cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconfigurable threshold logic gates with nanoscale DG-MOSFETs

The benefits in using double-gate (DG) MOSFETs as components of threshold logic gates (TLG) have been analyzed for the first time. A novel, variable-weight DG-TLG has also been proposed, which can greatly widen the range of reconfigurable functions accessible to users. Both fixed and variable-weight DG-TLG circuits operate correctly at a low supply voltage of 1.0 V, and outperform the conventional CMOS equivalents in terms of the most important metrics such as power, speed and area. It is found that variable-weight DG-TLG circuits with analog weight and threshold control have attractive features such as expanded TLG functionality, reduced transistor count, low programming voltages and power-scaling capability, particularly for circuits with four or fewer inputs.
An investigation into active piezoelectric nanocomposites for distributed energy harvesting

The use of monolithic piezoceramic materials in sensing and actuation applications has become quite common over the past decade. However, these materials have several properties that limit their application in practical systems. These materials are very brittle due to the ceramic nature of the monolithic material, making them vulnerable to accidental breakage during handling and bonding procedures. In addition, they have very poor ability to conform to curved surfaces and result in large add-on mass associated with using a typically lead-based ceramic. These limitations have motivated the development of alternative methods of applying the piezoceramic material, including piezoceramic fiber composites (PFCs), and piezoelectric paints. Piezoelectric paint is desirable because it can be spayed or painted on and can be used with abnormal surfaces. The ease at which the active composite can be applied allows for far larger surfaces to be used for energy harvesting than can be achieved with typical materials. Developments in piezoelectric nanocomposites for energy harvesting will also allow for the development of compliant materials with electromechanical coupling greater than available through existing piezoelectric polymers such as polyvinylidene floride (PVDF). Furthermore, the application of PVDF is limited to thin films due to the straining process required to obtain piezoelectric phase of the material. However, active nanocomposites can be molded into geometries that could not be obtained using currently available materials. The present study will characterize a variety of piezoelectric nanocomposite materials to determine how the properties of the polymer matrix and the piezoelectric inclusion affect the energy harvesting performance. The resulting active nanocomposites will be compared to existing piezo-polymers for power harvesting.
A physical, chemical, and mechanical study of lumbar vertebrae from normal, ovariectomized, and nandrolone decanoate-treated cynomolgus monkeys (macaca fascicularis)

Ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys have previously been investigated as a nonhuman primate model of postmenopausal osteoporosis (Jerome et al., Bone Miner 9:527-540; 1994). In the present study, Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM) was used to verify that differences in bone mineral quality and quantity in the vertebrae of mature intact (INT) and ovariectomized (ovx) monkeys were analogous to those seen in osteoporotic and nondiseased human bones. FTIRM spectra were acquired from 15 trabeculae per vertebra from three ovx and three INT adult monkeys (mean age 8 years). These spectra were compared with those of both trabecular and previously reported osteonal bone obtained from 3 "normal" and 11 postmenopausal osteoporotic human subjects. While variations in the mineral:matrix ratio (mineral content), carbonate:phosphate ratio, and crystallinity are typical for trabecular bone from iliac crests of normal human subjects, the values of these parameters were relatively static for trabecular bone from postmenopausal osteoporotic human subjects. In general, trabecular bone from postmenopausal osteoporotic human subjects exhibited decreased mineral content (1.0 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.6), increased crystallinity, and increased carbonate:phosphate relative to controls. Similarly, trabecular bone from ovariectomized monkeys exhibited lower mineral content (5.8 +/- 0.2) compared with the INT group (6.2 +/- 0.2; p </= 0.05) and contained larger/more perfect apatite crystals (increased crystallinity) with increased carbonate:phosphate ratios. Variations in absolute values were attributable to site differences (ilium vs. vertebrae). To appreciate the importance of mineral properties on mechanical properties, compression testing was performed using cores of monkey L-3 and L-4 vertebral bodies from a separate group of monkeys. Treating monkeys with the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate (ND) immediately after ovariectomy and for the next 24 months (ND group), or beginning 12 months after ovariectomy (dND group), increased the ultimate stress compared with an ovx treatment group, despite large interanimal variations in bone architecture and mechanical properties. These data support the hypothesis that ovariectomized adult monkeys are an excellent model for postmenopausal osteoporosis, and can be used for the evaluation of therapeutic modalities.
Nephrolithiasis and risk of hypertension in women

Cross-sectional and prospective studies of men suggest a positive association between nephrolithiasis and hypertension. However, this association remains controversial in women. We conducted a prospective study of the relation between nephrolithiasis and the risk for hypertension in the Nurses' Health Study, a cohort of 89,376 women aged 34 to 59 years in 1980. Information on the history of nephrolithiasis, physician-diagnosed hypertension, and other relevant exposures was obtained by biennial mailed questionnaire. A history of nephrolithiasis before 1980 was reported by 2,558 women (2.9%), and a history of hypertension was reported by 11,883 women (13.3%). Among women without hypertension before 1980, 12,540 women reported a new diagnosis of hypertension between 1980 and 1992, during 711,039 person-years of follow-up. Compared with those without a history of nephrolithiasis, the age-adjusted relative risk (RR) for incident hypertension in women with such a history was 1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20 to 1.43). After further adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and the intake of calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, caffeine, and alcohol, the RR was only slightly attenuated (RR=1.24; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.37). In contrast, the occurrence of incident nephrolithiasis during follow-up was similar in women with hypertension at baseline compared with women without (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.01; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.20). These data are consistent with the results obtained in men and support the hypothesis that a history of nephrolithiasis is associated with an increased risk for subsequent hypertension. Dietary factors, such as the intake of calcium, sodium, and potassium, do not explain this association. Unidentified pathogenic mechanisms common to nephrolithiasis and hypertension may be responsible for the development of both disorders.
Liquid–liquid extraction for recovery of paclitaxel from plant cell culture: Solvent evaluation and use of extractants for partitioning and selectivity

A major challenge in the production of metabolites by plant cells is the separation and purification of a desired product from a number of impurities. An important application of plant cell culture is the biosynthesis of the anticancer agent paclitaxel. Liquid-liquid extraction plays a critical role in the recovery of paclitaxel and other valuable plant-derived products from culture broth. In this study, the extraction of paclitaxel and a major unwanted by-product, cephalomannine, from plant cell culture broth into organic solvents is quantified. Potential solvent mixtures show varying affinity and selectivity for paclitaxel over cephalomannine. The partition coefficient of paclitaxel is highest in ethyl acetate and dichloromethane, with measured values of 28 and 25, respectively; however, selectivity coefficients are less than 1 for paclitaxel over cephalomannine for both solvents. Selectivity coefficient increases to 1.7 with extraction in n-hexane, but the partition coefficient decreases to 1.9. Altering the pH of the aqueous phase results in an increase in both recovery and selectivity using n-hexane but does not change the results for other solvents significantly. The addition of extractants trioctylamine (TOA) or tributylphosphate (TBP) to n-hexane gives significantly higher partition coefficients for paclitaxel (8.6 and 23.7, respectively) but no selectivity. Interestingly, when 20% hexafluorobenzene (HFB) is added to n-hexane, the partition coefficient remains approximately constant, but the selectivity coefficient for paclitaxel over cephalomannine improves to 4.5. This significant increase in selectivity early in the purification process has the potential to simplify downstream processing steps and significantly reduce overall purification costs.
Ultra small optical pick-up module

We have developed a small optical pick-up module within its dimension of 3.0X3.0X5.5mm by integrating refractive and diffractive optical elements with laser diode and photo diodes assembly.
The dystonic larynx

Summary “Spastic Dysphonia” or spasmodic dysphonia has been shown to be a focal laryngeal form of dystonia. Review of our 2556 cases of dystonia and 562 cases of laryngeal dystonia reveals similar male/female ratio, Jewish/non-Jewish ratio, family history, EMG data, and percent focal, segmental and general cases to be the same. Patients with the adductor form have a staccato, jerky, squeezed, labored, hoarse or groaning voice. In the abductor form, patients have a breathy, effortful voice with aphonic, whispered segments of speech. Compensatory forms may confuse the diagnosis. Fiberoptic videostroboscopy, EMG, and voice spectrograms are very useful for diagnosis.
Resistance to pancuronium in an asthmatic patient treated with aminophylline and steroids.

A 17 year old male with a history of bronchial asthma was admitted to the intensive care unit in severe respiratory distress. During a two week period of intensive respiratory care he received large doses of aminophylline and corticosteroids. In addition, pancuronium was given to facilitate ventilation and to reduce airway pressure. Large doses of pancuronium, as much as 5 mg/hr, were required to stop spontaneous respiratory efforts and restlessness. The total pancuronium dose given during the two week period was 800 mg. One hour after pancuronium was discontinued the patient could open his eyes and move his lips. Peripheral nerve stimulation indicated partial paralysis which improved promptly following a test dose of edrophonium.
Beyond the Field Trip: Teaching Tourism through Tours.

A course in the sociology of tourism offers an opportunity to examine a world-transforming force that is penetrating more and more aspects of social life. It also offers an opportunity to create a learning environment that uses the object of study as the medium of study. This article examines how instructors can use tourism to teach the sociology of tourism, and thereby help students develop an understanding of the subject matter through reflexive examination of classroom practice. Drawing on research in the sociology of tourism, it outlines a conceptual framework for thinking about tourism as a spatial practice that includes semiotic, interpersonal and cultural dimensions. Through examples, it shows how these dimensions can be synthesized into a pedagogical strategy that uses field trips and classroom learning to teach the sociology of tourism. The article addresses logistical and conceptual issues involved in course planning and implementation.
Codling Moth: Estimating Time of First Egg Hatch in the Field– A Supplement to Sex-Attractant Traps in Integrated Control

Observations on eggs produced by laboratory-reared Laspeyresia pomonella (L.) in field-oviposition cages provided a practical means for estimating date of 1st egg hatch in the field. Evaluation of timing of the 1st spray application (azinphosmethyl, 1 oz Al/100 gal) showed that under the unseasonably cool weather encountered, sprays could be delayed for more than a month after sex traps began to catch moths. Estimation of date of 1st egg hatch was a useful supplement to sex traps for predicting earliest date that a spray was required.
Pulmonary dysfunction in advanced liver disease.

PURPOSE: Abnormalities in pulmonary function have been reported in association with chronic liver disease of varied etiology. The aim of this study was to better define the frequency and nature of these abnormalities in patients who were being evaluated for liver transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a battery of pulmonary function tests and chest radiographs in 116 consecutive patients (50 men, 66 women; aged 19 to 70 years, mean 44.6 years) with severe advanced liver disease who were hospitalized specifically for evaluation for possible orthotopic liver transplantation and were able to perform technically satisfactory tests. In 17 patients, quantitative whole-body technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin perfusion scanning was also performed for assessment of possible right-to-left shunting through intrapulmonary vascular dilatations.
Liposomal Circular Dichroism. Assignment of Remote Stereocenters in Plakinic Acids K and L from a Plakortis–Xestospongia Sponge Association

Two new ω-phenyl polyketide peroxides, plakinic acids K and L, were isolated from a two-sponge association of Plakortis halichondroides and Xestospongia deweerdtae. The absolute configurations of the remote dimethyl-branched stereocenters in plakinic acid K were assigned by degradation of plakinic acid K to a long-chain naphthamide and analysis by liposomal circular dichroism (L-CD) and comparison with synthetic standards.
Synthesis ranking with critic resonance

The existing literature on social choice and the theory of ranking has been particularly fruitful in applications to web search and online social networks. In addition, related techniques have been used to rank the importance of reviewers and critics on the web, by assigning weights associated with attributes such as influence, reach, status, or trust values. In applications of user opinion and preference data analysis, it should be considered paradoxical if users or critics with high weight values reflect opinions and preferences seen to be independent of, or in conflict with, the aggregate ranking of items. If rankings do not resonate, then that is an indication of inconsistencies, and thus the schemes used to determine rankings may need to be modified.In this paper we present a new theoretical and algorithmic framework for formally investigating resonance between aggregate rankings of items and ratings of critics. In particular, we develop a new paradigm called synthesis ranking, which entails synthesizing an aggregate ranking and critic weighting scheme by computing resonant equilibrium points. In addition, we present an efficient, iterative technique called entrainment for computing resonant equilibrium points. Further we show that the synthesis framework can incorporate natural critic weighting attributes. Finally, we present a redundancy paradox that demonstrates support for a ranking model that uses critic weights.
Complex Polymorphic Behavior and Dielectric Properties of Perovskite-Related Sr(Sr1/3Nb2/3)O3

Abstract The complex structural behavior of the perovskite-related compound Sr 4 Nb 2 O 9 [=Sr(Sr 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 ] has been investigated using electron, X-ray, and neutron powder diffraction. Analysis of well-equilibrated specimens annealed at various temperatures indicated that two thermodynamically stable polymorphs occur above and below T =1250°C. The high-temperature (HT) polymorph exhibits an average cubic structure ( Fm 3 m , a ≈2 a c , where “c” refers to the cubic ∼4 A perovskite unit cell) with 1:1 (NaCl-type) partial ordering of Sr 2+ and Nb 5+ on the B sites. The low-temperature (LT) phase is monoclinic (P2 1 / n , a ≈6 a c √3, b ≈2 a c √2, c ≈ a c √6, β≈90°) with a distinct, yet unknown, B-cation arrangement. Examination of the HT cubic polymorph using electron diffraction revealed diffuse intensity contours that were consistent with additional local ordering/cluster formation on the sites of the mixed (Sr/Nb) fcc cubic sublattice of the 1:1 ordered B-cation array. Concentration of intensity observed at certain points within the diffuse intensity contours was attributed to superstructure formation. Additionally, refinements of the HT structure using X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data indicated local displacements of both oxygen and A-site Sr atoms which resembled those associated with octahedral tilting. HT-Sr 4 Nb 2 O 9 specimens subsequently annealed at 900°C exhibited remarkably complex chemical and structural behavior: The contours of diffuse intensity were replaced by arrays of sharp superlattice reflections corresponding to at least four distinct metastable superstructures, all derived from the 1:1 B-cation arrangement. Compositional analysis indicated that these phases exhibit Sr/Nb ratios slightly different from 2/1; that is, they are not true polymorphs, but rather a series of structurally distinct phases with compositions near Sr 4 Nb 2 O 9 . The metastable superstructures were attributed to ordering of Sr and Nb on the mixed B sites in the 1:1 ordered array, possibly combined with either A-site or oxygen vacancy ordering, depending on the Sr/Nb ratio in the particular phase. The metastable phases transform to the stable LT-Sr 4 Nb 2 O 9 phase upon annealing in the 1100–1200°C temperature range. The dielectric properties of HT- and LT-Sr 4 Nb 2 O 9 were measured by capacitive methods at 1 MHz. HT-Sr 4 Nb 2 O 9 exhibited an ambient permittivity of 40 with a non-monotonic temperature dependence, while that for LT-Sr 4 Nb 2 O 9 was 30 with near-linear temperature dependence. The peculiar dielectric behavior of HT-Sr 4 Nb 2 O 9 was ascribed to the competitive responses of nanodomains having somewhat different structures and compositions.
A mixture of transition models for heterogeneous longitudinal ordinal data: with applications to longitudinal bacterial vaginosis data

Markov models used to analyze transition patterns in discrete longitudinal data are based on the limiting assumption that individuals follow the common underlying transition process. However, when one is interested in diseases with different disease or severity subtypes, explicitly modeling subpopulation-specific transition patterns may be appropriate. We propose a model which captures heterogeneity in the transition process through a finite mixture model formulation and provides a framework for identifying subpopulations at different risks. We apply the procedure to longitudinal bacterial vaginosis (BV) study data and demonstrate that the model fits the data well. Further, we show that under the mixture model formulation, we can make the important distinction between how covariates affect transition patterns unique to each of the subpopulations and how they affect which subgroup a participant will belong to. Practically, covariate effects on subpopulation-specific transition behavior and those on subpopulation membership can be interpreted as effects on short-term and long-term transition behavior. We further investigate models with higher-order subpopulation-specific transition dependence.
Proactive circuit allocation in multiplane NoCs

This work explores a method for efficient pre-allocation of circuits in network-on-chip (NoC) to reduce communication latency and improve performance. Circuit pre-allocation eliminates the time cost of circuit establishment by using request messages to reserve the circuits for their anticipated reply messages. Requests reserve circuits in a priority order rather than for a particular time slot, avoiding delays or blocking even if the newly requested circuits conflict with previously reserved ones. Benchmark simulations show speedup in execution time of up to 16%, with an average of 8% for communication sensitive benchmarks, over a leading proposal in pre-configuring circuits.
Cooperative Metal-Coordination and Ion Pairing in Tripeptide Recognition

The recognition of tripeptides by a metal-centered receptor consisting of a rigid backbone region and variable tripeptide arms is described. The studies showed that the receptor was selective for l-Xxx-l-Lys-l-Lys, with Xxx = His, Cys, and Met, giving association constants near 1.0 × 106 M-1. Binding enhancement through cooperative interactions of the peptidic arms is demonstrated.
Serotonin1B receptor stimulation enhances cocaine reinforcement.

The effects of serotonin1B[5-hydroxytryptamine1B (5-HT1B)] receptor activation on cocaine reinforcement were investigated using intravenous cocaine self-administration by rats. The 5-HT1Breceptor agonists 5-methoxy-3-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl-1H-indole (RU 24969) (0.3–3 mg/kg), 3-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridyl)-5-propoxypyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridine (CP 94,253) (0.3–3 mg/kg), and 3-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyrid-4-yl)pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridine (CP 93,129) (3 and 10 μg, i.c.v.) each dose-dependently reduced the self-administration of a cocaine dose on the descending limb of the fixed-ratio 5 (FR-5) cocaine dose–effect function, in a manner similar to the effect produced by increasing the unit dose of cocaine. In addition, each of these 5-HT1B agonists lowered the threshold dose of cocaine that supported self-administration. These results are consistent with a 5-HT1B agonist-induced potentiation of cocaine reinforcement. On a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement, RU 24969 and CP 94,253 dose-dependently (0.3–3 mg/kg) increased the highest completed ratio for cocaine self-administration, again by producing behavioral alterations similar to those induced by increasing the unit dose of cocaine. The effect of CP 94,253 was dose-dependently blocked by the 5-HT1B/1D receptor partial agonist 2′-methyl-4′-(5-methyl[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid[4-methodoxy-3-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-phenyl]-amide (GR 127,935) (0.3–10 mg/kg) but was unaffected by the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist 4-iodo- N -[2-[4-(methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]- N -2-pyridinyl- benzamide (p-MPPI; 1–10 mg/kg). Self-administration behavior was not maintained when either RU 24969 or CP 94,253 was substituted for cocaine, indicating that these 5-HT1B agonists do not produce significant reinforcing effects alone. Together, these findings indicate that 5-HT1B receptor stimulation facilitates the reinforcing properties of cocaine. These results are in opposition to recent findings with 5-HT1B receptor knock-out mice and may have important ontogenic implications in the area of drug abuse research.
Desenvolvendo a criatividade dos grupos de trabalho organizacionais

A criatividade vem se destacando cada vez mais como uma caracteristica imprescindivel para equipes e individuos nos atuais ambientes de trabalho das empresas. Este artigo discute as principais dificuldades e obstaculos ao desenvolvimento da criatividade nas equipes de trabalho. Ao mesmo tempo, propoe diversas estrategias para superar tais obstaculos e desenvolver as condicoes para que as equipes, em vez de dificultarem a criatividade individual, a estimulem.
Challenges to the use of ion irradiation for emulating reactor irradiation

Development of new materials for current and advanced reactor concepts is hampered by long lead times and high cost of reactor irradiations coupled with the paucity of test reactors. Ion irradiation offers many advantages for emulating the microstructures and properties of materials irradiated in reactors but also poses many challenges. Nevertheless, there is a growing body of evidence, primarily for light ion (proton) irradiation showing that many, if not all of the features of the irradiated microstructure and properties, can be successfully emulated by careful selection of irradiation parameters based on differences in the damage processes between ion and neutron irradiation. While much less has been done to benchmark heavy- or self-ion irradiation, recent work shows that under certain conditions, the complete suite of features of the irradiated microstructure can be emulated. This study summarizes the contributions of ion irradiation to our understanding of irradiation effects, the options for emulating radiation effects in reactors, and experience with both proton irradiation and heavy ion irradiation.
Asymptotic limits of the Mie-scattering characteristics

It is proved in a rigorous way that the x → ∞ limits of the Mie normalized scattering cross section Qsc(x, m) and normalized extinction cross section Qext(x, m) are equal to 1 + |(m − 1)/(m + 1)|2 and to 2, respectively.
Space-time Kalman filter

The Kalman filter arose out of R.E. Kalman's interest in applying the concept of state vectors to the Wiener filtering problem. The success of this method was evident in early applications to trajectory estimation and control of spacecraft; it was so successful, in fact, that the Kalman filter quickly became an essential component of modern control systems theory and practice. This initial success led to the propagation of Kalman-filtering ideas to other scientific disciplines, within which the methodology was adapted to suit numerous state–space oriented problems. Kalman filtering (of spatial data) is still an active area of research in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences.
Assessment of percolation and homogeneity in ABS/carbon black composites by electrical measurements

In this study, composites consisting of an insulating poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene) polymer matrix and a conducting carbon black (CB) additive were produced by twin-screw extrusion. Both direct current and alternating current electrical measurements were used to evaluate the electrical properties of the composite and to assess whether sufficient mixing was achieved. Electrical measurement results and scanning electron micrographs show that once-extruded composites had a porous structure and poor conductivity while twice-extruded composites were much more homogeneous and had higher conductivity. The percolation threshold of the twice-extruded poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene)/CB composites was found to be between 8 and 10% CB. Electrical measurements provided a feedback loop for improving processing of the composite material.
Quantum and Coulomb Effects in Nanodevices

In state of the art devices, it is well known that quantum and Coulomb effects play significant role on the device operation. In this book chapter we demonstrate that a novel effective potential approach in conjunction with a Monte Carlo device simulation scheme can accurately capture the quantum-mechanical size quantization effects. Inclusion of tunneling within semi-classical simulation schemes is discussed in details. We also demonstrate, via proper treatment of the short-range Coulomb interactions, that there will be significant variation in device design parameters for devices fabricated on the same chip due to the presence of unintentional dopant atoms at random locations within the channel of alternative technology devices.
Sagittal Plane Translation During Level Walking in Poor-Functioning and Well-Functioning Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency

BackgroundSome patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency can function well and participate in high-level sports, whereas others have functional limitations even during activities of daily living.HypothesisPatients who function well after an anterior cruciate ligament injury can stabilize the knee joint during gait by an anterior positioning of the tibia.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsSagittal tibial translation was registered with the CA-4000 electrogoniometer, during the Lachman test and walking, in 20 patients with a unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury. Eleven patients functioned well (Lysholm score [.greaterequal]84), and 9 patients had poor knee function (Lysholm score <84).ResultsDuring gait, the well-functioning group had 24% greater anterior translation in the injured leg compared to the noninjured leg. In the poor-functioning group, the anterior translation in the injured leg was 16% smaller compared to the noninjured leg (P = .0003). Tibial translation during th...
Simple metrics for slew rate of RC circuits based on two circuit moments

In this paper, we introduce simple metrics for the slew rate of an RC circuit based on the first two circuit moments. We develop two new slew metrics, S2M (slew with 2 moments) and scaled S2M, that provide high accuracy with the advantage of simple closed form expressions. S2M is very accurate for middle and far end nodes but it does not perform as well for near end nodes. Scaled S2M is developed to improve upon S2M for near end nodes and is shown to be highly accurate for near as well as far end nodes. For a large set of nets from an industrial 0.18 /spl mu/m microprocessor, S2M matches SPICE within 2% on average with 78% of the sinks having less than 1% error. For the same test cases, the average error for scaled S2M is less than 3% with 99.4% of the nodes showing less than 5% error.
Crystal structure of the globular domain of C1QTNF5: Implications for late-onset retinal macular degeneration.

Autosomal dominant late-onset retinal macular degeneration (L-ORMD) is caused by a single S163R mutation in the C1q and tumor necrosis factor-related protein 5 (C1QTNF5) gene. The C1QTNF5 gene encodes a secreted and membrane-associated protein involved in adhesion of retinal pigmented epithelial cells (RPE) to Bruch’s membrane. The crystal structure of the trimeric globular domain of human C1QTNF5 at 1.34 A resolution reveals unique features of this novel C1q family member. It lacks a Ca2+-binding site, displays a remarkable non-uniform distribution of surface electrostatic potentials and possesses a unique sequence (F181F182G183G184W185P186) that forms a hydrophobic plateau surrounded by Lys and Arg residues with a solvent cavity underneath. S163 forms a hydrogen bond with F182 in a hydrophobic area extending to the hydrophobic plateau. The pathogenic mutation S163R disrupts this hydrogen bonding and positively charges these hydrophobic areas. Thus, our analysis provides insights into the structural basis of the L-ORMD disease mechanism.
Iron Chelating Capacity of Gluconamides and Lactobionamides

Abstract Various lactobionamides and gluconamides have been prepared by reaction of lactobiono- or glucono-lactones with amines. The amides were tested for their ability to chelate ferric ion in alkaline solution. In general, gluconamides were more effective chelators than corresponding lactobionamides.
Subband, universal line and cable modeling for robust power system transient simulation

A numerically robust, computationally efficient method for modeling a multi-phase, frequency-dependent transmission line (FDTL) or underground cable (FDUC) by means of low-order transfer functions using a perfect reconstruction filter bank (PR-FB) is proposed. Modeling the delay-transfer functions associated with the characteristic impedance and weighting function of an FDTL or FDUC over a wide range of frequencies typically involves high-order rational function approximations (RFAs). Discretization of the high order RFAs is prone to numerical instability, especially when the ratio of the maximum pole magnitude over the minimum pole magnitude (condition number) is large. The proposed method improves numerical stability by employing several narrowband (subband) low-order RFAs using a logarithmic tree-structured perfect reconstruction filter bank. Moreover, the method is computationally efficient, since simulation of each subband is of low complexity and very suitable for parallel (multi-core) processing.
Buried in the noise. Focus on "temporal properties of responses to broadband noise in the auditory nerve".

The auditory system is faced with two tasks when a sound is heard. One is to identify the sound and the other is to localize it in space. Both tasks depend on the remarkable ability of auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) to synchronize their responses to the temporal envelope or to the fine structure of
Late Holocene sea level variability and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

Pre-twentieth century sea level (SL) variability remains poorly understood due to limits of tide gauge records, low temporal resolution of tidal marsh records, and regional anomalies caused by dynamic ocean processes, notably multidecadal changes in Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). We examined SL and AMOC variability along the eastern United States over the last 2000 years, using a SL curve constructed from proxy sea surface temperature (SST) records from Chesapeake Bay, and twentieth century SL-sea surface temperature (SST) relations derived from tide gauges and instrumental SST. The SL curve shows multidecadal-scale variability (20–30 years) during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA) and Little Ice Age (LIA), as well as the twentieth century. During these SL oscillations, short-term rates ranged from 2 to 4 mm yr−1, roughly similar to those of the last few decades. These oscillations likely represent internal modes of climate variability related to AMOC variability and originating at high latitudes, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Results imply that dynamic ocean changes, in addition to thermosteric, glacio-eustatic, or glacio-isostatic processes are an inherent part of SL variability in coastal regions, even during millennial-scale climate oscillations such as the MCA and LIA and should be factored into efforts that use tide gauges and tidal marsh sediments to understand global sea level rise.
Using scenario-based requirements to direct research on web macro tools

Web macros automate the interactions of end users with web sites and related information systems. Though web macro recorders and players have grown in sophistication over the past decade, these tools cannot yet meet many tasks that people perform in daily life. Based on observations of browser users, we have compiled ten scenarios describing tasks that users would benefit from automating. Our analysis of these scenarios yields specific requirements that web macro tools should support if those tools are to be applicable to these real-life tasks. Our set of requirements constitutes a benchmark for evaluating tools, which we demonstrate by evaluating the Robofox, CoScripter, and iMacros tools.
A selected bibliography of biomedical and environmental applications of stable isotopes. I—Deuterium 1971–1976

A compilation of selected references to the use of deuterium in biochemical, pharmacological, clinical and environmental applications for the period 1971–1976 is presented. As a further aid, author and subject indices have been compiled.
Understanding the Experience of Stroke: A Mixed-Method Research Agenda

The use of both quantitative and qualitative strategies to examine a single research question has been a subject of considerable controversy and still remains a largely uncommon practice in the sociology of health and illness. Yet, when seeking to understand the meaning of a chronic disabling condition in later life from a social psychological perspective, a mixed-method approach is likely to provide the most comprehensive picture. This article provides an overview of the usefulness and appropriateness of a mixed-method approach to understanding the stroke experience. I comment on the current state of research on the experience of stroke, including epistemological and ontological orientations. Using real data examples, I address paradigmatic assumptions, methods of integration, as well as challenges and pitfalls in integrating methods. I conclude by considering future directions in this field of research.
Whey Protein but Not Soy Protein Supplementation Alters Body Weight and Composition in Free-Living Overweight and Obese Adults

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine the effect of consumption of supplemental whey protein (WP), soy protein (SP), and an isoenergetic amount of carbohydrate (CHO) on body weight and composition in free-living overweight and obese but otherwise healthy participants. Ninety overweight and obese participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups for 23 wk: 1) WP; 2) SP (each providing ~56 g/d of protein and 1670 kJ/d); or 3) an isoenergetic amount of CHO. Supplements were consumed as a beverage twice daily. Participants were provided no dietary advice and continued to consume their free-choice diets. Participants' body weight and composition data were obtained monthly. Dietary intake was determined by 24-h dietary recalls collected every 10 d. After 23 wk, body weight and composition did not differ between the groups consuming the SP and WP or between SP and CHO; however, body weight and fat mass of the group consuming the WP were lower by 1.8 kg (P < 0.006) and 2.3 kg (P < 0.005), respectively, than the group consuming CHO. Lean body mass did not differ among any of the groups. Waist circumference was smaller in the participants consuming WP than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Fasting ghrelin was lower in participants consuming WP compared with SP or CHO. Through yet-unknown mechanisms, different sources of dietary protein may differentially facilitate weight loss and affect body composition. Dietary recommendations, especially those that emphasize the role of dietary protein in facilitating weight change, should also address the demonstrated clinical potential of supplemental WP.
Negative Social Reactions to Assault Disclosure as a Mediator between Self-Blame and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Survivors of Interpersonal Assault

The type of causal attributions offered for traumatic life events has been documented as a potential vulnerability factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few investigations have sought to identify the mechanisms by which such explanations are associated with greater posttraumatic distress. One possible factor that may account for the relationship between maladaptive attributional tendencies and PTSD symptoms is the quality of social reactions received from one’s social network upon disclosure. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between self-blaming attributions provided for traumatic events, negative social reactions, and PTSD symptom severity. Undergraduate psychology students (N = 68), who reported previously experiencing interpersonal assault, completed measures assessing their attributions for their assault and the quality of reactions received from members of their social network upon disclosure. Results from a statistical mediational analysis suggest that...
Power transmission lines: A new interconnect design to eliminate simultaneous switching noise

A major bottleneck in high-speed signaling is the simultaneous switching noise (SSN), which is caused by simultaneously switching output buffers. SSN is a result of the coupling between the signal lines and the power delivery network (PDN) in off-chip signaling. This coupling occurs at discontinuities of the transmission line, wherever there is an interruption of the current return path. A particular location where there is a return path discontinuity is the output buffer that is connected to a transmission line. To reduce this discontinuity, current designs try to maintain a low- impedance PDN for the I/O lines up to the output buffers on the chip. This requires a complicated design of the package and interconnections using, for example, planes for the PDN and decoupling capacitors on the package. For GHz signaling, it can be very difficult to maintain sufficiently low impedance. This paper presents a new PDN design, called as the power transmission line, which overcomes these problems.
A Review of California Margarinotus Marseul (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Histerinae: Histerini), with Descriptions of Two New Species

ABSTRACT Eleven species of the genus Margarinotus Marseul (Histeridae: Histerinae: Histerini) are known to occur in California. One of these, Margarinotus merdarius (Hoffmann) is adventive, and two others, Margarinotus ephemeralis Caterino, new species and Margarinotus thomomysi Caterino, new species are described here for the first time. The first of these is closely related to Margarinotus remotus (LeConte), and the second to Margarinotus fenderi Wenzel. Both of the new species are restricted to the nests of burrowing rodents, Spermophilus Cuvier and Thomomys Wied-Neuwied, respectively, and help indicate that the arthropod fauna of such niches is still inadequately documented.
A Subthreshold-MOSFETs-Based Scattered Relative Temperature Sensor Front-End With a Non-Calibrated $\pm 2.5^{\circ}{\rm C}$ $3\sigma$ Relative Inaccuracy From - $40^{\circ}{\rm C}$ to 100 $^{\circ}{\rm C}$

This paper presents a subthreshold MOSFETs-based scattered relative temperature sensor front-end operating at a low supply voltage. Dynamic element matching and dynamic offset cancellation have been implemented to minimize the errors induced by device mismatches. An individual proportional-to-absolute-temperature (PTAT) voltage generator was first implemented to verify the low voltage operation capability and the mismatch-error correction. A low voltage reference circuit has been also designed and tested. A gate-bulk-driven error correction amplifier is proposed in order to minimize the offset error and maintain low voltage operation. The scattered relative temperature sensor front-end was then implemented in AMI 0.5 μm CMOS process with an array of 5 × 5 sensor nodes across the chip. The minimum supply voltage was measured as 1 V over -40-100°C with a typical N-JP-type threshold voltage of around 0.8 V and 0.9 V at room temperature, respectively. The measured relative inaccuracy was less than ±2.5°C without calibration. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that non-calibrated on-chip relative temperature monitoring accuracy is reported. Furthermore, the multi-location thermal monitoring function has been experimentally demonstrated and a 2°C/mm on-chip temperature gradient was detected.
Catching the Tail of a Story: Learning from Literary and Philosophical Sources as Guides for Independent Research

It is conventional to tell students to begin their research with background sources, typically reference books. We -- a professor and his subject librarian -- argue that useful background knowledge is much deeper than books (to say nothing of Wikipedia). It is rooted in experience of the world and, as it were, immanent, which researchers can then bring into their experience of formal, published knowledge. Incorporating qualitative assessment exercises as instructional moments, we repeatedly induce advanced undergraduates to foreground their deep background, to contrast it with published knowledge, and to identify and provisionally explain the gaps between them. “Finding the story” is our way for students to think about how that gap might be charted and how their own research explorations can fruitfully fill the gaps they perceive intellectually and affectively. In this paper we examine some literary and philosophical sources for clues as to how our story trope works, not only in our students, but also how “finding the story” works in thinkers we wish our students to appreciate. We conclude with an application of the story trope as part of a pedagogy of potentialities and beginnings carries onward toward the completion of student research.
Monte Carlo Study of Reconstruction of the Au (110) Surface Using Equivalent Crystal Theory

The (110) surface of gold is known experimentally to undergo a 1 × 2 reconstruction which is believed to be of the “missing row” type. There have been a number of theoretical studies of the energetics and geometry of this reconstruction. In this work, we present new results obtained using two versions of the Equivalent Crystal Theory (ECT). The ECT has proven to be quite accurate in providing predictions of surface energies and planar relaxations. The extended version of the ECT has been modified to better describe such quantities as elastic constants and shear energies. We have computed the energetics and geometry of the missing-row reconstructed surface, in both unrelaxed and relaxed form, using a Monte Carlo energy minimization technique, allowing relaxation of the positions of atoms up to three layers deep. We compare these results with previous theoretical work and with available experimental data.
Mesh Refinement Study of Flow and Particle Deposition in Human Lung Airway Model

Simulation of flow and particle deposition in multigenerational bronchial tube geometries is a nontrivial problem. The lung airway geometry is quite complex due to asymmetry, nonplanarity and multiple generations. There are 23 airway generations in the human lung. The complexity of the airflow increases with an increasing number of generations. Particle deposition in bronchial tubes is strongly affected by these complex flow fields and bronchial tube geometry. Determination of mesh independence requirements of CFD solutions in large-scale, multigenerational models can guide the optimum use of computational resources. In this paper, we investigate the mesh independence of the solution in an idealized lung geometry consisting of a nine-generation, nonplanar, bronchial tube model using our hybrid (finite element/finite volume), matrix free, parallel CaMEL flow solver. Four mesh resolutions were considered for the mesh refinement study. Steady-state inspiratory flow was simulated with an inlet Reynolds number of 319. The dimensionless pressure drop, primary velocity profiles, and mass flow distribution were investigated to assure mesh independence of the primary flow fields. The results showed minimal differences in these metrics for all four mesh resolutions indicating that a mesh independent primary flow was achieved for all four meshes. The mesh convergence of secondary flows was also investigated. The two finest meshes showed mesh convergence in terms of secondary flows. In addition, the particle transport for all the meshes were simulated using our Lagrangian based particle tracking model. The particle deposition was investigated by employing particle deposition efficiencies in each generation, RMS of FTLE difference values and FTLE difference maps. The results showed that as the meshes were refined; particle deposition efficiency differences and FTLE differences became smaller, suggesting that the solution was approaching mesh independence. The results indicated that, even though the primary flow fields showed mesh convergence for all the mesh refinements, the mesh convergence was achieved in terms of secondary flows and particle deposition for only the 2 nd and 3 rd refinement levels. This demonstrates the impact of secondary flows on the particle deposition as well as the importance of explicit investigation of the particle deposition employing meaningful metrics when performing a mesh refinement study in bronchial tube models.
Uptake and Interaction of HI on Ice Films

The uptake of HI and co-uptake of HI + HCl on water-ice have been studied in a flow reactor at polar stratospheric temperature. The uptake of HI on ice is determined to be in the range of 1.1 × 1014−1.8 × 1016 molecules/cm2. The HI uptake thermodynamics is also investigated. The nature of higher uptake and the effect of acidity on the HX uptake are studied and discussed. The HI + HCl co-uptake experiment reveals that the uptake of HI on ice is about a factor of 10 more efficient than that of HCl at 188 K.
Emerging Adulthood and Social Class: Rejoinder to Furstenberg, Silva, and du Bois-Reymond

Here I reply to the commentaries by Furstenberg, Silva, and du Bois-Reymond on my essay concerning emerging adulthood (EA) and social class. I support Furstenberg’s suggestion to use national data ...