cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Multiprocessor Memory Systems Using Off-Line Optimal Behavior

In recent years, much effort has been devoted to analyzing the performance of distributed memory systems for multiprocessors. Such systems usually consist of a set of memories or caches, some device such as a bus or switch to connect the memories and processors, and a policy for determining when to put which addressable objects in which memories. In attempting to evaluate such systems, it has generally proven difficult to separate the performance implications of the hardware architecture from those of the policy that controls the hardware (whether implemented in software or hardware). In this paper we describe the use of off-line optimal analysis to achieve this separation. Using a trace-driven dynamic programming algorithm, we compute the policy decisions that would maximize overall memory system performance for a given program execution. The result allows us to eliminate the artifacts of any arbitrarily chosen policy when evaluating hardware performance, and provides a baseline against which to compare the performance of particular, realizable, policies. We illustrate this technique in the context of software-controlled page migration and replication, and argue for its applicability to other forms of multiprocessor memory management. (A revised version of this paper appeared in JPDC (Special Issue, Multiproessor Memory Systems), August 1992.)
Nasotemporal asymmetries in V1: ocular dominance columns of infant, adult, and strabismic macaque monkeys.

To quantify asymmetries of input from the two eyes into each cerebral hemisphere, we measured ocular dominance column (ODC) widths and areas in the striate visual cortex (area V1) of macaque monkeys. Ocular dominance stripes in layer 4C were labeled by using transneuronal transport of intraocularly injected wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) or cytochrome oxidase (CO) histochemistry, after deafferentation of one eye or even by leaving afferent input intact. In infant monkey aged 4 and 8 weeks, ocular dominance stripes labeled by WGA-HRP appeared adultlike with smooth, sharply defined borders. In normal infant and normal adult macaque, ocular dominance stripes driven by the nasal retina (i.e., contralateral eye) were consistently wider than stripes driven by the temporal retina (i.e., ipsilateral eye). Asymmetries in the percentage of area V1 driven by nasal vs. temporal ODCs showed a similar "nasal bias": in infant macaque, approximately 58% of ODCs in V1 were driven by nasal retina, and in adult macaque approximately 57%. The asymmetries tended to be slightly smaller in opercular V1 and greater in calcarine V1. "Spontaneous" ocular dominance stripes were revealed by CO staining of V1 in a naturally strabismic monkey and in a monkey made strabismic by early postnatal alternating monocular occlusion. In these animals, ocular dominance stripes and CO blobs corresponding to the nasal retina stained more intensely for CO in both the right and left V1. ODC spacing and the nasotemporal asymmetry in ODC width and area were similar in strabismic and normal monkeys. Our results in normal monkeys extend the observations of previous investigators and verify that nasotemporal inputs to opercular and calcarine V1 are unequal, with a consistent bias favoring inputs from the nasal retina. The CO results in strabismic macaque suggest that the nasal ODC bias promotes interocular suppression when activity in neighboring ODCs is decorrelated by abnormal binocular experience in infancy.
A recent innovation, ‘cooperative’ negotiation can promote early and efficient settlement through joint case management

A new way of negotiating could provide a refuge for attorneys tired of the litigation mindset, and produce more control and better results. John Lande, of Columbia, Mo., provides the details on Cooperative practice.
Emerging viral infections and arthritis: the role of the rheumatologist.

The increase in viral epidemics leading to arthritis is evident. In his Viewpoint, Dr Calabrese discusses the role of the rheumatologist in the evaluation of ill travelers returning from exotic lands.
Frank's Place: Coming Home to a Place We'd Never Been Before

The author discusses the power of reminiscence and one's ability to "remember" a place never visited; the challenges of engaging the social issues, the blend of comedy and drama, the setting, and the central point of view in Frank's Place; and the show's precipitous demise.Frank's Place is one of the best prototypes for the range and texture possible in the portrayal of African Americans in television history.
Gotcha! Catching Kids During Mindless Reading

The purpose of the current study was to examine the mindless reading behavior of children. Across two studies, 2nd-grade students read passages while their eye movements were monitored. Trained raters then identified mindless reading behaviors from the eye movement records. Several important findings emerged. We were able to reliably identify mindless reading behavior in children using eye-tracking methodology, which was characterized by shorter gaze durations and total time, more skipping, and in general a more erratic reading pattern than on-task reading behavior. On the other hand, on-task reading behavior was characterized by an increase in fixations and regressions, especially intraword regressions. Word frequency effects were attenuated during mindless reading. In addition, the children who engaged in mindless reading had weaker reading achievement profiles compared to children who read the entire passage.
A 14,000yr paleoenvironmental record from Windmill Lake, Central Alaska: Lateglacial and Holocene vegetation in the Alaska range

Abstract A 14,000 yr high-resolution pollen and lake-level record from Windmill Lake in central Alaska provides new evidence for the Late Pleistocene and Holocene paleoenvironments of this region. At 14,000 14 C yr BP, sparse herb tundra and low lake-levels indicate a cold, arid environment. About 11,800 14 C yr BP, the vegetation abruptly shifted to a shrub tundra and lake-levels increased, suggesting warmer and more mesic conditions. Ca 10,500–10,200 14 C yr BP, herbaceous taxa increased at the expense of the shrubs, suggesting a transient episode of climatic deterioration nearly contemporaneous with the Younger Dryas chronozone. By 8000 14 C yr BP, spruce was present in the watershed and alder grew locally by 6500 14 C yr BP. The AMS radiocarbon chronology indicates later expansions of Betula , Picea , and Alnus than at most sites in central Alaska, which are conventionally dated.
Intraspecific parasitism and nest-site competition in wood ducks

Abstract We investigated the behavioural mechanisms and adaptive significance of intraspecific brood parasitism in wood ducks, Aix sponsa, by observing a colour-marked population in northeastern Illinois for seven breeding seasons (1989–1995). The birds nested in boxes that were dispersed widely and mounted high on tree trunks, mimicking the distribution and locations of natural nesting cavities. During 158 mornings of observation, 103 parasitic eggs were laid: 44 (43%) by females that had nested in the population previously and 59 (57%) by new recruits. Parasitism was a facultative behaviour, and its occurrence varied with a female's age and contents of the box in which she had previously nested. Returning females (2–7 years old) usually laid again in last year's box, even if another female already was laying there. Each female behaved as if the box were hers. Indeed, jointly nesting females behaved so similarly that it was impossible to differentiate the ‘host’ from the ‘parasite’. Eventually one of these females was forced to depart, often after a fight. In 66% of cases the earlier-arriving female prevailed. Displaced females left behind eggs that were ‘parasitic’ in the definitional sense (i.e. incubated by another female), but parasitism actually was a consequence of being evicted from a favoured nestbox. Displaced females usually laid and incubated a complete clutch in a nearby box; the following year, they again attempted to nest in the box they had used initially. New recruits to the population were younger (1–2 years old), and they often did not nest. However, they did search widely for nesting cavities. When a new recruit found a suitable site that contained an active nest, she sometimes laid a few parasitic eggs there and, in subsequent seasons, attempted to nest in the box she had parasitized. Natal females often returned to and laid in the box from which they hatched, unless it was occupied by their mother. Adult females also actively avoided parasitizing close kin. In general, a nest cavity that was previously used successfully may be worth returning to, and fighting for, because its location is known and its quality has been proven. Scarcity of preferred nesting sites is probably the key ecological factor underlying all four unusual reproductive behaviours that characterize female wood ducks and other cavity-nesting waterfowl: natal philopatry, nest-site fidelity, aggressive competition for nest sites and high levels of intraspecific parasitism.
Vortex solitons in a rotating fluid within a non-uniform tube

Abstract For analyzing forced axisymmetric flow of a non-uniformly rotating, inviscid and incompressible fluid within a long tube of slowly varying radius, a theoretical model called the forced Korteweg-de Vries (fKdV) equation with variable coefficients is derived to calculate the amplitude function of the Stokes stream function. When the fluid system is placed under forcing by axisymmetric disturbance steadily moving with a transcritical velocity, new numerical results of flow streamlines are presented to show that well-defined axisymmetrical recirculating eddies can be periodically produced and sequentially emitted to radiate upstream of the disturbance, becoming permanent in form as a procession of vortex solitons. The Rankine vortex and the Burgers vortex are adopted as two primary flows to exemplify this phenomenon and it is shown that flow with a highly centralized axial vorticity is more effective in producing upstream-radiating vortex solitons.
Performability-based fleet sizing in a material handling system

This research examines the problem of determining the optimal fleet size for fixed-path material handling systems on the bases of performance and reliability, simultaneously. In this paper, a regression model is developed to study the relationships among various material handling system design characteristics (fleet size, guide path layout, and number of P/D stations, vehicle speed and failure rates, guide path intersection failure rates, and P/D station failure rates) and performability, measured as the average number of material moves between failures (MBF). The regression model highlights the important relationships between the selected factors and performability, and may be used to determine the performability-based optima for the controllable design characteristics.
Jot devices and the Quanta Image Sensor

The Quanta Image Sensor (QIS) concept and recent work on its associated jot device are discussed. A bipolar jot and a pump-gate jot are described. Both have been modelled in TCAD. As simulated, the pump-gate jot has a full well of 200e- and conversion gain of 480uV/e-.
Transverse cracking of M40J/PMR-II-50 composites under thermal-mechanical loading Part I -Characterization of main and interaction effects using statistical design of experiments

In this study, a novel conduction heating-based thermal cycling apparatus combined with large deflection bending is developed and utilized to identify the critical controlling parameters for microcracking of (90/0)1s, M40J/ PMR-II-50 high modulus carbon fiber/polyimide composite laminate under synergistic environmental conditions. The synergistic test involves four controlling parameters namely, average in-plane mechanical strains (0 and 0.488%), thermal cycling temperature amplitudes (� 196-23 � C and � 196-250 � C), number of thermal cycles (1 and 8), and heating rate (1 and 4 � C/min). The 2 k factorial design is used for the four factors to provide their quantitative primary and interaction effects on crack density with a minimum number of experiments. The experimental results indicate that the number of thermal cycles is the primary controlling factor (41%), while the thermal cycling temperature amplitude (25%) or the in-plane strain (22%) is the secondary factor. The number of thermal cycles also exhibits a significant interaction effect on the development of microcracks when it was combined with either the temperature amplitude of thermal cycling (7%) or mechanical in-plane strain (5%).
Photoaffinity labeling of thyroid hormone receptors

Photoaffinity label probes of iodothyronines can interact with nuclear receptors in intact cells and in solubilized receptor preparations. These probes have certain advantages over a chemical affinity label in analyzing receptor structure. First, a photoaffinity label probe covalently cross-links only after photoactivation. Therefore, it is possible to demonstrate with appropriate competitive inhibition studies that the photoaffinity label probe associates with the receptor in question. Secondly, since cross-linking only occurs after photolysis, it is possible to adjust the concentration of the photoaffinity label to maximize association with "specific" binding sites relative to "non-specific" associations prior to covalent linkage by photoactivation. The different [125I]iodothyronine-PAL analogues may be useful as probes of the thyroid hormone receptor binding domain since PAL compounds with different affinities for receptor may photocouple to different receptor residues within or proximate to the hormone binding region. These probes may also be useful as an adjunct to receptor purification and in probing the organization of the receptor in chromatin. Lastly, they may provide insights into possible alterations of receptor structure in patients with partial end organ resistance to thyroid hormone (Refetoff et al., 1967; Eil et al., 1982).
Food additives, contaminants, and cancer

Abstract No measurable contribution to the total cancer incidence by intentional food additives, processing agents, pesticides, and packaging materials in current use in the United States and other developed countries has yet been demonstrated epidemiologically. There is no evidence to the contrary in man. On the other hand, the contribution of naturally occurring contaminants may play a significant role in the origin of cancer in developing and particularly tropical countries. It is impossible to provide a quantitative estimate of this, but such figures might be obtained with added research. The role of carcinogens arising from cooking procedures or of natural origin again has not been estimated. Unlike the intentional additives these have not been controlled and levels are still not known. Doubtless many more remain to be discovered. It is conceivable that elimination of the higher nitrite levels of the past and establishment of better methods of food hygiene resulting in less natural contamination may have contributed to the current decrease in gastric cancer incidence particularly obvious in the United States.
Accelerated partial breast irradiation using once-daily fractionation: analysis of 312 cases with four years median follow-up

There are limited data on accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using external beam techniques. Moreover, there are recent reports of increased fibrosis and unacceptable cosmesis with APBI using external beam with BID fractionation. We adopted a once daily regimen of APBI with fractionation similar to that shown to be effective in a Canadian randomized trial of whole breast irradiation. It is unclear whether patients with DCIS or invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) are suitable for APBI. The retrospective cohort included 310 patients with 312 tumors of T1-T2N0-N1micM0 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), ILC, or Tis (DCIS) treated with APBI via external beam. Most patients were treated using IMRT with 16 daily fractions of 270 cGy to a dose of 4320 cGy. The target volume included the lumpectomy cavity plus 1.0 cm to account for microscopic disease and an additional 0.5 to 1.0 cm for setup uncertainty and breathing motion. Ipsilateral breast failure (IBF) was pathologically confirmed as a local failure (LF) or an elsewhere failure (EF). Median follow-up was 49 months. Among the 312 cases, 213 were IDC, 31 ILC, and 68 DCIS. Median tumor size was 1.0 cm. There were 9 IBFs (2.9%) including 5 LFs and 4 EFs. The IBF rates among patients with IDC, ILC, and DCIS were 2.4%, 3.2%, and 4.4%, respectively, with no significant difference between histologies. When patients were analyzed by the ASTRO APBI consensus statement risk groups, 32% of treated cases were considered suitable, 50% cautionary, and 18% unsuitable. The IBF rates among suitable, cautionary, and unsuitable patients were 4.0%, 2.6%, and 1.8%, respectively, with no significant difference between risk groups. Acute skin reactions were rare and long-term cosmetic outcome was very good to excellent. External beam APBI with once daily fractionation has a low rate of IBF consistent with other published APBI studies. The ASTRO risk stratification did not differentiate a subset of patients with a higher rate of IBF. APBI may be an appropriate treatment for women with DCIS and ILC.
Sequence-dependent effects on DNA stability resulting from guanosine replacements by inosine.

The effect of replacing a G.C base-pair with an I.C base-pair on DNA stability was investigated for a related set of 14-mers. DNA melting analysis of the 14-mers was used to determine delta Hzero, delta Szero and delta G(zero)37 of the double to single stranded transition. All 14mers were shown to have B-DNA character by circular dichroism analysis. 14mers substituted with a single inosine in place of guanosine at different positions showed that consequences on DNA stability are sequence-dependent. Large changes in delta Hzero and delta Szero result when inosine is substituted within the trinucleotide sequence d(TCG).d(CGA) while substitution within d(TCC).d(GGA) causes minor changes in enthalpy and entropy. Moreover, some 14-mers with two inosine substitutions five base-pairs apart showed non-additive free energy changes for the double to single stranded transition. These results clearly indicate that the structural consequences of replacing a single guanosine with an inosine are transmitted over a significant distance.
Correlation of omega-3 fatty acids intakes with acculturation and socioeconomic status in midwestern Latinas.

Background Low socioeconomic status (SES) and acculturation of Latino immigrants in the U.S. are linked to a decrease in diet quality. Methods Interviews were conducted with 162 firstgeneration Latinas to examine the association of SES and acculturation with intake of omega-3 (n − 3) fatty acids. Each participant provided dietary intake by use of a validated n − 3 food frequency questionnaire administered twice, 4 weeks apart, three 24-h recalls, sociodemographic information and completed the 5-item Short Acculturation Scale. Results Mean intakes of Total n − 3, α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (g/d) were 1.2 ± 0.7, 1.1 ± 0.6, and 0.1 ± 0.1, respectively. After adjusting for energy intake, education was significantly correlated with EPA + DHA intakes, and acculturation was significantly correlated with Total n − 3, ALA and EPA + DHA intakes. Foods sources of EPA + DHA eaten by at least 50% of participants were chicken, shrimp, tuna and eggs. Discussion Given the beneficial cardiovascular effects of n − 3 fatty acids, it is important to understand sociocultural factors affecting adequate intake towards an improvement in diet quality in minorities.
Non-Native Plant Invasion of the Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaiian Islands hold a unique geographic position that has resulted in plant species with remarkable evolutionary adaptations to island life as well as the highest proportion of plant endemism (90%) in the world. Polynesians and Europeans significantly reduced the extent of native vegetation types, and Europeans introduced non-native plants that have become highly invasive. The Hawaiian Islands have been extremely susceptible to invasion due to the fact that they are oceanic islands; they contain low intensities of competition; they have altered disturbance regimes; and a relatively short time has passed since non-native plant introductions, suggesting that the situation can only get worse. African grasses, Leucaena leucocephala, Psidium sp., Miconia calvescens, and Schinus terebinthifolius, are some of the most aggressive invasive plant species in the Hawaiian Islands. Species databases, remote sensing methods, and geographic information system analyses are currently being developed and will be extremely important for identifying the extent and threat of invasive plants. The three main methods of invasive plant removal include manual/mechanical removal, herbicide application, and biological controls. A number of federal, state, and non-profit organizations are involved with the management of invasive plant species in the Hawaiian Islands. However, much more attention must be paid to protecting some of the most unique and endangered ecosystems on the planet.
Impact of MCMs on system performance optimization

Presents a performance model for the University of Michigan MCM (multichip module)-based GaAs microcomputer. The model takes into account architectural as well as MCM packaging considerations such as the chip-to-substrate bonding method, the dielectric constant of the insulator, and the resistivity of the metal conductor. The authors illustrate the use of the model by finding the I-cache size which maximizes the MIPS (millions of instructions per second) rating for given MCM technology parameters. >
A compact VEGF signature associated with distant metastases and poor outcomes

Tumor metastases pose the greatest threat to a patient's survival, and thus, understanding the biology of disseminated cancer cells is critical for developing effective therapies. Microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze primary breast tumors, regional (lymph node) metastases, and distant metastases in order to identify biological features associated with distant metastases. When compared with each other, primary tumors and regional metastases showed statistically indistinguishable gene expression patterns. Supervised analyses comparing patients with distant metastases versus primary tumors or regional metastases showed that the distant metastases were distinct and distinguished by the lack of expression of fibroblast/mesenchymal genes, and by the high expression of a 13-gene profile (that is, the 'vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) profile') that included VEGF, ANGPTL4, ADM and the monocarboxylic acid transporter SLC16A3. At least 8 out of 13 of these genes contained HIF1α binding sites, many are known to be HIF1α-regulated, and expression of the VEGF profile correlated with HIF1α IHC positivity. The VEGF profile also showed prognostic significance on tests of sets of patients with breast and lung cancer and glioblastomas, and was an independent predictor of outcomes in primary breast cancers when tested in models that contained other prognostic gene expression profiles and clinical variables. These data identify a compact in vivo hypoxia signature that tends to be present in distant metastasis samples, and which portends a poor outcome in multiple tumor types. This signature suggests that the response to hypoxia includes the ability to promote new blood and lymphatic vessel formation, and that the dual targeting of multiple cell types and pathways will be needed to prevent metastatic spread.
Ultrashort Electron-pulse Probing of Integrated Circuits

The performance of devices and circuits is advancing at a rapid pace with the advent of submicron design ground rules and sub-50 ps switching times. The requirements to probe the internal nodes of these ultrafast, ultrasmall, and ultradense circuits give rise to great challenges for high-speed electron-beam testing. In this paper, we review the steps which have allowed electron beam testing to achieve simultaneously: 5 ps temporal resolution, 0·1 wm spot size and 3 mV/ iHz voltage sensitivity. The resulting newly developed instrument, called the picosecond photoelectron scanning electron microscope (PPSEM), is capable of measuring the state-of-the-art bipolar and FET circuits, as shown in this paper.
Seasonal Frost Effects on the Dynamic Properties of Soil-Foundation-Structure Interaction System

It has been observed that the environmental variables including temperature and seasonal frozen soil could significantly influence the soil-foundation-structure interaction (SFSI) and seismic response of infrastructures in cold regions. This paper presents the results of more than one year’s monitoring and analysis of the effects of environmental variables on the dynamic properties of a selected bridge system in Anchorage, Alaska. The seismic instrumentation of the selected bridge is described in details. The ambient noises, traffic induced vibrations, and earthquake ground motions have been recorded by these instruments for a time period spanning from November 1, 2004 to December 25, 2005. Based upon these data, the dynamic properties of the bridge, including modal frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios have been identified by System Identification method. The fundamental frequency of the bridge is found to vary 15% due to environmental impacts within one year. The environmental variables recorded from a nearby meteorological station are used to obtain the temperature and estimate the frozen soil depth for modeling purpose. A multiple-input Auto-Regressive (ARX) model for structural health monitoring was built and used to predict the dynamic properties for two scenario cases. The results show that the environmental variables including air temperature and seasonal frozen soil can significantly affect the dynamic properties and hence the seismic behavior of a bridge structure and seasonal frozen soil changes the stiffness of the bridge foundation system. Further investigation is required for better
Globalization of the actions of the Lie symmetries of nonlinear wave equations with dissipation

The classification of the Lie point symmetries of the nonlinear wave equations with dissipation give a generic case and eight special cases. In this article we show that in seven of the eight cases the action of the Lie symmetries can be globalized via induced representations of a family of solvable Lie groups. In one special case, we show that the action of the Lie symmetries can be globalized by using an induced representation of \(\mathrm{GL}(2,R)\).
Environment of Deposition of an Eocene Lignite-Bearing Sedimentary Sequence in Northeast Rusk County, Texas: ABSTRACT

The stratigraphy and environment of deposition of the undivided Wilcox Group (lower Eocene) and Carrizo Formation (Eocene) were studied in an 88 km2 (34 mi2) area in northeastern Rusk County, Texas. Seven cores and 300 borehole logs were used in the study. The undivided Wilcox Group is the predominant geologic unit in the study area and consists of poorly lithified, interlaminated sandstones, siltstones, claystones, and lignite seams. Lignite seams range in thickness from 0.1 to 2.2 m (4 in. to 7 ft) and are conformable with the overlying and underlying strata. Subtle coarsening-upward sequences, 1.8-31.3 m (6-103 ft) thick, occur between lignite seams; however, the individual sandstone units, 0.3-1.8 m (4 in.-6 ft) thick, within these sequences fine upward. The fine-grained rocks of the Wilcox Group are overlain unconformably by well-sorted, medium to coarse-grained sandstones of the Carrizo Formation. The small-scale sedimentary structures, fine-grain size, and matrix-rich nature of the undivided Wilcox units are characteristic of fluvial overbank deposits. Peat beds probably accumulated in interchannel swamps on a lower alluvial plain, distal from overbank discharge. As streams meandered across the area, overbank discharge buried the swamps. The coarsening-upward sequences between lignite seams indicate overbank deposition from a prograding stream. Swamps were reestablished as the stream was abandoned or migrated away. Fining-upward trends in grain size and the upward decrease in scale of sedimentary structures indicate the Carriz Formation was deposited in fluvial channels. End_of_Article - Last_Page 463------------
Coping in later years: the reconciliation of opposites.

A developmental approach to mobilizing the energies of the elderly is presented. The confrontation of opposites—the aging self versus the social valuation of aging—is discussed as a means of freeing unused energies. Varying combinations and intermixtures of opposite values are hypothesized. Clinical and preventive applications are suggested.
The UCSC Known Genes

The University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Known Genes dataset is constructed by a fully automated process, based on protein data from Swiss-Prot/TrEMBL (UniProt) and the associated mRNA data from Genbank. The detailed steps of this process are described. Extensive cross-references from this dataset to other genomic and proteomic data were constructed. For each known gene, a details page is provided containing rich information about the gene, together with extensive links to other relevant genomic, proteomic and pathway data. As of July 2005, the UCSC Known Genes are available for human, mouse and rat genomes. The Known Genes serves as a foundation to support several key programs: the Genome Browser, Proteome Browser, Gene Sorter and Table Browser offered at the UCSC website. All the associated data files and program source code are also available. They can be accessed at http://genome.ucsc.edu. The genomic coverage of UCSC Known Genes, RefSeq, Ensembl Genes, H-Invitational and CCDS is analyzed. Although UCSC Known Genes offers the highest genomic and CDS coverage among major human and mouse gene sets, more detailed analysis suggests all of them could be further improved. Contact: fanhsu@soe.ucsc.edu
Assessing the Influence of Familial Paternalism on Child Neglect Sentencing Decisions

Familial responsibilities have been found to significantly reduce the severity of sentencing outcomes of defendants in the criminal court. Additional research also has suggested that this leniency might be contingent on the type of offense, with defendants who commit crimes which imply that they are unfit parents (e.g., drug offenses) not receiving a significant reduction in their likelihood of incarceration. Utilizing familial paternalism as the theoretical basis, the current study examines whether having children influences the sentences of defendants charged with forms of criminal child neglect. The findings indicate that having children does result in significantly reduced odds of incarceration for defendants charged with child neglect. These findings support the arguments set forth by familial paternalism. However, they do not support the inference that defendants convicted of child neglect are presumed to be unfit parents. Implication of these results and directions for future research are discussed.
Node synchronization for minimizing delay and energy consumption in low-power-listening MAC protocols

Low-power-listening MAC protocols were designed to reduce idle listening, a major source of energy consumption in energy starved wireless sensor networks. Low-power-listening is a MAC strategy that allows nodes to sleep for ti s (the ldquointer-listeningrdquo time) when there is no activity concerning them. It follows that a node has to occupy the medium for at least ti s to guarantee that its destination will probe the channel at some point during the transmission. Low-power-listening protocols have evolved with the introduction of new radios, and the most recent contributions propose to interrupt communication between the sender and the receiver after the data packet has been successfully received and acknowledged. This results in significant energy savings because a sending node does not need to send for full ti periods. We propose a new and simple approach to synchronize nodes on a slowly changing routing tree so that energy consumption is further reduced at the sending node, and the delay is considerably less. Our method allows the nodes to use a lower duty cycle, at no cost of overhead in most cases. Simulation and implementation results show that energy consumption can be reduced by a significant factor (dependant on ti) and delay by at least 18%.
Interaction effects of Allium spp. residues, concentrations and soil temperature on seed germination of four weedy plant species

Soilin laboratory microcosmexperimentswas amendedwith dried and milledcrop residues of onion (Allium cepa L. cv. Mission) or garlic (A. sativa L. cv. California Early). The amendments, along with the additional factors of amendment concentration (0, 1 or 3% (w/w)) and soil temperature (23 or 39 8C), were evaluated with respect to germination of seeds of the weedy annual plants Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. (barnyardgrass), Portulaca oleracea L. (common purslane), Sisymbrium irio L. (London rocket) and Solanum nigrum L. (black nightshade). Deleterious effects of seed exposure to 39 8C versus 23 8C were demonstrated in ECHCG, POROL, and SSYIR; and to increasing amendment concentration and the [concentration temperature] interaction in all four plant species tested (P < 0.05). The effect of garlic versus onion amendment was significant only in SOLNI, where garlic residues demonstrated more herbistatic and/or herbicidal activity. The results of these experiments showed that the garlic and onion plant residues were capable of causing significant reductions in seed germination during their decomposition in soil, but only at elevated (39 8C versus23 8C)soiltemperature.Attheagriculturallevel, activity ofthese residuescould be exploited as a component of integrated weed management using appropriate crop sequencing, and may extend utility of soil heating treatments (e.g. solarization) for weed
The c-di-GMP Binding Protein YcgR Controls Flagellar Motor Direction and Speed to Affect Chemotaxis by a “Backstop Brake” Mechanism

We describe a mechanism of flagellar motor control by the bacterial signaling molecule c-di-GMP, which regulates several cellular behaviors. E. coli and Salmonella have multiple c-di-GMP cyclases and phosphodiesterases, yet absence of a specific phosphodiesterase YhjH impairs motility in both bacteria. yhjH mutants have elevated c-di-GMP levels and require YcgR, a c-di-GMP-binding protein, for motility inhibition. We demonstrate that YcgR interacts with the flagellar switch-complex proteins FliG and FliM, most strongly in the presence of c-di-GMP. This interaction reduces the efficiency of torque generation and induces CCW motor bias. We present a "backstop brake" model showing how both effects can result from disrupting the organization of the FliG C-terminal domain, which interacts with the stator protein MotA to generate torque. Inhibition of motility and chemotaxis may represent a strategy to prepare for sedentary existence by disfavoring migration away from a substrate on which a biofilm is to be formed.
Achieving exascale computing through hardware/software co-design

Several recent studies discuss potential Exascale architectures, identify key technical challenges and describe research that is beginning to address several of these challenges [1,2]. Co-design is a key element of the U.S. Department of Energy’s strategy to achieve Exascale computing [3]. Architectures research is needed but will not, by itself, meet the energy, memory, parallelism, locality and resilience hurdles facing the HPC community – system software and algorithmic innovation is needed as well. Since both architectures and software are expected to evolve significantly there is a potential to use the co-design methodology that has been developed by the embedded computing community. A new co-design methodology for high performance computing is needed.
Working the Image: Unearthing Aspects of Teachers’ Lives Through Arts-Engagement

This paper presents a research method and some of the results thereof that asked teachers to engage in a reflective arts inquiry. This inquiry led teachers to plumb the depths of their own unconscious and bring what lies beneath into conscious awareness, leading to deeper reflection and ontological knowing. The researchers suggest that such awareness leads to improvement of classroom life for teachers and their students.
Numerical Modelling and Laboratory Experiments on Underwater Sound Propagation Over a Shear Supporting Bottom

This paper describes a detailed comparison between a numerical model and an experiment of underwater sound propagation over a bottom which can support shear waves. The experiment was carried out at model scale in a large water tank, and measured the transmission loss, as a function of depth and range, in a water column above a geoacoustic model of the sediment and sub-bottom. The material used to model the sediment was an epoxy resin (cp= 2450 m/s, cs= 1120 m/s) overlying a concrete basement (cp= 3300 m/s, cs= 2100 m/s). The numerical model is based on normal mode theory, which incorporates the effect of shear in the sediment. Good agreement between the measurements and predictions were found at high frequencies, where the acoustic wavelength was much smaller than the water depth. However, at low frequencies the transmission loss was overpredicted. This error was attributed to the interface wave which was not included in the numerical prediction code.
Targeting K-Ras cancers

phase I clinical trial of erlotinib and nivolumab in patients with EGFR mutated tumors has been completed (10). The regimen was feasible and well tolerated with promising antitumor activity. A randomized phase III trials of an EGFR-TKI versus an EGFR-TKI with an immune checkpoint inhibitor has been launched. Similar preclinical evidence supports the evaluations of ALK-TKIs plus an immune checkpoint inhibitor (8). Phase I testing has begun. Immunotherapy combinations. Optimizing the immune system to attack tumors will require exploiting its diverse components. Employing a dual immune approach with antiPD-1 plus an antiCTLA-4 agents has been successful in treating advanced melanoma. In lung cancer phase III trials of PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors have been activated based on encouraging phase I data (12). Meanwhile, early phase trials evaluating immune checkpoint inhibitors with immune checkpoint agonists, cytokines, and vaccines are ongoing to determine the safest and most effective combinations. Overall we are optimistic that combination regimens that can harness the immune system together with tumor directed therapies will lead to improved clinical benefit. Continued pursuit of optimal combinations will however require increased insight into the complex interactions between the tumor, the immune response and pharmacological interventions.
Tridirectional typechecking

In prior work we introduced a pure type assignment system that encompasses a rich set of property types, including intersections, unions, and universally and existentially quantified dependent types. This system was shown sound with respect to a call-by-value operational semantics with effects, yet is inherently undecidable.In this paper we provide a decidable formulation for this system based on bidirectional checking, combining type synthesis and analysis following logical principles. The presence of unions and existential quantification requires the additional ability to visit subterms in evaluation position before the context in which they occur, leading to a tridirectional type system. While soundness with respect to the type assignment system is immediate, completeness requires the novel concept of contextual type annotations, introducing a notion from the study of principal typings into the source program.
Mental Balancing of Tradeoffs

The concept of tradeoffs, and how one may manage them, is one of the core issues addressed in much of operations literature. While much work has gone into answering how one should manage tradeoffs, there is significantly less understanding of how people actually manage them. Toward developing a positive theory of managing tradeoffs, the current article proposes that people, when faced with a tradeoff, employ mental balancing heuristic wherein they attempt to equate and thus minimize the “imbalance” between the costs/benefits associated with the specific tradeoff. Subsequently, the predictions of the proposed model are examined in three experimental studies.The results show that a significant fraction of participants make tradeoff choices predicted by mental balancing heuristic. Furthermore, such choices do not arise from any intrinsic preference for the outcome that has balanced costs compared to one which has the least costs, but appear to emerge from participants’ false belief that the heuristic solution is the same as the normatively optimal cost-minimizing solution. Lastly, a novel experimental design offers a more direct examination of a participant’s decision-making process (i.e., how the participants arrived at their tradeoff choices), and it is shown that mental balancing has a predictable and significant effect.
Internal Energy of Thermometer Ions Formed by Femtosecond Laser Desorption: Implications for Mass Spectrometric Imaging

Mass spectrometry (MS) imaging of biological samples would greatly benefit from improved lateral resolution and depth profiling which may be possible with femtosecond (fs), near-IR laser desorption microprobes to form ions directly in laser desorption ionization (fs-LDI) or via vacuum ultraviolet postionization (fs-LDPI). The use of fs-LDI-MS or fs-LDPI-MS for imaging, however, requires a determination of the magnitude of internal energy imparted by the ultrashort desorption pulse because the amount of internal energy determines the extent of ion fragmentation, and extensive fragmentation degrades MS imaging by complicating the mass spectra. This paper estimates internal energies imparted to 4-chlorobenzylpyridinium (CBP) thermometer ions desorbed from both simulated bacterial biofilms and bovine eye lens tissue samples by ∼75 fs, 800 nm laser pulses. Both direct ions and photoions formed by 10.5 eV single photon ionization of desorbed neutrals are analyzed by time-of-flight MS. Survival yields (SYs) of C...
OPTIMIZATION AND COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN METHODS USING A COMMON SET OF HANDLING-QUALITIES CRITERIA

Optimization and comparison of several alternative control system design methods against a common extensive set of dynamics response criteria is demonstrated using the Control Designer’s Unified Interface (CONDUIT). The alternative methods considered are Classical, LQR, Dynamic Inverse and H-infinity as applied to the design of lateral/directional control laws for a transport aircraft. From poor initial guesses for the design parameters of each alternative method, CONDUIT first achieved a feasible design space that satisfied the stability and handling qualities to the best (Level 1) criteria. Final controller tuning was accomplished to minimize the performance metrics of crossover frequency and actuator RMS, while maintaining the Level 1 design criteria. An important *Flight Control Technology Group Leader, Associate Fellow AIAA †Graduate Student ‡Research Scientist This paper is declared a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States finding of this research is that the alternative design methods optimized against a common set of design requirements yield controllers whose performance and stability robustness characteristics are quite similar to one another. A stronger discriminator than design method is the controller architecture (1 or 2 degree-offreedom), which plays an important role in determining the achievable design space. This research demonstrates the feasibility and emphasizes the need to analyze and optimize perspective control designs against a comprehensive set of design requirements. CONDUIT has proven to be an especially effective environment for this task. INTRODUCTION The design, integration, and flight test development of flight control systems factor significantly into the overall time and cost of aircraft development. By one estimate, over 25% of developmental flight testing hours for the UH-60 (BlackHawk) and RAH-66 (Comanche) helicopters were associated with flight control-related issues. With costs that reach $50K per flight test hour for a modern flight test facility, there remains a considerable premium on control law design
Store-operated Ca2+ channel in renal microcirculation and glomeruli.

Store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOC) is defined as a channel that opens in response to depletion of the internal Ca2+ stores. During the last decade, many investigators have made a great effort to ide...
Regional anesthesia for acute pain management in elderly patients

Normal aging is a process that involves loss of functional reserve of most organ systems of the human body, most significantly: cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal and nervous systems. Advancements in both surgery and anesthesia have made it possible to operate more safely on the elderly population and those older patients with multiple severe co-morbidities that were not routinely possible in the recent past. Regional anesthesiologist have proven to be instrumental in this regard as regional anesthetic/analgesic techniques may now permit surgeons to operate on the elderly who were not ideal surgical candidates or unable to tolerate general anesthesia. In addition, regional techniques provide alternatives that may optimize acute pain control and reduce the incidence of devastating side effects during the perioperative period such as: myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, and also increases the opportunity to allow for early ambulation and shorter hospital stays. These anesthetic options now provide the elderly patient with better medical care alternatives, but also can show a significant financial impact on health care system resources. Further understanding on aging molecular biology, physiology and pathophysiology, together with technical improvements of regional anesthetic techniques will continue to make it safer and more efficacious to operate on the elderly population with evidence of reduced morbidity and mortality. Although there is only anecdotal evidence that regional anesthesia(RA) improves survival, there is little doubt that RA plays an important role in perioperative optimization of pain control and decreases pain management complications as well as a reduction in healthcare costs. Beyond traditional operating rooms, elderly patients may increasingly benefit from RA and acute pain management in Emergency Rooms, medical clinics and even within a patient's home. Therefore, the focus of this review is directed toward geriatric patients and beneficial effects of RA on outcomes in the elderly.
Comparison of Salmonella typhimurium and Selected Facultative Chicken Cecal Bacteria Survivability after Specific Amino Acid-Limited Batch Growth.

The objective of this in vitro experimentation was to compare the survivability of Salmonella typhimurium strains and selected facultative chicken cecal bacteria after specific amino acid-limited growth on either serine, threonine, arginine, or aspartate. Survivability of Salmonella typhimurium and chicken cecal bacteria was estimated by measuring the rate of decrease of viable cell numbers and calculating the average time for 50% of the cells to become nonviable (50% survival time, ST50). Two S. typhimurium strains, LT2 and a primary poultry isolate (NO/NA), and three selected facultative chicken cecal bacteria, Citrobacter freundii , Escherichia coli and Escherichia fergusonii , were grown aerobically at 37°C to stationary phase on carbon-limited or nitrogen-limited minimal media. All organisms remained viable longer (P < 0.05) on serine media than on any of the other media tested. When serine was used as a nitrogen source in minimal media the ST50 of C. freundii and E. fergusonii were significantly longer than those of the two S. typhimurium strains. It appears that when media are limited in the same nutrient, the ability to sustain viability varies among facultative bacteria derived from the chicken cecum.