cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The element-free Galerkin method in large deformations

The engineering design process which involves alternate stages of model construction and analysis, can be carried out more efficiently if the analyses are performed on a numerical model, rather than an actual prototype. To this point, the finite element method has been the most widely used numerical technique for the analysis of solids, due primarily to its ability to accurately model complex geometries. However, the finite element mesh loses accuracy rapidly when the elements become distorted, as occurs in problems involving large deformations and fracture propagation. On April 28, 1995 Stephen Beissel from Alliant Techsystems has described a relatively new class of numerical techniques, the element-free Galerkin method, achieved by expansion of the solution in a basis of moving least-squares functions, as opposed to the piecewise polynomial basis of the finite element method. This results in an element-free mesh of nodes with variable connectivities, allowing for greater flexibility in the configuration of nodes. He presented several formulations along with example calculations comparing them with the finite element method.
Taking Stock in Wildlife Crime Research: Trends and Implications for Future Research

ABSTRACTWildlife crime is an emerging topic of study within criminology and criminal justice (CCJ). This study provides the first-ever systematic review of the state of wildlife crime research by C...
Generation of synthetic dielectric dispersion logs in organic-rich shale formations using neural-network models

ABSTRACTDielectric dispersion (DD) logs acquired in subsurface geologic formations generally are composed of conductivity (σ) and relative permittivity (er) measurements at four discrete frequencie...
The Rising Epidemic of Resource Utilization for Adult Congenital Heart Disease-Related Heart Failure in the United States

Purpose Data regarding resource utilization among adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) and heart failure (HF) is limited. This study tested the hypothesis that HF hospitalizations and resource utilization among ACHD patients in the United States are significantly increasing. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database was used to assess national prevalence and resource utilization among ACHD hospitalizations for HF from select years 2003 to 2016 in patients > 18 years old. Results Of the 170,320 ACHD hospitalizations in the United States in 2016, 22% had HF. ACHD-related HF hospitalizations were older (median age 66 [IQR 54-77] years, 52% male, 73% white) compared to those without HF (median age 60 [IQR 46-72] years, 52% male, 75% white; p-value Conclusion As more ACHD patients survive into adulthood, HF is increasingly prevalent with a 37% rise over past 13 years, and is associated with significant hospital charges and resource utilization. These data demonstrate the growing need for early recognition of HF in a complicated patient population and support the continued need for providers trained to care for complex ACHD patients. Furthermore, granular collaborative database analysis will be imperative to improve outcomes and characterize this complex, growing population.
Logic-Based Outer-Approximation and Benders Decomposition Algorithms for the Synthesis of Process Networks

In this paper the MINLP problem for the optimal synthesis of process networks is modeled as a discrete optimization problem involving logic disjunctions with nonlinear equations and pure logic relations. The logic disjunctions allow the conditional modeling of equations. The outer approximation algorithm is used as a basis to derive a logic-based OA solution method which naturally gives rise to NLP subproblems that avoid zero flows and a disjunctive LP master problem. The NLP subproblems are selected through a set covering problem for which we consider both the cases of disjunctive and conjunctive normal form logic. The master problem, on the other hand, is converted to mixed-integer form using a convex-hull representation. Furthermore, based on some interesting relations of outer-approximation with Generalized Benders Decomposition it is also shown that it is possible to derive a logic-based method for the latter algorithm. The performance of the proposed algorithms illustrated with two process network problems.
The changing landscape of anatomical education: one opinion on how we might increase the value of our stock

Advances in medicine over the last 25 years have significantly improved the treatment of patients and, perhaps unwittingly, presented unique opportunities to the medical educator. While these advan...
Performance Evaluation of Mid-Cap Retail Equity Mutual Funds

Mid-cap funds invest in stocks with a market cap between $2 billion and $10 billion. Some of the mid-cap firms recently overcame their small-cap status, but are still in the high growth mode with a better market positioning and stronger balance sheet. Because of their size and status, mid-cap stocks offer a unique platform to portfolio managers of mid-cap funds to earn superior returns by using their selectivity skills. This study analyzes the performance and persistence of performance of 257 U.S. domiciled retail mid-cap funds from January 2000 to December 2017. The results of this study suggest that despite the interesting platform offered by these stocks, it is not easy for fund managers to pick the stocks that beat the market. The results of this study show that mid-cap funds do not outperform the market and their poor performance persists over time.
RNA-Binding Proteins MSI-1 (Musashi) and EXC-7 (HuR) Regulate Serotonin-Mediated Behaviors in C. elegans

Abstract The evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding proteins HuR and MSI are essential for multiple developmental processes and are upregulated in many cancer tissues. The C. elegans homologues EXC-7 (HuR) and MSI-1 (MSI1 and MSI2) have been implicated in tubulogenesis, neural development, and specific behaviors that include male tail-curling to maintain contact with the hermaphrodite during mating. This behavior is mediated by serotonin signaling. Here, drug studies plus biochemical and genetic results indicate that MSI-1 affects serotonergic signaling through stabilization of mRNA of the Gα protein GOA-1/GNAO1 in neurons, which in turn affects activity of the serotonin synthase TPH-1/tryptophan hydroxylase via the response element CRH-1/CREB. EXC-7 (HuR) is also involved in this regulatory pathway. These results indicate a novel pathway and role for these RNA-binding proteins in regulating neurotransmitter levels that could be conserved in other tissues where these RNA-binding proteins are present. Impact Statement RNA-binding proteins Musashi and HuR upregulate serotonin levels for male-specific movement during mating via a novel pathway involving a neural Gα protein, response element, and serotonin synthase.
The shape of the black hole photon ring: A precise test of strong-field general relativity

We propose a new test of strong-field general relativity (GR) based on the universal interferometric signature of the black hole photon ring. The photon ring is a narrow ring-shaped feature, predicted by GR but not yet observed, that appears on images of sources near a black hole. It is caused by extreme bending of light within a few Schwarzschild radii of the event horizon and provides a direct probe of the unstable bound photon orbits of the Kerr geometry. We show that the precise shape of the observable photon ring is remarkably insensitive to the astronomical source profile and can therefore be used as a stringent test of GR. We forecast that a tailored space-based interferometry experiment targeting M87* could test the Kerr nature of the source to the sub-subpercent level.
On the Taxation of Human and Physical Capital in Models of Endogenous Growth

This paper studies the effects of factor income taxation and of subsidies to human capital accumulation in models of endogenous growth. It examines in particular how these effects depend on the specification of the leisure activity and on the technology and tax treatment of the sector producing human capital. It shows that the negative effects of factor income taxes on economic growth are stronger when the human capital sector is a market good. Under these circumstances, a subsidy to human capital accumulation can offset the direct growth effects of labor taxation, making it akin to a consumption tax. The paper then derives the normative implications of the analysis for the optimal taxation of factor incomes, showing that all tax and subsidy "wedges" should be eliminated in the long run.
Risperidone-associated enuresis—a case report

Risperidone has been reported to be effective in treating both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, aggression, and behavioral disorders. While the metabolic side effect profile of this medication has been broadly studied, studies related to this medication’s bladder effects are relatively rare. We present a case of risperidone-induced enuresis in an adult male with schizophrenia that resolved upon discontinuation of the offending medication. We describe a case of a 32-year-old man with a primary psychotic disorder who developed debilitating enuresis secondary to taking risperidone. Enuresis resolved upon switching to Seroquel. Enuresis secondary to risperidone is not commonly discussed prior to initiation by the treating psychiatrist however can be debilitating. Discussing this potential side effect is critical to informed decision making on the patient’s part.
Batch Normalization Preconditioning for Neural Network Training.

Batch normalization (BN) is a popular and ubiquitous method in deep learning that has been shown to decrease training time and improve generalization performance of neural networks. Despite its success, BN is not theoretically well understood. It is not suitable for use with very small mini-batch sizes or online learning. In this paper, we propose a new method called Batch Normalization Preconditioning (BNP). Instead of applying normalization explicitly through a batch normalization layer as is done in BN, BNP applies normalization by conditioning the parameter gradients directly during training. This is designed to improve the Hessian matrix of the loss function and hence convergence during training. One benefit is that BNP is not constrained on the mini-batch size and works in the online learning setting. Furthermore, its connection to BN provides theoretical insights on how BN improves training and how BN is applied to special architectures such as convolutional neural networks.
Revisiting the BRCA-pathway through the lens of replication gap suppression: “Gaps determine therapy response in BRCA mutant cancer”

The toxic lesion emanating from chemotherapy that targets the DNA was initially debated, but eventually the DNA double strand break (DSB) ultimately prevailed. The reasoning was in part based on the perception that repairing a fractured chromosome necessitated intricate processing or condemned the cell to death. Genetic evidence for the DSB model was also provided by the extreme sensitivity of cells that were deficient in DSB repair. In particular, sensitivity characterized cells harboring mutations in the hereditary breast/ovarian cancer genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, that function in the repair of DSBs by homologous recombination (HR). Along with functions in HR, BRCA proteins were found to prevent DSBs by protecting stalled replication forks from nuclease degradation. Coming full-circle, BRCA mutant cancer cells that gained resistance to genotoxic chemotherapy often displayed restored DNA repair by HR and/or restored fork protection (FP) implicating that the therapy was tolerated when DSB repair was intact or DSBs were prevented. Despite this well-supported paradigm that has been the impetus for targeted cancer therapy, here we argue that the toxic DNA lesion conferring response is instead single stranded DNA (ssDNA) gaps. We discuss the evidence that persistent ssDNA gaps formed in the wake of DNA replication rather than DSBs are responsible for cell killing following treatment with genotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. We also highlight that proteins, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and RAD51 known for canonical DSB repair also have critical roles in normal replication as well as replication gap suppression (RGS) and repair. We review the literature that supports the idea that widespread gap induction proximal to treatment triggers apoptosis in a process that does not need or stem from DSB induction. Lastly, we discuss the clinical evidence for gaps and how to exploit them to enhance genotoxic chemotherapy response.
Definitive Detection of Orbital Angular Momentum States in Neutrons by Spin-polarized $^3$He

A standard method to detect thermal neutrons is the nuclear interaction $^3$He(n,p)$^3$H. The spin-dependence of this interaction is also the basis of a neutron spin-polarization filter using nuclear polarized $^3$He. We consider the corresponding interaction for neutrons placed in an intrinsic orbital angular momentum (OAM) state. We derive the relative polarization-dependent absorption cross-sections for neutrons in an $L=1$ OAM state. The absorption of those neutrons results in compound states $J^\pi=0^-$, $1^-$, and $2^-$. Varying the three available polarizations tests that an OAM neutron has been absorbed and probes which decay states are physically possible. We describe the energetically likely excited states of $^4$He after absorption, due to the fact that the compound state has odd parity. This provides a definitive method for detecting neutron OAM states and suggests that intrinsic OAM states offer the possibility to observe new physics, including anomalous cross-sections and new channels of radioactive decay.
Electrocatalysis of the Reduction of O2 Within Polyelectrolyte Coatings on Electrodes

The reaction of Ru(NH3)5OH2 2+ with CoP(py)4 (cobalt meso-tetrakis(4 pyridyl)porphyrin) within Nafion coatings on graphite electrodes produces [CoP(pyRu(NH3)5)4]8+. This complex, immobilized within the polyelectrolyte coating, acts as a catalyst for the four-electron reduction of O2 under conditions where mixtures of CoP(py)4 with Ru(NH3)6 2+or Ru(NH3)5py2+do not. The results provide evidence for the intramolecular delivery of four electrons from the four coordinated Ru(NH3)5 2+ groups to O2 molecules associated with the Co(II) center of the porphyrin.
Effect of Meteoric Dust on the Effective Recombination Coefficient in the Lower Ionosphere

Meteoritic dust particle effect on steady state distribution of electrons and ions in lower ionosphere, deriving expression for recombination coefficient from auroral radio absorption data
Myogenic-specific ablation of Fgfr1 impairs FGF2-mediated proliferation of satellite cells at the myofiber niche but does not abolish the capacity for muscle regeneration

Skeletal muscle satellite cells (SCs) are Pax7+ myogenic stem cells that reside between the basal lamina and the plasmalemma of the myofiber. In mature muscles, SCs are typically quiescent, but can be activated in response to muscle injury. Depending on the magnitude of tissue trauma, SCs may divide minimally to repair subtle damage within individual myofibers or produce a larger progeny pool that forms new myofibers in cases of overt muscle injury. SC transition through proliferation, differentiation and renewal is governed by the molecular blueprint of the cells as well as by the extracellular milieu at the SC niche. In particular, the role of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family in regulating SCs during growth and aging is well recognized. Of the several FGFs shown to affect SCs, FGF1, FGF2 and FGF6 proteins have been documented in adult skeletal muscle. These prototypic paracrine FGFs transmit their mitogenic effect through the FGFRs, which are transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors. Using the mouse model, we show here that of the four FGFRs, only Fgfr1 and Fgfr4 are expressed at relatively high levels in quiescent SCs and their proliferating progeny. To further investigate the role of FGFR1 in adult myogenesis, we have employed a genetic (Cre/loxP) approach for myogenic-specific (MyoDCre-driven) ablation of Fgfr1. Neither muscle histology nor muscle regeneration following cardiotoxin-induced injury were overtly affected in Fgfr1-ablated mice. This suggests that FGFR1 is not obligatory for SC performance in this acute muscle trauma model, where compensatory growth factor/cytokine regulatory cascades may exist. However, the SC mitogenic response to FGF2 is drastically repressed in isolated myofibers prepared from Fgfr1-ablated mice. Collectively, our study indicates that FGFR1 is important for FGF-mediated proliferation of SCs and its mitogenic role is not compensated by FGFR4 that is also highly expressed in SCs.
The Space Station; A Fundamental Element of the Integrated Space Program

Orbital space station program, discussing common module design, support, space shuttles and objectives
Outcomes after laparoscopic conversion of failed adjustable gastric banding to sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has a high incidence of long-term complications and failures. The best procedure to handle these failures and the optimal number of stages in such cases is still controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the results of conversions of LAGB to either laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in failed LAGB using a single-stage approach. Methods: All patients who underwent conversion from LAGB to either LRYGB or LSG between January 2005 and March 2012 were included in the study. Early and late complications were reviewed. The percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) between the two groups was compared at 3, 6, 12 and 24months of follow-up. Results: Fifty-nine patients, 11 men and 48 women, were included in the study. The most frequent indication was insufficient weight loss or weight regain (non-responders group), in 44 patients (75 per cent); 15 patients had a revision for complicated LAGB. The early complication rate in the nonresponders group was 7 per cent (3 of 44 patients), compared with 13 per cent (2 of 15) in the complicated LAGB group. Mean(s.d.) %EWL in the non-responders group was 55(22) per cent in patients converted to LRYGB and 28(25) in those converted to LSG (P =0·001). Conclusion: LRYGB and LSG are both safe and feasible options for failed or complicated LAGB. In the non-responders group, %EWL was superior for conversion to LRYGB. The surgical morbidity rate was highest in patients having revision for band complications.
Three Quasi-Cw Approaches to Short Wavelength Lasers

Three approaches towards achieving extended-period quasi-cw amplification by stimulated emission in the vacuum-UV and x-ray spectral regions are discussed, in a somewhat logical progression towards shorter wavelengths, increased complexity, and demands. Extrapolation of visible and near-UV tuned-cavity cw lasers using higher density plasma media is first discussed for the near-to-mid VUV region. Further extension to the soft x-ray region is described, using preferential resonance charge transfer pumping. This and related intense incoherent x-ray source development could ultimately lead to successful quasi-cw Kα inversions, as is discussed. Experiments underway to test the first two schemes are described.
Bioavailability of vitamin B-6 in pregnant rats.

The cause for reduced plasma pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) concentration during pregnancy is not well understood. In this study, nonpregnant (control) and pregnant rats were gavaged with [ 3 H] pyridoxine for assessment of the intestinal asorption,, tissue distribution, metabolic utilization and urinary excretion of the vitamin. In addition, plasma PLP and pyridoxal levels and erythrocyte aspartate aminotransferase (EAST) activity were measured
A single layer dual band circularly polarized microstrip antenna for GPS applications

Most current GPS receivers only use the L1 frequency of 1.575 GHz with right hand circular polarization. However, in some applications that need more accurate information, differential GPS is employed and an antenna is required to cover both L1 and L2 (1.227 GHz) bands with CP patterns. Recently, we proposed a square patch antenna with switchable slots for dual band CP operation (see Yang, F. and Rahmat-Samii, Y., Electronics Lett., vol.37, p.1002-3, 2001). It has attractive features of a single layer, a single feed, and small frequency ratio. Hence, such an antenna is proposed for GPS applications. The antenna structure and its design procedure are detailed.
Diet-Induced Nephrocalcinosis in Female Rats Is Irreversible and Is Induced Primarily before the Completion of Adolescence

The effect of altering the dietary Ca:P ratio during critical points of growth (based on reproductive and skeletal age) on kidney calcification in female rats was investigated. Groups of weanling animals were fed one of three nutritionally complete but calcium-altered diets (0.25, 0.5 or 1.0 g Ca/100 g diet) from 4 to 12 wk of age (Phase 1). Phosphorus concentration remained constant at 0.4 g/100 g diet resulting in Ca:P molar ratios of 0.48, 0.96 and 1.92, respectively. During Phase 2, the same animals within each diet group were then rerandomized into one of the above diets and fed for an additional 25 wk. Each group contained five rats. The data from the nine treatment groups were analyzed statistically using a two-way ANOVA (Phase 1 dietary Ca level by Phase 2 dietary Ca level). The level of dietary Ca during Phase 1 only exerted a significant influence on kidney Ca accumulation. Rats fed the two lower dietary Ca levels, and hence lower dietary Ca:P molar ratios, during Phase 1 had two- to threefold greater kidney Ca concentration and kidney ash Ca concentration than rats fed the diet with the highest dietary Ca level (1.92 Ca:P molar ratio) during Phase 1, regardless of the Ca intake during Phase 2. In contrast, the dietary Ca:P molar ratio during Phase 2 had little effect either positively or negatively on the kidney Ca concentration that had been established during Phase 1. The results indicate that dietary-induced nephrocalcinosis in female rats is irreversible and is induced primarily before the completion of adolescence (approximately 12 wk of age) in Sprague-Dawley female rats.
Attachment predicts daily catastrophizing and social coping in women with pain.

Objective To examine how anxious and avoidant adult attachment styles moderate within-day associations between pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and social coping. Method Two-hundred and ten women with osteoarthritis and/or fibromyalgia from the community completed an initial questionnaire assessing attachment dimensions and a 30 day electronic diary. Outcomes were measured with daily ratings of pain intensity, catastrophizing, and social coping. Results Attachment anxiety showed a context-specific relation with catastrophizing: days of increased pain predicted greater increases in pain catastrophizing for women who were anxious compared to nonanxious women. Attachment avoidance scores were related to higher mean levels of pain intensity and pain catastrophizing, and lower mean levels of social coping, across the diary period. In addition, compared to nonavoidant women, avoidant women showed smaller increases in use of social coping strategies on days of high catastrophizing. Conclusions Dimensions of adult attachment, anxiety and avoidance, predict different aspects of daily pain and pain coping in women with chronic pain. Findings suggest that a social development perspective can inform our understanding of adjustment to chronic pain and the creation and use of more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Coherence in categorical groups

(1981). Coherence in categorical groups. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 9, No. 10, pp. 1039-1057.
Novel electrical switching behaviour and logic in carbon nanotube Y-junctions

Carbon-nanotube-based electronics offers significant potential as a nanoscale alternative to silicon-based devices for molecular electronics technologies. Here, we show evidence for a dramatic electrical switching behaviour in a Y-junction carbon-nanotube morphology. We observe an abrupt modulation of the current from an on- to an off-state, presumably mediated by defects and the topology of the junction. The mutual interaction of the electron currents in the three branches of the Y-junction is shown to be the basis for a potentially new logic device. This is the first time that such switching and logic functionalities have been experimentally demonstrated in Y-junction nanotubes without the need for an external gate. A class of nanoelectronic architecture and functionality, which extends well beyond conventional field-effect transistor technologies, is now possible.
Introduction of a tryptophan reporter group into the ATP binding motif of the Escherichia coli UvrB protein for the study of nucleotide binding and conformational dynamics.

Abstract The DNA-dependent ATPase activity of UvrB is required to support preincision steps in nucleotide excision repair in Escherichia coli. This activity is, however, cryptic. Elicited in nucleotide excision repair by association with the UvrA protein, it may also be unmasked by a specific proteolysis eliminating the C-terminal domain of UvrB (generating UvrB*). We introduced fluorescent reporter groups (tryptophan replacing Phe47 or Asn51) into the ATP binding motif of UvrB, without significant alteration of behavior, to study both nucleotide binding and those conformational changes expected to be essential to function. The inserted tryptophans occupy moderately hydrophobic, although potentially heterogeneous, environments as evidenced by fluorescence emission and time-resolved decay characteristics, yet are accessible to the diffusible quencher acrylamide. Activation, via specific proteolysis, is accompanied by conformational change at the ATP binding site, with multiple changes in emission spectra and a greater shielding of the tryptophans from diffusible quencher. Titration of tryptophan fluorescence with ATP has revealed that, although catalytically incompetent, UvrB can bind ATP and bind with an affinity equal to that of the active UvrB* form (K d of ∼1 mm). The ATP binding site of UvrB is therefore functional and accessible, suggesting that conformational change either brings amino acid residues into proper alignment for catalysis and/or enables response to effector DNA.
Deviance as Performance: The Case of Illness

This theoretical bias of the labeling approach has helped form a more purely sociological analysis of deviance and social control. Neglect of the deviant, however, while possibly justified operationally, creates large gaps in the study of deviance. Using as data the social labels only and omitting the activity, intentions, or self-view of the individual deviant make it impossible to distinguish between the falsely accused and the true deviant, and between the truly innocent and the hidden deviant. The argument of the situational theorists would be that the
Mid- and near-infrared spectroscopic investigations of reactions between phenyl glycidyl ether (PGE) and aromatic amines

Mid-infrared (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopies have been employed to examine the reactions between phenyl glycidyl ether (PGE) and five aromatic amines. Although MIR spectroscopy can effectively study the kinetics of PGE/aromatic amine cure reactions, the OH and NH stretching bands overlap and the NH in-plane bending band overlaps with an aromatic ring stretching band of PGE. This significantly reduces the utility of MIR spectroscopy for quantitative studies of PGE cure reactions. In contrast, the absorption bands of these functional groups in the NIR spectrum are well separated from the absorption bands of other functional groups. The utility of NIR spectroscopy for studying the kinetics of epoxy resin cure reactions has been clearly established. Absorbances in the NIR spectra suitable for quantitative studies of epoxy resin reaction kinetics have been identified. The ability of in situ NIR spectroscopy to obtain isothermal kinetic data has been demonstrated. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparison of the coherent radiation-induced microbunching instability in a free-electron laser and a magnetic chicane

A self-amplified spontaneous emission free-electron laser (SASE FEL) is a device which is based on the creation of a very intense, relativistic electron beam which has very little temperature in all three phase planes. The beam in this system is described as having ``high brightness,'' and when it is bent repetitively in a magnetic undulator, undergoes a radiation-mediated microbunching instability. This instability can amplify the original radiation amplitude at a particular, resonant wavelength by many orders of magnitude. In order to obtain high brightness beams, it is necessary to compress them to obtain higher currents than available from the electron source. Compression is accomplished by the use of magnetic chicanes, which are quite similar to, if much longer than, a single period of the undulator. It should not be surprising that such chicanes also support a radiation-mediated microbunching interaction, which has recently been investigated, and has been termed coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) instability. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the characteristics of the closely related FEL and CSR microbunching instabilities. We show that a high-gain regime of the CSR instability exists which is formally similar to the FEL instability.
Device design considerations for ultra-thin body non-hysteretic negative capacitance FETs

We present a simulation-based analysis of device design for ultra-thin body non-hysteretic Negative-Capacitance-FET (NCFET). Subthreshold swing dependencies on the relationship between the negative capacitance (from ferroelectric) and the positive capacitance (from the underlying MOSFET) are illustrated. To achieve less than 60mV/decade swing and hysteresis free operation, the negative capacitance needs to be smaller than the gate oxide capacitance, and be larger than the total underlying MOSFET capacitance within the operating voltage.
Boys with gender variant behaviors and interests: from theory to practice

This article reflects our experiences of raising boys with gender-variant behaviors and interests. After a long personal and professional journey, living in a society that views children with gender-variant behavior and interests as aberrations that need to be examined, intervened with, or repackaged, we are moved to redirect our attention as academics, as women, and as mothers to the larger social processes that punish or reward particular forms of gender expression and gender identity. Using a feminist perspective, we offer a new conceptual lens with which to view these boys, not as an alternate or pathogenic form of masculinity, but rather as a healthy expression of a gender continuum. We challenge the views that construct gender as a binary system, that define masculinity as the repudiation of the feminine, and that encourage homophobia. In addition, we present the voices and experiences of parents, like ourselves, who are learning to ‘facilitate’ the expansive gender expressions that our children pre...
Investigation of Titan Aerogravity Assist for Capture into Orbit About Saturn

Introduction A EROCAPTURE has been studied extensively for application on manned Mars missions,1,2 and, more recently, for robotic probes to Neptune and Titan.3,4 However, use of traditional aerocapture at the gas giants has limited appeal because of very high atmospheric entry speeds, severe aerothermal heating, and heavy ablative heat shields.5 The present study considers the application of a related maneuver known as an aerogravity assist (AGA), in which the atmosphere and gravitational field of Titan would be used to decelerate a spacecraft and deflect its trajectory, resulting in capture into a closed orbit about Saturn. Because of its high atmospheric density, Titan is well suited for such a mission design. This approach is more appealing than capture using the atmosphere of Saturn itself, because of the much lower entry speed at Titan and the lower heating rate and heat load. The less severe aerothermal environment translates directly into weight savings in the vehicle’s thermal protection system. Titan has a near-circular, equatorial orbit about Saturn at a radius from the planetary center of 1.22 × 106 km and an orbital velocity (VT ) of approximately 5.57 km/s. This orbit is well outside the ring system, which extends in the equatorial plane to a radius of approximately 480,000 km. A wide range of potential target orbits about Saturn could be achieved by means of a successful AGA at Titan. The final Saturnian orbit will depend on both the orientation and magnitude of the probe’s outbound hyperbolic excess speed with respect to Titan (V T ∞) after the AGA. By lining up the outbound V T ∞ with VT , an orbit can be reached with a periapsis radius equal to that of Titan’s orbit and a higher apoapsis. If the outbound V T ∞ is in the opposite direction, the final orbit will have an apoapsis radius equal to that of Titan’s orbit and a lower periapsis radius (Fig. 1). The proposed strategy could be used on a Cassini-type mission with a Saturnian orbital periapsis of approximately 160,000 km, allowing the probe to pass through the gap between rings F and G. Achieving this periapsis radius will require an outbound V T ∞ of approximately 2.89 km/s, opposite in direction to Titan’s orbital
Lipopolysaccharide fever is initiated via a capsaicin‐sensitive mechanism independent of the subtype‐1 vanilloid receptor

As pretreatment with intraperitoneal capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide, CAP), an agonist of the vanilloid receptor known as VR1 or transient receptor potential channel-vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (TRPV-1), has been shown to block the first phase of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) fever in rats, this phase is thought to depend on the TRPV-1-bearing sensory nerve fibers originating in the abdominal cavity. However, our recent studies suggest that CAP blocks the first phase via a non-neural mechanism. In the present work, we studied whether this mechanism involves the TRPV-1. Adult Long–Evans rats implanted with chronic jugular catheters were used. Pretreatment with CAP (5 mg kg−1, i.p.) 10 days before administration of LPS (10 μg kg−1, i.v.) resulted in the loss of the entire first phase and a part of the second phase of LPS fever. Pretreatment with the ultrapotent TRPV-1 agonist resiniferatoxin (RTX; 2, 20, or 200 μg kg−1, i.p.) 10 days before administration of LPS had no effect on the first and second phases of LPS fever, but it exaggerated the third phase at the highest dose. The latter effect was presumably due to the known ability of high doses of TRPV-1 agonists to cause a loss of warm sensitivity, thus leading to uncontrolled, hyperpyretic responses. Pretreatment with the selective competitive TRPV-1 antagonist capsazepine (N-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-2H-2-benzazepine-2-carbothioamidem, CPZ; 40 mg kg−1, i.p.) 90 min before administration of LPS (10 μg kg−1, i.v.) or CAP (1 mg kg−1, i.p.) did not affect LPS fever, but blocked the immediate hypothermic response to acute administration of CAP. It is concluded that LPS fever is initiated via a non-neural mechanism, which is CAP-sensitive but RTX- and CPZ-insensitive. The action of CAP on this mechanism is likely TRPV-1-independent. It is speculated that this mechanism may be the production of prostaglandin E2 by macrophages in LPS-processing organs. British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 1023–1032. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705977
Thoracoscopy for Empyema, Bronchopleural Fistula, and Chylothorax

The management of complications affecting the pleural space is sometimes technically demanding, but has been enhanced by the recent introduction of thoracoscopic techniques. An empyema in the fibrinopurulent phase is best managed by disruption of the loculations and complete drainage of the infected space. This is easily accomplished with the use of thoracoscopy, which also permits inspection of the pleural space to determine whether additional surgical intervention is required. In contrast, thoracoscopy is not indicated in the management of a free-flowing empyema or a chronic empyema associated with a fibrous capsule. Bronchopleural fistulas are occasionally treated by thoracostomy tube drainage alone, but, in most situations, surgical intervention is necessary to permit reclosure of the bronchus, coverage of the stump with vascularized tissue, and decortication or tissue flap rotation to fill the pleural space. These maneuvers are beyond the capabilities of current thoracoscopic techniques. Chylothorax is best treated initially by intercostal tube drainage and supportive measures. When surgical intervention is necessary to directly close a lymph vessel leak, thoracoscopic techniques have been successful in effecting closure, according to anecdotal reports.
Performance evaluation of a Java-based networking application programming interface (API)

Abstract Over the last few years, we have witnessed the emergence of many network-based multimedia applications, particularly those rich in audio, video, and images. Access to network services has become an integral component of these applications. In this paper, we present a Java-based networking Application Programming Interface (API), and compare the performance of our Java-based API with Microsoft Winsock 2 API over different protocols namely, TCP/IP, UDP/IP and native Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). From the results obtained, we observe that the Java layer increases the overall user-to-user latency by about 120 microseconds compared to native Winsock 2 over ATM local area networks. We also found that jitter performance for continuous media applications, such as those involving digital video is highly non-deterministic. We obtained large variations in video jitter over Java, with maximum jitter in the range 6 to 12 milliseconds.
Long-term health and medical cost impact of smoking prevention in adolescence.

Abstract Purpose To estimate smoking progression probabilities from adolescence to young adulthood and to estimate long-term health and medical cost impacts of preventing smoking in today's adolescents. Methods Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we first estimated smoking progression probabilities from adolescence to young adulthood. Then, using the predicted probabilities, we estimated the number of adolescents who were prevented from becoming adult daily smokers as a result of a hypothetical 1 percentage point reduction in the prevalence of ever smoking in today's adolescents. We further estimated lifetime medical costs saved and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained as a result of preventing adolescents from becoming adult daily smokers. All costs were in 2010 dollars. Results Compared with never smokers, those who had tried smoking at baseline had higher probabilities of becoming current or former daily smokers at follow-up regardless of baseline grade or sex. A hypothetical 1 percentage point reduction in the prevalence of ever smoking in 24.5 million students in 7th–12th grades today could prevent 35,962 individuals from becoming a former daily smoker and 44,318 individuals from becoming a current daily smoker at ages 24–32 years. As a result, lifetime medical care costs are estimated to decrease by $1.2 billion and lifetime QALYs is estimated to increase by 98,590. Conclusions Effective smoking prevention programs for adolescents go beyond reducing smoking prevalence in adolescence; they also reduce daily smokers in young adulthood, increase QALYs, and reduce medical costs substantially in later life. This finding indicates the importance of continued investment in effective youth smoking prevention programs.
Gait-related motor patterns and hindlimb kinetics for the cat trot and gallop

To assess speed- and gait-related changes in semitendinosus (ST) activity, EMG was recorded from three cats during treadmill locomotion. Selected step cycles were filmed, and hip and knee joint kinematics were synchronized with EMG records. Swing-phase kinetics for trot and gallop steps at 2.25 m/s were compared for gait-related differences. Also, swing kinetics for different gallop forms were compared. With few exceptions, ST-EMG was characterized by two bursts for each step cycle; the first preceded paw off (STpo), and the second preceded paw contact (STpc). The two-burst pattern for the walk was defined by a high-amplitude STpo burst and a brief, low-amplitude STpc burst; at the slowest walk speeds, the STpc burst was occasionally absent. For the trot, the STpo burst was biphasic, with a brief pause just after paw off. With increasing walk-trot speeds, the duration of both bursts (STpo, STpc) remained relatively constant, but recruitment increased. Also, the onset latency of the STpo burst shifted, and a greater proportion of the burst was coincident with knee flexion during early swing. At the trot-gallop transition, there was an abrupt change in the two-burst pattern, and galloping was characterized by a high-amplitude STpc burst and a brief, low-amplitude STpo burst. At the fastest gallop speeds, the STpo burst was often absent, and the reduction in or elimination of the burst was associated with a unique pattern of swing phase kinetics at the knee. Knee flexion during the gallop swing was sustained by two inertial torques related to hip linear acceleration (HLA) and leg angular acceleration (LAA); correspondingly, muscle contraction was unnecessary. Conversely, knee flexion at the onset of the trot swing relied on a flexor muscle torque at the knee acting with an inertial flexor torque (LAA). Rotatory and transverse gallops at 4.0 m/s had similar swing phase kinetics and ST-EMG. Gait-related changes in ST-EMG, particularly at the trot-gallop transition, are not congruent with neural models assuming that details of the ST motor pattern are produced by a spinal CPG. We suggest that motor patterns programed by the spinal CPG are modulated by input from supraspinal centers and/or motion-related feedback from the hindlimbs to provide appropriate gait-specific activation of the ST.
Coherent control of electron intersubband transitions by frequency-detuned light fields

Abstract We present a brief overview over some of our recent theoretical results regarding coherent control in semiconductor heterostrutures. Three potential schemes for optical coherent control of electron intersubband transitions in semiconductor heterostructures are reviewed. They use the relative phase between two external light fields to manipulate fundamental physical properties, such as absorption, optical gain, final-state population, phonon emission rates, and emission of THz radiation. In this paper we focus on the coherent control of absorption (exciton formation) using two frequency-detuned light fields in asymmetric GaAs/AlGaAs double wells. We show that in the short-pulse regime the change of relative phase amounts to pulse shaping which, in conjunction with excitonic effects, allows substantial control of inter(sub)band transitions. In the long-pulse regime this phase sensitivity is lost, however, charge oscillations between wells can be induced.
Neuromodulation: letting sources of spinal dopamine speak for themselves

A recent study of dopaminergic neurons in the brain of larval zebrafish has important implications for interpreting the natural actions of neuromodulators in the spinal cord.
Abrupt bradycardia and grouped beating during treadmill testing: A mimic of upper rate behavior

p t t Case summary A 67-year-old man with a biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (Medtronic Concerto C1540WK) presented for exercise treadmill testing. The patient had an ischemic cardiomyopathy and prior anterior infarction with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 25%. One year prior to this presentation, the patient presented with sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia and had catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia, followed by implantation of the current device. An exercise treadmill test (ETT) was performed by using a ramp protocol. During the ETT, at peak exercise, his peak heart rate abruptly dropped and the ETT was stopped (data not shown). The device was again interrogated Programmed settings and measurements are shown in Table 1; the lower rate limit was 60 beats/min. No alerts or episodes were recorded during the ETT. To assess device function, the ETT was repeated with wireless device telemetry engaged. The preexercise 12-lead electrocardiogram and device rhythm strip at rest are shown in Figure 1A, demonstrating baseline atrial-paced and biventricular-paced rhythm. Figure 1B shows electrograms (EGMs) measured on the right ventricular channel of the device and the marker channel during early exercise. During the ETT, the abrupt bradycardia was again observed, this time with a drop from the peak heart rate of 107 to 56 beats/min (Figure 2). Stress testing was quickly terminated,
Hispolon decreases melanin production and induces apoptosis in melanoma cells through the downregulation of tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expressions and the activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9.

Hispolon is one of the most important functional compounds that forms Phellinus linteus (Berkeley & Curtis) Teng. Hispolon has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and anticancer effects. In this study, we analyzed the functions of hispolon on melanogenesis and apoptosis in B16-F10 melanoma cells. The results demonstrated that hispolon is not an enzymatic inhibitor for tyrosinase; rather, it represses the expression of tyrosinase and the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) to reduce the production of melanin in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16-F10 cells at lower concentrations (less than 2 μM). In contrast, at higher concentration (greater than 10 μM), hispolon can induce activity of caspase-3, -8 and -9 to trigger apoptosis of B16-F10 cells but not of Detroit 551 normal fibroblast cells. Therefore, we suggest that hispolon has the potential to treat hyperpigmentation diseases and melanoma skin cancer in the future.
Flight evaluations of several hover control and display combinations for precise blind vertical landings

Several control and display concepts were evaluated on a variable-stability helicopter prior to future evaluations on a modified Harrier. The control and display concepts had been developed to enable precise hover maneuvers, station keeping, and vertical landings in simulated zero-visibility conditions and had been evaluated extensively in previous piloted simulations. Flight evaluations early in the program revealed several inadequacies in the display drive laws that were later corrected using an alternative design approach that integrated the control and display characteristics with the desired guidance law. While hooded, three pilots performed landing-pad captures followed by vertical landings with attitude-rate, attitude, and translation-velocity-command control systems. The latter control system incorporated a modified version of state-rate-feedback implicit-model following. Precise landing within 2 ft of the desired touchdown point were achieved.