cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prey-capturing ability of American kestrels fed DDE and acephate or acephate alone.

American kestrels (Falco sparverius) were given a single acute dose of the insecticide acephate (50 mg/kg), either alone or superimposed on a moderate background level of DDE (35 ppm wet-weight in carcass homogenates). The combined DDE-acephate treatment was chosen to resemble exposure conditions for wild avian predators whose tissues may contain appreciable sublethal accumulations of organochlorine insecticides. Acephate produced similar cholinesterase (ChE) depression in both groups (39% median depression of serum ChE, 25% median brain ChE depression). Predatory vigilance and attack behavior, measured by frequency and speed of responses to a familiar moving prey model, were not altered by acephate administration in either group. Neither DDE nor acephate at these low dosages has appreciable effects on kestrels' responses to a prey stimulus with which they have had extensive prior contact.
An analysis of the chemical properties of rain in Minnesota

Abstract Rain samples were collected during the summers of 1977–1980 at seven sites in the vicinity of a coal-fired power plant in central Minnesota. The samples were analyzed for pH, anions (ion chromatography), metallic cations (inductively coupled plasma spectrometry) and the ammonium ion (colorimetry). Correlation and regression analyses indicated that the major anions (sulfate and nitrate) appeared to be more closely associated with calcium, magnesium, sodium and ammonium ions than with the hydrogen ion. No trends were evident over the 4 years in the concentrations of the hydrogen ion or the other ions quantified.
The conundrum of interferon-β non-responsiveness in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Abstract A series of controlled clinical trials have shown that exogenous interferon-beta (IFN-β) benefits patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) by reducing relapse rate, disability progression, and the formation of new brain and spinal cord lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Unfortunately, however, the effectiveness of IFN-β is limited in this setting by the occurrence of treatment non-responsiveness in nearly 25% of patients. Furthermore, clinicians who care for RRMS patients remain unable to accurately identify IFN-β non-responders prior to the initiation of therapy, causing delays in the use of alternative treatments and sometimes requiring that patients turn to medications with more significant side effects to control their disease. Progress has been made toward understanding how both endogenous and exogenous IFN-β act to slow RRMS as well as the related mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Most studies point to its inhibitory actions on circulating immune cells as being important for suppressing both disorders, but multiple potential target cells and inflammatory pathways have been implicated and those essential to confer its benefits remain undefined. This review focuses on the role of both endogenous and exogenous IFN-β in RRMS, paying particular attention to the issue of why certain individuals appear refractory to its disease-modifying effects. A continued goal in this field remains the identification of a convenient biomarker that accurately predicts IFN-β treatment non-responsiveness in individual RRMS patients. Development of such an assay will allow clinicians to customize therapy for patients with this complex disorder.
Alternative criteria for evaluating foreign policy

The problem of establishing criteria for evaluating foreign policy is critical, particularly given the dynamic of revolutionary change which will characterize the next decade. Too often, in the pas...
Creating robust, reliable, clinically relevant classifiers from spectroscopic data

I describe in detail the intimately connected feature extraction and classifier development stages of the data-driven Statistical Classification Strategy (SCS) and compare them with current practice used in MR spectroscopy. We initially created the SCS for the analysis of MR and IR spectra of biofluids and tissues, and subsequently extended it to analyze biomedical data in general. I focus on explaining how to extract discriminatory spectral features and create robust classifiers that can reliably discriminate diseases and disease states. I discuss our approach to identifying features that retain spectral identity and provisionally relate these features, averaged subregions of the spectra, to specific chemical entities (“metabolites”). Particular emphasis is placed on describing the steps required to help create classifiers whose accuracy doesn’t deteriorate significantly when presented with new, unknown samples. A simple but powerful extension of the discovered features to detect metabolite-metabolite (feature-feature) interactions is also sketched. I contrast the advantages and disadvantages of using either spectral signatures or explicit metabolite concentrations derived from the spectra as sets of discriminatory features. At present, no clear-cut preference is obvious and more objective comparisons will be needed. Finally, I argue that clinical requirements and exigencies strongly suggest adopting a two-phase approach to diagnosis/prognosis. In the first phase the emphasis ought to be on providing as accurate a diagnosis as possible, without any attempt to identify “biomarkers.” That should be the goal of the second, research phase, with a view of providing prognosis on disease progression.
First direct observation of EL2-like defect levels in annealed LT-GaAs

Nonstoichiometric arsenic-rich GaAs grown at low temperatures by molecular beam epitaxy (LT-GaAs) has been found to be semi-insulating after high-temperature annealing. The origin of this technologically important conversion is not yet fully understood. In order to study this effect, we performed photocurrent measurements on p-LT GaAs-n diodes in the spectral range between 0.75 and 1.5eV at 8K. The photocurrent spectra revealed the following features which are unique to the EL2 level: photoquenching, characteristic photoionization transitions to conduction band minima and a presence of a broad band due to the effect of auto-ionization from the excited state. Moreover, modeling of the optical excitation process using realistic band structure demonstrates that these features cannot be explained by “internal photoemission” originating from As precipitates, as the “buried Schottky barrier model” predicts. This is the first direct experimental evidence for the existence of EL2-like defect levels and their importance for understanding the optical and electronic properties of annealed LT-GaAs.
A Self-Sensing Nanomechanical Resonator Built on a Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube

We present observations of resonance behavior in a torsional nanoelectromechanical device built with an individual single-walled carbon nanotube. The effect of applied torsional strain on the transport properties of the nanotube provides an electrical signal transducer and hence a means of measuring oscillation amplitude, resonance frequency, and quality factor. The mechanical resonance is confirmed by imaging and the electromechanical signal is compared to quasi-static measurements.
Genetic counseling in Angelman syndrome: The challenges of multiple causes

The causal heterogeneity of Angelman syndrome (AS) makes providing information regarding recurrence risk both important and challenging, and may have a dramatic impact on reproductive decision-making for the nuclear and extended family. Most cases of AS result from typical large de novo deletions of 15q11-q13, and are expected to have a low (<1%) risk of recurrence. AS due to paternal uniparental disomy (UPD), which occurs in the absence of a parental translocation, is likewise expected to have a <1% risk of recurrence. Parental transmission of a structurally or functionally unbalanced chromosome complement can lead to 15q11-q13 deletions or to UPD and will result in case-specific recurrence risks. In instances where there is no identifiable large deletion or UPD, the risk for recurrence may be as high as 50% as the result of either a maternally inherited imprinting center (IC) mutation or a ubiquitin-protein ligase (UBE3A) gene mutation. Individuals with AS who have none of the above abnormalities comprise a significant proportion of cases, and some may be at a 50% recurrence risk. Misdiagnoses, as well, can be represented in this group. In light of the many conditions which are clinically similar to AS, it is essential to address the possibility of diagnostic uncertainty and potential misdiagnosis prior to the provision of genetic counseling. Summaries of the different causal classes of AS as an algorithm for determination of recurrence risks are presented.
Integral passives for next generation of electronic packaging: application of epoxy/ceramic nanocomposites as integral capacitors

Abstract The consumer demand for product miniaturization with increased functionality and reliability is ever growing in the electronic industry. Integral passive is a novel emerging technology which is perceived as a possible alternative to discretes in fulfilling the next generation of packaging needs. Although, integral passive technology has been proven to be a viable option, there are several barriers for implementing this technology such as efficient circuit design with increased component density, qualification of new materials for integral passive components and substrates, time-to-market a new product, technology transfer and product scale up toward commercialization, and most importantly cost competitiveness. Integration of passive components on substrates imposes a major design and fabrication challenge and has been a subject of increasing interest in the packaging community today. In this paper, we address materials and processes for integral capacitors and their co-integration with integral resistors and inductors. Dielectric constant values in the range of 3.5–50 with increase in filler loading up to 50 vol% are achieved in the epoxy nanocomposite system where the dielectric constant of the host polymer is limited to ∼3.5. The capacitors are relatively stable up to a frequency range of 120 Hz to 100 kHz. Feasibility of integration of capacitor components has been demonstrated through fabrication of several industrial prototype circuits. Materials and process issues for passive elements such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors and the need for developing alternative substrate materials have also been addressed in this paper.
Techniques for computerized irrigation management

Abstract Water use efficiency can be improved by using irrigation systems which apply water uniformly at high application efficiency and/or by improving the schedule of irrigation. Irrigation scheduling is based on two fundamental decisions: (1) when to irrigate and (2) how much to irrigate. Computers can be used to make these decisions effectively, provided that timely and accurate inputs into the computer are available. In addition to decision making, computers can also be used to implement the decisions, monitor the performance of the irrigation system, adjust the irrigation applications as climatic or other conditions change during the irrigation, process feedback data to evaluate the irrigation process, and keep a complete accounting of seasonal and current irrigation or other activities. Some of the inputs needed for making decisions on irrigation are: soil and plant water status, plant growth and phenological stages, climatic conditions, water availability, water quality, and operational status of the irrigation system. Instrumentation and techniques to provide these inputs for the computer have been used in research and, in some cases, some of these techniques have been implemented commercially. Examples of instrumentation and techniques for computerized irrigation such as: automated weather station networks, soil and plant measurement systems, and dynamic simulation models of soil-plant systems will be presented and discussed.
Small conductance calcium-activated potassium type 2 channels regulate alcohol-associated plasticity of glutamatergic synapses.

Background Small conductance calcium-activated potassium type 2 channels (SK2) control excitability and contribute to plasticity by reducing excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Recent evidence suggests that SK2 channels form a calcium-dependent negative-feedback loop with synaptic N -methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Addiction to alcohol and other drugs of abuse induces plastic changes in glutamatergic synapses that include the targeting of NMDA receptors to synaptic sites; however, the role of SK2 channels in alcohol-associated homeostatic plasticity is unknown. Methods Electrophysiology, Western blot, and behavioral analyses were used to quantify changes in hippocampal small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel function and expression using well-characterized in vitro and in vivo models of chronic alcohol exposure. Results Chronic ethanol reduced apamin-sensitive SK currents in cornu ammonis 1 pyramidal neurons that were associated with a downregulation of surface SK2 channels. Blocking SK channels with apamin potentiated excitatory postsynaptic potentials in control but not ethanol-treated cornu ammonis 1 pyramidal neurons, suggesting that chronic ethanol disrupts the SK channel-NMDA receptor feedback loop. Alcohol reduced expression of SK2 channels and increased expression of NMDA receptors at synaptic sites in a mouse model. Positive modulation of SK function by 1-EBIO decreased alcohol withdrawal hyperexcitability and attenuated ethanol withdrawal neurotoxicity in hippocampus. The 1-EBIO also reduced seizure activity in mice undergoing withdrawal. Conclusions These results provide evidence that SK2 channels contribute to alcohol-associated adaptive plasticity of glutamatergic synapses and that positive modulation of SK channels reduces the severity of withdrawal-related hyperexcitability. Therefore, SK2 channels appear to be critical regulators of alcohol-associated plasticity and may be novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of addiction.
Appositional suprachoroidal hemorrhage: a case-control study

Purpose To identify the risk factors, prognostic factors, and clinical outcomes of patients with perioperative appositional suprachoroidal hemorrhage (ASCH). Design Case-control study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Methods Subjects included all patients with perioperative ASCH documented by B-scan ultrasound between May 1990 and March 2001. Two or three control patients were selected for each case, matched by surgeon, procedure, and date of surgery within 1 month. Surgery was performed as necessary. main outcome measures. The odds of ASCH associated with clinical risk factors. secondary outcome measure: visual acuity. Results Thirty-seven cases with ASCH were identified. Ninety-two procedure- and surgeon-matched control subjects (2.48:1) were selected. Twenty-six cases (71%) of ASCH were related to a glaucoma operation. Risk factors for the development of ASCH included previous vitrectomy ( P = .003, odds ratio of 12) and older age ( P = .007, odds ratio 1.57/decade of increasing age). Hypertension was found to be protective ( P = .02, odds ratio of 0.33). Factors associated with a poor visual outcome in patients with ASCH included apposition >30 days ( P = .01), history of uveitis ( P = .04), history of dry age-related macular degeneration ( P = .05), and history of extracapsular cataract extraction ( P = .05). Median pre-ASCH visual acuity was 20/100, and final median visual acuity was 20/1600. Conclusions Risk factors for the development of ASCH include previous vitrectomy and older age. Patients with these risk factors should be informed of their greater chance of poor visual acuity and anatomic outcomes secondary to the development of ASCH.
Expression of TGF-β and fibrogenic genes in transplant recipients with tacrolimus and cyclosporine nephrotoxicity

Expression of TGF-β and fibrogenic genes in transplant recipients with tacrolimus and cyclosporine nephrotoxicity. Background Long-term treatment with cyclosporine (CsA) or tacrolimus (Tac) results in chronic nephrotoxicity. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and other pro-fibrogenic molecules have been known to contribute to this side effect. A comparison of intrarenal expression of TGF-β and other fibrogenic genes in biopsies from patients with either CsA or Tac nephrotoxicity have not been documented. This study compared the expression of TGF-β, collagen, fibronectin, metalloproteinases (MMP-2, -9), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-2) and osteopontin in renal biopsies obtained from renal transplant recipients treated with either CsA or Tac as primary immunosuppressive agents. Methods Using RT-PCR, intrarenal expression of TGF-β, collagen, fibronectin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 were studied in renal biopsies from patients with histological diagnosis of CsA or Tac nephrotoxicity and acute rejection. TGF-β protein expression was studied by staining section of biopsies with anti-TGF-β antibody. Results Intrarenal expression of TGF-β, collagen, fibronectin, MMP-2, TIMP-2, and osteopontin were significantly increased in patients treated with Tac nephrotoxicity compared with CsA nephrotoxicity. The intrarenal mRNA expression of these genes was higher in patients diagnosed with Tac/CsA nephrotoxicity compared to acute rejection. Conclusions This study compares the intrarenal expression of TGF-β and profibrogenic genes in renal transplant recipients treated with Tac and CsA. The results show that patients diagnosed with Tac nephrotoxicity exhibit increased expression of profibrogenic genes compared to CsA nephrotoxicity.
A Model of Gas‐Phase Transport During the Initial Stages of Sintering of Silicon Carbide

Carbon, which is often used as an additive to silicon carbide powder, is thought to facilitate densification during sintering by aiding the removal of the native SiO2 layer, which is present on the starting SiC powder. The mechanism is the reduction of SiO2 to SiC with the formation of primarily CO gas, which diffuses out from the porous compact at a temperature below the normal sintering temperature. It has been found beneficial to hold the compact at an intermediate temperature to allow time for the CO and other gases to diffuse out before the pores close. We investigate this process using a computational model based on codiffusion of multiple gas species, which enables prediction of the gas and condensed phase compositions as a function of time and position in the specimen. The results are used to determine the optimum holding time for complete SiO2 removal as a function of key parameters, such as specimen thickness, particle size, temperature, etc., as well as the necessary amount of C additive. The results of the modeling are consistent with the experimentally observed spatial variation of density and composition in SiC compacts.
Computerised treatment of anomia in chronic and acute aphasia: An exploratory study

Background: Studies on computer assisted therapy (CAT) show encouraging outcomes with chronic aphasic speakers. However, there have been no studies investigating efficacy of CAT carried out with acute in-patients. Aims: This paper aims to evaluate the effects and feasibility of an unsupervised computer-based therapy for anomia in chronic out-patient and acute in-patient aphasic participants. The computerised training programmes were selected according to each participant's anomic syndrome. Methods & Procedures: A multiple single-case design was used with two subgroups of aphasic participants. In the out-patients group (N = 4), CAT sessions were alternated with an equal number of clinical treatment sessions. In a second group of seven in-patients with acute aphasia, CAT was added to daily individual aphasia therapy. Outcomes & Results : In four chronic out-patients, a significant item-specific effect of CAT was shown. For two participants, this effect was similar to the effect of an equal number of individ...
The University of North Texas atomic mass spectrometry facility for detection of impurities in electronic materials and metals

Abstract An accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) facility is being developed at the University of North Texas through a collaboration between UNT and Texas Instruments Inc. The computer controlled AMS instrument will presently allow automatic mass scans of stable isotopes in solid materials using a conventional NEC SNICS ion source. Even though the SNICS ion source contaminates the sample, the AMS instrument allows molecular interference-free mass scans to be obtained with a higher sensitivity than SIMS for some elements, A new low sample contamination microbeam ion source under construction should allow sensitivities of ppt (1 part in 1012 or 1010 atoms/cm3) for any element in the periodic table, as well as sputter depth profiling and secondary electron imaging of a sample.
Role of catalase in metabolism of hydrogen peroxide by the perfused rat heart

Cardiac metabolism of H2O2 was studied by determining the concentration dependence for H2O2-stimulated release of GSSG, an indicator for flux through the glutathione peroxidase pathway, in perfused heart preparations. Treatment of rats with aminotriazole in vivo inhibited heart catalase by 83% and shifted the dose-response curve for GSSG release toward lower H2O2 concentrations. In aminotriazole-treated rats, 50 microM H2O2 elicited a maximal rate of GSSG release (about 5 nmol GSSG/min per g heart), whereas 200 microM H2O2 was necessary for obtaining a similar rate of GSSG release in control rat hearts. The results show that catalase, although present at low levels of activity in the heart compared to other organs, functions as a major route for detoxication of H2O2 in the myocardium.
HIV risk reduction among injection drug users: explaining the lack of anticipated outcomes in a community-level controlled comparison study

Abstract A quasi-experimental evaluation design was employed in order to determine whether community outreach efforts would result in reductions in drug- and sexual-related HIV risk behavior among injection drug users, and to gain insight into the potential effect of enhanced outreach on increased client participation in drug abuse treatment and STD/HIV services. Interviews were conducted with 1943 randomly selected drug users in two control neighborhoods and two experimental neighborhoods in the South Bronx. The sample was largely indigent males in their mid 30s, most with less than a high school education, of Hispanic or African American background. Data were gathered before and after enhanced outreach was instituted in the two experimental communities. Needle sharing decreased and bleach cleaning increased in both pairs of neighborhoods; however, sharing of cookers, cotton, and rinse water increased. Unprotected vaginal and anal sex decreased over time, but no between-condition differences in reductions in drug- or sex-related risk behaviors were found. Over time, an increasing proportion of drug users in both study conditions reported having attended substance abuse treatment, but longitudinal outcomes did not favor the enhanced outreach neighborhoods with respect to exposure to outreach messages or acceptance of referrals to chemical dependency treatment or STD/HIV services. In sum, HIV risks declined over time in both conditions, but there were no apparent differences in behavior change or treatment/services entry between the control and enhanced outreach neighborhoods. The study underscores the difficulty of interpreting cross-community comparisons of intervention outcomes in an environment of changing risks and neighborhood dynamics.
Percutaneous cholangiography in infants

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography was attempted in eight infants with normal-size bile ducts and was successful in four. The technique described is feasible in the infant age group, and is useful in the infant with obstructive jaundice.
Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn: An unusual etiology of neonatal bleeding

Emergency physicians may encounter presentations of bleeding in the neonate that have multifactorial etiologies. A case of a 15-day-old male infant with umbilical bleeding that exhibited many of the characteristic features of hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (nonmedically attended birth, breastfeeding, no definite history of Vitamin K administration, bleeding from iatrogenic puncture sites, and isolated prolongation of the prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time) is presented. A differential diagnosis and laboratory evaluation of bleeding in the newborn are summarized, and treatment recommendations for hemorrhagic disease of the newborn are discussed.
Partial protection in networks with backup capacity sharing

We develop a novel network protection scheme that guarantees a minimum grade of service upon a link failure by utilizing backup capacity sharing between demands. Our scheme achieves up to 83% reductions in protection resources.
An analysis of generalized slotted-Aloha protocols

Aloha and its slotted variation are commonly deployed medium access control (MAC) protocols in environments where multiple transmitting devices compete for a medium, yet may have difficulty sensing each other's presence (the "hidden terminal problem''). Competing 802.11 gateways, as well as most modern digital cellular systems, like GSM, are examples. This paper models and evaluates the throughput that can be achieved in a system where nodes compete for bandwidth using a generalized version of slotted-Aloha protocols. The protocol is implemented as a two-state system, where the probability that a node transmits in a given slot depends on whether the node's prior transmission attempt was successful. Using Markov models, we evaluate the channel utilization and fairness of this class of protocols for a variety of node objectives, including maximizing aggregate throughput of the channel, each node selfishly maximizing its own throughput, and attacker nodes attempting to jam the channel. If all nodes are selfish and strategically attempt to maximize their own throughput, a situation similar to the traditional Prisoner's Dilemma arises. Our results reveal that under heavy loads, a greedy strategy reduces the utilization, and that attackers cannot do much better than attacking during randomly selected slots.
Whither Political Science

The current debate in political science over methods and fundamental theoretical stances recalls similar debates in other fields. Part of the debate focuses on the merits of the use of statistical methods or the use of mathematics and quasi-mathematical reasoning, as in game theory and much of rational choice. Among the critics of those who use these approaches are many who focus more on interpretive approaches to understanding social institutions and behavior. In some ways, the debate seems dated in that the largest and most compelling body of quasi-economic work is broad studies of the relationships between political and economic development. Such work, often with relatively sharply defined statistical models, spans more than two generations of scholars in political science. Such work has given compelling answers to many questions about the workings and workability of democracy. It typically abstracts from culture and it fits congenially with rational choice theory in its focus on microfoundations for various claims.
REEact: a customizable virtual execution manager for multicore platforms

With the shift to many-core chip multiprocessors (CMPs), a critical issue is how to effectively coordinate and manage the execution of applications and hardware resources to overcome performance, power consumption, and reliability challenges stemming from hardware and application variations inherent in this new computing environment. Effective resource and application management on CMPs requires consideration of user/application/hardware-specific requirements and dynamic adaption of management decisions based on the actual run-time environment. However, designing an algorithm to manage resources and applications that can dynamically adapt based on the run-time environment is difficult because most resource and application management and monitoring facilities are only available at the operating system level. This paper presents REEact, an infrastructure that provides the capability to specify user-level management policies with dynamic adaptation. REEact is a virtual execution environment that provides a framework and core services to quickly enable the design of custom management policies for dynamically managing resources and applications. To demonstrate the capabilities and usefulness of REEact, this paper describes three case studies--each illustrating the use of REEact to apply a specific dynamic management policy on a real CMP. Through these case studies, we demonstrate that REEact can effectively and efficiently implement policies to dynamically manage resources and adapt application execution.
Processing issues and technologies for optoelectronics integrated circuits and devices (Invited Paper)

G. Allen VawterSandia National LaboratoriesAlbuquerque, NM 87185-5800AB STRACTThe influence of processing on the design of optical devices and optoelectronic integrated circuits isdiscussed. Process compatibility of devices used as the basis of a complete optoelectronic integratedcircuit will be discussed along with some potential optoelectronic integrated circuits employing onlyphase modulators and couplers. Specific examples of the application of reactive-ion-beam etching in theformation of passive optical waveguide phase modulators, optical interconnects, turning mirrors, andoutput couplers in GaAs/AlGaAs are given.
“Can any Fraction be Turned into a Decimal?” A Case Study of a Mathematical Group Discussion

This case study examines two days of teacher-led large group discussion in a fifth grade about a mathematical question intended to support student exploration of relationships among fraction and decimal representations and rational numbers. The purpose of the analysis is to illuminate the teacher’s work in supporting student thinking through the use of a mathematical question embedded in a position-driven discussion. The focus is an examination of the ways that the emergence of mathematical ideas is partially shaped by complex interactions among the mathematical contents of the question, the inherent properties of the discourse format and participant structure, and the available computational methods. The teacher’s work is conceptualized in terms of actions and practices that coordinate these diverse tools, in constant response to students’ concurrent use of them.
The rewriting logic semantics project

Rewriting logic is a flexible and expressive logical framework that unifies algebraic denotational semantics and structural operational semantics (SOS) in a novel way, avoiding their respective limitations and allowing succinct semantic definitions. The fact that a rewrite logic theory's axioms include both equations and rewrite rules provides a useful ''abstraction dial'' to find the right balance between abstraction and computational observability in semantic definitions. Such semantic definitions are directly executable as interpreters in a rewriting logic language such as Maude, whose generic formal tools can be used to endow those interpreters with powerful program analysis capabilities.
Asynchronous CLS for Zero Crossing based Circuits

This paper introduces Asynchronous correlated level shifting (ACLS) for Zero Crossing based Circuits. ACLS technique for Zero crossing based circuits provides rail-to-rail, asynchronous operation for the estimation and level shifting phase. The current source non-linearity is reduced and the power supply rejection ratio is improved.
The consumer cost of calcium from food and supplements.

Abstract Nutritional authorities encourage consumers to include calcium-rich foods in their daily diets. However, consumer purchases are driven not only by health considerations and dietary preferences, but also by cost. This study assessed the cost of calcium from a wide variety of food sources, as well as supplements, based on retail prices in Seattle, San Francisco, Raleigh, New York City, and Washington, D.C., while controlling for seasonal variation. Costs were adjusted based on calcium absorption fractions. Calcium carbonate supplements emerged as the least expensive source of calcium, at roughly one-third the cost of the least expensive food source of calcium. The least expensive food sources of calcium were Total® cereal, skim milk, and calcium-fortified orange juice from frozen concentrate. This information is useful for dietitians, health professionals, and consumers in meeting calcium requirements on a budget. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002; 102:1669–1671.
Flip chip ball grid array component testing under board flexure

With increasing attention on component damage caused by motherboard flexure during manufacturing processes, strain-based methodologies are being incorporated into component testing and manufacturing tool qualifications. While significant progress has been made in proliferation of these methodologies, some fundamental questions have not been sufficiently addressed. One of these is the nature in which bend mode impacts the relationship between board strain and forces or stresses acting on the solder ball. To understand this, a study into the effect of bend mode was performed. From a flexure experiment and a series of finite element models, it is shown that the point at which interconnects fail is associated with the mode in which the board is deformed. As a metric to measure board strain, maximum principal strain is very sensitive to bend mode. The diagonal strain metric can reduce, but cannot completely eliminate, bend mode sensitivity. Both the design of experiment (DOE) and the finite element models show that a planar bend mode in which the board has significant curvature in only one direction (e.g. four-point bend) is more benign than a mode in which the board has significant curvature in two orthogonal directions (e.g. twist and a spherical mode). In addition, it was found that a strain gauge placed on the substrate corner can be a very useful experimental tool in flip-chip ball grid array (FCBGA) component testing for the purpose of identifying the onset of cracking under lands on the PCB side. These key points have been successfully incorporated into the flexure testing methodology for FCBGA components at Intel.
Phosphorylated Phospholamban Stabilizes a Compact Conformation of the Cardiac Calcium-ATPase

The sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) plays a key role in cardiac calcium handling and is considered a high-value target for the treatment of heart failure. SERCA undergoes conformational changes as it harnesses the chemical energy of ATP for active transport. X-ray crystallography has provided insight into SERCA structural substates, but it is not known how well these static snapshots describe in vivo conformational dynamics. The goals of this work were to quantify the direction and magnitude of SERCA motions as the pump performs work in live cardiac myocytes, and to identify structural determinants of SERCA regulation by phospholamban. We measured intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between fluorescent proteins fused to SERCA cytoplasmic domains. We detected four discrete structural substates for SERCA expressed in cardiac muscle cells. The relative populations of these discrete states oscillated with electrical pacing. Low FRET states were most populated in low Ca (diastole), and were indicative of an open, disordered structure for SERCA in the E2 (Ca-free) enzymatic substate. High FRET states increased with Ca (systole), suggesting rigidly closed conformations for the E1 (Ca-bound) enzymatic substates. Notably, a special compact E1 state was observed after treatment with β-adrenergic agonist or with coexpression of phosphomimetic mutants of phospholamban. The data suggest that SERCA calcium binding induces the pump to undergo a transition from an open, dynamic conformation to a closed, ordered structure. Phosphorylated phospholamban stabilizes a unique conformation of SERCA that is characterized by a compact architecture.
The effects of a patient-based risk assessment prompt on diabetes screening

Abstract Objective Previous research has determined that nurse-based diabetes risk assessment increases screening and preventive services for patients at risk for type 2 diabetes. This pilot study tested the impact of a diabetes risk assessment completed by patients without nursing assistance. Research design and methods Patients from a family medicine residency clinic completed an American Diabetes Association Risk Assessment questionnaire. Intervention subjects presented completed questionnaires to their physicians. Control subjects returned the questionnaire to the research assistant. Primary endpoints were the number of persons receiving diabetes screening and the number of persons with newly diagnosed diabetes. The associations between the intervention and diabetes screening and diagnosis were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results This study included 511 subjects (256 in the intervention group and 255 in the control group). Comparing intervention to control subjects, there was no difference in fasting glucose screening rates. However, odds of diabetes diagnoses were significantly higher using univariate analysis (OR 5.2; 95% CI 1.1–24.3, p = .036) and approached statistical significance after adjusting for other risk factors (OR 4.6; 95% CI 0.92–23.2, p = .063). Conclusions A simple patient-based risk assessment used in the outpatient setting may represent a simple, economical method for discovering previously-undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
Multiplanar reconstructed CT images increased depiction of intracranial hemorrhages in pediatric head trauma

The benefits of multiplanar reconstructed images (MPR) of unenhanced axial head computed tomography (CT) data have not been established in trauma patients younger than 3 years old, a population in which a reliable history and physical examination may be most difficult. We retrospectively evaluated unenhanced head CTs in pediatric trauma patients to investigate the various benefits of MPR in this age group. A total of 221 unenhanced head CTs performed for any case of head trauma (HT) on children younger than 3 years old were independently reviewed by two radiologists. Studies were reviewed first in the standard axial plane alone and then with the addition of MPR. Reviewers were asked to determine if the MPR affected the ability to make findings of hemorrhage, incidental findings, and artifacts. MPR improved the detection of hemorrhage in 14 cases (6.5 %, p-value < 0.01) and incidental findings in five cases (2.3 %, p-value < 0.05) as well as helped prove artifacts in five cases (2.3 %, p-value < 0.05). Routine use of MPR in HT patients younger than 3 years old has the potential to increase the detection of acute and incidental imaging findings.
On the propagation of singularities in solutions of symmetric hyperbolic partial differential equations

(1976). On the propagation of singularities in solutions of symmetric hyperbolic partial differential equations. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 87-133.
Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin preparations on amino acid uptake and incorporation into protein in vitro.

Human chorionic gonadotropin preparations were tested for their effect on protein metabolism by cultured fibroblasts. Commercial preparations of HCG strongly inhibit amino acid uptake and incorporation into protein by a variety of human adult and fetal fibro-blast lines, whereas, highly purified HCG is without such an effect.
Tweeting identity? Ukrainian, Russian, and #Euromaidan

Why and when do group identities become salient? Existing scholarship has suggested that insecurity and competition over political and economic resources as well as increased perceptions of threat from the out-group tend to increase the salience of ethnic identities. Most of the work on ethnicity, however, is either experimental and deals with how people respond once identity has already been primed, is based on self-reported measures of identity, or driven by election results. In contrast, here we examine events in Ukraine from late 2013 (the beginning of the Euromaidan protests) through the end of 2014 to see if particular moments of heightened political tension led to increased identification as either “Russian” or “Ukrainian” among Ukrainian citizens. In tackling this question, we use a novel methodological approach by testing the hypothesis that those who prefer to use Ukrainian to communicate on Twitter will use Ukrainian (at the expense of Russian) following moments of heightened political awareness and those who prefer to use Russian will do the opposite. Interestingly, our primary finding in is a negative result: we do not find evidence that key political events in the Ukrainian crisis led to a reversion to the language of choice at the aggregate level, which is interesting given how much ink has been spilt on the question of the extent to which Euromaidan reflected an underlying Ukrainian vs. Russian conflict. However, we unexpectedly find that both those who prefer Russian and those who prefer Ukrainian begin using Russian with a greater frequency following the annexation of Crimea, thus contributing a whole new set of puzzles – and a method for exploring these puzzles – that can serve as a basis for future research.
Hydrogel matrix effects on oxygen diffusion: Controlling properties for biosensor applications

Oxidoreductase enzymes coupled with oxygensensitive phosphors, when immobilized in injectable polymer hydrogels, provide a minimally-invasive way to transduce levels of biochemical substrates by transcutaneous interrogation. This work evaluates the performance of three hydrogel-based biosensor platforms, all containing glucose oxidase and a tetramethacrylated palladium benzoporphyrin dye as the model enzyme and phosphor, respectively. By characterizing the gel morphology, substrate diffusion kinetics, and overall optical response to glucose, we have elucidated the impact of dye and enzyme solubility as well as morphological homogeneity on overall device performance in vitro.
Expanding Best Practice: The Conundrum of Hydraulic Fracturing

This fable illustrates the current state of scientific analysis and policy approaches concerning the hydraulic fracturing (HF) of horizontally drilled wells to stimulate the production of unconventional natural gas. Large accumulations of petroleum resources are considered unconventional when situated in formations with low permeability and can only be produced by application of enhanced recovery techniques. The significance of this technology is highlighted by the fact that HF is used in the completion of approximately 25,000 oil and gas wells in the United States each year.
Comparative Dynamics in Common Property

A dynamic general equilibrium framework is used to evaluate policy prescriptions for mitigating inefficiencies in common property systems. Reforestation, forest access, technology innovations such as improved cook stoves, a variety of tax/subsidy schemes, alternate fuels, trade, and population issues are considered. Policies evaluated may be considered as one of two types: those that affect the structure of demand for the resource and those that affect the availability of the resource directly. In both instances, the importance of transition dynamics, multiple steady state equilibria, and the difference between stock and welfare effects are highlighted. Throughout, questions and concerns specific to management of common property biomass resources in developing countries are emphasized.
The Critical Role of Complement in Experimental Pneumococcal Sepsis

Using a guinea pig model fo bacteremia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 7, opsonization by the classical and alternative pathways of complement activation was studied in immune and nonimmune animals. Depletion of the alternative complement pathway and complement components C3-C9 resulted in a significant, lethal defect of intravascular clearance in both normal and immune animals. Preopsonization corrected the initial clearance defect in complement-depleted animals. Maximal rates of clearance of bacteremia occurred in immune, normal animals, Immune, C4-deficient animals had clearance curves similar to normal, nonimmune animals. Thus, optimal clearance of pneumococcal bacteremia requires an intact alternative an classical pathway of complement activation. In the nonimmune animal, the alternative pathway provides the primary host defense against infection, whereas after immunization, optimal clearance of bacteremia requires an intact classical pathway of complement activation. However, immunization does not alter the lethal clearance defect in complement-depleted animals.
Permeation of Human Plasma Lipoproteins in Vascular Tissues

In this study we quantified permeation of different lipoproteins in normal and diseased arteries using OCT. Obtained results clearly demonstrate difference in diffusion of different LDLs. These can lead to better understanding of biophysics of lipoproteins accumulation in vascular wall.
Huizong's Magic Marchmount: The Genyue Pleasure Park of Kaifeng

(1988). Huizong's Magic Marchmount: The Genyue Pleasure Park of Kaifeng. Monumenta Serica: Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 1-48.
Observation and nursing of adverse effects of familiar anti-heart failure medicine

The author's purpose is to survey retrospectively the adverse effects of familiar anti-heart failure medicine in 76 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). By analyzing the adverse effects of digitalis, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (ACEI), nitric acid ester and diuretics, the author works out such suggestions at nursing CHF patients as timely observation and active prevention of the adverse effects of digitalis, differentiation of coughs induced by ACEI and close observation of changes of blood pressure at use of nitric acid ester, monitoring of uric acid and drug reaction at use of diuretics.
Urologic Problems in the Adolescent Male

Infections, hematuria, voiding dysfunction, penile problems, and scrotal conditions are possible urologic problems in the adolescent male. The diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of these conditions are discussed.
On the Construction of Property Based Diabatizations: Diabolical Singular Points

Diabatizations achieved by diagonalization of a property operator or as the extremum of a molecular property are numerous and widely used, although for a particular system a given property method may have limited accuracy or even fail catastrophically. These failures are usually analyzed in terms of limitations of the chosen property or method. Here we introduce an alternative perspective, failure attributable to singularities in the defining equations. The singular subspace is analogous to the conical intersection seam in potential energy surfaces. Using the archetypical NH3 nonadiabatic photodissociation, it is shown that for two states the diabatization condition has singularities on a subspace of dimension N - 2, where N = 3N(atom) - 6, is the number of internal coordinates. This singular subspace is distinct from the N - 2-dimensional seam of conical intersections of the electronic Hamiltonian and results incorrectly, in singular derivative couplings between diabatic states in unexpected regions of nuclear coordinate space. Simple indicators are developed that provide ways to anticipate and avoid these singularities.