cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stable Explicit Wavefield Extrapolation Using Recursive Operators

Summary We propose using recursive or infinite impulse response (IIR) operators to extrapolate the wavefield in one-way wave equation depth migration. In contrast to other finite impulse response (FIR) operators that compute the output value from the input values only, our recursive filters compute the output value from the input values and the past output values, resulting in an infinite response when an impulse is fed to the filters. The physics of wavefield extrapolation requires symmetric operators. Therefore each IIR operator is split into two IIR filters recurring in opposite directions. Our filters are designed by a robust least squares method. The resulting filters have very short length and are accurate up to 90 degrees. Wavefield extrapolation in v(z) media using IIR operators can be faster than phaseshift in the Fourier domain, as accurate as phaseshift, and has a smaller numerical artifact (no wraparounds). Lateral velocity variation could be accommodated by changing the IIR operator with space. However we observed an artificial amplification of reflection/refraction energy when the IIR coefficients are directly varied according to velocity. The focus of our current research is a scheme to circumvent this problem as well as the extension of the method to 3-D using twodimensional IIR filters.
Investigation of the electronic structure of an iron-titanium nitride ammonia synthesis catalyst

Abstract An electron spectroscopic study of a nitrided FeTi material has been carried out. Similarly prepared samples have shown enhanced catalytic activity for NH3 production [E. Schwab and E. Wicke, Z. Physik. Chem. (NF) 122 (1980) 217], which was attributed to small iron particles embedded in a TiN matrix. Electron spectra are consistent with this interpretation, suggesting the breakdown of the original FeTi intermetallic lattice, and the formation of TiN. No significant electron transfer between the iron particles and the TiN lattice is observed in this study. These observations rule out an electronic factor as the source of the enhanced ammonia synthesis activity of nitrided FeTi.
Small-Mammal Associations in Forested and Old-field Habitats: A Quantitative Comparison

Population densities, physical condition, and several parameters (diversity, niche breadth, and ratio of dominance) of small-mammal communities were documented for two old-field and two forested sites from fall 1974 to spring 1977. White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were the most numerous species in forested habitats, and populations fluctuated asynchronously and were noncyclic. Physical condition indices were not significantly different between the two forested sites, but values were significantly higher for adults than juveniles and significantly different between different sample periods. Seasonal changes in phys- ical condition were not correlated with population fluctuations. Meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) were the most numerous species in old-field habitats, and populations were cyclic and fluctuated synchronously with a 2-yr duration between peaks. Phys- ical condition indices were not significantly different between different census periods, but were significantly higher for adults than juveniles. Seasonal changes in physical condition were not signif- icantly correlated with population fluctuations. There was a negative correlation between average niche breadth and the number of species oc- curring in each census period for both Peromyscus- and Microtus-dominated communities, which suggested the occurrence of species packing. Niche breadth of species was positively correlated with their abundance in both forested and old-field habitats. Species diversity was negatively correlated with meadow vole density, suggesting that at high densities voles competitively excluded other species of small mammals. Species diversity of small-mammal communities in both habitats were extremely variable spatially and temporally. There were significant differences in diversity indices between sites within the same habitat but not between habitats.
The False Teachings of the Unbiased Expectations Hypothesis

The unbiased expectations hypothesis is the basis for many current investment strategies, despite its shortcomings. Yet the spot–forward parity theorem and the unbiased expectations hypothesis cannot both hold. Why do some in the investment community continue to believe that there is any more information in forward prices or rates than spot prices or rates? The authors show that forward prices have to be biased predictors of future spot prices, or arbitrage opportunities would arise. The bias is fair compensation for the difference in the timing of the cash flows between the spot and forward markets. The authors argue that the unbiased expectations hypothesis often forms the basis for trading strategies only because of the zero initial value and non–zero future value, the misuse of forwards in performance attribution, and a misunderstanding of the symmetry of risk premiums.
Intraoperative management of severe endobronchial hemorrhage.

Abstract Endobronchial hemorrhage due to pulmonary artery perforation by a Swan-Ganz catheter developed during coronary artery bypass grafting while weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. After reinstitution of cardiopulmonary bypass with pulmonary artery venting, bleeding was localized to the right lower lobe bronchus using fiberoptic bronchoscopy. A Fogarty embolectomy catheter was inflated in the bronchus to tamponade successfully only the right lower lobe. This case illustrates a method of distal bronchial blockade for maximal retention of pulmonary function and avoidance of pulmonary resection.
On One-Sided versus Two-Sided Matching Games

Abstract We consider the “one-sided matching” models of Shapley and Scarf and Tijset al. and a one-sided analogue of Demange and Gale's two-sided matching market. We analyze these games by considering each trader as both “buyer” and “seller” and seeing whether results carry over from the two-sided matching literature. For the most part, they do in the transferable utility (TU) case but not in the nontransferable utility model. Our results in the TU case parallel work done by Shapley and Shubik for two-sided markets.Journal of Economic LiteratureClassification Numbers: C71, C78.
The Measurement of Inflation

HE NATURE and processes of inflation have been discussed extensively in economic literature since the war.' In the present paper a technique for analyzing quantitatively the forces making for inflation is described and illustrated. First the terms used and the procedures adopted under assumptions as to the statistics available are discussed; and then the technique is applied to data for Western Europe in the decade 1938-48.
On the relation between origin income and migration.

While traditional migration theory suggests that the rate of migration is negatively related to income at the origin, many empirical studies of aggregate migration yield a non-significant or even a positive relation. This paper utilizes a simplified model of migration to demonstrate that one possible reason for such results is the imperfect capital market facing migrants. Higher average income at the origin may imply a higher number of individuals who have the cash resources to finance migration, thus generating a positive relation between regional income and migration. The conclusions suggest the use of non-linear specifications in empirical migration studies.
Circular dichroism of bovine rhodopsin.

— When rhodopsin is associated with membrane particles, phospholipid may be involved in maintaining a preferred conformation of the opsin and the asymmetric structure of the chromophore of rhodopsin.
Self-Disclosure and Expressed Self-Esteem, Social Distance and Areas of the Self Revealed

(1963). Self-Disclosure and Expressed Self-Esteem, Social Distance and Areas of the Self Revealed. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 56, No. 2, pp. 405-412.
Force Dependent Enzymatic Activity of Non-Erythroid Spectrin and Cell Proliferation

Mechanotransduction in cells describes the process by which external physical stimuli are converted into biochemical activity and plays an important role in many biological functions on both the cell and tissue level. However, the specific mechanisms by which mechanical forces lead to particular molecular and cellular responses are much less understood. We investigate the functional changes of non-erythroid α-II and β-II spectrins as a result of equi-biaxial strain application to cells in culture. Specifically, we focus on the spectrins’ role in the ubiquitination process of spectrin associated ankyrin, a vital process in the regulation of its degredation as well as its interactions with other membrane proteins. We utilize epifluorescenc, FRET and TIRF microscopy, immune-fluorescence staining and fluorescent fusion proteins for quantitative fluorescence imaging of spectrin, ankyrin and ubiquitin in live and fixed cells. Protein expression levels and localization between cells exposed to mechanical stimuli of different temporal and spatial profiles are compared. In addition, the threshold behavior of cell proliferation - as measured by number densities - of CHO, 10T1/2 and 3T3 cells as a function of mechanostimulation with different frequencies and durations is investigated in depth.Key words:Ankyrin , FRET, Proliferation, Spectrin, Ubiqutination,
Do you know your STUFF? Training collaborative modelers

Purpose – This research in the paper seeks to extend the findings of Jeffery et al. by describing and testing two communication processes for improving collaborative modeling and team performance.Design/methodology/approach – This paper frames the process of collaborative modeling in terms of developing task independent communication skills that help group members determine how to communicate and what to communicate about. Two training devices, the STUFF architecture and SCRIP reports, are tested using a prisoner rescue simulation.Findings – In the paper a significant relationship is found between implementation of the training devices and improved shared mental models, including spatial awareness of other team members and homogeneity of perceived time demands. A significant relationship was also found between high degree of mental model overlap and improved performance on the rescue task. Overall, groups who implemented the communication training also felt better about themselves and their performance.Re...
Solution of the Strong {CP} Problem by Color Exchange

We present a new way to solve the strong CP problem in models with a spontaneously broken CP invariance. It is simpler than existing non-Peccei-Quinn approaches. It predicts the existence of light (i.e., weak scale) colored Higgs bosons which could be seen in colliders.
Modulation of proopiomelanocortin gene expression by ethanol in mouse anterior pituitary corticotrope tumor cell AtT20

Abstract In humans, alcoholism is associated with a decrease in basal ACTH and cortisol levels, and blunted pituitary ACTH responses to administered corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) during active drinking and after long-term abstinence. Preclinical studies indicate that a persistent decrease in pituitary activation after chronic exposure to ethanol is due to a direct effect of ethanol on the corticotrope of the anterior pituitary. The present studies were undertaken to determine if ethanol has effects on proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene transcription activity in mouse anterior pituitary corticotrope tumor cell AtT20. We measured the levels of the POMC primary nuclear RNA transcript (PT), processing intermediate, and mature mRNA in the nucleus and the levels of the POMC mRNA in the cytoplasm after treatment of AtT20 cells with 5–15 mM concentrations of ethanol. After 15 mM ethanol for 60 to 120 min, the POMC PT levels were significantly decreased. This decreased POMC gene transcription activity was coupled with a significant reduction of the POMC cytoplasmic mRNA levels. After ethanol for 4 h, however, both the decreases were no longer observed. After 8 h, a decrease in the ACTH secretion in the medium was found. We further investigated if CRH or glutamate modulates the effects of ethanol on the POMC gene transcription activity. CRH at 10 nM after 60 min increased the POMC PT levels, and 15 mM ethanol attenuated the effect of CRH on the nuclear transcription activity. Glutamate receptor proteins, including NMDA receptor subtype NR1 (but not NR2A or NR2B) and GluR2, were identified by Western immunoblot analysis in AtT20 cells, with similar sizes to those in mouse hypothalamus. The inhibitory effect of 60 min ethanol at 5 to 15 mM on the POMC PT levels was attenuated by 50 μM L-glutamate. Together, our data showed that: (1) ethanol treatment in intoxicate doses significantly inhibited POMC gene transcription activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner in AtT20 cells, and (2) the POMC gene transcription activity in response to CRH or glutamate was altered by ethanol. Our results suggest that ethanol has an inhibitory effect on the POMC gene transcription activity in the anterior pituitary corticotrope, which may contribute to the persistent decrease in pituitary activation after chronic ethanol exposure.
936-86 Plasma Fibrinogen Level Predicts Severity of Intimal Thickening After Cardiac Transplantation

Diffuse atherosclerosis is the primary reason for late graft failure after cardiac transplantation. Because there is increasing evidence that imbalances in the hemostatic and fibrinolytic pathways are associated with allogeneic rejection, we hypothesized that atherothrombotic risk factors may contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis. We therefore prospectively evaluated the burden of coronary atherosclerosis by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in 20 patients and measured plasma fibrinogen (FGN). lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) and net fibrinolytic activity of plasma using a standard fibrin plate assay. Intimal thickening was quantified using IVUS by measuring the intimal index (li = intimal area/[intimal area + luminal area]) in 2–5 segments of the LAD using planimetry. The maximal Ii per patient was calculated and indexed to the time post-transplant (Mxli/Yr). FGN predicted severity of Mxli/Yr (r2 = 0.41, p = 0.008). In patients with decreased plasma fibrinolytic activity (lytic zone < 100 mm2). Mxli/Yr was increased ten-fold (0.21 ± 0.17 vs. 0.02 ± 0.02, p = 0.002). Because Lp(a) colocalizes with fibrinogen in the vessel wall and inhibits fibrinolysis, we correlated plasma Lp(a) levels with the degree of intimal thickening. Lp(a) did not predict Mxli/Yr (p = NS). In conclusion, these data suggest that plasma FGN and net fibrinolytic activity predict the degree of intimal thickening and that fibrin deposition may play an integral role in diffuse coronary atherosclerosis after cardiac transplantation.
Auxilliary computations for perceptron networks

In this study we consider a multilayer perceptron network with sigmoidal activation and trained via the backpropagation algorithm. The output of all neurons is collected and a simple linear regression is performed. It is shown that untrained networks with randomly chosen coefficients perform comparably with fully trained networks. This result casts a new light on the role of activation functions, the impact of dimensionality, and the efficacy of training algorithms such as backpropagation.
Neural correlates of flight loss in a Mexican grasshopper, Barytettix psolus. II. DCMD and TCG interneurons.

Comparison of the nervous systems of a flightless grasshopper (Barytettix psolus), and locusts (Schistocerca) is extended to include two large interneurons, the descending contralateral movement detector (DCMD) and the tritocerebral commissure giant (TCG). These interneurons are thought to play a role in locu st flight. Both were visualized in Barytettix with cobalt staining techniques. Most features of the two neurons are similar in both locusts and Barytettix. Yet, several differences were noted. In locusts, the dorsal DCMD branch in its metathoracic projection terminates in dorsolateral neuropile and synapses with flight motorneurons (Pearson and Goodman, 1979). In Barytettix, no branch terminates in the corresponding region. Of the animals examined, 52% lacked branches corresponding to locust dorsal branches. When present, they all had abnormal projections by comparison to their counterparts in locusts. The maintenance of the TCG in Barytettix with so similar a form to that of locusts suggests that the role of the cell in behavior other than flight should be examined. The differences in DCMD projection suggest that a discrete set of output connections may have been modified in Barytettix by the alteration of a single first-order axonal branch.
Cytoskeletal origins in sulfur-metabolizing archaebacteria.

Abstract Several of the thermophilic acidophilic sulfur-metabolizing archaebacteria lack rigid cell walls. Their irregular shapes are maintained by an internal mechanism, presumably a cytoskeleton. Apparently this is an adaptation for respiration upon elemental sulfur, which requires cell contact since sulfur is insoluble in water. Also, we speculate that there could be additional functions of the cytoskeleton, such as prevention of osmotic cell lysis, thermal stabilization of enzymes, and improvements in metabolic efficiency through specific enzyme positioning. Such a well-developed cytoskeleton, evolving first in thermophilic archaebacteria, could have been a preadaptation for the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
Is inequality bad for our health

Abstract A number of recent studies suggest that income and social inequality (as opposed to poverty itself) have detrimental consequences on people's health. These studies argue that while the poor may suffer the most from inequality, the rich also suffer. On closer inspection, however, it emerges that the basic arguments and evidence that inequality has a causal effect on health are wanting in many respects.
A CMOS LSSD test generation system

Automatic test pattern generators based on the stuck-fault concept are theoretically inadequate in their ability to generate test patterns for CMOS circuits. A new set of pin faults, called CMOS faults, is discussed that can represent the necessary test pattern sequences for these circuits. Processing of these faults by a new test pattern generator, called the Enhanced Test Generator (ETG), is also described.
Endovascular Stenting for Traumatic Aortic Injury: An Emerging New Standard of Care

Background Thoracic aortic injury remains a leading cause of death after blunt trauma. Thoracic aortic stents have the potential to treat aortic tears using a less invasive approach. We have accumulated the largest series of patients treated with blunt thoracic aortic injury over a 2-year period. Methods From July 2005 to present, 26 patients presenting with blunt aortic injury were treated with thoracic aortic endografting; these patients were retrospectively compared with the prior 26 patients presenting with similar aortic injury who were treated by open surgical repair. A Severity Characterization of Trauma score calculated for each patient predicts mortality based on severity of injury and degree of physiologic derangement on presentation. Results Patients treated with endografting had a significantly shorter length of stay, less intraoperative blood loss, decreased 24-hour blood transfusion, and lower incidence of postoperative tracheostomy compared with patients undergoing open repair. Survival in both groups was similar despite a trend toward higher injury severity among patients treated with endografting. Conclusions This early experience suggests that aortic endografting may provide a safe and efficient treatment of aortic tears that cardiac surgeons can be successful in employing.
Teaching Spontaneous Language to Individuals with Severe Handicaps: A Matrix Model.

Although language intervention strategies have been successful in teaching persons with severe handicaps to communicate, success has been limited because individuals with severe handicaps often fail to use these new language skills spontaneously in their natural environment. Previous studies in teaching spontaneous and generalized language usage have not taken into account the need for listener preparatory behaviors such as selecting an appropriate listener, establishing proximity, and obtaining attention before delivering a message, nor have they addressed sufficiently the complexities of the contextual variables affecting spontaneous language/communication. The paper presents a matrix model of spontaneous language that takes into account listener preparatory behaviors and contextual variables, and examines the practical implications of the model for teaching spontaneous language to individuals with severe handicaps.
Electrochemical production of hydroxyl radical at polycrystalline Nb-doped TiO2 electrodes and estimation of the partitioning between hydroxyl radical and direct hole oxidation pathways

The use of TiO_2 as a photocatalyst for the destruction of organic chemical pollutants in aqueous systems has been extensively studied. One obstacle to the effective utilization of these systems is the relatively inefficient use of the solar spectrum by the photocatalyst. In addition, light delivery to the photocatalyst can be impeded by UV-absorbing components in mixed effluent streams. We present a novel use of TiO_2 as a catalyst for the oxidative degradation of organic compounds in water that uses a potential source instead of light to generate reactive oxidants. Application of an anodic bias of >+2 V vs NHE to titanium electrodes coated with niobium-doped, polycrystalline TiO_2 particles electrochemically generates hydroxyl radicals at the TiO_2 surface. This process has been demonstrated to efficiently degrade a variety of environmentally important pollutants. In addition, these electrodes offer a unique opportunity to probe mechanistic questions in TiO_2 catalysis. By comparing substrate degradation rates with increases in current density upon substrate addition, the extent of degradation due to direct oxidation and •OH oxidation can be quantified. The branching ratio for these two pathways depends on the nature of the organic substrate. Formate is shown to degrade primarily via a hydroxyl radical mechanism at these electrodes, whereas the current increase data for compounds such as 4-chlorocatechol indicate that a higher percentage of their degradation may occur through direct oxidation. In addition, the direct oxidation pathway is shown to be more important for 4-chlorocatechol, a strongly adsorbing substrate, than for 4-chlorophenol, which does not adsorb strongly to TiO_2.
System and SAR characterization in parallel RF transmission

The markedly increased degrees of freedom introduced by parallel radiofrequency transmission presents both opportunities and challenges for specific absorption rate (SAR) management. On one hand they enable E-field tailoring and SAR reduction while facilitating excitation profile control. On other hand they increase the complexity of SAR behavior and the risk of inadvertently exacerbating SAR by improper design or playout of radiofrequency pulses. The substantial subject-dependency of SAR in high field magnetic resonance can be a compounding factor. Building upon a linear system concept and a calibration scheme involving a finite number of in situ measurements, this work establishes a clinically applicable method for characterizing global SAR behavior as well as channel-by-channel power transmission. The method offers a unique capability of predicting, for any excitation, the SAR and power consequences that are specific to the subject to be scanned and the MRI hardware. The method was validated in simulation and experimental studies, showing promise as the foundation to a prospective paradigm where power and SAR are not only monitored but, through prediction-guided optimization, proactively managed.
THE RECOVERY OF ETHYL ACETATE BY EXTRACTIVE DISTILLATION

Ethyl acetate cannot be easily removed from either mixtures with ethanol and water because of the minimum ternary azeotrope or from methyl ethyl ketone because of the proximity of boiling points. Ethyl acetate can be readily recovered from mixtures with these two by using extractive distillation in which the extractive agent is a higher boiling oxygenated, nitrogenous or sulfur-containing organic compound or a mixture of these.
Catabolism of epinephrine-14C by American chameleons (Anolis carolinensis)

Abstract Within 24 hr of the intraperitoneal injection of 0.04 mg of dl -epinephrine-7- 14 C, male lizards ( Anolis carolinensis ) rapidly excreted greater than 50% of this radioactivity as metabolites. 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), metanephrine (META), and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid were tentatively identified as catabolites of the injected epinephrine. MHPG was also found to be the major inactivated form of this hormone.
THE INTRAVENOUS L-ALANINE TOLERANCE TEST AS A MEANS FOR TESTING GLUCONEOGENESIS

The intravenous administration of L-alanine can be used to test gluconeogenesis. It is important that the glycogen stores of the liver are depleted before the test is performed. Only then can an increase of blood glucose be ascribed to gluconeogenesis from L-alanine, glycogenolysis being of minor importance. Therefore, we extended the fasting period previous to the test until the blood glucose concentration was 3 mmol/1 approximately. We performed the test on 3 children with ketotic hypoglycemia, 4 with hepatic glycogenosis and 1 with a deficiency of hepatic fructose-1,6-diphosphatase. The former two groups responded with a marked increase of blood glucose, whereas blood lactate hardly varied. The results pointed to unimpaired gluconeogenesis. In the patient with a fructose-1, 6-diphosphatase deficiency blood glucose did not increase, the elevated fasting lactate increased further and L-alanine elimination was delayed. These data pointed to impaired gluconeogenesis.
Semiconductor Particle Detectors: A Reassessment of the Fano Factor Situation

The problems dealt with concern the production of electron-hole pairs in a semiconductor nuclear radiation sensor. The goal is to develop a semiphenomenological model capable of describing the present experimental situation from the standpoint of yield, variance and bandgap dependence. We proceed on the premise that ?, the average amount of radiation energy consumed per pair, can be accounted for by a sum of three contributions: the intrinsic bandgap (EG), optical phonon losses r(h?R), and the residual kinetic energy (9/5)EG. Both the bandgap and the temperature dependence of pair-creation energies conform to this model and suggest that optical phonon losses remain essentially constant [0.5 ? r(h?R) ? 1.0 eV]. Fano-factor variations are found to reflect the relative weight of phonon losses [? = r(h?R)/EG], but residual energy fluctuations govern the statistical behavior for ?2 ? 0.3; an application to Ge detectors yields good agreement with the best measurements available (F ? 0.13). Finally, it is shown that materials such as Si or CdTe (1.0 ? EG ? 1.5 eV) provide optimized media in terms of the "ultimate" resolution capability.
Dynamic inertia tensor for a hot rotating nucleus

Abstract A general formula is derived for the dynamic inertia tensor I (2) of a hot rotating nucleus. This formula includes both mean field and pairing effects within the cranked finite-temperature Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov formalism. The intrinsic shape can have an arbitrary orientation relative to the rotation axis, and the angular momentum can be large. Special case limits include finite-temperature generalizations of the independent-particle model and pairing moments of inertia. The dynamic inertia tensor is interpreted as the static susceptibility of a many-body system to a uniform external field.
Partial discharge detection by RF coil in 161 kV power transformer

The partial discharge (PD) sensor based on the copper coil will be used to on-line detect the radio frequency (RF) signal emitted from PD in 161 kV power transformer. The coil sensor is attached onto the surface of the power transformers to increase the sensitivity of PD signal detection. In the oil-filled power transformer, according to the electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation theory, the PD-induced EM wave could propagate to the metal tank, and most of the electric field attenuates within the short range (i.e. skin depth) of the inner surface of metal tank. However, the magnetic field of the EM wave could pass through the metal tank. Thus, the PD signal can be detected with RF coil sensor placed the outside surface of metal tank. Three RF sensor arrays with line configuration are designed to achieve PD detection and localization. From the amplitude variation among the sensors, we can predict where PD occurs. In the open-tank examination, the results show that the PD source location in power transformer is consistent with the experimental results of proposed RF detection method. Therefore, in this paper, the proposed RF detection method provides a simple and reliable early-stage on-line examination for the power apparatuses.
Remotely Triggered Earthquakes Following Moderate Mainshocks (or, Why California Is Not Falling into the Ocean)

On several occasions in recent memory California has experienced apparent clusters of earthquake activity that are too far apart to be considered related according to a classic taxonomy that includes foreshocks, mainshocks, and aftershocks. During a week-long period in July 1986, California experienced the M 6.0 North Palm Springs earthquake, the M 5.5 Oceanside earthquake, and a swarm of smaller events beneath San Diego Bay. The recent M 6.0 Parkfield earthquake was followed approximately 30 hours later by the M 5.0 Arvin event, which was located well outside the traditional aftershock zone for a M 6.0 mainshock. These periods of apparently heightened activity lead to understandable consternation among California residents, who wonder if activity will build further. The recent, memorably dramatic television mini-series, 10.5, was based on what might be considered an end-member doomsday scenario, culminating in a large part of California literally falling into the ocean. While the public did seem to recognize the gross liberties that were taken with science in this movie, old myths die hard, and seismicity maps showing activity in different parts the state are not reassuring. Neither is what used to be conventional wisdom on the part of the experts, that far-flung earthquakes are not related (even though this might remain a possibility). Since 1992, however, scientists have come to understand that earthquakes can be related over greater distance and time scales than previously recognized. In addition to developing theories of static stress transfer ( e.g. , Das and Scholz, 1981; King et al. , 1994; Toda and Stein, 2003), remotely triggered earthquakes were first identified in 1992 (Hill et al. , 1993) and have subsequently been observed following large (generally M > 7) earthquakes in California as well as in other regions. Investigations of “earthquake interactions” remain at the forefront of earthquake …
Sparse Matrix-Vector Multiplication on a Reconfigurable Supercomputer

Double precision floating point Sparse Matrix-Vector Multiplication (SMVM) is a critical computational kernel used in iterative solvers for systems of sparse linear equations. The poor data locality exhibited by sparse matrices along with the high memory bandwidth requirements of SMVM result in poor performance on general purpose processors. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) offer a possible alternative with their customizable and application-targeted memory sub-system and processing elements.
Thermal Fracture and Thermal Shock Resistance of Functionally Graded Materials

We first analyze thermal stresses and thermal cracking in a strip of a functionally graded material (FGM) subjected to sudden cooling. It is assumed that the shear modulus of the material decreases hyperbolically with the higher value occurring at the surface exposed to the thermal shock and that thermal conductivity varies exponentially. It is shown that the maximum tensile thermal stress induced in the strip is substantially reduced by the presumed thermal conductivity gradient. Thermal stress intensity factors (TSIFs) are also calculated for an edge crack at the surface exposed to the thermal shock and results show that while the TSIF is relatively insensitive to the shear modulus gradient, it is significantly reduced by the thermal conductivity gradient. The crack growth resistance curve of a ceramic-metal FGM is also studied and it is found that the FGM exhibits strong R-curve behavior when a crack grows from the ceramic-rich region into the metalrich region. Finally, the thermal shock resistance of FGMs is discussed.
Robust Surface Reconstruction via Laplace-Beltrami Eigen-Projection and Boundary Deformation

In medical shape analysis, a critical problem is reconstructing a smooth surface of correct topology from a binary mask that typically has spurious features due to segmentation artifacts. The challenge is the robust removal of these outliers without affecting the accuracy of other parts of the boundary. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for this problem based on the Laplace-Beltrami (LB) eigen-projection and properly designed boundary deformations. Using the metric distortion during the LB eigen-projection, our method automatically detects the location of outliers and feeds this information to a well-composed and topology-preserving deformation. By iterating between these two steps of outlier detection and boundary deformation, we can robustly filter out the outliers without moving the smooth part of the boundary. The final surface is the eigen-projection of the filtered mask boundary that has the correct topology, desired accuracy and smoothness. In our experiments, we illustrate the robustness of our method on different input masks of the same structure, and compare with the popular SPHARM tool and the topology preserving level set method to show that our method can reconstruct accurate surface representations without introducing artificial oscillations. We also successfully validate our method on a large data set of more than 900 hippocampal masks and demonstrate that the reconstructed surfaces retain volume information accurately.
One-kilobit cross-bar molecular memory circuits at 30-nm half-pitch fabricated by nanoimprint lithography

We have developed a process to fabricate a cross-bar structure using UV-curable nanoimprint lithography with a UV-curable double-layer spin-on resist, metal lift off and Langmuir–Blodgett film deposition. This process allowed us to produce 1-kbit cross-bar memory circuits at 30-nm half-pitch on both top and bottom electrodes. Read, write, erase and cross talking were also investigated.
Universal serial bus enhances virtual instrument-based distributed power monitoring

The universal serial bus (USB) links a distributed multicircuit power monitoring system to its virtual instrument (VI) host computer. The distributed interconnection provides enhanced system performance at reduced cost, since the USB host controller is a standard function of up-to-date personal computers (PCs) and low-cost high-performance USB hardware is readily available. The 12 Mb/s, recently updated to 480 Mb/s, transfer rate of the USB improves data transmission capability and boosts the real-time performance of the whole VI monitoring system when compared with conventional serial communications. In addition, the USB dynamic attachment and removal feature allows each meter to be connected or disconnected from its VI host computer without any system interruption. However, the complete VI solutions are not currently supported by any USB hosts and devices. This paper presents an innovative USB VI strategy to implement integrated power monitoring applications and shows its superior performance.
How do inositol and glucose modulate feeding in Manduca sexta caterpillars

Many species of caterpillar possess taste cells that respond exceptionally vigorously to the sugar alcohol myo-inositol. We examined the functional significance of these inositol-sensitive taste cells in Manduca sexta caterpillars through an integrated series of electrophysiological and behavioral studies. Neural recordings from all the gustatory chemosensilla revealed that M. sexta have only two pairs of inositol-sensitive taste cells, which respond strongly and selectively to myo-inositol, and two pairs of sugar-sensitive taste cells, which respond relatively weakly to sugars (glucose and sucrose). Behavioral studies established that myo-inositol incites feeding and counteracts the inhibitory effects of aversive taste stimuli (e.g. caffeine) on feeding, but does not promote increased consumption once feeding has been initiated. In contrast, glucose and sucrose did not produce any robust effects on feeding. We failed to obtain any evidence of sensory inhibition between taste cells that responded to myo-inositol and caffeine, indicating that myo-inositol counteracts the inhibitory effects of caffeine on feeding through a central gustatory mechanism. We conclude that sensory input from the inositol-sensitive taste cells, but not the sugar-sensitive taste cells, plays an important role in regulating feeding in M. sexta.
Anesthetic implications of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency

Summary Background: Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is an X-linked urea cycle disorder associated with potentially fatal episodes of hyperammonemia. Children with OTCD often require anesthesia. There is insufficient information regarding perioperative complications and optimal management of anesthesia in these patients. Aim: To retrospectively review the medical records of children with OTCD to ascertain the nature and frequency of peri-procedural complications. Methods/Materials: The electronic medical records of Mayo Clinic patients with OTCD who underwent anesthesia between the dates of January 2003 and September 2009 were reviewed. Results: Nine patients with OTCD underwent 25 anesthetics using a variety of anesthetic techniques, including four major surgeries. Eleven procedures were performed prior to OTCD diagnosis and those patients were not receiving therapy for a urea cycle disorder. In the other cases, patients were on a variety of therapies for OTCD. Fourteen patients were outpatient procedures. Clinical signs of postoperative metabolic decompensation did not occur. Conclusions: In this series, patients with OTCD tolerated anesthesia well. Choice of perioperative management of OTCD and the choice of anesthetic technique should be individualized and based on clinical circumstances, but should have the underlying aim of minimizing protein catabolism. It appears patients with stable OTCD may undergo minor procedures as outpatients safely.
Screening for domestic violence—bridging the evidence gaps

If a doctor with a typical primary-care practice sees ten adult female patients in a single day, it is likely that three to five of these patients have experienced domestic violence in their lifetimes, one or two of them within the previous year. Although estimates of prevalence vary with the definition and by population, domestic violence can be found almost anywhere. And no one is immune from the repercussions of domestic violence. Nonetheless, attention has focused on women because they have the highest prevalence rates and are affected the most. Although most assaults on women are not fatal, up to 50% of female homicides are a result of domestic violence. Domestic violence is more than a terrible crime that lies outside the doctor’s domain; it is a serious health problem that presents in many ways. Because it is associated with a wide range of both acute and longterm psychological, psychosomatic, and physical conditions, the diagnosis can be elusive and requires astute clinical skills. Patients may seek care for headache, chronic pain, gynaecological symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder, acute and chronic injuries, irritable bowel syndrome, unwanted pregnancy, and substance abuse, among other conditions. An estimated 33% of abused women have anxiety and depression, and 26% of female suicide attempts are by women experiencing domestic violence. Children of these women are affected by domestic violence as well. Those who witness abuse in childhood are at extreme risk of developmental delay, school failure, psychiatric and health disorders that follow them into adulthood, and violence against others. Women who experience domestic violence are heavy users of health care and may visit their doctors often. Recent estimates from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the costs in the USA of domestic violence against women exceed US$5·8 billion per year. These costs include nearly
Absorption Coefficient as a Function of Resistance for Optical Germanium at 10.6 μm

Room-temperature transmittance measurements at 10.6 μm were made of germanium single-crystal samples. The samples were cut from very large doped single-crystal slabs that had been grown from +40-Ω-cm charge material of unknown purity for use as infrared windows and image-forming elements. The dependence of the absorption coefficient on sample resistivity was calculated from measured transmittances of ninety-two samples with resistivities ranging from 0.9 Ω-cm to 57 Ω-cm. Maximum transmittance at 10.6 μm was obtained for the samples that were doped to a resistivity of 5–10 Ω-cm and n-type conductivity.
Role of neurons and glia in the CNS actions of the renin-angiotensin system in cardiovascular control

Despite tremendous research efforts, hypertension remains an epidemic health concern, leading often to the development of cardiovascular disease. It is well established that in many instances, the brain plays an important role in the onset and progression of hypertension via activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Further, the activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and of glial cell-mediated proinflammatory processes have independently been linked to this neural control and are, as a consequence, both attractive targets for the development of antihypertensive therapeutics. Although it is clear that the predominant effector peptide of the RAS, ANG II, activates its type-1 receptor on neurons to mediate some of its hypertensive actions, additional nuances of this brain RAS control of blood pressure are constantly being uncovered. One of these complexities is that the RAS is now thought to impact cardiovascular control, in part, via facilitating a glial cell-dependent proinflammatory milieu within cardiovascular control centers. Another complexity is that the newly characterized antihypertensive limbs of the RAS are now recognized to, in many cases, antagonize the prohypertensive ANG II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-mediated effects. That being said, the mechanism by which the RAS, glia, and neurons interact to regulate blood pressure is an active area of ongoing research. Here, we review the current understanding of these interactions and present a hypothetical model of how these exchanges may ultimately regulate cardiovascular function.
Buckling of Uniformly Compressed Circular Arches

Buckling of uniformly compressed inextensible circular arches, with special emphasis on the effect of load behavior, is studied. The locally nonconservative character of a configuration-dependent lateral pressure is described, and conditions for the loading system to be conservative as a whole are examined. A nonconservative case is analyzed by the dynamic criterion.
The Influence of Biological Sex on Perceived Aggressive Communication in Debater–Judge Conflicts in Parliamentary Debate

This study examines how college debate judges’ perceptions of debaters’ argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness are influenced by biological sex in the “reason for decision” stage of parliamentary debates. Debate judges in each of four experimental conditions viewed a video that manipulated the sex of the actor and the amount of verbal aggressiveness used by the actor to express disagreement after a fictional debate round. The results suggest that debate judges perceive female debaters as significantly more verbally aggressive than male debaters in reasons for decisions.
Dynamics at the Polymer/Nanoparticle Interface in Poly(2-vinylpyridine)/Silica Nanocomposites

The static and dynamic properties of poly(2-vinylpyridine)/silica nanocomposites are investigated by temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry, broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and transmission electron microscopy. Both BDS and SAXS detect the existence of an interfacial polymer layer on the surface of nanoparticles. The results show that whereas the calorimetric glass transition temperature varies only weakly with nanoparticle loading, the segmental mobility of the polymer interfacial layer is slower than the bulk polymer by 2 orders of magnitude. Detailed analysis of BDS and SAXS data reveal that the interfacial layer has a thickness of 4–6 nm irrespective of the nanoparticle concentration. These results demonstrate that in contrast to some recent articles on polymer nanocomposites, the interfacial polymer layer is by no means a “dead layer”. However, its existence might provide some explanation for controversies surrounding the dynamics of poly...
Improving Business Processes Electronically: An Action Research Study in New Zealand and the US

AbstractBehavior toward electronic communication media continues to present contradictory characteristics that often puzzle researchers. A review of past research on electronic communication suggests two possible reasons for this: a dearth of studies addressing complex problems faced by organizations through the use of electronic communication, and a lack of theoretical frameworks that incorporate apparent contradictions in electronic communication behavior. This study addresses these two limitations. The first limitation is addressed through the choice of an applied field research approach, namely action research. The second limitation is addressed through the use of a theoretical model to guide our study, the compensatory adaptation model, which addresses contradictory characteristics associated with behavior toward electronic communication media found in past research. We investigate the impact of the use of an asynchronous and distributed electronic communication tool on 8 business process improvement...