cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of M-ary Rician fading channel

The system performance of M-ary orthogonal signaling over a Rician fading channel is evaluated. The probability of error expression for a suboptimal receiver is developed for the Rician fading channel using M orthogonal signals. The near-optimality of this receiver is demonstrated by comparing simulation results for both the optimum and the suboptimum receiver to the theoretical suboptimum receiver. It is shown theoretically for M=2, and through simulation for M=2, 4, and 8 that this suboptimum receiver is near-optimum for a small specular component or large M. In all cases the suboptimum results yield good upper bounds on the optimum receiver probability of symbol error and are much easier to evaluate. >
Exciton-phonon interactions in CdS

Abstract Electron-phonon interactions in cadmium sulfide are considered to explain the experimentally observed shift of the intrinsic exciton peak with temperature. Calculated values suggest that the principal shift of the band edge is the result of polar scattering with crystal dilation and piezoelectric scattering becoming relatively more important at temperatures below 100°K. Crystal dilation is found to shift the band edge −2·5 × 10 −5 eV °K , while piezoelectric scattering accounts for a shift of −4.9 × 10 −5 eV °K . Deformation potential scattering is an order of magnitude smaller. Polar scattering follows the exponential form as previously reported.(3) The composite shift calculated for the band edge accounts satisfactorily for the observed shift of the intrinsic exciton peak at low temperature but appreciable deviation appears at high temperatures.
An interactive electronic tutorial on the Web for computer organization and architecture

Discusses the integration of information technology and multimedia into education through the development of an interactive electronic tutorial. The tutorial, developed to include multimedia modules that are interactive and knowledge-based, teaches users about the basic aspects of computer architecture, organization and design. The interactive electronic tutorial fully utilizes the power of the information and multimedia technology, including hypertextual organization and the programming language Java, to enhance students' learning and problem-solving skills and to achieve rich interactivity. The tutorial contains detailed graphics, animation and video to enhance the delivery of information. The tutorial greatly supports human-computer collaboration to enhance learning and to satisfy user goals by effectively allowing the user to interact with the system in real time like a private tutor.
Resilient actions in the diagnostic process and system performance

Objectives Systemic issues can adversely affect the diagnostic process. Many system-related barriers can be masked by ‘resilient’ actions of frontline providers (ie, actions supporting the safe delivery of care in the presence of pressures that the system cannot readily adapt to). We explored system barriers and resilient actions of primary care providers (PCPs) in the diagnostic evaluation of cancer. Methods We conducted a secondary data analysis of interviews of PCPs involved in diagnostic evaluation of 29 lung and colorectal cancer cases. Cases covered a range of diagnostic timeliness and were analysed to identify barriers for rapid diagnostic evaluation, and PCPs’ actions involving elements of resilience addressing those barriers. We rated these actions according to whether they were usual or extraordinary for typical PCP work. Results Resilient actions and associated barriers were found in 59% of the cases, in all ranges of timeliness, with 40% involving actions rated as beyond typical. Most of the barriers were related to access to specialty services and coordination with patients. Many of the resilient actions involved using additional communication channels to solicit cooperation from other participants in the diagnostic process. Discussion Diagnostic evaluation of cancer involves several resilient actions by PCPs targeted at system deficiencies. PCPs’ actions can sometimes mitigate system barriers to diagnosis, and thereby impact the sensitivity of ‘downstream’ measures (eg, delays) in detecting barriers. While resilient actions might enable providers to mitigate system deficiencies in the short run, they can be resource intensive and potentially unsustainable. They complement, rather than substitute for, structural remedies to improve system performance. Measures to detect and fix system performance issues targeted by these resilient actions could facilitate diagnostic safety.
Activation of the stress proteome as a mechanism for small molecule therapeutics

Various small molecule pharmacologic agents with different known functions produce similar outcomes in diverse Mendelian and complex disorders, suggesting that they may induce common cellular effects. These molecules include histone deacetylase inhibitors, 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA) and trichostatin A, and two small molecules without direct histone deacetylase inhibitor activity, hydroxyurea (HU) and sulforaphane. In some cases, the therapeutic effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors have been attributed to an increase in expression of genes related to the disease-causing gene. However, here we show that the pharmacological induction of mitochondrial biogenesis was necessary for the potentially therapeutic effects of 4PBA or HU in two distinct disease models, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and sickle cell disease. We hypothesized that a common cellular response to these four molecules is induction of mitochondrial biogenesis and peroxisome proliferation and activation of the stress proteome, or adaptive cell survival response. Treatment of human fibroblasts with these four agents induced mitochondrial and peroxisomal biogenesis as monitored by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and/or western analyses. In treated normal human fibroblasts, all four agents induced the adaptive cell survival response: heat shock, unfolded protein, autophagic and antioxidant responses and the c-jun N-terminal kinase pathway, at the transcriptional and translational levels. Thus, activation of the evolutionarily conserved stress proteome and mitochondrial biogenesis may be a common cellular response to such small molecule therapy and a common basis of therapeutic action in various diseases. Modulation of this novel therapeutic target could broaden the range of treatable diseases without directly targeting the causative genetic abnormalities.
Intra-application shared cache partitioning for multithreaded applications

In this paper, we address the problem of partitioning a shared cache when the executing threads belong to the same application.
Validation of claims data algorithms to identify nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Health maintenance organization (HMO) administrative databases have been used as sampling frames for ascertaining nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). However, because of the lack of tumor registry information on these cancers, these ascertainment methods have not been previously validated. NMSC cases arising from patients served by a staff model medical group and diagnosed between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2008 were identified from claims data using three ascertainment strategies. These claims data cases were then compared with NMSC identified using natural language processing (NLP) of electronic pathology reports (EPRs), and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Comparison of claims data–ascertained cases with the NLP demonstrated sensitivities ranging from 48 to 65% and specificities from 85 to 98%, with ICD-9-CM ascertainment demonstrating the highest case sensitivity, although the lowest specificity. HMO health plan claims data had a higher specificity than all-payer claims data. A comparison of EPR and clinic log registry cases showed a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 99%. Validation of administrative data to ascertain NMSC demonstrates respectable sensitivity and specificity, although NLP ascertainment was superior. There is a substantial difference in cases identified by NLP compared with claims data, suggesting that formal surveillance efforts should be considered.
Eunotia charliereimeri, A New Eunotia Species (Bacillariophyceae) with Amphoroid Frustule Symmetry

ABSTRACT. A new Eunotia species, E. charliereimeri, is described from Bear Meadows Bog near State College, Pennsylvania. Bear Meadows is an open, montane, nutrient-poor fen that is about 1.6 km long and 0.5 km wide with its open wetlands dominated by Sphagnum, sedges, swamp laurel, blueberry, sundews, Rhododendron spp., alder, Spiraea spp., and mountain holly. Eunotia charliereimeri has been collected intermittently from Bear Meadows over the last decade. Among the eunotioid diatoms, E. charliereimeri is characterized by its arcuate-lunate valve, prominent terminal raphe ends, and two rimoportulae per valve. Most importantly, it has amphoroid frustule symmetry, a character recently used to support the description of the new eunotioid genus Amphorotia Williams et Reid. However, E. charliereimeri does not share several other key features with Amphorotia including marginal spines or silica-rimmed external raphe fissures. A sister taxon, E. sarraceniae Gaiser et Johansen, described from South Carolina bays, s...
Modified brown oxide treatment as an adhesion promoter for copper lead frame in plastic integrated-circuit packages

Improvement of electronic device packaging reliability, more specifically moisture attack resistance (commonly known as moisture sensitivity level or MSL), has been a hot topic in recent years due to the increase in solder reflow temperature for lead-free solder. In preceding failure mode analysis, delamination between lead frame and encapsulation molding compound (EMC) interface plays an important role. Thus a modified brown oxide treatment was developed and applied onto the copper lead frame surface, which is field proven an effective way to elevate package MSL performance. Comparing with typical brown oxide treatment developed in older days for use in printed circuit board (PCB), this modified treatment was specially for use in copper lead frame so that it not only enhances the adhesion with die-attach epoxy glue and EMC, but also leaving a clean silver plating surface for wire bonding.
Eponymy, obscurity, Twitmyer, and Pavlov

The discovery of the conditioned reflex is generally credited to Ivan P. Pavlov. So closely is Pavlov associated with this phenomenon that it is commonly referred to as the Pavlovian conditioned reflex. Edwin B. Twitmyer independently discovered the conditioned reflex at approximately the same time and reported the finding in 1904 at the meeting of the American Psychological Association. Unlike Pavlov's, Twitmyer's data had little impact on psychology. There have been various hypotheses to explain the failure of the field to recognize Twitmyer's discovery. These explanations are criticized and modified to reflect an emphasis on Twitmyer's and Pavlov's respective social and intellectual contexts.
Oncogene regulation of tumor suppressor genes in tumorigenesis

We attempted to demonstrate whether there is an epigenetic link between oncogenes and tumor suppression genes in tumorigenesis. We designed a high throughput model to identify a candidate group of tumor suppressor genes potentially regulated by oncogenes. Gene expression profiling of mock-transfected versus v-src-transfected 3Y1 rat fibroblasts identified significant overexpression of DNA methyltransferase 1, the enzyme responsible for aberrant genome methylation, in v-src-transfected fibroblasts. Secondary microarray analyses identified a number of candidate tumor suppressor genes that were down-regulated by v-src but were also re-expressed following treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, a potent demethylating agent. This candidate group included both tumor suppressor genes that are known to be silenced by DNA hypermethylation and those that have not been previously identified with promoter hypermethylation. To further validate our model, we identified tsg, a tumor suppressor gene that was shown to be down-regulated by v-src and found to harbor dense promoter hypermethylation. Our model demonstrates a cooperative relationship between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes mediated through promoter hypermethylation.
Actin filament distribution in blocked and developing pig embryos.

SummaryActin filaments play an important role in cell division. The present study was designed to examine the relationship between actin filament distribution and pig embryo development. When in vivo matured and fertilised pig oocytes were cultured in TCM 199 or NCSU 23, in various proportions, 45–65% of inseminated oocytes developed to the 2- to 4-cell stages but blastocyst development was observed only in NCSU 23 (34%) or NCSU 23 containing 10% TCM 199 (7%). Supplementation of NCSU 23 medium with 20% or more TCM 199 resulted in no blastocyst formation. Examination of actin filaments indicated that microfilaments were distributed in the cortex, at the junction of blastomeres and in the perinuclear area in the embryos cultured in NCSU 23, but perinuclear actin filaments were not observed in embryos cultured in TCM 199. When 2- to 4-cell stage embryos obtained from TCM 199 were transferred to NCSU 23 medium at 36 h after in vivo fertilisation, 57% of the cleaved embryos developed to blastocysts, which was no different from the proportion obtained after culture in NCSU 23 alone (56%). In addition, when 2- to 4-cell stage embryos obtained from TCM 199 were transferred to NCSU 23, most embryos showed perinuclear actin filaments within 6 h. The results indicate that the composition of the culture medium plays an important role in the polymerisation of actin filaments, which in turn influences embryo development. It is possible that pig embryo development was blocked by some components in TCM 199 which prevented actin filament polymerisation.
Reducing end-to-end transmission delay in P2P streaming systems using multiple trees with moderate outdegree

We propose an overlay consisting of multiple trees with moderate outdegree to reduce end-to-end transmission delays in P2P media streaming systems. In real-time media streaming, lower end-to-end delays lead to less waiting time before playback and hence improve interactivity. A theoretical analysis of degree-bounded trees reveals that an optimal number of multiple trees can be chosen by considering the trade-off between the total propagation delay and the queueing delay experienced at intermediate peers. A distributed protocol is presented that allows peers to build multiple degree-bounded trees. From extensive packet-level simulations, we observe that the worst end-to-end transmission delay is minimized when the peerpsilas outdegree, or fan-out, is between 4 and 6 for realistic simulation parameters. This matches well with the predictions from our analysis.
Clinical management of teratoma, a rare hypothalamic-pituitary neoplasia

Intracranial teratomas are rare and comprise about 0.5 % of all intracranial tumours. Actually, a total of 15 cases of sellar-suprasellar teratoma have been described in the last 24 years. Although rare, hypothalamic-pituitary teratomas should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of hypothalamic-pituitary region tumours. The current review focuses on the clinical and therapeutic management of pituitary region teratomas. Teratomas occur more frequently in children and young adults than in the older population and in males as compared to females. Symptoms at diagnosis are usually neurological defects, diabetes insipidus and hypopituitarism. Teratoma diagnosis can be suggested though neuroimaging findings. Magnetic resonance imaging remains the preferred modality for assessment of teratoma. Neuro-radiological findings of mixed-density mass, usually with mixed cystic and solid components or inclusions of teeth, fat and calcification can be suggestive. Tumour markers as beta-HCG and alpha-FP can be useful at teratoma diagnosis for distinguishing immature teratomas, mixed GCTs and mature teratomas with immature or malignant components. Optimal treatment for mature teratoma is neurosurgical excision. Radical excision is advocated as recurrence rate for a mature teratoma is extremely low in cases of complete resection and long-term outcome is excellent. During post-treatment follow-up, in cases of healing, according to tumour marker evaluation and contrasted MRI findings, hormone replacement therapy should be considered, also for secondary hypogonadism and GH deficit, with a more intense follow-up. However, as actually few evidence are available, safety data have to be confirmed also trough a surveillance study.
The Progression of Programmatic Research in Contextual Behavioral Science: Response to O’Donohue, Snipes, and Soto

The criticisms of the target article are examined and discussed in the context of the larger goals of contextual behavioral science. The central claims of “Overselling” findings from a published dissertation to a peer-reviewed article and a self-help book are examined point-by-point. After clarifying the posited concerns, we find that they are dominantly based on misunderstandings of the assessment data used or improved data analytic methods employed. Criticisms of the larger literature of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are examined, and the larger scientific strategy employed by the contextual behavioral science movement is described with an emphasis on replications in the area of processes of change for ACT (and modification of these processes) in order to improve diabetes as well as other health behaviors.
A Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) Hemolysin

Summary(1) A hemolysin associated with the virus of Newcastle disease is described. (2) The activities of this hemolysin paralleled those of the NDV hemagglutinin in regard to adsorption and elution from hen erythrocytes, inhibition by specific immune serum, inactivation by moderate heating, and in its behavior with erythrocytes of different animal species. (3) A suggestion is made that similarities in behavior between the hemolysin associated with NDV and that associated with mumps virus are further indication of possible relationship between the 2 viral agents.
Mutual Empathy in Games

We investigate the effects of players’ mutual empathy, or the interdependence of players’ payoffs, on their behavior and welfare. To this end, we augment the conventional game-theoretic framework by allowing players’ utilities to depend not only on the strategy profile being played, but also on the realized utilities of other players. We call the resulting framework an empathetic game. Generally, in these games players’ utilities are not reducible to preferences over strategies due to novel feedback effects; thus, standard solution concepts, such as the Nash equilibrium, cannot be applied. We extend the notion of a Nash equilibrium to these settings by endowing players with consistent beliefs regarding others’ payoffs. We show that under mild assumptions our solution concept is well defined. We then apply the framework to analyze how mutual empathy affects strategic interactions, and find that it qualitatively changes players’ incentives. First, empathetic games can generate excessive multiplicity of equilibria owing to many supporting beliefs. Second, we uncover a new source of inefficiency, called payoff inefficiency, as players may coordinate their beliefs on socially suboptimal solutions to the interdependent payoff system. Finally, we show that these two features are common in sympathetic (altruistic) games, in which the payoffs of all players depend positively on others’ payoffs; however, payoff inefficiency never occurs in two-player antipathetic games, in which payoffs are negatively related.
Cobalamin release from intrinsic factor and transfer to transcobalamin II within the rat enterocyte

To ascertain the mechanism of release of cobalamin (Cbl) from intrinsic factor (IF) and subsequent formation of transcobalamin II (TC-II)-Cbl complex, we studied the intracellular distribution of 57Co-labeled Cbl after its uptake in suckling and adult rats. The amount of Cbl bound to IF, to the IF-Cbl receptor via IF, and to TC-II was determined by immunoprecipitation with monospecific antisera raised to these proteins. IF-Cbl receptor activity was found to be very low in suckling rats up to 12 days after birth. Oral administration of leupeptin in amounts known to alter protein turnover had no effect on the release of Cbl from IF nor did it inhibit the formation of the TC-II-Cbl complex in either adult or suckling animals. However, oral administration of chloroquine resulted in a transient increase in the intestinal concentration of Cbl in both adult and suckling rats and in total inhibition of Cbl released from IF in adults rats. Chloroquine prevented completely the transfer of Cbl to TC-II in adult rats and inhibited the transfer by 50% in suckling rats. These data demonstrate that in adult mucosa utilizing receptor-mediated endocytosis, Cbl is transferred from IF to TC-II. This transfer does not require the IF-Cbl receptor, as it occurs in suckling rats. Finally, transfer of Cbl to TC-II is decreased by a drug that alters vesicular pH. Because Cbl can be released at acid pH from IF, it is proposed that release of Cbl from IF and its transfer to TC-II occurs in an acidic vesicle.
The occurrence of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in domestic fowl.

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) results from an inability of the kidney to concentrate the urine. The underlying cause of NDI is the failure of the collecting ducts to respond to antidiuretic ...
Generalized Soil Water Retention Equation for Adsorption and Capillarity

AbstractA new soil water retention curve (SWRC) equation, generalized from previous models and the latest understanding of soil-water interaction, explicitly accounts for capillary and adsorptive processes. Under the assumption of local thermodynamic energy equilibrium, soil water is one of two types (capillary and adsorptive), and occurs in three retention regimes in the order from high to low matric potential: Capillary, adsorbed film, and tightly adsorbed soil water. A new equation for adsorptive water as a function of matric potential is introduced. The transition between adsorption and capillary regimes is smoothly described with a cavitation probability function imposed on a commonly used SWRC model. Three parameters (adsorption capacity, adsorption strength, and mean cavitation suction) are defined, replacing the commonly used parameters of residual moisture content, pore structure, and residual suction. The soil water retention data for 21 soils, representing a variety of soil compositions, are us...
Review: Södra Ängby: Modernism, Architecture, Landscape, edited by Thorbjörn Andersson, Sören Johansson, Paul Källenius and Anders Lindunger

Thorbjorn Andersson, Soren Johansson, Paul Kallenius, and Anders Lindunger, eds. Sodra Angby: Modernism, Architecture, Landscape Stockholm: Carlsson Bokforlag, 2015, 184 pp., 141 color and 74 b/w illus. €45 (cloth), ISBN 9789173317375 During the opening decades of the twentieth century, the movement to improve urban conditions and institute housing reform in Sweden gained increased attention and support prompted by a sense of growing urgency. With the country's health statistics among the worst in Europe—statistics fed by the pressures of continuing urbanization—living conditions in cities like Stockholm had become dire. In response, polemics by social reformer Ellen Key and art historian and design proselytizer Gregor Paulsson laid the foundations for an embrace of modernization and the adoption of a version of modern architecture known as functionalism, or, more colloquially in Sweden, funkis .1 The Stockholm Exhibition of 1930, for which Paulsson was commissioner-general and Gunnar Asplund served as coordinating architect, assembled the largest display of modernist buildings until that time, presenting modern design through actual construction and industrial products rather than through polemics alone. The buildings and displays of the exhibition introduced Sweden not only to a new architecture but also to a new way of living that departed dramatically from past modes of dwelling and furnishing. The life span of the exhibition was short, barely six months, but long-lasting effects followed in its wake. Among the exhibition's many legacies were the planning and architecture of a garden suburb beyond central Stockholm called Sodra Angby. As explained in Sodra Angby: Modernism, Architecture, Landscape , the making of the suburb was tied closely to the 1932 ascendancy of the Swedish Social Democratic Party. At that …
Institutional Spheres: The Macro-Structure and Culture of Social Life

The study of institutions is central to the study of sociology. In this essay, a case is made for a macrosociology that conceptualizes institutional spheres as the structural and cultural milieus in which all lower levels of social reality, like individual, collective, and clusters of collective actors, are embedded. Spheres like religion or law vary in terms of their degree of physical, temporal, and social differentiation vis-a-vis all other institutional spheres, as well as, the degree to which they are symbolically distinct and, therefore, autonomous spheres of social reality and action. When viewed through an evolutionary and ecological perspective, institutional spheres lose the static nature found in functionalist accounts. Instead a recursive link between actors and environment is posited, highlighting the role the macro-level plays in shaping our everyday lives and social reality.
Standardized methods are required to assess and manage microplastic contamination of the Great Lakes system

Microplastics are products of large plastic item erosion or small (< 1 millimeter) manufactured plastic items. When disposed into waste streams microplastics often end up widely dispersed in both freshwater and marine systems worldwide. Most published reports of microplastics in the aquatic systems to date indicate efforts that are unable to properly sample for microplastics. Advances in the science of environmental monitoring of microplastics are necessary. There is a need to standardize sampling procedures, and notably to adopt the use of “clean” techniques to avoid compromising sample integrity, to insure robust, replicable assessments of microplastic pollution. Reliable, standardized methods are of utmost importance for accurately evaluating the amounts of microplastics in aquatic environments and thus enable the assessment and management of these contaminants.
Shakespeare’s the Merry Wives of Windsor

(1991). Shakespeare’s the Merry Wives of Windsor. The Explicator: Vol. 49, No. 2, pp. 76-77.
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA, FAMILY STRESS AND DEPRESSION AMONG MEXICAN AMERICAN GANG NON-INJECTING HEROIN USERS

This paper examines childhood trauma, depression and psychological family and cultural stress among Mexican American male non-injecting users (NIU) of heroin in San Antonio, Texas. The research enhances the findings from a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) study, "Drug Related Gang Violence in South Texas", conducted from 1995-1997. A high rate of non-injecting heroin use among these young male Mexican-American gang members emerged as a special concern because of the serious health consequences associated with non-injecting heroin use. HIV and AIDS among Hispanics are attributed primarily to injecting drug use, followed by sexual transmission among heterosexuals and male-to-male sexual contact.
A multi-reader in vitro study using porcine kidneys to determine the impact of integrated circuit detectors and iterative reconstruction on the detection accuracy, size measurement, and radiation dose for small (<4 mm) renal stones.

Background Detection of small renal calculi has benefitted from recent advances in computed tomography (CT) scanner design. Information regarding observer performance when using state-of-the-art CT scanners for this application is needed. Purpose To assess observer performance and the impact of radiation dose for detection and size measurement of <4 mm renal stones using CT with integrated circuit detectors and iterative reconstruction. Material and Methods Twenty-nine <4 mm calcium oxalate stones were randomly placed in 20 porcine kidneys in an anthropomorphic phantom. Four radiologists used a workstation to record each calculus detection and size. JAFROC Figure of Merit (FOM), sensitivity, false positive detections, and calculus size were calculated. Results Mean calculus size was 2.2 ± 0.7 mm. The CTDIvol values corresponding to the automatic exposure control settings of 160, 80, 40, 25, and 10 Quality Reference mAs (QRM) were 15.2, 7.9, 4.2, 2.7, and 1.3 mGy, respectively. JAFROC FOM was ≥ 0.97 at ≥ 80 QRM, ≥ 0.89 at ≥ 25 QRM, and was inferior to routine dose (160 QRM) at 10 QRM (0.72, P < 0.05). Per-calculus sensitivity remained ≥ 85% for every reader at ≥ 25 QRM. Mean total false positive detections per reader were ≤ 3 at ≥ 80 QRM, but increased substantially for two readers ( ≥ 12) at ≤ 40 QRM. Measured calculus size significantly decreased at ≤ 25 QRM ( P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion Using low dose renal CT with iterative reconstruction and ≥ 25 QRM results in high sensitivity, but false positive detections increase for some readers at very low dose levels (≤ 40 QRM). At very low doses with iterative reconstruction, measured calculus size will artifactually decrease.
Pelvic Abscess Secondary to Mycoplasma Hominis after Vaginal Laceration.

Abstract Background Mycoplasma hominis frequently colonizes the urogenital and respiratory tracts of healthy individuals. It has also been associated with genitourinary tract and extragenital syndromes. Case We present a 14-year-old girl who developed a pelvic abscess secondary to M. hominis after a vaginal laceration during sexual intercourse. Despite drainage and broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, the patient remained symptomatic until M. hominis was identified and specific therapy instituted. Summary and Conclusion Health care providers need to be aware of the potential for M. hominis as a causal agent in patients who present with pelvic abscesses after vaginal trauma. This case highlights the challenges that exist in the diagnosis and treatment of M. hominis, because bacterial cultures are often negative and empiric antimicrobial agents do not provide adequate antimicrobial coverage.
Semi-Classical-Fourier-Integral-Operator-Valued Pseudodifferential Operators and Scattering in a Strong Magnetic Field

We analyze the microlocal structure of the semi-classical scattering amplitude for Schrodinger operators with a strong magnetic and a strong electric field at non-trapping energies. For this purpose, we develop a framework and establish some of the properties of semi-classical-Fourier-integral-operator-valued pseudodifferential operators and prove that the scattering amplitude is given by such an operator.
Identification of resistance gene analogs in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Sequence analyses of numerous plant disease resistance genes have revealed the presence of conserved motifs common to this class of genes, namely a nucleotide binding site (NBS) and leucine rich repeat region. In this study, thirty-three resistance gene analogs (RGAs) were cloned and sequenced from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) following PCR with degenerate primers designed from the conserved NBS motif of plant resistance (R) genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the predicted amino acid sequences grouped the RGAs into four distinct classes from which several subgroups were delineated based on nucleic acid sequences. Gene database searches with the consensus protein sequences of each of the four classes and respective subgroups of cotton RGAs revealed their conserved NBS domains and homology to RGAs and known resistance genes from a variety of plant genera. Given the complete lack of knowledge regarding molecular organization of R genes in cotton, the cloned RGAs described here may be useful as probes to map, characterize, and manipulate R genes of the cotton genome.
Remarks on Fixed Point Assertions in Digital Topology, 4

We continue the work of [4, 2, 3], in which we discuss published assertions that are incorrect or incorrectly proven; that are severely limited or reduce to triviality; or that we improve upon.
12 – Corrosion in Molten Salts

Molten salts have long been considered as primary coolants and heat transfer media for nuclear energy systems because of their high boiling points, volumetric heat capacities, and thermal conductivities. The high solubility of fission products in molten salts provides a greater safety margin in molten salt-based reactor concepts that employ either homogeneous molten salt fluid fuel or encapsulated fuel particles immersed in a molten salt. This chapter focuses primarily on fluoride salts, but also on chloride and fluoroborate salts based on the preponderance of interest that these salts have received for nuclear energy systems. These molten salts can be quite corrosive at high temperatures with corrosion being driven by thermodynamics, impurity effects, and activity and temperature gradients. Understanding and mitigating materials corrosion in these molten salt environments by appropriate materials selection and salt chemistry control are necessary for their effective implementation in nuclear energy systems.
Lessons Learned Over More than 500 Stroke Thrombectomies Using ADAPT With Increasing Aspiration Catheter Size.

Background Endovascular thrombectomy is currently the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Although earlier trials on endovascular thrombectomy were performed using stent retrievers, recently completed the contact aspiration vs stent retriever for successful revascularization (ASTER) and a comparison of direct aspiration versus stent retriever as a first approach (COMPASS) trials have shown the noninferiority of direct aspiration. Objective To report the largest experience with ADAPT thrombectomy and compare the impact of advancement in reperfusion catheter technologies on outcomes. Methods We reviewed a retrospective database of AIS patients who underwent ADAPT thrombectomy between January 2013 and November 2017 at the Medical University of South Carolina. Demographics and baseline characteristics, technical variables, and radiological and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Results Among 510 patients (mean age: 67.7, 50.6% females), successful recanalization at first pass was achieved in 61.8%, and with aspiration only in 77.5%. Mean procedure time was 27.4 min, and the rate of good outcomes (mRS 0-2) at 90 d was 42.9%. The rate of recanalization with aspiration only was significantly higher, and procedure time was significantly lower in patients treated with larger catheters (ACE 064 and ACE 068) compared to smaller catheters (5 MAX and ACE, P .05); however, use of ACE 068 was an independent predictor of good outcomes at 90 d on multivariate regression analysis (odds ratio = 1.6, P Conclusion Refinement of ADAPT thrombectomy by incorporating reperfusion catheters with higher inner diameters and thus higher aspiration forces is associated with better outcomes, shorter procedure times, and lower likelihood of using additional devices without impacting complication rates.
Large, three-generation CEPH families reveal post-zygotic mosaicism and variability in germline mutation accumulation

The number of de novo mutations (DNMs) found in an offspring9s genome is known to increase with both paternal and maternal age. But does the rate of mutation accumulation in parental gametes differ across families? To answer this question, we analyzed DNMs in 33 large, three-generation families collected in Utah by the Centre d9Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) consortium. We observed significant variability in parental age effects on DNM counts across families, ranging from 0.24 to 3.33 additional DNMs per year. Using up to 14 grandchildren in these families, we find that 3% of DNMs originated following primordial germ cell specification (PGCS) in a parent, and differ from non-mosaic germline DNMs in their mutational spectra. We also identify a median of 3 gonosomal mutations per sample in the F1 generation, which, along with post-PGCS DNMs, occur at equivalent frequencies on the paternal and maternal haplotypes. These results demonstrate that the rate of germline mutation accumulation varies among families with similar ancestry, and confirm that parental mosaicism is a substantial source of de novo mutations in children.
Haptic Systems in User Interfaces: State of the Art Survey

Over the past decade, the advancements in force-feedback (haptic) systems, facilitated the inclusion of the tactile communication channel in a variety of user interfaces. Tactile sensors are distributed over the entire human body, hence a diversity of haptic hardware configurations are possible. The applications span from: force-feedback systems - conveying large forces, to vibrotactile systems - conveying smaller forces to the human sensory system. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of state-of-the-art in force-feedback and vibrotactile hardware with references to associated software. The main application domains, several prominent applications, as well as significant research efforts are highlighted. Additionally the survey defines the terms and the paradigms used in the haptic technology domain.
Who Makes Decisions for Incapacitated Patients Who Have No Surrogate or Advance Directive

Unrepresented patients are those who have no surrogate or advance directive to guide medical decision making for them when they become incapacitated. While there is no perfect solution to the problem of making medical decisions for such vulnerable patients
Analytical Solution of Time-Periodic Electroosmotic Flow through Cylindrical Microchannel with Non-Uniform Surface Potential.

Time-periodic electroosmotic flow (EOF) with heterogeneous surface charges on channel walls can potentially be used to mix species or reagent molecules in microfluidic devices. Although significant research efforts have been placed to understand different aspects of EOF, its role in the mixing process is still poorly understood, especially for non-homogeneous surface charge cases. In this work, dynamic aspects of EOF in a cylindrical capillary are analyzed for heterogeneous surface charges. Closed form analytical solutions for time-periodic EOF are obtained by solving the Navier–Stokes equation. An analytical expression of induced pressure is also obtained from the velocity field solution. The results show that several vortices can be formed inside the microchannel with sinusoidal surface charge distribution. These vortices change their pattern and direction as the electric field change its strength and direction with time. In addition, the structure and strength of the vorticity depend on the frequency of the external electric field and the size of the channel. As the electric field frequency or channel diameter increases, vortices are shifted towards the channel surface and the perturbed flow region becomes smaller, which is not desired for effective mixing. Moreover, the number of vorticities depends on the periodicity of the surface charge.
Current status of functional and multifunctional materials for 3D microfabrication: An overview

3D printing is among the most exciting and rapidly advancing fields of research in materials engineering and device fabrication. The capability of developing a bottom-up approach to device fabricat...
A PWM Method for Single-Phase Current-Sourced High Frequency AC Link Inverter

A new pulse width modulation (PWM) method for a current-sourced high frequency (HF) ac link inverter is proposed. Many different modulation techniques for voltage sourced HF ac link inverters have been previously investigated in the literature, but modulation methods for current sourced HF ac link inverters are less studied. The PWM and the commutation techniques that are developed for a voltage sourced HF-link are not applicable for a current-sourced HF ac link inverter. Therefore, in this paper, a new PWM method is proposed and the operation principles of a current sourced HF ac link inverter are deeply analyzed. The reasons why this method is suitable for a current sourced HF ac link inverter is discussed in detail as well. The new PWM method is simulated using MATLAB-Simulink.
Perspectives on important considerations in designing nanoparticles for oral delivery applications in food

Abstract With rapid technological advancements in nanotechnology, it is important to revisit the knowledge of nanoparticles design and fundamental principles that have played major roles in the development of encapsulation and delivery technologies for food applications. In this perspective paper, important considerations for designing edible, safe, and effective nanoparticles for oral delivery of bioactive compounds in food products are highlighted. Physicochemical characterizations, biochemical evaluations, and biological assessments of biomaterials-based colloidal nanoparticles intended for food applications are particularly discussed to guide future research in this area.
Cognitive Radar Target Detection and Tracking With Multifunctional Reconfigurable Antennas

In contrast to the feed-forward sensing chain employed by classical radar systems, cognitive radars use the perceived information about the environment to reconfigure their transmissions. While most of the efforts in the literature focus on software-based adaptations, this article proposes adaptive control of a radar hardware, multifunctional reconfigurable antennas (MRAs), for target detection and tracking within the cognitive radar framework. A parasitic layer based MRA has the capability of dynamically changing its EM characteristics (mode of operation), e.g., antenna beam pattern, polarization, center frequency, or a combination of thereof. This work focuses on beam pattern recognition using a general Bayesian cognitive radar framework for target detection and tracking. A cognitive radar controller is designed to select the modes of an actual MRA by minimizing the Cramer lower bound for direction of arrival estimation. Simulation results show that the cognitive reconfiguration of the MRA offers superior tracking performance compared to classical antenna systems with no adaptivity.
Lipoic acid and autophagy: new insights into stem cell aging.

The gastrointestinal tract undergoes homeostatic self-renewal to replace aged and damaged epithelial cells. This process, sustained by intestinal stem cells (ISCs), can operate accurately for many years but gradually declines with age. Although stem cell aging has been intensively explored, the mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this issue of EMBO Reports, Du et al report that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) sustains an active endocytosis-autophagy network that effectively reverses age-dependent ISC hyperplasia in Drosophila (Du et al, 2020). This work suggests a new strategy for treating aging-associated gastrointestinal diseases.
Brief of Professors Sant'Ambrogio and Zimmerman in Support of Complainants Motion to Certify a Class Action in the Federal Maritime Commission

Last year, plaintiffs filed the first damage class action in the Federal Maritime Commission. In this amicus brief, written in support of complainant's motions, we explain the use of aggregate procedures in non-Article III courts, like the Federal Maritime Commission. “Non-article III courts” include both administrative tribunals and legislative courts whose judges lack the tenure and salary protections of Article III of the Constitution. As we show, a wide variety of non-Article III courts have concluded that they can, and should, in appropriate circumstances, aggregate claims under statutory authority that closely resembles the authority Congress has provided to the Federal Maritime Commission. In so doing, this brief makes three points. First, Congress generally grants non-Article III courts broad discretion to craft procedures they deem necessary and appropriate to adjudicate the cases and claims that come before them. Non-Article III courts’ power to develop procedural rules reflects an appropriate and effective division of labor between Congress and administrative tribunals. While Congress creates and defines the jurisdiction of agencies, agencies apply their expertise to determine the procedures best-suited to exercise that jurisdiction. Second, relying on that authority, non-Article III courts employ a wide range of procedures to aggregate cases formally and informally. For example, non-Article III courts have adopted rules that permit joinder, consolidation, and class actions. And even in the absence of a specific rule, non-Article III courts have aggregated particular cases and claims on a case-by-case basis. Aggregating claims on a case-by-case basis may be particularly important to quickly resolve pending claims, while offering tribunals insights that will aid in developing more formal rules in the future. Third, non-Article III courts use aggregation to promote efficiency, consistency, and fairness. Aggregation enables courts to pool information about common and recurring problems efficiently, fosters more consistent outcomes in similar cases than is possible through case-by-case adjudications, and improves access to legal and expert assistance for parties who have limited resources and whose claims may appropriately be pursued through collective mechanisms.
Statelets: high dimensional predominant shapes in dynamic functional network connectivity

Dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) analysis has been attracting interest over the past years by elucidating crucial details of brain activation patterns in severe neurological or psychiatric disorders. Consequently, a considerable amount of work has been conducted to analyze dFNC and leverage it for an improved understanding of neuro-dynamics and cognition. However, state-of-art methods mostly focus on fixed patterns of connectivity that reoccur. Such approaches do not capture the more transient feature space of the brain9s neural system and its dynamic properties. Likewise, the dynamical system approaches to model the system continuously and do not well capture unmodelled heterogeneity across subjects and time. Here, we seek an improved understanding of these connectivity states and the mechanism through which their dynamics vary across individuals. Relying on the concept of shapelets to model the temporal dynamics of functional associations between intrinsic brain networks, we develop the 9statelet9 - a high dimensional state-shape representation of dynamics. We handle scale differences using the earth mover distance as our similarity metric and utilizing kernel density estimation to build a probability density profile for each shapelet. Unlike clustering the time series, we approximate short, variable-length connectivity patterns using the probability density profile of the shapelets from lower dimensions. We apply the proposed approach to study patients with schizophrenia (SZ) exhibit and identify reduced modularity increased statelet recurrence in their brain network organization relative to healthy controls (HC). An analysis of the connections9 consistency across time reveals significant differences within visual, sensorimotor, and default mode regions where HC subjects show higher consistency than SZ. The introduced statelet-approach enables the handling of dynamic information in cross-modal applications to study healthy and disordered brains and multi-modal fusion within a single dataset.