cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of micro and small enterprises in developing countries

Abstract The number of people engaged in micro and small enterprises increases as a result of new enterprises being started and through an expansion of existing activities. As a partial offset to these increases, employment declines when existing businesses cease operations. This article draws on recent survey work to examine the magnitude and determinants of enterprise births, closures and expansions. It explores the ways in which these different sources of change are influenced by the state of the macroeconomy, and examines policy and project implications.
Nonpolar ZnO film growth and mechanism for anisotropic in-plane strain relaxation

Abstract Using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction, we investigated the strain relaxation mechanisms for nonpolar (1 1 −2 0) a -plane ZnO epitaxy on (1 −1 0 2) r -plane sapphire, where the in-plane misfit ranges from −1.5% for the [0 0 0 1]ZnO‖[1 −1 0 −1]sapphire to −18.3% for the [−1 1 0 0]ZnO‖[−1 −1 2 0]sapphire direction. For the large misfit [−1 1 0 0]ZnO direction the misfit strains are fully relaxed at the growth temperature, and only thermal misfit and defect strains, which cannot be relaxed fully by slip dislocations, remain on cooling. For the small misfit direction, lattice misfit is not fully relaxed at the growth temperature. As a result, additive unrelaxed lattice and thermal misfit and defect strains contribute to the measured strain. Our X-ray diffraction measurements of lattice parameters show that the anisotropic in-plane biaxial strain leads to a distortion of the hexagonal symmetry of the ZnO basal plane. Based on the anisotropic strain relaxation observed along the orthogonal in-plane [−1 1 0 0] and [0 0 0 1]ZnO stress directions and our HRTEM investigations of the interface, we show that the plastic relaxation occurring in the small misfit direction [0 0 0 1]ZnO by dislocation nucleation is incomplete. These results are consistent with the domain-matching paradigm of a complete strain relaxation for large misfits and a difficulty in relaxing the film strain for small misfits.
Long-term outcomes of proximal interphalangeal joint surface replacement arthroplasty.

Background: Surface replacement arthroplasty is a reconstructive alternative for the treatment of pain and deformity due to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger. This retrospective study was performed to examine long-term outcomes of proximal interphalangeal joint prosthetic surface replacement with a proximal cobalt-chromium (CoCr) and distal ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene component over thirty years at a single institution. Methods: Sixty-seven prostheses were implanted in forty-seven patients between 1974 and 2007. The mean duration of follow-up was 8.8 years. There were fifty joints (75%) with osteoarthritis and seventeen (25%) with rheumatoid arthritis. Fifty-six prostheses (84%) were implanted via a dorsal approach, forty-eight (72%) were cemented, and nineteen (28%) were press-fit. Postoperative evaluation, consisting of a clinical history and examination, radiographs, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires, and a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, was performed for thirty-six patients. Demographic, surgical, and implant failure data were obtained from the medical charts of eleven patients (sixteen implants) who had died prior to the time of postoperative follow-up. Results: At the time of follow-up, the median total active proximal interphalangeal joint motion was 40°. Eight prostheses had failed, yielding a cumulative incidence of implant failure of 3% at one year, 8% at three years, 11% at five years, and 16% at fifteen through twenty-five years. Prostheses implanted via a volar approach failed more often than those implanted via a dorsal approach (relative risk: 6.59, p = 0.004). The failure rate did not differ significantly between patients with rheumatoid arthritis and those with osteoarthritis (p = 0.17). The median VAS pain score at the time of follow-up was 3 (of a maximum of 100). There were twenty-two complications in fourteen patients, resulting in four interphalangeal fusions and two amputations. There were no infections. Conclusions: Proximal interphalangeal surface replacement arthroplasty is a reliable treatment alternative for pain and deformity due to proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. At the time of long-term follow-up, pain was minimal and joint motion was similar to preoperative levels. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A general three-dimensional elliptic grid generation system on a composite block structure

Abstract A general three-dimensional elliptic grid generation system is discussed. This system includes automatic evaluation of control functions from an algebraic grid or interpolated from boundary point distributions. Also included is iterative adjustment of control functions for boundary orthogonality. The solution is by point SOR iteration using a field of optimum acceleration parameters. This system is incorporated in a code that can treat any physical configuration by using a multiblock structure with complete continuity across interfaces.
Solar energy: Packing heat

Nanoscopic templates functionalized with light-reactive chromophores could ultimately be used to store solar energy and later release it as heat. Now, it has been shown that packing the chromophores together increases both storage capacity and lifetime.
A Variational Approach to Nuclear Reactions

The formalism of Wigner and Eisenbud for nuclear reactions is carried out by means of a variation principle. A variation principle of the Hulth\'en type is derived for the $R$ matrix and applied to trial wave functions written in terms of the resonance functions, ${X}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$, of the Wigner-Eisenbud formalism. As a result, a finite level formula for the $R$ matrix is directly obtained.
Dietary trends of 10- and 13-year-old children in a biracial community--the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Abstract Dietary intakes of two cross-sectional cohorts of 10-year-old children were collected in 1973 and 1976 to examine dietary trends over time. A longitudinal sample of the initial 1973 cohort examined at both 10 and 13 years of age identified changes in patterns and aging effect on intake. Significantly higher energy, total protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were noted for both 10- and 13-year-olds in 1976 compared with the 1973 sample. Saturated fat intake per 1,000/kcal was significantly lower but polyunsaturated fat was significantly higher per 1,000/kcal for the second 10-year-old group. Boys consumed more energy, protein, saturated fat, cholesterol, and iron than did girls. A sex × age interaction was noted for energy, sucrose, starch, and potassium, with boys ingesting more at 13 than at 10 years. A race × age interaction occurred for sodium, with black children having higher levels than white children at 10 but not at 13 years. Statistically significant correlations were noted between intake at 10 and 13 years of age for protein, cholesterol, and potassium for boys. Eighty-five percent of all children exceeded the protein Recommended Dietary Allowance. Over half the children exceeded the maximum recommended sodium range; potassium intakes were low. Excessive intakes of saturated fat, sucrose, animal protein, and sodium with low potassium and vegetable protein intakes create a potential health risk, influencing cardiovascular risk.
Obtaining maps and data from the U.S. Geological Survey

Abstract The U.S. Geological Survey produces a variety of resource information for the United States. This includes many data bases of particular interest to planners such as land use and terrain information prepared by the National Mapping Division, water quantity and quality data collected by Water Resources Division, and coal resource information gathered by the Geologic Division. These data are stored in various forms, and information on their availability can be obtained from appropriate offices in the U.S. Geological Survey as well as from USGS Circular 777. These data have been used for the management, development, and monitoring of our Nation's resources by Federal, State, and local agencies.
Early fire detection using non-linear multitemporal prediction of thermal imagery

This paper presents a sub-pixel thermal anomaly detection method based on predicting background pixel intensities using a non-linear function of a plurality of past images of the inspected scene. At present, the multitemporal approach to thermal anomaly detection is in its early development stage. In case of space-borne surveillance the multitemporal detection is complicated by both spatial and temporal variability of background surface properties, weather influences, viewing geometries, sensor noise, residual misregistration, and other factors. We use the problem of fire detection and the MODIS data to demonstrate that advanced multitemporal detection methods can potentially outperform the operationally used optimized contextual algorithms both under morning and evening conditions.
Working for the text: Fan labor and the New Organization

• This study used a discourse analysis of the official Fallout 3 forum to investigate how fans of the digital-game series perceived their labor contribution to the game development process. Framing...
Neural network models as an alternative to regression

Neural networks can provide several advantages over conventional regression models. They are claimed to possess the property to learn from a set of data without the need for a full specification of the decision model; they are believed to automatically provide any needed data transformations. They are also claimed to be able to see through noise and distortion. An empirical study evaluating the performance of neural network models on data generated from three known regression models is presented. The results of this study indicate that neural network models perform best under conditions of high noise and low sample size. With less noise or larger sample sizes, they become less competitive. However, in two of the three cases, the neural network models were able to maintain mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE) within 2% of those of the true model. >
Image thresholding via possibilistic clustering

In this paper, we introduce a new technique for gray-level thresholding based on the Possibilistic C-Means (PCM) algorithm. The PCM-based thresholding is compared with two other traditional thresholding techniques due to Otsu (1979) and Kullback (1959), and also with a technique based on the Fuzzy C-Means algorithm. >
The Aging Semantic Differential: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

The Aging Semantic Differential (ASD), which is used to measure attitudes and quantify bias and negative stereotypes toward older people, is a 32-item scale published more than 20 years ago (Rosencranz & McNevin, 1969). Several factor analytic studies failed to replicate the original three-factor structure. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) using 100 third-year medical students compared six-factor models derived from the gerontological literature. A modified version of Holtzman, Beck, and Kerber's (1979) four-factor model proved to be the "best" comparative fit based upon a consensus of fit indices.
Operative management of acquired Jeune's syndrome.

Abstract Background Acquired Jeune's syndrome is a severe iatrogenic deformity of the thoracic wall following a premature and aggressive open pectus excavatum repair. We report herein our technique and experience with this rare condition. Methods From 1996 to 2011, nineteen patients with acquired Jeune's syndrome were retrospectively identified in a tertiary referral center. The technique used to expand and reconstruct the thoracic wall consisted of 1) release of the sternum from fibrous scar tissue, 2) multiple osteotomies along the lateral aspect of the ribs with anterior advancement of costal-cartilages to protect the heart, 3) stabilization of the thorax by placing a curved bar for retrosternal support and, 4) restoration of the sterno-costal junction by wiring the lower cartilages to the edge of the sternum. Results Major complications observed in this series were: bar displacement (seven cases), postoperative death from cardiac arrest following bronchoscopy (one case), late cardiac tamponade from migration of wire suture fragment (one case), and need for multiple reoperations (one case). Long-term cosmetic results and improvement in daily quality of life were reported as positive in the majority of cases. Conclusions Anterior chest wall reconstruction successfully treated our series of patients with acquired Jeune's syndrome. This multifaceted technique is an effective procedure that allows expansion of the thoracic cavity and improvement of aerobic activity.
Different mechanisms of episodic memory failure in mild cognitive impairment.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), defined as episodic memory impairment beyond what is expected in normal aging, is often associated with hippocampal atrophy (HA) and may represent incipient Alzheimer’s disease. However, recent studies suggest that MCI is very heterogeneous and multiple etiologies likely exist. One possibility is small vessel cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Specifically, we hypothesized that white matter hyperintensities (WMH), an MRI marker for CVD, would lead to impairments in executive control processes critical for working memory that may, in turn, result in episodic memory impairment. To test this hypothesis, we examined a group of subjects clinically diagnosed with MCI and used MRI to further subcategorize individuals as either MCI with severe white matter hyperintensities (MCI-WMH) or MCI with severe hippocampal atrophy (MCI-HA). MCI-WMH, MCI-HA, and matched control subjects each performed a battery of working memory and episodic memory tasks. Results showed that MCI-HA and MCI-WMH were equally impaired on the episodic memory task relative to controls, but MCI-WMH were additionally impaired on tests tapping verbal and spatial working memory abilities and attentional control processes. These results suggest that CVD and hippocampal dysfunction are associated with distinct neuropsychological profiles. Although both syndromes are associated with episodic memory deficits, CVD is additionally associated with working memory and executive control deficits.
Value and probability coding in a feedback-based learning task utilizing food rewards

For the consequences of our actions to guide behavior, the brain must represent different types of outcome-related information. For example, an outcome can be construed as negative because an expected reward was not delivered or because an outcome of low value was delivered. Thus behavioral consequences can differ in terms of the information they provide about outcome probability and value. We investigated the role of the striatum in processing probability-based and value-based negative feedback by training participants to associate cues with food rewards and then employing a selective satiety procedure to devalue one food outcome. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined brain activity related to receipt of expected rewards, receipt of devalued outcomes, omission of expected rewards, omission of devalued outcomes, and expected omissions of an outcome. Nucleus accumbens activation was greater for rewarding outcomes than devalued outcomes, but activity in this region did not correlate with the probability of reward receipt. Activation of the right caudate and putamen, however, was largest in response to rewarding outcomes relative to expected omissions of reward. The dorsal striatum (caudate and putamen) at the time of feedback also showed a parametric increase correlating with the trialwise probability of reward receipt. Our results suggest that the ventral striatum is sensitive to the motivational relevance, or subjective value, of the outcome, while the dorsal striatum codes for a more complex signal that incorporates reward probability. Value and probability information may be integrated in the dorsal striatum, to facilitate action planning and allocation of effort.
Microfluidic devices in diagnostics: what does the future hold?

Diagnostics Devastating illnesses such as cancer, immune/infectious diseases, cardiovascular and neurological disorders claim and affect the lives of millions of people each year. Early detection is key to increasing survivability rates, preventing the onset of debilitating symptoms and various risk factors, improving disease management and treatment outcomes, and, ultimately, to reducing emotional and financial burden. Key to enabling early disease detection is the availability of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as of adequate technologies that enable cost-effective diagnostics, discovery and large-scale population screening applications. For example, in the case of cancer, detection technologies have evolved from classical immunohistochemical staining (IHS), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), tissue monitoring, genetic testing (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations) or protein assaying (PSA-prostate cancer, CA125ovarian/colon cancer), to more advanced approaches that involve searching for circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and, rather recently, toward technologies involving the use of qRT-PCR, microarrays (DNA, protein, antigen, lectin, tissue), nanoprobes, and of next generation sequencing (NGS) and microfluidic and mass spectrometry (MS) platforms. Likewise, the molecular markers have evolved from single gene/ single protein species to comprehensive panels that include whole-genome expression, transcriptional (RNA, miRNA), epigenetic (DNA methylation) or other omic profiles (proteome, secretome, exosome, glycome, metabolome). Altogether, it has become evident that information-rich data will also support the development of system-level computational models that can help elucidate not only the molecular pathways that control cell functionality, but also the identification of novel biomarkers and drug targets. As a result, the development of modern technologies that will enable the generation of such data in a discovery, screening or diagnostic context is essential to advancing our ability to detect, prevent and manage a disease.
Queueing properties of feedback flow control systems

In this paper, we consider a network with both controllable and uncontrollable flows. Uncontrollable flows are typically generated from applications with stringent QoS requirements and are given high priority. On the other hand, controllable flows are typically generated by elastic applications and can adapt to the available link capacities in the network. We provide a general model of such a system and analyze its queueing behavior. Specially, we obtain a lower bound and an asymptotic upper bound for the tail of the workload distribution at each link in the network. These queueing results provide us with guidelines on how to design a feedback flow control system. Simulation results show that the lower bound and asymptotic upper bound are quite accurate and that our feedback control method can effectively control the queue length in the presence of both controllable and uncontrollable traffic. Finally, we describe a distributed strategy that uses the notion of Active Queue Management (AQM) for implementing our flow control solution.
The use of Lithium Heteropolytungstate in the Heavy Liquid Separation of Samples which are Sparse in Pollen

We experimented with the use of lithium heteropolytungstate (LST) as a heavy liquid to concentrate pollen in sediments from a desert paleolake with low pollen abundances. LST is one of several non-toxic heavy liquids based on inorganic tungsten that are replacing an older generation of heavy liquids that are harmful to human health, such as zinc bromide, zinc chloride, and bromoform. Several researchers have reported on the use of sodium heteropolytungstate (SPT) in processing pollen samples, but we found no previous reports of using LST in pollen preparation. For our low-pollen desert samples, we developed a palynological preparation procedure with LST heavy liquid separation that entails fewer chemical treatments and washes than standard protocols to minimize the laboratory destruction or loss of pollen. In the heavy liquid step, we varied centrifuge times and the specific gravity of the LST solution in an effort to extract the most pollen possible. Ultimately our samples proved too pollen-poor to yield countable residues, even under the best circumstances. But our protocols and results can serve as models for experimenting with LST with other sediments.
Experimental consequences of no-scale supergravity in light of the CDF eeγγ event

We explore two possible interpretations for the CDF $\mathrm{ee}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}+{\stackrel{/}{E}}_{T}$ event in the context of a recently proposed no-scale supergravity model with a light gravitino. We delineate the region in parameter space consistent with the kinematics of the event interpreted either as selectron pair production $(p\overline{p}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{e}}^{+}{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{e}}^{\ensuremath{-}}X$, $\mathrm{e\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}={\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{e}}_{R},{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{e}}_{L})$ or as chargino pair production $(p\overline{p}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{1}^{+}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{1}^{\ensuremath{-}}X)$. In the context of this model, the selectron interpretation requires $\mathrm{e\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}={\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{e}}_{R}$ and predicts comparable rates for ${l}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}+{\stackrel{/}{E}}_{T}$, whereas the chargino interpretation predicts comparable rates for ${(l}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}{l}^{{}^{\ensuremath{'}}+}{l}^{{}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{-}}{,l}^{+}{l}^{\ensuremath{-}}{,l}^{+}{l}^{\ensuremath{-}}jj)\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}+{\stackrel{/}{E}}_{T}$. We also consider the constraints from CERN LEP 1.5 and the expectations for LEP 2. We point out that one of the acoplanar photon pairs observed by the OPAL Collaboration at LEP 1.5 may be attributable to supersymmetry in the present model via ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{1}^{0}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{1}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}+{\stackrel{/}{E}}_{T}$. We also show how similar future events at LEP 2 may be used to deduce the neutralino mass.
GEOMETRICAL SCALING EFFECTS IN HIGH PERMITTIVITY CAPACITORS

ABSTRACT In integrated circuit designs, smaller is better; high permittivity films allow circuit designers to save substrate space, but the small geometries of such devices introduce parasitic effects. In this work we investigate the relationship between device geometry and capacitance density, quality factor, and leakage current density. The devices in this study have electrode areas ranging from 12 × 12 μm2 to 45 × 45 μm2. For each electrode area we have structures with 5 μm, 7.5 μm, 10 μm, 12.5 μm and 15 μm mesa ledges.
Eye Movements and Problem Solving Guiding Attention Guides Thought

Overt visual attention during diagram-based problem solving, as measured by eye movements, has been used in numerous studies to reveal critical aspects of the problem-solving process that traditional measures like solution time and accuracy cannot address. In Experiment 1, we used this methodology to show that particular fixation patterns correlate with success in solving the tumor-and-lasers radiation problem. Given this correlation between attention to a particular diagram feature and problem-solving insight, we investigated participants' cognitive sensitivity to perceptual changes in that diagram feature. In Experiment 2, we found that perceptually highlighting the critical diagram component, identified in Experiment 1, significantly increased the frequency of correct solutions. Taking a situated perspective on cognition, we suggest that environmentally controlled perceptual properties can guide attention and eye movements in ways that assist in developing problem-solving insights that dramatically improve reasoning.
Effects of Mg2 + on calcium accumulation by two fractions of sarcoplasmic reticulum from rabbit skeletal muscle

Calcium accumulation by two fractions of sarcoplasmic reticulum presumably derived from longitudinal tubules (light vesicles) and terminal cisternae (heavy vesicles) was examined radiochemically in the presence of various free Mg2+ concentrations. Both fractions of sarcoplasmic reticulum exhibited a Mg2+-dependent increase in phosphate-supported calcium uptake velocity, though half-maximal velocity in heavy vesicles occurred at a much higher free Mg2+ concentration than that in light vesicles (i.e., approx. 0.90 mM vs. approx. 0.02 mM Mg2+). Calcium uptake velocity in light vesicles correlated with Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity, suggesting that Mg2+ stimulated the calcium pump. Calcium uptake velocity in heavy vesicles did not correlate with Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity, although a Mg2+-dependent increase in calcium influx was observed. Thus, Mg2+ may increase the coupling of ATP hydrolysis to calcium transport in heavy vesicles. Analyses of calcium sequestration (in the absence of phosphate) showed a similar trend in that elevation of Mg2+ from 0.07 to 5 mM stimulated calcium sequestration in heavy vesicles much more than in light vesicles. This difference between the two fractions of sarcoplasmic reticulum was not explained by phosphoenzyme (EP) level or distribution. Analyses of calcium uptake, Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity, and unidirectional calcium flux in the presence of approx. 0.4 mM Mg2+ suggested that ruthenium red (0.5 microM) can also increase the coupling of ATP hydrolysis to calcium transport in heavy vesicles, with no effect in light vesicles. These functional differences between light and heavy vesicles suggest that calcium transport in terminal cisternae is regulated differently from that in longitudinal tubules.
Seed Dispersal of the Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb.) by Birds in Coastal South Carolina

Abstract We used seed traps (n = 119) to quantify seed dispersal of the Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb.) by birds in South Carolina during the October 1995 to April 1996 fruiting season. We tested if crop size, habitat type (spoil area vs. forest) and tree distribution (isolated vs. clustered) affected the dispersal efficiency and number of seeds dispersed from tallow trees. Traps captured 55,275 seeds and 107,993 functional locules; birds removed 48.8% of the available seeds. After scaling for canopy area of sample units (1570 m2; n = 32), birds removed an estimated 675,000 ± 56,000 of 1,681,000 ± 113,000 seeds, about 40% of the total seed crop. There was a trend for forest units to have greater dispersal efficiency than spoil area units but isolated and clustered trees were similar. Crop size was not a significant predictor of dispersal efficiency in either habitat but was an excellent predictor of the number of seeds dispersed in both habitats. The most productive unit was the only one...
Spokeo v. Robins -- Brief of Public Law Professors as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent

Spokeo v. Robins --- Brief of Public Law Professors as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent.
A novel framework for protein structure prediction

Proteins are one of the most important molecules in the life processes. The structure of a protein is essential in understanding the function of a protein at the molecular level. Due to rapid progress in sequencing technologies, the gap between the proteins whose structure is known and the proteins whose structure needs to be characterized is rapidly increasing. To address this problem, we are developing a novel framework to computationally predict many aspects of proteins like secondary structure, solvent accessibility, contact map and finally, the tertiary structure itself. We have applied various computational techniques including the fuzzy k-nearest neighbor algorithm, the multi-dimensional scaling method, and the least-squares minimization, in the structure predictions. Our framework uses the evolutionary information more effectively than traditional template based methods, while it has a better potential to utilize the information in PDB than the other evolutionary information based methods. Our methods show better performance in prediction accuracy and computational time than many other tools.
Pathology of Affect: Psychological Aspects

Affects are profoundly involved in virtually all psychopathological conditions. For example, the acquisition of unrealistic fear as a learned response to objectively nonnoxious internal or external stimuli, and the subsequent development of operant behavior that serves to relieve or minimize these gratuitous fear responses, are central considerations in what historically has been called the neurotic process. Unit IV will address this matter in detail.
Linear codes cannot approximate the network capacity within any constant factor

Network coding studies the capacity of networks to carry information, when internal nodes are allowed to actively encode information. It is known that for multi-cast networks, the network coding capacity can be achieved by linear codes. It is also known not to be true for general networks. The best separation to date is by Dougherty et al. [IEEE Trans. Information Theory, 2005] who constructed a network with capacity 1, where linear codes can achieve a rate of at most 10/11. We show that linear codes cannot approximate the capacity of a network within any constant factor. That is, for any 0 < α < 1 we construct a network with network capacity 1, where linear codes can achieve a rate of at most α. This is achieved by a new network composition operation, which allows to amplify bounds on the linear capacity of networks.
Interspecific Variation in Penial Characters in the Genus Ctenomys (Rodentia: Octodontidae)

La morphologie du penis chez le genre Ctenomys est examinee en relation avec les hypotheses de Patterson (1983) sur l'evolution du penis, et la signification et l'utilisation des caracteres phalliques en systematique
Neonatal Informatics: Information Technology to Support Handoffs in Neonatal Care.

Communication failures during physician handoffs represent a significant source of preventable adverse events. Computerized sign-out tools linked to hospital electronic medical record (EMR) systems and customized for neonatal care can facilitate standardization of the handoff process and access to clinical information, thereby improving communication and reducing adverse events. It is important to note, however, that adoption of technological tools alone is not sufficient to remedy flawed communication processes.
Modal analysis of substrate permittivities in microstrip patch antennas

The Theory of Characteristic Modes is proposed as a systematic approach to antenna design to achieve the goal of finding the antenna structure with optimum broadband behavior. This theory provides a physical insight to the radiating nature of microstrip patch antennas and reduces the design optimization time. In this paper, the resonant behavior of different substrate permittivities are analyzed using this theory. The modal analysis concludes that er = 4.4 substrate is the most resonant dielectric and hence is a good candidate to achieve the highest impedance bandwidth.
No Compensation of Distribution Network Power Optimization

With the development of power industry, power network has become more and more complex, and a large quantity of reactive power resulted from the ever-increasing loads flows into the power network and causes losses, which reduce voltage quality and the economic benefits of power network. In this paper, considering the characteristics of the distribution networks, with the floating-coded genetic algorithm, the authors proposed an optimal capacitor reactive power compensation algorithm with the minimum electrical network loss as the goal. By using this method, the optimal installation position and optimal compensation capacitance of the capacitors are determined.
Corner coverage in coating compositions

1. Edge coating can be controlled through the use of a small percentage of magnetic filler, thoroughly dispersed in the resin portion of a coating composition, and a magnetization step during gellation.
Deep gas transporting and reservoir forming characteristics in the area to the east of Daqing Placanticline

Deep gas transporting pathways in the area to the east of Daqing Placanticline are constituted of fault, unconformity surface and sandbody. The lateral distribution of sandbody in this region is not stable, physical property is poor, sands are not main lateral long distance migration pathways of gas, but they can join unconformity surface. Transporting pathways played an important role in gas accumulation and distribution in this region. Fault transported gas into overlying reservoirs and formed gas reservoirs. Unconformity surface and sandbody transported gas to surrounding ancient uplifts and formed gas reservoirs. Gas transported by faults can form structure gas reservoirs. Gas transported by unconformity surface and sandbody can form formation or lithology gas reservoirs. Gas transported by faults distributed in a string on section. Gas transported by unconformity surface and sandbody distributed in a ring on plane.
Glucose-lowering effects of milk powder containing chromium and propolis on experimental diabetic mice

Objective:To study the effects of milk powder containing chromium and propolis on blood glucose in experimental diabetic mice.Methods:The models of experimental diabetic mice were established by injecting allocon through caudal vein,and animals were randomly divided into four groups: low dose group(0.5 g/kg),middle dose group(1.0 g/kg),high dose group(3.0 g/kg) and diabetic group,according to the level of blood glucose.Meanwhile,normal animals selected were divided into normal control group and high dose group(3.0 g/kg).The level of blood glucose was determined after being given milk powder containing chromium and propolis and distilled water by intragastrical gavage for 30 days continuously.Results:Significant differences were observed between high dose group and diabetic group in fasting blood glucose,postchallenge blood glucose at 2 hour and area under the curve of blood glucose.Milk powder containing chromium and propolis had no effects on fasting blood glucose of normal mice.Conclusion:Milk powder containing chromium and propolis can reduce the level of blood glucose in experimental diabetic mice under this experimental condition.
"Payment for performance" will be good for the medical profession and patients.

Editor's Note: When I started this project to spotlight the payment-for-performance initiative, which will go into effect in stages beginning in 2007 I was confident that I would be able to get someone from Medicare or even an aide from a congressman or senator who authored this bill to write an editorial supporting the program. But, alas, there were no takers. Therefore, it became my responsibility to write this piece as the editor in chief. I actually have mixed emotions about this bill, because I have long been concerned about the lack of attention by our medical schools to patient safety issues, and I have written about this in other venues. However, I am concerned about the impact of this bill on all physicians who work in solo or small group practices and especially those in hard-core urban centers and rural practices where the cost of technology is formidably prohibitive. Although part of HR 747 includes a mechanism for them to secure funding to improve their informatics technology capabilities, there will surely be problems with them doing so in a timely and efficient manner. Lest anyone have any doubts about this, they need only look back at the absolute disaster in the dissipation of federal aid to Hurricane Katrina victims along the Gulf Coast.
Wertigkeit der Computertomographie bei Wirbelkörperfrakturen

Bei 20 Mannern und 13 Frauen mit Wirbelkorperfrakturen wurden am Unfalltag konventionelle Ubersichtsaufnahmen und die Computertomographie durchgefuhrt. Insgesamt waren 49 Wirbelkorper frakturiert. Bei 21 Patienten lagen Einfachfrakturen, bei 12 Mehrfachfrakturen vor Anhand der Ubersichtsaufnahme wurden 4 BWK-Frakturen nicht erkannt. In 3 Fallen wurde eine Fraktur der Hinterkante, in 4 Fallen eine Spinalkanaleinengung ubersehen. 5 Bogenfrakturen im Rahmen von Wirbelkorpertrummerfrakturen wurden nicht erkannt Die Achsenfehlstellung der Wirbelsaule war auf der Ubersichtaufnahme besser zu beurteilen. Beim Vergleich beider Methoden zeigten sich identische Ergebnisse fur 12 Patienten, in 21 Fallen war die CT uberlegene Untersuchung. Bei ausgedehnten Frakturen oder in Zweifelsfallen sollte die Computertomographie zur Beurteilung der Wirbelkorperhinterkante bzw. des Spinalkanales durchgefuhrt werden.
Novel interpretations of in vitro polyhydroxyalkanoate polymerization phenomena

Abstract Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are gaining popularity as a viable biological alternative to petroleum-derived polyolefin plastic materials, especially because their material properties can be tuned through monomer composition and configuration, an uncommon phenomena in enzymatic polymer products. Because the native function of these polymers is chemical energy storage, the metabolic synthesis routes can vary dramatically from one microorganism to the next, save one crucial enzyme – the PHA synthase, responsible for the direct polymerization and composition of PHAs. For this reason, the field of PHA synthase mechanics is blooming as more variants of this enzyme are discovered. However, due to the complexity associated with this surface-driven micelle growth reaction, the initial reaction conditions dictate a variety of observed behaviors during in vitro kinetic analysis. In this work, we discuss the importance of these initial conditions and their associated behaviors and propose minimal kinetic models to help elucidate the significant mechanics of this complex in vitro reaction. The theory and inferences of this work provide a more complete understanding of in vitro PHA synthesis and aid in the design of future in vitro PHA synthase enzymatic assays.
QuerioDALI: Question Answering Over Dynamic and Linked Knowledge Graphs

We present a domain-agnostic system for Question Answering over multiple semi-structured and possibly linked datasets without the need of a training corpus. The system is motivated by an industry use-case where Enterprise Data needs to be combined with a large body of Open Data to fulfill information needs not satisfied by prescribed application data models. Our proposed Question Answering pipeline combines existing components with novel methods to perform, in turn, linguistic analysis of a query, named entity extraction, entity/graph search, fusion and ranking of possible answers. We evaluate QuerioDALI with two open-domain benchmarks and a biomedical one over Linked Open Data sources, and show that our system produces comparable results to systems that require training data and are domain-dependent. In addition, we analyze the current challenges and shortcomings.
Oates’s Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

(1991). Oates’s Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? The Explicator: Vol. 49, No. 3, pp. 195-196.
Budget and Finance Chair's Report: Building Our Resource Base to Achieve LAMA's Mission and Vision

LAMA, like many organizations in the first part of this decade, has been struggling with a financial fact of life: combined revenue from all existing streams (dues, publications, continuing education, donations) is not sufficient to balance the division’s operating expenses. The situation developed as a result of a combination of internal circumstances and external economic factors.
Ebola Virus Disease and Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Patients Managed at 5 Ebola Treatment Units in West Africa

Background Reliable data are lacking on pregnancy outcomes during Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemics. We aimed to characterize symptoms and outcomes among pregnant women admitted to Ebola treatment units (ETUs) with suspected and confirmed EVD to better inform obstetric management. Methods We analyzed a retrospective cohort of reproductive-aged women presenting to 5 West African ETUs from September 2014 to September 2015. We compared clinical symptoms, risk of EVD diagnosis, and mortality between pregnant and nonpregnant women. Results Of 729 reproductive-aged women admitted to study ETUs, 44 (6%) reported pregnancy. Thirteen of 44 pregnant women (30%) tested EVD positive; 6 of 13 (46%) died. Pregnant women were less likely than nonpregnant women to report anorexia, asthenia, diarrhea, fever, myalgias/arthralgias, nausea, or vomiting (P < .05) at admission. Pregnant women with suspected EVD had the same risk, however, of laboratory-confirmed EVD (30% vs 24%, P = .38). While pregnant women with confirmed EVD had similar Ebola viral loads on presentation to nonpregnant women, as measured by initial cycle threshold (26.4 vs 23.2, P = .16), they were less likely to have myalgias/arthralgias (P< .001) and vomiting (P = .02). Both all-cause mortality (14% vs 19%, P = .39) and EVD-specific mortality (46% vs 54%, P = .60) were not significantly different between pregnant and nonpregnant women. Two neonates born live in the ETU died within 8 days. Conclusions We find no evidence to support a difference in the risk of death between pregnant women with suspected or confirmed EVD compared to nonpregnant women. Limited data suggest poor fetal and neonatal outcomes in EVD-affected pregnancies.
Synthesis of Error-Recovery Protocols for Micro-Electrode-Dot-Array Digital Microfluidic Biochips

A digital microfluidic biochip (DMFB) is an attractive technology platform for various biomedical applications. However, a conventional DMFB is limited by: (i) the number of electrical connections that can be practically realized, (ii) constraints on droplet size and volume, and (iii) the need for special fabrication processes and the associated reliability/yield concerns. To overcome the above challenges, DMFBs based on a micro-electrode-dot-array (MEDA) architecture have been proposed and fabricated recently. Error recovery is of key interest for MEDA biochips due to the need for system reliability. Errors are likely to occur during droplet manipulation due to defects, chip degradation, and the uncertainty inherent in biochemical experiments. In this paper, we first formalize error-recovery objectives, and then synthesize optimal error-recovery protocols using a model based on Stochastic Multiplayer Games (SMGs). We also present a global error-recovery technique that can update the schedule of fluidic operations in an adaptive manner. Using three representative real-life bioassays, we show that the proposed approach can effectively reduce the bioassay completion time and increase the probability of success for error recovery.
Recalling Xuanzong and Lady Yang: A Selection of Mid- and Late Tang Poems

The romance of the Tang emperor Xuanzong (r. 712–756) and his Precious Consort Yang is the most famous, and tragic, of imperial liaisons in Chinese history. Following Lady Yang’s death and the empe...
Setting Up an Oncofertility Program

Oncofertility programs provide both providers and patients timely and comprehensive fertility preservation information about fertility preservation options and coordinate the care of cancer patients across medical specialties of oncology and reproductive endocrinology. A successful fertility preservation program requires the close communication and collaboration of an interdisciplinary team, including medical specialists (e.g., oncologists, hematologists, rheumatologists, reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and pathologists) and their staff, genetic counselors, mental health counselors, the embryology lab team, and the scientific team. To facilitate optimal timing of fertility preservation procedures and cancer treatment and to assist patients and providers, a dedicated oncofertility patient navigator is an invaluable part of the oncofertility team. Equally important to the success of an oncofertility program is the establishment of effective communication—through multiple channels—with both providers and patients.
Residential Factors in Behavioral Programming for Elderly

For most of us home means shelter and food, comfort and security, opportunities for socialization and intimacy, a place for beloved possessions, and one’s own personal private space in the world. For the elderly home may also mean independence and family stability.
Using Simulation to Enhance Global Nursing

In light of the technological, social, and political changes taking place in the world today, it is important that nurses are not just culturally competent but globally informed and engaged. The goal of this paper is to help nurses help their patients and themselves to benefit from globalization. The use of guided simulation, virtual reality, and augmented reality learning experiences is considered for each of five areas of global nursing; global aesthetics, global intelligence, global ethics, global politics, and global health. This approach invites nurses and student nurses to discern new patterns, take charge of their learning, and build multiple iterations to facilitate the processing of new and different information and "realities."
Natural history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in the cancer population.

e18134Background: Cancer patients may be at higher risk of HIT-related complications than the general population, yet there is limited data on the epidemiology and natural history of HIT in cancer....
Explaining the Failure of School Turnaround: Critical Issues

On one level, it is difficult to critique school reform activity such as turnaround that rests on the value of equity, a concentrated effort to increase the quality of education and life chances of students who have traditionally been ill served and marginalized by society. At the same time, it is as if commitment to this powerful value exempted policy makers and school personnel from considering the ethical implications of further actions as they pursue this goal. On a regular basis where, one would expect to observe the hand of ethics in play, it is missing. One of the places we find this to be true is in the cart blanch dismissal of principals and some teachers in models of SIG. Even though the warning signs have been blinking, the failure of some should not be an indictment of an entire school’s faculty. Second, even though these actions are mandated, we never see the “evidence” used to make judgments at the district or state levels—nor a hint of evidence that policy makers and school leaders struggled over these decisions.
Policing the Boundary and Bounding the Police: Fictitious Borders and the Making of Gendarmeries in North America

This article argues that the mismatch between the legal fictions of the boundaries separating the states of late nineteenth century North America and the reality of local trans-border life helped d...