cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns to Measure and Utilize Trust in Multi-agent Systems

This paper introduces three patterns to measure and utilize trust values in multi-agent systems (MAS). They allow a software engineer to incorporate mechanisms to gauge the benefit of interactions with other agents into the modeling and design process. In particular, patterns for trust from direct observation, reputation, and Trusted Communities are described. Each pattern contains the elements necessary to incorporate trust into a MAS and the collaboration required between the elements to make use of the measured values. The application of the patterns is demonstrated with an example from the domain of energy management systems.
The Analytical Hierarch Process – An Aid To Decision Making

Multiple‐alternative decisions are commonplace in the business environment. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in a business institution is a decision aid which is extremely useful for multiple‐alternative decisions. The AHP prioritizes competing alternatives by assigning percentage points to each alternative in a decision. An explanation of the AHP and its use are given in this article. AHP applications covering forecasting, pricing and budgeting decisions are also discussed. The quantitative rankings generated by the AHP offer the decision maker insight and rigor unavailable in a purely judgmental analysis. A common problem for managers is the quantification of judgmental data. Group and individual judgments are sometimes made on an ad hoc basis with little or no documentation supporting the decision process. Alternative courses of action often are not formally ranked as to their relative importance. Questions concerning the importance of assumptions which surround decisions remain unanswered. A methodology to prioritize alternatives and assumptions in the decision process could aid in solving problems that rely on human judgment.
Analysis of accuracy error and distortion in an operationally passive interferometric demodulation technique

Many architectures of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation systems used for mechanical motion (strain, acceleration, etc.) detection utilize interferometry for some part of the demodulation process. Using a hybrid Mach-Zehnder/tunable filter/3-by-3 coupler system architecture as a testbed, this paper examines error sources in the demodulation process giving rise to both/either accuracy and/or resolution degradation in the demodulated output. In particular, realizations of degradation metrics such as noise rise and harmonic distortion are reported due to inaccuracy in demodulation parameters, such as coupler parameters or photodetector voltages. Error models are developed where appropriate for comparison between prediction and measurement.
Partial penile disassembly and corporeal resection for Peyronie's disease with distal narrowing.

A 45-year-old HIV positive man with peripheral neuropathy presented with a 3-year history of neurogenic erectile dysfunction and penile deformity. Physical examination revealed a prominent distal dorsal plaque. Intracorporeal injection of alprostadil induced a fully rigid erection except in the distal penis where significant flaccidity in the narrowed region resulted in poor glans support. Base circumference was 13 cm., whereas subcoronal circumference was only 9.5 cm. Dorsal curvature was also present. Duplex Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated normal arterial inflow and resistive indexes, consistent with neurogenic erectile dysfunction, as well as dense distal dorsal plaque. The patient elected to undergo incision of the plaque and saphenous vein grafting to correct curvature and increase distal girth.1 Intraoperatively, severe distal circumferential narrowing of both corporeal bodies was apparent after papaverine injection. Following mobilization of the neurovascular bundle, we concluded that interposition of a saphenous vein graft into the narrowed segment of the corpora would be unlikely to provide adequate glans support. Thus, we decided to resect the diseased portion of the corpora. Distal penile disassembly was completed by sharply dissecting the glans and corpus spongiosum off of the corpora cavernosa (fig. 1). The narrowed distal corpora were sharply amputated and the tunica albuginea was closed using interrupted sutures. The glans penis was reattached to the underlying corporeal bodies using tacking sutures (fig. 2). Dorsal curvature was corrected with ventral plication sutures. Artificial erection demonstrated proper alignment of the glans without curvature. The
Toxic synergism of methylmercury with sodium nitrite and ethylurea on reproduction and survival of progeny in rats.

Abstract Sodium nitrite and ethylurea were administered to pregnant rats that had been fed 10 ppm dietary methylmercury from weaning, to determine the effect of this combination of treatments on reproduction and the survival of progeny. Prolonged consumption of dietary methylmercury plus ingestion of sodium nitrite (2 g/litre in the drinking-water) and ethylurea (0.636% in the diet) from day 14 of the breeding period decreased litter rate, litter size, birth weight and weanling weight to about 30, 60, 60 and 30% of control values, respectively. The percentage of stillborn pups was 5–10 times higher than in the controls and only four pups survived to weanling from the six litters derived from 18 possible matings. In methylmercury-treated rats administration of sodium nitrite and ethylurea (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight/day, respectively) by stomach tube on days 17, 18 and 19 of gestation did not reduce litter rate and litter size markedly, but only six pups from eight litters survived to weaning. Reduction of the nitrite-ethylurea exposure improved most breeding parameters and survival. The combination of methylmercury and nitrite-ethylurea increased the number of deaths at the foetal and the pre- and post-weanling stages of development.
A Computational Study of Mono- and Poly-Ubiquitin Recognition by the Proteasome Subunit Rpn10

Accurate and timely protein degradation is a vital cellular process. Protein degradation is performed by the 26S proteasome complex, a large multi-subunit molecular machine that recognizes, binds, and degrades protein substrates covalently bound to poly-ubiquitin tags. The 26S proteasome, which recognizes ubiquitin tags through its subunit Rpn10, has a preference for binding K48-linked tetra-ubiquitin chains. However, Rpn10 and its homologs usually have only one or two ubiquitin binding sites, located on their long and flexible C-terminal arms. Here, to examine the role of Rpn10 in the 26S proteasome preference for tetra-ubiquitin tags, we perform molecular dynamics simulations of Rpn10 bound to mono-ubiquitin and poly-ubiquitin chains. To overcome timescale and sampling limitations, we use a combination of a hybrid model force field (PACE) and temperature replica exchange molecular dynamics (T-REMD) simulations. The performed simulations characterize in detail Rpn10 binding to its ubiquitin partners and identify transient contacts that could stabilize Rpn10 (and 26S proteasome) binding to poly-ubiquitin chains. Our results demonstrate at atomic resolution how the flexible Rpn10 subunit contributes to the recognition of poly-ubiquitin tags.
Morphine Anesthesia Blocks Cortisol and Growth Hormone Response to Surgical Stress in Humans

ABSTRACT Because of the increasing use of morphine anesthesia for open-heart surgery and the known ability of the drug to inhibit ACTH release, we have studied the effect of morphine anesthesia on plasma cortisol and growth hormone response to major surgery. In patients receiving 1 mg/kg morphine anesthesia the normal rise in plasma cortisol in response to major abdominal surgery was suppressed. This was also true in patients receiving 4 mg/kg morphine as anesthesia for open-heart surgery. In the latter group the normal rise in serum growth hormone was suppressed as well. This suppression of cortisol and growth hormone response during morphine anesthesia caused no clinically observable ill effect and could be reversed with ACTH.
Use of Cholesky square roots amidst the UD-factorization implementation of Kalman filters in real-time airborne tracking systems

In airborne Track-While-Scan systems, target parameters are updated via individual Kalman Filters. To insure numerical stability and accuracy, UD-Factorization techniques are used. A preset number of individual tracks is typically maintained in dense target environments. In real-time application the processing load is of concern. The UD-Factorization algorithm for measurement updates operates on each measurement individually when the error covariance matrix of the measurements is diagonal. In the inertial X-Y-Z TWS Kalman Filter for each track, this matrix is inherently non-diagonal and consequently needs to be operated upon. The proposed algorithm utilizes the lower triangular Cholesky square root technique to determine the normalized measurement vector and observation matrix, and yields an identity measurement error covariance matrix. To perform all the computations necessary requires considerable effort, and this paper delineates what is involved. The computationally cost-effective way to operate reduces to only a few subsidiary calculations above what would be necessary had the measurement error covariance matrix been diagonal to begin with. This algorithm is invoked prior to performing the Kalman Measurement Update equations.
On the associated graded ring of a group ring

In this paper we show that if the group ring KG of a group G over a field K is filtered by the powers of its augmentation ideal, then the associated graded ring is isomorphic to the universal enveloping algebra of the p-Lie algebra gr? G oz K, where gr? G is the graded p-Lie algebra associated to the p-lower central series of G and where p is the characteristic exponent of K. The proof uses ideas of Lazard’s thesis [I].
A Long-Term Survey of Tooth Loss in 600 Treated Periodontal Patients

1. Six hundred patients in a private periodontal practice were reexamined an average of 22 years after their active treatment and the patterns of tooth loss were observed. 2. During the post-treatment period, 300 patients had lost no teeth from periodontal disease, 199 had lost one to three teeth, 76 had lost 4 to 9 teeth and 25 had lost 10 to 23 teeth. 3. Of 2,139 teeth that originally had been considered of questionable prognosis, 666 were lost. Of these, 394 were lost by one sixth of the patients and only 272 by the other five-sixths. 4. Of 1,464 teeth which originally had furcation involvements, 460 were lost, 240 of them by one-sixth of the patients who deteriorated most. 5. The mortality of teeth which were treated with periodontal surgery was compared with that of teeth which did not have surgery. Tooth retention seemed more closely related to the case type than the surgery performed. 6. In general, periodontal disease is bilaterally symmetrical and there is a predictable order of likelihood of tooth loss according to position in the arch.
Assessment of optimal control mechanism complexity by experimental landscape Hessian analysis: Fragmentation of CH2BrI

Optimally shaped femtosecond laser pulses can often be effectively identified in adaptive feedback quantum control experiments, but elucidating the underlying control mechanism can be a difficult task requiring significant additional analysis. We introduce landscape Hessian analysis (LHA) as a practical experimental tool to aid in elucidating control mechanism insights. This technique is applied to the dissociative ionization of CH2BrI using shaped fs laser pulses for optimization of the absolute yields of ionic fragments as well as their ratios for the competing processes of breaking the C–Br and C–I bonds. The experimental results suggest that these nominally complex problems can be reduced to a low-dimensional control space with insights into the control mechanisms. While the optimal yield for some fragments is dominated by a non-resonant intensity-driven process, the optimal generation of other fragments maa difficult task requiring significant additionaly be explained by a non-resonant process coupled to few level resonant dynamics. Theoretical analysis and modeling is consistent with the experimental observations.
Membrane protein native state discrimination by implicit membrane models.

Four implicit membrane models [IMM1, generalized Born (GB)-surface area-implicit membrane (GBSAIM), GB with a simple switching (GBSW), and heterogeneous dielectric GB (HDGB)] were tested for their ability to discriminate the native conformation of five membrane proteins from 450 decoys generated by the Rosetta-Membrane program. The energy ranking of the native state and Z-scores were used to assess the performance of the models. The effect of membrane thickness was examined and was found to be substantial. Quite satisfactory discrimination was achieved with the all-atom IMM1 and GBSW models at 25.4 A thickness and with the HDGB model at 28.5 A thickness. The energy components by themselves were not discriminative. Both van der Waals and electrostatic interactions contributed to native state discrimination, to a different extent in each model. Computational efficiency of the models decreased in the order: extended-atom IMM1 > all-atom IMM1 > GBSAIM > GBSW > HDGB. These results encourage the further development and use of implicit membrane models for membrane protein structure prediction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Comparison of Atomistic Simulations and Experimental Measurements of Light Gas Permeation through Zeolite Membranes

We present experimental and theoretical results for single-component permeance of CH4 and CF4 through a supported silicalite membrane at a range of temperatures and pressures. Our theoretical model...
Tuning the IMS data base management system

For the purposes of this discussion, I would like to define "tuning" as the adjustment of the variables in a generalized system to optimize it for a particular environment. The generalized systems we are talking about are called Generalized Data Base Management Systems or GDBMS, and I am going to talk about one of these: IBM's Information Management System, or IMS.
Stochastic maximum principle in the optimal control of water resources systems

Abstract This work deals with the optimal control of stochastic water resources systems by the discrete stochastic maximum principle. This method is successfully applied to find analytic optimal solutions for water resources systems receiving independent stochastic inflows. The purpose is to optimize linear or quadratic objective functions subject to constraints imposed both on the state and decision variables. Two types of objective functions, one expressed in terms of correlated benefit functions and the other consisting of state and decision variables, are considered.
Correlated roughness in (Gem/Sin)p superlattices on Si(100).

We have used high-resolution x-ray reflectivity to determine the interface microstructure in a (${\mathrm{Ge}}_{\mathit{m}}$/${\mathrm{Si}}_{\mathit{n}}$${)}_{\mathit{p}}$ superlattice grown at 350 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. In-plane correlation of roughness is observed, causing a distinct splitting of superlattice peaks in transverse rocking scans. Different interfaces are not independent, but rather the terrace structure of the substrate is identically replicated, forming a superlattice with vertically correlated (conformal) interface roughness. This is a result of limited lateral migration of deposited Si and Ge atoms during the low-temperature growth process.
Anomalous Left Main Coronary Artery: Case Series of Different Courses and Literature Review

Background. Congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries are a cause of sudden cardiac death. Of the known anatomic variants, anomalous origination of a coronary artery from an opposite sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS) remains the main focus of debate. Case Series. We present three cases, all presenting to our facility within one week's time, of patients with newly discovered anomalous origination of the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva (L-ACAOS). All patients underwent cardiac computed tomography for evaluation of coronary anatomy along with other forms of functional testing. Despite the high risk nature of two of the anomalies, the patients are being treated medically without recurrence of symptoms. Summary. After review of the literature, we have found that the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with congenital coronary anomalies, even among variants considered the highest risk, may be overestimated. In addition, the exact prevalence of coronary anomalies in the general population is currently underestimated. A national coronary artery anomaly registry based on cardiac computed tomography and invasive coronary angiography data would be helpful in advancing our understanding of these cardiac peculiarities. The true prevalence of congenital coronary anomalies and overall risk of sudden cardiac death in this population are not well known. Surgical intervention remains the mainstay of therapy in certain patients though recent investigations into the pathophysiology of these abnormalities have shown that the risk of surgery may outweigh the minimal reduction in risk of sudden cardiac death.
An Analysis of Mast Cell Frequency in the Rodent Nervous System: Numbers Vary between Different Strains and Can Be Reconstituted in Mast Cell-Deficient Mice

There is evidence that nervous system mast cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of the experimental autoimmune demyelinating diseases, experimental allergic neuritis (EAN), and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). We compared mast cell numbers in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) of rodent strains that differed in their susceptibility to experimental demyelination. Mast cells were counted by toluidine blue staining of formalin-fixed tissue. Normal Lewis rats (susceptible to both EAN and EAE) had significantly greater numbers of mast cells in the dura mater (about 6×) of the meninges and the sciatic nerve (3×) than Brown Norway rats (resistant to EAE and EAN induction under normal circumstances). Similarly SJL/J mice (susceptible to EAE and EAN) had significantly greater numbers of CNS (3×) and PNS (8×) mast cells than C3H mice (more resistant to disease induction). Other mouse strains were also examined, and PNS mutant Trembler mice had high numbers of PNS mast cells, while the mast cell deficient W/W× mice contained no detectable mast cells in either the CNS or PNS. Reconstitution of W/W× mast cells was accomplished by intravenous injection of bone marrow cells from congenic littermates. After seven months, mast cells could be seen in both the CNS and PNS of reconstituted animals. The possibility that mast cells and mast cell precursors can migrate into the nervous system of animals, in the absence of inflammatory disease, may have implications for their role in the patho-genesis of experimental demyelinating diseases.
Pattern formation in Dictyostelium discoideum: an analysis of mutants altered in cell proportioning.

Previous studies of Dictyostelium discoideum have demonstrated that the cells in the anterior fifth of the migrating slug differ biochemically and ultrastructurally from the posterior cells. This pattern of differentiation has been correlated with the difference in prospective fate of the two clel types, which has led to the conclusion that preparations essential for spore and stalk differentiation begin during the slug stage. We report the analysis of mutants in which the proportions of spore and stalk cells is drastically altered and yet in which the pattern of several differentiations in slugs is essentially wild type. Models relating to pattern formation and morphogenesis in D. discoideum are discussed in light of these results.
Microstructures of HT-9 as a function of heat treatment

In support of work to evaluate the cleavage fracture resistance of HT-9, we have investigated the microstructure of specimens heat treated to twenty five combinations of austenitization temperature, Tγ. (950–1200°C)', tempering temperature (650–780°C) and tempering time (0.5–56 h). A combination of optical metallography and transmission electron microscopy of surface replicas, thin foils and carbide extraction replicas was used to analyze the resulting microstructures. In general, the prior austenite grain size (PAG) and lath packet size increased with Tγ, but the lath size was relatively unaffected. Tempering had little effect on any of the features. Five carbide types were identified. Large PAG boundary carbides were present only at Tγ = 1050°C and lower. Small needle-like carbides were present at all Tγ but only at the lowest tempering conditions. In general, the carbide size increased with increasing tempering parameter.
Domain Name to IP Address Resolution System with Multiple Name Servers Adaptable to MANETs

Mobile Ad hoc networks (MANETs) may be split into independent islands and parts of the network may be lost for a while. The dynamic nature of MANETs makes it much more challenging for the issues of IP address assignments and name to IP address resolution. This paper proposes the combined scheme of dynamic IP address assignments and name to IP address resolution. The proposed scheme deploys multiple name servers in a MANET domain. When a user's host sends a query to resolve a remote domain name, its any cast-closest name server is responsible for both a local name server and an authoritative name server. We use the Hello mechanism aiming to manage DNS (Domain Name System) linkages in the DNS hierarchy. When a new mobile terminal registers with its closest name server, replication of the new RR (Resource Record) takes place to the rest of all the NSs in the MANET domain. Finally, we analyze the transmission time overhead needed to recover the missing RRs when split networks merge into one.
A Comparison of Two Methods for Detecting Hormone Peaks: The Effect of Sampling Interval on Gonadotropin Peak Frequency

Abstract There is no consensus on the optimum method to identify gonadotropin pulses in serum. We compared two approaches for detecting gonadotropin peaks. The first employed the conventional criterion of an increment from nadir to peak of 3 times the intraassay coefficient of variation (3 CV). The second identified peaks by Student's t test to quadruplicate measurements at each time point. We obtained blood samples every 5 min for 6 h from four women in the follicular phase. We also constructed control or noise series by subdividing single serum pools into consecutively labeled aliquots. Any variations in hormone concentration in the noise series that were identified as peaks were, by definition, false positive peaks. We evaluated the effect of sampling interval on gonadotropin peak detection by omitting data to simulate sampling every 10, 15, or 20 min. The 3 CV approach identified numerous false positive peaks in the noise series and detected as many peaks in the noise series as it did in the patient s...
Effects of ground motion spatial variability on the response of cable‐stayed bridges

In order to extend our knowledge of the performance of long-span bridges under earthquake loading the effects of spatial variability of ground motion on the structural response of cable-stayed bridges are studied; the result can be useful to practising bridge engineers. The multiple-support excitation analysis is described, and two three-dimensional models representing the modern and future trends in cable-stayed bridge design are utilized to shed some light on salient features of the seismic response characteristics of these modern bridges. In addition, models of steel- and concrete-design alternates of an existing bridge are considered. Differential ground motion records (obtained from dense instrument arrays) are used as synchronous and non-synchronous support motions; in addition, non-dispersive seismic waves travelling along the bridge are considered. The bridge response to non-uniform ground motion is compared to its response to uniform input. An overview of the unique dynamic characteristics of these cable-supported bridges is also presented. Finally, the study, which was used in the seismic design of several existing cable-stayed bridges in U.S. and Canada, indicates that the response quantities may increase substantially from the non-uniform input ground motion, especially for more rigid bridges and for bridges having different dynamic properties of the local soils at the supporting points, but the degree of increase depends upon the specific problem, in particular upon the aspects of span length, rigidity and structural redundancy. Thus, the response to non-uniform input ground motion should be examined for these bridges.
Examining Herzberg’s Theory: Improving Job Satisfaction among Non-academic Employees at a University

This study reports the results of a survey of 2700 employees in business operations at a large public, research university. The analysis tests Herzberg et al.’s (1959) well-known, duality theory of motivators and hygiene factors and the impact of personal characteristics and job characteristics on perceptions of the work environment and job satisfaction. The results offer inconclusive support of Herzberg’s theory although the work itself is the strongest predictor of job satisfaction after controlling for both personal and job characteristics. The study concludes by discussing both practical implications, for those in leadership positions in a university, and theoretical implications for researchers interested in exploring job satisfaction in a higher education context.
Non-reciprocal tunable low-loss bandpass filters with ultra-wideband isolation based on magnetostatic surface wave

A new type of non-reciprocal C-band magnetic tunable bandpass filter with ultra-wideband isolation is presented. The BPF was designed with a 45° rotated yttrium iron garnet (YIG) slab loaded on an inverted-L shaped microstrip transducer pair. This filter shows an insertion loss of 1.6∼2.3dB and an ultra-wideband isolation of more than 20dB, which was attributed to the magnetostatic surface wave. The demonstrated prototype with dual functionality of a tunable bandpass filter and an ultra-wideband isolator will have many applications in RF front end and other microwave circuits.
Stability of planar nonautonomous dynamic systems

We are describing the stable nonautonomous planar dynamic systems with complex coefficients by using the asymptotic solutions (phase functions) of the characteristic (Riccati) equation. In the case of nonautonomous dynamic systems, this approach is more accurate than the eigenvalue method. We are giving a new construction of the energy (Lyapunov) function via phase functions. Using this energy, we are proving new stability and instability theorems in terms of the characteristic function that depends on unknown phase functions. By different choices of the phase functions, we deduce stability theorems in terms of the auxiliary function of coefficients RA(t), which is invariant with respect to the lower triangular transformations. We discuss some examples and compare our theorems with the previous results. MSC: 34D20
Mutations in the Ca2+-Sensing Receptor Gene Cause Autosomal Dominant and Sporadic Hypoparathyroidism

Parathyroid hormone secretion is negatively regulated by a 7-transmembrane domain, G-protein coupled Ca 2+ -sensing receptor. We hypothesized that activating mutations in this receptor might cause autosomal dominant hypoparathyroidism (ADHP). Consistent with this hypothesis, we identified, in two families with ADHP, heterozygous missense mutations in the Ca 2+ -sensing receptor gene that cosegregated with the disorder. None of 50 normal controls had either mutation. We also identified a de novo, missense Ca 2+ -sensing receptor mutation in a child with severe sporadic hypoparathyroidism. The amino acid substitution in one ADHP family affected the N-terminal, extracellular domain of the receptor. The other mutations involved the transmembrane region. Unlike patients with acquired hypoparathyroidism, patients with these mutations had hypercalciuria even at low serum calcium concentrations. Their greater hypercalciuria presumably reflected activation of Ca 2+ -sensing receptors in kidney cells, where the receptor negatively regulates calcium reabsorption. This augmented hypercalciuria increases the risk of renal complications and thus has implications for the choice of therapy.
The Cognitive and Academic Profiles of Reading and Mathematics Learning Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to examine the cognitive and academic profiles associated with learning disability (LD) in reading comprehension, word reading, applied problems, and calculations. The goal was to assess the specificity hypothesis, in which unexpected underachievement associated with LD is represented in terms of distinctive patterns of cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses. At the start of 3rd grade, the authors assessed 684 students on five cognitive dimensions (nonverbal problem solving, processing speed, concept formation, language, and working memory), and across Grades 3 through 5, the authors assessed performance in each academic area three to four times. Based on final intercept, the authors classified students as LD or not LD in each of the four academic areas. For each of these four LD variables, they conducted multivariate cognitive profile analysis and academic profile analysis. Results, which generally supported the specificity hypothesis, are discussed in terms of the potential connections between reading and mathematics LD.
Cysteine Oxidative Posttranslational Modifications: Emerging Regulation in the Cardiovascular System

In the cardiovascular system, changes in oxidative balance can affect many aspects of cellular physiology through redox-signaling. Depending on the magnitude, fluctuations in the cell’s production ...
Early diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis using serum biomarkers

The early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) remains the biggest obstacle to the global TB control, TB being the second leading cause of infectious disease death worldwide. As such, one of the pioneering investigations is made by Xu et al. (Proteomics 2015, 15, 58-67), which is of promising clinical application significance when used in clinics and in TB screening in the population. Xu et al. revealed that statistical differences among three serum proteins (S100A9, SOD3, and MMP9) exist between TB cases and other lung disease cases. The combination of the three biomarkers could give 92.5% sensitivity and 95% specificity to discriminate TB from healthy controls.
Recent advances in high-k nanocomposite materials for embedded capacitor applications

In this paper, a wide variety of high dielectric constant (k) composite materials which have been developed and evaluated for embedded capacitor application are reviewed. Current research efforts toward achieving high dielectric performance including high-k and low dielectric loss for polymer composites are presented. New insights into the effect of unique properties of the nanoparticle filler, filler modification and the dispersion between filler and polymer matrix on the dielectric properties of the nanocomposites are discussed in details.
An analysis of systems engineering strategy

The strategic application of systems engineering can sustain competitive advantage for an organization. This paper refines an existing systems engineering strategy framework. This paper reviews the framework in the context of other systems engineering frameworks and obtains complementary views through OOA modeling. Use cases are introduced to provide insight into how to use the framework. A class diagram is provided to illustrate the structure of the framework. As a result of further analysis, framework state characteristics have been modified. Decision makers can leverage this refined framework to employ systems engineering more strategically.
Design of a Split-CLS Pipelined ADC With Full Signal Swing Using an Accurate But Fractional Signal Swing Opamp

Building on the technique of correlated level shifting (CLS), Split-CLS is introduced as a viable way to enable the design of high performance, high resolution A/D converters in deep submicron CMOS processes. One possible implementation of Split-CLS is presented, which achieves very high effective gain, and combines the fast, high efficiency charging of a zero-crossing based circuit (ZCBC) with the high-accuracy, low power settling of a double-cascode telescopic opamp. A dynamic zero-crossing detector (ZCD) conserves power in the ZCBC by only creating high bandwidth in the ZCD near the zero-crossing instant. Measured results are presented from a pipelined A/D converter fabricated in 0.18 m CMOS. Using the Split-CLS structure, an opamp with 300 mV output swing is used to produce a pipeline stage output swing of 1.4 V. The proof-of-concept test chip achieves 68.3 dB SNDR (11.1b ENOB) and 76.3dB SFDR while sampling at 20 MHz, and consumes 17.2 mW at 1.8 V supply.
Can Surgeons Think and Operate with Haptics at the Same Time

Much effort has been devoted to incorporating haptic feedback into surgical simulators. However, the benefits of haptics for novice trainees in the early stages of learning are not clear. Presumably, novices have less spare attentional resources to attend to haptic cues while learning basic laparoscopic skills. The aim of this study was to determine whether novice surgeons have adequate cognitive resources to attend to haptic information. Thirty surgical residents and attendings performed a TransferPlace task in a simulator, with and without haptics. Cognitive loading was imposed using a mental arithmetic task. Subjects performed 10 trials (five with cognitive loading and five without) with and without haptics. Results showed that all subjects performed significantly slower (27%) when they were cognitively loaded than unloaded, but equally accurately in both cases, suggesting a speed-accuracy tradeoff. On average, subjects performed 36% faster and 97% more accurately with haptics than without, even while cognitively loaded. Haptic feedback can not only enhance performance, but also counter the effect of cognitive load. This effect is greater for more experienced surgeons than less experienced ones, indicating greater spare cognitive capacity in surgeons with more experience.
Generalization of normal discriminant analysis using fourier series density estimators

In this paper we examine the efficiency of a generalization of the traditional normal linear (LDA) or quadratic (QDA) discriminant analysis. This procedure (the generalized discriminant analysis, GDA) replaces each normal density used in the traditional classification rule by a Fourier series density estimator which 'adjusts' the normal density if the data deviate markedly from normality (for example, heavily skewed or multimodal). We derive the GDA in both the univariate and multivariate situations. In a simulation study for the univariate situation, we evaluate the relative efficiency of the GDA. In addition, we demonstrate the performance of the GDA through a series of multivariate applications. We conclude that if the distributions of the data do not deviate markedly from normality, the GDA is as efficient as the LDA or QDA. On the other hand, if either of the distributions deviates from normality, then the GDA, which performs as a semiparametric discriminant procedure, is more efficient than the LDA or QDA.
WHO GETS NATIONAL NEWS COVERAGE IN THE U.S. SENATE

Which senators get national media attention? This is an important question to answer because it provides us some insight into what information citizens are given about the institution. In this article I undertake multivariate analysis to determine which of many hypothesized variables determine the level of media attention senators get on television network news, Sunday interview shows, and in national newspapers. Results from regressions indicate that somewhat different groups of variables are important for different media. Only those holding senate leadership positions receive additional coverage on all three media. Presidential candidates also get more coverage on two media. Seniority and personal ideology do not matter much at all. Overall, it appears that the media in general focus on those senators whose institutional positions warrant such attention.
Transposition of a long member of the L1 major interspersed DNA family into the mouse beta globin gene locus.

Abstract A long member of the highly repeated long interspersed DNA family L1Md (for L1 in Mus domesticus) has integrated by transposition into a target site which lies between the two adult beta globin genes of mouse. DNA hybridization and nucleotide sequence analysis show that this target site, which is part of the single copy DNA flanking the globin genes, is interrupted by the L1 element in one chromosome but is uninterrupted in both allelic and ancestral chromosomes. Other large DNA rearrangements of the region between the two adult beta globin genes are also associated with these allelic chromosomes, and include insertions or deletions of both single copy DNA and simple and complex repetitive DNA. This has caused extensive reorganization of this intergenic region. However, the distance between the two genes flanking this region remains conserved, suggesting that the spacing of the globin genes may be subject to conservative selection.
Node way out.

A 47-year-old woman without a history of melanoma experienced visual hallucinations, abnormal visual field, and an ERG suggestive of melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR). A lymph node biopsy showed malignant melanoma. Appropriate evaluation, management, and treatment of MAR is discussed.
Potential benefits of solar reflective car shells: Cooler cabins, fuel savings and emission reductions

Abstract Vehicle thermal loads and air conditioning ancillary loads are strongly influenced by the absorption of solar energy. The adoption of solar reflective coatings for opaque surfaces of the vehicle shell can decrease the “soak” temperature of the air in the cabin of a vehicle parked in the sun, potentially reducing the vehicle’s ancillary load and improving its fuel economy by permitting the use of a smaller air conditioner. An experimental comparison of otherwise identical black and silver compact sedans indicated that increasing the solar reflectance (ρ) of the car’s shell by about 0.5 lowered the soak temperature of breath-level air by about 5–6 °C. Thermal analysis predicts that the air conditioning capacity required to cool the cabin air in the silver car to 25 °C within 30 min is 13% less than that required in the black car. Assuming that potential reductions in AC capacity and engine ancillary load scale linearly with increase in shell solar reflectance, ADVISOR simulations of the SC03 driving cycle indicate that substituting a typical cool-colored shell (ρ = 0.35) for a black shell (ρ = 0.05) would reduce fuel consumption by 0.12 L per 100 km (1.1%), increasing fuel economy by 0.10 km L−1 [0.24 mpg] (1.1%). It would also decrease carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2.7 g km−1 (1.1%), nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 5.4 mg km−1 (0.44%), carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by 17 mg km−1 (0.43%), and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions by 4.1 mg km−1 (0.37%). Selecting a typical white or silver shell (ρ = 0.60) instead of a black shell would lower fuel consumption by 0.21 L per 100 km (1.9%), raising fuel economy by 0.19 km L−1 [0.44 mpg] (2.0%). It would also decrease CO2 emissions by 4.9 g km−1 (1.9%), NOx emissions by 9.9 mg km−1 (0.80%), CO emissions by 31 mg km−1 (0.79%), and HC emissions by 7.4 mg km−1 (0.67%). Our simulations may underestimate emission reductions because emissions in standardized driving cycles are typically lower than those in real-world driving.
A combinatorial problem associated with nonograms

Associated with an m × n matrix with entries 0 or 1 are the m-vector of row sums and n-vector of column sums. In this article we study the set of all pairs of these row and column sums for fixed m and n. In particular, we give an algorithm for finding all such pairs for a given m and n.
High-performance computing and networking for climate research

The numerical simulation of Earth's climate stresses advances in computing and networking. This paper discusses the parallelization and distribution of the UCLA general circulation model of the atmosphere-ocean system both in a single multi-processor computer or a distributed computer environment. It is argued that a ‘metacomputer’ consisting of a CRAY C90 connected to a massively parallel processor by a gigabit per second network can result in a substantial speedup in the execution of the code, which can eventually be superlinear. Such a speedup is realized in spite of overheads due to latency and communication delays.
Licenses Under Wrap

Shrink-wrapping is a standard practice for the purchase of software, with most software purchased subject to a license–packaged under the shrink-wrap–which restricts how that software can be used. These licenses are now common and are used to control the number of users, reverse engineering, and unauthorized use. By encasing the license within the shrink-wrapped packaging, these “shrink-wrap licenses” become enforceable simply by the act of removing the shrink-wrap.Recently, some print publishers have begun enclosing shrink-wrap licenses with traditional books. The American Bar Association’s ABA Journal reported that the Maryland State Bar Association’s member directory was shipped with a license that limited copying except for individual use. Before the lawyer jokes begin, shrink-wrap book licenses have also been reported in a directory of medical practitioners and several library reference books.The obvious questions are whether these types of agreements are enforceable, effective as a practical matter, and perhaps the most important question: Are they a good idea?
Hydraulic disruption and passive migration by a bacterial pathogen in oak tree xylem

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a xylem-limited bacterial pathogen that causes leaf scorch symptoms in numerous plant species in urban, agricultural, and natural ecosystems worldwide. The exact mechanism of hydraulic disruption and systemic colonization of xylem by Xf remains elusive across all host plants. To understand both processes better, the functional and structural characteristics of xylem in different organs of both healthy and Xf-infected trees of several Quercus species were studied. Hydraulic conductivity (Ks )i nXf-infected petioles of Q. palustris and Q. rubra decreased significantly compared with healthy trees as the season progressed and plummeted to zero with the onset of scorch symptoms. Prior to the onset of symptoms, embolism was as much as 3.7 times higher in Xf-infected petioles compared with healthy controls and preceded significant reductions in Ks. Embolism likely resulted from pit membrane degradation during colonization of new petiole xylem and triggered the process that eventually led to vessel occlusion. Pit membrane porosity was studied using the following four methods to determine if a pathway exists in the xylem network of woody stems that allows for passive Xf migration: (i) calculations based on vulnerability to cavitation data, (ii) scanning electron micrographs, (iii) microsphere injections, and (iv) air seeding thresholds on individual vessels. All four methods consistently demonstrated that large pit membrane pores (i.e. greater than the diameter of individual Xf) occur frequently throughout the secondary stem xylem in several Quercus species. These large pores probably facilitate systemic colonization of the secondary xylem network and contribute to the high susceptibility to bacterial leaf scorch exhibited among these species.
Clinical implementation of intensity modulated proton therapy for thoracic malignancies

Purpose Intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) can improve dose conformality and better spare normal tissue over passive scattering techniques, but range uncertainties complicate its use, particularly for moving targets. We report our early experience with IMPT for thoracic malignancies in terms of motion analysis and management, plan optimization and robustness, and quality assurance. Methods and Materials Thirty-four consecutive patients with lung/mediastinal cancers received IMPT to a median 66 Gy(relative biological equivalence [RBE]). All patients were able to undergo definitive radiation therapy. IMPT was used when the treating physician judged that IMPT conferred a dosimetric advantage; all patients had minimal tumor motion ( Results IMPT produced lower mean lung dose (MLD), lung V 5 and V 20 , heart V 40 , and esophageal V 60 than did IMRT ( P 20 , and esophageal V 60 than did passive scattering proton therapy (PSPT) ( P 5 to the gross tumor volume and clinical target volume was higher with IMPT than with intensity modulated radiation therapy or PSPT ( P Conclusions IMPT using 4D CT-based planning, motion management, and optimization was implemented successfully and met our quality assurance parameters for treating challenging thoracic cancers.
The ASCH superfamily: novel domains with a fold related to the PUA domain and a potential role in RNA metabolism

Several studies show that transcription coactivators are often bi-functional ribonucleoprotein complexes that also regulate pre-mRNA processing and splicing decisions. Using sensitive sequence profile searches and structural comparisons we show that the C-terminal domain of the human coactivator protein ASC-1 defines a novel superfamily, the ASC-1 homology (ASCH) domain. The approximately 110 amino acid long ASCH domains are widely represented in all the three superkingdoms of life and several prokaryotic viruses. We show that the ASCH superfamily adopts a beta-barrel fold similar to the PUA domain superfamily. Using multiple lines of evidence, we suggest that members of the ASCH superfamily are likely to function as RNA-binding domains in contexts related to coactivation, RNA-processing and possibly prokaryotic translation regulation. Structural analysis of ASCH domains reveals the presence of a potential RNA-binding cleft associated with a conserved sequence motif, which is characteristic of this superfamily. Despite their similar structure, the ASCH and PUA domains appear to occupy distinct functional niches, with the former domains typically occurring in a standalone form in polypeptides, and the latter domains showing fusions to a variety of RNA-modifying enzymes. Contact: aravind@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Supplementary information: A complete alignment of all ASCH domains in the NR-database and other domains found fused to the ASCH can be retrieved from ftp://ftp.ncbi.nih.gov/pub/aravind/
Chelerythrine stimulates GSH transport by rat Mrp2 (Abcc2) expressed in canine kidney cells

Rat multidrug resistant protein 2 (Mrp2; Abcc2), an ATP-driven pump located on the canalicular domain of hepatocytes, exports glutathione S-conjugates (GS-X) and GSH among its wide variety of subst...