cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Population-Based (Super-Child) Approach for Predicting Vitamin A Total Body Stores and Retinol Kinetics in Children Is Validated by the Application of Model-Based Compartmental Analysis to Theoretical Data.

Background Public health nutritionists need accurate and feasible methods to assess vitamin A status and to evaluate efficacy of interventions, especially in children. The application of population-based designs to tracer kinetic data is an effective approach that reduces sample burden for each child. Objectives Objectives of the study were to use theoretical data to validate a population-based (super-child) approach for estimating group mean vitamin A total body stores (TBS) and retinol kinetics in children and to use population-based data to improve individual TBS predictions using retinol isotope dilution (RID). Methods We generated plasma retinol kinetic data from 6 h to 56 d for 50 theoretical children with high vitamin A intakes, assigning values within physiologically reasonable ranges for state variables and kinetic parameters ("known values"). Mean data sets for all subjects at extensive (n = 36) and reduced (n = 11) sampling times, plus 5 data sets for reduced numbers (5/time, except all at 4 d) and times, were analyzed using Simulation, Analysis and Modeling software. Results were compared with known values; population RID coefficients were used to calculate TBS for individuals. Results For extensive and reduced data sets including all subjects, population TBS predictions were within 1% of the known value. For 5 data sets reflecting numbers and times being used in ongoing super-child studies, predictions were within 1-17% of the known group value. Using RID equation coefficients from population modeling, TBS predictions at 4 d were within 25% of the known value for 66-80% of subjects and reflected the range of assigned values; when ranked, predicted and assigned values were significantly correlated (Rs = 0.93, P < 0.0001). Results indicate that 7 d may be better than 4 d for applying RID in children. For all data sets, predictions for kinetic parameters reflected the range of known values. Conclusion The population-based (super-child) approach provides a feasible experimental design for quantifying retinol kinetics, accurately estimating group mean TBS, and predicting TBS for individuals reasonably well.
Disability evaluation. 1.

Legally a permanently disabled person is entitled to receive compensation for losses sustained. The physician's role in such litigation is to make a quantitative, rather than qualitative, diagnosis of the disability. His estimate of percentage of impairment must be as accurate and objective as possible, as this is often the only real criterion on which a court or industrial commission can base its compensation award.
Systems of Single Relations

As studied in the previous chapters, a (general) system consists of a set of objects and a set of relations between the objects. However, in practice, many systems, which can be described with only one relation, have many complicated structures and properties that we still do not completely understand. To address such concerns, this chapter concentrates two fascinating properties—chaos and attractors—of single-relation systems. In particular, Section 8.1 studies the concept of chaos and related properties and characterizations. And Section 8.2 considers the concept of attractors and its characterizations.
Reconfigurable Ferroelectric Transistor—Part I: Device Design and Operation

In this paper, we propose a novel reconfigurable ferroelectric FET (R-FEFET), which can reconfigure its operation between volatile and nonvolatile modes during run-time by dynamically modulating its hysteresis. The R-FEFET comprises of two gates with ferroelectric (FE) in both the gate stacks. One of these terminals serves as a regular gate, while the other is used as a control to introduce reconfigurability. Employing Landau–Khalatnikov equation-based FEFET model, we extensively analyze the device characteristics in both FinFET and planar technologies. We show that by changing the control voltage between 0 and 1 V, the hysteresis width (HW) can be modulated between 1.1 and 0.3 V. In addition, we show the device characteristics and advantages that R-FEFETs possess to overcome the drawbacks encountered with gate leakage in standard FEFETs. The hold margins in the nonvolatile mode of R-FEFETs increase by ~ $10\times $ with respect to standard FEFETs, and the drive current strengths in the volatile mode show 13% improvements when compared to standard FETs. Using the proposed R-FEFETs, we examine a low-power nonvolatile memory design in Part II of this paper.
Mammalian mutants genetically altered in CTP synthetase activity.

From wildtype mouse lymphoma cells, a clone (FURT-1A), was isolated by virtue of its resistance to 1μM 5-fluorouracil. In comparative growth rate experiments, FURT-1A cells were also less sensitive than parental cells to the growth inhibitory effects of thymidine, deoxyguanosine, 5-fluorouridine, and arabinosylcytosine. The altered growth sensitivity of FURT-1A cells to cytotoxic nucleosides was directly related to their decreased ability to accumulate the corresponding triphosphate from exogenous nucleoside. FURT-1A cells contained elevated cytidylate nucleotide pools which prevented normal growth sensitivity and interfered with the salvage of nucleosides. Metabolic flux experiments with [3H]-uridine in situ indicated that FURT-1A cells had a 2-fold enhanced rate of conversion of UTP to CTP. Kinetic analyses indicated that the CTP synthetase activity in extracts of FURT-1A cells was refractory to inhibition by CTP. The genetic loss of normal allosteric inhibition of the CTP synthetase activity in FURT-1A cells could account for the unusual phenotypic properties of these cells.
Pieces of the past, maya treasure hunt: a virtual reality game experience

We present an educational virtual reality (VR) puzzle game set in an archaeological context. We digitally documented the site architecture and a selection of excavated artefact using structure from motion (SfM) mapping, reconstructed the site during Classic Period (AD 250-900) based on the current state and archaeological findings, and created the natural environment using procedural modeling. With this collection of resources, we created a holistic landscape of the Mayan site of Cahal Pech. The player can link the Mayan ruin between its current state and the past through collecting artefact and evidence, and discover the architectural beauty and historical richness of this site.
Artificially Intelligent Adaptive Search Fast Motion Estimation Algorithm for HD Video

This paper presents a new Machine Learning based approach to video Fast Motion Estimation, which improves quality, minimizes power consumption and provides control over the performance vs power balance, rendering it very suitable for hardware implementation into a motion co-processor. Many mobile and hand-held devices today deploy such hardware accelerators. The main goal of the presented algorithm is to achieve maximum quality Motion Estimation per unit of consumed power by minimizing the number of search points and also providing an optional mechanism for finding an optimal early termination point. The paper presents the creation of a dictionary of adaptively pre-learned fixed search patterns along with a pre-trained neural network to adaptively help select the most adequate search pattern from a dictionary according to the dynamics of the motion within a specific region of the video frame, not the frame or scene as a whole. There are often motions in various directions within the same scene or frame and the ability to focus on a local region within the frame improves quality significantly. Full Search represents the quality goal and upper boundary for any integer Fast Motion Estimation. The presented algorithm adds about 1 dB of PSNR to state-of-the-art fixed search patterns. There is only about 0.5 dB of PSNR remaining between our algorithm and Full Search.
An Analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Maude Database for Approved Devices in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Study Objective To evaluate the accuracy of the postmarket surveillance process in the MAUDE database for devices approved via the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) premarket (PMA) and 510(k) approval processes and used in Obstetrics and Gynecology, comparing the accuracy of death and injury reports. Design A retrospective observational study. Setting Medical devices used in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Patients or Participants Two hundred and nine product codes encompassing over 12,000 FDA approved devices. Interventions n/a Measurements and Main Results Death and injury reports were collected from November 1, 2002 to April 25, 2018 in the MAUDE database. This raw data was adjusted to improve accuracy. There was a total of 1,732 raw death reports of which 350 were attributed to the PMA process and 1,382 attributed to the 510(k) process. The adjusted death reports generated a total of 218 death reports of which 26 were attributed to PMA and 192 to 510(k). There was a total of 161,376 raw injury reports of which 36,033 were approved via PMA and 125,343 via 510(k). The adjusted injury reports generated a total of 2,254 reports, of which 440 were approved via PMA and 1,814 via 510(k). There was an 87% drop in number of adjusted death reports and a 98% drop in the number of adjusted injury reports as compared to raw data (p=.0015). Conclusion Death reports in the MAUDE database are more accurate than injury reports, whether approved by the PMA or 510(k) process, and more likely to contain an actual death, as compared to actual injuries in injury reports. Raw death reports overestimated deaths 7.9 times as compared to adjusted death reports; injury reports overestimated total injuries by 71.9 times as compared to adjusted injury reports. The warrants a call for a more accurate a national device registry with concurrent robust statistical analysis so trends of potentially harmful devices can be identified.
A finite-element method for large-amplitude, two-dimensional panel flutter at hypersonic speeds

The nonlinear flutter behavior of a two-dimensional panel in hypersonic flow is investigated analytically. An FEM formulation based unsteady third-order piston theory (Ashley and Zartarian, 1956; McIntosh, 1970) and taking nonlinear structural and aerodynamic phenomena into account is derived; the solution procedure is outlined; and typical results are presented in extensive tables and graphs. A 12-element finite-element solution obtained using an alternative method for linearizing the assumed limit-cycle time function is shown to give predictions in good agreement with classical analytical results for large-amplitude vibration in a vacuum and large-amplitude panel flutter, using linear aerodynamics.
Clinical Advances in Sex- and Gender-Informed Medicine to Improve the Health of All: A Review.

Importance Biological sex and sociocultural gender represent major sources of diversity among patients, and recent research has shown the association of sex and gender with health. A growing body of literature describes widespread associations of sex and gender with cells, organs, and the manner in which individual patients interact with health care systems. Sex- and gender-informed medicine is a young paradigm of clinical practice and medical research founded on this literature that considers the association of sex and gender with each element of the disease process from risk, to presentation, to response to therapy. Observations Characteristics that underlie sex and gender involve both endogenous and exogenous factors that change throughout the life course. This review details clinical examples with broad applicability that highlight sex and gender differences in the key domains of genetics, epigenomic modifiers, hormonal milieu, immune function, neurocognitive aging process, vascular health, response to therapeutics, and interaction with health care systems. These domains interact with one another in multidimensional associations, contributing to the diversity of the sex and gender spectra. Novel research has identified differences of clinical relevance with the potential to improve care for all patients. Conclusions and Relevance Clinicians should consider incorporating sex and gender in their decision-making to practice precision medicine that integrates fundamental components of patient individuality. Recognizing the biological and environmental factors that affect the disease course is imperative to optimizing care for each patient. Research highlights the myriad ways sex and gender play a role in health and disease. However, these clinically relevant insights have yet to be systematically incorporated into care. The framework described in this review serves as a guide to help clinicians consider sex and gender as they practice precision medicine.
Part II: On Surviving the Viral Hermeneutics of COVID-19

This description is a follow up to the piece, “When COVID-19 Meets Pandemic Hope: Existential Care of, and in, the Impossible,” and offers my own personal lived experience of my partner and I survi...
The Third Restatement and the Jurisprudential Evolution of Duty: Tracking the 'Duty War' in Palsgraf and Beyond

This Article is about the jurisprudential evolution of the concept of duty from the times of Blackstone, Austin, and Holmes, through each of the three Restatements of Torts, and up to the present day. I frame this history using the Palsgraf debate between Justice Cardozo and Judge Andrews as a touchstone for analysis. Although past Re-statements endorsed the “relational” view of duty associated with Cardozo (which can be traced back to Blackstone), the recent Restatement (Third) of Torts endorses a non-relational, “social” view of duty associated with Andrews (which can be traced back to Austin and Holmes). I discuss the jurisprudential history leading up to this reversal by the Restatement, as well as the reception of the third Restatement since publication. I argue that recent critiques of the third Restatement are unpersuasive, but that the third Restatement nonetheless shows little hope of resolving the duty debate. While acknowledging disputes about the third Restatement’s doctrinal merits, I focus more on Professors John Goldberg and Ben Zipursky’s yet-unscrutinized philosophical claim that H.L.A. Hart’s “internal” view of law favors their relational theory of duty and so bolsters the argument against the third Restatement’s social duty theory. I reject that novel argument, explaining that Professors Goldberg and Zipursky misunderstand Hart, whose jurisprudence is in fact no more or less hospitable to either theory of duty. This observation supports my overarching conclusion that the third Restatement, despite its merit, will not be able to convert committed relational duty theorists to the social duty theory and that the debate over duty shows no sign of stopping.
Oxidants are dispensable for HIF1α stability in hypoxia

Hypoxic adaptation mediated by HIF transcription factors has been shown to require mitochondria. Current models suggest that mitochondria regulate oxygen sensor (HIF prolyl hydroxylase) activity and HIF1α stability during hypoxia by either increasing mitochondrial peroxide as a second messenger or by serving as oxygen consumers that enhance the kinetics of cytoplasmic oxygen reduction. Here, we address the role of mitochondrial peroxide specifically in regulating HIF1α stability. We use state-of-the-art tools to evaluate the role of peroxide and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) in regulating HIF1α stability. We show that antioxidant enzymes are not homeostatically induced nor are peroxide levels increased in hypoxia. Forced expression of diverse antioxidant enzymes, all of which diminish peroxide, had disparate effects on HIF1α protein stability. Reduction of lipid peroxides by glutathione peroxidase-4 or superoxide by mitochondrial SOD failed to influence HIF1α protein stability. These data showed that mitochondrial, cytosolic and lipid ROS are dispensable for HIF1α stability and should affirm therapeutic efforts to activate the HIF pathway in disease states by HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibition.
Hold the Torch: Shining a Light on the Lives of Black Management Faculty:

In light of recent heightened attention to equity, justice, and race in society and organizations, in this commentary, we focus on the experiences of Black management faculty from job search to pro...
Shareholder Litigation and Corporate Social Responsibility

This research examines the relation between shareholder litigation and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Exploiting exogenous changes in shareholder litigation rights following the staggered adoption of universal demand laws by U.S. states and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling on securities class action lawsuits, we show that weaker shareholder litigation rights lead to lower CSR scores. Moreover, the relation is stronger for firms facing higher litigation risk, and a decreased CSR score enhances firm value. Our evidence suggests that firms engage in CSR activities partly to reduce shareholder litigation risk ex ante and mitigate its consequences ex post.
Association of Placental Pathology With Childhood Blood Pressure Among Children Born Preterm

Background The in utero pathologies underlying the link between preterm birth and offspring high blood pressure (BP) are still unknown. We investigated the prospective association of placental histopathological findings among preterm births with childhood BP. Methods Our prospective birth cohort included 546 mother-child pairs with preterm birth enrolled from 1999 to 2013 at the Boston Medical Center. Early preterm birth was defined as gestational age between 23 and 34 weeks. We histologically classified maternal placental pathology using the latest recommended categories: no placental complications, histologic chorioamnionitis, maternal vascular malperfusion, and other placental complications. We calculated age-, sex- and height-specific systolic BP (SBP) percentiles for children using the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics Hypertension guideline US reference. We used linear regression models with generalized estimating equations (GEE) to examine the associations. Results The mean (SD) postnatal follow-up of the study children was 9.29 (4.1) years. After adjusting for potential confounders, histologic chorioamnionitis was associated with 5.42 percentile higher childhood SBP (95% CI: 0.32, 10.52) compared to no placental pathologic findings. This association was stronger among early preterm children. Maternal vascular malperfusion was associated with 8.44 percentile higher childhood SBP among early preterm children (95% CI: 1.54, 15.34) but the association was attenuated [6.25 higher SBP percentile (-0.76, 13.26)] after additional adjustment for child standardized birthweight, a potential mediator of the association. Conclusions These findings suggest that among children born preterm, especially those born early preterm, both placental histologic chorioamnionitis and vascular malperfusion may further modify a child's risk of high BP.
Unexpectedly severe metabolic acidosis associated with sodium thiosulfate therapy in a patient with calcific uremic arteriolopathy.

Abstract Calcific uremic arteriolopathy, formerly known as calciphylaxis is a devastating condition that primarily affects patients with end-stage renal disease. The lesions can progress to massive ulcerations of the subcutaneous tissue that are associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality, usually related to sepsis. Although the pathophysiology of this condition is poorly understood, it appears to be related to a derangement in calcium-phosphate metabolism. Thus, treatments have focused on the treatment of hyperparathyroidism albeit with poor results. More recently, sodium thiosulfate (STS) has emerged as a promising therapy following multiple case reports of marked disease regression following its use. As STS is a strong acid, metabolic acidosis has been described following its administration, although relatively mild in degree. We report a case of a patient with calciphylaxis who repeatedly developed a severe anion gap metabolic acidosis following each dose of STS requiring a significant reduction in the dose.
Neural Nets for Feedback Control

The sections in this article are 1 Background in Neural Networks and Feedback Control 2 Tracking Control Using Static Neural Networks 3 Output Feedback Control using Dynamic Neural Networks 4 Hierarchical Intelligent Control: Adaptive Reinforcement Learning and Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman Optimal Design 5 Evaluation Keywords: learning feedback control; intelligent control; neural networks; neural network structures; basis function networks; fuzzy-neural networks; universal approximation; adaptive nonparametric control; gaussian networks
Dynamic regulation of ER-PM junctions facilitates PI(4,5)P2 replenishment during receptor-induced Ca2+ signaling (599.3)

ER-PM junctions are membrane interfaces between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the plasma membrane (PM), permitting direct molecular interactions and exchange of signals between the two subcell...
Observability in Space-Based Data Processing

This short paper is intended to present a preliminary analysis of observability and signal processing associated with a satellite-based tracking system. Various satellite orbits and their effect on observability of moving and stationary objects on, or relatively near, the earth's surface are presented. Obviously, there is a tradeoff between area surveyed and sampling interval as a function of satellite altitude and number of satellites in a constellation, e.g., for complete coverage by a single satellite, the minimum viewed swath width on the earth, considering earth rotation and oblateness, for a circular-orbit satellite at 150 nm (nautical mile) altitude is 675 nm. The geometric swath width (maximum possible surveyed swath on the earth) is 1995 nm. The overlap determines the maximum number of times an earth-based object can be viewed by a single satellite during successive orbits.
Temporal Subtraction Versus Dual-Energy Contrast-Enhanced Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: A Pilot Study

In contrast-enhanced DBT (CE-DBT), breast lesion vascularity is characterized by administrating an iodinated vascular contrast agent. In this work, a combined temporal and dual-energy (DE) subtraction CE-DBT technique was performed in 4 women with mammographic findings that warranted biopsy. Lesion enhancement characteristics and morphology obtained with both CE-DBT techniques are correlated to lesion enhancement characteristics and morphology obtained with CE-MRI. The findings are compared to the clinical outcome of the regular DBT exam. Preliminary results show that both temporal and DE CE-DBT provide morphologic and qualitative vascular information concordant with CE-MRI. Temporal subtraction is the most sensitive method since background breast tissue can be completely canceled while with DE CE-DBT tissue background can only be partially canceled. However, the temporal CE-DBT image data suffer from significantly more motion artifacts and therefore possible misdiagnosis.
Dimerization Is Required for the Activity of the Protein Histidine Kinase CheA That Mediates Signal Transduction in Bacterial Chemotaxis

The histidine protein kinase CheA plays an essential role in stimulus-response coupling during bacterial chemotaxis. The kinase is a homodimer that catalyzes the reversible transfer of a gamma-phosphoryl group from ATP to the N-3 position of one of its own histidine residues. Kinetic studies of rates of autophosphorylation show a second order dependence on CheA concentrations at submicromolar levels that is consistent with dissociation of the homodimer into inactive monomers. The dissociation was confirmed by chemical cross-linking studies. The dissociation constant (CheA2 2CheA; KD = 0.2-0.4 microM) was not affected by nucleotide binding, histidine phosphorylation, or binding of the response regulator, CheY. The turnover number per active site within a dimer (assuming 2 independent sites/dimer) at saturating ATP was approximately 10/min. The kinetics of autophosphorylation and ATP/ADP exchange indicated that the dissociation constants of ATP and ADP bound to CheA were similar (KD values approximately 0.2-0.3 mM), whereas ATP had a reduced affinity for CheA approximately P (KD approximately 0.8 mM) compared with ADP (KD approximately 0.3 mM). The rates of phosphotransfer from bound ATP to the phosphoaccepting histidine and from the phosphohistidine back to ADP seem to be essentially equal (kcat approximately 10 min-1).
TORCH: a design tool for routing channel segmentation in FPGAs

A design tool for routing channel segmentation in island-style FPGAs is presented. Given the FPGA architecture parameters and a set of benchmark designs, the tool optimizes routing channel segmentation using the average interconnect power-delay product as a performance metric estimated from placed and routed designs. A simulated-annealing procedure is used, whereby segmentation is incrementally changed in each iteration, the benchmark designs are mapped using VPR, and the performance metric is computed to decide whether to accept or reject the new segmentation. Run time is significantly reduced by using incremental routing in each iteration and parallelizing the metric evaluation. Experimental results using the MCNC benchmark designs demonstrate an average of 22% and 15% reduction in delay and power relative to a baseline segmentation. The results also show that average segment length should decrease with technology scaling. Finally, we demonstrate how the tool can be used to optimize other aspects of programmable routing in an FPGA
Physician-Assisted Death — A Last Resort?

During the past decade, patients with the uncommon disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have had a prominent role in the debate about physician-assisted suicide and voluntary active euthanasia. In Canada and Great Britain, patients with ALS have challenged legal bans on physician-assisted death. A widely viewed videotape of a patient in the Netherlands choosing euthanasia generated considerable controversy. In the United States, millions watched Jack Kevorkian euthanize Thomas Youk, a patient with ALS, on the CBS news program 60 Minutes. As compared with patients with other terminal illnesses, those with ALS are more likely to request physician-assisted death. Veldink . . .
Lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of multiple alternatively spliced MEFV transcripts in human synovial fibroblasts: a prominent splice isoform lacks the C-terminal domain that is highly mutated in familial Mediterranean fever.

Objective To investigate the expression of the familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) gene (MEFV) in human synovial fibroblasts. Methods MEFV messenger RNA in synovial fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) was analyzed by semiquantitative and real-time polymerase chain reaction and ribonuclease protection assay. The subcellular localization of pyrin, the MEFV product, was determined in transfected synovial fibroblasts and HeLa cells with plasmids encoding pyrin isoforms. Native pyrin was detected with an antipyrin antibody. Results MEFV was expressed in synovial fibroblasts, but not in chondrocytes. Four alternatively spliced transcripts were identified: an extension of exon 8 (exon 8ext) resulting in a frameshift that predicts a truncated protein lacking exons 9 and 10, the addition of an exon (exon 4a) predicting a truncated protein at exon 5, the in-frame substitution of exon 2a for exon 2, and the previously described removal of exon 2 (exon 2Δ). Exon 8ext transcripts represented 27% of the total message population in synovial fibroblasts. All other alternatively spliced transcripts were rare. Consensus and alternatively spliced transcripts were induced by lipopolysaccharide in synovial fibroblasts and PBLs. In transfected cells, the proteins encoded by all highly expressed splice forms were cytoplasmic. In contrast, native pyrin was predominantly nuclear in synovial fibroblasts, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, but was cytoplasmic in monocytes. Conclusion Several MEFV transcripts are expressed and inducible in synovial fibroblasts. A prominent isoform lacks the C-terminal domain that contains the majority of mutations found in patients with FMF. While recombinant forms of all major pyrin isoforms are cytoplasmic, native pyrin is nuclear in several cell types. Thus, mechanisms in addition to splicing patterns must control pyrin's subcellular distribution.
An investigation of the estimation of ejection fractions and cardiac volumes by a quantitative gated SPECT software package in simulated gated SPECT images

Background The purpose of this investigation was to determine the accuracy of the estimation of ejection fractions (EFs) and left ventricular volumes from a commercially available soft-ware package (Quantitative Gated SPECT[QGS]) as a function of different true EFs, count level in the acquisitions, severity and location of perfusion defects, increasing hepatic, activity, and modified wall motion.
The Challenges Of Teaching Strategic Management: Working Toward Successful Inclusion of the Resource-Based View

The industrial organization economics (IOE) and resource-based view (RBV) schools contribute uniquely to the strategic management curriculum. However, presentation of the RBV is often inadequate or ineffective, in part due to faculty habit, students’ conceptualization of knowledge as objective and readily transferable, and course pedagogy. We recommend the introduction of an interpretive approach into the strategic management course, as it is well suited to examine processes that are social and complex and is therefore of benefit in developing deeper student understanding of the RBV. Several suggestions are made to develop better linkage between pedagogy and subject matter.
Thermal fatigue life simulation on DDR3 package

For high memory density DDR3 BOC packages with thin copper foil thickness, module level solder joint reliability during the thermal cycling test is a critical issue. In this paper, 3D FEA thermal fatigue life models are established and analyzed with detailed considerations of pad design, realistic geometry of solder joint and nonlinear material properties. The validated models have the capability to predict the fatigue life of solder joint during the thermal cycling test within µ25% error against in-house test data. Simulation shows that the high density DDR3 fatigue life is 63% lower than DDR2. Under worst case condition, there is a possibility that the package will failed to meet Micron reliability performance. Therefore, parametric studies are performed to enhance the fatigue life performance through 10 factors, consist of key package dimensions and material properties. To enhance the solder joint reliability of DDR3 BOC package, it is recommended to have a thinner die and core thickness, a higher solder joint standoff height and a thicker copper thickness. Furthermore, the solder joint reliability can be greatly improved by choosing a mold compound physical property with matching CTE to the board and interposer. To match and exceed the SJR of 22um using 13um copper thickness, a combination of several design and material factors are needed.
Reading up books: Readings in communications: A historical review: A good approach for a student interested in communications is to trace its historical development through the literature of the times

Few disciplines in the field of electrical engineering can claim to be as prolific or to have as much impact on our society as the field of communications. In fewer than 150 years, this technology has taken us from the simple wonders of the telephone and telegraph to the truly spectacular advances in space technology. With the aid of computers of the highest performance levels, satellites today can survey activities on the ground from space with a resolution of approximately 1 meter. With just as much ease, they can beam information from continent to continent and gather, process, and disseminate important meteorological and scientific data.
Vibrational hole burning, energy transfer and anti-hole formation in the ordered and disordered CN- sublattices of KCN and RbCN

Abstract Using a single mode tunable color-center-laser for excitation and as a high-resolution spectrometer, hole burning studies have been performed at 4 K in the second harmonic CN- vibrational absorption of alkali-cyanides around 4000 cm−1. In antiferroelectrically ordered KCN, a large number of sharp (∼10−3cm−1) holes can be burned persistently in the ∼1 cm−1 broad absorption bands of the four CN− isotopes. Spectrally selected CN− dipoles (aligned in the ∼107 V/cm mean crystal field) disappear under excitation producing holes with an efficiency of ∼10−3, and reappear as “anti-hole absorption” at about 10 cm−1 higher frequency: now oriented opposite to the mean field. Besides this “direct” process, the primary localized excitation can diffuse spectrally and spatially by vibrational-vibrational (V-V) energy transfer through the CN- sublattice, producing “indirect” molecular reorientations on its path of migration. The formation of the (broad) hole component caused by this process could not be observed on the existing strong absorption background, while a build-up of the ∼10 cm-1 shifted anti-hole absorption on zero background can easily be detected: either in the isotope system under optical excitation, and/or in the isotopes of smaller eigenfrequencies (down to 13C15N), where the migrating excitation energy can be trapped. In antiferroelastically ordered but electrically disordered RbCN, many sharp, persistent, and 100% deep holes can be burned. Anti-hole absorption build-up, which is not spectrally separated, but spread over the whole absorption band due to the random “electric dipole glass” field in the crystal, cannot be detected.
Potential Anticonvulsants VI: Condensation of Isatins with Cyclohexanone and other Cyclic Ketones

Abstract □ Cyclohexanone, substituted cyclohexanones, and other cycloalkanones have been condensed with isatin and substituted isatins to give a series of new 3-hydroxy-3-substituted oxindoles. A number of these 3-hydroxyoxindoles possess anticonvulsant activity.
5f-Electron Excitation Energies and the Coulomb Term,U, in the Light Actinide Metals

Relativistic Hartree-Fock-Wigner-Seitz band calculations have been performed for the actinide metals Ac through Am in order to estimate $5f$ excitation energies. Our calculations predict that the tetravalent state (i.e., four $s\ensuremath{-}d$ conduction electrons) is favored for the lighter elements with a crossover to a trivalent ground state occurring near uranium. We find the Coulomb energy, $U$, for $5f$ electron hopping to increase from 2-3 eV at Th to 4-5 eV at Am.
Recent top quark results from D0

Abstract We present two preliminary results: a model-independent measurement of W boson helicity in top quark decays, and a measurement of the top quark mass. Both measurements update previously published D0 results by including over twice the data.
Legal Defect Protected by Article 42 of the CISG: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) was written to facilitate and increase certainty in international sales transactions. Unfortunately, a major shortcoming of the CISG is in regard to sales of goods that are subject to intellectual or industrial property rights. This article discusses the problems with a uniform substantive law to govern sales of goods that are subject to intellectual property rights and counsels practitioners to include contract clauses to govern any disputes that may arise in relation to a claim brought by a third party asserting ownership to the intellectual or industrial property rights of the goods.
Polarization mode dispersion, decorrelation, and diffusion in optical fibers with randomly varying birefringence

Polarization mode dispersion and the polarization decorrelation and diffusion lengths are calculated in fibers with randomly varying birefringence. Two different physical models in which the birefringence orientation varies arbitrarily are studied and are shown to yield nearly identical results. These models are appropriate for communication fibers. We show that both the length scales for polarization mode dispersion and polarization decorrelation measured with respect to the local axes of birefringence are equal to the fiber autocorrelation length. We also show that the coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equation which describes wave evolution over long length along a communication fiber can be reduced to the Manakov equation. The appropriate averaging length for the linear polarization mode dispersion is just the fiber autocorrelation length but the appropriate averaging length for the nonlinear terms is the diffusion length in the azimuthal direction along the Poincare sphere which can be different, The implications for the nonlinear evolution are discussed.
ASSESSMENT OF IMPULSIVITY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELF‐CONTROL IN STUDENTS WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

We examined a combined approach of manipulating reinforcer dimensions and delay fading to promote the development of self-control with 3 students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. First, we administered a brief computer-based assessment to determine the relative influence of reinforcer rate (R), reinforcer quality (Q), reinforcer immediacy (I), and effort (E) on the students' choices between concurrently presented math problems. During each session, one of these dimensions was placed in direct competition with another dimension (e.g., RvI involving math problem alternatives associated with high-rate delayed reinforcement vs. low-rate immediate reinforcement), with all possible pairs of dimensions presented across the six assessment conditions (RvQ, RvI, RvE, QvI, QvE, IvE). The assessment revealed that the choices of all 3 students were most influenced by immediacy of reinforcement, reflecting impulsivity. We then implemented a self-control training procedure in which reinforcer immediacy competed with another influential dimension (RvI or QvI), and the delay associated with the higher rate or quality reinforcer alternative was progressively increased. The students allocated the majority of their time to the math problem alternatives yielding more frequent (high-rate) or preferred (high-quality) reinforcement despite delays of up to 24 hr. Subsequent readministration of portions of the assessment showed that self-control transferred across untrained dimensions of reinforcement.
Second order grating formation in dry holographic photopolymers

Abstract The first and second order grating strengths in Du Pont holographic photopolymers were measured through the diffraction efficiencies at the first and second Bragg angles, for various recording irradiances. Grating profiles up to the second order were constructed. It was found that high recording irradiance results in large nonlinearity.
Is risk analysis a useful tool for improving process safety

To improve safety one has to know where risks are. For determining risks, hazards have to be identified and representative accident scenarios defined. This needs effort and technique. Man is quite limited in foresight without having experience and lessons from the past. For knowing the risk of an incidental, undesired event both its severity and probability has to be estimated. Then ways to reduce risk become clear. In a process plant risks are many and it is not possible to remove them all. One has to attribute priorities. Intuitive and qualitative methods can do much, but plant complexity may be large and communication on risk may become difficult without formal methodology. Quantitative risk analysis offers much, but has its weaknesses and drawbacks. The required effort is considerable, specialists are needed, and variability in answers is large. Yet, a model built to go along with the life of an installation and updated periodically may be very useful. This paper presents an overview of the demand, problems encountered, possible remedies, and an outlook on useful improvement and extension of risk analysis methodology, including decision making.
Theory for Radial Jet Reattachment Flow

Both laminar and turbulent flows are considered. A component analysis is used for the theoretical treatment. The jet flow component is modeled with Schlichting's velocity profile for the laminar case and with Gortler's velocity profile for the turbulence case. The influence of the nozzle exit geometry and the spacing between the radial jet and the flat place is theoretically determined. The equations for the theory are derived, and graphical results are presented
A 70- to 80-kDa Glial Cell Protein Interacts with the AGGGAAGGGA Domain of the JC Virus Early Promoter Only in the Presence of the Neighboring cis DNA Elements

Abstract The neurotropic virus JC (JCV) causes the demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. JCV is transcriptionally regulated by both positive and negative cis elements. Previous studies have shown that the AGGGAAGGGA sequence, in isolation, interacts with a 53- to 56-kDa cellular protein and acts as a silencer for the late promoter. We have reexamined the role of the AGGGAAGGGA element in the glial cell-specific transcriptional regulation of JCV by studying it in a longer natural context of elements of the JCV early promoter. Transcriptional analysis in C6 gliel cells of selectively mutated AGGGAAGGGA domains within the nt 98-153 region of the JCV early promoter revealed that both GGG regions in the AGGGAAGGGA sequence are required for glial cell-specific transcription. The interactions of cellular proteins with the AGGGAAGGGA domain were also found to be dependent upon the presence or absence of neighboring cis elements The TATA region was found to facilitate the interaction of specific proteins with the AGGGAAGGGA domain. Domain-specific photocrosslinking studies revealed the binding of a glial cell protein of approximately 70-80 kDa to the AGGGAAGGGA domain only when it was flanked by its neighboring cis elements, the TATA and NF-1 domains of the JCV promoter.
Interacting effects of selected trace and toxic metals on thyroid function

Interacting effects of blood levels of manganese (Mn), selenium, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury, and serum levels of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) on thyroid function in general US po...
Temperature dependence of the step structure of vicinal Si(001) surfaces

Abstract Si(001) surfaces miscut slightly towards the [110] direction consist of alternating domains of (1 × 2) and (2 × 1) reconstruction, separated by inequivalent, single-atomic-height steps; at higher miscut angles, the surface is mainly monodomain, with terraces separated by double-atomic-height steps. High-resolution low-energy electron diffraction has been used to determine the step structure of vicinal Si(001) as a function of both temperature and miscut angle. The concentration of double-atomic-height steps continuously increases with miscut angle and, for vicinalities greater than ~ 2°, decreases with increasing temperature. From a comparison of the experimental results with the predictions of a one-dimensional model treating the problem in terms of chemical equilibrium in a two-component system we obtain information on the energetics of the structure transformation.
A Simple Program for Computing Characteristic Polynomials with Mathematica

This paper presents a program for computing characteristic polynomials written for the commercial software package Mathematica. The program utilizes several features that are relevant to problems encountered in computing characteristic polynomials by other means, especially limitations on problem size due to integer overflow.
Transmitting, emitting and controlling light: Processing of transparent ceramics using current-activated pressure-assisted densification

Abstract We review recent advances in using current-activated pressure-assisted densification (CAPAD) for fabricating polycrystalline ceramics that are transparent to visible and infrared light. In addition, we discuss important one-dimensional (vacancies), two-dimensional (grain boundaries) and three-dimensional (pores) defects that can affect optical properties. We pay special attention to procedures whereby the benefits of CAPAD can be used to ensure the precise control of microstructure that facilitates transparency and other functionalities.
Spin‐echo NMR study of the atomic site environments in the Fe67Co18B14Si1 metallic glass

In order to investigate the near neighbor atomic environment and, consequently, the relationship of such environments to the observed magnetoelastic properties, a spin‐echo NMR study of the hyperfine field distributions in Metglas 2605 CO (Fe67Co18B14Si1) for various magnetic annealing treatments has been undertaken. Here, initial spectra for the 11B metalloid and 59Co transition metal nuclei, obtained at 4.2 °K and zero magnetic field, are presented along with supplementary magnetization and x‐ray diffraction measurements. Upon annealing, a bcc α‐Fe phase precipitates first, leaving a residual amorphous phase of lower Fe content. The appearance of such crystalline regions is accompanied by a strong reduction in the magnetomechanical coupling coefficient.
Formation of C6 C2 -Enol Ethers in the Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Erythro-Veratrylglycerol-β-(2-Methoxyphenyl) Ether

Abstract Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of erythro-veratrylglycerol-β-(2-methoxyphenyl) ether in mixed aqueous-organic media yields, in addition to Hibbert's ketones formed via readily hydrolyzable C6 C3 -enol ether intermediates, the cis-and trans-isomers of a C6 C2 -enol ether. The formation of these C6 C2 isomers involves the elimination of the γ-carbinol group as formaldehyde. Both C6 C2 -enol ether isomers are unexpectedly resistant towards hydrolysis. In aqueous dioxane and ethanol systems, the competing formation of the C6 C2 -enol ethers is increased with increasing concentration of the organic solvent and with increasing reaction temperature.
Evaluating men's health education in US pharmacy practice curriculum

The objective of this study was to evaluate men’s health education in the pharmacy practice curriculum of colleges/schools of pharmacy in the United States. The pharmacy practice department heads from colleges/schools of pharmacy in the United States received an online survey. The survey included demographic questions about the college/school of pharmacy, the men’s health topics covered, and viewpoints about incorporating men’s health in their curriculum. A total of 143 initial emails were sent, with 19 completed surveys received. Nine of 11 specific men’s health topics evaluated in the survey were taught by at least 50% of respondents within a required didactic course for at least one hour. There was no significant difference between the colleges’ demographics and total hours of men’s health topics taught. More than 50% of respondents indicated that eight of the 11 specific men’s health survey topics should be included in the required curriculum only. Overall, 89% of schools/colleges identified the main barrier to incorporating men’s health topics in the curriculum as lack of time. As schools/colleges of pharmacy undergo curricular change, the results of this survey may be used to evaluate the men’s health content in their curriculum and to make adjustments, as necessary, to help better prepare pharmacists for increasing roles in men’s health.