cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autonomic Healing of Model-Based Systems

Embedded computing is an area in which many of the self-* properties of autonomic systems are desirable. Model-based tools for designing embedded systems, while proven successful in many applications, are not yet applicable toward building autonomic or selfsustaining embedded systems. This is, in part, due to the domain-specific nature of modeling tools used to design and deploy embedded systems. The approach outlined in this paper uses a model-driven healing process to direct the system’s adaptation in such a way that the resulting system configurations satisfy their particular domain-specific needs. A method for reducing the computational complexity of this healing process is also given.
Recurrencia de la enfermedad hepática primaria después del trasplante hepático

Liver transplantation has become a standard option in the management of patients with end-stage liver disease. It is now evident that the most common etiology of long-term graft dysfunction is the recurrence of the primary liver disease. Autoimmune liver disorders such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis recur between 15 to 30% of the graft recipients. The clinical expression of this recurrence tends to be milder; the diagnosis is only established in many patients by fndings in the liver biopsy. This milder clinical expression may be due to the use of immunosuppressive therapy for the prevention of organ rejection and it may also be modulating immune mechanisms that underlie these conditions. The recurrence of hepatitis C virus infection is characterized by an accelerated progression towards cirrhosis and hepatic failure due to the lack of an effective immunoprophylaxis program and an effective antiviral therapy. The recurrence of hepatitis B is uncommon due to the availability on an effective immunoprophylaxis program with effective antiviral agents. The familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy is a genetic condition residing in the hepatocyte that produces a mutation of transthyretin; this abnormal protein is deposited in peripheral nerves, gastrointestinal tract, heart, and kidneys. The liver from these patients, apart from producing this abnormal protein, is otherwise normal, and has been used as an organ for recipients in dire need of a liver transplant, such as patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This approach is known as domino liver transplantation. As these recipients are followed long term, they may develop de novo amyloidosis. In summary, the underlying liver condition that led to endstage liver disease and liver transplantation may recur after liver transplantation. The clinical expression of the recurrence of the hepatic disease is modulated by the immunosuppression program unless we have an effective immunoprophylaxis and antiviral agents such as in hepatitis B.
Mass spectra of hydrocarbon byproducts in the formation of carbon blacks

Abstract Mass spectra have been taken of benzene extracts from two typical carbon blacks, under various ionising energies and ionisation chamber temperatures. The results broadly support previous studies, by other methods, in which fused-ring hydrocarbons were found to be the dominant constituents. A number of heretofore unobserved species are found in lesser quantities. Their identification is uncertain, but they seem likely to be alkanes, alkenes, dienes and other non-aromatics. Some species of large masses have been observed, extending up to about mass 646. They appear to be fused-ring hydrocarbons.
The problem of managing a strategic reserve

Abstract We develop a method of managing strategic reserves, in this case, the U.S. Strategic Cobalt Reserve. A rationale for the stockpiling of cobalt is presented, followed by a method for bringing the stockpiled amount from any level to a desired goal, in this case an amount determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to last through three years of conventional warfare. The method involves solving a stochastic programming problem in order to balance the expected values of the social benefit and the social cost of building the stockpile—Social benefit is accrued by decreasing the impact and the probability of a war or a major supply disruption occuring before the stockpile goal is realized; social cost is determined from the additional amount U.S. cobalt consumers must pay due to the increase in world demand brought about by stockpiling. The management of the filled stockpile is then discussed, introducing the idea of using the stockpile to assure stability in the world price of cobalt and of defraying maintenance costs by market speculation. Least-squares fitting is used to determine whether prices are high or low and how much to sell or buy, respectively, to bring prices back into line. Then the conditions under which the stockpile should be drawn down are considered, with the proper rate and total amount of released stockpile material determined for two cases, that of a major supply disruption and that of actual warfare. Finally, generalization of the method to cover other strategic stockpiles is discussed.
Methane and methanol synthesis over supported palladium catalysts

Abstract Hydrogenation of carbon monoxide has been studied between 260 and 340 °C and 5 and 50 atm of pressure over palladium supported on three different silicas and on HY and NaY zeolites. Fresh and used catalysts were characterized by chemisorption, temperature-programmed desorption, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and photoelectron spectroscopy studies. The selectivity and the activity of the catalysts are strongly dependent on the nature of the support and on the state of the metal on its surface. Methanol is produced on the catalysts exhibiting small size crystallites on which CO is weakly adsorbed, whereas the formation of methane is directly related to the density of acidic sites at the surface of the support. Under the experimental conditions the palladium undergoes structural and electronic modifications due to transformations into hydride phases. These transformations lead to a cracking of the metal crystallites and to changes in the reaction rate expressions.
Convex Estimators for Optimization of Kriging Model Problems

This paper presents a framework for identification of the global optimum of Kriging models. The framework is based on a branch and bound scheme for sub-division of the search space into hypercubes while constructing convex under-estimators of the Kriging models. The convex under-estimators, which are a key development in this paper, provide a relaxation of the original problem. The relaxed problem has two key features: i) convex optimization algorithms such as sequential quadratic programming (SQP) are guaranteed to find the global optimum of the relaxed problem, and ii) objective value of the relaxed problem is a lower bound on the best attainable solution within a hypercube for the original (Kriging model) problem. The convex under-estimators improve in accuracy as the size of a hypercube gets smaller via the branching search. Termination of a hypercube branch is done when either: i) solution of the relaxed problem within the hypercube is no better than current best solution of the original problem, or ii) best solution of the original problem and that of the relaxed problem are within tolerance limits. To assess the significance of the proposed framework, comparison studies against genetic algorithm (GA) are conducted using Kriging models that approximate standard nonlinear test functions, as well as application problems of water desalination and vehicle crashworthiness. Results of the studies show the proposed framework deterministically providing a solution within tolerance limits from the global optimum, while GA is observed to not reliably discover the best solutions in problems with larger number of design variables.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Assessing Cd8 T Cell Number and Dysfunction in the Presence of Antigen

CD8 T cells proliferate and differentiate into cytokine-secreting cytolytic effectors on encounter with viral antigens. As virus is cleared the activated T cells undergo apoptosis, but some survive and enter the memory pool where they persist indefinitely, slowly dividing in a relatively quiescent state until reactivation on reexposure to the antigen 1. The dynamics of this whole process can be variable and change as a consequence of the antigen load, the diversity of the available T cell repertoire, and the age of the host. During persistent infections, T cells and antigen coexist in an interactive environment, leading to a continued evolution of T cells that often become dysfunctional. New technologies with avidin-linked MHC tetramers, chimeric IgG–MHC dimers, and peptide-induced intracellular cytokine assays have allowed for the identification of multiclonal populations of antigen-specific T cells and are now showing how T cells can be heterogeneous in their expression of surface antigens and exist in dramatically different functional states. Under certain conditions, antigen-specific T cells may lack effector activity, and under other conditions, fully functional T cells may lack reactivity with MHC tetramers or dimers, leading one to conclude that monitoring T cell responses by a single technique may lead to misconceptions of the nature of an ongoing T cell response.
Cantilever microscanners for free-space optical interconnects

Two-dimensional (2D) scanners can be used for displays, printers, optical data storage devices, optical scanning microscopes, and free-space optical interconnects. In this paper, we will describe the modeling and simulation of a novel cantilever microscanner. The scanner is actuated using electrostatic force. The cantilever beam connects to the top electrode. The bottom four electrodes on the substrate provide extra feedback for the control of the cantilever beam. A thorough mechanical analysis (both static and dynamic) using Finite Element Analysis has been performed. Key design parameters such as driving voltage, tilt angle and resonant frequencies have been investigated. The model has not been verified by experimental data but a fabrication process flow has been designed. The fabrication of this novel cantilever microscanner is in progress.
Welfare effect of interest rate shocks and policy implications

This article studies the welfare effect of exogenous country spread shocks and policy implications. First, country spread shocks are welfare-improving, a finding holding for three widely used preference representations over a wide range of structural parameter values, both in a two-period model with fixed endowments and in a workhorse Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model of a small open economy. Second, it is always optimal to have procyclical policy unless (i) financial frictions are strong, (ii) policy responds to country spread gaps, and (iii) the subjective discount factor is endogenous.
Effect on unwanted fertility of extending physician-administered birth control in the United States

A goal of publicly subsidized family planning programs in the United States is to prevent unwanted births, and the primary means being used to achieve this goal is to increase coverage with physician-administered contraception, with priority being given to persons from low-income families. We analyzed data from families living in low-income neighborhoods to determine whether that means would contribute to that goal, and if so, how much unwanted fertility might be decreased through increased coverage with physician-administered methods.The results indicate that increased coverage with those methods would decrease unwanted fertility by 80 percent (79 percent among blacks, 83 percent among whites). Increasing the ratio of sterilization to pill and IUD makes the effect of the increased coverage even more dramatic.
Examining Relationships Between Ethnic Identity, Family Environment, and Psychological Outcomes for African American Adolescents

Ethnic identity has been linked to a number of healthy psychological outcomes for African American adolescents. The levels of conflict and cohesion in the family environment have also been found to be predictive of adolescent mental health. This study examined whether the ethnic identity and levels of conflict and cohesion in the family environments were related to adolescents’ psychological adjustment. Participants included 61 African American adolescents, ages 10–14 years old, and their parents. Hierarchical regression models were used to determine the cumulative effects of ethnic identity and family functioning on adolescent mental health, specifically adolescent levels of depression, self-esteem, and interpersonal functioning. Results indicated that having a positive ethnic identity and a cohesive family environment were most strongly associated with psychological adjustment. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of family interventions.
Combined intrastriatal dopamine D1 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptor stimulation reveals a mechanism for hyperlocomotion in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats.

Abstract Loss of dopaminergic innervation to the striatum increases the sensitivity of dopamine (DA) D1 and serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2 receptor signaling. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that systemic co-administration of D1 and 5-HT2 receptor agonists leads to the synergistic overexpression of striatal preprotachykinin mRNA levels in the DA-depleted, but not intact animals. In the present study, we examined this mechanism as related to locomotor behavior. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were subject to bilateral i.c.v. 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; 200 μg in 10 μl/side) or vehicle (0.9% saline and 0.1% ascorbic acid). After 3 weeks, rats were tested for locomotor responses to bilateral intrastriatal infusions of vehicle (0.9% NaCl), the D1 agonist SKF82958 [(±)6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetra-hydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine hydrobromide; 0.1, 1.0 or 10.0 μg/side], the 5-HT2 agonist DOI [(±)-1-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane; 0.1, 1.0 or 10.0 μg/side] or subthreshold doses of DOI and SKF82958 (0.1 μg+0.1 μg in 0.8 μl/side). Rats with DA loss demonstrated supersensitive locomotor responses to SKF82958, but not DOI. Combined administration of subthreshold SKF82958 and DOI doses (0.1 μg+0.1 μg) synergistically increased locomotor behavior only in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. These effects were blocked by either the D1 antagonist SCH23390 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-(1H)-3-benzazepine or the 5-HT2 antagonist ritanserin (each 1.0 μg in 0.8 μl/side). The results of this study suggest that the behavioral synergy induced by local co-stimulation of D1 and 5-HT2 receptors within the 6-OHDA-lesioned striatum may lead to hyperkinesias that can occur with continued pharmacological treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Algorithm 943: MSS: MATLAB Software for L-BFGS Trust-Region Subproblems for Large-Scale Optimization

A MATLAB implementation of the More-Sorensen sequential (MSS) method is presented. The MSS method computes the minimizer of a quadratic function defined by a limited-memory BFGS matrix subject to a two-norm trust-region constraint. This solver is an adaptation of the More-Sorensen direct method into an L-BFGS setting for large-scale optimization. The MSS method makes use of a recently proposed stable fast direct method for solving large shifted BFGS systems of equations [Erway and Marcia 2012; Erway et al. 2012] and is able to compute solutions to any user-defined accuracy. This MATLAB implementation is a matrix-free iterative method for large-scale optimization. Numerical experiments on the CUTEr [Bongartz et al. 1995; Gould et al. 2003]) suggest that using the MSS method as a trust-region subproblem solver can require significantly fewer function and gradient evaluations needed by a trust-region method as compared with the Steihaug-Toint method.
Microstructure formation properties of 1,2-bis(15-thia-pentacosa-10,12-diynoyl)- sn -3-phosphocholine: an acyl chain modified diacetylenic phospholipid

Abstract An acyl chain modified diacetylenic phospholipid containing a sulfur beta to the diacetylene, 1,2-bis(15-thia-pentacosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-3-phosphocholine, was synthesized. Comparisons of the UV spectra of the lipid, the diacetylenic carboxylic acid precursor, and the unmodified diacetylenic lipid 1,2-bis(tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-3-phosphocholine reveal that the sulfur acts as an auxochrome resulting in bathochromic shifts and higher intensities for the absorption peaks. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the acyl chain melting transition temperatures of 1,2-bis(15-thia-pentacosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-3-phosphocholine in water (31.2/dgC) and 70:30 ethanol:water mixture (28.7°C) and revealed that the lipid packed more homogeneously in the ethanol:water mixture. Subsequent dispersal of the lipid in water produced ribbons with diameters ranging from 0.01–0.1 μm while dispersal in 70:30 ethanol:water leads to formation of tubules with diameters ranging from 0.6–0.8 μm. A gel comprised of interwoven ribbons was formed from an equimolar mixture of the lipid and 1,2-bis(nonoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DNPC) in 0.1 M aqueous NaCl.
Synergy in Protein–Osmolyte Mixtures

Virtually all taxa use osmolytes to protect cells against biochemical stress. Osmolytes often occur in mixtures, such as the classical combination of urea with TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) in cartilaginous fish or the cocktail of at least six different osmolytes in the kidney. The concentration patterns of osmolyte mixtures found in vivo make it likely that synergy between them plays an important role. Using statistical mechanical n-component Kirkwood–Buff theory, we show from first principles that synergy in protein–osmolyte systems can arise from two separable sources: (1) mutual alteration of protein surface solvation and (2) effects mediated through bulk osmolyte chemical activities. We illustrate both effects in a four-component system with the experimental example of the unfolding of a notch ankyrin domain in urea–TMAO mixtures, which make urea a less effective denaturant and TMAO a more effective stabilizer. Protein surface effects are primarily responsible for this synergy. The specific patterns ...
Temperature dependence of NMR order parameters and protein dynamics.

The helical subdomain, HP36, of the F-actin-binding headpiece domain of chicken villin, is the smallest naturally occurring polypeptide that folds to a thermostable compact structure. Unconstrained molecular dynamics simulations and constrained molecular dynamics simulations using umbrella sampling are used to study the temperature dependence of internal motions of the backbone amide moieties of HP36. The potential of mean force (PMF) for the N−H bond vector, determined from the constrained simulations, is found to be temperature dependent. A simple analytical expression is derived that describes the temperature dependence of the PMF. The parameters of this model are obtained from the PMF, from the unconstrained molecular dynamics simulations, or from experimental values of the generalized order parameter. The results provide a linkage between experimental and theoretical measures of the temperature dependence of protein motions.
Immune modulation by danazol in autoimmune thrombocytopenia

Danazol, an attenuated androgen, has recently been introduced into the treatment of autoimmune thrombocytopenia. We studied its effects on T helper/inducer (Thi) and T suppressor/cytotoxic (Tsc) lymphocytes in these patients. Prospectively nine patients were studied with their T-cell subsets measured before and during danazol therapy. Increases in the percentage of Thi lymphocytes (P less than 0.05) and Thi/Tsc ratios (P less than 0.001) were observed at 1 and 3 months of treatment. Retrospectively T-cell subset data on 30 patients not treated with danazol and 36 patients on danazol were compared with those of 35 normal controls. The group not on danazol had lower percentages of Pan T (P less than 0.05), Thi (P less than 0.002), and Thi/Tsc ratios (P less than 0.00005), and had higher percentages of Tsc lymphocytes (P less than 0.01), than those of controls. In the group treated with danazol the percentages of Pan T, Thi, and Tsc lymphocytes were similar to those of controls. The percentage of Thi in the treated group was higher (P less than 0.002) than in the untreated group. Thus, danazol appears to be an effective immune modulator, correcting the abnormality of T-cell subsets seen in autoimmune thrombocytopenia by increasing the percentage of Thi lymphocytes.
Interaction of cladribine and fludarabine with genetic variants in the concentrative nucleoside transporter, CNT3

The concentrative nucleoside transporter, CNT3 (SLC28A3), mediates the intracellular uptake of the anti-cancer nucleoside analogs, cladribine and fludarabine. Wide variation in intracellular levels of these analogs has been described. To test the hypothesis that coding variants in CNT3 may contribute to this phenotype, we identified and functionally tested missense variants of CNT3. Ten missense variants were found in a collection of 256 ethnically diverse DNA samples; three of these had total allele frequencies ≥1%. The activity of the missense variants was determined by isotopic uptake of model nucleosides in X. laevis oocytes expressing the CNT3 variants. The rare variant, CNT3-G>R, showed an 85% and 83% reduction in the transport of inosine and thymidine, respectively. All other variants had similar activity as the reference. There was no difference in the interaction kinetics of the three common variants with adenosine when compared to reference (Km=69+11, 91+24, 78+9, 94+3 μM for CNT3, CNT3-S>N, -Y>C and -I>V, respectively). These studies indicate that common missense variants of CNT3 have similar activities as the reference and suggest that they do not contribute to variation in intracellular levels of nucleosides and nucleoside analogs. Studies are underway to assess the interaction kinetics of nucleoside analogs with the common CNT3 variants and to test whether variation in CNT3 expression contributes to variation in intracellular levels of nucleoside analogs. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P18–P18; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.066
A Summary of Personal Protection Order Statutes in the United States

A systematic analysis of statutes regarding personal protection orders (PPOs) was completed for all 50 states plus the District of Columbia to determine which states are most "victim friendly" in protecting women against domestic violence. Indicators used include compliance with the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the relationship between petitioner and respondent, ease of the PPO administrative process, and severity of punishment for violations. Results indicate that most states have PPO legislation that is consistent with VAWA; however, states differ dramatically in accessibility of orders for victims of violence.
Ablation of metal surfaces by pulsed ultraviolet lasers under ultrahigh vacuum

A review of recent studies of ablation of metal surfaces by pulsed ultraviolet lasers under ultrahigh vacuum conditions is presented. Techniques employed include optical emission spectroscopy, time-resolved mass spectrometry, and reflectance measurements. The results are discussed in terms of optical and thermal mechanisms that could account for the observed ablation phenomena.
PC and TV convergence: is it finally here?

Talk about the PC and TV convergence comes from many perspectives, including broadcasting, computing, and interactivity. Some of the discussions were motivated by the screen that people see. The last 10 years did see some changes in the nature of the screen in both cases--clearly PC monitors and TV screens are becoming available in many different sizes and shapes depending on the user's needs. Also, the quality of both has improved. Now we see good quality flat monitors everywhere and high-definition TV is slowly becoming part of our society. With DVD, I often see people watching a movie on their PC during their airplane flight. Is this what was meant by convergence?
New scoring methodology improves the sensitivity of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) in clinical trials

As currently used, the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) has low sensitivity for measuring Alzheimer’s disease progression in clinical trials. A major reason behind the low sensitivity is its sub-optimal scoring methodology, which can be improved to obtain better sensitivity. Using item response theory, we developed a new scoring methodology (ADAS-CogIRT) for the ADAS-Cog, which addresses several major limitations of the current scoring methodology. The sensitivity of the ADAS-CogIRT methodology was evaluated using clinical trial simulations as well as a negative clinical trial, which had shown an evidence of a treatment effect. The ADAS-Cog was found to measure impairment in three cognitive domains of memory, language, and praxis. The ADAS-CogIRT methodology required significantly fewer patients and shorter trial durations as compared to the current scoring methodology when both were evaluated in simulated clinical trials. When validated on data from a real clinical trial, the ADAS-CogIRT methodology had higher sensitivity than the current scoring methodology in detecting the treatment effect. The proposed scoring methodology significantly improves the sensitivity of the ADAS-Cog in measuring progression of cognitive impairment in clinical trials focused in the mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease stage. This provides a boost to the efficiency of clinical trials requiring fewer patients and shorter durations for investigating disease-modifying treatments.
Behavioral effects of unilateral basal gangliar lesions in neonatal rats

Two-day-old rats were given unilateral lesions of the caudate-putamen, globus pallidus, or hippocampus and their postural orientation was observed for 30 min immediately after surgery. All groups with damage to the caudate-putamen and/or globus pallidus showed a significant postural deviation toward the side ipsilateral to the lesion. At this age, neurogenesis in the basal ganglia is complete but synapses, neurotransmitters, and enzymes for neurotransmitter synthesis are far below adult levels. These results indicate that the basal ganglia have a role in motor function prior to their full maturation as measured by neuroanatomical and biochemical techniques.
How many samples are needed to build a classifier: a general sequential approach

Motivation: The standard paradigm for a classifier design is to obtain a sample of feature-label pairs and then to apply a classification rule to derive a classifier from the sample data. Typically in laboratory situations the sample size is limited by cost, time or availability of sample material. Thus, an investigator may wish to consider a sequential approach in which there is a sufficient number of patients to train a classifier in order to make a sound decision for diagnosis while at the same time keeping the number of patients as small as possible to make the studies affordable. Results: A sequential classification procedure is studied via the martingale central limit theorem. It updates the classification rule at each step and provides stopping criteria to ensure with a certain confidence that at stopping a future subject will have misclassification probability smaller than a predetermined threshold. Simulation studies and applications to microarray data analysis are provided. The procedure possesses several attractive properties: (1) it updates the classification rule sequentially and thus does not rely on distributions of primary measurements from other studies; (2) it assesses the stopping criteria at each sequential step and thus can substantially reduce cost via early stopping; and (3) it is not restricted to any particular classification rule and therefore applies to any parametric or non-parametric method, including feature selection or extraction. Availability: R-code for the sequential stopping rule is available at http://stat.tamu.edu/~wfu/microarray/sequential/R-code.html Contact: wfu@stat.tamu.edu
Personality, Genetic Bases of

Personality is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This statement may seem self-evident, but in fact, demonstrating genetic influence on variation across major domains of personality was an important breakthrough, as many twentieth-century models of human behavior attributed personality solely to environmental influences. Even more recently, biometric approaches (approaches to modeling genetic and environmental influences on human behavior) have gone beyond simple estimates of heritability (the magnitude of genetic influence) to examine the different forms of gene-environment interplay—that is, how genetic and environmental factors interact and correlate—on the etiology of personality. Findings from biometric modeling of gene-environment interplay have also stimulated new work in molecular genetics, which has to date struggled to find replicable results linking measured genes to personality domains. We first briefly review biometric models, particularly using twin sample methodology, and the results from decades of research into behavior genetic studies of personality. We then present more recent work into the molecular basis of personality. Keywords: personality; genetics; heritability; interaction; environment
Severe brain injury: recognizing the limits of treatment and exploring the frontiers of research.

Persons who experience severe brain injury often suffer significant disorders of consciousness. Anoxic injuries from cardiac arrest or strokes and traumatic injuries from falls, vehicular crashes, or assaults can result in several conditions in which patients lose or have diminished consciousness for an extended period of time. Two such conditions that create considerable public confusion and controversy are the vegetative state (VS) and the minimally conscious state (MCS). Although these conditions have generated significant medical and academic research, the general public and policymakers are often confused about the nature of VS and MCS. The most recent evidence for this confusion is the acrimonious public debate, the extensive media coverage, the prolonged litigation, and the attempts of various governmental officials to intervene in dealing with the plight of Terri Schiavo.I thank my legal researcher, Tejal Banker, J.D., LL.M., for her assistance.
Register File Partitioning and Compiler Support for Reducing Embedded Processor Power Consumption

Register file (RF) in modern embedded processors contributes a substantial budget in the energy consumption due to its large switching capacitance and long working time. For embedded processors, on average 25% of registers count for 83% of RF accessing time. This motivates us to partition the RF into hot and cold regions, with the most frequently used registers placed in the hot region, and the rarely accessed ones in the cold region. We employ the techniques of bit-line splitting and drowsy register cell to reduce the overall accessing power of RF. We propose a novel approach to partition the RF in a way that can achieve the largest power saving. We formulate the RF partitioning process into a graph partitioning problem, and apply an effective algorithm to obtain the optimal result. We evaluate our algorithm on MiBench and SPEC2000 applications, and an average saving of 58.3% and 54.4% over the non-partitioned RF accessing power is achieved for the SimpleScalar PISA system, respectively. The area overhead is negligible, and the execution time overhead is acceptable.
Why crystal structure analysis works: a one-dimensional crystallography teaching tool

A teaching tool is proposed to help beginner students of crystallography understand how crystallographic calculations work. Examples of the most important methods taught in X-ray crystallography courses have been adapted to a one-dimensional hypothetical structure. All calculations can be carried out in class with a scientific calculator or by using a simple spreadsheet.
Theoretical Investigation of Interaction of Dicarboxylic Acids with Common Aerosol Nucleation Precursors

Dicarboxylic acids are important products from photooxidation of volatile organic compounds and are believed to play an important role in the formation and growth of atmospheric secondary organic a...
Argentine anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) stock identification and incipient exploitation in southern Brazil

The Argentine anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) is an essential species in the pelagic ecosystem of the southwest Atlantic Ocean, and a potentially important fishery resource. Exploitation has recently started in southern Brazil, so it requires a better understanding of their structure and population dynamics. This work aims to update the information on the population identification of E. anchoita. Parameters such as age and size composition, length-at-age data and other parameters using sagittae otoliths were used to compare anchovy of the continental shelf between 20o and 32oS. The results indicate the existence of different populations in the southeastern and southern regions of Brazil: the bonaerense stock in southern Brazil is shared with Argentina and Uruguay and exhibits migratory behavior, while in the southeast there is a population confined to this region and shows different population characteristics. This has implications for the management of this species and should be taken into account by the institutions responsible for the assessment and management of fisheries in Brazil.
Behavioral economics: Reunifying psychology and economics

"Behavioral economics" improves the realism of the psychological assumptions underlying economic theory, promising to reunify psychology and economics in the process. Reunification should lead to better predictions about economic behavior and better policy prescriptions.
Observations on Managing Medical Patients With Borderline Personality

Patients with borderline personality present pharmacists with significant clinical management challenges in hospital and medical clinic settings. These challenges include patient behaviors that int...
Local charter school service delivery: The explanatory power of interest groups

Abstract The primary goal of this study is to examine whether educational interest groups’ roles explain local charter school service delivery in Colorado. Many scholars have found that interest groups affect educational policy outcomes and performance at national, state, and local levels. However, it is not clear whether interest groups’ roles are still important in local charter school service delivery. This article seeks to address this lack of knowledge by analyzing the variation of charter school service delivery in Colorado school districts. The present study tests seven hypotheses, using multiple ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis. The final statistical results demonstrate that a school district with more pro-school choice movement interest groups, minority students, and residents who earn a bachelor's degree or above is more likely to deliver charter school services to its residents.
The Dog of War as a Puppy: The Constitutional Power to Initiate Hostilities as Answered by the Framing

The conflict between the President and Congress over Constitutional War Powers, and especially the power of the President to initiate hostilities without authorization from Congress, is certainly not new territory. Legal scholars have devoted countless pages to examining it from all angles, with various conclusions. Congress has held hearings and made proclamations regarding its sole possession of the power to initiate hostilities, while the Executive branch has just as resolutely proclaimed its ability to initiate hostilities without congressional approval. Courts, meanwhile, have found numerous justifications for not involving themselves in the controversy. In the latter part of the Twentieth and the first part of the Twenty-First Century, this conflict has generally reached a state of detente, wherein the President maintains the official stance that no congressional authority is required to initiate hostilities, but eventually seeks such authority, which Congress then provides. Neither the President nor Congress seem eager to press for a firm resolution of this issue in the court system, and the court system seems equally unwilling to make such a resolution. This article seeks to answer one of the questions regarding the war powers of the President and Congress: Whether the President has the power, as recent administrations have claimed, to initiate hostilities without the authorization of Congress. An analysis of the language of the Constitution and the intent of the Framers provides a clear answer: that Congress is the sole branch capable of initiating hostilities, and that the power of the Executive is limited to authorizing the use of force only in the repelling of an attack.
Health Care Needs of Hispanic Americans and the Responsiveness of the Health Care System

The Hispanic population in the United States is growing rapidly but this population has many health care needs that are not being met. The findings from recent research on the current health status of Hispanic people who live in the United States are presented. An assessment of how accessible and available medical care services are to Hispanic people is made. Serious gaps exist in the delivery of medical care services to this group. Human service providers, particularly social workers, can help make the current health care system more responsive to the needs of this group by helping Hispanic individuals who have no health insurance coverage to find employment that includes health insurance benefits or some other form of insurance, by establishing community-based health care centers in Hispanic communities, by developing counseling programs tailored to the alcohol and drug abuse problems of the Hispanic population, and by advocating for government agencies to improve existing sources of data on the health of this group.
The Scattering of Light by Spin Waves on Ferromagnetic Surfaces

This paper reviews results of recent experimental studies of Brillouin scattering of light by bulk and surface spin waves on the surface of ferromagnets, and compares features in the data with the results of our theoretical analysis of this phenomenon.
Centrally Acting Antihypertensive Agents in the Treatment of Hypertension

Centrally acting antihypertensive agents stimulate α2-adrenergic receptors and/or imidazoline receptors on adrenergic neurons situated within the rostral ventrolateral medulla and in so doing variably reduce sympathetic outflow. Centrally acting agents also stimulate peripheral α2-receptors, which for the most part is of marginal clinical significance with the medication doses used in clinical practice. Central α-agonists have an extended usage history, starting with α-methyldopa, which has seen its use dramatically decline, in part, because of significant dose-dependent side effects as well as the arrival of more mechanistically attractive classes of antihypertensive medications. Patients with resistant hypertension requiring multidrug therapy, such as those with chronic kidney disease, are commonly responsive to these drugs as are patients with sympathetically mediated forms of hypertension. Perioperative hypertension is typically responsive to clonidine – a clinical circumstance where the anesthetic- and analgesia-sparing properties of this compound may offer further clinical benefits. Clonidine can be used adjunctively with other more traditional therapies in systolic forms of heart failure, particularly when hypertension exists. Sustained-release moxonidine, however, is associated with early mortality and morbidity when used in the patient with heart failure. Escalating doses of drugs in this class often give rise to salt and water retention in which case diuretic therapy becomes a needed adjunctive therapy.
SCES2016 Summary: experiment

AbstractExperimental results presented during the 2016 International Conference on Strongly Correlated Electron Systems (SECS2016) not only reflect the breadth of topics being explored in the field of strongly correlated systems but also the remarkable progress in discovery and understanding that is being made from their study. This brief summary highlights just a few of the exciting experimental developments discussed at SCES2016.
JOB SEARCH IN THE LABOR MARKET FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES: A CASE STUDY OF MBAs

The article explores the relationship between job search and subsequent careers of alumni of master of business administration (MBA). There was a significant positive relationship between the magni...
Analysis of residual stresses in cylindrically anisotropic materials

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Comparative Replication, Mortality, and Inclusion Body Production of the Autographa californica1 Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus in Heliothis sp.12

The histopathology was studied and mortality, polyhedra production, total virus production, and nonoccluded virus production were measured in Heliothis zea (Boddie) and H. virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae infected with the nuclear polyhedrosis virus isolated from Autographa californica (Speyer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Both per os and injection routes of inoculation were used, and most tests were purposely biased toward demonstrating viral replication in H. zea. In addition to the great difference in the histopathological responses of the two hosts, large differences in susceptibility via both routes of inoculation were observed. Polyhedra formation, total virus production, and nonoccluded virus production were severely reduced in H. zea as compared with H. virescens larvae. In some cases, these differences exceeded 5,992-fold, even with the tests biased toward obtaining increased responses from H. zea larvae.
Study in TiO_2 film growth by mid-frequency twin target reactive magnetron sputtering under PEM

TiO2 thin films were deposited in the MF twin target reactive magnetron sputtering device under PEM.The relationship between deposition rate and distance from target,sputtering current were investigated.The results show that the deposition rate is maximum when the target-substrate distance is 112mm.Also the deposition rate is linear to the current.With the current of 30A,target-substrate distance of 112mm and set point of 2.5,the variation of substrate temperature with time was measured.Then use the silicon unheated as substrate,the relationship between set point and crystal structure,refractive index was investigated.The experimental results show that the bigger set point corresponds to more rutile in the coating and greater refractive index.
The New Generation of High Toughness Ceramics

The toughening of ceramics by incorporating non-linear microstructural elements has become an established science within the last decade, resulting in the creation of a new generation of tough ceramics. A common theme describing these developments is presented and the status of understanding is reviewed for toughening achieved by: transformations, microcracking, fibers, whiskers and ductile particles. The crucial role of interfaces in each of these toughening processes is emphasized. Finally, new prospects based on synergism, as well as further understanding/control of interface debonding, are discussed.
Mortgage credit and bankruptcy chapter choice: a case of US counties

Purpose – A financially distressed homeowner considers bankruptcy filing, either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, to delay foreclosure. On one hand, Chapter 13 filing takes longer processing time, spreads mortgage arrearages over the debt repayment period, and increases the possibility of loan modification. On the other hand, Chapter 7 filing discharges unsecured debt, which provides additional disposable income for mortgage payments. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The author uses fixed-effects (within variation), random-effects, and generalized estimation equation models with time dummies on the panel data of US counties. Findings – The results show that mortgage delinquency increases Chapter 7 filings, while it has positive but statistically insignificant effect on Chapter 13 filings. In addition, a county’s mortgage debt to income and proportion of mortgage borrowers increase its Chapter 7 filings. Originality/value – The contribution of the paper is to assess the effect ...
Association between thermal environment and salmonella in fecal samples from dairy cattle in midwestern United States

The objective of this study was to describe the association between thermal measures in the barn environment (pen temperature and humidity) and fecal shedding of Salmonella in dairy cattle. A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted within a commercial dairy herd located in the midwestern United States. Five pooled fecal samples were collected monthly from each pen for 9 mo and submitted for microbiological culture. Negative binomial regression methods were used to test the association [incidence rate ratio (IRR)] between Salmonella pen status (the count of Salmonella-positive pools) and thermal environmental parameters [average temperature and temperature humidity index (THI)] for 3 time periods (48 h, 72 h, and 1 wk) before fecal sampling. Salmonella was cultured from 10.8% [39/360; 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.8% to 14.5%] of pooled samples. The highest proportion of positive pools occurred in August. The IRR ranged from 1.26 (95% CI: 1.15 to 1.39, THI 1 wk) to 4.5 (95% CI: 2.13 to 9.51, heat exposure 1 wk) across all thermal parameters and lag time periods measured. For example, the incidence rate of Salmonella-positive pools increased by 54% for every 5°C increment in average temperature (IRR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.29 to 1.85) and 29% for every 5-unit increase in THI (IRR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.42) during the 72 h before sampling. The incidence rate ratio for pens exposed to higher temperatures (> 25°C) was 4.5 times (95% CI: 2.13 to 9.51) the incidence rate ratio for pens exposed to temperatures 70 was 4.23 times greater (95% CI: 2.1 to 8.28) than when the THI was < 70 in the 72 h before sampling. An association was found between the thermal environment and Salmonella shedding in dairy cattle. Further research is warranted in order to fully understand the component risks associated with the summer season and increased Salmonella shedding.
Measuring the Internet

As the Internet grows in size, complexity, and the role it plays in modern society, measuring the Internet is increasingly critical to guide its continued evolution. Yet the scale, diversity, opacity, and ethical implications of conducting Internet experiments make it difficult to obtain an accurate and representative understanding of the network's behavior. The articles in this special issue provide but a glimpse into the wide range of activities that explore this rich area of investigation.