cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spin and energy transfer in nanocrystals without tunneling

We describe a mechanism of spin transfer between individual quantum dots without tunneling. Incident circularly polarized photons create interband excitons with nonzero electron spin in the first quantum dot. When the quantum-dot pair is properly designed, this excitation can be transferred to the neighboring dot via the Coulomb interaction with conservation or flipping of electron spin. The second dot can radiate circularly polarized photons at smaller energy. Selection rules for spin transfer are determined by the resonant conditions and by the strong spin-orbit interaction in the valence band of nanocrystals. Coulomb-induced energy and spin transfer in pairs and chains of dots can become very efficient under resonant conditions. The electron can preserve its spin orientation even in randomly oriented nanocrystals.
Reaction-Induced structure

This chapter reviews the metal-induced crystallization that speeds up the crystallization of amorphous films and allows lower crystallization temperatures onto substrates, such as glass. Reactions between separate phases or layers in thin films may be classified as heterogeneous, and those that occur within a single layer or on the surface between ad-atoms or ad-molecules may be classified as homogeneous. In integrated circuit technology, the products of these reactions make up elements of circuitry, such as gate oxides, or metallic junction elements, such as silicides. Sometimes the reactions between adjacent thin film layers are undesired, as in super-lattices. It is thus, useful to attempt to summarize the knowledge that has been gained from studies of these various reactions in thin films.
A new front to back composition technique for volume rendering

Visualization is a powerful tool for better understanding of several scientific phenomenon. In recent years, several techniques have been proposed. We present a new model to render volume data. In this model, each volume element is classified and assigned a shaded color and opacity value. The assignments are applied through either user specified lookup tables or a default mapping. The results are stored in shaded color and opacity volumes via a pipeline approach.
Structural behavior of coaxes in transverse magnetic fields

The ALCATOR C-MOD tokamak employs poloidal field (PF) coils inside the toroidal field (TF) coils. C10100 copper coaxial current leads pass radially through an 18 tesla toroidal field to reach the terminals of the ohmic heating (OH) coil. In addition, there are radial and poloidal fields on the order of 2 Tesla near the OH terminals. The 50 kA lead currents interact with those fields to produce 900 kN/m forces which act in opposite directions on the coaxial conductors. The net load is zero on the conductor pair. However, the internal forces and moments cause stresses in the outer conductor tube that depend strongly on the size of the air gap between the tube and the insulation. Analysis indicates a peak stress of 430 MPa for a 0.19 mm air gap. The stress field is complicated by a 90 degree bend to vertical at the terminal block. Internal loads in the bend region lead to bourdon tube behavior, which produces longitudinal bending stresses in the coax. The coax must resist fatigue failure for reversed 50,000 pulses with a Safety Factor of 10. Ironically, this component is considered innocuous, and rarely given such attention, simply because there is no net load on a coax in a transverse field.
The risk of adverse outcomes in association with use of testosterone products: a cohort study using the UK-based general practice research database.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Testosterone products are indicated for primary or secondary hypogonadism and can be delivered through various routes including oral and intramuscular injection. • While many clinical trials have evaluated the effectiveness of testosterone therapy, there is little information on safety particularly in different formulations. • Hypertension, polycythemia and prostatic abnormalities (prostatism, benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostate cancer) have been identified as potential adverse effects of testosterone replacement therapy, but data are limited. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Risks of prostate cancer and prostatism were similar in users of the oral and injectable testosterone preparations, but risks were higher for hypertension and polycythemia in the injectable compared with the oral testosterone users. • Risk of benign prostatic hypertrophy was slightly higher in the oral users, but the difference was small and could have been due to bias. AIMS To study the relative safety of the intramuscular injection formulation of testosterone with oral testosterone undecanoate in relation to the risks for hypertension, polycythemia, prostate cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostatism. METHODS We conducted a cohort study of men in the UK based General Practice Research Database who were users of the oral undecanoate and injectable forms of testosterone and calculated rates and relative risks of hypertension, polycythemia and prostate conditions (cancer, BPH and prostatism). RESULTS We identified 5841 men who received at least one study testosterone preparation. There were 202 cases of hypertension (crude incidence rates (IRs) for oral and injectable testosterone respectively 12.3/1000 person-years (PY) and 14.4/1000 PY). There were 146 cases of polycythemia (IRs 1.2/1000 PY and 10.1/1000 PY), 46 cases of prostate cancer (IRs 2.5/1000 PY and 1.8/1000 PY), 106 cases of BPH (IRs 4.1 /1000 PY and 2.1/1000 PY), and 251 cases of prostatism (IRs 8.4/1000 PY and 6.1/1000 PY respectively). Adjusted relative risks for oral compared with injectable testosterone were 0.8 (95% CI 0.6, 1.2) for hypertension, 0.13 (0.05, 0.35) for polycythemia, 1.1 (0.7, 1.7) for prostate cancer, 1.5 (1.1, 2.2) for BPH and 1.1 (0.8, 1.4) for prostatism. CONCLUSIONS Risks of prostate cancer and prostatism were similar in users of the two preparations, but risks were higher for hypertension and polycythemia in the injectable compared with the oral testosterone users. Risk of BPH was slightly higher in the oral users, but the difference was small and could have been due to bias.
Progressive Communication Satellite Systems Design

This paper describes the progressive design, on a phased basis, of a typical communication satellite system capable of meeting a variety of military and civilian applications, The system philosophy stresses reliability and flexibility of operation, with provision for both point-to-point and area coverage, to serve both fixed and mobile ground terminals, and to operate in either a military or nonmilitary environment. Considerations leading to choice of basic system parameters are presented. Major subsystems comprising the satellite payload are described and illustrated. The achievement of maximum reliability and long life is recognized as having the highest priority in satellite design and recommended approaches to the problem are indicated. The equipment required at a communication ground station is described as a function of the quantity and type of communications provided and the desired degree of mobility. Some typical configurations are described. Finally, some conclusions are presented regarding the merits of this type of system and its relation to the over-all space program and global communication requirements.
Fungal infections in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract Fungal pathogens, primarily Candida , cause approximately 9 percent of all late-onset infections in the neonatal intensive care unit. Candida can be acquired both vertically and horizontally, so disease in the neonate is a mixture of nosocomially and perinatally acquired infection. Systemic candidiasis predominantly affects the most immature infants with more severe underlying disease. The spectrum of diseases caused by Candida ranges from uncomplicated fungemia to multiorgan dissemination; some unusual manifestations include invasive fungal dermatitis, spontaneous intestinal perforation, and brain abscesses. Although Candida is the predominant fungal pathogen in the nursery, other organisms are implicated sporadically. Catheter-associated sepsis caused by Malassezia is seen occasionally in neonates receiving lipid infusions. Filamentous fungi, both Aspergillus and zygomycetes, cause predominantly cutaneous or gastrointestinal tract infections, often associated with breaches in the mucocutaneous barrier. Knowledge of the epidemiology and clinical presentation of fungal infections in these infants is growing, but more research is needed. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Gr1intCD11b+ Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection

Background Tuberculosis is one of the world’s leading killers, stealing 1.4 million lives and causing 8.7 million new and relapsed infections in 2011. The only vaccine against tuberculosis is BCG which demonstrates variable efficacy in adults worldwide. Human infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis results in the influx of inflammatory cells to the lung in an attempt to wall off bacilli by forming a granuloma. Gr1intCD11b+ cells are called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and play a major role in regulation of inflammation in many pathological conditions. Although MDSC have been described primarily in cancer their function in tuberculosis remains unknown. During M. tuberculosis infection it is crucial to understand the function of cells involved in the regulation of inflammation during granuloma formation. Understanding their relative impact on the bacilli and other cellular phenotypes is necessary for future vaccine and drug design.
Per-field urban land use classification based on tax parcel boundaries

The objective of this study is to test a per-field approach for classifying detailed urban land use, such as single-family, multi-family, industrial and commercial. Tax parcel boundaries are used as the field boundaries for classification. Twelve attributes of parcels, such as parcel sizes, parcel shape, building counts and building heights, are used as the discriminant factors between different land use types. For our study area that consists of 33 025 parcels, we first derived parcel attributes from geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing data. We then converted the parcel vector data to an image of 12 bands with pixel values from parcel attributes. After that, we performed a standard supervised classification to classify the image into nine land use types. The best classification result with a decision tree classifier had an overall accuracy of 93.53% and a Kappa Coefficient of 0.7023. This study shows the feasibility of applying a per-field approach based on tax parcel boundaries to classify detailed urban land use.
Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells into Oligodendrocyte Precursors

Oligodendrocytes are the myelinating cells of the central nervous system. For regenerative cell therapy in demyelinating diseases, there is significant interest in deriving a pure population of lineage-committed oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) for transplantation. OPCs are characterized by the activity of the transcription factor Olig2 and surface expression of a proteoglycan NG2. Using the GFP-Olig2 (G-Olig2) mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) reporter line, we optimized conditions for the differentiation of mESCs into GFP+Olig2+NG2+ OPCs. In our protocol, we first describe the generation of embryoid bodies (EBs) from mESCs. Second, we describe treatment of mESC-derived EBs with small molecules: (1) retinoic acid (RA) and (2) a sonic hedgehog (Shh) agonist purmorphamine (Pur) under defined culture conditions to direct EB differentiation into the oligodendroglial lineage. By this approach, OPCs can be obtained with high efficiency (>80%) in a time period of 30 days. Cells derived from mESCs in this protocol are phenotypically similar to OPCs derived from primary tissue culture. The mESC-derived OPCs do not show the spiking property described for a subpopulation of brain OPCs in situ. To study this electrophysiological property, we describe the generation of spiking mESC-derived OPCs by ectopically expressing NaV1.2 subunit. The spiking and nonspiking cells obtained from this protocol will help advance functional studies on the two subpopulations of OPCs.
Turkey and the Balkans: New Forms of Political Community?

This article analyzes recent Turkish activism in the Balkans from the standpoint of political community. Drawing on but expanding Karl Deutsch's original concept allows us to explore the goals and actions of Turkish policy in the region. Multiple overlapping communities, some embryonic, can be seen to frame Turkish action. These include cultural/ethnic, security, European Union (EU) candidate, EU alternative, business and Islamic communities. Viewing Turkish policies this way offers analytical leverage that highlights the aims and dynamics of Turkish policies as well as possible outcomes of Turkish foreign policy actions in the Balkans.
Photodegradation of 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole Disulfide and Related Benzothiazoles

The photodegradation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole disulfide, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole and benzothia-zole was investigated. Benzothiazole was found to undergo photodimerization into 2,2′-bibenzothiazole, and in the presence of oxygen to give two additional photoproducts - 2-hydroxybenzothiazole and 2-methylbenzothiazole. The major degradation products of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole are benzothiazole and 2-benzothiazolesulfonic acid, with 2,2′-thiobisbenzothiazole and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole disulfide as the minor degradation products. Direct photolysis of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole disulfide gave 2-mercapto-benzothiazole and in acetonitrile 2-thiocyanatobenzothiazole was also detected. A mechanism is proposed to rationalize the formation of photodegradation products.
A Community College District/University Press Copublishing Venture.

The concept of community colleges and universities working together is not new; the idea of combining the talents of community college writers with the skills of the professionals from a university press, however, resulted in a unique collaboration. Two educational institutions cooperated in a mutually beneficial project that culminated in two published books: one of short stories and one of poetry. How this was accomplished can serve as a model for other community colleges on how to approach university presses in similar joint ventures.
The Level I fieldwork process.

This paper reports the results of a nationwide study in which the factors that relate to the overall Level I fieldwork implementation were compared across a variety of occupational therapy fieldwork settings. Two questionnaires were used to collect data: One was completed by 395 Level I fieldwork site supervisors, and the other by faculty representatives from 40 professional-level academic occupational therapy programs. The data showed that there were more similarities than differences among the fieldwork sites, thus suggesting that a common process is used in most fieldwork placements. The primary factors that differentiated among the various fieldwork settings were variables that tended to describe the settings demographically (e.g., type of employment setting, funding sources). Interesting differences were found among the various fieldwork settings between the amount of supervision given to Level I students and the amount of independent, treatment-oriented performance by the students.
Wideband DOA estimation based on multi-channel speech presence probabilities

This work proposes a novel scheme for the direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation of speech signals by employing speech presence probabilities in the frequency domain. We first obtain an initial estimate of the signal's DOA by conventional beamforming and then use it to compensate for the relative delay across the microphone array signals. The resulting signals are utilized to establish estimates of the speech presence probabilities which are applied on the frequency focusing methods to implement the wideband MUSIC approach in order to determine the final DOA estimate. Simulation results illustrate considerable performance improvement in terms of DOA estimation error in circumstances where the speech signal and background noise have different spectral content. The proposed method is extensively useful in low SNR scenarios and is robust against the choice of the frequency focusing method.
A compiler-building system developed by Brooker and Morris: including a comprehensive discussion of the major features of the system

In a number of articles published during the past two years, R. A. Brooker and D. Morris (joined by J. S. Rohl in their most recent paper) have presented a very interesting programming system that they have developed for the Ferranti Atlas computer.The present paper describes some of the major features of their system. It expands on some points that the original authors cover briefly, and treats only very lightly some topics to which they devote considerable space.The purpose of this paper is purely expository. Except in some very small details, and in some comments, it does not intentionally depart from or add to the material published in the listed references.In the opinion of the writer, systems of this kind are well worth implementing and will provide useful research tools in the development of languages and techniques. This opinion is true even when such systems turn out to be of limited usefulness in producing “production” compilers, where compiling speed and object code optimization may be considered more important than language flexibility and elegance or generality of system organization.
Remarks on an inequality of Schulenberger and Wilcox

J. R. Schulenberger and C. H. Wilcox[1], [2], have proven a coerciveness inequality for a class of nonelliptic first-order partial differential operators of the form Λ = =E −1 AjDj, where Aj (j=1, ..., n) is a constant m × m Hermitian matrix, E=E(x) is uniformly positive definite, bounded, and uniformly differentiable Hermitian m × m matrix, and where the symbol Λ(p, x)=E(x) −1 Ajpj has constant rank for all p e Rn − {0} and x e Rn. They prove coerciveness on N(Λ)⊥, the orthogonal complement of the null space N(Λ) relative to the inner product $$\left\langle {u, v} \right\rangle = \int\limits_{R^n } {u(x) \cdot E(x)v(x)dx} $$ . Their proof is rather long, a simpler and shorter proof is given here. This proof leads naturally to a generalization of their results to the case where the Aj's need not be Hermitian.
Natural image segmentation using morphological mathematics and fuzzy logic

The segmentation of natural images remains a challenging task in image processing. Many methods have been proposed in the literature regarding algorithms for the segmentation of such images. Many of the algorithms are complex in nature and inefficient in practice with unaltered images. In order to efficiently use the algorithms it is beneficial to preprocess the natural images. However, natural images often involve subjects and background that are not easily quantified with crisp preprocessing parameters. To this, we will show the use of grey-scale morphological operators coupled with fuzzy image enhancement with natural images is an efficient and noncomplex method that more accurately isolates the region of interest in the image and will define a novel combination of grey-scale morphological operators for use with natural images.
ON THE LOGARITHMIC DERIVATIVE OF NICHOLSON'S INTEGRAL

The function $M_{\nu}(x) = (\nu /x) - \frac{1}{2}d\ln \{J_{\nu}^{2}(x) + Y_{\nu}^{2}(x)\}/dx$ is studied. By employing uniform asymptotic approximations for Bessel functions, as well as Nicholson's integral for $J_{\nu}^{2}(x) + Y_{\nu}^{2}(x)$ and a related integral, uniform asymptotic approximations for Mν(x) are obtained for x → ∞, which taken together are uniformly valid for -∞ < ν < ∞. From these approximations, it follows that Mν(x) is a slowly varying function of ν for large x, a result which has ramifications in a certain quasi non-uniqueness in the scattered field of a dielectric circular cylinder.
Systems engineering interfaces: A model based approach

The engineering of interfaces is a critical function of the discipline of Systems Engineering. Included in interface engineering are instances of interaction. Interfaces provide the specifications of the relevant properties of a system or component that can be connected to other systems or components while instances of interaction are identified in order to specify the actual integration to other systems or components. Current Systems Engineering practices rely on a variety of documents and diagrams to describe interface specifications and instances of interaction. The SysML[1] specification provides a precise model based representation for interfaces and interface instance integration. This paper will describe interface engineering as implemented by the Operations Revitalization Task using SysML, starting with a generic case and culminating with a focus on a Flight System to Ground Interaction. The reusability of the interface engineering approach presented as well as its extensibility to more complex interfaces and interactions will be shown. Model-derived tables will support the case studies shown and are examples of model-based documentation products.
Crack extension under compressive loading

Abstract Non-planar extension (kinking) of a crack subjected to remote biaxial compression is studied to gain insight into compressive failure of brittle solids. Approximate expressions are developed for the stress intensity factors at the tips of the resulting wing cracks. Assuming the wing crack propagates at a constant value of K Ic , one can calculate wing crack extension vs load. The significance of the dependence on various parameters is discussed.
Compact polarization sensors with vertically integrated photodetectors

We describe a new method of sensing the linear polarization of light in a single mesa device structure by vertically integrating two photodetectors. The monolithic architecture eliminates the need for several discrete components, such as polarization filters and beam splitters, thus reducing critical alignment requirements and cost for various optical systems. Applications include the simplification of reading heads in magneto-optical (MO) data storage devices and constructing imaging arrays for polarization vision. In imaging, polarization sensing can extract additional information from a scene otherwise not noticeable to the human eye, facilitating remote sensing, material classification, and biological imaging. The operation principle of our vertical cavity polarization detector (VCPD) is based on a resonant cavity enhanced (RCE) photodetector, being vertically integrated with a conventional photodetector. The RCE detector is constructed by integrating a thin absorption region into an asymmetric Fabry-Perot cavity. The top reflector is formed by the semiconductor air interface, while the bottom mirror is a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR). For off-normal incidence of light, the reflectivity of the semiconductor-air interface and DBR are significantly different for TE (s) and TM (p) polarizations. Thus the RCE detector provides resonance enhancement for TE, capturing the TE polarized light in the top detector. For TM polarized light, both reflectivities are small, therefore, light is transmitted to and absorbed in the bottom detector. A large contrast in TE/TM response of the top and bottom detectors is achieved and the linear polarization can be computed from their relative responses. Experimental results displaying good agreement with simulation results have been recently achieved and are presented.
Controversies in family planning: timing of ovulation after abortion and the conundrum of postabortion intrauterine device insertion

Questions: When does ovulation occur after an induced abortion? Is it different with regard to medical versus surgical abortion? Does ovulation occur at a different time point if the woman had a first versus second trimester abortion? If one is unable to provide an immediate post- abortion intrauterine device (IUD), when is the ideal time to insert the IUD and be sure your patient is not pregnant? What if the patient reports an act of unprotected intercourse between the abortion and her return for IUD insertion? Can one be certain she has not just conceived if her return for the IUD is 7 days post-abortion? What if it was 10 versus 14 or more days post- abortion? Respondent #1: Most data support three weeks for ovulation, therefore insertion within two weeks with no bridge method is fine. That said, about a third of women will not come back so some method right away might be a good idea. Respondent #2: I used to do one week for first trimester patients and two weeks for second trimester patients before we could do immediate insertion. We are currently working on an analysis of nearly 200 women who got IUDs at two weeks after first trimester abortion and there were no complications. These women received the IUD at two weeks, not before. There were no pregnancies with IUD in place. Most women reported they were abstinent or used condoms. Our expulsion rate was low at about 2.5% at 6 months. Respondent #3: Our beliefs that ovulation occurs one to two weeks earlier post-abortion than after delivery are based on some older studies. I think the best time for a post-abortion visit is within one week because that is when the problems occur. One study showed higher IUD expulsion at two weeks than right after first trimester abortion, so one week might be better. The date of post-abortion visit return for contraception is sometimes determined by how long after the abortion insurance will pay. It used to be we had to wait two weeks for post-abortion IUD insertion where I work but now it is as soon as the patient is not pregnant, which means now we can insert IUDs immediately. Respondent #4: I would keep in mind the range, not just the average date of ovulation after abortion. Some papers show ovulation occurring as early as six days post-abortion.
Optical phase perturbations in nanosecond pulsed amplification and second-harmonic generation

Using an optical heterodyne technique, we have measured the phase evolution of nanosecond laser pulses produced by several different dye-amplifier configurations. Considerable frequency chirping is observed as well as average frequency shifts of a few parts in 108. We investigate the dependence of this chirping on the amplifier design and the pump laser to identify the best arrangement for precision measurements. We also report calculations of nonlinear phase shifts in frequency-doubling crystals, which can significantly perturb the laser frequency. Finally, we compare the measured phase evolution of second-harmonic radiation with predictions made from the squared electric field of the fundamental.
The Threat of Violence and Social-Change

The threat of violence, and the occasional outbreak of real violence—which gives the threat credibility—are essential elements in peaceful social change not only in international, but also in national communities. Individuals and groups, no less than nations, exploit the threat as an everyday matter. This induces flexibility and stability in democratic institutions. I refer not only to the police power of the state and the recognized right of self-defense, but also to private individual or group violence, whether purposive or futile, deliberate or desperate. Violence and the threat of violence, far from being meaningful only in international politics, are underlying, tacit, recognized, and omnipresent facts of domestic life, in the shadow of which democratic politics are carried on. They instil dynamism into the structure and growth of the law, the settlement of disputes, the processes of accomodating interests, and they induce general respect for the verdict of the polls.
Presence of trehalulose and other oligosaccharides in hemipteran honeydew, particularly Aleyrodidae

Abstract. Production by a bacterium of the disaccharide trehalulose was reported 30 years ago. The association between the fabrication of trehalulose and Insecta was found more recently. It was initially discovered in the honeydew, excreta, of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci feeding on Euphorbia pulcherrima where it was the predominant sugar. In the present study, B. tabaci-produced trehalulose was again found in honeydew at significant levels, this time when the whitefly fed on 10 different plants. In seven of 10 Bemisia/host combinations, trehalulose accounted for more than 30% of the total carbohydrates found in their honeydew and was the principal oligosaccharide. Trehalulose constituents, glucose and fructose, were also present at lower levels, as were other oligosaccharides such as melezitose. Feeding by B. tabaci on the three other plant hosts also resulted in the production of trehalulose at relatively high levels (6.1–16.5%). Other whitefly species examined had little (e.g. B. afer and Aleurothrixus spp.), or no trehalulose (e.g. Trialeurodes spp. and Siphoninus phillyreae), in their honeydew. Trehalulose was also found in the honeydew of two aphid and one scale insect species. In insects whose honeydew had low levels or no trehalulose, sucrose, its constituents, or larger sugars predominated. The trisaccharide bemisiose was also found in the honeydew of half the whitefly species examined. Bemisiose was discovered here for the first time in the honeydew of three aphid species and three species of scale insects. Reasons for the production of trehalulose are often linked to high levels of dietary sucrose in whiteflies. This is probably true in our case because cotton and cucurbits, at least, are known to contain a great deal of sucrose. Although other functional possibilities were explored, the data suggest that trehalulose, being less susceptible to hydrolysis than sucrose, is involved in osmoregulation.
Damage mechanics characterization on the fatigue behaviour of a solder joint material

This paper presents the first part of a comprehensive mechanics approach capable of predicting the integrity and reliability of solder joint material under fatigue loading without viscoplastic damage considerations. A separate report will be made to present a comprehensive damage model describing life prediction of the solder material under thermomechanical fatigue loading. The method is based on a theory of damage mechanics which makes possible a macroscopic description of the successive material deterioration caused by the presence of microcracks/voids in engineering materials. A damage mechanics model based on the thermodynamic theory of irreversible processes with internal state variables is proposed and used to provide a unified approach in characterizing the cyclic behavior of a typical solder material. With the introduction of a damage effect tensor, the constitutive equations are derived to enable the formulation of a fatigue damage dissipative potential function and a fatigue damage criterion. The fatigue evolution is subsequently developed based on the hypothesis that the overall damage is induced by the accumulation of fatigue and plastic damage. This damage mechanics approach offers a systematic and versatile means that is effective in modeling the entire process of material failure ranging from damage initiation and propagation leading eventually tomore » macro-crack initiation and growth. As the model takes into account the load history effect and the interaction between plasticity damage and fatigue damage, with the aid of a modified general purpose finite element program, the method can readily be applied to estimate the fatigue life of solder joints under different loading conditions.« less
The sbelling of sdops: Preliterate children's spelling of stops after /s/

Newly literate children have a tendency to spell s-stop sequences in words like spin, stop, sky with B, D, G (SBIN, SDOP, SGY), rather than with standard P, T, K. This observation potentially has implications for theories of English phonology as well as of language and literacy acquisition. Understanding these implications, however, requires data about the spelling preferences of preliterate children. In this study, a training-and-transfer design was used to test these spelling preferences in preliterate children. Results confirm that these children relate words with stops after /s/ to words with initial /b, d, g/ rather than to words with initial /p, t, k/. The paper outlines several possible interpretations: that preliterate children have a different phonemic analysis from adults, that they believe spelling represents archiphonemes that they believe spelling represents allophones, and that their early spelling attempts track the phonetic surface. The data suggest rejection of the second interpretation and in our view favour the last over the remaining interpretations. Several theoretical issues are raised that need to be resolved before a full account of the data can be offered.
MRI non-uniformity correction through interleaved bias estimation and B-spline deformation with a template

We propose a template-based method for correcting field inhomogeneity biases in magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the human brain. At each algorithm iteration, the update of a B-spline deformation between an unbiased template image and the subject image is interleaved with estimation of a bias field based on the current template-to-image alignment. The bias field is modeled using a spatially smooth thin-plate spline interpolation based on ratios of local image patch intensity means between the deformed template and subject images. This is used to iteratively correct subject image intensities which are then used to improve the template-to-image deformation. Experiments on synthetic and real data sets of images with and without Alzheimer's disease suggest that the approach may have advantages over the popular N3 technique for modeling bias fields and narrowing intensity ranges of gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid. This bias field correction method has the potential to be more accurate than correction schemes based solely on intrinsic image properties or hypothetical image intensity distributions.
Nosocomial Sepsis Due to Serratia odorifera Biovar 1

Serratia odorifera biovar 1 has been infrequently isolated from humans, and infection caused by this organism rarely has been documented. We report what is, to our knowledge, the first case of nosocomial sepsis due to S. odorifera biovar 1 and review the literature for which English-language abstracts were available on this organism. We also discuss the biochemical characteristics and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of this organism.
Methods for analyzing referral patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a sound method to identify patient and physician characteristics that influence specialty referrals.
Application of Communicative Approach in College English Teaching

The main purpose of foreign language teaching is to communicate with language. Meanwhile, Communicative Approach is the effective way to achieve this goal. Through out more than twenty years, Communicative Approach has been confirmed and spread widely. Communicative Approach is the innovation of the foreign language teaching. Not only does it improve students’ communicative competence effectively, but also carries out the quality education in foreign language teaching. This thesis will take a look at the Communicative Approach to the teaching of foreign languages. It is intended as an introduction to the Communicative Approach for the teachers and teachers-in-training who want to provide opportunities in the classroom for their students to engage in real-life communication in the target language. This thesis starts with the emergence, definition and features of Communicative Approach. It helps us understand CA continually. It also makes us aware of the obvious differences between Communicative Approach and other ways of language teaching. How to apply Communicative Approach to the teaching of foreign languages is mainly talked about. At last, three important pairs of connections in Communicative Approach are provided and the future of the Communicative Approach in foreign language teaching is described.
Comparison of GaAs-based heterostructure n-channel transistors to Si in complementary processes

Abstract N-channel transistors are described with gate lengths of 0.6 and 0.3 μm using complementary heterostructure FET (CHFET) technology. The drain current vs gate voltage curves fit a theoretical equation that includes effective mobility, peak electron velocity, and velocity overshoot. Using the drain current at the maximum gate-to-source voltage as a figure of merit, the CHFET n-FETs are about four times faster than Si NMOS FETs with the same gate capacitance, gate width, and gate length, for gate lengths from 0.3–0.6 μm. This speed ratio is also observed on real circuits with 0.6 μm gate lengths. This approximate speed ratio is expected to hold for gate lengths down to 0.1 μm and below. The higher speed of CHFET comes directly from the higher electron mobility and peak electron velocity, which are respectively about four times higher and two times higher in CHFET than in Si.
A unique receptor-independent mechanism by which insulinlike growth factor I regulates the availability of insulinlike growth factor binding proteins in normal and transformed human fibroblasts.

Abstract Insulin-like growth factor I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II) associate with specific IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) present in plasma and extracellular fluids that can modulate the anabolic effects of these peptides. IGF-I has been shown to increase IGFBP concentrations in vivo and in vitro, but the mechanism and significance of this action are unknown. We examined these issues using normal and simian virus 40-transformed adult human fibroblasts (SV40-HF) in culture. Treatment with IGF-I markedly stimulated the appearance of IGFBP-3 (42/38 kD doublet), a 36 kD IGFBP, and 28-32 kD IGFBPs in the medium of these cells, as assessed by Western ligand blotting; IGF-I decreased levels of 24 kD IGFBP in normal HF cultures. The IGF-I-induced change in IGFBP levels was not a type I IGF receptor-mediated effect on IGFBP synthesis because (a) high concentrations of insulin did not mimic IGF-I's effect; (b) IGF-II and IGF-I analogues having reduced affinity for the IGF-I receptor were equipotent with IGF-I in increasing medium IGFBPs; (c) [QAYL]IGF-I, and IGF-I analogue having normal receptor affinity and decreased affinity for IGFBPs, had no effect; and (d) alpha IR-3, a monoclonal antibody specific for the type I IGF receptor, did not block IGF-I-stimulated increases in IGFBPs. In physiological studies, preincubation with 1 nM IGF-I had no effect on type I IGF receptor binding in normal HF and SV40-HF. In contrast, preincubation of cells with an equivalent concentration of [QAYL]IGF-I downregulated the receptors 40-50%. Changes in cell surface receptor number were reflected in cell responsiveness to IGF-I-stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation and [3H]aminoisobutyric acid uptake. In conclusion, IGF-I regulates the availability of specific IGFBPs in cultured human fibroblasts by a novel receptor-independent mechanism. Rapid changes in levels of soluble IGFBPs as a direct response to extracellular IGF-I, in turn, modulate IGF-I peptide and receptor interaction, and may constitute an important level of control in IGF cellular physiology.
Canadian Foreign Policy and Straddling Stocks; Sustainability in an Interdependent World

Canada cannot manage Straddling fish Stocks, which extend beyond Canadian waters into the high seas, without an effective foreign fisheriespolicy. This article examines the politics andfate of two such Stocks in the Northwest Atlantic; cod and Greenland halibut. More successful management of Straddling Stocks, I argue, can be achieved if enforcement policies eure conducted within theframework of multilateral ftsheries organizations. By appealing to the rules and Information provided by these Institutions, Canadian governments canpursue more aggressive and proactive fisheries policies while maintaining a high level ofpolitical support at horne and abroad.
The influence of menstrual cycle changes on the tobacco withdrawal syndrome in women

Women have lower quit rates in smoking cessation than men. There are several factors suggested which are relevant to women's difficulties in smoking programs. One factor cited is the problem that women experience during withdrawal. Similar physiological and psychological symptoms are reported after smoking cessation and during menstrual cycle changes. In this study we evaluated the association between withdrawal and reports of menstrual distress. Results showed that a significant correlation existed between menstrual distress symptoms and initial smoking withdrawal symptoms. Women who quit smoking in the last phase (Phase 2) of their menstrual cycle experienced greater withdrawal than those who quit in the early phase (Phase 1) of the cycle. When these results were compared with male quitters, the Phase 2 women experienced significantly greater withdrawal than males. These results suggest that women may have specific biological needs that should be addressed in smoking treatment programs.
Lanthanide-transition-metal carbonyl complexes: new [Co4(CO)11]2- clusters and lanthanide(II) isocarbonyl polymeric arrays

Two types of Ln(II)-Co(4) isocarbonyl polymeric arrays, [(Et(2)O)(3)(-)(x)()(THF)(x)()Ln[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (1-3; x = 0, 1) and [(THF)(5)Eu[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (4), were prepared and structurally characterized. Transmetalation involving Ln(0) and Hg[Co(CO)(4)](2) in Et(2)O yields [(Et(2)O)(3)Ln[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (1, Ln = Yb; 2, Ln = Eu). Dissolution of the solvent-separated ion pairs [Ln(THF)(x)()][Co(CO)(4)](2) (Ln = Yb, x = 6; Ln = Eu) in Et(2)O affords [(Et(2)O)(2)(THF)Yb[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (3) and [(THF)(5)Eu[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (4). In these reactions, oxidation and condensation of the [Co(CO)(4)](-) anions result in formation of the new tetrahedral cluster [Co(4)(CO)(11)](2)(-). The two types of Ln(II)-Co(4) compounds contain different isomers of [Co(4)(CO)(11)](2)(-), and, consequently, the structures of the infinite isocarbonyl networks are distinct. The cluster in [(Et(2)O)(3)(-)(x)()(THF)(x)()Ln[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (1-3) possesses pseudo C(3)(v)() symmetry (an apical Co, three basal Co atoms; one face-bridging, three edge-bridging, seven terminal carbonyls) and connects to Ln(II) centers through eta(2),micro(4)- and eta(2),micro(3)-carbonyls to generate a 2-D puckered sheet. In contrast, [(THF)(5)Eu[Co(4)(CO)(11)]]( infinity ) (4) incorporates a C(2)(v)() symmetric cluster (two unique Co environments; two face-bridging, one edge-bridging, eight terminal carbonyls), and isocarbonyl linkages (eta(2),micro(4)-carbonyls) to Eu(II) atoms create a 1-D zigzag chain. Complexes 1-4 contain the first reported eta(2),micro(4)-CO bridges between a Ln and a transition-metal carbonyl cluster. Infrared spectroscopic studies revealed that the isocarbonyl associations to Ln(II) persist in solution. The solution structure and dynamic behavior of the [Co(4)(CO)(11)](2)(-) cluster in 1 was investigated by variable-temperature (59)Co and (13)C NMR spectroscopies.
Glycerol metabolism in type II pneumocytes isolated from streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

Abstract Glycerol utilization for phospholipid biosynthesis was examined in type II pneumocytes isolated from normal and streptozocinin-diabetic rats. With glucose in the incubation medium, incorporation of exogenous [1,3-14C]glycerol into disaturated phosphatidylcholine, total phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was increased 4-fold in cells from diabetic rats. In the absence of glucose, glycerol incorporation was 5-fold greater than in its presence in cells from normal animals, but was further increased 2.2-fold in cells from diabetic rats. Insulin treatment of diabetic rats returned all incorporation rates to control values. The increased glycerol incorporation rates were not due to differences in either phospholipid turnover or the size of the glycerol 3-phosphate precursor pool. Kinetic analysis of glycerol entry into the acid-soluble cell fraction indicated that glycerol transport occurred largely by simple diffusion, and was not rate limiting for its entry into lipids. Glycerol entry into the total lipid fraction was saturable, reaching a Vmax of 48 pmol/μg DNA per h in normal cells and 120 pmol/μg DNA per h in cells from diabetic rats, with no change in the Km (0.31 mM). While glycerol oxidation was reduced 23% in cells from diabetic rats in the presence of glucose and by 44% in the absence of glucose, glycerol kinase activity in sonicates of cells from diabetic animals was increased 210% and was reversed by in vivo insulin treatment. These results suggest that glycerol utilization in type II pneumocytes is a hormonally regulated function of both glycerol oxidation and glycerol phosphorylation.
Poor survival with wild-type TP53 ovarian cancer?

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to investigate whether wild-type TP53 status in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is associated with poorer survival. Methods Clinical and genomic data of 316 sequenced samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma study were downloaded from TCGA data portal. Association between wild-type TP53 and survival was analyzed with Kaplan Meier method and Cox regression. The diagnosis of high-grade serous carcinomas was evaluated by reviewing pathological reports and high-resolution hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) images from frozen sections. The authenticity of wild-type TP53 in these tumor samples was assessed by analyzing SNP array data with ASCAT algorithm, reverse phase protein array (RPPA) data and RNAseq data. Results Fifteen patients with high grade serous ovarian carcinomas were identified to have wild-type TP53 , which had significantly shorter survival and higher chemoresistance than those with mutated TP53 . The authenticity of wild-type TP53 status in these fifteen patients was supported by SNP array, RPPA, and RNAseq data. Except four cases with mixed histology, the classification as high grade serous carcinomas was supported by pathological reports and H&E images. Using RNAseq data, it was found that EDA2R gene, a direct target of wild-type TP53, was highly up-regulated in samples with wild-type TP53 in comparison to samples with either nonsense or missense TP53 mutations. Conclusion Although patients with wild-type TP53 ovarian cancer were rare in the TCGA high grade ovarian serous carcinomas cohort, these patients appeared to have a poorer survival and were more chemoresistant than those with mutated TP53 . Differentially expressed genes in these TP53 wild-type tumors may provide insight in the molecular mechanism in chemotherapy resistance.