cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A General Switch Architecture For Fault-Tolerant VLSI Processor Arrays

A programmable two-dimensional (2D) processor array is fault-tolerant if faulty processors can be detected, and then avoided during program execution. With VLSI the number of processors that can be implemented in a 2D array increases, and as a result more and more cells can be devoted for fault tolerance purposes. In the literature there are many schemes on detecting faulty processors and reconfiguring data routing to avoid them. However, an efficient implementation of these schemes on a 2D array can be an extremely difficult task if application, fault detection and reconfiguration must all be considered at the same time. The virtual channels mechanism of this paper allows these concerns to be dealt with separately and efficiently. An application or fault detection program may assume that every logical connection between processors is implemented by a dedicated physical connection. A physical connection is composed of a sequence of virtual channels. Since the number of virtual channels between any two processors is not bounded by the number of available physical channels, all dedicated physical connections required by the program can be implemented. The mapping of logical connections to physical connections and the scheduling of a physical channel to implement multiple virtual channels are totally transparent to a program, and can be optimized independently. Various fault tolerance schemes are now readily implementable without programming difficulty. For example, it is straightforward to have concurrent execution of application and fault detection programs on the same 2D array. A switch architecture, suitable for VLSI implementation, is presented for implementing the virtual channels mechanism. The switch captures all the architectural features needed to implement the mechanism and can be used with different processors. By using multiple copies of this switch, a variety of fault-tolerant 2D arrays can be formed. In particular the switch architecture is planned to be used in building a fault-tolerant 2D Warp array.
PAN-orama: three convergent views of a eukaryotic deadenylase.

Post-transcriptional mRNA regulation is often attained by lengthening or shortening the 3′ poly(A) tail of a transcript. Eukaryotic mRNAs show a spectrum of deadenylation rates, thus allowing intricate control of gene expression, but the mechanisms that determine such rates are unclear. Three new studies highlight the structural and biochemical features of a key enzyme in removing poly(A) tails, the PAN2–PAN3 complex, providing clues to how different mRNA deadenylation rates can be achieved.
FUNCTIONAL TOPOGRAPHY IN THE HUMAN CEREBELLUM: A META-ANALYSIS OF NEUROIMAGING STUDIES

Abstract Clinical, experimental and neuroimaging studies indicate that the cerebellum is involved in neural processes beyond the motor domain. Cerebellar somatotopy has been shown for motor control, but topographic organization of higher-order functions has not yet been established. To determine whether existing literature supports the hypothesis of functional topography in the human cerebellum, we conducted an activation likelihood estimate (ALE) meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies reporting cerebellar activation in selected task categories: motor ( n = 7 studies), somatosensory ( n = 2), language ( n = 11), verbal working memory ( n = 8), spatial ( n = 8), executive function ( n = 8) and emotional processing ( n = 9). In agreement with previous investigations, sensorimotor tasks activated anterior lobe (lobule V) and adjacent lobule VI, with additional foci in lobule VIII. Motor activation was in VIIIA/B; somatosensory activation was confined to VIIIB. The posterior lobe was involved in higher-level tasks. ALE peaks were identified in lobule VI and Crus I for language and verbal working memory; lobule VI for spatial tasks; lobules VI, Crus I and VIIB for executive functions; and lobules VI, Crus I and medial VII for emotional processing. Language was heavily right-lateralized and spatial peaks left-lateralized, reflecting crossed cerebro-cerebellar projections. Language and executive tasks activated regions of Crus I and lobule VII proposed to be involved in prefrontal-cerebellar loops. Emotional processing involved vermal lobule VII, implicated in cerebellar-limbic circuitry. These data provide support for an anterior sensorimotor vs. posterior cognitive/emotional dichotomy in the human cerebellum. Prospective studies of multiple domains within single individuals are necessary to better elucidate neurobehavioral structure–function correlations in the cerebellar posterior lobe.
Pure absorption multiple quantum spectra of molecules dissolved in liquid crystalline solvents

The use of time reversal pulse sequences to obtain multiple quantum spectra of molecules in thermotropic liquid crystalline phases is described. Several studies have already demonstrated that in order to obtain multiple quantum coherence of high order in polycrystalline solids, it is necessary to utilize pulse trains that produce a preparation propagator that is the adjoint of the mixing propagator. Such pulse sequences produce multiple quantum powder spectra that are pure absortive, thus avoiding destructive phase interference that would occur if standard multiple quantum pulse sequences were used. However even in cases where all single quantum transitions are well-resolved, standard multiple quantum pulse sequences yield multiple quantum spectra of low signal-to-noise because single quantum coherent states are projected out of phase. Sensitivity may be improved by projecting the full two dimensional transform, but this may not be practical in cases involving moderately large numbers of strongly coupled ...
Emulsification of Chicken Frankfurters Manufactured by Different Production Systems

Abstract Mechanically deboned poultry meat (MDPM) from broiler necks and backs was used for manufacturing frankfurters in order to examine the effect of six production systems on the extent of emulsification during processing and palatability of the finished products. Three of the production systems did not incorporate a further emulsification process following deboning, whereas the other three systems provided for further emulsification. Each fresh emulsion was sampled for microscopic examination and the finished products were evaluated for texture, tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall satisfaction by an experienced taste panel. Photomicrographs provide evidence suggesting that those products manufactured under the three systems lacking an additional emulsification step did not develop satisfactory emulsions. Fat particles tended to be large and poorly dispersed. On the other hand, those systems incorporating additional emulsification resulted in emulsions with generally smaller fat globules well dispersed in the mixture. Flavor was determined to be similar among the test groups by the taste panel, but texture, tenderness, juiciness, and overall satisfaction tended to be superior for those systems imcorporating additional emulsification. Fresh and frozen/thawed MDPM were evaluated as a starting raw ingredient in one production system, with no significant differences being noted between the two test groups either microscopically or by panel evaluation. Based upon this study, it appears further emulsification of MDPM is necessary to produce a satisfactory chicken frankfurter product.
Rejoinder to commentators on structural equations modeling primers: Bentler, Bagozzi, and Fabrigar, Porter, and Norris

Abstract In this brief article, I applaud the commentators for the many points they make, their offering additional perspectives, and for expanding the territory of structural equations modeling coverage begun in the Journal of Consumer Psychology primers.
How the need for cognition scale predicts behavior in mock jury deliberations

The role of Need for Cognition (NC) in mock jury deliberations was examined. Study 1 showed that when groups of 4 (2 high and 2 low in NC) deliberated together, high-NCs spoke significantly longer than low-NCs and were perceived as more active and more persuasive. High-NCs were not, however, viewed as generating arguments that were more valid or more logical. In Study 2, participants deliberated in dyads with a confederate who delivered either strong or weak arguments against the participant's position. Contrary to expectation, low-NCs were more responsive to differences in argument quality. The findings suggest that, in mock jury deliberations, high-NCs are the active participators whereas low-NCs are the quiet contemplators. Implications for legal practice and policy are discussed.
A new transitory queueing model and its process limits

We introduce the Δ (i) /GI/1 queue, a new queueing model. In this model, customers from a given population independently arrive according to some given distribution F. Thus, the arrival times are an ordered statistics, and the inter-arrival times are differences of consecutive ordered statistics. They are served by a single server which provides service according to a general distribution G, with independent service times. We develop fluid and diffusion limits for the various stochastic processes, and performance metrics. The fluid limit of the queue length is observed to be a reflected process while the diffusion limit is observed to be a function of a Brownian motion and a Brownian bridge, reflected through a directional derivative of the usual Skorokhod reflection map. We also observe what may be interpreted as a ‘transient’ Little's law. Sample path analysis reveals various operating regimes where the diffusion limit switches between a free diffusion, a reflected diffusion process and the zero process, with possible discontinuities during regime switches.
The relative importance of biotic and abiotic vectors in nutrient transport

The mass of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium) imported during 1984 and 1985 to the North. Inlet Estuary, Georgetown County, South Carolina, by precipitation and runoff was compared with that imported by a colonial-nesting wading bird, the white ibis (Eudocimus albus). From late March through late June of both years, breeding ibises imported nutrients to the North Inlet Estuary study site from freshwater bottomland forest swamps, where they fed on crayfishes (Procambaridae). Although 1984 was a relatively wet year, in 1985 the ibis breeding season was preceded by a severe winter-spring drought. In 1984 ibises nested in higher numbers, had higher per-pair breeding success, and imported 11 times more nutrients than in 1985. Nutrient input from atmospheric sources was substantially lower in 1984 than in 1985. The 1984 ibises imported 9% as much nitrogen, 33% as much phosphorus, 0.4% as much potassium, and 0.3% as much calcium to the estuary as did atmospheric sources. In 1985 nutrient input from ibises amounted to only 0.2% of the nitrogen, 2.9% of the phosphorus, and ≪1% of the potassium and calcium imported by atmospheric sources. Our results show that nutrient inputs to estuaries from colonial-nesting wading birds can be substantial when compared, with those from atmospheric sources and can vary considerably among years. They also suggest that nutrient regimes in estuaries with large assemblages of wading birds may differ significantly from those lacking such colonies. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01BY058 00006
Tantalum films for protective coatings of steel

Deposition of tantalum films for protective coatings on steel by DC magnetron sputtering have been investigated. Conditions resulting in the deposition of bcc and tetragonal phases of tantalum and the evolution of the phase composition and crystallinity during the film growth from nanometers to tens of micrometers are described. Heating the substrates to only 400 °C resulted in the growth of pure bcc phase tantalum, which is tough and ductile and thus preferred for protective coatings, while lower temperatures promote nucleation and growth of the hard and brittle tetragonal phase. Adhesion tests by scratching with a diamond tip showed that while well adhering coatings of both phases can be obtained, the tetragonal phase films develop cracks under load, well below the critical value that results in delamination. This has important implications for application of tantalum films for protection against corrosion of steel elements subjected to mechanical stress and wear, as the cracks would locally expose the substrate to the surrounding environment. With proper choice of deposition conditions and moderate heating that does not compromise the steel properties, coatings of the preferred bcc phase of tantalum with excellent adhesion can be deposited by DC magnetron sputtering.
Countercultural Spiritualists' Perceptions of the Goddess

This article explores how the Goddess movement might influence the spiritual worldviews of women and men who do not consider themselves to be exclusively worshippers of the Goddess. Excerpts from in-depth interviews with alternative spiritualists suggest that the Goddess movement can spiritually empower women and help them to articulate gender-based inequalities, even when women do not label themselves as Goddess worshippers in the strict sense. However, these women also believe that the Goddess is one necessary half of a spiritual whole, and so also include nonGoddess images of the divine in their spiritual systems, including images of the male. Men might also seek a "balance" between male and female symbols of the divine, but they might view the Goddess as more nurturing or expressive than self-empowering. The Goddess movement is said to offer self-empowerment through a specific "naming" of female experience as divine, and to shun what are perceived to be patriarchal values that promote gender inequalities. These individual and socially-located concerns are enacted ritualistically, yet also feature feminist ideology that can be applied beyond the ritual setting (Adler 1986; Christ 1987; Englesman 1987; Starhawk 1989; Allen 1992; Neitz 1994; Griffin 1995). Indeed, Goddess- or L)ianic-based spirituality can be conceptualized as a cultural movement aimed at eliminating patriarchal biases through what Gusfield (see Neitz 1994) referred to as a process of "carrying over" spiritual values across social domains. In other areas, it has been demonstrated that persons who do not officially align themselves with newer forms of spirituality nonetheless indicate acceptance of some of these beliefs (Donahue 1993) - perhaps because they have encountered "carriers" of the new message. Therefore, the question might be posed: How pervasive is the Goddess movement? Does it influence people who are not in the strict sense Goddess worshippers? While previous scholarship has focused on small groups of Goddessworshipping individuals, in this exploratory article I will examine the ways, if any, that the symbolic presence of the Goddess has permeated the spiritual worldview of persons who do not exclusively label themselves Goddessworshippers. I will include information on both women and men in this regard, to see how both genders might be utilizing aspects of the Goddess movement. In
Magnetization study of the strongly disordered weak itinerant ferromagnet Ni–V

Abstract The magnetization M of a series of Ni 1 - x V x alloys at magnetic fields H up to 5 T and temperatures T down to 1.8 K are presented in the vicinity of the critical concentration, x c ≈ 11 % , where the ferromagnetic transition temperature is expected to vanish. Scaling behavior with characteristic exponents derived from susceptibility χ ( T ) , spontaneous magnetization M s ( T ) , and M ( H ) is observed. The exponents change with further dilution and are discussed as sign for a quantum Griffiths phase close to ferromagnetic order.
Software control architecture for characterization of a 48 element 30 MHz linear array

The purpose of this system is to have the capability to characterize the performance of very high frequency transducers and arrays. The analog front end is computer controlled by a set of de-multiplexers and multiplexers. The output of the multiplexer network is connected to a TGC array, which is interfaced to a high-speed data acquisition system. A software GUI (Graphical User Interface) has been design to accomplish this task. A programmable digital I/O interface allows collection of RF channel data and has the capability to be interfaced to a very high frequency analog beamformer under construction. The system front-end electronics (pulsers, receivers, T/R switches, multiplexers, and demultiplexers) have been characterized. The digital I/O signal interface has been integrated and tested. The hardware front end has been integrated to the array interface distribution panel. The individual transducer elements impulse responses have been evaluated and the performance of the array has been tested with a wire test phantom to characterize lateral and axial resolution.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
LiBOB-Based Electrolytes for Li-Ion Batteries for Transportation Applications

The low-temperature performance and the stability of LiBOB-based electrolytes were studied in Li-ion cells and on various cathode materials, respectively. It was found that the conductivity of LiBOB in carbonate solvents can be improved by blending with ester solvents. It was also found that the capacity delivered using such electrolytes at subzero temperatures can be improved by adding ester solvents into electrolyte compositions, although at the expense of the stability against high-temperature cycling. The BOB - anion remains electrochemically stable on strongly oxidizing electrode material such as LiNi 1-y-z M y M' z O 2 as shown by high-temperature cycling and storage. Nonetheless, the BOB - stability may vary with different cathode materials depending on the reactivity among BOB anion, solvent, and lithiated metal oxide cathode materials. To maximize the advantages of LiBOB over the industry standard LiPF 6 . further work in electrolyte formulation is desired.
Utilization of Green Sunfish and Bluegills by Largemouth Bass: Influence of Ingestion Time

Abstract Some studies indicate that largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides forage more heavily on green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus than on bluegills L. macrochirus. We suggest this is because bluegills are the more difficult prey to ingest. In laboratory experiments, largemouth bass ingested green sunfish significantly faster than bluegills of comparable weight. For a 240-g largemouth bass, the ingestion time for the largest green sunfish tested (33.5 g) compared favorably with those for the smallest bluegills (2.5 and 2.7 g). A 527-g largemouth bass ingested all sizes of green sunfish more efficiently than any size of bluegill examined.
Status of centers for disease control dioxin studies of U.S. population

Abstract Although the toxic effects of dioxin have been extensively studied in animals and documented in cases of accidental high-level exposure in humans, little is known of the health effects to humans produced by long-term exposure to relatively low levels of dioxin. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been involved in several studies designed to assess these health risks
A program form based on data dependency in predicate regions

A new program representation is presented which permits certain optimizations to be performed at less expense than with other forms. This paper describes code motion, common subexpression elimination and induction variable detection. Scalar propagation and constant folding are sketched here, but detailed elsewhere. The powerful code motion strategy allows entire regions of the program to be moved. The representation described may be used as a compiler intermediate form or simply as a model for program analysis. It has great potential for use in translation for parallel machines.
Determination of surface hydroxyl concentration on glass and fused silica capillary columns

The concentration of surface hydroxyl groups on three types of capillary columns was determined by exchanging the hydroxyl protons with tritium. The tritium was quantified by combustion to tritiated water followed by scintillation counting. The number of hydroxyl groups on a leached and presumably hydroxylated Pyrex glass capillary column was found to be about 2.8 groups per square nanometer. This value was slightly less than the 4.6 groups per square nanometer that is generally accepted for a fully hydroxylated porous silica. Dehydroxylation of the same glass by heating at 600°C left only 0.4 groups per square nanometer while an untreated fused silica had only 0.2 groups per square nanometer.
Observation of interstellar lithium in the low-metallicity Small Magellanic Cloud

The abundance of interstellar 7Li in the low-metallicity gas of the Small Magellanic Cloud, a nearby galaxy with a quarter the Sun’s metallicity, is nearly equal to the Big Bang nucleosynthesis predictions. The predicted primordial abundance of the lithium-7 isotope in the primordial Universe is four times greater than that measured in the atmospheres of Galactic halo stars, but it is hard to trace this isotope in the Milky Way because it has most probably been burnt up. This paper reports the detection of interstellar lithium beyond the Milky Way, in the low-metallicity gas of the nearby Small Magellanic Cloud galaxy. Present-day lithium-7 abundance in this galaxy is nearly equal to the predictions of the standard theory of Big Bang nucleosynthesis — although the data can also be reconciled with non-standard models. The primordial abundances of light elements produced in the standard theory of Big Bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) depend only on the cosmic ratio of baryons to photons, a quantity inferred from observations of the microwave background1. The predicted2,3,4 primordial 7Li abundance is four times that measured in the atmospheres of Galactic halo stars5,6,7. This discrepancy could be caused by modification of surface lithium abundances during the stars’ lifetimes8 or by physics beyond the Standard Model that affects early nucleosynthesis9,10. The lithium abundance of low-metallicity gas provides an alternative constraint on the primordial abundance and cosmic evolution of lithium11 that is not susceptible to the in situ modifications that may affect stellar atmospheres. Here we report observations of interstellar 7Li in the low-metallicity gas of the Small Magellanic Cloud, a nearby galaxy with a quarter the Sun’s metallicity. The present-day 7Li abundance of the Small Magellanic Cloud is nearly equal to the BBN predictions, severely constraining the amount of possible subsequent enrichment of the gas by stellar and cosmic-ray nucleosynthesis. Our measurements can be reconciled with standard BBN with an extremely fine-tuned depletion of stellar Li with metallicity. They are also consistent with non-standard BBN.
Infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy of adsorbed molecules

Infrared Reflection-Absorption Spectroscopy (IRAS) is used to perform vibrational spectroscopy of absorbed molecules in submonolayer quantities on well-defined, single crystal metal surfaces. Theoretical and experimental aspects of this method in a single reflection mode are discussed. Apart from its potential to identify adsorbed species through their vibrational spectra, the high sensitivity (< 5/1000 of a CO monolayer) and resolution (1–3 cm-1) make this method particularly suitable to study the interaction between metal substrate and adsorbed molecule as well as intermolecular interactions within an adsorbed layer of molecules. This is illustrated with examples of CO adsorption on metals, where vibrational frequencies of the C-O stretch allow determination of adsorption sites. Intermolecular interactions within the adsorbed layer, which lead to the formation of ordered islands and incommensurate compression structures, can be monitored by characteristic frequency shifts. Further insight into these interactions can be gained by observing the linewidth and intensity as a function of surface coverage and order. Finally examples of other adsorption systems are given to demonstrate the wide range of molecules which have been studied in the past and the potential of IRAS as a method to bridge studies of adsorption of molecules on metal single crystals at UHV pressures to supported catalysts at high, catalytically relevant pressures.
Desmoplastic fibroma of the mandible in a child: report of a case

A 6-year-old girl was seen with a history of progressive trismus and expansion of the right mandible over a 9-month period. Desmoplastic fibroma was diagnosed on biopsy. This report reviews the diagnostic criteria and surgical management of this uncommon primary bone tumor of the maxillofacial region.
Comparison study of acellular dermal matrices in complicated hernia surgery.

Background Damage control surgery and management of the open abdomen has led to a significant improvement in survival in trauma and emergency surgical patients. However, subsequent abdominal reconstruction has become a significant challenge. The objective of this study was to compare 2 different acellular dermal matrices in regard to hernia recurrence and complications in patients who present with a large complicated ventral hernia as a result of trauma or emergency surgery. Study Design A prospective quasi-experimental time-interrupted series design was used to evaluate the incidence of hernia recurrence in trauma/emergency surgery patients who had a ventral hernia repair with a biologic matrix. From January 2005 to December 2007, 55 patients with a complicated ventral hernia were repaired with AlloDerm (Life Cell Corporation). Beginning in February 2008 to January 2010, 40 patients with the same criteria were repaired with FlexHD (Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation) and followed prospectively over the following year. The primary outcome for this study was hernia recurrence (functional or real) at 1 year. Other outcomes variables included abdominal laxity, seroma formation, and wound or intra-abdominal infection. Results There was no significant difference in age, sex, and body mass index between the groups. In addition, there was no significant difference in the mean hernia size and size of the acellular dermis that was inserted. At 1 year postsurgery, all of the AlloDerm patients were diagnosed with recurrence requiring a second formal repair. Eleven patients (31%) whose hernias were repaired with FlexHD were diagnosed with a recurrence requiring a second formal repair. Conclusions FlexHD appears to have reduced the recurrence and laxity rates while maintaining a similar complication profile compared with AlloDerm in trauma/emergency surgery patients with large complicated ventral hernias.
The evaluation and management of acute otitis media in children

Otitis media is one of the most common pediatric diseases, which occurs in approximately 7 of 10 children and affhcts all ages, races, and social groups. Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common specific diagnosis made by pediatricians,’ accounting for up to one third of all pediatric outpatient visits.*y3 It has been estimated that in the United States AOM accounts for more than 11 million physician-visits annually by children younger than 5 years and more than 2 billion dollars in annual health care costs. Approximately one fourth of all medications prescribed are for the treatment of AOM,4 and myringotomy with insertion of tympanostomy tubes is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in children requiring general anesthesia. It is important that physicians providing care for children are thoroughly familiar with the clinical entity of AOM. because accurate diagnosis and timely therapy can augment resolution of AOM and prevent complications. Some of the goals in managing pediatric AOM are to expediently resolve the acute episode, prevent recurrent episodes, hasten middle ear effusion (MEE) resolution, normalize and maintain normal hearing, and avoid any long-term impairment of speech, language, and cognitive development. There are a number of excellent studies that define various aspects of this disease. Accurate comparison of study results can be difftcult at times because of methodological variation, ie, differing diagnostic criteria for AOM, and biases in patient sampling, ie, clinic-based versus population-based studies. The purpose of this article is to review aspects of the large body of medical literature related to the evaluation and management of AOM. Other aspects related to the topic of pediatric otitis media, eg, the medical and surgical management of recurrent and chronic middle ear disease, are discussed elsewhere.
Concurrent application of charge using a novel circuit prevents heat-related coagulum formation during radiofrequency ablation.

Introduction: Thromboembolism resulting from coagulum formation on the catheter and electrode surfaces is a serious complication with radiofrequency ablation procedures for heart rhythm disorders. Why coagulum occurs despite therapeutic heparinization is unclear. In this report, we demonstrate a novel approach to minimize coagulum formation based on the electromolecular characteristics of fibrinogen. Methods and Results: Atomic force microscopy was used to establish that fibrinogen deposited on surfaces underwent conformational changes that resulted in spontaneous clot formation. We then immersed ablation catheters that were uncharged, negatively, or positively charged in heparinized blood for 30 minutes and noted the extent of clot formation. In separate experiments, ablation catheters were sutured to the ventricle of an excised porcine heart immersed in whole, heparinized blood and radiofrequency ablation performed for 5 minutes with and without charge delivered to the catheter tips. Electron microscopy of the catheter tips showed surface coverage of fibrin clot of the catheter to be 33.8% for negatively charged catheters, compared with 84.7% (P = 0.01) in noncharged catheters. There was no significant difference in surface coverage of fibrin clot between positively charged catheters (93.8%) and noncharged catheters (84.7%, P = ns). In contrast, the thickness of surface clot coverage for positively charged catheters was 87.5%, compared with 28.45% (P= 0.03) for noncharged catheters and 11.25% (P = 0.03) for negatively charged catheters, compared with noncharged catheters. Conclusions: We describe a novel method of placing negative charge on electrodes during ablation that reduced coagulum formation. This may decrease thromboembolism-related complications with radiofrequency ablation procedures.
Genetic details, optimization and phage life histories

Optimality models assume that phenotypes evolve by natural selection largely independently of underlying genetic mechanisms. This neglect of genetic mechanisms is considered an advantage by some evolutionary biologists but a fatal flaw by others. The controversy has gone unresolved, in part, from a lack of complex phenotypes that meet optimality criteria and for which the underlying genetic mechanisms are known. Here, we look at both perspectives for lysis time in bacteriophages. We find that the basic assumptions of the optimality model are compatible with the genetic details, but the optimality model is limited in its ability to accommodate lysis time plasticity because the mechanistic underpinnings of plasticity are poorly known.
Thymosin β4 increases hair growth by activation of hair follicle stem cells

Thymosin beta4, a 43-amino acid polypeptide that is an important mediator of cell migration and differentiation, also promotes angiogenesis and wound healing. Here, we report that thymosin beta4 stimulates hair growth in normal rats and mice. A specific subset of hair follicular keratinocytes in mouse skin expresses thymosin beta4 in a highly coordinated manner during the hair growth cycle. These keratinocytes originate in the hair follicle bulge region, a niche for skin stem cells. Rat vibrissa follicle clonogenic keratinocytes, closely related, if not identical, to the bulge-residing stem cells, were isolated and their migration and differentiation increased in the presence of nanomolar concentrations of thymosin beta4. Expression and secretion of the extracellular matrix-degrading enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-2 were increased by thymosin beta4. Thus, thymosin beta4 accelerates hair growth, in part, due to its effect on critical events in the active phase of the hair follicle cycle, including promoting the migration of stem cells and their immediate progeny to the base of the follicle, differentiation, and extracellular matrix remodeling.
Back to the Trobriands: The Enduring Influence of Malinowski's Crime and Custom in Savage Society

Last year was the 75th anniversary of the publication of Bronislaw Malinowski's Crime and Custom in Savage Society. Rarely has such a little book had such a big intellectual influence. "Little" is, if anything, an understatement: xii + 129 pages, 41/ x 7", with large print and generous margins. And there can be no doubt of its influence. Until well after World War II almost every work of legal anthropology felt the need to cite it and take it on. Even now, it remains a core element of the legal anthropologist's basic literacy. Malinowski himself is, in our judgment, the single most important figure in the history of legal anthropology. He was the first to apply the ethnographic method to the study of social order. Before anyone else, he asked serious anthropological questions about the nature of law; the range of forms that law can assume; the strategies people employ in using, resisting, and responding to it; and the ways in which it can be studied. Legal anthropologists still ask these same questions. In fact, although Malinowski's theory of culture has fallen into disrepute and his reporting style now seems almost comically dated, most of the subsequent history of legal anthropology can be
Experiments on evolving software models of analog circuits

Analog circuits are of great importance in electronic system design since the world is fundamentally analog in nature. While the amount of digital design activity far outpaces that of analog design, most digital systems require analog modules for interfacing with the external world. It was recently estimated that approximately 60% of digital application- specific integrated circuit designs incorporated analog circuits. With challenging analog circuit design problems and few analog design engineers, there are economic reasons for automating the analog design process, especially time-to-market considerations. Techniques for analog circuit design automation began appearing about two decades ago. These methods incorporated heuristics [6], knowledge bases [1], simulated annealing [5], and other algorithms. Efforts using techniques from evolutionary computation began appearing over the last few years. These include the use of genetic algorithms to select electronic component values (for example, the resistance value of a resistor), to select circuit topologies, and to design amplifiers using a limited set of canned topologies [4]. A genetic programming-based analog circuit design system has been demonstrated in which the circuit sizes, component values, and the circuit topologies are determined automatically [3]. The genetic-algorithm systems typically represent circuit structures as vectors of parameters encoded in binary strings, while the genetic programming system manipulates tree data structures.
Perceptually Inspired Noise-Reduction Method for Binaural Hearing Aids

Different noise-reduction methods have been proposed in the literature for single and multiple-microphone applications. For binaural hearing aids, multiple-microphone noise-reduction methods offer two significant psycho-acoustical advantages with respect to the single-microphone methods. First, noise reduction strategies based on binaural processing (processing using the information received at the left and right ear) are more effective than using independent monaural processing because of the added information. Second, there is an user preference for noise reduction methods that preserve localization cues of both target and interfering signals. Although different multiple-microphone noise-reduction techniques have been proposed in the literature, only a small set is able to preserve the localization cues for both target and interfering signals. This paper proposes a binaural noise-reduction method that preserves the localization cues for both target and interfering signals. The proposed method is based on blind source separation (BSS) followed by a postprocessing technique inspired by a human auditory model. The performance of the proposed method is analyzed using objective and subjective measurements, and compared to existing binaural noise-reduction methods based on BSS and multichannel Wiener filter (MWF). Results show that for some scenarios and conditions, the proposed method outperforms on average the existing methods in terms of noise reduction and provides nearly similar sound quality.
Comment on “Pinning Strength Dependence of Mixed-State Hall Effect in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 Crystals with Columnar Defects”

A comment on the Letter by W. N. Kang et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 76, 2993 (1996). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
The Relationship between Adult Students' Instructional Technology Competency and Self-Directed Learning Ability in an Online Course

Abstract The main purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between adult students' self-directed learning (SDL) ability and instructional technology (IT) competency in an online course. The study also investigated motivation and learning strategies that the students used to learn IT. The research involved surveying 198 continuing education professionals who took online courses at a large Midwest state university. The results indicate a statistically significant positive correlation between SDL ability and IT competency in students with above average SDL ability. The results also indicate that motivation is an important factor for learning technology in an online course regardless of the students' SDL ability. Additionally, the results show that students with higher level of SDL ability are likely to exhibit higher level of self-efficacy for learning and performance, and higher level of effort regulation.
Molecular dissection of guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor function in vivo. Rab-independent binding to membranes and role of Rab recycling factors.

Guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) is an essential protein required for the recycling of Rab GTPases mediating the targeting and fusion of vesicles in the exocytic and endocytic pathways. Using site-directed mutagenesis of yeastGDI1, we demonstrate that amino acid residues required for Rab recognition in vitro are critical for function in vivo in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Analysis of the effects of Rab-binding mutants on function in vivo reveals that only a small pool of recycling Rab protein is essential for growth, and that the rates of recycling of distinct Rabs are differentially sensitive to GDI. Furthermore, we find that membrane association of Gdi1p is Rab-independent. Mutant Gdi1 proteins unable to bind Rabs were able to associate with cellular membranes as efficiently as wild-type Gdi1p, yet caused a striking loss of the endogenous cytosolic Gdi1p-Rab pools leading to dominant inhibition of growth when expressed at levels of the normal, endogenous pool. These results demonstrate a potential role for a new recycling factor in the retrieval of Rab-GDP from membranes, and illustrate the importance of multiple effectors in regulating GDI function in Rab delivery and retrieval from membranes.
The fusion of dorsal and ventral endocardial cushions in the embryonic chick heart: A study in fine structure

Fusion of atrioventricular endocardial cushions begins during Hamburger-Hamilton stage 27 and is completed during stage 28 (5 to 6 days incubation age). Connective tissue cells of these cushions are derived from the proliferating endocardial cell layer. The character of the organelles in cells of these cushions changes progressively as the cushions approach, meet and fuse: granular endoplasmic reticulum accumulates; Golgi complexes become extensive, and nuclei develop irregular shapes. These occur first in the connective tissue cells of the cardiac jelly and later in the endocardial cells. Fusion apparently is accomplished by liberation of the endocardial endothelial cells into the cardiac jelly, where, along with pre-existing connective tissue cells, they become cells of the membranous interventricular septum. Gradually the cells appear to merge into one morphological population and thus become indistinguishable from each other. Both endocardial cells and connective tissue cells exhibit uptake of tritiated thymidine and undergo mitosis before, during and after fusion of the cushions. An outstanding characteristic of these cells is their continuing vitality throughout the entire process of fusion.
An Analysis of NMC's Nested Grid Model Forecasts of Alberta Clippers

Abstract Forecasts of Alberta Clipper–type cyclones defined as cyclones that move southeastward from regions of western Canada into south-central Canada or the north-central United States before moving eastward to the coast of North America, were studied using the National Meteorological Center's Nested Grid Model (NGM). All available NGM forecasts between 1 January 1988 and 31 December 1992, excluding the months of June, July, and August, were analyzed. The 5-yr sample included 59 Alberta Clippers. For each cast, the cyclone center position and central pressure were recorded for the NGM's initialization (0 h) and for 12-, 24-, 36-, and 48-h forecasts for each available run. Average cyclone position errors ranged from 140 km, with a standard deviation of 183 km at 12 h, to 339 km, with a standard deviation of 407 km at 48 h. Average central pressure errors ranged from 0.0 hPa, with a standard deviation of 2.5 hPa at 12 h, to 1.0 hPa, with a standard deviation of 5.7 hPa at 48 h. East of 84.0°W, cyclones v...
Fusion energy conversion in magnetically confined plasma reactors

Abstract One of the most pressing problems of this century is to solve the energy supply problem and in particular the development of fusion energy technology. Fusion powers the Sun and stars, but on Earth is difficult to achieve in a controlled manner. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is the most technologically advanced machine where net energy from fusion is envisaged to be produced. But this will not be easy, since there are still open issues of plasma confinement, reactor materials, fuel supply, and heat removal. Efficient conversion of fusion energy into the thermal energy in a thermonuclear reactor is, therefore, of great technological relevance and in this paper the energy conversion in magnetically confined plasma reactors is addressed. The chamber wall surrounding the plasma is built from the plasma facing components and from the blanket and divertor modules where the fusion energy is converted into the thermal energy, tritium is produced, and the external components of the chamber are shielded from radiation. The useful materials for building the chamber wall components are low neutron activation steels, refractory metal alloys, and carbon fibre and silicon carbide reinforced composites. The suitable coolants of these components are high pressure helium gas and lithium-based liquid metals and molten salts, where the latter can also serve as tritium breeders. Some of these components will be tested in ITER and eventually may be employed for building demonstration fusion power plants envisaged to become operational during the second half of this century. High performance fusion energy conversion concepts being investigated include: Solid and liquid breeder blankets, separately cooled blankets and tritium breeders, high velocity helium jets for cooling plasma facing components, liquid metals flowing along the solid and through the porous metal walls facing the plasma, liquid metals and molten salts flowing through electrically insulated and non-insulated channels of blankets, and liquid metal heat pipes incorporated into the blankets and divertors for augmenting heat removal and achieving high thermal energy conversion efficiencies. The current fusion-to-thermal energy conversion technologies are, however, in an early stage of development and require reduced-activation, long life operation at high temperatures, resistance to plasma disruptions, and low fusion fuel retention materials, and innovative tritium breeding and heat removal concepts for building simple, reliable, safe, and efficient fusion energy technology.
Angiotensin I–Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism and Salt Sensitivity in Essential Hypertension

Abstract We undertook the present study in 66 Japanese patients with essential hypertension to identify genetic factors associated with salt sensitivity. Patients were classified into salt-sensitive or salt-resistant groups on the basis of changes in their mean blood pressures from a week of a low salt diet (50 mmol/d) to a week of a high salt diet (340 mmol/d). Salt sensitivity and resistance were studied in relation to a 287-bp insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin I–converting enzyme gene detected by a polymerase chain reaction method and the haptoglobin phenotype determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Patients with the angiotensin I–converting enzyme gene genotype II were more apt to be salt sensitive than patients with the ID and DD genotypes, although plasma renin activity was similar in each group. The frequency of the I allele in the salt-sensitive group was significantly higher than that in the salt-resistant group (χ 2 =7.4, odds ratio=2.78). However, there was no significant relationship between haptoglobin phenotype and salt sensitivity. These data suggest that an I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin I–converting enzyme gene is a genetic factor associated with salt sensitivity of blood pressure independently of plasma renin activity in Japanese patients with essential hypertension.
Theory of anomalous resistivity associated with structural phase transitions in IV-VI compounds

A theoretical description of electrical-resistivity anomalies associated with structural phase transitions of IV-VI compound semiconductors is presented, taking account of interband electron---soft-TO-phonon scattering. The sublattice displacement and rhombohedral strain in the low-temperature phase are calculated within the framework of a self-consistent mean-field theory, with emphasis on the effect of electron-phonon couplings. The resistivity due to the scattering of free carriers from acoustic phonons and optic phonons is examined, including the carrier transfer among the four valleys due to valley splitting below the transition temperature (${T}_{c}$). The theoretical calculations of electrical resistivity as well as order parameters are in good accord with data on $p$-type SnTe at the quantitative level.
Weight and crash optimization of foam-filled three-dimensional “S” frame

The optimization process with the target of minimum weight design of a foam-filled three-dimensional thin-walled S frame under the prescribed values of stiffness and energy absorption was formulated and solved. A distinctive feature of the present approach is that the response function is given as an analytical expression. Three design parameters were introduced in this study, which are the width of the column wall, gauge thickness, and the relative foam density. The sequential quadratic programming (SQP) was employed to find the optimum design variables and the necessary calculation can be completed within a few minutes. Comparing with the optimized empty S frames, about 75% increase in the specific energy absorption was achieved for the aluminum foam-filled S frames. All the analytical solution and the optimization results were verified with the confirmation runs made by commercial FE code PAM-CRASH. The error was within 6%. It was observed that least weight is achieved with a low relative foam density (of an order of 5%) and a thin gauge outer shell. Also, the cross-sectional dimensions b×b are realistic from the packaging point of view (for example, 90 mm × 90 mm). The present methodology can be used as a valuable tool in the early stage of crash-oriented car body design.