cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Landscape of Published Mixed Methods Research in Special Education: A Systematic Review:

Mixed methods research is a robust and growing methodology in many fields, including education. We drew upon the influential work of Greene et al., Ivankova and Kawamura, and Alise and Teddlie to e...
Symmetric Algebras and Factoriality

The symmetric algebras over a commutative, Noetherian, ring R are among the simplest extensions of R: If an R-module E is given by a presentation $${R^m}\xrightarrow{\varphi }{R^n}\xrightarrow{{}}E\xrightarrow{{}}0,$$ its symmetric algebra over R, S(E) = Sym R (E), is the quotient of the polynomial ring R[T 1,…,T n ] by the ideal J generated by the 1-forms $${f_j} = {a_{1j}}{T_1} + \cdots + {a_{nj}}{T_n},\,j = 1, \ldots ,m.$$
Bayesian Optimization for Efficient Accelerator Synthesis

Accelerator design is expensive due to the effort required to understand an algorithm and optimize the design. Architects have embraced two technologies to reduce costs. High-level synthesis automatically generates hardware from code. Reconfigurable fabrics instantiate accelerators while avoiding fabrication costs for custom circuits. We further reduce design effort with statistical learning. We build an automated framework, called Prospector, that uses Bayesian techniques to optimize synthesis directives, reducing execution latency and resource usage in field-programmable gate arrays. We show in a certain amount of time that designs discovered by Prospector are closer to Pareto-efficient designs compared to prior approaches. Prospector permits new studies for heterogeneous accelerators.
Data-Driven Design of Energy-Shaping Controllers for Swing-Up Control of Underactuated Robots

We propose a novel data-driven procedure to train a neural network for the swing-up control of underactuated robotic systems. Our approach is inspired by several recent developments ranging from nonlinear control theory to machine learning. We embed a neural network indirectly into the equations of motion of the robotic manipulator as its control input. Using familiar results from passivity-based and energy-shaping control literature, this control function is determined by the appropriate gradients of a neural network, acting as an energy-like (Lyapunov) function. We encode the task of swinging-up robotic systems through the use of transverse coordinates and goal sets; which drastically accelerates the rate of learning by providing a concise target for the neural network. We demonstrate the efficacy of the algorithm with both numerical simulations and experiments.
Parity bit calculation and test signal for BIST applications

Parity bit checking and pseudo-exhaustive testing are two design techniques which have been widely discussed in the BIST literature but have seldom been employed in practice because of the exponential nature of the processes involved. In this paper we describe several procedures designed to avoid these exponential explosions. Specifically we show how the parity of a large combinational function can (often) be quickly calculated. This is accomplished by an examination of the circuit realization itself particularly with regard to the connectivity between the various inputs and outputs. We then show how this same approach can be used to partition circuits so that they can be tested efficiently with a relatively small number of test patterns. Using these methods we were able to calculate the parity bits for more than 80% of ISCAS benchmark circuits' outputs. Interestingly enough, only 15% of these outputs were found to be parity-odd, but for these cases high fault coverage was invariably found to result. Several examples are included.
DIS2021 Workshop Proceedings: Backward-Angle (u-Channel) Meson Production from JLab 12 GeV Hall C to EIC

The recent exclusive backward-angle electroproduction of omega from Jefferson Lab Hall C electron-proton fixed-target scattering experiments above the resonance region hints at a new domain of applicability of QCD factorization in a unique u-channel kinematics regime. Thanks to this effort, the interest in studying nucleon structure through u-channel meson production observables has grown significantly. In the fixed target configuration, the u-channel meson electroproduction observables feature a unique interaction picture: the target proton absorbs nearly all momentum induced by virtual photons and recoils forward, while the produced mesons (such as omega or pions) are left behind almost at rest near the target station. In this presentation, We provide a summary of the key observations of the existing u-channel meson production results, update-to-date theory insights, and a path to further exploration from JLab 12 GeV Hall C program to the future Electron-Ion Colliders.
Topical Mitomycin-C enhances subbasal nerve regeneration and reduces erosion frequency in the debridement wounded mouse cornea

Corneal epithelial basement membrane dystrophies and superficial injuries caused by scratches can lead to recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES). Patients and animals with reduced corneal sensory nerve innervation can also develop recurrent erosions. Multiple wild-type mouse strains will spontaneously develop recurrent corneal erosions after single 1.5 mm debridement wounds. Here we show that this wound is accompanied by an increase in corneal epithelial cell proliferation after wound closure but without a commensurate increase in corneal epithelial thickness. We investigated whether excess corneal epithelial cell proliferation contributes to erosion formation. We found that topical application of Mitomycin C (MMC), a drug used clinically to improve healing after glaucoma and refractive surgery, reduces erosion frequency, enhances subbasal axon density to levels seen in unwounded corneas, and prevents excess epithelial cell proliferation after debridement wounding. These results suggest that topically applied MMC, which successfully reduces corneal haze and scarring after PRK, may also function to enhance subbasal nerve regeneration and epithelial adhesion when used to treat RCES.
Circadian dyschronism and chronotypic ecophilia as factors in aging and longevity.

By “circadian dyschronism” we mean the absence of a strong daily rhythm in an organism where normally one is found (Halberg, 1973; Ehret and Dobra, 1976). Ecophilia (from ekos, home, and philia, liking) means satisfaction with one’s immediate environment (Meinert et al., 1975). But the warm-loving thermophiles and sun-loving photophiles of this world display the constancy of fickle lovers; their affections are usually turned on and off in a temporal fashion that is circadian and chronotypic — that is to say time-of-day dependent or, more precisely (and whether they “know it” or not), dependent upon the phase of the organism’s circadian cell cycle (Bunning, 1973; Ehret, 1974; Ehret et al., 1977).
Stepwise Enhancement and Higher-Order Programming in Prolog.

This paper presents two views of stepwise enhancement, one a pragmatic syntax-based approach and the other a semantic approach based on higher-order functions and relating to shape and polytypism. The approaches are outlined, and the perhaps surprisingly close relationship between the two described. By combining the advantages of both approaches, it is shown how more code in both functional and logic programming languages can be constructed in a systematic way. We describe a prototype system that allows higher-order predicate definitions to be produced automatically from type definitions or Horn clause skeletons and relate some experiences in using higherorder programming in Prolog.
Spectral shaping of electrically controlled MSM-based rapidly tunable photodetectors

We spectrally shape the response of a tunable photodetector in the telecommunication C-band by illuminating the device with more than one interference pattern. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with the mathematical models.
MRI of coronary artery atherosclerosis in rabbits: Histopathology-MRI correlation and atheroma characterization.

We report in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics and histopathology correlation of the thrombus formation in atherosclerosis the rabbit animal model. Atherosclerosis was induced in white male rabbits with vegetable ghee followed oxidized diet. Baseline MRI of atherosclerosis-recruited rabbits was done and later animals were used for atheroma histopathology characterization. Contiguous cross-sectional T2-weighted fast spin echo MRI images were compared by coronary histopathology. In all animals, coronary aortic wall thickening and atheroma size was measured using MRI. MRI images and digitized histological sections confirmed intraluminal thrombus in 6 (67%) of the 9 animals. MRI data showed correlation with the histopathology for aortic wall thickness (R2 = 0.82, P < 0.0001), lumen area (R2 = 0.88, P < 0.0001) and plaque size (R2 = 0.77, P < 0.0001). Optimized TE and TR parameters and multicontrast enhancement generated better MRI visibility of vulnerable plaque components. The MRI data evaluated % stenosis, plaque burden. Frequency of plaques, plaque height in aorta and coronary artery atheroma was also assessed by histology. In vivo, MRI determined the presence and size of the thrombus in this animal model of atherosclerosis and histopathology defined the plaque disruption. The combination of in vivo MRI and comparison with histopathology images of rabbit coronary thrombus may be a research tool for understanding of the pathogenesis of acute coronary plaques.
A survey of big data research

Big data create values for business and research, but pose significant challenges in terms of networking, storage, management, analytics, and ethics. Multidisciplinary collaborations from engineers, computer scientists, statisticians, and social scientists are needed to tackle, discover, and understand big data. This survey presents an overview of big data initiatives, technologies, and research in industries and academia, and discusses challenges and potential solutions.
An integrated AI approach for automating networks design, modeling and simulation

We present the Expert Network Designer "END" an automated system for large structured computer network design, modeling, simulation and optimization. Obtaining the network environment from the user END employs the formalized network design experience to recommend the network solutions suitable for such environment, explains why such solutions were chosen, and further ranks and evaluates such solutions using artificial intelligence optimization techniques and engineering simulation tools.
Can Supplementary Disclosures Eliminate Post-Earnings-Announcement Drift? The Case of Management Earnings Guidance

We investigate whether earnings guidance can reduce or eliminate post-earnings-announcement drift. We find that firms that provide earnings guidance simultaneously with their earnings announcements experience significantly less drift than other firms, consistent with our expectations. Furthermore, the reduction in drift is strongly related to current and prior guidance accuracy. Drift is eliminated for firms that provide accurate prior (or current) guidance, but is significant for low-guidance-accuracy firms. Finally, we find post-guidance-announcement drift for stand-alone earnings guidance, but not for guidance that is provided simultaneously with earnings. Our results suggest that simultaneous earnings and guidance announcements enhance analysts' and investors' ability to extract useful information about future earnings from both earnings and guidance announcements. More importantly, our results indicate that investors can use past guidance accuracy to identify firms whose post-earnings-announcement drift is unaffected, or eliminated, by the issuance of management earnings guidance.
Prediction of conversion to psychosis: review and future directions

This article reviews recent findings on predictors of conversion to psychosis among youth deemed at ultra high risk (UHR) based on the presence of subpsychotic-intensity symptoms or genetic risk for psychosis and a recent decline in functioning. Although transition rates differ between studies, the most well powered studies have observed rates of conversion to full psychosis in the 30-40% range over 2-3 years of follow-up. Across studies, severity of subthreshold positive symptoms, poorer social functioning, and genetic risk for schizophrenia appear to be consistent predictors of conversion to psychosis, with algorithms combining these indicators achieving positive predictive power > 80%. Nevertheless, a substantial fraction of UHR cases do not convert to psychosis. Recent work indicates that UHR cases who present with lower levels of negative symptoms and higher levels of social functioning are more likely to recover symptomatically and no longer meet criteria for an at-risk mental state. In general, it appears that about 1/3 of UHR cases convert to psychosis, about 1/3 do not convert but remain symptomatic and functionally impaired, and about 1/3 recover symptomatically and functionally. Continued efforts to detect early risk for psychosis are critical for informing early intervention and provide increasing promise of delaying or even preventing the onset of psychosis.
A balloon-borne observation of the X-ray source Cygnus XR-1

An observation of the variable X-ray source Cygnus XR-1 was made with a balloon-borne proportional counter in the energy region 22–70 keV. The resultant spectrum indicates that the source was in a state of maximum flux during the time period 1915–2005 UT, 15 January, 1968.
Functional Conservation of the Pre-Sensor One Beta-Finger Hairpin (PS1-hp) Structures in Mini-Chromosome Maintenance Proteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Archaea

Mini-chromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins form complexes that are required for DNA replication and are highly conserved throughout evolution. The replicative helicase of eukaryotic organisms is composed of the six paralogs MCM2-7, which form a heterohexameric ring structure. In contrast, the structure of the archaean replicative MCM helicase is a single Mcm protein that forms a homohexameric complex. Atomic structures of archaeal MCMs have identified multiple beta-finger structures in Mcm proteins whose in vivo function is unknown. In the present study, we have investigated the physiological role of the pre-sensor 1 beta-hairpin (PS1-hp) beta-fingers of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mcm4p and Mcm5p in DNA replication initiation and elongation in vivo. The PS1-hp beta-finger mutant of Mcm5p (mcm5-HAT K506A::URA3) has a growth defect at both 18° and 37°. Mutation of the Mcm4p PS1-hp beta-finger (mcm4-HA K658A::TRP1) does not have a growth defect, indicating different functional contributions of the PS1-hp beta-finger structures of different MCM helicase subunits. Both Mcm4p and Mcm5p PS1-hp beta-finger mutants can coimmunoprecipitate Mcm2p, indicating the formation of the hexameric MCM helicase complex. Both PS1-hp beta-finger mutants have a plasmid loss phenotype that is suppressible by origin dosage, indicating a defective replication initiation. Surprisingly, a defect in the binding of PS1-hp MCM mutants to origins of DNA replication was not found by chromatin immunoprecipitation, suggesting a novel interpretation in which the defect is in a subsequent step of DNA strand separation by the MCM helicase. The double mutant mcm4-HA K658A::TRP1 mcm5-HAT K506A::URA3 is lethal, displaying a terminal MCM mutant phenotype of large budded cells.
Use of a Portable Electric Barrier to Estimate Chinook Salmon Escapement in a Turbid Alaskan River

Abstract We developed a portable electric barrier to aid in the capture of adult chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha undergoing spawning migrations up a turbid stream in south-central Alaska. In 1981, we tagged and released 157 chinook salmon after diverting them from the main-stem Killey River into a conventional trap with the aid of the electric barrier. On the basis of returns of tagged salmon to Benjamin Creek, a clear-water tributary of the upper Killey River, we estimated spawners in the drainage to number 8,000 fish. Two different statistical approaches to the mark–recapture data yielded similar estimates. Through several modifications of the electric barrier, we were able to reduce mortality associated with the barrier's use.
Neurocognitive functioning in dually diagnosed middle aged and elderly patients with alcoholism and schizophrenia.

Background Alcohol abuse and dependence have important clinical implications for managing patients with schizophrenia. Alcoholism in schizophrenia patients can interfere with the course and prognosis of the schizophrenic illness. Objective The purpose of the present study was to compare the cognitive status, symptom profile and quality of life of middle aged and older patients (>44 years old) with schizophrenia and alcohol abuse/dependence vs those without alcohol abuse/dependence. We initially hypothesized that more males in this age group with schizophrenia would exhibit alcoholism. We also examined the characteristics of the 45–54 year age group with those of the ≥ 55 year old group and hypothesized that comorbidity with alcohol would be associated with worse cognition and quality of life in later life. Methods Data were obtained from a database from the Center for Services and Interventions research at the University of California, San Diego. Patients had diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Data collected included demographic characteristics, cognitive status (tested with the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale learning, the Figural and Story Memory Test of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised and the California Verbal Learning Test [CVLT]). In addition, patients had undergone psychopathologic assessment and were screened for quality of life using the Quality of Well Being scale. Results We demonstrated that the older aged patients with alcoholism had worse scores assessing cognition relative to the same aged group without alcoholism. In addition, they had worse cognitive scores relative to the younger group (45–54 year old) with alcoholism. There was no significant difference with regards to quality of life. In addition, more males than females exhibited alcoholism. Conclusion The results are consistent with the premise that the higher cognitive function in the younger schizophrenia patients with alcoholism appear to mask the effects of alcohol use on cognition at that age. However, for the older group of schizophrenia patients, the effects of alcohol use on neuropsychological functioning appear to be deleterious. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EFFECT OF CHANGES IN PARATHYROID ACTIVITY ON BONE METABOLISM IN VITRO

The effects of alterations in parathyroid activity in vivo on the mineral equilibrium between surviving bone and its bathing fluid have been examined in vitro. Weanling rats treated with parathyroid extract (PTE) or parathyroid-ectomized (PTX) during the week prior to sacrifice were compared with untreated controls. Thin fragments of freshly excised skull were incubated in bicarbonate buffer under 95%O2, 5%CO2. After 8 hours of incubation the mean calcium concentrations in buffer were 5.2 ± .1 mg.% for PTE skulls, 3.8 ± .1for control skulls and 3.2 ± .1 for PTX skulls. The phosphorus concentrations were 4.2 ± .1, 3.8 ± .1 and 5.1 ±.1 mg.% respectively. Buffer citrate, lactate and pH did not differ significantly in the three treatment groups. The effects of prior treatment on buffer calcium concentration were similar after anaerobic incubation. Incubation of heat-inactivated bone resulted in a smaller final buffer calcium concentration. Addition of fluoroacetate to the buffer enhanced citric acid accumulat...
Metapopulation capacity with self-colonization: Finding the best patches in fragmented habitats

Habitat fragmentation continues to be a leading threat for our global future. Methods to quantify fragmentation of habitat landscapes, particularly for endangered species, would be especially useful in conservation planning. Using the principles of metapopulation theory, we updated and devised two methods for analyzing fragmented landscapes: metapopulation capacity and abandonment rate. Our version of metapopulation capacity includes a self-colonization component to counteract the issue metapopulation theory experiences with single large patches. We then tested these methods on satellite image range maps of endemic birds in the highland forests of northern Central America.The metapopulation capacity method proved to be a better measure in that it highlighted which patches would be the most successful habitat in the landscape, based on size and connectivity to surrounding patches, thus allowing for species persistence. Unexpectedly, the abandonment rate method proved useful in providing a way of measuring each individual patch’s support to the rest of the landscape system. This could then be used to rank the remaining patches in order of their greatest contribution. Finally, by using a historical satellite map that showed previously forested habitat in the now deforested landscape, we were able to generate optimal restoration sequences by ranking each 1 km squares’ potential contribution.
The journey of self-authorship: Next steps to the destination

This chapter reiterates the need for attention to the journey of self-authorship and suggests next steps for institutions and educators.
Efficient Perfectly Secure Message Transmission in Synchronous Networks

We study perfectly secure message transmission (SMT) in general synchronous networks where processors and communication lines may be Byzantine faulty. Dolevet al.(J. Assoc. Comput. Mach.40, No. 1, 17?47, Jan. 1993) first posed and solved the problem; our work significantly improves on their algorithms in the number of communication bits and the amount of local computation. Hence, our algorithms are better suited for traditional and fiber-optic networks than previous algorithms while requiring the same amount of connectivity. The algorithms we develop do not rely on any complexity theoretic assumptions and simultaneously achieve the three goals of perfect secrecy, perfect resiliency, and worst case time that is linear in the diameter of the 1?network. Our algorithms assume that the containment assumption holds, i.e., there is effectively one adversary who controls and coordinates the activities of the faulty processors and lines. In SMT, a processor (Sender) wishes to transmit a secret message to another processor (Receiver) in such a way as to satisfy secrecy and resiliency requirements simultaneously. In 1-waySMT, Sender can send information to Receiver via the wires that connect them, but Receiver cannot send information to Sender. In 2-waySMT, Sender and Receiver can send information to each other via the wires. Aphaseis a send from Sender to Receiver or vice versa. First, we develop a 3-phase algorithm for 2-way SMT. Next, we present a 2-phase algorithm for 2-way SMT. To our knowledge, this is the first 2-phase algorithm for SMT that uses communication and ?computation costs that are polynomial in the number of wires that connect the sender and the receiver. The second algorithm uses less time and more communication bits than the first algorithm. Both the 2?phase and 3-phase algorithms employ new techniques to detect faulty paths. We also present a simple algorithm for 1-way SMT.
p42-MAP kinase is activated in EGF-stimulated interphase but not in metaphase-arrested HeLa cells

It is known that cellular signals produced in response to an inappropriate spindle formation cause the cell to be arrested at metaphase (M) in the cell cycle. We report here that the 42-kDa isoform of MAPK (ERK2) was tyrosyl-phosphorylated and activated in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) in interphase but not in M-arrested HeLa cells. However, the basal level of activity of M-arrested cells was higher than that of interphase, although the overall tyrosyl phosphorylation content was small. Further, the EGF receptor and its associated proteins GTPase-activating protein and phospholipase C were phosphorylated in M-arrested cells to a lower extent than they were in interphase. This implies that in spite of its high level of basal activity, the scarcity of MAPK activation in mitosis in response to EGF stems from an early impairment of phosphorylation of the receptor and neighboring proteins. The biological significance of these results underlies the importance of keeping the cell sheltered from extracellular signals when it undergoes division.
Methodology for accurate and rapid simulation of large arbitrary 2D layouts of advanced photomasks

The edge domain decomposition method (edge-DDM) is developed as a very powerful extension of the domain decomposition methods presented for the rapid and accurate simulation of light scattering from advanced photomasks. The range of validity of the method is systematically evaluated and it is found to be accurate for wavelength-sized mask features with large vertical topography. The error associated primarily with neglecting corner effects is seen to concentrate at the extremities of the spectrum of propagating plane waves and is therefore filtered-out by the NA and the larger than one reduction factors in typical projection printing systems. A possible algorithmic implementation of the method, that involves rigorous pre-calculation of the edge-diffraction of all types of edges present in the layout, is presented for the simulation of large and arbitrary 2D layouts of alt. PSMs. A speed-up factor of 172,800 (1sec vs. 2days) is shown in the simulation of simple 3um by 3um (4X) 2D layouts (isolated hole and isolated island) with accuracy better than 99 percent compared to the rigorous 3D simulation of the mask diffraction. An example of the edge-DDM applied on a large 12um by 16um 2D layout of a 0deg/90deg/270deg alt. PSM, where the near fields are estimated in less than 1min, is also presented. Spectral matching of the edge-diffraction with more compact piecewise constant models is shown to lead to additional speed-ups of the edge-DDM.
Security aspects of cyber-physical device safety in assistive environments

As more devices that affect their environment come into use, their proper functioning to protect the welfare of their charges is a concern. Examples include assistive transport devices, robotics, drug delivery systems, etc. Here privacy is not the primary concern, instead it is safety. Given that there are many instances of medical devices not being developed to be secure, plus the standard of practice for security with robotics and other cyber-physical devices, the issue needs consideration. These systems are not only vulnerable to intentional attack, but can cause harm inadvertently by unexpected interaction from other systems. This paper discusses security challenges of expanded use of cyber-physical devices in assistive environments and provides suggestions to improve the security and safety of these devices in the future.
The confounding effects of light, sonication, and Mn(III)TBAP on quantitation of superoxide using hydroethidine.

Abstract Previously, we showed that hydroethidine (HE) reacts with intracellular superoxide radical anion (O2 −) to form a unique fluorescent marker product, 2-hydroxyethidium cation (2-OH-E+), that was not formed from HE reaction with other biologically relevant oxidants (H. Zhao et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102:5727–5732; 2005). Here we rigorously assessed the confounding effects of light, sonication, and Mn(III)TBAP on 2-OH-E+, the HE/O2 − reaction product. Results indicate that continuous exposure to visible light induced photo-oxidation of HE to ethidium cation (E+) by a 2-OH-E+-dependent mechanism. Treatment of HE with ultrasound, a frequently used technique to lyse cell membranes, induced 2-OH-E+ from in situ generation of O2 −. Mn(III)TBAP, a cell-permeable metal–porphyrin complex used as a catalytic antioxidant, reacts with HE to form E+. This finding provides an alternative interpretation for Mn(III)TBAP effects during the HE/O2 − reaction. In order to correctly interpret the HE reaction with O2 − in cells, it is therefore imperative that HE and HE-derived products be measured by HPLC. A new and improved HPLC-electrochemical (HPLC-EC) detection has been developed for analysis of intracellular O2 −. The HPLC-EC method is at least 10 times more sensitive than the HPLC-fluorescence technique for detecting O2 − in cells.
Elastic properties of central-force networks with bond-length mismatch.

We study a triangular network containing two kinds of Hooke springs with different natural lengths. If the two spring constants are the same, we can solve the model exactly and show that Vegard's law is obeyed, irrespective of whether the bonds are arranged randomly or in a correlated way. A more complete description of these networks is obtained through the mean lengths, the length fluctuations, and the strain energy. The complete distribution of bond lengths is obtained numerically and shows an interesting and unexpected symmetry for the random case. Finally we show that numerical results for a similar system, but with different force constants as well as different natural lengths, can be well accounted for by using an effective-medium theory that reduces to the exact results when the two spring constants are made equal. These lattices can be described very accurately up to about 50% length mismatches, when ``pleating'' occurs and the lattices develop local instabilities.
Isolating phonological components that increase tip-of-the-tongue resolution.

Three experiments investigated the role of specific phonological components in priming tip-of-thetongue (TOT) resolution. When in a TOT state, participants read a list of words that included phonological primes intermixed among unrelated words. The phonological primes contained either the same first letter as the target (Experiment 1), a single syllable (first, middle, or last) of the target (Experiment 2), or the first phoneme or first syllable of the target (Experiment 3). Reading first-letter primes in Experiment 1 did not help to resolve TOTs, whereas reading first-syllable primes significantly increased word retrieval in Experiment 2. Experiment 3 replicated the results of Experiments 1 and 2 using firstphoneme primes instead of first-letter primes and using two primes instead of three, although firstsyllable priming occurred only for primes read silently. The results of these experiments support a transmission deficit model, where TOTs are caused by weak connections among phonological representations and can be resolved through internal or overt production of specific phonology.
New room-temperature ionic liquids withC2-symmetrical imidazolium cations

New 1,3-dialkylimidazolium hexafluorophosphates with two butyl, pentyl, octyl, nonyl or decyl groups are room temperature ionic liquids.
Moments of string and derivation lengths of stochastic context-free grammars

Abstract Properties of the moments of string and derivation lengths of stochastic context-free grammars are examined. It is shown that the problem of determining the moments of the string length is equivalent to the problem of determining the moments of the derivation length. Conditions for the existence and finiteness of moments are derived and it is shown that, if the first moment exists and is finite, then all higher moments are finite.
Influence of sodium pentobarbital on pH, sarcomere length, and muscle tenderness of broiler Pectoralis major muscle.

Abstract Six trials were conducted to determine the effect of sodium pentobarbital (SP) anesthesia on broiler muscle pH, sarcomere length, and Allo-Kramer shear values. Birds were divided into six groups, three of which were anesthetized with SP prior to slaughter. Birds from both the anesthetized and nonanesthetized groups were subjected to one of three processing treatments: 1) muscles hot boned as soon as possible after death and immediately analyzed (HB/0); 2) muscles hot boned and aged 24 h in ice/water slush (HB/24); and 3) muscles left on carcass (conventional process) and aged 24 h in ice/water slush (CP/24) before deboning. The SP/HB/0 group was found to have significantly higher (P
Low angle laser light scattering-absolute calibration.

A new method for the calculation of the Rayleigh factor from low angle light scattering measurements is developed. This method does not require a uniform intensity illuminating beam, hence efficiently utilizes all the beam from a focused laser source. Scattering volume is then very small, reducing sample volume and interference from contaminant particles. All the parameters necessary for the calculation of the Rayleigh factor (including the exact dependence on sample refractive index) are measurable, hence absolute calibration is possible. Over-all error is estimated to be less than 2.3% under specified conditions. Measurements are possible at scattering angles as small as 2° obviating the need for angular extrapolations in the determination of molecular weight of most dissolved samples. Rayleigh factors at 22°C, 633 nm, and a scattering angle of 4° for water, methanol, benzene, and toluene, were found to be, respectively, 0.907, 2.56, 12.15, and 13.45 × 10−6 cm−1.
Admissions to methadone maintenance: Comparisons between programs and implications for treatment

Abstract Male admissions to six methadone maintenance programs in three cities were interviewed. The characteristics of these patients in the seven Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scales-medical, employment/support, alcohol, drug, lelgal, family/socila and psychiatric—were described. The characterization of drug addicts was not found to be unidimensional. Though the admissions, as a group, had some positive characteristics (e.g., over 50% reported full time employment over the past three years), they also reported severe problems. For the 30 days prior to interview, heroin was the most commonly used drug, followed by cannabis, cocaine, and alcohol. Less than 10% had never been arrested and subjects reported engaging in crime on 6.4 of the past 30 days. The majority of these subjects had never married, but very few lived alone. The most common psychiatric symptoms reported were depression and anxiety. Characteristics were compared between programs and differences were found in race and age as well as two of the seven ASI areas. Thus, despite differences in demographics there was a great commonality in terms of the characteristics of adminissions to these programs. The implications of this for the behavioral problems related to drug abuse and for the development of treatments aimed at specific areas (such as measured by the ASI) were discussed.
Stereospecificity and electric polarization in high polymers

The electric polarization of a polymer is shown to depend upon the steric order along the chain. This is in accord with the previously observed electric polarization behavior of diastereomers. Solution measurements of the molar polarization of polymethyl methacrylates in benzene gave values of 32 ± 0.5 cc./mole for syndiotactic, and 41 ± 0.5 cc./mole for isotactic material, with atactic polymer showing intermediate values. It is believed therefore that the polarizability method can form a means of differentiating and interpreting the behavior of polar stereospecific polymers.
A comparison of the in vitro metabolism of parathion in the lung and liver of the rabbit

Abstract Varying concentrations of parathion were incubated with microsomes isolated from the lung and liver of untreated, phenobarbital-treated and 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rabbits, and the rates of formation of paraoxon and diethyl phosphorothioic acid determined. From these data the K m and V max values were determined. The results indicate the K m values for formation of paraoxon and diethyl phosphorothioic acid are significantly lower using microsomes isolated from lung as compared to liver. The V max values for the formation of these two metabolites using microsomes isolated from lung are about 20% the values obtained using microsomes isolated from the liver. This difference in activity is most likely due to a smaller concentration of mixed function oxidase enzymes in the lung. The mixed function oxidase activity toward parathion in rabbit liver was induced by both phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene. However, the mixed function oxidase activity toward parathion in the rabbit lung could be induced only by pretreatment with phenobarbital. The implications of metabolism of parathion to paraoxon in the lungs and the liver as it pertains to the toxicity of parathion is discussed.
Contractile protein expression in bladder smooth muscle is a marker of phenotypic modulation after outlet obstruction in the rabbit model.

Purpose: We determined changes in contractile protein expression before and after the relief of partial bladder outlet obstruction in the rabbit model and assessed their potential role as predictors of recovery.Materials and Methods: We examined the ratio of the smooth muscle myosin heavy chain isoforms SM2-to-SM1, caldesmon isoform expression and bladder function in obstructed and unobstructed adult rabbit bladders. Cystometry, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis were done to determine changes in bladder function and contractile protein expression.Results: Overall we observed significant correlation of bladder weight with the SM2-to-SM1 ratio (p <0.05). Regardless of the duration of obstruction (up to 10 weeks) the ratio appeared to stabilize around a value comparable to that in fetal rabbit smooth muscle cells, suggesting a reversal of SM2 and SM1 expression to a level similar to that at the fetal stage. The pattern of h and l-caldesmon isoform expression ...
Cross-layer design of energy-constrained networks using cooperative MIMO techniques

We consider networks where energy is a limited resource so that energy consumption must be minimized while satisfying given throughput requirements. For such networks, cross-layer design coupled with node cooperation can significantly reduce both energy consumption and delay. In this paper, we propose a cooperative multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technique where multiple nodes within a cluster cooperate in signal transmission and/or reception. In our scheme, local information exchange within the cluster is not necessary if Alamouti codes are used with appropriate transmission scheduling. A cross-layer design framework is then applied that optimizes routing to minimize the energy consumption and delay. For the cooperative MIMO scheme, routing is optimized based on an equivalent single-input single-out (SISO) system, where each cooperating cluster is treated as a super node. We derive the best energy-delay tradeoff curve under this optimization model and show that the cooperative MIMO approach dramatically improves energy and delay performance, especially when link layer adaptation is used.
Electrochemical oxidation of N-methylated derivatives of uric acid

Abstract The electrochemical oxidation of a number of N-methylated uric acids has been studied by linear and cyclic sweep voltammetry, coulometry and thin-layer spectroelectrochemistry. The observed results support the view that the electrooxidation is a 2e reaction to give a very unstable diimine primary product. This is rapidly hydrated to give an imine-alcohol which is further hydrated to give a uric acid-4,5-diol derivative which subsequently fragments to the various products.
Guided Bone Growth in Sheep: A Model for Tissue-Engineered Bone Flaps

The emerging field of tissue engineering is yielding a variety of new strategies for bone replacement. In vivo assessment of candidate bone substitutes to demonstrate biocompatibility, degradability, and the ability to produce meaningful quantities of bone is essential prior to clinical use. We present results of a large animal model using formed plastic chambers implanted adjacent to the rib periosteum in sheep to fabricate vascularized bone flaps of different shapes. Chambers packed with morcellized corticocancellous bone graft, representing the most favorable natural circumstances for bone formation, were compared to empty chambers, representing the least favorable. Implants containing bone chips yielded formed blocks of vascularized bone after 6 weeks with evidence of remodeling after 13 weeks. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that there was full bone penetration into shallow (5 mm) chambers and 8.8 mm (+/-0.6) penetration into deep (10 mm) implants after 6 weeks. Molded bone segments failed to grow in empty chambers. This model presents a quantifiable range of bone forming potential to which different bone substitutes may be compared for usefulness in creating tissue engineered bone flaps for reconstructive surgery.
On the response of non-linear oscillators to stochastic excitation

Abstract This paper considers the steady-state response of a class of oscillators with nonlinear damping to stochastic excitation. Using the method of equivalent nonlinear differential equations, approximate techniques are developed to solve problems for which no exact solutions exist.
Multifilter phase imaging with partially coherent light

A novel quantitative phase imaging method is shown to estimate phase accurately over a wide range of length scales using Kohler illumination from an extended incoherent source. The method is based on estimating the longitudinal intensity derivative in the transport-of-intensity equation via convolution with multiple Savitzky-Golay differentiation filters and generalizes methods previously developed for coherent imaging to the practical scenario of partially coherent imaging. The resulting noise and resolution performance are evaluated via numerical simulation and demonstrated experimentally using a blazed transmission grating as well as a single-mode fiber as test objects.
Biological and Abiotic Color Reduction of Paper Mill Effluents during Anaerobic Composting

Biological and abiotic sorptions as well as kinetic experiments were performed to elucidate the mechanism by which color was being removed from paper mill effluents using anaerobic composting. Experiments were performed using pulp mill upset tank wastewater ( color=5,500 PCU ) and E stage filtrate ( color=10,300 PCU ) . Color removal experiments using active and gamma sterilized compost showed that the color removal capacity for both wastewaters was nine times higher when using active compost than for those reactors using gamma sterilized compost. Final decolorization for pulp mill upset tank and E stage filtrate was 91 and 83%, respectively, while only 33% decolorization was achieved with gamma sterilized compost. Kinetic tests also showed higher color degradation rates when using active compost compared to sterilized compost. Additional experiments demonstrated that biological color removal appears to be robust with respect to pH and is largely unaffected by pH over a range from pH 5 to 10, typical valu...
Intraluminal crystalloids are highly associated with prostatic adenocarcinoma on concurrent biopsy specimens

Prostatic crystalloids are intraluminal eosinophilic structures with variable size and shape. Their presence has been described in conjunction with the occurrence of prostatic adenocarcinoma (pCA). We herein report the association of crystalloids and pCA in a prospective trial utilizing an extended multi-site transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) prostate biopsy protocol. Three hundred and forty-four consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled at the Dallas Veterans Administration Hospital from November 2002 to September 2003. Indications for biopsy included a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ⩾4 ng/ml and/or abnormal digital rectal exam. A single pathologist evaluated all biopsy cores and documented the presence or absence of significant histopathologic features. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to test the association of these features with the presence of pCA on concurrent biopsy. Median number of core biopsies per patient was 12 (range 3–36). Overall cancer detection rate was 42.7%. pCA was diagnosed in 66 (81.5%) of 81 patients with crystalloids, 70 (69.3%) of 101 patients with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), and 32 (84.2%) of 38 patients with both HGPIN and crystalloids on biopsy. Multivariate analysis identified crystalloids (RR 4.53, 95% CI 2.30–8.88) and HGPIN (RR 3.20, 95% CI 1.84–5.57) as independent predictors of the presence of cancer on concurrent biopsy (P<0.001). In this prospective analysis, crystalloids were significantly associated with pCA on concurrent biopsy and more predictive of the presence of pCA than HGPIN. These findings suggest that the presence of crystalloids alone or in combination with HGPIN in prostate biopsies may be a more compelling indication for repeat biopsy than HGPIN alone.
Highly Stable and Active Pt−Cu Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts Based on Mesoporous Graphitic Carbon Supports

The activity of oxygen reduction catalysts for fuel cells often decreases markedly (30−70%) during potential cycling tests designed to accelerate catalyst degradation. Herein we achieved essentially no loss in electrochemical surface area and catalyst activity during potential cycling from 0.5 to 1.2 V for presynthesized Pt−Cu nanoparticles of controlled composition that were infused into highly graphitic disordered mesoporous carbons (DMC). The high stability is favored by the strong metal−support interactions and low tendency for carbon oxidation, which mitigates the mechanisms of degradation. Electrochemical dealloying transforms the composition from Pt20Cu80 to Pt85Cu15 with a strained Pt-rich shell, which exhibits an enhanced ORR activity of 0.46 A/mgPt, >4 fold that of pure Pt catalysts. The high uniformity in particle size and composition both before and after dealloying, as a consequence of the presynthesis/infusion technique, is beneficial for elucidating the mechanism of catalyst activity and, u...
On the splitting of big Cohen-Macaulay modules

Abstract In this article it is noted that, in equicharacteristic zero, the existence of small Cohen-Macaulay modules may be reduced to whether countably generatd infinite syzygies over cyclic hypersurface rings have finite type direct summands (Theorem 1.9). In the special case of simple singularities it is then shown (Corollary 5.2) that countably generated infinite syzygies decompose into direct sums of finitely generated modules.
On a Theorem of Shintani

Abstract Let χ be an irreducible character of Gd = GLn( F qd) invariant under the automorphism φ of Gd induced by the field automorphism F qd → F qd, x ↦ xq, and let e be a divisor of d. By a theorem of Shintani, there exists an extension χe of χ to Gd ⋊ 〈φe〉 whose Shintani descent to Ge is, up to a sign e, an irreducible character of Ge. It is shown in this paper that χe may always be chosen such that e = 1. With this particular choice, χe is the restriction of χ1. Our methods rely on the work of Digne and Michel on Deligne–Lusztig theory for nonconnected reductive groups.
Net results ~3D graphics\

A good 3D visual imagination is valuable for anyone working in 3D graphics. An excellent way to develop that imagination is to build models and hold them, turn them, and study them. The author begins with Platonic solids. He shows an unfolded shape, such as a tetrahedron made of four equilateral triangles, and includes small assembly flaps. He shows the unfolded diagrams or nets for these solids. He discusses the kaleidocycle, one of the most interesting dynamic polyhedral models.