benevolent deception, deception aimed at benefitting the user as well as the developer. We frame our discussion using a criminology-inspired model and ground components in various examples. We assert that this provides us with a set of tools and principles that not only helps us with system and interface design, but that opens new research areas. After all, as Cockton claims in his 2004 paper "Value-Centered HCI" [13], "Traditional disciplines have delivered truth. The goal of HCI is to deliver value."
The role of disgust and fear in blood and injection-related fainting symptoms : A structural equation model

Structural equation models were used to examine the relationship of blood, injection, and injury (BII) fears, disgust sensitivity, and trait anxiety to having experienced fainting-related symptoms in 722 university students. The latent variable representing BII fears was highly positively related to faint symptoms whereas that relating to disgust experiences was inversely related to fainting. A second disgust sensitivity variable was not directly related to fainting. Trait anxiety added nothing directly to the model, although it was related to BII latent variable. Additional analyses included a gender-related cross-validation which showed that models developed on one gender group did not fit well when applied to the other gender group. Blood drawings were the most common faint eliciting situations and were found to be reportedly more likely to elicit faint symptoms than were injections.
Effect of dazomet on annual bluegrass emergence and creeping bentgrass establishment in turf maintained as a golf course fairway

Dazomet (tetrahydro-3,5-dimethyl-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione) is a soil fumigant labeled for turfgrass renovation. Little is known about dazomet efficacy on annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) seedling emergence, particularly when it is surface-applied. The objectives of this field study were to determine (i) the effects of rate and plastic covering of surface-applied dazomet on annual bluegrass seedling emergence in turf; and (ii) effective creeping bentgrass seeding intervals following surface applications of dazomet. All treatments were applied to established turf during late summer in 2000 and 2001. Covering dazomet treatments with plastic sheets resulted in fewer annual bluegrass seedlings than in noncovered treatments. All plastic-covered dazomet treatments (388, 340, 291, and 194 kg ha -1 ) provided greater than 98% reduction in annual bluegrass seedlings when compared with the plastic-covered controls during 2000 and 2001. When not covered with plastic, the 388 kg ha -1 dazomet treatment provided 97% fewer annual bluegrass seedlings in 2000 and 92% fewer seedlings in 2001 than the noncovered controls. Results of the seeding interval experiment revealed that creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) groundcover and yields were not inhibited when seeded 3 d after a surface application of dazomet at 388 kg ha -1 .
Genetic influences on agonist binding to cardiac β-receptors

Abstract Regulation of β-adrenoceptor-agonist function in the Maudsley Reactive (MR/Har) and the Maudsley Non-Reactive (MNRA/Har) rat strains was assessed by comparison of isoproterenol competition for [ 125 I]iodocyanopindolol (ICYP) binding sites in crude left ventricular homogenate preparations. Non-linear, least-squares analysis of isoproterenol competition for ICYP binding in the absence of guanine nucleotide revealed different proportions of high- and low-affinity receptors in the two strains; MR/Har rats (59±3.3%) had a significantly greater proportion of receptors in the high-affinity state than the MNRA/Har rats (41±4.5%). Addition of the non-hydrolyzable guanine nucleotide analog guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) converted receptors to the low-affinity state. Analysis of Gpp(NH)p concentration-response curves in left ventricular homogenates of the two strains revealed that the MR/Har strain had a significantly (P EC 50 for guanyl nucleotide inhibition of isoproterenol competition for ICYP binding than the MNRA/Har. Confirming previous experimental results, a significantly (P protein ) than in MNRA/Har rats (10.81±0.63 fmol/mg protein ). Left ventricular catecholamine levels were found to be correlated inversely with β-adrenoceptor density in the two strains; norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI) concentrations (ng/mg protein) in left ventricle were 12.19±0.94 for NE and 0.165±0.038 for EPI in MNRA/Har, and 8.73±0.95 and 0.018±0.018, respectively, in MR/Har. All other parameters of agonist interactions with the cardiac β-adrenoceptor for the MR/Har and MNRA/Har rat strains were similar [the IC 50 for displacement of ICYP binding by isoproterenol, the accompanying Hill coefficients in the Gpp(NH)p present and absent condition, the K d of the high- and low-affinity states in the absence of Gpp(NH)p, and the K d of the uniform low-affinity state in the presence of Gpp(NH)p]. We hypothesize that the strain-dependent differences in high-affinity state formation reported here may account for some of the in vivo differences in cardiovascular function previously demonstrated in the Maudsley rats.
Near fields of a linear antenna.

The near fields of a strip antenna in free space have been computed by modifying a variational-impedance formulation. Current distributions, which vary linearly with distance near the ends of the antenna, excite strong tangential electric fields on the antenna surface. Such surface fields are avoided by choosing the axial antenna current to vary in proportion to the square root of the distance from the antenna ends. This modification of the antenna current is not necessary, however, for field calculations at distances comparable to the antenna width. The fields parallel to the antenna surface decrease with increasing distance from the antenna near the driving point and the antenna ends, but are found to increase in an intermediate range.
Different roles of plastoquinone in the photoreduction of ferredoxin and of membrane-bound iron-sulfur centers of chloroplasts.

Photosynthetic electron transport in chloroplasts was inhibited by the plastoquinone antagonist, dibromothymoquinone (DBMIB) in two steps. Lower concentrations of DBMIB inhibited the photoreduction of the bound iron-sulfur centers of photosystem I without inhibiting the photoreduction of ferredoxin. Higher concentrations of DBMIB did inhibit the oxygenic photoreduction (i.e., by water) of ferredoxin and NADP+, but their photoreduction was restored, wholly or partly, by each of four chemically diverse uncouplers, similar only in facilitating proton movement across membranes. By contrast, none of the uncouplers alleviated the DBMIB inhibition of the photoreduction of the bound Fe-S centers. These divergent responses to uncouplers are incompatible with the Z scheme but are consistent with the new concept of oxygenic and anoxygenic photosystems in plant photosynthesis (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78, 2942–2946, 1981).
Mobile game development: improving student engagement and motivation in introductory computing courses

Computer games have been accepted as an engaging and motivating tool in the computer science (CS) curriculum. However, designing and implementing a playable game is challenging, and is best done in advanced courses. Games for mobile devices, on the other hand, offer the advantage of being simpler and, thus, easier to program for lower level students. Learning context of mobile game development can be used to reinforce many core programming topics, such as loops, classes, and arrays. Furthermore, it can also be used to expose students in introductory computing courses to a wide range of advanced topics in order to illustrate that CS can be much more than coding. This paper describes the author’s experience with using mobile game development projects in CS I and II, how these projects were integrated into existing courses at several universities, and the lessons learned from this experience.
Single-domain model for toggle MRAM

An overview is presented of the use of a single-domain model for developing an understanding of the switching of two coupled magnetic free layers for toggle MRAM (magnetic random access memory). The model includes the effects of length, width, thickness, magnetization, thickness asymmetry, intrinsic anisotropy, exchange coupling, dipole coupling, and applied magnetic field. First, a simple perturbative approach is used to understand the basic phenomena at low fields, including the critical switching curve and activation energy. Then the more general model is applied in order to understand the effects of saturation at large field, and thickness asymmetry. The major results are that toggle MRAM should have a larger margin for half-select and full-select switching fields than Stoner-Wohlfarth MRAM, and that the activation energy should increase upon half-select, thus eliminating the half-select activated-error problem.
The Trend Toward Multiple Authorship in Business Journals

Universities and colleges of business have experienced evolving missions and accreditation pressures that have increased the emphasis on the scholarly endeavors of the faculty. In this article, the authors reviewed 6 major representative business journals for the periods 1970-1972, 1980-1982, 1990-1992, and 2000-2002. During this period, all journals experienced (a) an increase in the average number of authors per article, (b) a dramatic decrease in the percentage of articles authored by a single author, and (c) a significant increase in the percentage of 2 or 3 coauthored articles.
Alternating and non-alternating dG-dC hexanucleotides crystallize as canonical A-DNA.

We have solved the single-crystal X-ray structures of two different hexanucleotides: the alternating sequence d(Gm5CGm5CGC), and the non-alternating sequence d(Gm5CCGGC). Both of these hexamers crystallize readily asA-DNA in the orthorhombic space groupC2221. Although hexanucleotides have been previously crystallized asZ-DNA, and in one case asB-DNA, this is the first time hexanucleotides have been crystallized asA-DNA. Both hexamers adopt a typicalA-conformation, which is surprisingly more similar to the structure ofA-DNA fibers than to otherA-DNA single crystals. The structure of d(Gm5CGm5CGC) was solved to a resolution of 2.1 A (R-factor = 19.6%). This structure has all of the features characteristic of canonicalA-DNA, including it's helical repeat (11.2 bp/turn), helical rise (2.6 A/bp), base-pair displacement (−4.7 A), base inclination angle (16.9°), and sugar puckers that are predominantly 3′-endo. The lower resolution, non-alternating structure has similar overall average values for these parameters. We observed several sequence-dependent correlations in these parameters, especially in the d(CG) base step. These steps have lower twist and rise values, coupled with high roll angles as compared to d(GC) steps. The molecular interactions involved in crystal packing and the detailed structure of the bound water in the crystals, however, are similar to those of longer 8 and 10 bpA-DNA crystal structures. Although the structural effect of cytosine methylation onA-DNA appears to be minimal, this modification significantly affects the ability of these sequences to crystallise asA-DNA. In conclusion, we present theA-DNA forming class of hexanucleotides, a new crystallographic system for studying DNA structure at near atomic resolution.
A Basic Demonstration of the [-1, 1] Range for the Correlation Coefficient

Abstract The structure of the variance of linear functions of two variables is used to show that the correlation coefficient lies in the range [-1, 1]. It also allows the role of the correlation coefficient in linear regression to be described.
Growth and differentiation of primary cultures of mouse mammary epithelium embedded in collagen gel.

Mammary glands from BALB/cfC3H midpregnant (9–11 days) mice were dissociated with collagenase and pronase, separated on a Percoll gradient, and the epithelial cells were cultured inside collagen gel. The cell number increased three-to five-fold when cultured for 6–8 days in DME/F12 (1: 1) medium containing 3% swine serum, insulin (10 μg/ml), cortisol (1.0 μg/ml), prolactin (10 μg/ml), transferrin (10 μg/ml), and epidermal growth factor (0.01 μg/ml). The casein level, as determined by radioimmunoassay, at the end of this growth phase, was much lower than that present in freshly dissociated cells. In order to stimulate casein production, the gels were released from the sides of the plastic dish and allowed to float for eight days in Waymouth's medium, containing insulin (10 μg/ml), cortisol (5 μg/ml), prolactin (10 μg/ml), and 0.25% bovine serum albumin. The casein level at the end of this differentiation phase was found to be comparable to that seen in the original freshly dissociated cells. Cells grown in DME/F12 (1: 1) medium containing 3% swine serum, insulin (10 μg/ml), and transferrin (10 μg/ml) were still capable of undergoing casein production, indicating that the presence of exogenous lactogenic hormones such as cortisol and prolactin, as well as exogenous growth factors such as epidermal growth factor, is not necessary during the growth phase for subsequent casein production during the differentiation phase. Two factors that seemed more important for subsequent casein stimulation were: (1) releasing collagen gels at the beginning of the differentiation phase, and (2) switching to‘differentiation’ medium. This present two-step protocol has allowed primary cultures of dissociated midpregnant mouse mammary epithelial cells to undergo several rounds of division inside a collagen gel matrix and to be subsequently stimulated to produce the mammary-specific protein, casein.
Carbon Microbeads Produced through Synthesis and Pyrolysis of Poly(1,8-dibutyl-1,3,5,7-octatetrayne)

A self-polymerizable liquid octatetrayne, 1,8-dibutyl-1,3,5,7-octatetrayne, was heated to 80 °C and produced cross-linked poly(1,8-dibutyl-1,3,5,7-octatetrayne) microbeads via suspension polymerization with diameters adjustable from hundreds of micrometers to a few micrometers. Carbon microbeads that may be useful for catalyst supports or in high-performance carbon materials were obtained by the pyrolysis of poly(1,8-dibutyl- 1,3,5,7-octatetrayne) microbeads at 800 °C under an inert atmosphere.
Discriminative echolocation in a porpoise

Abstract Operant conditioning techniques were used to establish a discriminative echolocation performance in a porpoise. Pairs of spheres of disparate diameters were presented in an under-water display, and the positions of the spheres were switched according to a scrambled sequence while the blindfolded porpoise responded on a pair of submerged response levers. Responses which identified the momentary state of the display were food-reinforced, while those which did not (errors) produced time out. Errors were then studied in relation to decreased disparity between the spheres. As disparity was decreased, errors which terminated runs of correct responses occurred more frequently and were followed by longer strings of consecutive errors. Increased errors and disruption of a stable pattern of collateral behavior were associated. Since some sources of error other than decreased disparity were present, the porpoise's final performance did not fully reflect the acuity of its echolocation channel.
Structural transformation of quartz at high pressures

THE behaviour of α-quartz, one of the most common tetrahedrally coordinated silica polymorphs, at high pressures has been the subject of several experimental studies. At room temperature, gradual pressure-induced amorphization is observed (at about 25-35 GPa)1,2, followed at higher pressures (above 60 GPa) by a transformation to a crystalline octahedrally coordinated 'rutile-like' structure3. The driving force for these transformations is not well understood. We report here first-principles calculations of the electronic and structural properties of the high-pressure structure of α-quartz, which show a pressure-induced transformation of the oxygen sublattice to a body-centred cubic structure. The main features of cubic packing are present at 30 GPa, and the ideal form is achieved at about 60 GPa. The formation of the cubic sublattice facilitates structural transformations involving a change in Si coordination. In the oxygen body-centred cubic lattice, a small displacement of Si ions along the empty channels of the structure is sufficient to transform α-quartz either to a structure with mixed fourfold/sixfold coordination or, for a larger silicon displacement, to a purely sixfold-coordinated structure. This description is consistent with the evidence of intermediate crystalline phases with mixed Si coordination above the amorphization pressure in molecular-dynamics simulations4, and can also explain the transformation to a sixfold crystalline structure at higher pressure.
How to build an interference graph

The design and implementation of an interference graph is critical to the performance of a graph-coloring register allocator. The cost of constructing and manipulating the interference graph dominates the overall cost of allocation. The literature on graph-coloring register allocation suggests the use of a bit matrix coupled with lists of edges to represent the graph.1–3 Recently, George and Appel4 claimed that their tests show better results using a hash table. This paper examines the trade-offs between these two approaches. Our experiments were conducted with an optimistic, Chaitin-style register allocator.5 We believe, however, that the lessons learned in the experiment are applicable to any program that needs to build and manipulate large graphs. For most graphs, we obtained our best results, in terms of both time and space, using a modification of the data structures suggested by both Chaitin and Briggs that we call the split bit-matrix method. On a few large graphs, we found that a closed hash-table with the universal hash function suggested by Cormen et al.6 ran faster than the split bit-matrix method. We found one case where it used less space. This suggests that the split bit-matrix technique should be the method of choice, unless the compiler regularly encounters large interference graphs. In that case, the best strategy might be to implement both data structures behind a common interface, and switch between them based on graph size. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Partitioning of acid proteases in aqueous two-phase systems containing a charged polymer

A preparation of DEAE-dextran was described, which can form an aqueous two-phase system with hydroxypropyldextran. Acid proteases showed strong partition in this system due to its large interfacial electrical potential. Partition coefficients of the enzymes changed rapidly when salts were added.
Automatic Truck Processing Time Extraction at Marine Container Terminal Gates Using Low-Frame-Rate Images

Truck processing time, including the processing time per lane and per truck at a specific timestamp, at marine container terminal gates is crucial for measuring the performance of terminals. Truck processing time has traditionally been collected for short periods of time (e.g., a few hours) through field observation. From the surveillance cameras widely available at terminal gates, researchers have attempted to collect truck processing time data by manually reviewing camera images frame by frame. However, this manual review process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. This study is motivated by the need for effectively collecting truck processing times over a long period of time. An image-processing algorithm to automatically extract truck processing time data using the low-frame-rate images (less than 1 frame per second, fps) is first proposed. The proposed algorithm includes three steps: (1) design of two region of interest (ROIs) per lane to capture truck trajectories, (2) a frame-differencing change...
Sedation and anesthesia issues in pediatric imaging

Sedation and anesthesia for pediatric imaging departments has changed dramatically for the following reasons: (1) radiologists have stopped sedating patients; (2) the majority of sedations are not for CT (because of the speed of the procedure) but for MR, which lasts 45 min or greater; (3) a cadre of services—pediatricians, emergency medicine physicians, hospitalists and intensivists, as well as anesthesiologists—can provide the services. These changes have significantly influenced the type of agents utilized for sedation and anesthesia and, most important, have created operational issues for MR departments. Nevertheless, it is important for each imaging department to create a uniform approach to sedation, taking into account patient expectations, efficiency of through-put, facilities and personnel available, and institutional costs.
Cholesterol oxides. III: Autoxidation of cholesterol in sodium stearate and sodium linoleate dispersions

Cholesterol dispersed in water with sodium stearate at 80°C did not autoxidize in 24 hr when the cholesterol/dispersant ratio was 0.35 or below. At ratios of 0.44 and above, however, autoxidation proceeded smoothly but ceased after 60–70% of the cholesterol was oxidized. Replacement of sodium stearate as dispersant with sodium linoleate caused cholesterol to be oxidized at a cholesterol/dispersant ratio of 0.07, and gave a longer induction period and a higher conversion to 5,6-epoxide.
Liquefaction assessment of cohesionless soils in the vicinity of large embankments

Abstract In a typical seismic dam safety evaluation, standard penetration, cone penetration, Becker penetration, or shear wave velocity ( V s ) tests are often first conducted near the toe of an earth dam to infer if any liquefiable soil exists in the foundation of the dam footprint. In current practice, a level-ground condition is commonly assumed when normalizing penetration resistance and V s , and may be assumed (particularly in preliminary assessments) in applying the cyclic stress method (with or without the K α correction) to evaluate liquefaction. However, the presence of an earth dam, or any other large embankment or structure, significantly alters the normal and shear stresses in the foundation. This paper identifies and quantifies potential errors in ignoring altered stresses near heavy structures, and presents a methodology to incorporate these effects within the framework of the simplified procedure. Specifically, the effects of these altered stresses (in comparison to the level-ground assumption with and without K α correction) on the: (1) normalization of field measurements such as penetration resistance and V s ; (2) cyclic stress ratio ( CSR ); (3) cyclic resistance ratio ( CRR ); and (4) factor of safety against liquefaction triggering ( FS liq ), are evaluated by considering static and dynamic analyses of a generic earthen embankment (60 m high) resting on a saturated, cohesionless foundation (30 m deep). Our analyses indicated that ignoring the presence of induced static shear stresses can result in potentially unconservative errors in overburden correction factors of 30% to 60% at shallow depth (although this error is greatly muted at depths exceeding about 15 m), while errors in CSR potentially can range from about 20% too conservative to 40% unconservative. Potential errors in CRR can approach 50% unconservative at shallow depths, but again, this error is muted at depths exceeding about 15 m. Combining these factors, potentially unconservative errors in computing FS liq could exceed 100% at shallow depths (less than 15 m to 20 m) while at greater depth (exceeding 20 m) errors approach 20% on the conservative side.
Activation of Innate Immunity Modulates Insulin Sensitivity, Glucose Effectiveness and Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Both African Ancestry and European Ancestry Healthy Humans

Objective Insulin resistance is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and is associated with inflammatory cardiometabolic disease. Given differences between African ancestry (AA) and European ancestry (EA) in the epidemiology of type 2 diabetes as well as in response to inflammatory stress, we investigated potential race differences in glucose homeostasis responses during experimental endotoxemia in humans.
Morphological multistage algorithm for recognition of targets in FLIR data

This paper introduces a new algorithm for target recognition in FLIR sensor image data. Recognition of this type is difficult because FLIR targets often have dramatically different temperature profiles; they may have very low contrast; and their local statistics can often be very similar to those of the background. The approach presented in this paper is based on a cascade of stages involving successive applications of morphological processing, enhancement, and extraction operations. The operators and order of their application for the detection was developed to accentuate and localize the general features of FLIR image targets. Experimental evaluations indicate that the algorithm performs well, even for targets with mixed temperature distributions and those with low contrast.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Patterns of household immigration into South Texas.

Relatively little is known about household immigration to the U.S. and in particular, the cultural and work-related aspects of the transition faced by households. Results from this article suggest ...
Computational algorithms for matching polynomials of graphs from the characteristic polynomials of edge-weighted graphs

Computational algorithms are described which provide for constructing the set of associated edge-weighted directed graphs such that the average of the characteristic polynomials of the edge-weighted graphs gives the matching polynomial of the parent graph. The weights were chosen to be unities or purely imaginary numbers so that the adjacency matrix is hermitian. The computer code developed earlier by one of the authors (K.B.) is generalized for complex hermitian matrices. Applications to bridged and spirographs, some lattices and all polycyclic graphs containing up to four cycles are considered.
Dental esthetic satisfaction in adults

This study determined the influence of teeth, mouth, and face on self-image and personal esthetic satisfaction in adults. A random sample of 125 patients completed a five-item questionnaire about personal esthetic satisfaction and oral self-image. As a group, general dental variables were stronger predictors of esthetic satisfaction than orthodontic variables (P less than .01). Discrepancies between clinical findings and patterns of self-perception and satisfaction suggest the dentist and patient should plan together for esthetic dental treatment.
Mask distortion issues for next-generation lithography

Identifying mask distortion issues of next-generation lithography (NGL) technologies are critical to the timely development of a successor to optical lithography at the sub-65 nm regime. This paper presents the results of finite element (FE) simulations that characterize the distortions induced during the fabrication of an electron-beam projection lithography mask. Employing a 100-mm prototype format, both global and local image placement errors were predicted with the numerical simulations. Equivalent modeling and submodeling techniques were used to provide detailed information on the distortion of individual circuit features of an SRAM device. The FE results were subsequently verified with experiments performed at the IBM/Photronics Mask Center of Competency. The data presented illustrate the benefits of modeling and simulation for design and optimization before implementation of NGL technologies.
A modular representation and analysis of fault tress

Abstract An analytical method to describe fault tree diagrams in terms of their modular compositions is developed. Fault tree structures are characterized by recursively relating the top tree event to all its basic component inputs through a set of equations defining each of the modulus for the fault tree. It is shown that such a modular description is an extremely valuable tool for making a quantitative analysis of fault trees. The modularization methodology has been implemented into the PL-MOD computer code, written in PL/1 language, which is capable of modularizing fault trees containing replicated components and replicated modular gates. PL-MOD in addition can handle mutually exclusive inputs and explicit higher order symmetric ( k -out-of- n ) gates. The step-by-step modularization of fault trees performed by PL-MOD is demonstrated and it is shown how this procedure is only made possible through an extensive use of the list processing tools available in PL/1. A number of nuclear reactor safety system fault trees were analyzed. PL-MOD performed the modularization and evaluation of the modular occurrence probabilities and Vesely-Fussell importance measures for these systems very efficiently. In particular its execution time for the modularization of a PWR High Pressure Injection System reduced fault tree was 25 times faster than that necessary to generate its equivalent minimal cut-set description using MOCUS, a code considered to be fast by present standards.
Circadian behaviour, including thermoregulatory activities, in feedlot lambs

Abstract Fifty-six feeder lambs were observed each half-hour for one day per week for 7 consecutive weeks between July and September, 1973. At each observation period, the number of lambs eating, drinking, standing in an alert state, lying down and standing inactive was counted. The average number of lambs engaged in each activity over the 7 days of observation was plotted against time. Two peaks of eating, drinking and standing active occurred near sunrise and sunset. During the eating peaks, there was frequently competition for space at the self-feeder. At mid-day, lambs were inactive, standing about in groups, shading their heads under the flanks or between the hind legs of adjacent lambs. Later in the afternoon, lambs utilized the shade that became available from the perimeter fence. In both cooling strategies, lambs were particularly keen to shade their heads. All activity declined after sunset, and throughout the hours of darkness the majority of the lambs were lying down.
An investigation of the effects of decisional guidance and cognitive ability on decision-making involving uncertainty data

Abstract In their roles as users and providers of uncertainty data, decision-makers are confronted with choosing among a plethora of data formats offered by the decision support systems on most personal computers, but are offered little in the way of decisional guidance for choosing the most effective display format. This research investigated when and why decisional guidance should be provided. We found that in tasks involving uncertainty data, the decision-makers were more accurate and responded faster when symbolic tasks were matched with tabular displays and spatial tasks were matched with graphical displays. We also found that when subjects were provided with both matched and unmatched display formats, field independent individuals were more accurate for both spatial and symbolic tasks. When decisional guidance restricted the display formats to match the task types, field dependency did not significantly affect performance. This suggests that cognitive ability or field dependency is not a factor when the mental representation formulated is consistent with the problem representation.
Referrals for Dental Care During Pregnancy

Oral health is essential to overall health in the prenatal period. Pregnancy is not a time to delay dental care. Several studies have shown an association between periodontal disease and poor pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth. Interventions to provide periodontal treatment to pregnant women yield inconsistent results regarding preterm birth but have established the safety of periodontal therapy during pregnancy. Postpartum women in poor dental health readily transmit the tooth decay pathogen Streptococcus mutans from their saliva to their infants, resulting in increased risk of early childhood caries. Preventive services and treatment for acute problems should be recommended, fears allayed, and women referred. Dental radiographs may be performed safely with the use of appropriate shielding. Nonemergent interventions are best provided between 14 and 20 weeks' gestation for comfort and optimal fetal safety. Most gravid women do not seek dental care. Increased interprofessional communication to encourage dentists to treat pregnant women will reduce the number of women without care. In states where it is available, Medicaid coverage of dental services for pregnant women is typically allowed during pregnancy and for 2 months postpartum. Women's health providers should understand the importance of protecting oral health during pregnancy and educate their patients accordingly.
Preparation of specifically labeled milk proteins using bovine mammary-cell cultures.

Abstract A means for preparing different milk proteins such as β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin containing various labeled amino acid precursors is described using cultures in vitro of bovine mammary secretory cells. The method involves the addition of skim milk to the culture flask after an incubation period with the labeled precursor followed by the isolation of the labeled protein from the milk-medium mixture. Milk proteins may be prepared by this method affording advantages of simplicity, high specific activities, and efficient utilization of the labeled precursor over the use of the whole animal or of the perfused gland.
Sexual, Behavioral, and Quality of Life Characteristics of Healthy Weight, Overweight, and Obese Gay and Bisexual Men: Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study

While there have been attempts to explore the association of obesity and risky sexual behaviors among gay men, findings have been conflicting. Using a prospective cohort of gay and bisexual men residing in Pittsburgh, we performed a semi-parametric, group-based analysis to identify distinct groups of trajectories in body mass index slopes over time from 1999 to 2007 and then correlated these trajectories with a number of psychosocial and behavioral factors, including sexual behaviors. We found many men were either overweight (41.2%) or obese (10.9%) in 1999 and remained stable at these levels over time, in contrast to recent increasing trends in the general population. Correlates of obesity in our study replicated findings from the general population. However, we found no significant association between obesity and sexual risk-taking behaviors, as suggested from several cross-sectional studies of gay men. While there was not a significant association between obesity and sexual risk-taking behaviors, we found high prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population. Gay and bisexual men's health researchers and practitioners need to look beyond HIV and STI prevention and also address a broader range of health concerns important to this population.
Isothermal vapor-liquid equilibrium for dimethyl ether + sulfur dioxide

Abstract Noles J.R. and Zollweg J.A., 1991. Isothermal vapor-liquid equilibrium for dimethyl ether + sulfur dioxide. Fluid Phase Equilibria, 66: 275-289. Vapor-liquid equilibrium conditions ( p-T-x-y ) of the binary mixture dimethyl ether (DME) + sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) have been measured along seven isotherms (three subcritical and four supercritical). The mixture forms a negative (maximum boiling) azeotrope which persists to the critical line. The maximum likelihood method has been used to test the thermodynamic consistency of the three subcritical isotherms. The ability of a modified van der Waals equation of state to model the data is demonstrated. Brief descriptions of the apparatus and data reduction procedure are given.
ASCE Journal of Management in Engineering: Review of the years 1985–2002

This study considers the content of the papers published by ASCE’s Journal of Management in Engineering, which has witnessed a growth in number of papers and breadth of participation, particularly of international origin, during the 1985–2002 period. The content is analyzed in two main dimensions: the type of subject and its composing topics, and the type of contributors to the journal. The analysis shows the evolution of the engineering management discipline as represented in the journal. Over the years the discipline has been enriched by an increasing number of contributions on corporate strategies and programs, organizational change, and cultures issues, as well as a growing interest in project management topics, such as quality planning and evaluation of alternative project delivery systems. The number of papers by practitioners, initially the largest contributing group to the journal, has declined significantly over the years.
Excited states in 6Be and 10C

Abstract The 6Li(3He, t)6Be and 10B(3He, t)10C reactions have been studied at E( 3 He) = 30 amd 40 MeV. In 6Be, an excited state is observed at Ex = 1.67±0.08 MeV). In 10C, in addition to the sharp ground and first excited states, level structure centered at Ex = 5.28 and 6.58 MeV is observed.
Nanopore current transduction analysis of protein binding to non-terminal and terminal DNA regions: analysis of transcription factor binding, retroviral DNA terminus dynamics, and retroviral integrase-DNA binding

Background Synthetic transcription factors (STFs) promise to offer a powerful new therapeutic against Cancer, AIDS, and genetic disease. Currently, 10% of drugs are of this type, including salicylate and tamoxifen. STFs that can appropriately target (and release) their transcription factor binding sites on native genomic DNA provide a means to directly influence cellular mRNA production. An effective mechanism for screening amongst transcription factor (TF) candidates would itself be highly valued, and such may be possible with nanopore cheminformatics methods.