cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flexible LCP and Paper-based Substrates with Embedded Actives, Passives, and RFIDs

Miniaturization with increased functionality at reduced cost historically has been the key driver for the evolution of electronics products. However, the size reduction was traditionally confined to lateral dimensions, until recently in the 21st century, the real estate in the Z-direction has been severely compromised, therefore, THIN has become the buzz word encompassing thin die, thin dielectric, thin passives, thin core and ultimately leading to thin packages. This paper overviews the trends from thick to thin electronic products, materials, processes, and manufacturing of the thick and thin packages with embedded passive components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and lately the Actives. Flexible organics with embedded IC and thin film passive materials and substrates that can perform at frequencies in the range 2-110 GHz has been established with liquid crystal polymers . A roadmap for the realization of highly integrated RPID tags with wireless sensors and thin film batteries on ULTIMATE low-cost synthetic material such as photocopy papers has been addressed. To this regard, special attention is given to miniaturization of antennas and on specific techniques for ultra-high-efficiency (95%) RFID's. Examples of paper-based conductive Ink-Jet printed circuits as well as copper circuitary by etching have been investigated as a means for further cost reduction including ultra-thin printed batteries and power-scavenging devices, as well as to miniaturized sensors (temperature, chemical, pressure) that would enable long-range ubiquitous sensing. Dielectric constants and dielectric loss measurements on paper-substrates are reported for the first time at frequency >1GHz.
Transcriptional regulation of CREB (cyclic AMP response element-binding protein) expression in CATH.a cells.

We have recently demonstrated that mRNA expression of cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) is down-regulated in CATH.a cells (a neural-derived cell line) by activation of the cAMP pathway. We now demonstrate that this down-regulation can be accounted for by a decrease in the rate of CREB gene transcription. It was found that cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, prevented the forskolin-induced decrease in CREB mRNA levels in CATH.a cells. Nuclear run-on assays demonstrated that forskolin decreased the rate of CREB transcription by close to 50%. Moreover, forskolin decreased chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity in CATH.a cells transiently transfected with a construct containing 1,240 bp of CREB promoter fused to a CAT reporter plasmid. Possible mechanisms by which activation of the cAMP pathway leads to a decrease in CREB gene transcription are discussed.
The partial metrics system: A tool to support the metrics-driven design of pseudocode programs

Abstract This paper describes a software tool, the partial metrics system (PMS), that supports the metrics-driven design of pseudocode program modules. Although this is a generic approach that is language independent, we illustrate its application using Ada as the target language. Each new refinement of a psuedocode program is assessed in terms of a set of partial metrics. These metrics are extensions of Halstead's Software Science , McCabe's Cyclomatic Complexity , and others. It is then demonstrated how these metrics can drive the design process for an individual module. Heuristics are suggested that can allow the programmer to make use of these metrics in order to produce improved designs.
Effects of LH power on SOL density profiles and LH coupling on Alcator C-Mod

A swept-frequency X-mode reflectometer has been used to measure the scrape-off-layer (SOL) density profiles with and without lower hybrid (LH) power at three poloidal locations adjacent to the LH launcher for various plasma parameters in order to understand the coupling of LH waves on Alcator C-Mod. LH power has been observed to create significant poloidal SOL density profile asymmetries that are correlated with visible video camera images of emissivity patterns in front of the LH launcher. The observed density profile asymmetries depend on LH power, , magnetic geometry and magnetic field direction. A 2D diffusive?convective model has been used to show that these density profile modifications are consistent with a LH vortex, where LH power drives E???B drifts that then modify the SOL density profile. In particular, the simulations show that the density profile can possibly create a net poloidally averaged density depletion in front of the waveguide rows. A LH slab coupling model is then used to show that the simulated reflection coefficients strongly depend on the poloidal density profile asymmetries. The simulated LH power reflection coefficients agree with the experimental reflection coefficients only after the observed density depletion is included in the model.
Sex differences in neonates behavioral responsiveness to repeated auditory stimulation

Six response measures were used to evaluate the responsiveness of nine not-yet circumcised males and nine female neonates to pure tone stimuli. The females were quicker to respond than the males. On the initial trials the females responded with more or bigger responses. The females also tended to be more responsive to the auditory stimulation as indicated by the duration of their responsiveness to repeated stimulation and by their activity level. The results are presented in the context of no previous report of sex differences in neonates' auditory responsiveness and an existing data base indicating that female children and adults are more responsive than males to auditory stimulation.
A model for peaking of galactic gravitational radiation

Geometrical optics is used to calculate the radiation pattern from a source in orbit in a strong gravitational field. No specific mechanism is postulated for the radiation itself, and only the field's effect on the radiation enters. (The model proposes a ``black hole'' at the galactic center.) Besides the Doppler peaking expected in these orbits, we find that the gravitational lens effect can enhance the radiation (regardless of how the radiation is produced). If the radiation arises from individual short events, the gravitational lensing leads to a scatter in the observed intensity. Formulas are presented for the probability a certain pulse will exceed the average by a given factor for a detector of finite sensitivity. Enhancement as found here, if present in the galaxy, would lower the overall galactic mass loss implied by Weber's gravitational radiation measurements.
Configuring a Lab to Support Community-Based Security Audit Projects

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside cyber-security lab is designed to emphasize training in network security, with a focus on auditing. Audits require extensive security knowledge, including how to configure network equipment, analyze OS configurations, recognize hacks, and compare audit results on a variety of systems. The audits are taught using active learning labs, but implemented via community-based learning. This paper outlines the education plan and describes lab network configuration, including server and workstation implementations, and security software. Diverse operating systems, implemented with VMware, allow for students to simultaneously run, observe, and audit different types of systems. The lab is sufficiently isolated not to allow harm, but sufficiently available so that learning is not restricted, and audit tools can be polled to a customer site.
Kinetics of B cell memory development during a thymus "independent" immune response.

Abstract Some parameters of the development of immunological memory to B. abortus (BA) and sheep erythrocytes (SE) in the mouse have been compared. The thymus-independence of the BA response allowed evaluation of B-cell memory in vivo and in adoptive immune responses. A reduced responsiveness to BA was seen during the first few days after the primary injection, whereas enhanced ability to give responses to SE (thymus dependent) occurred at that time. The ability of primed spleen cells to transfer 19S and 7S memory responses to SE developed in parallel. In contrast, the earliest appearance of 19S memory to BA on Days 5–7 after priming was not yet accompanied by memory for the 7S response, but by Day 10 both 19S and 7S memory were present. At 1–2 months after priming, 100-fold fewer cells than needed for transfer of the primary response still transferred excellent 19S and 7S memory responses to BA. Anti-θ treatment of long-term memory 19S and 7S spleen cells did not affect their ability to respond to challenge even with limiting BA doses. It is suggested, however, that the T-independency of the response to BA applies only to the specific induction by antigen of preexisting B cells into antibody secreting cells, whereas optimal B cell memory formation to any antigen may be a separate T-dependent function. Serial spleen cell transfers into lethally irradiated recipients at 1–2 week intervals with antigen challenge at each transfer, appeared to interfere with the development of memory to BA, particularly for the 7S response. No such effect was seen on the responses to SE.
On spaces with the same n-type for all n

OVER thirty years ago J. H. C. Whitehead posed the following question: Suppose that X and Yare two spaces whose Postnikov approximations, X’“) and Y’“‘, are homotopy equivalent for each integer n. Does it follow that X and Y are homotopy equivalent? Recall that X’“’ can be obtained by attaching to X cells of dimension n + 2 and higher to kill off the homotopy groups of X in dimensions above n. So it is easy to see that the answer to Whitehead’s question is yes if X is either finite dimensional (use the cellular approximation theorem) or if X has only a finite number of nonzcro homotopy groups. But in general, the answer is no. The first such example, found by Adams in 1957. [I]. is essentially the following.
Disease-Associated Variants of Microsomal Retinol Dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12) are degraded at Mutant-Specific Rates

Mutations in retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12) cause severe retinal degeneration. However, some of the disease-associated RDH12 mutants retain significant catalytic activity, indicating the existence of additional pathophysiological mechanisms. This study demonstrates that the catalytically active T49M and I51N mutants undergo accelerated degradation, which results in their reduced cellular levels. Inhibition of proteasome leads to significant accumulation of ubiquitylated T49M and I51N. Furthermore, the degree of ubiquitylation strongly correlates with the half-lives of the proteins. These results suggest that the accelerated degradation of RDH12 mutants by the ubiquitin-proteasome system contributes to the pathophysiology and phenotypic variability associated with mutations in the RDH12 gene.
Measuring the attack surfaces of two FTP daemons

Software consumers often need to choose between different software that provide the same functionality. Today, security is a quality that many consumers, especially system administrators, care about and will use in choosing one soft- ware system over another. An attack surface metric is a security metric for comparing the relative security of similar software systems [7]. The measure of a system's attack surface is an indicator of the system's security: given two systems, we compare their attack surface measurements to decide whether one is more secure than another along each of the following three dimensions: methods, channels, and data. In this paper, we use the attack surface metric to measure the attack surfaces of two open source FTP daemons: ProFTPD 1.2.10 and Wu-FTPD 2.6.2. Our measurements show that ProFTPD is more secure along the method dimension, ProFTPD is as secure as Wu-FTPD along the channel dimension, and Wu-FTPD is more secure along the data dimension. We also demonstrate how software consumers can use the attack surface metric in making a choice between the two FTP daemons.
Just-in-Time Teaching

This chapter provides an overview and implementation guidelines of Just-in-Time Teaching, an interactive engagement pedagogy used across disciplines and across the academy, now in its fourteenth year. The pedagogy has proven effective in improving classroom climate, student motivation and fostering deeper learning.
Spectrophotometric determination of silicon in thorium oxide

Abstract A method is described for the spcctrophotometric determination of microgram quantities of silicon in the presence of thorium. Thorium oxide is dissolved by heating it at 70 to 8o°C in 4M HNO3 that contains 2 drops of HF. Under these conditions, no silicon is lost through volatilization. The silicon is estimated as the blue ailicomolybdate complex. Under the conditions selected for development of color, a precipitate of thorium molybdate is obtained ; the thorium molybdate is, however, dissolved without affecting the color of the complex by the addition of tartrate and adjusting the pH of the solution to 3.0. The lower limit of detection is about 5 p.p.m. of silicon.
Using Stories to Disseminate Research: The Attributes of Representative Stories

When researchers communicate their findings to patients, clinicians, policy-makers, or media, they may find it helpful to supplement quantitative data with stories about individuals who represent themes in their research. Whether such stories are gathered during the research itself or identified from other sources, researchers must develop strategies for assessing their representativeness. This paper proposes 5 attributes of representative stories: (1) expression of important themes in the research, (2) explicit location in the “distribution” of stories that exemplify the theme, (3) verifiability, (4) acknowledgment of uncertainty, and (5) compelling narration. This paper summarizes research on substance abuse among physicians, and uses these 5 attributes to assess the representativeness of a published case report and a fictional short story about addicted physicians. While neither story is fully representative of the research, the process of evaluating these stories illustrates an approach to identifying representative stories for use in disseminating research.
Spectral and photophysical behavior of 2,4,6,8,10-dodecapentaenal and schiff base: evidence for a low-lying singlet excited state of forbidden character

Abstract A weakly allowed state, assigned to be of 1 A* g character, is observed to be the lowest excited singlet state in the one photon absorption and excitation spectra of 2,4,6,8,10-dodecapentaenal. This assignment is consistent with the fluorescence quantum yield and intrinsic lifetime data of the polyenal. Similar results have been obtained for the Schiff base derivative of this linear polyenal.
Computerized image processing: Applications to ERTS images and gravity, magnetic and topographic digital data

A computerized system for processing ERTS images for geologic applications is described. The basic philosophy of the system is to generate the highest possible quality images and to apply simple enhancement techniques optimizing images for direct human interpretation. Automated mapping, classification and analysis techniques are avoided for several reasons. First, several types of noise are present: system noise generated by the camera system, data transmission and data processing and "noise" inherent to the natural scene-cultural effects, vegetation masks and clouds and water. Second, the geologic environment itself is extremely complex. Automated interpretive techniques usually merge such noise undecipherably into the image. A major part of the processing described here is devoted to the removal of "noise" patterns, atmospheric effects, variable illumination, geometric corrections, and correction for high frequency loss. The enhancement stage is the one tailored for the specific application and scale; utilizes relatively simple algorithms; and consumes a lesser portion of the processing time. It has been found, further, that the image processing technology is ideal for handling other kinds of mappable data, such as gravity and magnetics, in which extremely large (107 - 109 bits) data sets can be treated displayed and analyzed as images. Examples include shaded relief models of "surfaces" representing geophysical data, color composites of multivariate data to examine several types as well as their intercorrelations in a single image, and the use of false stereo in which any data set (e.g., gravity) can be merged as a stereo component of the image of any other data set. The basic goal is the evoluation of techniques for the presentation of immense multivariate maps or data sets directly to the human brain, by far the most sophisticated data interpreter.
A phase II study of preoperative capecitabine and radiation therapy in patients with rectal cancer.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative capecitabine and radiation therapy (RT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Methods: Patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum stage ≥ T3 or ≥ N1 were treated with capecitabine 1330 mg/m 2 per day in 2 divided doses days 1 to 42 and 50.4 Gy of RT in 28 1.8-Gy fractions. Patients with metastatic disease were eligible provided that operative intervention on primary site was anticipated. Surgery resection occurred 4 to 6 weeks after completion of preoperative therapy. Results: Thirty eligible patients were enrolled at two institutions. Median age and performance status were 62 years and 90%, respectively. Twenty-eight patients (93%) completed combined modality therapy and 27 underwent resection, including 17 abdominal-perineal and 9 low anterior resections. Three of 27 (11%) had pathologic complete response (pCR) with an additional 7 (26%) having minimal residual disease. Two patients who were felt to require abdominal perineal resection prior to combined modality therapy (CMT) were able to have sphincter-sparing surgery. No patients had progression during CMT which precluded surgical resection. Treatment was well tolerated with £ grade 3 toxicities limited to diarrhea (5 patients), hand-foot syndrome (1 patient), dermatitis (1 patient). Twenty-four patients are living, 18 with no evidence of disease. Conclusions: The combination of preoperative capecitabine and RT in patients with LARC has significant antitumor activity, efficacy, and a low toxicity profile.
Nonlinear prediction of generalized random processes

Abstract Let (D) be the Schwartz space of infinitely differentiable scalar functions, ϑ, on the real line with compact supports, σ(ϑ), and ( Ω, Σ, P ) be a fixed complete probability space. Let X: (D) → L p (Ω, Σ, P) , with 1 { e } i = 1 ∞ ⊂ (D) be such that σ( e ) ⊄ T, i ⩾ 1 . Then relative to the p-th moment of the error as the criterion of optimality, there exists a weak generalized random process (i.e., a closed linear transformation) Y:DY→L p (Ω,β T ,P) , where D (Y) is dense in (D), such that ‖ Y( e i ) − X( e i )‖ p is a minimum for each i ⩾ 1.
Defoliation tolerance affects the spatial and temporal distributions of larch sawfly and natural enemy populations

. 1 The monophagous larch sawfly, Pristiphora erichsonii, requires larch, Larix spp., shoots for oviposition and foliage for larval development. The hypothesis that chronic defoliation reduces shoot availability for adult females, causing shifts in host use within plantations of L. decidua and L. leptolepis, was evaluated over a 3-year period. 2 Larch productivity and sawfly abundance varied six- to 10-fold among individual trees within each plantation. Sawflies concentrated oviposition on the most rapidly growing trees, and had a marginal impact on shoot production. Consequently, sawfly herbivory on individual trees remained relatively constant for 3 years, failing to support the hypothesis that P. erichsonii defoliation causes shifts in host use. 3 Pristiphora erichsonii larval performance varied 20–30% among individual host trees. The oviposition event did not significantly affect larval performance or foliar nutrient content. 4 The relationship between cocoon survival and natural enemy abundance was evaluated among fifteen L. leptolepis trees. Parasites and predators killed over 65% of the 18 315 cocoons sampled. The proportion of cocoons killed by parasitoids declined significantly with P. erichsonii density, while predation rates increased under heavily infested trees. Overall, the proportion of cocoons killed by parasitoids and predators did not vary with sawfly density. 5 Results indicate that components of host vigour, herbivore performance and natural enemy guilds exhibit substantial spatial heterogeneity among trees within plantations of exotic Larix trees. Moreover, individual larch can tolerate repeated oviposition and herbivory without a rapid loss in shoot production. The potential for host plant physiological tolerance to herbivory to interact with natural enemy population dynamics and behaviour so as to stabilize herbivore population patterns is discussed.
Reform revisited: The trend toward constructivist learning

Based on the experiences of past reform efforts, it is clear that no single factor is the key to solving the problems in science education. It is a complex problem; and its resolution will require a balanced emphasis on a variety of factors, including central involvement of teachers in the planning and implementation of reforms. Other topics have received increasing emphasis in science education journals over the last two decades, including hands-on instruction, constructivist learning, and relevance of instruction to student interests and needs. Interest in constructivism has been intense since the early 1980s, and some educators have suggested that it may constitute the basis for a unifying theme for science education
Effects of Low Rumen-Degradable Protein or Abomasal Fructan Infusion on Diet Digestibility and Urinary Nitrogen Excretion in Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract Post-ileal carbohydrate fermentation in dairy cows converts blood urea nitrogen (BUN) into fecal microbial protein. This should reduce urinary N, increase fecal N, and reduce manure NH 3 volatilization. However, if intestinal BUN recycling competes with ruminal BUN recycling, hindgut fermentation may reduce NH 3 for rumen microbial protein synthesis. Eight lactating Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 14-d periods. Treatments were arranged as a 2×2 factorial. Diets contained either adequate rumen-degradable protein (RDP; high RDP) or were 28% below predicted RDP requirements (low RDP). Cows received abomasal infusions of either 10 L/d of saline or 10 L/d of saline containing 1kg/d of inulin. We hypothesized that reducing ruminal NH 3 , either by restricting RDP intake or by diverting BUN to feces with inulin, would reduce rumen microbial protein synthesis, as would be evidenced by significant main effects of treatments on rumen NH 3 , milk production, and urinary purine derivative excretion. Furthermore, we thought it likely that effects of inulin might be greater when rumen NH 3 was already low, as would be indicated by significant interactions between inulin infusion and dietary RDP level on rumen NH 3 , milk production, and urinary purine derivative excretion. Rumen NH 3 was reduced by the low-RDP diet, but urinary purine derivative excretion and milk production were unaffected. However, the low-RDP diet reduced apparent total tract digestibility of OM and starch and reduced in situ rumen NDF digestibility. Abomasal inulin reduced the BUN concentration but did not affect milk yield or rumen NH 3 , suggesting that RDP requirements are not affected by hindgut fermentation. Inulin shifted 23g/d of N from urine to feces. However, based on fecal purine excretion, we estimated that only 8g/d of the increased fecal N was due to increased fecal microbial output. Inulin reduced true digestibility of dietary protein or increased nonmicrobial as well as microbial endogenous losses. This latter effect may be an artifact of our experimental model that delivers easily fermented, soluble fiber to the small intestine. Normal dietary alterations to similarly increase large intestinal fermentation would probably arise from larger quantities of less rapidly digested carbohydrates. Increasing hindgut fermentation in practical diets should reduce manure NH 3 volatilization without impairing rumen fermentation, but the reduction is likely to be small.
A nonmagnetic stereotaxic head holder for macaque monkeys

In this paper, we describe the design and construction of a nonmetallic, nonmagnetic stereotaxic device for use in holding the head of anesthetized macaque monkeys during magnetic resonance and computerized axial tomography imaging procedures. Head movement can be eliminated, permitting the investigator to obtain maximal resolution from the imaging system.
Multiple transonic shock-wave/turbulent boundary-layer interaction in a circular duct

An experimental study is described in which detailed pitot, static, and wall pressure measurements have been obtained for multiple transonic shock-wave/turbulent boundary-layer interactions in a circular duct at a freestream Mach number of 1.49, a unit Reynolds number of 4.90xl0/m, and a blockage of 5.15%. The details of the flowfield show the formation of a series of normal shock waves with successively decreasing strength and decreasing distance between the successive shock waves up to the point where a terminal shock occurs. A one-dimensional flow model based on the boundary-layer displacement thickness is postulated to explain the formation of the series of normal shock waves. A comparison with the results from our previous study involving a single shock interaction suggests that the effect of increased blockage is to promote multiple shock interactions and produce a lower pressure recovery, a less retarded boundary-layer flow, and an increase in the overall length of the interaction.
Smoking cessation pharmacotherapy

Cigarette smoking remains an important risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease and its many complications. There are clear benefits from treating tobacco dependence on the rate of clinical outcomes. In addition to behavioral therapies, various pharmacologic strategies have been developed to help achieve this goal. First-line therapies include nicotine replacement, bupropion and varenicline, a partial nicotine antagonist. Second-line treatments include clonidine and nortriptyline. Additional treatment strategies with less proven efficacy include monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, opioid receptor antagonists, bromocriptine, anti-anxiety drugs, nicotinic receptor antagonists (e.g. mecamylamine) and glucose tablets. Various approaches under investigation include inhibitors of the hepatic P450 enzyme (e.g. methoxsalen), cannabinoid-1 receptor antagonists (e.g. rimonabant), and nicotine vaccines.
High performance conductive adhesives

Isotropic conductive adhesives (ICAs) have been developed as an alternative for traditional tin/lead (Sn/Pb) solders for electronic applications. Compared to mature soldering technology, conductive adhesive technology is still in its infant stage, therefore, there are some limitations for current commercial ICAs. Two critical limitations are poor impact performance and unstable contact resistance with nonnoble metal finished components. These limitations seriously hindered the wide applications of ICA's. No current commercial ICAs show both desirable impact performance and stable contact resistance. In this paper, novel conductive adhesives were formulated using mixtures of an epoxide-modified polyurethane resin and a bisphenol-F type epoxy resin and a corrosion inhibitor. Cure profiles, rheology, and dynamic mechanical properties of the conductive adhesives were studied using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), a rheometer, and a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), respectively. Impact strength and contact resistance with several nonnoble metals (Sn/Pb, Sn, and copper) of these conductive adhesives were tested and compared to those of a commercial conductive adhesive. It was found that these in-house conductive adhesives showed superior impact performance and substantially stable contact resistance with nonnoble metal finished components during elevated temperature and humidity aging.
Beyond the Self: Social Identity, Altruism, and Political Participation

Scholars have recently extended the traditional calculus of participation model by adding a term for benefits to others. We advance this work by distinguishing theoretically a concern for others in general (altruism) from a concern for others in certain groups (social identification). We posit that both concerns generate increased benefits from participation. To test these theories, we use allocations in dictator games towards an unidentified anonymous recipient and two recipients identified only as a registered Democrat or a registered Republican. These allocations permit a distinction between altruism and social identification. The results show that both altruism and social identification significantly increase political participation. The results also demonstrate the usefulness of incorporating benefits that stem from sources beyond material self-interest into rational choice models of participation.
Newborn immunology: relevance to the clinician.

The newborn infant enjoys the protective environment of the womb, fortified by mechanical barriers, infused with a goodly supply of maternal antibody, and provided with an immune system capable of reacting, albeit not completely, to foreign antigen and microbes. In utero infection is rare, and the critical moment for most newborns occurs when he or she emerges from the uterus, has the pipeline of maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) shut off abruptly, and enters a world of germs, often aggravated by immaturity, catheters and tubes, and the unwashed hands of his or her handlers. It is no wonder that infection is common, severe, and sometimes fatal in the newborn period, particularly for the premature infant, and that events during this critical period may have long-lasting effects. This review is an edited summary of three presentations at a symposium on neonatal immunology presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies in Washington, DC in May 2005. The first section discusses the role of immaturity of T-cell function in the newborn; the second discusses the long-term implications of respiratory infections, heredity, and immune responses on the future development of allergy, and the third discusses the role of antibodies, complement and neutrophils in newborn defenses, as well as the immunologic interventions available to the clinician dealing with neonatal infections.
Epidemiology, etiology, and genetic aspects of reduction deficiencies of the lower limb

Although the majority of lower limb deficiencies are of sporadic occurrence and of unknown etiology, genetic factors are involved in a significant number, with variable modes of inheritance. A better-informed public is demanding advice concerning cause and recurrence. Careful scrutiny of the medical history and family tree and attention to phenotypic details may help to delineate entities. At times, specific chromosomal tests are important, mainly when there is bilateral or multiorgan involvement or when limb deficiency is associated with developmental delay and/or mental retardation. This paper is intended to refamiliarize the orthopaedic community with basic genetic aspects regulating reduction deficiencies of the lower limbs, and to emphasize on the importance and indications of genetic counseling.
A Knowledge-Based Approach for Designing Robust Business Processes

This chapter describes a novel knowledge-based methodology and computer toolset for helping business process designers and participants better manage exceptions (unexpected deviations from a normal sequence of events caused by design errors, resource failures, requirement changes etc.) that can occur during the enactment of a process. This approach is based on an on-line repository exploiting a generic and reusable body of knowledge, which describes what kinds of exceptions can occur in collaborative work processes, how these exceptions can be detected, and how they can be resolved. This work builds upon previous efforts from the MIT Process Handbook project and from research on conflict management in collaborative design.
On the effective stress in unsaturated porous continua with double porosity

Abstract Using mixture theory we formulate the balance laws for unsaturated porous media composed of a double-porosity solid matrix infiltrated by liquid and gas. In this context, the term ‘double porosity’ pertains to the microstructural characteristic that allows the pore spaces in a continuum to be classified into two pore subspaces. We use the first law of thermodynamics to identify energy-conjugate variables and derive an expression for the ‘effective’, or constitutive, stress that is energy-conjugate to the rate of deformation of the solid matrix. The effective stress has the form σ ¯ = σ + B p ¯ 1 , where σ is the total Cauchy stress tensor, B is the Biot coefficient, and p ¯ is the mean fluid pressure weighted according to the local degrees of saturation and pore fractions. We identify other emerging energy-conjugate pairs relevant for constitutive modeling of double-porosity unsaturated continua, including the local suction versus degree of saturation pair and the pore volume fraction versus weighted pore pressure difference pair. Finally, we use the second law of thermodynamics to determine conditions for maximum plastic dissipation in the regime of inelastic deformation for the unsaturated two-porosity mixture.
Polarimetric scattering model for grassy terrain

Summary form only given. Information obtained from the polarimetric scattering response of a soil surface can lead to an accurate estimate of its soil moisture content. A scattering model has been developed which provides an exact numerical solution to scattering from stalks and leaves of arbitrary cross sections, orientations, and lengths. Because the constituent cross sections are assumed to be electrically small, a 2D Rayleigh scattering approximation was employed and polarizability tensors were determined numerically. The dipole moments per unit length were then calculated, and integrating these values over the length of each constituent resulted in an expression for the total scattered field. These results were combined with a statistical description of a grassy vegetation cover to provide the phase and extinction matrices required for a first order vector radiative transfer scattering model. This model was used to investigate the dependence of the total polarimetric scattering response on both soil and vegetation parameters. >
Prevalence of bicycle helmet use by users of public bikeshare programs.

Study objective Public bikeshare programs are becoming increasingly common in the United States and around the world. These programs make bicycles accessible for hourly rental to the general public. We seek to describe the prevalence of helmet use among adult users of bikeshare programs and users of personal bicycles in 2 cities with recently introduced bikeshare programs (Boston, MA, and Washington, DC). Methods We performed a prospective observational study of adult bicyclists in Boston, MA, and Washington, DC. Trained observers collected data during various times of the day and days of the week. Observers recorded the sex of the bicycle operator, type of bicycle, and helmet use. All bicycles that passed a single stationary location in any direction for a period of between 30 and 90 minutes were recorded. Results There were 43 observation periods in 2 cities at 36 locations; 3,073 bicyclists were observed. There were 562 (18.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 16.4% to 20.3%) bicyclists riding shared bicycles. Overall, 54.5% of riders were unhelmeted (95% CI 52.7% to 56.3%), although helmet use varied significantly with sex, day of use, and type of bicycle. Bikeshare users were unhelmeted at a higher rate compared with users of personal bicycles (80.8% versus 48.6%; 95% CI 77.3% to 83.8% versus 46.7% to 50.6%). Logistic regression, controlling for type of bicycle, sex, day of week, and city, demonstrated that bikeshare users had higher odds of riding unhelmeted (odds ratio [OR] 4.4; 95% CI 3.5 to 5.5). Men had higher odds of riding unhelmeted (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4 to 1.9), as did weekend riders (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.6). Conclusion Use of bicycle helmets by users of public bikeshare programs is low. As these programs become more popular and prevalent, efforts to increase helmet use among users should increase.
Dynamic Responses of Smart Composites Using a Coupled Thermo-Piezoelectric -Mechanical Model

A completely coupled thermo-piezcelectricmechanical theory is developed to model the dynamic response of composite plates with surface bonded piezoelectric actuators. A higher order laminate theory is used to describe the displacement fields of both composite laminate and piezoelectric actuator layers to accurately model the transverse shear deformation which is significant in moderately thick constructions. A higher order temperature field is used to accurately describe the temperature distribution through the thickness of composite plates subjected to a surface heat flux. A finite element model is developed to implement the theory. The results obtained using this model are correlated with those using an uncoupled model. Numerical analysis reveals that the thermo-piezoelectricmechanical coupling has a significant effect on the dynamic response of composite plates. It also affects the control authority of piezoclectric actuators.
What Constitutes a “High-Volume” Hospital for Pancreatic Resection?

Background Annual institution resection volume has been proposed for defining centers of excellence, with various cut-offs for defining "high-volume" centers used. This study aimed to define an objective, evidence-based operative volume threshold associated with improved postoperative outcomes after pancreatic resection. Study Design This retrospective analysis of patients who underwent pancreatic resection in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a 20% representative sample of patients in the US between 1998 and 2003, was performed using multivariable logistic regression. Different models of annual hospital resection volume were analyzed and the goodness of fit of each "high-volume" model to postoperative mortality was compared through use of the pseudo r2. Results Based on analysis of 7,558 patients who underwent pancreatic resection, median annual institution resection volume was 15 (range 1 to 254), and overall in-hospital mortality was 7.6%. The best model of "high-volume" centers was an annual institution resection volume of 19 or more, as determined by goodness of fit (r2 of 5.29%). But there was little difference in data variance explained between this best model and other "high-volume" models. The model without any volume variable had a goodness-of-fit r2 of 3.57%, suggesting that volume explains less than 2% of data variance in perioperative death after pancreatic resection. Conclusions Very little difference was observed in the explanatory powers of models of "high-volume" centers. Although volume has an important impact on mortality, volume cut-off is necessary but insufficient for defining centers of excellence. Volume appears to function as an imperfect surrogate for other variables, which may better define centers of excellence.
Will the Overseas Expansion of Facebook Succeed

Social networking sites (SNSs) are becoming mainstream and are spreading worldwide. Here, the authors review Facebook and Orkut, two major SNSs, and analyze a recent survey conducted among Indian and Pakistani Orkut users. They aim to investigate Orkut users' experiences with Facebook, which has a stronghold in the US and is expanding globally to compete with Orkut. The survey indicates that the conservative and anticommercial Indian and Pakistani cultures might be a major challenge for Facebook in competing with Orkut in these societies.
Question 1: Prednisolone or dexamethasone for acute exacerbations of asthma: do they have similar efficacy in the management of exacerbations of childhood asthma?

You are asked to see a 6-year-old child who has come into hospital with an acute exacerbation of asthma. She is able to talk in full sentences, however, her respirations are 40/min with audible wheeze, and you prescribe 10 puffs of salbutamol as initial management. The British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines recommend early use of steroids to decrease admission rate and length of stay,1 and you feel steroids would be of value for this child. However the mother of your patient explains her daughter hates taking any medications. You have read an article about dexamethasone being a shorter treatment course with better compliance and wonder if it has similar efficacy to prednisolone. In children who have an acute exacerbation of asthma requiring steroids (population), does dexamethasone (intervention) have similar efficacy to prednisolone (comparison) in achieving decreased airway inflammation, decreased admission rates and length of hospital stay (outcome)? Medline (1996 to September week 2 2012) and Embase (1996 to 20 September 2012) were searched via Ovid on 21 September 2012 using the search terms ((dexamethasone AND prednisolone) or (dexamethasone AND prednisone)) AND ((acute asthma) OR (asthma exacerbation)). A total of 82 abstracts were reviewed, and six relevant studies were found: five papers were identified after review of …
How to Discover a Culture in its Literature: Examples from Steinbeck, Saroyan, and Pagnol

The arts are the truly authentic expression of culture, and literature is the most explicit, the richest in verifiable evidence. Literature becomes even more rewarding when the author is one who rises above the received ideas to see the culture critically, as do Steinbeck, Saroyan, and Pagnol. Situations from short stories of the two American writers, and an autobiographical film of Pagnol, are searched for evidence of the culture their authors represent. The approach proposed for this kind of inquiry assumes that the key to understanding what one sees at the surface–behavior, social relations, institutions, etc.–is to be found in the culture's underlying value system, which includes characteristic habits of mind and prevalent assumptions about human nature and society. This system evolves only at a rhythm of generations or even centuries, so that the culture has a persistent identity. The parts of the system color one another's meaning as they reinforce or limit one another, so that each culture is unique. Provided we keep in balance the appreciation of literature's other aspects, this approach to its cultural underpinning can lead to perspective on a person's native culture, empathy toward other cultures, and awareness of one's own personal values. Lacking from this perspective, however, are a needed awareness of non-Western cultures, and the needed dimension of time. Brief selections from Latin and Greek literature can provide the latter, and the Athenian culture offers much more from which we can benefit. The annotated References comprise a first group concerning the integrating of an effective cultural component into language teaching (References A), and a second group on the value system of American culture (References B). For the French value system, an inventory is available in a book that also contains thorough bibliographies.
Notch signaling and neural connectivity

The cell surface receptor Notch contributes to the development of nearly every tissue in most metazoans by controlling the fates and differentiation of cells. Recent results have now established that Notch also regulates the connectivity of the nervous system, and does so at a variety of levels, including specification of neuronal identity, division, survival and migration, as well as axon guidance, morphogenesis of dendritic arbors and weighting of synapse strength. To these ends, Notch engages at least two signal transduction pathways, one that controls nuclear gene expression and another that directly targets the cytoskeleton. Coordinating the many functions of Notch to produce neural structure is thus a pivotal aspect of building and maintaining the nervous system.
A selected review of speech communication studies in the arts: A retrospective and prospective look

(1984). A selected review of speech communication studies in the arts: A retrospective and prospective look. Communication Quarterly: Vol. 32, No. 4, pp. 301-309.
Dietary Menhaden Oil Influences Sensory Characteristics and Headspace Volatiles of Shell Eggs

Eggs from hens fed n‐3 fatty acids (n‐3FA) may provide a means for increased marketing of these healthful fatty acids. Eggs from hens fed graded levels (0, 0.5, 1.5, 3.0%) of menhaden oil (MO) were evaluated for fatty acid composition, sensory characteristics, and headspace volatiles. Eggs from hens fed 1.5% and 3.0% MO contained the greatest n‐3 FA content and were not different. A linear increase in fishy notes occurred as level of dietary MO increased from 0 to 1.5%; however, these notes were not different between 1.5% and 3.0% eggs. Changes in headspace volatile profiles were quantitative. No unique volatiles characterized eggs from hens fed MO; however, concentration differences were noted between eggs from hens fed all levels of dietary MO. Changes in volatile profiles in response to dietary MO may be responsible for perception of fishy notes in such eggs.
Implementation of a coupling-tunable resonator for efficient high-bandwidth nonlinear silicon photonics applications

We propose and implement a traveling-wave resonator with an interferometric coupling scheme for efficient high-bandwidth nonlinear silicon photonics. By thermal tuning of the interferometer, selective critical coupling for the pump wavelength is achieved.
Impact of worker longevity and other endogenous factors on colony size in the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta

Central to the survival and reproduction of social insect queens is the size of colonies at maturity. The influence of exogenous factors such as predation, food abundance, and seasonal changes in temperature on colony size are well studied. Less well studied are endogenous life-history factors such as a queen’s fertility and lifespan, duration of worker development from egg to adult and worker lifespan. Endogenous factors regulating the rate of colony growth and colony size were simulated using the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Assuming ideal environmental conditions of no predation, abundant food and uniform temperature, the simulation showed unequivocally that colony size is determined by two endogenous factors: a queen’s egg-laying rate (R q) and worker longevity (L w) (Colony size = R q × L w). Thus, we are left with an unanswered question: if worker longevity contributes directly to colony size, why is the lifespan of workers so short—in most cases, a small fraction of a queen’s lifespan?