cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential effects of a Trans-Pacific Partnership on forest industries

This study explored the consequences for the forest sector of a trade agreement between Australia, Canada, Chile, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam (TPP12), and of an extension to include India, China and the Republic of Korea (TPP15). The forecasts used a partial equilibrium model to predict the effects of reduced trade costs due to tariff elimination and of forest product demand shifts resulting from the macroeconomic impacts of TPP12 and TPP15 predicted by Narayanan and Sharma (http://wtocentre.iift.ac.in/workingpaper/workingpaper14.pdf). The results showed the effects of the agreements on the consumption, production, and trade of roundwood, sawnwood and panels, and pulp and paper, for the countries directly involved in the agreements, the European Union, and the rest of the world (ROW). Under TPP12, the main total welfare gains of wood producers and forest product consumers were in the United States and Vietnam, and the greatest losses in China and Korea. Global welfare gains were considerably larger under TPP15, to the advantage of China, Japan and Korea, but to the detriment of the United States, the European Union and the ROW.
False lock performance of Shuttle S-band transponder

The false lock margin in the GSTDN PM (phase modulation) mode of the Shuttle S-band transponder is considered. The block diagram of the acquisition circuit in the transponder is described, and the GSTDN mode is discussed in detail. The equivalent circuit of the acquisition circuit is provided for the analysis. The system parameters related to the acquisition process are presented for reference. An estimate of the acquisition false lock margin for this mode is given. >
End-fire silicon optical phased arrays for infrared neural stimulation applications

We propose infrared neural stimulation as an application for end-fire integrated optical beam steering devices. We show some initial results and discuss its implications for the future development of the technique.
Harmonic feature fusion for robust neural network-based acoustic modeling

Acoustic modeling with deep learning has drastically improved the performance of automatic speech recognition (ASR) where the main stream of the acoustic feature is still log-Mel filtered one. While the log-Mel filtered features lose harmonic-structure information, they still include useful information for ASR. Several attempts have been made to integrate higher-resolution information into the network. In order to improve the ASR accuracy in noisy conditions, we propose new features integrated into acoustic modeling to represent which parts in the time-frequency domain have a distinct harmonic structure, since it is partially observed in noisy environments. The new features are combined with the standard acoustic features, and the network is trained with them using various noisy data. Through these operations, it learns the acoustic features with a kind of quality tag describing which parts are clean or degraded. Our model reduced the word error rate in an Aurora-4 task by 10.3% in DNN compared with the strong baseline while retaining the high accuracy in clean test cases.
Treelogy: A benchmark suite for tree traversals

An interesting class of irregular algorithms is tree traversal algorithms, which repeatedly traverse various trees to perform efficient computations. Tree traversal algorithms form the algorithmic kernels in an important set of applications in scientific computing, computer graphics, bioinformatics, and data mining, etc. There has been increasing interest in understanding tree traversal algorithms, optimizing them, and applying them in a wide variety of settings. Crucially, while there are many possible optimizations for tree traversal algorithms, which optimizations apply to which algorithms is dependent on algorithmic characteristics. In this work, we present a suite of tree traversal kernels, drawn from diverse domains, called Treelogy, to explore the connection between tree traversal algorithms and state-of-the-art optimizations. We characterize these algorithms by developing an ontology based on their structural properties. The attributes extracted through our ontology, for a given traversal kernel, can aid in quick analysis of the suitability of platform- and application-specific as well as independent optimizations. We provide reference implementations of these kernels for three platforms: shared memory multicores, distributed memory systems, and GPUs, and evaluate their scalability.
BMP2 is highly expressed in gliomas, correlated with glioma patient survival and regukates the proliferation and migration of glioma cells.

5266 Bone morphogenesis proteins (BMP2) are members of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily which includes multifunctional peptides that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and other functions in many cellular systems. BMP2 is associated with the regulation of proliferation, survival and self-renewal of stem cells. BMP2 binds to a receptor complex composed of type I and type II BMP2 receptors, which are membrane-spanning serine/threonine kinases and activate downstream Smad proteins. Using a 35,000 element custom cDNA microarray chip, enriched for glial tumor transcripts, we found that BMP2 was highly expressed in astrocytic tumors as compared to normal brains, whereas no differences in the expression of BMP6 and BMP7 were observed. These data were further validated by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Similarly, we found that glioma cell lines expressed significantly higher levels of BMP2 as compared to normal human astrocytes. In contrast to the enhanced expression of BMP2 in gliomas, the receptors BMP2RI and BMP2RII were similarly expressed in gliomas and normal brains. Using statistical analysis we demonstrated that among glial tumor specimens, elevated BMP2 expression was significantly associated with prolonged survival (r=0.33; Cox coefficient=-0.20, p
Young Children's ability to Discriminate between Antisocial and Prosocial Teases.

The present study was designed to (a) examine 5- to 8-year-old children's ability to discriminate between antisocial and prosocial teases and (b) determine whether their age and experiences within the home are associated with their ability to recognize these two types of teases. Results revealed that the 5- to 8-year-old children were able to discriminate between antisocial and prosocial teases. Although the children's parents or legal guardians indicated that the children had more frequent experience with prosocial than antisocial teases in the home, (a) the children were better able to correctly identify the intent of antisocial teasers than prosocial teasers and (b) the parents or legal guardians (correctly) indicated that their child would be better able to recognize an antisocial tease than a prosocial tease. Despite the finding that the children's comprehension of antisocial teasing tended to exceed their comprehension of prosocial teasing, the findings indicate that being relatively young (i.e., 5-6 years old vs. 7-8 years old) and having relatively frequent experience with antisocial teasing in the home may be associated with some children's difficulty in recognizing the intent behind antisocial teases.
The association between peripheral total IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 and functional and cognitive outcomes in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging

Levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3, and their ratio in the blood may be useful for monitoring those at risk of cognitive and functional decline. However, the association between IGF measures and functional and cognitive outcomes has been mixed, and the associations may vary by sex. The present study investigated the cross-sectional, sex-specific associations between serum measures total IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio, gait speed, and cognition in 1320 cognitively unimpaired participants aged 50-95 years enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. We used multivariable linear regression models to determine the association between IGF measures and gait speed or cognitive test performance by sex. IGF measures were not associated with cognitive or functional performance among men. Among women, higher levels of log total IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were associated with better performance in attention, visuospatial, and global cognitive domains, independent of the gait speed. These findings suggest that among women, IGF measures are associated with cognition, and these associations are independent of function.
Impact of anaemia on outcome in burn patients.

Background: Currently, most critical care physicians maintain a patient’s haemoglobin levels at 7 to 8 g dL-1. However, little data have been available on haemoglobin-related outcomes in burn patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate inpatients with greater than 20% total body surface area burns and the effects of haemoglobin below 8 g dL-1 on clinical outcomes. Methods: This study included 70 patients with burns amounting to greater than 20% of total body surface area. Data were retrospectively evaluated and included age, gender, adult respiratory distress syndrome presence, length of intensive care unit stay, length of mechanical ventilation, days requiring vasopressors, renal insufficiency, positive cultures/infections, cardiovascular complications, number of operations, inhalation injury, and mortality. Logistic regression analyses that were adjusted for age, sex, and percent total body surface area were used to assess the relationships between haemoglobin and multiple clinical outcomes. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated with 99% confidence intervals (99% CI). Results: Haemoglobin below 8 g dL-1 was associated with a need for vasopressors (OR = 2.17; 99% CI = 1.03–8.22). Furthermore, haemoglobin below 8 g dL-1 was associated with higher positive wound (OR = 2.86; 99% CI = 1.00–34.40), urine (OR = 4.63; 99% CI = 1.15–67.00), and lung cultures (OR = 2.24; 99% CI = 1.06–5.47). These associations largely remained after controlling for blood transfusions. Conclusions: Contrary to most other patient groups, burn patients with burns amounting to greater than 20% of total body surface area and low haemoglobin levels were more likely to develop positive cultures in urine, wounds, and the lung and require vasopressor treatment.
Naïve Electricity Markets

The push toward competition, market pricing, and less regulation in the electricity industry embraces the logic and elegance of markets. It means that participants are exposed to more price risk than in the past, and it represents a narrowing of both the notion of the public interest and the government’s role in protecting that interest. But electricity markets can never resemble the idealized markets of economic theory that have become so popular in conservative policy discourse. This chapter explores why that is. More specifically, it (i) reviews the work of economic thinkers whose work shapes the conservative challenge to regulation and the push for further deregulation, (ii) explores why the economist’s goal of allocative efficiency does not subsume elements of fairness and risk management that are important to voters and policymakers and why economic models continue to have trouble incorporating important lessons from behavioral research, and (iii) explains why these lessons are important to understanding the operation of electricity markets and to an understanding of the problem of ensuring a reliable, reasonably priced energy supply.
Beyond the Running Tally: Partisan Bias in Political Perceptions

I examine the impact of long-term partisan loyalties on perceptions of specific political figures and events. In contrast to the notion of partisanship as a simple “running tally” of political assessments, I show that party identification is a pervasive dynamic force shaping citizens' perceptions of, and reactions to, the political world. My analysis employs panel data to isolate the impact of partisan bias in the context of a Bayesian model of opinion change; I also present more straightforward evidence of contrasts in Democrats' and Republicans' perceptions of “objective” politically relevant events. I conclude that partisan bias in political perceptions plays a crucial role in perpetuating and reinforcing sharp differences in opinion between Democrats and Republicans. This conclusion handsomely validates the emphasis placed by the authors of The American Voter on “the role of enduring partisan commitments in shaping attitudes toward political objects.”
REMS as a Competitive Tactic: Is Big Pharma Hijacking Drug Access and Patient Safety?

Recent amendments to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act give authority to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) either as a condition for new drug approval or for continued marketing and distribution of an existing drug. The goal of instituting REMS for particular products is to provide ongoing assurance that the benefits continue to outweigh the risks once a drug is on the market and in widespread use by consumers. REMS take many forms and may require a medication guide for patients; prescription physician information; communications to health care providers and pharmacies; limitations on labeling, promotion, and prescribing to assure safe use by patients; and a detailed plan for REMS implementation. The FDA has since effectuated over 70 REMS programs for new and already-approved drug products, with over 30 of those REMS containing requirements setting limitations on distribution, access, and use. While the implementation of REMS has strengthened the post market oversight of drug products, there is concern that the statutory provisions are also being utilized defensively by pharmaceutical companies to hinder generic competition. This article examines the competitive use of REMS by brand name pharmaceutical companies to inhibit generic drug competition, highlighting two rising practices: (1) the refusal to supply generic competitors with drug samples for use in bioequivalence testing citing REMS distribution restrictions; and (2) the assertion of patent rights over comprehensive patient treatment and delivery methods contained in FDA-approved REMS. The article offers several approaches to address these current concerns.
Mergers and Employee Incentives

This paper studies the effect of mergers on employee incentives to innovate and introduce new products. A merger has three effects on employee incentives. The first is that a merger reduces external competition in the product market and increases the expected payoffs from employee innovations, with a positive effect on ex ante incentives to innovate. The second is that a merger limits employee mobility by reducing the number of firms employees can transfer their human capital, with a negative effect on employee incentives to innovate. The final effect is that the merger allows the post-merger firm to extract greater rents from employees by creating internal competition between employees within the firm, with a negative effect on employee incentives to innovate. We show that, under certain conditions, mergers may be detrimental to innovation incentives, and that firms may prefer to operate stand-alone in order to provide better incentives for their employees. Hence, our paper offers an explanation for why many mergers fail to create value even if they increase the market power and market share of the post-merger firm.
Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in Non Dilated Cardiomyopathy Pediatric Patients Using Complimentary 3D Techniques

Purpose Continuous flow ventricular assist devices (CFVAD) are increasingly being used in pediatric patients. We present our technique using preoperative virtual fit using 3D imaging and intraoperative 3D printed CFVAD model to assess fit in pediatric patients. Methods 3D imaging was used to assess chamber cavity size relative to the CFVAD. Additionally a novel 3D printed CFVAD model designed in SolidWorks (Waltham, MA) was printed with biocompatible material (Figure 1A) was used intraoperatively to assess fit. The model inflow was used to limit inflow projection as desired using Teflon washers (Figure 1B). The washers were telescoped on the model inflow with the sewing ring and fixed with four interrupted 3-0 prolene sutures to avoid malalignment, and ease the use of the coring device and CFVAD implantation. Results 3 patients (2-non compaction cardiomyopathy, 1-transplant graft dysfunction) underwent CFVAD implantation (2 LVAD and 1 BiVAD) using these techniques. Intrathoracic fit was obtained by incising the pleuropericardial folds, release of hemidiaphragm or remodeling of anterior chest wall (for RVAD). As predicted by the model, sternal closure could only be achieved after costal cartilage and rib segment resection in 1 patient who needed BiVAD. Postoperative VAD flows were satisfactory in all patients. Conclusion Combination of preoperative virtual fit assessment using 3D imaging and intraoperative fit using 3D printed model of VAD can be used to accurately determine fit of adult CFDs in pediatric patients. The 3D model is useful in tailoring the maneuvers needed to achieve uncomplicated intracardiac, intrapericardial and intrathoracic fit and sternal closure.
Analytical Approach for Calculating Magnetic Field Distribution in Surface Mount PM Motor Including Stator Slot Effect

This paper presents an analytical approach to describe the magnetic field distribution in a slotted surface mounted permanent magnet motor. The novelty of the proposed approach is that the radial and tangential components of relative permeance are expressed analytically, which significantly enhances accuracy of field prediction including stator slot effects. This mathematical description can be adjusted by changing two key design parameters-slot depth and width. Furthermore, this paper introduces an analytical description of the tangential field distribution due to the winding, which leads to a purely analytical approach for calculating overall magnetic field distribution. Based on the derived expression for magnetic field distribution, the performance variables under any load conditions can be calculated. Finite element analysis has been used to verify the proposed analytical results, which match very well. This in-depth analytical study enables one to investigate the effect of slots with both radial and tangential components.
Postoperative Management of Pediatric Sinusitis

Postoperative management is essential to maximizing the clinical outcomes following pediatric sinus surgery. This chapter examines the current approach to postoperative care following functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the pediatric population. Nasal saline irrigations are a mainstay for many surgeons with a high efficacy and tolerability in children. Additional therapies include saline sprays, topical antibiotics, and topical steroids. Systemic forms of steroids or antibiotics may be considered in the short-term recovery period to help with healing, particularly in moderate to severe disease. Additionally, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps showed increased response rates postoperatively to systemic steroids. Unlike in adult populations, postoperative debridement is unnecessary in most pediatric cases with no demonstrated improvement in surgical success rates in patients who do not get debridement compared to those who get a second look with debridement. Postoperative care and continuing medical management should be individualized to the patient’s comorbidities and underlying etiology of chronic sinusitis. Cystic fibrosis requires special consideration with saline irrigations, corticosteroids, and antibiotics, with consideration of dornase alfa and gene therapy. The chapter concludes that functional endoscopic sinus surgery has been an effective tool in treating pediatric sinusitis refractory to medical therapy, with postoperative care recognized as having utmost importance to bridge surgical therapy with continued medical treatment for pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis.
Lysine succinylation and SIRT5 couple nutritional status to glutamine catabolism

The metabolic microenvironment of tumors is characterized by fluctuating and limited nutrient availability. To survive these conditions, cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms sense and signal nutritional status. We describe how glutaminase (GLS) is destabilized by lysine succinylation and stabilized by the NAD+-dependent desuccinylase sirtuin 5 (SIRT5), coupling nutrient levels to metabolic flux.
5'-Nor-3-Deaza-1',6'-Isoneplanocin, the Synthesis and Antiviral Study.

The arbocyclic nucleosides aristeromycin and neplanocin have been studied as a source for new antiviral agents. A convenient synthesis of C-5′-truncated 3-deaza-1′,6′-isoneplanocin, which combines the features of antiviral candidates 5′-noraristeromycin and 3-deaza-1′,6′-isoneplanocin is reported from (−)-cyclopentenone to give the two C-4′ epimers of 5′-nor-3-deaza isoneplanocin. Antiviral assays showed activity against the JC virus (EC50 = 1.12 µM for (4′R)-8; EC50 = 59.14 µM for (4′S)-7) and inactivity of both compounds against several DNA and RNA viruses. Both compounds lacked cytotoxicity.
Diagnosis and treatment of women with radiologic findings suspicious for uterine arteriovenous malformations.

This study investigated the clinical outcomes for patients with pelvic ultrasound findings suspicious for uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) at a single institution. We reviewed the electro...
Evidence Based Practice in Systems of Care for Children with Complex Mental Health Needs.

Purpose: Community-based social work with families and youth with complex behavioral health needs highlights challenges to incorporating empirical evidence into routine practice. This article prese...
We Want You Back: Uncovering the Effects on In-Person Instructional Operations in Fall 2020

Postsecondary institutions’ responses to COVID-19 are a topic of immediate relevance. Emergent research suggests that partisanship was more strongly linked to institutions offering in-person instruction for Fall 2020 than was COVID-19. Using data from the College Crisis Initiative and a multiple group structural equation modeling approach, we tested the relationships between our outcome of interest (in-person instruction in Fall 2020) and state and county sociopolitical features, state and county COVID-19 rates, and state revenue losses. Our full-sample model suggested that County Political Preferences had the strongest association with in-person instruction, followed by Pandemic Severity and State Sociopolitical Features. Because institutional sectors may be uniquely sensitive to these factors, we tested our models separately on 4-year public, 4-year private, and 2-year public and 2-year private institutions. State Sociopolitical Features were significantly related to in-person instruction for 4-year private and 2-year public institutions but were strongest for 4-year public institutions. For 4-year private and 2-year public institutions, County Political Preferences’ effect sizes were 2–3 times stronger than effects from State Sociopolitical Features. Pandemic Severity was significantly, negatively related to in-person instruction for 4-year private and 2-year public institutions–similar in magnitude to State Sociopolitical Features. Our analysis revealed that COVID-19 played a stronger role in determining in-person instruction in Fall 2020 than initial research using less sophisticated methods suggested—and while State Sociopolitical Features may have played a role in the decision, 4-year private and 2-year public institutions were more sensitive to county-level preferences.
Traveling Wave Solutions in a Chain of Periodically Forced Coupled Nonlinear Oscillators

Abstract Motivated by earlier studies of artificial perceptions of light called phosphenes, we analyze traveling wave solutions in a chain of periodically forced coupled nonlinear oscillators modeling this phenomenon. We examine the discrete model problem in its co-traveling frame and systematically obtain the corresponding traveling waves in one spatial dimension. Direct numerical simulations as well as linear stability analysis are employed to reveal the parameter regions where the traveling waves are stable, and these waves are, in turn, connected to the standing waves analyzed in earlier work. We also consider a two-dimensional extension of the model and demonstrate the robust evolution and stability of planar fronts. Our simulations also suggest the radial fronts tend to either annihilate or expand and flatten out, depending on the phase value inside and the parameter regime. Finally, we observe that solutions that initially feature two symmetric fronts with bulged centers evolve in qualitative agreement with experimental observations of phosphenes.
Structure and Development of Viruses as Observed in the Electron Microscope IX. Entry of Parainfluenza I (Sendai) Virus

After attachment, the uncoating of Sendai virus, which was accompanied by dissolution of the plasma membrane and fusion of virus to cell, proceeded quickly. Nucleoprotein filaments were found at stages of transit from virus to cytoplasm.
Flexible methods for segmentation evaluation: results from CT-based luggage screening.

Author(s): Karimi, Seemeen; Jiang, Xiaoqian; Cosman, Pamela; Martz, Harry | Abstract: BackgroundImaging systems used in aviation security include segmentation algorithms in an automatic threat recognition pipeline. The segmentation algorithms evolve in response to emerging threats and changing performance requirements. Analysis of segmentation algorithms' behavior, including the nature of errors and feature recovery, facilitates their development. However, evaluation methods from the literature provide limited characterization of the segmentation algorithms.ObjectiveTo develop segmentation evaluation methods that measure systematic errors such as oversegmentation and undersegmentation, outliers, and overall errors. The methods must measure feature recovery and allow us to prioritize segments.MethodsWe developed two complementary evaluation methods using statistical techniques and information theory. We also created a semi-automatic method to define ground truth from 3D images. We applied our methods to evaluate five segmentation algorithms developed for CT luggage screening. We validated our methods with synthetic problems and an observer evaluation.ResultsBoth methods selected the same best segmentation algorithm. Human evaluation confirmed the findings. The measurement of systematic errors and prioritization helped in understanding the behavior of each segmentation algorithm.ConclusionsOur evaluation methods allow us to measure and explain the accuracy of segmentation algorithms.
Notes On Higher Spin Symmetries

The strong form of the AdS/CFT correspondence implies that the leading $N$ expressions for the connected correlation functions of the gauge invariant operators in the free ${\cal N}=4$ supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory with the gauge group SU(N) correspond to the boundary S matrix of the classical interacting theory in the Anti de Sitter space. It was conjectured recently that the theory in the bulk should be a local theory of infinitely many higher spin fields. In this paper we study the free higher spin fields ($N=\infty$) corresponding to the free scalar fields on the boundary. We explicitly construct the boundary to bulk propagator for the higher spin fields and show that the classical solutions in the bulk are in one to one correspondence with the deformations of the free action on the boundary by the bilinear operators. We also discuss the constraints on the correlation functions following from the higher spin symmetry. We show that the higher spin symmetries fix the correlation functions up to the finite number of parameters. We formulate sufficient conditions for the bulk theory to reproduce the free field correlation functions on the boundary.
The Relentless Pursuit of Financial Capital for Micro- enterprises: Importance of Trust and Social Capital

In developing countries, prospective entrepreneurs struggle with getting access to financial capital to start small businesses. Formal lending sometimes works for solidarity groups of small business owners who approach microfinance institutions (MFIs) to access capital for expanding their businesses, but MFIs do not typically lend money to entrepreneurs interested in starting new businesses. In order to create an environment where startup business and entrepreneurship thrives, it is crucial to meet the needs of the marginalized entrepreneurs. As a response to this trend, the informal lending and credit market in rural Kenya is growing fast, but little research is available regarding the mechanics of this system. Instead of decomposing the microfinance industry into a binary relationship between MFIs and their clients, this paper views the financial capital industry as a multi-actor system (informal lenders, rotating savings and credit associations, solidarity groups, savings and credit cooperatives and microfinance institutions) and discusses how their success is mutually dependent. This paper delves further into the dynamics between these actors and the role of trust and social capital in their complex relationships. Entrepreneurs targeting developing communities need to understand these relationships and challenges to develop business strategies that make their products and services accessible through appropriate partnerships.
Analyzing spectral regrowth of QPSK and OQPSK signals

A comparison is made between the spectral regrowth of quadrature phase shift keyed (QPSK) and offset QPSK (OQPSK) signals as they go through nonlinear amplifications. Contrary to existing approaches that assume the power amplifier input is Gaussian, our analysis is carried out without the Gaussian assumption, by using higher-order statistics. We show that it is possible to assess quantitatively whether and how much OQPSK is beneficial in reducing spectral regrowth. Simple closed form formulas are obtained when the pulse shape filter is time-limited. A particular measure of spectral broadening is also provided.
Metadata in Archival and Cultural Heritage Settings: A Review of the Literature

This article provides an overview of the literature related to metadata in the context of archives and museums. This article has several goals: to outline current practices, theories, and models; to discuss existing metadata schemas; and to identify theoretical models that apply to metadata schema design in this context. The article also explores best practices and identifies gaps in the literature; it offers suggestions for future research on metadata in archives and cultural heritage institutions.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mo–Si–C and Zr–Si–C thin films: Compositional routes for film densification and hardness enhancement

Abstract Transition metal carbides exhibit high hardness, thermal stability and excellent wear resistance making them attractive for applications such as tool and die coatings. However, when deposited in thin film form using physical vapor deposition methods the mechanical properties can degrade due to poor film density. In this study we examine the addition of SiC to two transition metal carbides, Mo2C and ZrC, as a possible route for film densification and hardness enhancement. Mo–Si–C and Zr–Si–C films were deposited with a range of Si concentrations using rf magnetron co-sputtering. Films were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and nano-indentation and micro-indentation hardness testing. For Mo–Si–C the Si additions caused significant alterations to the microstructure, affecting the grain size, the amount of amorphous phases, and crystal structure. The hardness of the Mo2C films containing Si first increased slightly with Si content, and declined at higher Si concentrations, but was never above that expected for bulk Mo2C. For Zr–Si–C, two sets of experiments were conducted: one with a large substrate-to-source distance and low rate of deposition, giving compositionally uniform films, and the second with a very short distance giving a compositionally graded film. For the first set, ZrC films without Si exhibited high porosity and low hardness, but with 31.5% SiC, the films were at the bulk levels for ZrC and the porosity was significantly reduced. This hardness improvement was explained in terms of a continuous re-nucleation process and resultant nanocrystalline grain structure. For the second set of films a hardness enhancement above rule of mixtures was observed, with a maximum of 4500 HK10 for films containing 9.3% SiC. This was explained in terms of an implantation of Si atoms.
Modeling of Porous Crud Layer Based on Effects of Diffusion and Water Radiolysis on Anomalous Porous Crud Deposition on Fuel Pin Surfaces in PWRs

Many studies have been undertaken to understand crud formation on the upper spans of fuel pin clad surfaces, which is called axial offset anomaly (AOA), is observed in pressurized water reactors (PWR) as a result of sub-cooled nucleate boiling. Separately, researchers have considered the effect of water radiolysis in the primary coolant of PWR. This study examines the effects of radiolysis of liquid water, which aggressively participate in general cladding corrosion and solutes within the primary coolant system, in the terms of pH, temperature, and Linear Energy Transfer (LET). It also discusses the effect of mass transfer, especially diffusion, on the concentration distribution of the radiolytic products, H{sub 2} and O{sub 2}, in the porous crud layer. Finally it covers the effects of chemical reactions of boric acid (H{sub 3}BO{sub 3}), which has a negative impact on the mechanisms of water recombination with hydrogen, lithium hydroxide (LiOH), which has a negative effect on water decomposition, dissolved hydrogen (DH), and some trace impurities. (authors)
A new alloantigen-independent control for chronic allograft nephropathy rat models.

Background Isografts are used as controls in many transplant experiments. Our laboratory and others have noticed histological changes in control isograft groups of rats similar to allograft groups, suggesting alloantigen-independent factors contributing to chronic allograft nephropathy. However, the isograft model as a nonalloantigen control is flawed because of the potential of unrecognized minor antigen differences between rats. We designed a study using autografts to isolate alloantigen-independent factors in the rat renal transplant allograft model. Materials and methods Male Lewis rats weighing 150–250 g underwent a procedure designed to mimic the injury of renal transplant, in which the left kidney was perfused with cold University of Wisconsin solution and subjected to similar cold and warm ischemic times as Lewis isograft rats undergoing renal transplanation. Results Six autograft rats were compared to five isograft and three single nephrectomy rats. Autograft rats showed normal kidney function according to serum BUN, Cr, and urinary protein. At 360 days, four of six autografts displayed normal renal parenchymal histology, whereas the remaining two autografts displayed histological changes scored as Banff acute rejection 1a and 1b. At sacrifice time, four of five isografts showed histological changes scored as Banff chronic rejection 1 and the single nephrectomy group showed normal histology in the remaining native kidney. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that the chronic nephropathy observed in the isograft cannot be completely freed from suspicion of immunological origin. We propose that the autograft model for rat renal transplant research is a better nonimmunologic control than the isograft model for chronic allograft nephropathy.
Terminal Context in Context-Sensitive Grammars

If every non-context-free rewriting rule of a context-sensitive (with erasing) grammar has as left context a string of terminal symbols and the left context is at least as long as the right context, then the language generated is context-free. If every non-context-free rewriting rule of a context-sensitive (with erasing) grammar has as left and right context strings of terminal symbols, then the language generated is context-free.
Enantiospecific synthesis of β-lactams via cycloaddition

Enantiospecific synthesis of variously substituted cis-β-lactams can be achieved by the annelation of Schiff bases from optically active ketal aldehydes derived from D-threonine. Similar annelation of Schiff bases from the triphenylsilyl ether of D-threonine ester and cinnamaldehyde leads to cis-β-lactams with high diastereofacial selectivity.
An ultra-low emittance mode for PEP using damping wigglers

Abstract The existing electron storage rings at Stanford University offer significant potential to produce synchrotron radiation of extremely high photon beam brightness. The facilities available now and in the near future are the storage rings SPEAR at 3.5 GeV and PEP at 15 GeV. The high brightness capabilities of the PEP ring for future experimentation as well as the potential to establish a spatially coherent X-ray source at PEP will be discussed. A mechanism based on the use of damping wigglers will be described which allows the reduction of the beam emittance far below that obtainable with other known methods.
Reference ranges of PR duration and P-wave indices in individuals free of cardiovascular disease: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)☆

In this brief report, we provide normal reference ranges for PR duration [unadjusted and heart rate adjusted] and P-wave indices [duration, amplitude and terminal force in V1] in individuals free of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. We used automatically processed digital ECG data from 1252 US participants [mean age 59 (± 10) years, 738 women, 588 whites, 207 African-Americans, 217 Hispanics, 240 Chinese] from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis [MESA]. In multivariable adjusted linear regression models with PR and each P-wave variable as a separate outcome, significant age, sex and race differences in these markers were observed. Subsequently, we report reference ranges for abnormal [2nd and 98th percentiles], borderline abnormal [5th and 95th percentiles] and mean [SD] values of PR and P-wave indices stratified by age [middle age (45-64 years) and seniors (65-84 years)], sex [men and women] and race [whites, African Americans, Hispanics and Chinese].
The Adherence to Bone by Cytoplasmic Elements of Osteoclasts

The intimate association observed between osteoclasts and bone has suggested that these cells may be adherent to the bony surface. We investigated this cell-surface relationship in parathyroid hormone-stimulated bone explants following applications of biophysically-induced cell detachment forces. Bone surfaces adjacent to disrupted osteoclasts were examined with transmission electron microscopy for the presence of residual cell membrane elements. Results of this study provide evidence for the adherence of osteoclasts to bony surfaces and implicate elements of both clear zone and ruffled border as cell-membrane bonded sites.
Integral equation method for 3-D modeling of electromagnetic fields in complex structures with inhomogeneous background conductivity in marine CSEM applications

Summary We present a new formulation of the integral equation (IE) method for models with variable background conductivity. This method overcomes the standard limitation of the conventional IE method related to the use of a horizontally layered background only. The new IE method still employs the Green’s functions for a horizontally layered 1-D model. However, the new method allows us to use an inhomogeneous background with the IE method. The method was carefully tested for modeling the electromagnetic (EM) field for complex structures with known variable background conductivity. It can find wide application in modeling EM data for multiple geological models with some common geoelectrical features. As an example, we consider marine controlled source EM (MCSEM) application for simulating EM response of a petroleum reservoir in the presence of a salt dome structure.
Language, Practices and the Construction of Personhood

This paper argues for the central role of language practices in children's construction of personhood. It aims to connect prior theorizing that recognized language as central to developmental issues, with more recent discussions about personhood stemming from discursive psychology and linguistic anthropology. Drawing upon longitudinal observations of caregivers and their preschoolers from three language communities, a case is made that the developmental process is more complex than current theorizing suggests. Although caregivers' discourse provides children with a powerful resource for person construction, children's systems do not immediately match those used by their caregivers and undergo significant developments over time.
A Technique of Extending Small-Bowel Mesentery for Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis: Report of a Case

One of the keys to success in proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is obtaining adequate mesenteric length to allow the pouch to reach the anorectum without tension. A multitude of techniques have been described in the literature to gain mesenteric length; however, in most cases these techniques only allow for the correction of a small deficit in the mesenteric length. We encountered a case in which the small-bowel mesentery was severely foreshortened because of a previous small-bowel volvulus just proximal to the loop ileostomy during recovery from the initial stage of his ileal pouch procedure. In this case, the deficit in length required an interposition vein graft to the superior mesenteric artery to facilitate adequate mesenteric length and allow completion of the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. We report this technique to add another method of mesenteric lengthening to the armamentarium of surgeons performing ileal pouch-anal anastomoses. This technique should only be used as a last resort.
Are the El Niño and La Niña Predictors of the Iowa River Seasonal Flow

Abstract The association between the El Nino/La Nina and seasonal streamflow for the Iowa River is investigated. The seasonal Southern Oscillation index (SOI) was ranked and the extreme quartiles for each season were selected to condition the composite analysis of streamflow. The either concurrent or lagged association between anomalous SOI index and streamflow was obtained with a composite analysis that windowed a 3-yr period. The existence of statistically significant streamflow responses to El Nino and La Nina has been demonstrated for lags ranging from zero to five seasons. The long lag of streamflow-SOI association is attributed to 1) the time to establish global and regional circulation conducive to excess or deficit rainfall in the Midwest and 2) the inertia of anomalous high (low) soil water. Streamflow responses to El Nino and La Nina are out of phase. Above normal streamflow is associated with El Nino, whereas dry conditions are associated with La Nina. Sensitivity analysis of the streamflow-SOI...
PHENIX spin program, recent results

Acceleration of polarized protons in Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) provides unique tool to study the spin structure of the nucleon. We give a brief overview of the PHENIX program to investigate poorly known gluon and flavor decomposed see quark polarization in the proton, utilizing polarized proton collisions at RHIC. We report PHENIX first results on transverse single-spin asymmetry inπ0 and charged hadron production and longitudinal double-spin asymmetry inπ0 production at mid-rapidity.
Adaptive trade-offs of leaf folding in Dichomeris caterpillars on goldenrods

1. Leaf folding is a common behaviour among caterpillars that has many potential benefits such as creation of a favourable microclimate and protection from predation or dislodgment. 2. One cost of leaf folding which has not previously been quantified is the reduction in growth rate that might result from the energetic expenditures of producing silk and applying it to fold leaves. 3. On caged goldenrods in field and forest habitats, early-instar Dichomeris leuconotella (Busck) caterpillars that were repeatedly forced to spin new leaf refuges (either folds or webs of silk) actually had higher growth rates than caterpillars left undisturbed. 4. This surprising result apparently reflected the fact that disturbed caterpillars chose relatively young green leaves for new refuges, whereas undisturbed caterpillars tended to remain in their webs or folds on ageing leaves. 5. In a glasshouse experiment using plants that underwent little senescence, growth rates were unaffected by the amout of refuge-making effort, indicating that the costs of such effort were either negligible or easily compensated for by these caterpillars. 6. On glasshouse plants, caterpillars periodically forced to change refuges had higher disappearance rates than those left undisturbed, despite the absence of predators. Wandering or falling from plants is evidently a major hazard of frequent refuge changes. 7. Thus, early-instar Dichomeris caterpillars face a trade-off in which risks of predation or loss of contact with the host favour the observed low rate of refuge changes, but in which growth rates could actually be improved with more refuge changes.
III-V Compounds and Alloys: An Update

The III-V compounds and alloys have been studied for three decades. Until recently, these materials have been commercialized for only a few specialized optoelectronic devices and microwave devices. Advances in thin-film epitaxy techniques, such as liquid phase epitaxy and chemical vapor deposition, are now providing the ability to form good quality lattice-matched heterojunctions with III-V materials. New optoelectronic devices, such as room-temperature continuous-wave injection lasers, have already resulted. This newfound ability may also affect the field of highspeed integrated circuits.
An Improved Method for Testing of Bacteriostatic Agents Using Virulent Human Type Tubercle Bacilli.

SummaryA new technic for rapidly and efficiently testing the growth-inhibiting action of substances on virulent human type tubercle bacilli is described. The order of effectiveness of four compounds in inhibiting the growth of the avirulent acid-fast rapidly growing organism 607 was found to be: Sulfathiazole, sulfadiazine, 4,4'diaminodiphenylsulfone, and sulfanilamide, while for the virulent human strain of tubercle bacillus H37Rv the order was found to be: 4,4'diaminodiphenylsulfone, sulfathiazole, sulfadiazine, and sulfanilamide.