cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allen Brain Atlas-Driven Visualizations: a web-based gene expression energy visualization tool

The Allen Brain Atlas-Driven Visualizations (ABADV) is a publicly accessible web-based tool created to retrieve and visualize expression energy data from the Allen Brain Atlas (ABA) across multiple genes and brain structures. Though the ABA offers their own search engine and software for researchers to view their growing collection of online public data sets, including extensive gene expression and neuroanatomical data from human and mouse brain, many of their tools limit the amount of genes and brain structures researchers can view at once. To complement their work, ABADV generates multiple pie charts, bar charts and heat maps of expression energy values for any given set of genes and brain structures. Such a suite of free and easy-to-understand visualizations allows for easy comparison of gene expression across multiple brain areas. In addition, each visualization links back to the ABA so researchers may view a summary of the experimental detail. ABADV is currently supported on modern web browsers and is compatible with expression energy data from the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas in situ hybridization data. By creating this web application, researchers can immediately obtain and survey numerous amounts of expression energy data from the ABA, which they can then use to supplement their work or perform meta-analysis. In the future, we hope to enable ABADV across multiple data resources.
Effects of preschool intervention strategies on school readiness in kindergarten

Using hierarchical linear modeling, the present study aimed to examine whether targeted intervention strategies implemented individually during a preschool program exhibited any short-term and long-term effects on children’s school readiness in kindergarten, utilizing data gathered through the Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) initiative. Outcome measures included scales from the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales and Bracken Basic Concept Scales. The short-term effects highlighted the intervention strategy of age-appropriate well-designed learning materials that effectively excelled children in overall conceptual development. We found no long-term effects of any intervention strategy on school readiness (SPARK children did not exhibit any statistically significant gains in school readiness measures in kindergarten).
A chromatin insulator protects retrovirus vectors from chromosomal position effects

Recombinant murine retroviruses are widely used as delivery vectors for gene therapy. However, once integrated into a chromosome, these vectors often suffer from profound position effects, with vector silencing observed in vitro and in vivo. To overcome this problem, we investigated whether the HS4 chromatin insulator from the chicken β-globin locus control region could protect a retrovirus vector from position effects. When used to flank a reporter vector, this element significantly increased the fraction of transduced cells that expressed the provirus in cultures and in mice transplanted with transduced marrow. These results demonstrate that a chromatin insulator can improve the expression performance of a widely used class of gene therapy vectors by protecting these vectors from chromosomal position effects.
Effect of peat extract on the hydrolytic enzymes of Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Abstract Peat, a partially decomposed plant material rich in minerals and lignocellulose was tested as a substrate for the growth and production of hydrolytic enzymes viz. cellulase, cellobiase and xylanase in Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Three types of peak extracts such as cold, hot water and autoclaved were prepared and tested. Among them, autoclaved extract supported the maximal growth. The intracellular enzyme activities peaked on the fifth day after inoculation irrespective of the media and enzyme tested. Addition of cellobiose and lactose in the medium induced the production of cellulase, xylanase and to a lesser extent cellobiase. Addition of glucose and sucrose to the media resulted in the suppression of all the extracellular enzymes tested.
Leisure needs and vacation satisfaction.

Abstract Following a classical approach to the conceptualization of human needs, we adapted Beard and Ragheb's (1983) Leisure Motivation Scale to measure expressed needs prior to a vacation and met needs following a vacation in four domains: social, intellectual, competence mastery, and stimulus avoidance. All four met‐needs measures were significantly related to vacation satisfaction. For men, levels of expressed intellectual and competence mastery were positively related to vacation satisfaction; for women, level of expressed social needs was negatively related to vacation satisfaction. Results are discussed in terms of the need‐satisfying properties of vacations, gender differences, and suggestions for future research.
Recruitment and retention of IT staff in higher educiton

appropriate compensation opportunity to work on leading edge technologies support for professional development implementation of career ladders well managed organizations (positive work environment with good management) generous benefits programs recognition and rewards for exceptional performance flexible work schedules internal training of underqualified applicants creative solutions to limited resources access to tools necessary to the job (knowledgebases, permissions on network, etc.)
Simple template-based method to produce bradbury-nielsen gates

A Bradbury-Nielsen gate (BNG) consists of two interleaved and electrically isolated sets of wires and can transmit or deflect charged particles by applying a varying voltage difference across the two wire sets. We present a simple template-based method to fabricate BNGs with wire spacings as small as 50 µm with minimal use of a microscope. The small wire spacing allows modulation rates at tens of megahertz. Using this method, we have fabricated four BNGs with wire spacings of 500, 200, 100, and 50 µm using 10 µm gold-coated tungsten wires. The performance of the four BNGs is characterized using an imaging detector and compared with theoretical predictions.
6: Left Ventricular Assist Devices Provide Renal Protection in Patients Awaiting Heart Transplantation

Purpose: Patients with end stage heart failure are often transplanted with declining renal function. We tested the hypothesis that left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to transplantation provides renal protection that is sustained in the post transplant period. Methods and Materials: We examined renal function in patients undergoing cardiac transplantation at our center form 7/05 to 3/07, looking at changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the MDRD formula (eGFR 186 x Cr -1.154 x Age -0.203 x 1.21 if Black x 0.742 if Female). Patients were divided into two groups, according to whether or not they received an LVAD: TXP (transplant without LVAD) and VAD TXP (bridged with LVAD to transplant). TXP eGFR was calculated at the time of transplant and at 6 month follow up. VAD TXP eGFR was calculated at the time of LVAD implant, at one month post-implant, at the time of transplant and 6 months follow up. Results: There were 17 patients (13 men) in the VAD TXP group and 16 patients (14 men) in the TXP group. The two groups did not differ with respect to age (49 13 vs. 56 10 years; p 0.08) and eGFR at baseline (54 20 vs. 51 14 ml/min; p 0.6). There was significant improvement in eGFR in the VAD TXP group at one month after implant, at the time of transplantation and at 6 months post transplantation (Figure). There was no change in the eGFR in the TXP group from baseline to 6 months post transplantation. The VAD TXP group had significantly higher eGFR at 6 months post transplantation (78 19 vs. 53 17 ml/min; p 0.0003). Conclusions: LVADs in end stage heart failure provide immediate improvement in renal function that is sustained in the post transplant period. This was not noted in patients who did not receive an LVAD. 7
Squalene biosynthesis by a cell-free extract of Rhizopus arrhizus

Abstract Squalene was identified as the principal radioactive component (85%) of the hexane-soluble products formed from mevalonate-[2- 14 C] by a cell-free preparation from Rhizopus arrhizus . The system required ATP, NADH and Mn 2+ to obtain 20–40% incorporation of the substrate into squalene. Temperature and pH optima for the system were 20° and 7.0, respectively.
Involvement of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) and estrogen receptor phosphorylation in the synergistic activation of the estrogen receptor by estradiol and protein kinase activators

Estrogen receptor (ER) and cAMP signaling pathways interact in a number of estrogen target tissues including mammary and uterine tissues. One aspect of this interaction is that estradiol and protein kinase A (PKA) activators can cooperate synergistically to activate ER-mediated transcription of both endogenous genes and reporter genes containing only estrogen response elements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of this interaction between signaling pathways. Site-directed mutagenesis of the potential PKA phosphorylation sites in the ER indicated that phosphorylation of these sites was not necessary for the observed transcriptional synergy. In transient transfection assays in two different cell lines using reporter constructs containing either cAMP response elements, estrogen response elements or both types of elements, with the addition or absence of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) expression plasmid, we observed that only one of these cell lines exhibited estrogen/PKA transcriptional synergy. Experiments demonstrated that CREB itself was involved in the transcriptional synergy, and that transfection of CREB restored transcriptional synergy in the cell line in which it was lacking. A functional interaction between ER and CREB was also demonstrated using a mammalian cell protein interaction assay; a dominant negative mutant of CREB did not exhibit this interaction. Therefore, these data indicate that CREB protein is required for the transcriptional synergy between cAMP and estrogen signaling pathways. Furthermore, CREB cooperated with the ER on genes that did not contain cAMP response elements, but contained only estrogen response elements. We propose that activated CREB is recruited to estrogen responsive genes by an ER--coactivator complex containing proteins such as CREB binding protein (CBP) and that the interaction of CREB with ER may assist in stabilizing its interaction with CBP and in promoting estrogen-ER and PKA transcriptional synergy.
Predation defeats competition on the seafloor

… the snail, whose tender horns being hit Shrinks backward in his shelly cave with pain, And there, all smothered up, in shade doth sit, Long after fearing to creep forth again….— William Shakespeare, Venus and Adonis (1593)For many decades, ecology textbooks presented classical competition theory without reservation. The central principle here is that two species sharing an essential resource that is in limited supply cannot coexist for long because the competitively superior species will eliminate the other one. The implication is that ecological communities should be characterized by division of resources among species, or niche partitioning. Thus, it is understandable that many paleontologists have continued to invoke concepts of competitive exclusion and niche partitioning in their studies of ancient guilds and communities. By now, however, there is a large body of neontological literature demonstrating that interspecific competition and resource partitioning play only a minor role in many ecological communities—especially benthic marine communities, which are the primary focus of the following discussion. Predation and physical disturbance inflict so much damage on biotas of the seafloor that populations of one species seldom monopolize a potentially limiting resource, except sporadically and locally. As a result, it is uncommon for any species to drive another to extinction through competitive exclusion—or even to force another species to drastically change its exploitation of any environmental resource throughout its geographic range. Furthermore, what particular species or group of species occupies a particular microhabitat is often simply a matter of time of arrival.
Gaussian Modes in Optical Resonators with Spherical Reflectors

A study of the Gaussian normal modes in optical resonators with spherical reflectors is presented. The analysis is based upon the complex rays approximations and the requirement of self-consistency. It is found that a Gaussian normal mode exists in a resonator of this type only if the resonator is stable. For such a stable resonator, formulae for the complex beam parameter, variation of the beam diameter along the resonator axis, mode volume inside the resonator, and far-field parameters of the Gaussian normal mode are derived. Some of these formulae have not been previously obtained, while others are in agreement with those available in the literature derived from other methods.
Dense image registration using sparse coding and belief propagation

Image registration as a basic task in image processing was studied widely in the literature. It is an important preprocessing step in different applications such as medical imaging, super resolution, and remote sensing. In this paper we proposed a novel dense registration method based on sparse coding and belief propagation. We used image blocks as features, and then we employed sparse coding to find a set of candidate points. To select optimum matches, belief propagation was subsequently applied on these candidate points. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is able to robustly register scenes and is competitive as compared to optical flow.
Nature of inhomogeneous magnetic state in artificial Fe/Gd ferrimagnetic multilayers

The low-field surface nucleation and evolution of the inhomogeneous magnetic state in strongly coupled Fe/Gd ferrimagnetic multilayers is measured via grazing-incidence x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. At $T\ensuremath{\approx}0.7$ ${T}_{0},$ where ${T}_{0}\ensuremath{\sim}110\mathrm{K}$ is the ferrimagnetic compensation temperature, the inhomogeneous state nucleates at the surface. At nucleation, the surface state extends tens of interatomic distances into the bulk $(\ensuremath{\approx}200\mathrm{\AA{}}),$ a direct consequence of the strong interlayer coupling. At $T\ensuremath{\sim}{T}_{0},$ the inhomogeneous state penetrates throughout the bulk, while homogeneous magnetic states occur far below and above ${T}_{0}.$ Surface termination has a dramatic effect on the nature of the inhomogeneous state.
Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters, Nonoxidative Metabolites of Ethanol, Accelerate the Kinetics of Activation of the Human Brain Delayed Rectifier K+ Channel, Kv1.1

Herein we demonstrate that the major metabolites of ethanol in neural tissues, fatty acid ethyl esters, dramatically accelerate the kinetics of the voltage-induced activation of the human brain delayed rectifier potassium channel, Kv1.1. Specifically, the external application of ethyl oleate (20 microM) to Sf9 cells expressing the recombinant Kv1.1 channel resulted in a decrease in the rise times of the macroscopic current (e.g. from 51.7 +/- 13.1 to 12.8 +/- 3.0 ms at 0 mV for 10-90% rise times) and a 10-mV hyperpolarizing shift (at 0 mV) in the voltage dependence of channel activation. These effects were dose-dependent (half-maximal effect at 7 microM), saturable and specific (i.e. fatty acid methyl esters were without effect). Although application of either ethanol or oleic acid alone did not result in alterations of the activation kinetics, the concomitant application of ethanol and oleic acid reproduced the effects of fatty acid ethyl esters with a temporal course which paralleled the intracellular accumulation of fatty acid ethyl esters in Sf9 cells. Moreover, application of fatty acid ethyl esters (but not ethanol) to rat hippocampal cells in culture produced similar effects on hippocampal delayed rectifier currents. Collectively, these results demonstrate that pathophysiologically relevant concentrations of metabolites of ethanol, fatty acid ethyl esters, modulate the function of a prototypic neuronal ion channel and thus likely contribute to the pathophysiologic sequelae of ethanol abuse in excitable tissues.
Long-term outcome in children with low grade tectal tumours and obstructive hydrocephalus

Abstract Background Neuropsychological deficits after treatment of paediatric brain tumour are well known, but not the role of hydrocephalus in these deficits. Aims To study long-term neurological, cognitive, and behavioural deficits in children with a low grade tectal tumour and acquired obstructive hydrocephalus. Methods In a consecutive series of 12 children with low-grade tectal tumour diagnosed in our hospital between 1994 and 2008, neurologic, neuropsychological, and radiologic data were prospectively collected. Intelligence, memory, attention, language, visual-spatial, and executive functions were assessed. Median follow-up was 2 years and 9 months. Results At follow-up, most frequent neurologic disability was fatigue in children with a low-grade tectal tumour. They scored lower on sustained attention, long-term memory and had more behavioural problems. Factor influencing cognition was persisting severe hydrocephalus at time of assessment. The cognitive problems resulted in 60% of children needing assistances of special services at school. Conclusions At long-term, children with a low-grade tectal tumour display invalidating neuropsychological impairments resulting in educational problems. Adequate treatment of hydrocephalus may result in better cognitive functioning. Our findings suggest that part of the symptoms of the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome may not have resulted from a cerebellar lesion itself but rather from a cerebral dysfunction or compression of supratentorial structures in the cerebello-cortical circuitry due to the obstructive hydrocephalus.
Implications of a common polymorphism in intron 12 of the dystrophin gene for deletion detection by multiplex PCR

The multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a reliable and efficient method for detecting dystrophin gene deletions in about 65% of patients with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD or BMD). The 9-plex PCR assay, which simultaneously amplifies the muscle-specific promoter and exons 3, 6, 13, 43, 47, 50, 52 and 60, is one of the multiplex PCR assays used routinely to test for DMD and BMD deletions. In this study, we describe a previously unrecognized A to G base variation in intron 12 (nt -110 from exon 13) of the dystrophin gene. This variant, located within the annealing site of the exon 13 forward primer, prevented amplification of exon 13 in the 9-plex PCR assay. Present in 56% (25 of 45) of normal Caucasian alleles and 23% (3 of 13) of normal black American alleles, it is likely encountered frequently during dystrophin deletion analysis by multiplex PCR, and may complicate test result interpretation. Therefore, we suggest two modifications for the multiplex PCR detection of dystrophin gene deletion.
A unified framework for temporal difference methods

We propose a unified framework for a broad class of methods to solve projected equations that approximate the solution of a high-dimensional fixed point problem within a subspace S spanned by a small number of basis functions or features. These methods originated in approximate dynamic programming (DP), where they are collectively known as temporal difference (TD) methods. Our framework is based on a connection with projection methods for monotone variational inequalities, which involve alternative representations of the subspace S (feature scaling). Our methods admit simulation-based implementations, and even when specialized to DP problems, include extensions/new versions of the standard TD algorithms, which offer some special implementation advantages and reduced overhead.
Note on the Magnetic Moment of the Nitrogen Nucleus

Three lines of the group 2s2p^4^4P−2s^22p^24p^4D of N I have been examined for hyperfine structure. They were found to be single when examined with a Fabry-Perot interferometer, using a variety of plate separations. The line widths of two of the lines were measured. The absence of hyperfine structure is attributed to the small magnetic moment (μ) of the nitrogen nucleus. It is shown that, by using the results of Goudsmit, the measured line widths lead to an unusually low magnetic moment for the nitrogen nucleus, μ≦0.2(eh)/(4πMc). Under certain assumptions about the structure of the nitrogen nucleus, this low value of the magnetic moment leads to the conclusion that the neutron has a magnetic moment in the opposite direction from its mechanical moment and about one proton magneton in magnitude.
The evolution of the HBSI model with the convergence of performance methodologies

Over the past six years, the HBSI model has been validated against different biometric modalities, including fingerprint, iris, and hand. The model has gradually evolved based on each of these validations. The output of this paper will be to provide a framework for integrating existing and accepted biometric models. Anchoring this framework is the HBSI model. The evaluation method for the advancement of the model includes usability (satisfaction, efficiency, and effectiveness); ergonomics (cognitive and physical) and signal processing (sensor and biometric system). These factors lead to biometric performance, using traditional metrics and error rates, throughput rates, quality metrics and HBSI interaction methods. The next stage is to provide additional detail with respect to timing, additional performance metrics such as the Dunstone Zoo and relating back to cost functions. Lazarick, Kukula and Elliott proposed an operational timing model to clarify a number of different biometric definitions for time [1]. These include total transaction time, overt biometric transaction time, and external operation time. Integrating this timing structure into the HBSI model will allow us to understand more about the trade-offs of usability and performance.
First report of Tobacco streak virus in strawberry in the eastern United States.

In a 1998 virus survey (2) conducted on 23 commercial strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) production farms in the state of Maryland, leaf samples from 1,100 randomly sampled plants were sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratory in Corvallis, OR, for testing by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISA). The viruses identified were Strawberry mild yellow edge, Strawberry crinkle, Strawberry veinbanding, Strawberry mottle, and Tomato ringspot viruses, all of which are known in the eastern United States. Tobacco streak virus (TSV) also was identified in 17 of the samples: 12 originated from a 1-year-old planting of 'Sweet Charlie' and 5 from another farm, of which 4 were from a 2-year-old 'Sweet Charlie' planting and 1 was from a 2-year-old 'Delmarvel' planting. Triple antibody sandwich ELISA was used to detect TSV following the procedures described by Finn and Martin (1), except that leaves from test plants were homogenized (1:20, wt/vol, in blocking buffer) and flat bottom microtiter plates (Nunc, Roskilde, Denmark) and goat anti-mouse (polyvalent) alkaline phosphatase conjugate were used in the assays. The absorbance of each well at 405 nm (A405) was read in an ELISA plate reader. Reactions were considered positive if the A405 values were greater than five times the values of healthy samples. The A405 values of healthy samples ranged from 0.0 to 0.04, with values greater than 0.20 considered positive for TSV. An independent determination of TSV was made in plants shipped from Florida to Maryland in 1999. In this instance, leaf samples from 'Sweet Charlie' plants were sent by the Maryland Department of Agriculture to Agdia Inc. (Elkhart, IN), where samples tested positive for TSV. References: (1) C. E. Finn and R. R. Martin. Plant Dis. 80:769, 1996. (2) S. C. Hokanson, et al. Adv. Strawberry Res. In press.
Synthesis and stereochemistry of bilirubin analogs lacking carboxylic acids

Abstract Bilirubin analogs with propionic acid groups replaced by sec-butyl (1), 3-acetoxy-1-methylpropyl (2) or 3-acetamido-1-methylpropyl (3) were synthesized in enantiopure form and known absolute configuration. Although there are no propionic acid groups to act in stabilizing folded, ridge-tile conformations, the (S) stereogenic centers induce the pigments to adopt a left-handed (M) helicity — as evidenced by exciton circular dichroism spectra.
Changes in dendritic complexity and spine morphology in transgenic mice expressing human wild-type tau

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are composed of insoluble, hyperphosphorylated aggregates of the microtubule-associated protein tau and are present in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To investigate how tau affects neuronal function during NFT formation and subsequent neurodegeneration, we examined the morphology, spine density, spine type, and spine volume of layer III pyramidal neurons from the prefrontal cortex of mice expressing wild-type human tau (htau) over time. There were no significant alterations in apical dendritic arbor length in 3-, 6-, and 12-month-old htau mice; however, 12-month-old mice exhibited more complex arborization patterns. In addition, we observed a shift in spine morphology with fewer mushroom and more thin spines in both apical and basal dendrites as a function of htau accumulation. Interestingly, there was an overall decrease in volume of spines from 3 to 12 months. However, the volume of mushroom spines decreased from 3 to 6 months and increased from 6 to 12 months. This increase in complexity and branching in 12-month-old mice and the increase of volume of mushroom spines may represent compensatory mechanisms in the remaining intact neurons. As such, the accumulation of phosphorylated tau over time may contribute to the cognitive decline observed in AD by affecting neuronal structure and synaptic properties. Such alterations in dendrites and spines may result in the deterioration of neuronal function observed in AD, and provide a morphologic substrate for the relationship between synaptic integrity and cognitive decline.
Heterogeneity Among Violence-Exposed Women Applying Person-Oriented Research Methods

Variability of experience and outcomes among violence-exposed people pose considerable challenges toward developing effective prevention and treatment protocols. To address these needs, the authors present an approach to research and a class of methodologies referred to as person oriented. Person-oriented tools support assessment of meaningful patterns among people that distinguish one group from another, subgroups for whom different interventions are indicated. The authors review the conceptual base of person-oriented methods, outline their distinction from more familiar variable-oriented methods, present descriptions of selected methods as well as empirical applications of person-oriented methods germane to violence exposure, and conclude with discussion of implications for future research and translation between research and practice. The authors focus on violence against women as a population, drawing on stress and coping theory as a theoretical framework. However, person-oriented methods hold utility for investigating diversity among violence-exposed people's experiences and needs across populations and theoretical foundations.
Enabling creativity in capstone design

Our two-quarter senior design class provides teams of students with loosely-defined real-world design projects of significant scope. With an emphasis on the open-ended nature of these design projects it is necessary to create an atmosphere conducive towards open-minded and unconstrained thinking. A number of activities and assignments have been designed for our students to enable creative thinking, especially in the early stages of the design process. These include: team-building exercises to elicit trust between teammates and build awareness of and respect for each others differences in backgrounds and expertise, mini Speed Design exercises to stimulate creative thinking under time constraints, and the development of Project Personas for students to "walk a mile" in their customers' shoes. All are integrated into the class at times apropos to the various stages of the design process.
Look your dinner in the eye

Most of us would be horrified if we knew how our meat and poultry was produced. Time to throw open the factory doors, argues Peter Singer
Techniques of capillary liquid chromatography

Abstract Packed microacapillary columns of the reversed-phase type for liquid chromatography are shown to provide the high efficiencies needed to resolve complex mixtures. Certain demands are placed on the instrumental design for this type of chromatography are shown to provide the high efficiencies needed to resolve complex mixtures. Certain demands are placed on the instrumental design for this type of chromatography, with respect to small volumes of sampling and detection. A direct sampling method is demonstrated that compares favorably with the splitting injection. Two step-wise gradient elution techniques have been developed for work with packed microcapillaries. Complex mixtures of polyaromatic compounds are resolved into numerous fractions detectable with small-volume ultraviolet and spectrofluorometric detectors.
Formation and characterization of simulated small droplet icing clouds

Two pneumatic two-fluid atomizers operating at high liquid and gas pressures produced water sprays that simulated small droplet clouds for use in studying icing effects on aircraft performance. To measure median volume diameter, MVD or D sub v.5, of small droplet water sprays, a scattered-light scanning instrument was developed. Drop size data agreed fairly well with calculated values at water and nitrogen pressures of 60 and 20 psig, respectively, and at water and nitrogen pressures of 250 and 100 psig, respectively, but not very well at intermediate values of water and nitrogen pressure. MVD data were correlated with D sub 0, W sub N, and W sub w, i.e., orifice diameter, nitrogen, and water flowrate, respectively, to give the expression for MVD in microns.
Decoupling capacitance allocation for power supply noise suppression

We investigate the problem of decoupling capacitance allocation for power supply noise suppression at floorplan level. Decoupling capacitance budgets for the circuit modules are calculated based on the power supply noise estimates. A linear programming technique is used to maximize the allocation of the existing white space in the floorplan for the placement of decoupling capacitors. An incremental heuristic is proposed to insert more white space into the existing floorplan to meet the remaining demand required for decoupling capacitance fabrication. Experimental results on six MCNC benchmark circuits show that the white space allocated for decoupling capacitance is about 6%-12% of the chip area for the 0.25mm technology, and the power supply noise can be kept below 10%Vdd.
Carbonate clumped isotope bond reordering and geospeedometry

Carbonate clumped isotope thermometry is based on the preference of 13C and 18O to form bonds with each other. At elevated temperatures such bond ordering is susceptible to resetting by diffusion of C and O through the solid mineral lattice. This type of bond reordering has the potential to obscure primary paleoclimate information, but could also provide a basis for reconstructing shallow crustal temperatures and cooling rates. We determined Arrhenius parameters for solid-state reordering of C–O bonds in two different calcites through a series of laboratory heating experiments. We find that the calcites have different susceptibilities to solid-state reordering. Reaction progress follows a first order rate law in both calcites, but only after an initial period of non-first order reaction that we suggest relates to annealing of nonequilibrium defects when the calcites are first heated to experimental temperature. We show that the apparent equilibrium temperature equations (or “closure temperature” equations) for carbonate clumped isotope reordering are analogous Dodson’s equations for first order loss of daughter isotopes. For each calcite, the sensitivity of apparent equilibrium temperature to cooling rate is sufficiently high for inference of cooling rates within a factor of ∼5 or better for cooling rates ranging from tens of degrees per day to a few degrees per million years. However, because the calcites have different susceptibilities to reordering, each calcite defines its own cooling rate–apparent equilibrium temperature relationship. The cooling rates of Carrara marble inferred from carbonate clumped isotope geospeedometry are 10−6–10−3 degrees per annum and are in broad agreement with rates inferred from thermochronometric methods. Cooling rates for 13C-depleted calcites from the late Neoproterozoic Doushantou cap carbonates in south China are on the order of 102–104 degrees per annum, consistent with rapid cooling following formation of these calcites by a short-lived hydrothermal event (Bristow et al., 2011, Nature v. 474, p. 68–71). Most of the uncertainty in these estimates relates to uncertainty in Arrhenius parameters for different calcites. Thus, while the carbonate clumped isotope geospeedometer shows promise for recording cooling rates in settings and lithologies where other geospeedometers may not be applicable, the uncertainty in cooling rate will be large without independent knowledge of the reordering kinetics of each study material. Thus the full potential of the method will only be realized if reordering kinetics can be accurately determined for each study material, or predicted on the basis of mineral composition, texture, or other observable parameters.
Channel models for high-capacity information hiding in images

We consider the scenario of blind information hiding in images as a communications channel, where the channel noise is caused by the embedding and blind extraction method as well as by any lossy compression method utilized to store and transmit the image. We assume that the objectives of the information hiding method are the maximization of payload and its visual and statistical imperceptibility; also, we assume that the warden is passive. For the specific method of Spread Spectrum Image Steganography (SSIS) we show that the channel can be modeled as a Laplacian distribution, and use this to estimate the channel SNR to be expected for any given signal embedding strength by applying the technique to a range of typical images. Finally, we model the effects of various signal extraction methods and lossy compression. This allows a fair comparison with respect to payload capacity. The results shown in this paper are useful for maximizing the channel usage.
A Sequential Approach to Target Discrimination

The Wald sequential probability ratio test is applied to the discrimination of targets observed by a radar or other sensor and a form for the classifier involving linear predictive filtering is developed. In this sequential approach, a target is illuminated with consecutive pulses until a classification of the target can be made to within a prescribed probability of error. Because of the linear-predictive formulation, the computational and storage requirements for the classifier are related only to the number of returns necessary to predict the target signature and not to the length of signature observed; a classifier with modest storage and computational requirements can be employed to process signatures consisting of an arbitrarily large number of returns. The classifier is based on some well-known results in mean-square filtering theory and has a simple intuitive interpretation. The classifier structure can also be related to autoregressive time series analysis and innovations process concepts and has an interpretation in the frequency domain in terms of the maximum entropy and maximum likelihood spectral estimates for the target signatures.
Description of migraine with persistent aura without infarction in a pediatric headache center

s The Journal of Pain S9 (132) Description of migraine with persistent aura without infarction in a pediatric headache center S LeCates, S Cherney, P Vaughan, A Segers, P Manning, J Bush, H O’Brien, M Kabbouche, MD, S Powers, PhD, ABPP, and A Hershey, MD, PhD; Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH The objective of this abstract is to describe the characteristics, evaluation, treatment, and outcome of children diagnosed with migraine with persistent aura without infarction (PAI). PAI in children has rarely been described in the literature. The ICHD-II diagnostic criterion defines it as aura symptoms lasting for more than 1 week without radiographic evidence of infarction. Retrospective analysis of 7,300 pediatric tertiary headache center patients was completed to identify and characterize those PAI meeting the ICHD-II criteria. PAI was identified in 15 patients (0.2%) including 1 patientwho reported both a continuous visual and sensory aura. The majority of patients were female (60%). Female mean age at initial visit was 12 years 62.72 and male was 12.5 years 62.78. All patients had normal neurological exams. Diagnostic testing included brain MRI (100%), brain MRA (46.6%), head CT (26.6%), EEG (53.3%) and vascular doppler studies (6.6%). Nonspecific frontal lobe signal abnormality was noted on MRI in 13.3%. EEG findings were normal in 93.3% of patients. One patient (6.6%) had rare high voltage spikes and slow waves but no clinical history of seizures. 46.6% of patients were evaluated by ophthalmology with a normal exam. At last clinic visit of record, 33.3% of patients had resolution of PAI, 6.7% improved, and 60% were unchanged. 50% of males had resolution and 22.2% of females. Patients with PAI resolution were treated with divalproate ER (13.3%), levetiracetam (6.6%), topiramate (6.6%) or amitriptyline (6.6%). Incidence of PAI in children is uncommon yet can cause great concern to the headache provider, child, and family. Diagnostic testing can provide reassurance but does not offer understanding as to the pathophysiology. Effective management of migraine with PAI in children will require further research. (133) Pain sensitivity testing using a novel computer-controlled pressure algometer that simultaneously records sympathetic nervous system responses to pain stimuli E Lindley, M Zimkowski, V Patel, and M Rentschler; University of Colorado,
Statistical Control Paradigm for Aerospace Structures Under Impulsive Disturbances

Abstract : In this paper, the newly developed statistical control theory is revisited to autonomously control the satellite attitude as well as to provide a means of actively attenuating impulsive disturbances caused by servicing dock and space debris. Simulations are performed using several docking and collision scenarios. The simulation results indicate that the existing attitude control system with an innovative and robust statistical controller design shows significant promise for use in attitude hold mode operation despite the presence of impulsive disturbances.
Detecting data store access conflict in Simulink by solving Boolean satisfiability problems

This paper presents a method to statically analyze a Simulink® model to detect two potential problems with data store memory blocks: (i) a value may be read from a data store before it is written and (ii) a data store may be overwritten before its value is read by other blocks. The analysis employs a Boolean satisfiability (SAT) solver and so obviates extensive testing by means of simulation. It is illustrated how this supports model elaboration in Model-Based Design by performing the analysis on a task model of a digital controller implementation.
Aortic stenosis and echocardiography.

Excerpt To the editor: I read with interest the article "Echocardiographic Estimation of Aortic-Valve Gradient in Aortic Stenosis" in the September issue (1). It is surprising that the authors have...
An algorithm for estimating colloidal heterointeractions based on decoupling the Poisson-Boltzmann equation

An algorithm is presented for calculating the colloidal heterointeraction double-layer energy between spheres whose surface potentials may be very high. In most systems of industrial and biological importance, heterointeractions between particles with high surface potentials are often encountered, and the energy of interacting particles is needed in estimating the stability of such suspensions. The electrical double-layer energy of interaction is computed from the electrical potential distribution between and around the interacting particles and necessitates the solution of the non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation. In this study, the double-layer potential between two plates is assumed to be the sum of the potentials of two overlapping double-layers. This approach reproduces the exact double-layer potential distribution accurately. Although it makes use of empiricism, it offers advantages in obtaining the double-layer potential distribution more efficiently.
Some parameterizations of the nocturnal boundary layer

The evolution and structure of a steady barotropic nocturnal boundary layer are investigated using a higher-order turbulence closure model which includes equations for the mean quantities, turbulence convariances, and the viscous dissipation rate. The results indicate that a quasi-steady nocturnal PBL might be established in 4–10 hours after transition, depending on surface cooling rate. The latter is assumed to be constant in the model. The emphasis is on prediction of eddy viscosity, nocturnal mixing-layer depth, and the stability-dependent universal functions in the geostrophic drag and heat transfer relations. The model predictions are parameterized in the framework of the PBL similarity theory and compared with observations and results of other models.
Turbulent temperature fluctuations in mercury and ethylene glycol in pipe flow

Abstract Turbulent temperature fluctuations in mercury and ethylene glycol were measured with a fast response thermocouple having a time constant of the order of 10 −4 s. Traverses were made across a 0.925 inch diameter horizontal test section having a uniform wall temperature. Characteristics of the temperature fluctuations measured included the root mean square value, the amplitude distribution, and the frequency distribution, in each case as a function of spatial position and Reynolds number. The amplitude distribution was found to be non-Gaussian with the deviation greater in mercury. The mean energy of the fluctuations is at frequencies of the order of 8–23 cps. Thermal mixing lengths compare reasonably well with von Karman's theoretical mixing lengths. Spectral density results only partially follow Corrsin's frequency dependence.
A game-theoretic analysis of the political structure of the Netherlands Antilles

This paper uses apportionment methods and game theory to analyze the political structure of the Netherlands Antilles both before and after Aruba’s Status Aparte. A comparison is made among the islands of the position of a voter on each island with respect to representation and voting power.
Sun earth connection coronal and heliospheric investigation (SECCHI)

Abstract The Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation (SECCHI) on the NASA Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory ( STEREO ) mission is a suite of remote sensing instruments consisting of an extreme ultraviolet imager, two white light coronagraphs, and a heliospheric imager. Two spacecraft with identical instrumentation will obtain simultaneous observations from viewpoints of increasing separation in the ecliptic plane. In support of the STEREO mission objectives, SECCHI will observe coronal mass ejections from their birth at the Sun, through the outer corona, to their impact at Earth. The SECCHI program includes a coordinated effort to develope magneto-hydrodynamic models and visualization tools to interpret the images that will be obtained from the two spacecraft viewpoints. The resulting three-dimensional analysis of CMEs will help to resolve some of the fundamental outstanding questions in solar physics.
Performance modeling of mobile phone providers: a DEA-ANN combined approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using artificial neural networks (ANNs) in conjunction with data envelopment analysis (DEA) for the performance measurement of major mobile phone providers, and for subsequent predictions related to best performance benchmarking and decision making. Design/methodology/approach – DEA and ANN are combined, providing an integrated modeling approach via a two-stage process. DEA is used for front end measurement, while ANN provides learning and prediction capabilities. DEA analysis of industry characteristics is based on the measurement of each decision-making unit's (DMU) performance. Back propagation neural networks (BPNN) can then predict each DMU's efficiency score, based on the results of the DEA models. Additional BPNN models provide best performance predictions. Findings – The DEA module successfully evaluates the competitive status of firms in the mobile phone industry in terms of efficiency. Efficiency trends over the observation...
A coarse-grained model of DNA with explicit solvation by water and ions.

Solvation by water and ions has been shown to be vitally important for biological molecules, yet fully atomistic simulations of large biomolecules remain a challenge due to their high computational cost. The effect of solvation is the most pronounced in polyelectrolytes, of which DNA is a paradigmatic example. Coarse-grained (CG) representations have been developed to model the essential physics of the DNA molecule, yet almost without exception, these models replace the water and ions by implicit solvation in order to significantly reduce the computational expense. This work introduces the first coarse-grained model of DNA solvated explicitly with water and ions. To this end, we combined two established CG models; the recently developed mW-ion model [DeMille, R. C.; Molinero, V. J. Chem. Phys. 2009, 131, 034107], which reproduces the structure of aqueous ionic solutions without electrostatic interactions, was coupled to the three-sites-per-nucleotide (3SPN) CG model of DNA [Knotts, T. A., IV; et al. J. Ch...