cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On tsunami nucleation II. An instantaneous modulated line source

Abstract Tsunami generation on a spherically-symmetric, self-gravitating and elastic Earth is investigated using normal mode summations and moment tensor line sources. Wave cancellation in a line source of length L substantially eliminates tsunamis whose horizontal wavenumber component along the fault exceeds 3π/L. This results in a preferential beaming of tsunami radiation perpendicular to the fault strike. Beaming from a source of fixed length occurs in the same fashion irrespective of.slip mechanism. Tsunami radiation patterns from finite sources are thus more uniform than those from point sources. The largest far field sea waves from any long shallow fault are likely to be found within 20° azimuth of the perpendicular bisecting great circle. Although line sources subordinate distinctions in radiation patterns, focal mechanism is still a critical element in determining the extent of tsunami excitation. The ratio of maximum tsunami amplitude from strike and dip slips of equal moment are 1:10 for faults 400 km in length. Finite faulting weakens strike-slip tsunamis relative to dip-slip tsunamis because the beaming and natural radiation directions of strike slips are severely misaligned. Using an empirical relation linking source process time, fault length and moment, I predict tsunami energies in the range 1010–1017 J for earthquake moments spanning 2 × 1018
Evaluation of natural enemies released for the biological control of purple loosestrife in Iowa

Between 1994 and 1998, more than 600,000 natural enemies were released in Iowa for biological control of purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria. The objectives of this biological control project were to establish natural enemies that would suppress populations of L. salicaria. Two species of leaf-feeding beetles, Galerucella calmariensis and G. pusilla (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae), a flower-feeding weevil, Nanophyes marmoratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a root-mining weevil, Hylobius transversovittatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and an aphid species, Myzus lythri (Homoptera: Aphididae), have been released at L. salicaria infested wetlands in Iowa. These natural enemies, with the exception of H. transversovittatus, have been observed to severely damage leaves, stems, roots and flowers of L. salicaria plants when at high population densities. Both Galerucella species have successfully overwintered in Iowa and are increasing in abundance at all release sites. lReceived for publication _______ and in revised fonn _____ _ 2Grad. Res. Asst. Agronomy, primary researcher and author, 2104 Agronomy Hall, Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA. 50011. 1>1'of. of Entomology, 7 Insectary, Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA. 50011. 1>rof. of Agronomy, 2104 Agronomy Hall, Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA. 50011.
Multiple particle filtering with improved efficiency and performance

Particle filtering has been widely accepted as an important methodology for processing data represented by state-space models characterized by nonlinearities and/or non-Gaussianities. It is also well documented that particle filtering deteriorates quickly in performance when the dimension of the tracked state becomes large. This limits its application in many science/engineering problems. Previously we have proposed a way of alleviating this deficiency based on the use of multiple particle filtering. According to the approach, a number of particle filters are assigned to track different subsets of the state with time. In this paper, we propose a new method for accurate and efficient implementation of multiple particle filtering. We provide simulation results that demonstrate the performance of the new method.
What mathematics is about

L'A. tente de reconcilier le platonisme mathematique avec les theories mathematiques non-platoniciennes, en etudiant la reductibilite de l'arithmetique elementaire a la theorie des ensembles. Il s'agit de combiner la semantique platonicienne avec le pragmatisme non-platonicien, afin de demontrer que les nombres naturels ne transmettent pas une information sur eux-memes
Effect of age on body weight, heart rate and blood pressure in pair-caged, male, Fischer 344 rats

Body weight, heart rate and systolic blood pressure were determined in pair-caged male, Fischer 344 rats (ages 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 28 months). Body weight increased significantly until 6 months of age and remained stable between 6 and 12 months of age with a slight increase in weight between 12 and 24 months of age. Heart rate significantly decreased between 1 and 6 months (578 and 482 beats/min respectively; however, significant differences in heart rate were not observed between 6 and 28 months of age. Significant increases in systolic blood pressure occurred between 1 and 3 months of age (123 and 142 mm Hg, respectively). Between 3 and 12 months significant decreases in systolic blood pressure were recorded. The blood pressure remained stable throughout the remaining age span of these animals. Body weight was found to have significant interactions with heart rate and systolic blood pressure. The age-related differences in body weight, heart rate and systolic blood pressure found in male, Fischer 344 rats should be taken into account in experiments using these rats as animal model for aging.
On the Autocorrelation of Complex Envelope of White Noise

About four decades ago, in an article in this transactions, Thomas Kailath pointed out that the autocorrelation of the complex envelope of white noise is not strictly an impulse function, even though when treated as an impulse in practical problems, it does lead to correct results. However, it is commonly assumed that by simply letting the bandwidth of a flat-bandlimited noise process to go to infinity, one obtains the result that the autocorrelation of the complex envelope of white noise equals an impulse function. In this correspondence, we show that 1) the limit operation has to be done carefully and 2) when done properly, it leads to the result in the Kailath's paper, which is different from a pure impulse function
Efficient model reduction of large scale systems using Krylov-subspace iterative methods

In this work, the use of Krylov-subspace iterative methods is examined to obtain low-rank approximate solutions of Lyapunov equations for use in contol-oriented model reduction of large space structures. In particular, we examine the application of these methods to the approximate component cost analysis (CCA) of large scale systems. It is shown that using the proposed methods approximate CCA reduced-order models can be obtained with a significant reduction in the computational effort and time. In addition, we derive closed-form expressions for approximate cost-equivalent, cost-decoupled and covariance-equivalent realizations using the proposed Krylov-subspace solutions.
Anteromedial subtalar dislocation

Subtalar dislocation is the simultaneous dislocation of the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints of the foot, typically caused by falls from heights, twisting leg injuries and motor vehicle accidents. The dislocation can occur medially, lateral, anterior or posterior, but most commonly occurs from inversion injury producing a medial dislocation. These dislocations may be accompanied by fractures. Careful physical examination must be performed to assess for neurovascular compromise. Most subtalar dislocations can be treated with closed reduction under sedation. However, if the dislocation is associated with an open fracture it may require reduction in the operating room. Treatment should include postreduction plain x-ray and CT scan to evaluate for proper alignment and for fractures. This article presents a case of medial subtalar dislocation in a 23-year-old football player.
Analysis of free-form radiology dictations for completeness and clarity for pancreatic cancer staging

To assess the completeness and clarity of current free-form radiology reports for pancreatic cancer staging by evaluating them against the elements of the RSNA CT oncology primary pancreas mass dictation template. This retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board (IRB). 295 free-form computed tomography (CT) reports for baseline staging of pancreatic cancer (PC) generated between August 2008 and December 2010 were evaluated by one of two radiologists with expertise in pancreatic cancer imaging. Reports which indicated that metastatic disease was present were excluded. The completeness and clarity of the reports were analyzed against the elements of the RSNA CT pancreas mass dictation template. Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyze differences by year and type of radiologist. Primary lesion location, size, and effect on bile duct (BD) were provided in 93.9% (277/295), 69.8% (206/295), and 67.5% (199/295) of reports, respectively. Standard terms to describe vascular involvement were used in 47.5% (140/295) of reports. In 20.3% (60/295), the resectability status could not be defined based on the report alone. In 36.9% (109/295) of reports, review of CT images was necessary to understand vascular involvement. Radiologists expert in pancreatic oncology had a higher proportion of reports using standardized terminology and reports in which vascular involvement was understood without revisiting the images. Free-form reports were more likely to use ambiguous terminology and/or require review of the actual images for understanding resectability status. The use of a standardized reporting template may improve the usefulness of pancreatic cancer staging reports.
Optical 2R and 3R Signal Regeneration in Combination with Dynamic Wavelength Switching Using a Monolithically Integrated, Widely Tunable Photocurrent Driven Wavelength Converter

Optical 2R and 3R signal regeneration along with dynamic wavelength switching is demonstrated for the first time using a monolithically integrated, widely tunable photocurrent driven wavelength converter.
The West German Statute of Limitations on Murder: A Political, Legal, and Historical Exposition

On 3 July 1979, the West German Bundestag voted by a narrow majority to lift the country's embattled statute of limitations on murder, making it impossible in the future for crimes of murder, whether perpetrated in the past or in the future, whether committed by Nazis or by others, to escape coming to trial by reason of the previous thirty-year legal limitation on the prosecution of such crimes.' In so doing, the Bundestag brought to a close an aspect of the debate over Nazi crimes that antedated the founding of the Bonn Republic itself in 1949 and that consistently split all three major political parties in the parliament. An overview of the trajectory of this issue, which offers a unique insight into modern German political history, is at last possible and appropriate.
Collaborating across international boundaries: using twitter as a tool in the classroom

A problem in education today is being able to reach out to the students in innovative ways. While making it relevant and important for the students, we used twitter as a tool for student collaboration. A class in the USA and a class in Australia used twitter as a tool to collaborate within their courses as well as with each other for one semester. While this study did not find twitter to be the ideal tool for social education, it has opened up a new way to collaborate across boundaries. Humans are social beings and as educators, we can use the success of social web technologies to help educate the world.
Angular distribution of fluorescence from photoionization-produced He+ (n=2).

We report the first measurement of the angular distribution of the 304-\AA{} ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}(n=2)$ radiation following photoionization. This distribution reflects the alignment of the ion, which is related to the fraction $\ensuremath{\xi}=\frac{\ensuremath{\sigma}(2p,kd)}{[\ensuremath{\sigma}(2p,ks)+\ensuremath{\sigma}(2p,kd)]}$ of $d$ component in the electron wave. The experimental angular distributions correspond to alignments of -0.62 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.03 and -0.62 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.02 at photon energies of 65.5 and 66.5 eV, respectively. These translate into ratios $\ensuremath{\xi}=0.25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 \mathrm{and} 0.25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03$, in good agreement with close-coupling calculations.
Formalism, First Amendment Expression, and the General Law Doctrine

The U.S. Supreme Court has long held that the press is not exempt from laws of general application that apply to all citizens equally, particularly when those laws affect media business operations. In cases where content or newsgathering have been implicated, the Court has avoided a rigid application of the general law doctrine, preferring to protect expression through more rigorous means. However, in recent cases involving First Amendment rights, the Court has moved toward aformalistic view of the general law doctrine. This legal formalism, a jurisprudential approach that values syllogistic reasoning over close inquiry into the effects of particular restrictions on expression, is a development that could endanger First Amendment values.
Advances in High-Speed DACs, ADCs, and DSP for Software Defined Optical Modems

We review digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters (DACs and ADCs), as well as digital signal processing (DSP) functions for software defined optical modems using rich modulation formats. These next generation optical transceivers will enable bit rates from 100 Gb/s to 400 Gb/s and 1 Tb/s.
Interaction of Two Nucleons at Low Energies. I = 1

A summary of the knowledge of the low-energy interaction of two nucleons with one unit of isobaric spin is presented. The single energy analyses of accurate low-energy proton-proton scattering data are discussed with emphasis upon the electromagnetic effects which have been included and those which should be. The phase shifts which result are presented and discussed in terms of the effective range expansion and potentials. A brief discussion of charge symmetry and independence in terms of potentials and dispersion relations is given. The equality of the neutron-neutron and proton-proton nuclear interactions, which seems to be established, may not be sufficient for understanding the problem of mirror nuclei. The question of charge independence is much more difficult.
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) interference in soybean (Glycine max): a survey of yield loss estimates and management recommendations

Abstract Velvetleaf plants were placed between 76 cm soybean rows at a density of one velvetleaf every 6.1 m of row in early September. Later that month, farmers and agricultural-industry employees who were attending a university field day were asked to predict the yield loss caused by this infestation. The average yield loss estimate by 90 farmers was 5.7%, whereas 45 agricultural-business employees predicted a 5.3% yield loss. NebraskaHERB, an economic threshold/post-emergence decision making tool developed at the University of Nebraska, predicted a 4.3% yield loss from this weed infestation. Recommendations for managing the velvetleaf were influenced by the person's yield loss estimate. Recommendations made by industry personnel were closer to the computer based decision judgement than those of farmers.
A parametric representation of fuzzy numbers and their arithmetic operators

Abstract Direct implementation of extended arithmetic operators on fuzzy numbers is computationally complex. Implementation of the extension principle is equivalent to solving a nonlinear programming problem. To overcome this difficulty many applications limit the membership functions to certain shapes, usually either triangular fuzzy numbers (TFN) or trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFN). Then calculation of the extended operators can be performed on the parameters defining the fuzzy numbers, thus making the calculations trivial. Unfortunately the TFN shape is not closed under multiplication and division. The result of these operators is a polynomial membership function and the triangular shape only approximates the actual result. The linear approximation can be quite poor and may lead to incorrect results when used in engineering applications. We analyze this problem and propose six parameters which define parameterized fuzzy numbers (PFN), of which TFNs are a special case. We provide the methods for performing fuzzy arithmetic and show that the PFN representation is closed under the arithmetic operations. The new representation in conjunction with the arithmetic operators obeys many of the same arithmetic properties as TFNs. The new method has better accuracy and similar computational speed to using TFNs and appears to have benefits when used in engineering applications.
Internationalization of the introductory financial accounting course

Abstract This note describes the method used at Illinois State University to add an international perspective to the introductory financial accounting course. It discusses the materials distributed to the faculty and gives suggestions for integrating them with textbook material.
Statistical Sensor Performance Analysis

A new technique developed at General Dynamics Convair Division permits rapid calculation of sensor performance including full statistical treatment of atmospheric and target conditions. The most common statistical method in use relies on the Monte Carlo technique in which thousands of single point calculations are made with data from a random number generator. The Monte Carlo method is replaced by a closed form calculation requiring orders of magnitude less computer time. The probability density function of atmospheric attenuation is used along with the appropriate distribution of target characteristics. The probability density function of the video signal-to-noise ratio is calculated directly using simple numerical integration. Performance criteria can then be applied to the curve for either observer or autonomous operation. Sample results are presented of FLIR and laser 3-D imager performance against targets in European atmospheric conditions.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cognitive modeling and intelligent tutoring

Abstract : The ACT theory of skill acquisition and its PUPS successor provide production-system models of the acquisition of skills such as LISP programming, geometry theorm-proving, and solving of algebraic equations. Knowledge begins in declarative form and is used by analogical processes to solve specific problems. Domain specific productions are compiled from the traces of these problem solutions. The model-tracing methodology has been developed as a means of displaying this cognitive theory in intelligent tutoring. Implementation of the model-tracing methodology involves developing a student model, a pedagogical module, and an interface. issues associated with the development of each of these components are discussed. Work on tutoring and work on skill acquisition have proven to symbiotic; that is, each has furthered the other's development. Keywords: Analogy; Artificial Intelligence; Cognitive Science; Computer-Assisted Instruction.
Evidence of Reinnervation of Free Patellar Tendon Autograft Used for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

We studied six adult male dogs to determine whether free patellar tendon grafts show evidence of reinnervation when used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Histologic return of neural elements and return of a somatosensory-evoked potential defined evidence of reinnervation. Before removal, the native anterior cruciate ligament was electrically stimulated with a bipolar electrode and a somatosensory-evoked potential was recorded from a scalp electrode. The ligament was excised and reconstructed using an autogenous patellar tendon graft. Somatosensory-evoked potential was attempted immediately after reconstruction. Histology for nerve endings was performed on the native ligaments. Each animal underwent repeat arthrotomy 6 months later. The grafts were isolated and somatosensory-evoked potentials were attempted. An evoked potential was seen in all six dogs before reconstruction. No graft demonstrated a somatosensory-evoked potential acutely; however, 6 months postoperatively, the somatosensory-evoked potential returned in two cases. Histology of native ligaments showed that 25% of the 100 sections evaluated contained neural elements. Of the receptors present, 89% were mechanoreceptors and 11% were free nerve endings. Histologic examination of the graft tissue 6 months postoperatively revealed that all six grafts also contained neural elements. Mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings were present in approximately equal numbers in the grafts. The results of histology and somatosensory-evoked potential demonstrate that in at least some cases, free patellar tendon grafts show evidence of reinnervation when used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Insensitivity of echocardiography in detecting mitral valve prolapse in older patients with chest pain

Abstract Although echocardiography has proved useful in detecting mitral valve prolapse, its limitations have not yet been adequately defined. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of false negative echocardiograms in patients with angiographically proved mitral valve prolapse. Twelve patients, eight men and four women with a mean age of 47 years, were selected on the basis of the results of cardiac catheterization for chest pain. Each patient had moderate to severe mitral valve prolapse, confirmed angiographically by two observers, with no coronary artery disease or other detectable cardiac abnormalities. Clinically, a systolic click was detected in three patients, a mid-systolic murmur in five, an abnormal electrocardiogram in four and a positive maximal treadmill stress test in two of eight tested. Left ventricular angiograms exhibited anterior and posterior leaflet prolapse in five, and posterior leaflet prolapse alone in seven. High quality echocardiograms were obtained in 11 patients; one record of inadequate quality was excluded. The echocardiograms revealed mitral valve prolapse in only one case, and were “probably” negative in two, and clearly negative in eight. Although these results may reflect the well recognized variable clinical expression of this syndrome, they indicate that false negative echocardiograms are common in this selected older population of patients with angiographic mitral valve prolapse who present with chest pain and few other clinical features. Thus, caution must be exercised in the clinical interpretation of a single echocardiogram negative for mitral valve prolapse.
Optimal Study of Interface Axial Shear Stresses in Two-Layer Axisymmetric Shell Induced During Curing Treatment

Unidirectional fiber-reinforced filament-wound composite shells of revolution after heat curing treatment often develop high shearing stresses at the interface of laminates, most noticeable near the boundaries where bending moments prevail owing to the support constraints. Effect of altering the thickness ratio of the inner and outer layers and also the fiber orientation in the layers on the interface axial shear stresses in a two-layer shell is studied by a mechanics of materials approach. The results show that slight change in the fiber orientation can reduce the interface axial shear stresses substantial ly.
Stratospheric Sulfuric Acid Layer: Evidence for an Anthropogenic Component

Recent measurements of small aerosol particles in the stratosphere over Laramie, Wyoming, indicate low-concentration background conditions. A comparison of measurements made some 20 years ago with the present background concentration reveals the possibility of an increase of 9 percent per year. Since the aerosol particles are predominantly sulfuric acid droplets which form in the stratosphere from tropospheric sulfur-containing gases, such an increase may be related to man-made sulfur emissions.
Contemporary Marxist Theory and Practice: A Feminist Critique

Both Marxist theory and practice continue to ignore, for the most part, recent developments in feminist theory and practice. Feminist theory chal lenges a definition of production as narrowly confined to the production of com modities that is commonly used in much Marxist literature, examines the pro duction and reproduction of people under patriarchal relations, and focuses on the conflicts that arise between women and men because of their differing rela tions to these two types of production. Feminist practice emphasizes building consensus strategies, supporting women in their individual struggles (because women in their homes tend to face patriarchy as individuals), and helping each woman feel both her oppression and her power. The value of this strategy is largely misunderstood by the left. Feminist practice is as revolutionary as class struggle, but its object is different — the destruction of patriarchy. The antipathy of much of the left toward feminism seems to stem from a misuse of Mao's notion of...
Pediatric morphea (localized scleroderma): review of 136 patients.

Background Morphea is an autoimmune inflammatory sclerosing disorder that may cause permanent functional disability and disfigurement. Objectives We sought to determine the clinical features of morphea in a large pediatric cohort. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 136 pediatric patients with morphea from one center, 1989 to 2006. Results Most children showed linear morphea, with a disproportionately high number of Caucasian and female patients. Two patients with rapidly progressing generalized or extensive linear morphea and arthralgias developed restrictive pulmonary disease. Initial oral corticosteroid treatment and long-term methotrexate administration stabilized and/or led to disease improvement in most patients with aggressive disease. Limitations Retrospective analysis, relatively small sample size, and risk of a selected referral population to the single site are limitations. Conclusions These data suggest an increased prevalence of morphea in Caucasian girls, and support methotrexate as treatment for problematic forms. Visceral manifestations rarely occur; the presence of progressive problematic cutaneous disease and arthralgias should trigger closer patient monitoring.
Two steroid 15α-hydroxylase genes and a homologous gene family in mice

Abstract Steroid 15α-hydroxylase (P450 15α ) activity is concomitant with the expression of two types of mRNA in the mouse liver. Two discrete genes, designated 15 α oh-1 and 15 α oh-2 , that encode the two mRNAs were recovered from total genomic libraries of the inbred mouse strains 129/J and C57B1/6J and identified by cDNA hybridization, restriction-site analysis and partial nucleotide sequence. Both genes are approx. 9 kb long and share significant homology, including flanking regions, over a region of at least 30 kb. The two distinct 15 α oh genes are members of a larger family of homologous genes and/or pseudogenes of unknown function. The most extensive sequence homology among family members is in the 3′ portion of the gene with progressively less homology toward the 5′ end. The far 5′ portions of 15 α oh-1 and 15 α oh-2 are very similar to one another but there is no observed homology with other genes of the family. The two 15 α oh genes and the homologous family have been localized to mouse chromosome 7 by somatic cell hybrid mapping. Analysis of a restriction fragment length polymorphism in recombinant inbred mice shows a close linkage of 15 α oh-1 and 15 α oh-2 with the Coh locus.
Interleukin-6 protects hepatocytes from CCl4-mediated necrosis and apoptosis in mice by reducing MMP-2 expression.

Background/Aims Interleukin-6 stimulates liver regeneration and promotes hepatoprotection following experimental liver injury, but underlying mechanisms have not been fully characterized. Because studies suggest matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) may promote liver injury, we examined whether IL-6 exerted its protective effects via regulation of MMP-2. Methods MMP-2 was analyzed in livers of IL-6−/− and IL-6+/+ mice following CCl 4 administration. IL-6−/− mice were pretreated with IL-6 and liver histology and MMP-2 expression were examined after liver injury. IL-6−/− mice were treated with an MMP-2 inhibitor and assessment of injury (histology and serum ALT levels), apoptosis by TUNEL assay, and hepatocyte proliferation by BRDU-labeling was performed. These studies were complemented by analysis of cultured stellate cells. Results MMP-2 mRNA, protein, and activity was increased in IL-6−/− livers. Restoration of IL-6 signaling in IL-6−/− mice rescued injury and restored MMP-2 expression to wild-type levels. Furthermore, pharmacologic inhibition of MMP-2 decreased hepatocellular injury and apoptosis in IL-6−/− mice. In cultured stellate cells, recombinant IL-6 suppressed endogenous MMP-2 mRNA and protein expression. Conclusions IL-6 may be hepatoprotective in acute injury through down-regulation of MMP-2. These findings suggest a role for MMP-2 in amplifying liver injury in vivo.
Causes, assessment, and treatment of stent thrombosis—intravascular imaging insights

Stent thrombosis is a rare, but serious, complication of percutaneous coronary intervention and is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. In addition to clinical and pathological studies, intravascular imaging has advanced our understanding of the mechanisms underlying stent thrombosis. In particular, intravascular imaging has been used to study stent underexpansion, malapposition, uncovered struts, and neoatherosclerosis as risk factors for stent thrombosis. Intravascular ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography can be used to guide stent implantation and minimize the risk of stent thrombosis. Additionally, optical coherence tomography offers the unique potential to tailor treatment of stent thrombosis to address the specific mechanism underlying the thrombotic event. Bioresorbable stent technologies have been introduced with the goal of further reducing the incidence of stent thrombosis, and intravascular imaging has had an integral role in the development and assessment of these new devices. In this Review, we present insights gained through intravascular imaging into the causes of stent thrombosis, and the potential utility of intravascular imaging in the optimization of stent deployment and treatment of stent thrombosis events.
Nietzsche and the origin of the idea of modernism

The notion of modernism, originally a classificatory term in art and literary criticism, now a common term of art in many philosophic (and anti‐philosophic) programs, has remained an elusive, often vague point of view. For a discussion of the notion's historical accuracy and philosophic legitimacy this article selects an author greatly responsible for setting out the problem (called by him ‘nihilism') and philosophically sensitive to the issues involved in claiming that something essential to a tradition has ‘ended’ and something new ‘begun’: Nietzsche. Such issues are: what needs to be shown in order to demonstrate that indeed a complete ‘break’ in a tradition has occurred, especially if part of that claim is that this break ought to have occurred? And: what consequences follow, particularly with respect to the possibility of ‘post‐modern’ ‘justification'? Nietzsche's answers to these questions are more subtle than has been appreciated, and can, when pursued properly, help reveal the strengths and weakne...
Ecstasy: America's new "reefer madness"

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) was first used as a legal adjunct to psychotherapy in the 1970s. By the early 1980s, "Ecstasy" had become a tiny part of the recreational American drug scene, and was ultimately criminalized in 1986. For a decade use continued, but remained quiet. By the end of the 1990s, increased supply, demand, seizures of pills, arrests of distributors associated with organized crime, adverse reactions, and government reports of problematic brain changes created an Ecstasy media frenzy. The government's reaction led to a public education campaign and proposals for exponential penalties for production, distribution and use of MDMA. This article looks at the history, epidemiology, and politics of Ecstasy, the media's response, and the ways in which media and government reaction will compromise harm reduction and safety.
Bayesian model averaging for evaluation of candidate gene effects

Statistical assessment of candidate gene effects can be viewed as a problem of variable selection and model comparison. Given a certain number of genes to be considered, many possible models may fit to the data well, each including a specific set of gene effects and possibly their interactions. The question arises as to which of these models is most plausible. Inference about candidate gene effects based on a specific model ignores uncertainty about model choice. Here, a Bayesian model averaging approach is proposed for evaluation of candidate gene effects. The method is implemented through simultaneous sampling of multiple models. By averaging over a set of competing models, the Bayesian model averaging approach incorporates model uncertainty into inferences about candidate gene effects. Features of the method are demonstrated using a simulated data set with ten candidate genes under consideration.
Shared Last-Level Caches and The Case for Longer Timeslices

Memory performance is important in modern systems. Contention at various levels in memory hierarchy can lead to significant application performance degradation due to interference. Further, modern, large, last-level caches (LLC) have fill times greater than the OS scheduling window. When several threads are running concurrently and timesharing the CPU cores, they may never be able to load their working sets into the cache before being rescheduled, thus permanently stuck in the "cold-start" regime. We show that by increasing the system scheduling timeslice length it is possible to amortize the cache cold-start penalty due to the multitasking and improve application performance by 10--15%.
Scaling regimes of local slope versus contributing area in digital elevation models

Four scaling regimes are observed in Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) when the average local slope is calculated for pixels grouped according to the values of the contributing area. Threshold criteria, proposed by various researchers to identify the extent of the channel network, are examined relative to the slope-area scaling diagram. The scaling response observed in DEMs is reproduced with a landscape evolution and channel network growth model originally developed by Willgoose et al. (1989). The threshold criterion proposed in this model is a useful tool to separate two different slope-area scaling regimes observed in DEM data.
Web page previews: effect on comprehension, user perceptions, and site exploration

Informational websites that contain pages of related hyperlinked information are often organized in a hierarchical tree, such that child-node pages contain primary content and higher-level parent-node pages link to sets of related child-node pages. In such designs, the parent-node page content can act as topic previews for content contained in their child pages. This article describes a 3 A 2 factorial experiment that examined the effect of preview styles and hierarchical navigation menus on website users' reading comprehension, perceptions of user experience and site exploration behaviour. Significant differences were found for inferential reading comprehension, with higher comprehension occurring when readers were exposed to previews with embedded links, even though previews with embedded links negatively affected user perceptions. Presence or absence of hierarchical menus did not affect comprehension but lack of menus significantly degraded usability perceptions and site exploration. Recommendations for informational website designs are discussed based on these findings.
Digital Origami From Geometrically Frustrated Tiles

This paper describes “digital origami” from geometrically frustrated tiles: arrays of structures that cannot attain an energetically favorable flat state because of internal constraints. Each tile can typically snap between two symmetric energy-minimizing states, and neighboring tiles are coupled so that a collection of binary tile states determines the local curvature of the entire sheet. Modular structures like these tiles give great advantages in manufacturing and in predictive simulation, and their discrete nature is a good match for digital readout and control of self-folding systems.The digital origami concept applies to materials from the nanoscale to the macroscale. An example from previous researchers is a metal sheet with an array of dimples that can flex up or down. In this paper we investigate more general techniques that can develop planar sheets into bistable structures. Such methods include installing compressed pieces into a flat sheet of material, or tying together parts of a sheet (smocking). These methods work with a large variety of technologically important materials including circuit boards and semiconductor substrates.While there are clear benefits to such structures, significant obstacles to design exist in manufacturing, in evaluating their mechanical properties, and in choosing the best arrangement of tile states to match a desired shape. Determining the optimal flipping order of tile states to change the sheet from one shape to another is a sequencing problem analogous to protein folding, and origami from non-planar surfaces is a little-explored area in the fine arts. The paper discusses algorithms for curve-matching with one-dimensional arrays by error diffusion, and shape prediction for two-dimensional sheets with pre-programmed tile states. Low computational cost is required for creating structures that can predict, detect, and even change their own three-dimensional shapes using low-power onboard microprocessors. Motivators for this challenge include shape measurement over a large size range — for example, detecting the changing shapes of biological microstructures or endowing robots with a spatial sense similar to human proprioception — and self-modeling of structural properties for lightweight morphing structures that can strengthen for impact in a given direction using a limited amount of material.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The independent functions of the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle.

Investigations on the role of the lateral pterygoid muscle in mandibular movements have been limited due to difficulties in obtaining consistent neuromuscular recordings in human subjects. The rhesus monkey was used as a substitute experimental animal. Thirty-three Macaca mulatta were monitored in 113 electromyographic recording sessions. Two distinct functional patterns were identified from the region of the lateral pterygoid muscle, depending upon the location of the electrodes within this muscle. Through anatomical dissection of areas of electrode placement in 12 animals, the two patterns of activity were related to the inferior and superior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle. The inferior head acted synergistically with the suprahyoid muscle group in opening movements of the mandible. No activity was noted in closing movements, or in swallowing. In contrast, the superior head was not active during opening movements. Electromyographic activity of the superior head, antagonistic to the suprahyoid muscles, was observed during such closing movements as chewing and clenching of the teeth and during deglutition. The superior head presumably positioned or stabilized the condylar head and disc against the articular eminence during closing movements of the mandible, while the inferior head assisted in the translation of the condylar head downward, anteriorly, and contralaterally during opening movements. Thus, the two heads of the lateral pterygoid can be considered as two functionally distinct muscles.
Effective Medium Conductivity (Diffusivity) for a Sphere in a Cube Model

A modified analytical solution for the effective medium conductivity (or diffusivity) keff for two-phase mixtures yields estimates ∼0.2−26% lower than the classic model of a sphere in a cube (Jefferson et al. Ind. Eng. Chem. 1958, 50, 1589) depending on the ratios of phase conductivities and volumes. The difference between the two solutions lies in the assumption of an isothermal plane at the edge of the sphere in the original derivation. The temperature contours obtained with a finite element method simulation of the model confirm the intuitive judgement that this assumption is not valid.
The effects of gender and music video imagery on sexual attitudes.

This study examined the influence of gender and exposure to gender-stereo-typed music video imagery on sexual attitudes (adversarial sexual beliefs, acceptance of rape myths, acceptance of interpersonal violence, and gender role stereotyping). A group of 44 U.S. college students were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups that viewed either a video portraying stereotyped sexual imagery or a video that excluded all sexual images. Exposure to traditional sexual imagery had a significant main effect on attitudes about adversarial sexual relationships, and gender had main effects on 3 of 4 sexual attitudes. There was some evidence of an interaction between gender and exposure to traditional sexual imagery on the acceptance of interpersonal violence.
XANTHINE DEHYDROGENASE IN DROSOPHILA; DETECTION OF ISOZYMES.

Two or possibly three isozymes of the enzyme, xanthine dehydrogenase, have been detected in wildtype Drosophila melanogaster . by starchgel electrophoresis. Two genes, rosy and maroon-like, may control these isozymes by producing two different polypeptides that assemble in groups of three or four.
Preparation and Properties of Dy Doped La and Sc Solution of BiFeO3 Film

A series of Dy doped La and Sc solution of BiFeO3 thin films have been prepared by using spin-coating process on conductive indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass substrates, which a simple sol-gel possess is applied and annealed at 500°C. With the increase of content of Dy, the strongest peak (110) of La and Sc solution BiFeO3 film tends to further broaden. There is no second phase existence within the present Dy doping level. Cross section scanning electron microscope (SEM) pictures revealed that the thickness of BiFeO3 film was about 370 nm. For Dy doping level is 0.05, the maximum double remanent polarization 2Pr of as-prepared BiFeO3 thin film is15.44 μC/cm2. Image of atomic force microscopy indicated that the root-mean-square surface roughness value of as-prepared BiFeO3 thin film is 2.11 nm. The dielectric constant of as-prepared films tends to firstly increase and then decrease with the increase of Dy content
In pursuit of a molecular mechanism for adaptive gene amplification.

"Adaptive" or "stationary-phase" mutation is a collection of apparent stress responses in which cells exposed to a growth-limiting environment generate genetic changes, some of which can allow resumption of rapid growth. In the well-characterized Lac system of Escherichia coli, reversions of a lac frameshift allele give rise to adaptive point mutations. Also in this system, adaptive gene amplification has been documented as a separate and parallel response that allows growth on lactose medium without acquisition of a compensatory frameshift mutation. In amplification, the DNA region containing the weakly functional lac allele becomes amplified to multiple copies, which produce sufficient enzyme activity to allow growth on the otherwise growth-limiting lactose medium. The amplifications are "adaptive" in that they occur after cells encounter the growth-limiting environment. Adaptive amplification is a reversible genetic change that allows adaptation and growth. It may be similar to chromosomal instability observed in the origins and progression of many cancers. We explore possible molecular mechanisms of adaptive amplification in the bacterial system and note parallels to chromosomal instability in other systems.
A prospecive evaluation of the impact of filmless operation on the Baltimore VA Medical Center

Summary The objective of this article is to summarize the results of a 3 year prospective evaluation of the impact of filmless operation on the Baltimore VA Medical Center using a hospital-wide Picture Archival and Comnunication System (PACS) The data were collected both before and after the transition to filmless operation by direct observation, analysis of the Hospital Information System databases, physician surveys, and evaluation of the PACS database. There were substantial reductions in examination reporting times. ‘lost’ or missing images, unread studies, and film retakes as well as significant increases in productivity both by the radiologists and technologists. Clinical surveys were suggested a strong preference for filmless over conventional film-based operation. Preliminary analysis suggests that the savings from filmless operation are offset in the imaging department by the eqipment depreciation costs and of maintenance costs but that the hospital as a whole benfits financially from savings in clinican time associated with the PACS. As a conclusion, analysis of the 3 year experience with filmless operation indicates that it has been successful in improving patient care and may result in economic savings as well.
Enzymatic preparation of biosurfactants from sugars or sugar alcohols and fatty acids in organic media under reduced pressure

Biosurfactants were prepared by enzymatic esterification of sugars and sugar alcohols in nonaqueous media. Sorbitol monooleate was produced in pure molten substrates, with reduced pressure to remove water. The results were compared to synthesis in organic solvent, with and without water removal. Synthesis in organic solvent with water removal, obtained by refluxing through a desiccant under reduced pressure, proved to be the most efficient method in terms of total yield and side-products formation. This process was applied to the production of different surfactants, by changing the nature of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. Yields above 90% of monoesters were obtained after 24 h when the reaction was carried out in 2-methyl-2-butanol with Novozym 435 (Type B lipase from Candida antarctica) with an excess of hydroxyl donor.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Knee

Context:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) affords high-resolution visualization of the soft tissue structures (menisci, ligaments, cartilage, etc) and bone marrow of the knee.Evidence Acquisition:Pertinent clinical and research articles in the orthopaedic and radiology literature over the past 30 years using PubMed.Results:Ligament tears can be accurately assessed with MRI, but distinguishing partial tears from ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be challenging. Determining the extent of a partial tear is often extremely difficult to accurately assess. The status of the posterolateral corner structures, menisci, and cartilage can be accurately evaluated, although limitations in the evaluation of certain structures exist. Patellofemoral joint, marrow, tibiofibular joint, and synovial pathology can supplement physical examination findings and provide definitive diagnosis.Conclusions:MRI provides an accurate noninvasive assessment of knee pathology.