cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Look-Through Guidance: Dividends Paid by

Beginning January 1, 2003, look-through rules apply in calculating foreign tax credits (FTCs) attributable to dividends paid by a "noncontrolled Code Sec. 902 corporation" (aka, "10/50 company") - a foreign corporation having at least one U.S. shareholder owning at least 10 percent of its outstanding voting stock, but which is not a "controlled foreign corporation" (CFC) by virtue of having at least 50 percent of its shares owned by U.S. shareholders with 10-percent or greater voting interests. Although the extension of look-through treatment to 10/50 company dividends was enacted as part of the Tax Reform Act of 1997, the effective date was deferred due to revenue considerations, and the 10/50 look-through rules only apply to post-2002 earnings and profits (E&P). As an interim measure, a single "10/50 basket" replaces the per-company baskets for post-2002 dividends paid by nonpassive foreign investment companies (PFIC) 10/50 companies out of pre-2003 E&P. Both the single 10/50 basket for pre-2003 E&P and look-through rules for dividends paid by 10/50 companies out of post 2002 E&P certainly are improvements over prior law. However, the overall result is less favorable in terms of achieving simplification and reducing the competitive disadvantage inherent in 10/50 company structures than would have been the case if look-through rules had been fully implemented in 1998, as originally proposed. This has recently been confirmed by Notice 2003-5, in which the IRS provides guidance on how the new rules are to apply. This article provides an overview of the context in which these rules operate, summarizes the guidance provided in Notice 2003-5 and recommends that Congress extend the look-through rule to all 10/50 E&P to achieve greater simplification.
N-terminal sequences in Matrin 3 mediate phase separation into droplet-like structures that recruit TDP43 variants lacking RNA binding elements

RNA binding proteins associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and muscle myopathy possess sequence elements that are low in complexity, or bear resemblance to yeast prion domains. These sequence elements appear to mediate phase separation into liquid-like membraneless organelles. Using fusion proteins of matrin 3 (MATR3) to yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), we recently observed that deletion of the second RNA recognition motif (RRM2) caused the protein to phase separate and form intranuclear liquid-like droplets. Here, we use fusion constructs of MATR3, TARDBP43 (TDP43) and FUS with YFP or mCherry to examine phase separation and protein colocalization in mouse C2C12 myoblast cells. We observed that the N-terminal 397 amino acids of MATR3 (tagged with a nuclear localization signal and expressed as a fusion protein with YFP) formed droplet-like structures within nuclei. Introduction of the myopathic S85C mutation into NLS-N397 MATR3:YFP, but not ALS mutations F115C or P154S, inhibited droplet formation. Further, we analyzed interactions between variants of MATR3 lacking RRM2 (ΔRRM2) and variants of TDP43 with disabling mutations in its RRM1 domain (deletion or mutation). We observed that MATR3:YFP ΔRRM2 formed droplets that appeared to recruit the TDP43 RRM1 mutants. Further, coexpression of the NLS-397 MATR3:YFP construct with a construct that encodes the prion-like domain of TDBP43 produced intranuclear droplet-like structures containing both proteins. Collectively, our studies show that N-terminal sequences in MATR3 can mediate phase separation into intranuclear droplet-like structures that can recruit TDP43 under conditions of low RNA binding.
Addressing Bias in Email Surveys on College Students’ Alcohol Use: A Comparison of Strategies and Implications for Health Promotion

ABSTRACTBackground: Email surveys of health behaviors are convenient and low cost, but concerns remain regarding data accuracy and implications for health promotion. Purpose: Compare the accuracy o...
Multiplexed Detection of Single Antibiotic Drug-Resistant Plasmids using Multimode Interference Waveguide Based Optofluidic Chip

A single multimode interference waveguide is used to create distinct spectral spot patterns on two liquid-core waveguides on an optofluidic chip. This device is used for multiplexed detection of antibiotic-resistant plasmids with single nucleic acid sensitivity.
Opioid Prescribing to Medicare Part D Enrollees, 2013-2017: Shifting Responsibility to Pain Management Providers.

Objective To examine opioid prescribing frequency and trends to Medicare Part D enrollees from 2013 to 2017 by medical specialty and provider type. Methods We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, specialty- and provider-level analysis of Medicare Part D prescriber data for opioid claims from 2013 to 2017. We analyzed opioid claims and prescribing trends for specialties accounting for ≥1% of all opioid claims. Results From 2013 to 2017, pain management providers increased Medicare Part D opioid claims by 27.3% to 1,140 mean claims per provider in 2017; physical medicine and rehabilitation providers increased opioid claims 16.9% to 511 mean claims per provider in 2017. Every other medical specialty decreased opioid claims over this period, with emergency medicine (-19.9%) and orthopedic surgery (-16.0%) dropping opioid claims more than any specialty. Physicians overall decreased opioid claims per provider by -5.2%. Meanwhile, opioid claims among both dentists (+5.6%) and nonphysician providers (+10.2%) increased during this period. Conclusions From 2013 to 2017, pain management and PMR increased opioid claims to Medicare Part D enrollees, whereas physicians in every other specialty decreased opioid prescribing. Dentists and nonphysician providers also increased opioid prescribing. Overall, opioid claims to Medicare Part D enrollees decreased and continue to drop at faster rates.
Development and validation of finite element impact models of high-density UAS components for use in air-to-air collision simulations

Understanding the severity of mid-air collisions between lightweight fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems (FW-UASs) and manned aircraft is a critical flight safety issue. Finite element models of hig...
Rotating vortices in two-dimensional inhomogeneous strongly coupled dusty plasmas: Shear and spiral density waves.

Dusty plasma experiments can be performed quite easily in a strong coupling regime. In our previous work [V. S. Dharodi, S. K. Tiwari, and A. Das, Physics of Plasmas 21, 073705 (2014)]PHPAEN1070-664X10.1063/1.4888882, we numerically explored such plasmas with constant density and observed the transverse shear (TS) waves from the rotating vortex. Laboratory dusty plasmas are good examples of homogeneous plasmas; however, heterogeneity (e.g., density, temperature, and charge) may be due to the existence of voids, different domains with different orientations, presence of external forces like magnetic and/or electric, size or charge imbalance, etc. Here, we examine how the density heterogeneity in dusty plasmas responds to the circularly rotating vortex monopoles, specifically, smooth and sharp cutoff. For this purpose, we have carried out a series of two-dimensional fluid simulations in the framework of the incompressible generalized hydrodynamics fluid model. The rotating vortices are placed at the interface of two incompressible fluids with different densities. The smooth rotating vortex causes two effects: First, the regions are stretched to form the spiral density waves; second, there is a shear in flows which consequently induces the TS waves. The TS waves move slower in the denser side than in the lighter side. The difference in speeds of the waves induces the net flow of the medium towards the lower density side. We notice that the spiral density arms are distinguishable in the early time while later they get smeared out. In sharp flows, the interplay between the TS waves and the vortices of Kelvin-Helmholtz instability distorts the formation of the regular spiral density arms around the rotor.
A Study on Challenges of Testing Robotic Systems

Robotic systems are increasingly a part of everyday life. Characteristics of robotic systems such as interaction with the physical world, and integration of hardware and software components, differentiate robotic systems from conventional software systems. Although numerous studies have investigated the challenges of software testing in practice, no such study has focused on testing of robotic systems. In this paper, we conduct a qualitative study to better understand the testing practices used by the robotics community, and identify the challenges faced by practitioners when testing their systems. We identify a total of 12 testing practices and 9 testing challenges from our participants’ responses. We group these challenges into 3 major themes: Real-world complexities, Community and standards, and Component integration. We believe that further research on addressing challenges described with these three major themes can result in higher adoption of robotics testing practices, more testing automation, and higher-quality robotic systems.
Protocol for Minute Calisthenics: a randomized controlled study of a daily, habit-based, bodyweight resistance training program

Resistance-training (RT) provides significant health benefits. However, roughly 3/4 of adults in the United States do not meet current Physical Activity Guidelines in this regard. There has been a call for research examining the effectiveness of interventions to increase participation in physical activity and to better understand the dose response relationship upon health outcomes. Studies are needed that assess the effectiveness of RT programs that are time-efficient and simple to perform. This fully-powered, randomized controlled study will assess a habit-based RT program consisting of one set of push-ups, angled-rows, and bodyweight-squats performed every weekday for 12–24 weeks in untrained individuals. Forty–60 untrained osteopathic medical students and college/university employees who work in an office setting will be recruited and randomized (1:1) to an intervention or waitlist control group. After 12-week follow-up assessment, the intervention group will continue the program and the control group will initiate the program for 12 weeks. In addition to the equipment and training needed to safely perform the exercises, all participants will receive training in the Tiny Habits® Method (THM) and digital coaching for the duration of the study. Participants will complete weekly assessments regarding the program during their initial 12-week intervention phase. The primary outcome is the change from baseline to 12 weeks in the intervention group versus the control group, in the combined number of repetitions performed in one set of each of the three exercises (composite repetitions) under a standardized protocol. Secondary outcomes include adherence to and satisfaction with the program, and change from baseline to 12- and 24-week follow-up in blood pressure, fasting lipid panel, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, anthropometry, body composition, mid-thigh muscle thickness, and habit strength. This study will evaluate a simple, habit-based RT intervention in untrained individuals. The approach is unique in that it utilizes brief but frequent bodyweight exercises and, via the THM, focuses on consistency and habit formation first, with effort being increased as participants are motivated and able. If effective, the program can be easily scaled for wider adoption. This study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04207567 , on December 23rd, 2019.
Psychosocial Determinants of Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes Two Years After Surgery.

Objective To evaluate the association of preoperative psychosocial and demographic factors with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes and satisfaction in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee at 24 months after surgery. Methods A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing TKA was conducted. Outcome measures included: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Short Form 36 (SF-36) scores at baseline and 24 months after surgery, and patient satisfaction with TKA at 24 months. Linear regression models were performed to evaluate the association of preoperative psychosocial determinants (ie, Medical Outcome Study Social Support Scale; Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale; Brief COPE inventory, The Life Orientation Test-Revised; Multidimensional Health Locus of Control; and Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale) on outcomes. Results We included 178 patients. Increasing WOMAC pain scores at 24 months were associated with increasing age and body mass index (BMI); low tangible social support and low optimism were associated with higher levels of pain (R2 = 0.15). A decrease in WOMAC function scores was also associated with older age and higher BMI; low tangible support, increased stress, and low optimism were also associated with worse function (R2 = 0.22). When evaluating quality of life, lower SF-36 physical functioning scores at 24 months were associated with age, high BMI, and comorbidity (R2 = 0.34). Lower SF-36 mental functioning scores were associated with depression and low optimism (R2 = 0.38). Having a dysfunctional style of coping was associated with lower satisfaction with surgery after 24 months (adjusted R2 = 0.12). Conclusion Psychosocial factors, such as tangible support, depression, dysfunctional coping, and optimism, were associated with pain, function, and satisfaction 2 years after TKA. Perioperative programs identifying and addressing psychosocial problems may result in improvements in pain and function after TKA.
Semi-Automated Extraction of Lens Fragments Via a Surgical Robot Using Semantic Segmentation of OCT Images With Deep Learning - Experimental Results in Ex Vivo Animal Model

The overarching goal of this letter is to demonstrate the feasibility of using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to guide a robotic system to extract lens fragments from ex vivo pig eyes. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was developed to semantically segment four intraocular structures (lens material, capsule, cornea, and iris) from OCT images. The neural network was trained on images from ten pig eyes, validated on images from eight different eyes, and tested on images from another ten eyes. This segmentation algorithm was incorporated into the Intraocular Robotic Interventional Surgical System (IRISS) to realize semi-automated detection and extraction of lens material. To demonstrate the system, the semi-automated detection and extraction task was performed on seven separate ex vivo pig eyes. The developed neural network exhibited 78.20% for the validation set and 83.89% for the test set in mean intersection over union metrics. Successful implementation and efficacy of the developed method were confirmed by comparing the preoperative and postoperative OCT volume scans from the seven experiments.
Fire resistance and burnout resistance of timber columns

Abstract For any construction material, failure during or after the decay phase of a fire is possible, notably due to delayed temperature increase and material properties degradation. As mass timber construction is increasingly proposed for large buildings, there is a need to better understand the susceptibility of timber members to fire decay phases. This paper investigates the resistance to full burnout of timber columns. First, a dataset of glulam columns tested under standard fire is analyzed using finite element modeling, showing conservative agreement. Then, the numerical model is used to analyze the columns under ‘standardized’ natural fires comprising a cooling phase. Adopting a systematic procedure based on the minimum Duration of Heating Phase (DHP) that leads to failure, the burnout resistance of the columns is found to range from 20 to 50% of their standard fire resistance. These results indicate significant susceptibility to failure during the cooling phase, which is due to the combined effect of delayed heating and loss of mechanical properties at relatively low temperatures for timber. Based on heat transfer and structural mechanics, it is thus shown that guaranteeing resistance to full burnout with timber structures presents important challenges, even when setting aside the question of combustibility and auto-extinction.
Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance for chemicals, foods, and drugs: assessing patterns of exposure behind a global phenomenon

Despite 15–36% of the U.S. population reporting Chemical Intolerances (CI) or sensitivity, the condition has been overlooked in medicine and public health. CI is characterized by multisystem symptoms and new-onset intolerances that develop in a subset of individuals following a major chemical exposure event or repeated low-level exposures. While Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) is a two-stage disease mechanism proposed to explain CI, less is known about the exposures that initiate the disease, than about the intolerances that have been documented. We reviewed eight major exposure events that preceded onset of chemical intolerance in groups of individuals sharing the same exposure. Our goal was to identify the chemicals and/or groups of chemicals that were most pervasive during each exposure event as well as identify the concentrations of key chemicals involved in each exposure event and the proportions of exposed individuals who ultimately developed TILT following exposure. Case studies we selected for review included (1) workers at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters during renovations; (2) Gulf War veterans; (3) pesticide exposure among casino workers; (4) exposure to aircraft oil fumes; (5) the World Trade Center tragedy; (6) surgical implants; (7) moldy environments; and (8) tunnel workers exposed to solvents. Mixed volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs), followed by pesticides and combustion products were most prevalent across TILT initiation events. As a broader category, synthetic organic chemicals and their combustion products were the primary exposures associated with chemical intolerance. Such chemicals included pesticides, peroxides, nerve agents, anti-nerve agent drugs, lubricants and additives, xylene, benzene, and acetone. A select group of exposures were predominant in several major initiating events, suggesting their potential role in TILT initiation. Such insights are useful to public health scientists, physicians, and policymakers seeking to minimize harmful exposures and prevent future disease.
Abstract 3755: Restoring sensitivity to cisplatin or TRAIL by targeting drug resistance master regulators in endometrial cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Understanding the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance is vital to enhance the efficacy of current therapeutic regimens. In particular, metadherin (MTDH) and FOXM1 overexpression has been independently demonstrated to have a critical role in chemoresistance. Overexpression of MTDH correlates with poor clinical outcome in many cancers, including endometrial cancer. Our previous study showed that endometrial cancer cells are sensitive to the combination treatment of tumor necrosis factor-α-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor LBH589, an effect that could be enhanced by depletion of MTDH. In this study, we focused on the therapeutic strategies to restore sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin or apoptosis-inducing TRAIL by disrupting drug resistance genes FOXM1 or MTDH. CUDC907 is a novel investigational dual inhibitor designed to target PI3K and HDACs. The high frequency of PI3K /PTEN/AKT pathway dysregulation in endometrial cancer suggests that CUDC907 will also be effective in this disease. Indeed, CUDC907 potently induced apoptosis when combined with TRAIL in MTDH-depleted endometrial cancer cells. Cisplatin is a frontline treatment for advanced endometrial cancers. However, drug resistance causes treatment failure. Although the detailed mechanisms of drug resistance are still elusive, gradual induction of FOXM1 and its downstream target gene network may be involved in the development of resistance to cisplatin. We found that co-treatment with cisplatin and the Nedd8 conjugation system inhibitor MLN4924 restored sensitivity to cisplatin by down-regulating drug resistant gene FOXM1. These findings imply that simultaneously depleting drug resistant master genes, such as MTDH and FOXM1, is a potentially novel avenue for reversing therapeutic resistance to current chemotherapy and targeted therapies in patients with endometrial cancer. Citation Format: Xiangbing Meng, Shujie Yang, Xinjun Wang, Yichen Jia, Yuping Zhang, Kimberly K. Leslie. Restoring sensitivity to cisplatin or TRAIL by targeting drug resistance master regulators in endometrial cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3755. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3755
Cloud Computing: Digital Forensic Solutions

Digital forensics has been utilized in computer crime investigation for last thirty years. It has evolved and progressed around the technical revolutions, and is now facing yet another new era due to the emergence of cloud computing. Cloud computing is a new computing model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., Networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The innovative nature of cloud computing has created unique challenges in the field of digital forensics. In this research paper, we investigate the forensic issues in cloud computing and provide possible solutions, guidelines, including case studies. The basics of traditional digital forensics and cloud computing are also discussed.
Nitrogen emissions along the Colorado Front Range: Response to population growth, land and water use change, and agriculture

While N emissions are not commonly linked to land use change, the production of fixed nitrogen is strongly related to activities associated with urbanization, such as construction, production of energy, and development and use of transportation corridors. Agricultural intensification, brought about by application of synthetic N fertilizers and industrial-scale animal feeding operations, is another land use change that increases N emissions. The Colorado Front Range region experienced rapid population growth from 1980 (1.9 million) to 2000 (2.9 million). Emissions from point (power plants and industry) and mobile (highway and off road vehicles) sources were responsible for most of the increase in emissions since 1980. Agriculture (cropped and grazed land and livestock) was the other important source ofN emissions. Soil emissions from cropped and grazed lands remained stable while livestock emissions increased slightly due to more cattle and hogs in feedlots. Although cause and effect relationships between increased N emissions and eutrophication of particular ecosystems are difficult to establish, higher N deposition has been observed at alpine sites near the headwaters of the South Platte River commensurate with the rise in emissions. The ecosystem responses of alpine systems to N deposition are likely to be the result, albeit an indirect one, of land use change.
Tutorial: Power-aware, reliable microprocessor design

Summary form only given. In this tutorial, we present the foundational principles and methodologies behind the design of power-efficient, reliable microprocessors. The stress is on early-stage (pre-RTL) definition at the micro-architecture level, although relevant details from lower levels of design (e.g. logic, circuits and below) are also covered where appropriate. We first cover the topic of pre-silicon modeling to estimate performance, power, temperature and reliability, in the context of target workloads of interest to the design team. We then delve into the definition of the optimal pipeline depth for a microprocessor: a task that is one of the basic initial decisions faced by the design team. Subsequently, we cover the topic of adaptive micro-architectures: those that are designed to change with variations in the workload, with the goal of maximizing power-performance efficiency, reliability, or both. We address both active (or dynamic) and passive (or static) power in presenting evaluations of various micro-architectural techniques for power management.
Decentralized supervisory predicate control of discrete event dynamical systems

In this paper we study the problem of decentralized supervisory control of discrete event dynamical systems where the control objective is given in terms of predicates defined on the state space. We introduce notions of statically and rationally decentralizable predicates. When a predicate is decentralizable, we construct decentralized supervisors that can realize the predicates that define the control objective.
Mass spectrometry in structural and stereochemical problems—LVI

Abstract Upon electron impact, 4,4-dimethyl-5α-androstan-3-one decomposes into two major fragment ions appearing in the mass spectrum at m/e 175 and 216. From the spectra of several deuterated analogs of the parent ketone, both ions were shown to be hydrocarbon fragments resulting from extremely complex processes which are not susceptible to ready interpretation by the conventional principles of physical-organic chemistry. Because of the complexity of these high energy reactions, comparisons of the spectral characteristics of 4,4-dimethyl-5α-androstan-3-one were made with those of some other 4,4-dimethyl-3-ketones in order to determine the extent of fragmentation-directing influence of this moiety in the presence of a predominantly hydrocarbon environment. The results of this investigation demonstrate that the intramolecular decompositions are only partially controlled by the α- gem -dimethyl carbonyl grouping.
Studies of hydrogen-induced degradation processes in SrBi2Ta2O9 ferroelectric film-based capacitors

It is known that the forming gas (N2–H2 mixture) annealing process required for microcircuit fabrication results in an unacceptable electrical degradation of SrBi2Ta2O9 (SBT) ferroelectric capacitors due mainly to the interaction of H2 with the ferroelectric layer of the capacitor. We have found a strong relationship between changes in the surface composition of the ferroelectric layer and the electrical properties of SBT capacitors as a result of hydrogen annealing. Mass spectroscopy of recoiled ions (MSRI) analysis revealed a strong reduction in the Bi signal as a function of exposure to hydrogen at high temperatures (∼500 °C). The Bi signal reduction correlates with Bi depletion in the SBT surface region. Subsequent annealing in oxygen at temperatures in the range of 700–800 °C resulted in the recovery of the MSRI Bi signal, corresponding to the replenishment of Bi in the previously Bi-depleted surface region. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis (probing the whole SBT film thickness) showed little differe...
Groundwater uptake by woody vegetation in a semiarid oak savanna

[1] Groundwater can serve as an important resource for woody vegetation in semiarid landscapes, particularly when soil water is functionally depleted and unavailable to plants. This study examines the uptake of groundwater by deciduous blue oak trees (Quercus douglasii) in a California oak savanna. Here we present a suite of direct and indirect methods that demonstrate its occurrence and quantify its rates. The study site is underlain by a thin soil layer and fractured metavolcanic bedrock. Typical depth to groundwater is approximately 8 m. A variety of water storage and flux measurements were collected from 2005 to 2008, including groundwater levels, soil moisture contents, sap flows, and latent heat fluxes. During the dry season, groundwater uptake rates ranged from 4 to 25 mm month−1 and approximately 80% of total ET during June, July, and August came from groundwater. Leaf and soil water potentials supported these results, indicating that groundwater uptake was thermodynamically favorable over soil water uptake for key portions of the growing season. These findings strongly suggest that blue oaks should be considered obligate phreatophytes and that groundwater reserves provide a buffer to rapid changes in their hydroclimate, if these assets are not otherwise depleted by prolonged drought or human consumption. While groundwater uptake may provide for short-term protection, it should be viewed not as a mechanism for continued plant growth. It allows the woody vegetation to subsist during the summer but not to flourish.
Time-history influence of global dust storms on the upper atmosphere at Mars

[1] A recent survey of the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) electron data for dayside photoelectron observations over regions of strong crustal fields revealed an unusual bimodal solar flux dependence. The elevated-flux population was associated with the timing of a large global dust storm in late 2001. The results of a systematic study parameterizing the photoelectron flux intensities against a solar flux proxy and MGS-observed atmospheric dust opacity are presented here. Instantaneous dust opacities were used as well as time-history averages and maximal values. The result is a functional form for the photoelectron fluxes against these parameters. The inclusion of instantaneous dust opacity values in the function do not improve the correlation, but a time-history window significantly enhances the correlation and explains the bimodal distribution in the electron fluxes. The best relationship was obtained with 7-Earth-month time-history dust opacity variables included in the function. The most likely explanation for this long-lived influence of dust storms is a composition and/or density change in the upper atmosphere. Citation: Liemohn, M. W., A. Dupre, S. W. Bougher, M. Trantham, D. L. Mitchell, and M. D. Smith (2012), Time-history influence of global dust storms on the upper atmosphere at Mars, Geophys. Res. Lett., 39, L11201, doi:10.1029/ 2012GL051994.
The Place of the Unconscious in Qualitative Research

Wir kennen unser Forschungsdesign, wissen, wie die Daten zu ordnen sind, welche Fragen wir stellen, welche Methoden wir verwenden und vieles andere, was Sinn zum Vorschein bringt und manchmal auch verschwinden lasst. Dabei verhalten wir uns meist so, als verliefen diese Entscheidungsprozesse logisch, wahrend de facto sehr oft intuitive Schritte notwendig sind. Die Autorin geht davon aus, dass unbewusste Prozesse ein unerlasslicher Bestandteil qualitativer Forschung sind und wesentlicher Ansatzpunkt reflexiver Prozeduren. Dies wird am Beispiel einiger schwieriger Forschungssituationen demonstriert; ebenso werden einige Uberlegungen zum Umgang mit Subjektivitat im Forschungsprozess diskutiert. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0302380
Advanced silicon-on-silicon VLSI multichip packaging

A multichip module (MCM) packaging technology was developed for commercial and military applications based on the VLSI chips on silicon (VCOS) technology. This VCOS technology is extremely well suited for low-power, high-density CMOS applications where low cost and fast design cycles are critical. With the use of IBM's controlled collapse chip connection (C4), this technology can basically brick-wall good VLSI chips on the VCOS interconnecting substrate, thus achieving wafer-scale integration densities with 100% circuit yield. A special burn-in substrate can be used to burn-in and then test chips before mounting to the MCM, thus improving the final MCM assembly yield. This technology has been used in several military and commercial applications for both internal and external IBM programs. The VCOS technology is currently undergoing the certification and qualification of the Qualified Manufacturer Listing the US Department of Defense applications such as in the Advanced Spaceborne Computer Module program. >
Modified robotic-assisted thyroidectomy: an initial experience with the retroauricular approach.

Objectives/Hypothesis New approaches for robotic-assisted thyroidectomy, including the retroauricular approach, were recently described. We have modified the established surgical approach for retroauricular robotic thyroidectomy. Herein, we report our initial experience to identify challenges and limitations of this new surgical approach. Study Design Prospective case series. Methods This study was performed under institutional review board approval for patients who underwent retroauricular robotic hemithyroidectomy at an academic North American institution. The retroauricular approach was modified by using the space between the two heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle as our working space. Additionally, selected patients underwent concomitant neck lift surgery with robotic thyroid surgery. Clinical characteristics, total operative time, blood loss, surgical outcomes, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. Results Twelve female patients were included in this study. Mean age was 45 ± 4.43 years, and mean body mass index was 28.6 ± 2.15. Mean thyroid nodule size was 1.15 ± 0.26 cm3. All cases were completed successfully via single retroauricular incision. There was no conversion to an open approach. Four out of 12 patients (33%) underwent additional concomitant neck lift surgery, with a mean total operative time of 156 ± 15.88 minutes. The mean operative time for the remaining eight patients who underwent the robotic approach without additional neck lift surgery was 145.4 ± 10.08 minutes. There were no cases of permanent vocal cord paralysis or permanent hypoparathyroidism. Mean blood loss was 22.4 ± 4.32 mL. Four patients (33%) were discharged home on the same day of surgery, and the remaining eight patients were discharged after an overnight stay. Conclusions Single-incision retroauricular robotic hemithyroidectomy can be a safe and feasible alternative to other remote access techniques. Neck lift surgery can be performed safely in a select group of patients. However, future studies are warranted to further evaluate the benefits and limitations of this novel approach. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 125:767–771, 2015
Special Functions, Kz Type Equations, and Representation Theory

Hypergeometric solutions of KZ equations Cycles of integrals and the monodromy of the KZ equation Selberg integral, determinant formulas, and dynamical equations Critical points of master functions and the Bethe ansatz Elliptic hypergeometric functions q-hypergeometric solutions of qKZ equations Bibliography Index.
Physical Activity and Health During the Menopausal Transition

The benefits of regular physical activity are well established, but evidence for a protective effect against the adverse health consequences accompanying the menopausal transition is limited. This article reviews that evidence, concluding that more physical activity is generally associated with fewer somatic and mood symptoms. Physical activity seems to minimize weight gain and changes in body composition and fat distribution experienced at midlife and might attenuate the rapid bone density loss that occurs. Given these benefits, clinicians treating perimenopausal women should encourage their patients to follow guidelines for physical activity (≥150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity).
Effects of Trolox and ascorbic acid on the riboflavin photosensitised oxidation of aromatic amino acids

Abstract The effects of 0, 100, 250, 500, 750 or 1000 ppm Trolox and ascorbic acid on the singlet oxygen oxidation of aromatic amino acids viz. phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine in the presence of 25 ppm riboflavin were determined by measuring depleted headspace oxygen by gas chromatography and aromatic amino acid content by high performance liquid chromatography. The coefficients of variations (CVs) for headspace oxygen analysis and HPLC analysis of aromatic amino acids were 1.4% and 4.7%, respectively. Samples were stored under light (1000 lux) at 30 °C for 10 h. Both Trolox and ascorbic acid acted as antioxidants. As the concentration of Trolox and ascorbic increased from 0 to 1000 ppm, the head space oxygen depletion increased. This was due to the oxidation of Trolox and ascorbic acid along with amino acids in the presence of riboflavin. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of the samples clearly indicated that both Trolox and ascorbic acid minimised the degradation of phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine significantly ( p
A potent class of GPR40 full agonists engages the enteroinsular axis to promote glucose control in rodents.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by impaired glucose homeostasis due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin resistance and the incretin response. GPR40 (FFAR1 or FFA1) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), primarily expressed in insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells and incretin-producing enteroendocrine cells of the small intestine. Several GPR40 agonists, including AMG 837 and TAK-875, have been disclosed, but no GPR40 synthetic agonists have been reported that engage both the insulinogenic and incretinogenic axes. In this report we provide a molecular explanation and describe the discovery of a unique and potent class of GPR40 full agonists that engages the enteroinsular axis to promote dramatic improvement in glucose control in rodents. GPR40 full agonists AM-1638 and AM-6226 stimulate GLP-1 and GIP secretion from intestinal enteroendocrine cells and increase GSIS from pancreatic islets, leading to enhanced glucose control in the high fat fed, streptozotocin treated and NONcNZO10/LtJ mouse models of type 2 diabetes. The improvement in hyperglycemia by AM-1638 was reduced in the presence of the GLP-1 receptor antagonist Ex(9–39)NH2.
Scanning temperature gradient focusing.

Temperature gradient focusing (TGF) is a recently developed technique for the simultaneous concentration and electrophoretic separation of ionic analytes in microfluidic channels. One drawback to TGF as it has previously been described is the limited peak capacity; only a small number of analyte peaks (∼2−3) can be simultaneously focused and separated. In this paper, we report on a variation of the TGF method whereby the bulk flow rate is varied over time so that a large number of analytes can be sequentially focused, moved past a fixed detection point, and flushed to waste. In addition to improved peak capacity, the detection limits of the scanning TGF method can be adjusted on-the-fly, as needed for different samples. Finally, scanning TGF provides a technique by which high-resolution, high-peak-capacity electrophoretic separations can be performed in simple, straight, and short microfluidic channels.
Recovery protocols for shared memory database systems

Significant performance advantages can be gained by implementing a database system on a cache-coherent shared memory multiprocessor. However, problems arise when failures occur. A single node (where a node refers to a processor/memory pair) crash may require a reboot of the entire shared memory system. Fortunately, shared memory multiprocessors that isolate individual node failures are currently being developed. Even with these, because of the side effects of the cache coherency protocol, a transaction executing strictly on a single node may become dependent on the validity of the memory of many nodes thereby inducing unnecessary transaction aborts. This happens when database objects, such as records, and database support structures, such as index structures and shared lock tables, are stored in shared memory.In this paper, we propose crash recovery protocols for shared memory database systems which avoid the unnecessary transaction aborts induced by the effects of using shared physical memory. Our recovery protocols guarantee that if one or more nodes crash, all the effects of active transactions running on the crashed nodes will be undone, and no effects of transactions running on nodes which did not crash will be undone. In order to show the practicality of our protocols, we discuss how existing features of cache-coherent multiprocessors can be utilized to implement these recovery protocols. Specifically, we demonstrate that (1) for many types of database objects and support structures, volatile (in-memory) logging is sufficient to avoid unnecessary transaction aborts, and (2) a very low overhead implementation of this strategy can be achieved with existing multiprocessor features.
The Sea Change in Nonprofit Human Services: A Critical Assessment of Outcomes Measurement

Outcomes assessment or program evaluation has historically been an infrequent activity within nonprofit agencies. Direct-service agencies have routinely focused on measures of output as indicators ...
Charge Transport through a Novel Zeolite Y Membrane by a Self-Exchange Process

The preparation of thin (∼ 1μm), mechanically stable, and relatively pinhole-free zeolitic membranes is described. Nanocrystalline zeolite Y (100-200 nm) is used as the starting material and coated onto a porous alumina substrate. Pinholes within the membrane are filled with a positive photoresist. Upon illumination of the photoresist, only the light-exposed parts are solubilized, whereas the photoresist within the cracks is not affected, thereby sealing them. The leak properties of such membranes were tested using Rhodamine 123 dye, and levels of about 0.5% leaking as compared to the non-photoresist-coated membranes were found. Accessibility of the intrazeolitic volume was examined by ion exchange and for optimally illuminated membranes was comparable to uncoated membranes. Charge transport through the membrane by electron hopping by a self-exchange process involving bipyridinium ions was demonstrated. The electron transfer was initiated using a photochemical Ru(bpy) 3 2+-EDTA system.
Role of His(E7) in Regulating Ligand Binding to the Subunits of Human HbA

To resolve previous discrepancies between structural and functional studies, the role of the distal histidine in HbA was re-evaluated by preparing Gly, Ala, Leu, Gln, Phe and Trp(E7) mutants and measuring the effects on O2, CO, and NO binding to mutant/wild type hybrid tetramers and isolated mutant subunits. Substituting His(E7) with apolar amino acids dramatically increases O2 dissociation (20-500-fold) in both subunits, suggesting equally strong hydrogen bonds between His(E7) and bound O2 (ΔGH-bond ≈ −5.6 kJ/mol). Increasing the size of the E7 residue from Gly to Phe results in monotonic decreases in the bimolecular rates of ligand binding to both subunits, supporting the E7 gate as the pathway for ligand entry in HbA. The results for the Trp(E7) mutants are more complex. Both fast (∼150-200 μM−1s−1) and one or more slow phases (1 to 0.1 μM−1s−1) are observed after photolysis of CO. The fraction of the fast phase decreases markedly when [CO] is lowered. In contrast, when isolated α and βTrp(E7) deoxyHb subunits are mixed with CO in stopped flow experiments, only slow phases are observed. Thus, after photolysis of the CO form of Trp(E7) mutants, there appears to be a competition between bimolecular ligand rebinding to an “open” conformation and the movement of the indole side chain back into the E7 channel forming an equilibrium “closed,” slowly reacting conformation. This mechanism is supported by the crystal structure of the CO form of α (wt)/βTrp(E7), in which the mutant indole side chain is in an open conformation exposed to solvent. In the deoxyHb crystal structure of αTrp(E7)/β (wt), the indole ring of Trp(E7) is in a closed conformation, blocking both the ligand binding site and the E7 channel for ligand entry.
Workload characterization of uncacheable HTTP content

The rapid growth of uncacheable content over the HTTP protocol [1,2] necessitates the further investigation and exploitation of its properties. In this paper, we intend to answer these following questions: Among the huge HTTP content delivered on the Internet, which parts are cacheable and which parts are uncacheable? What are their characteristics, especially for uncacheable content? Is there any difference among different uncacheable HTTP content? Is there any cacheable possibility for these conventional uncacheable content? How about the cacheability of personalized content? Is there some relationship between uncacheable content and HTTP persistent connection?
Aspergillus nidulans protein O-mannosyltransferases play roles in cell wall integrity and developmental patterning.

Protein O -mannosyltransferases (Pmts) initiate O -mannosyl glycan biosynthesis from Ser and Thr residues of target proteins. Fungal Pmts are divided into three subfamilies, Pmt1, -2, and -4. Aspergillus nidulans possesses a single representative of each Pmt subfamily, pmtA (subfamily 2), pmtB (subfamily 1), and pmtC (subfamily 4). In this work, we show that single Δ pmt mutants are viable and have unique phenotypes and that the Δ pmtA Δ pmtB double mutant is the only viable double mutant. This makes A. nidulans the first fungus in which all members of individual Pmt subfamilies can be deleted without loss of viability. At elevated temperatures, all A. nidulans Δ pmt mutants show cell wall-associated defects and increased sensitivity to cell wall-perturbing agents. The Δ pmt mutants also show defects in developmental patterning. Germ tube emergence is early in Δ pmtA and more frequent in Δ pmtC mutants than in the wild type. In Δ pmtB mutants, intrahyphal hyphae develop. All Δ pmt mutants show distinct conidiophore defects. The Δ pmtA strain has swollen vesicles and conidiogenous cells, the Δ pmtB strain has swollen conidiophore stalks, and the Δ pmtC strain has dramatically elongated conidiophore stalks. We also show that AN5660, an ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Wsc1p, is modified by PmtA and PmtC. The Δ pmt phenotypes at elevated temperatures, increased sensitivity to cell wall-perturbing agents and restoration to wild-type growth with osmoticum suggest that A. nidulans Pmts modify proteins in the cell wall integrity pathway. The altered developmental patterns in Δ pmt mutants suggest that A. nidulans Pmts modify proteins that serve as spatial cues.
Prediction of forest canopy light interception using three-dimensional airborne LiDAR data

The amount of light intercepted by forest canopies plays a crucial role in forest primary production. However, the photosynthetically active part of this intercepted solar radiation (IPAR) is difficult to measure using traditional ground-based techniques. In situ measurement of IPAR requires labour-intensive field work, often resulting in limited datasets, especially when collected over extensive areas. Remote sensing methods have been applied to the estimation of light interception in forests, but until recently have been restricted to two-dimensional image data. These approaches do not directly account for the three-dimensional structure of forested canopies, and therefore predicting IPAR for arbitrary sun positions is problematic. We utilized a 3D point cloud dataset acquired via an airborne laser ranging (LiDAR) system to predict in situ measured IPAR. This was achieved by defining a field-of-view (scope) function between observer points just above the forest floor and the sun, which relate IPAR to the LiDAR data over southern pine experimental plots containing a wide range of standing biomass. A conical scope function with an angular divergence from the centreline of ±7° provided the best agreement with the in situ measurements. This scope function yielded remarkably consistent IPAR estimates for different pine species and growing conditions. IPAR for loblolly stands, which have diffuse canopy architecture, was slightly underestimated.