cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Self-Assembly, and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Conjugated Helical Metal Phthalocyanine Derivatives

Molecules in which the cores of copper and nickel octaazaphthalocyanines are fused to four nonracemic [7]helicenes are constructed. CD and UV−vis absorption spectroscopy show that these compounds aggregate when dissolved in 75% EtOH−25% CHCl3, but not in 60% EtOH−40% CHCl3. The UV−vis absorption spectra of films of the nickel phthalocyanine are similar to those of solutions of the aggregated molecules, suggesting that the structures of the aggregates in the neat samples and in solution are similar. A calculation based on molecular mechanics shows that the energy is minimized when the molecules stack in a chiral superstructure with a core-to-core distance of ca. 3.4 A. Atomic Force Microscopic images are in accord with this structure if on the surface of mica the stacks are isolated and perpendicular to the surface. In Langmuir films, the molecules stack in the opposite way, with the stacking axis parallel to the water. Although the molecules are remarkably symmetrical, their Langmuir−Blodgett films give v...
Explaining the (Non)Occurrence of Equal Divisions on the U.S. Supreme Court

When the U.S. Supreme Court sits with an even number of justices participating, there is a risk that the Court will be deadlocked in a tied vote. While this outcome awards the individual respondent...
Just-in-time delivery for green fleets: A feedback control approach

Abstract With increasing attention being paid to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the transportation industry has become an important focus of approaches to reduce GHG emissions, especially carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions. In this competitive industry, of course, any new emissions reduction technique must be economically attractive and contribute to good operational performance. In this paper, a continuous-variable feedback control algorithm called GEET (Greening via Energy and Emissions in Transportation) is developed; customer deliveries are assigned to a fleet of vehicles with the objective function of Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery and fuel performance metrics akin to the vehicle routing problem with soft time windows (VRPSTW). GEET simultaneously determines vehicle routing and sets cruising speeds that can be either fixed for the entire trip or varied dynamically based on anticipated performance. Dynamic models for controlling vehicle cruising speed and departure times are proposed, and the impact of cruising speed on JIT performance and fuel performance are evaluated. Allowing GEET to vary cruising speed is found to produce an average of 12.0–16.0% better performance in fuel cost, and −36.0% to +16.0% discrepancy in the overall transportation cost as compared to the Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search (ALNS) heuristic for a set of benchmark problems. GEET offers the advantage of extremely fast computational times, which is a substantial strength, especially in a dynamic transportation environment.
Knowledge and attitudes of medical counselors and Thalassemia prevention and control in Bose

Objective To assess the awareness activities and prevention methods of thalassemia as well as the after-train effects and genetic counseling level of the medical personnel in Baise. Methods Awareness of thalassemia was created and basic screening methods together with brochures provided in and to the 560 trainees; a basic flow scheme of thalassemia prevention and control system was worked out and established. Telephone consultation hotlines by experts were also accessible to grass root medical personnel. We conducted our survey by using questionnaires designed to assess the percentages of baseline correct answers before and after the training, the prenatal diagnosis as a result of the trained counselors as well as its effects. Results The percentages of correct answers of the baseline in the medical personne knowledge and attitudes before and after the training was 58%±10% and 88%±8% respectively, χ2=5.41,P0.05. The case rate of prenatal diagnosis after the training was increased by 37%, over that before the training, an average 4 more cases per year(P=0.043). One case in 2.7 prenatal diagnosis was diagnosed by trained counselors and 4 fetuses with thalassemia major were terminated. Conclusion The training proved to be of help in enhancing the knowledge and genetic counseling level as well as prenatal diagnosis in high-risk fetuses so to avoid the birth of children with thalassemia major.
Iddq test pattern generation for scan chain latches and flip-flops

A new approach, using Iddq, for testing the bistable elements (latches ad flip-flops) in scan chain circuits is presented. In this approach, we generate test patterns that apply a checking experiment to each bistable element in the circuit while checking their response. Such tests guarantee the detection of all detectable combinational defects inside the bistable elements. We show that this approach is more effective than test generation using the popular pseudo stuck-at-fault model. Our algorithm was implemented by modifying an existing stuck-at combinational test pattern generator. The number of test patterns generated by the new program is comparable to the number of traditional stuck-at-patterns. This shows that our approach is practical for large circuits.
Genetic prOgramming for image feature descriptor learning

It is widely accepted that feature extraction is quite possibly the most critical step in computer vision. Typically, feature extraction is performed using a method such as the histogram of oriented gradients. In recent years, a shift has occurred from human to machine learned features, e.g., convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Evolution-COnstructed (ECO) features. An advantage of our improved ECO (iECO) framework is it optimizes features on a per-descriptor basis. Herein, iECO is extended in order to represent a richer class of features, namely arithmetic combinations and compositions of iECOs. This extension, called Genetic prOgramming Optimal Feature Descriptor (GOOFeD) is based on genetic programming (GP). Three experiments are performed on data from a U.S. Army test site that contains multiple target and clutter types, burial depths, and times of day for automatic buried explosive hazard detection. The first two experiments focus on GOOFeD initialization and parameter selection. The last experiment demonstrates that GOOFeD is superior to iECO in terms of the fitness of evolved individuals.
SRI: An agroecological strategy to meet multiple objectives with reduced reliance on inputs

As climate and other conditions constrain agriculture, sustainable food systems will need to evolve, producing to the extent possible more output with less inputs. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an agroecologically based methodology for crop management that raises yields by reducing rather than increasing inputs. This article explains with scientific justifications how it is possible to produce more food with less seed (lower plant density), less water, less fertilizer and agrochemicals, and often less labor. Lowering costs raises farmers’ incomes by more than their production increases. With SRI, reductions are made also in climate-change impacts and greenhouse gas emissions.
Analysis of DKDP Frequency Conversion Crystals Damage Lifetime at the National Ignition Facility (NIF)

NIF DKDP crystals has a large distribution of damage lifetimes. We use our damage growth model along with statistical analysis to probe if material or laser attributes can be correlated to the crystal damage lifetime.
Mapping the daily media round: novel methods for understanding families’ mobile technology use

ABSTRACTThe pervasiveness of mobile devices in families’ homes has dramatically changed the physical and temporal arrangement of co-viewing media content; the representative image of American families seated around a TV set is an anachronism. But understanding and describing contemporary co-participation arrangements around digital media is challenging because of the mobile nature of these activities. As researchers, our greatest challenge is to observe people's digital media use that is increasingly ‘on-the-move’ in an effort to understand the significance and possibilities these devices have in family life, learning, and engagement in and across different settings. This article describes an innovative study design for understanding how mobile technologies influence the ways in which families learn together. We analyze the movement of digital media practices, where they are located, and how digital co-participation within families is distributed across time and space.
A Reexamination of Roper’S Trend-Surface Analysis of Central Plains Radiocarbon Dates

A reexamination of Roper’s (1976) trend-surface analysis of Central Plains radiocarbon dates indicates that 1) a nonlinear trend in the data was not recognized, and 2) the dates of the trend-surfac...
Cost effectiveness of prostate cancer radiotherapy.

The use of radiotherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer has evolved from treatments utilizing large fields with hand placed blocks to radiotherapy treatments given with a linear accelerator moving around the patient on a robotic arm. These technologic developments have allowed radiation dose escalations resulting in improvements in disease and patient reported outcomes with longer biochemical diseasefree survival (DFS) as well as improved quality of life. Increased costs have accompanied these technologic improvements with some private payers questioning the increased cost of the newer treatments and in some instances refusing to pay for some treatment modalities such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or proton beam therapy (PBT). Cost-effectiveness analysis have been used in an attempt to illustrate these new treatments were cost-effective when compared to the older treatments. Cost-effectiveness analyses will need to be adapted in the current health care environment to provide an assessment of value as many payers, including medicare, move to a value-based reimbursement system.
Towards highly stable lithium sulfur batteries: Surface functionalization of carbon nanotube scaffolds

Abstract In order to alleviate the systemic challenges underlying in Lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries, the surface of non-polar carbon materials have been widely modified with functional polymeric materials and metal-oxide compounds to chemically interact with polysulfides and thus improve the cycle performance of sulfur cathodes. However, the inherent low conductivity and long-term instability of functional polymers and ceramic materials impede the efficient electrochemical reactions and, in the end, deteriorate the electrochemical performances of Li-S batteries. In this study, we demonstrated a facile and effective approach to customize the surface characteristics of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via thermal treatments under different atmospheres (oxygen and hydrogen) and exploit these properties for sulfur reservoirs and interlayer barrier in order to enhance the electrochemical performances of Li-S batteries. With the aid of different characteristics of modified CNTs, electrochemical performances of sulfur cathodes were effectively optimized in terms of specific capacity and cycling performance. In addition, when interlayers were coupled with general sulfur cathodes with high sulfur loading mass (2.5 mg cm−1), it also showed analogous trends in improving the specific capacity and cycle performance (250 cycles).
Spatial and temporal scale in comparative approaches to rural gentrification

Phillips and Smith extend debates about comparative epistemologies onto both the process and concept of rural gentrification. In doing so, they illustrate the forms of comparative research, their v...
Access and Affordability: Homeowner Taxation

Tax expenditures for home ownership come in various forms. One broad category is deductions or credits that either reduce taxable income or the tax payable on that income. Examples are deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and other housing expenses. Another category consists of exemption or exclusion of certain types of income from taxation. Common exemptions are imputed rent and capital gains. Considerations of economic efficiency, equity, tax simplification, and transparency are all relevant to the analysis of tax expenditures. While some tax expenditures – nontaxation of imputed rent and capital gains – seem justified due to the administrative difficulty of taxing the relevant income, others – mortgage interest and other deductions – seem undesirable because they complicate the tax system without providing any demonstrable benefits. On balance, some kinds of direct subsidies may be preferable alternatives.
Geometric Roughness Estimates of Surf-Zone Wave-Breaking Foam

Measurements of small-scale [O (mm)] geometric roughness length ( $$ k_{\text{f}} $$ ) associated with surface foam generated by depth-limited breaking waves were obtained within the surf zone on a sandy beach. The parameter $$ k_{\text{f}} $$ is described using the vertical standard deviation of the sea surface elevation for a foamy area as estimated from stereo imagery. A waterproof two-camera system with self-logging and internal power was developed for collecting stereo images using commercial off-the-shelf components and commercial software for operations 1 m above the sea surface within the middle of the surf zone. The surf-zone foam had a mean $$ k_{\text{f}} $$ value of 3.2 mm, ranging from 1.7 to 6.3 mm. Using an empirical land-based relationship results in a mean aerodynamic roughness length for surf-zone foam of 0.82 mm, with a range from 0.4 to 1.6 mm, which provides a reasonable estimate of the surf-zone drag coefficient compared with field measurements.
Three-Dimensional Geometric Morphometrics in Paleoecology

Quantification and analysis of shape is an important component of many paleoecological studies. Geometric morphometrics is a powerful shape analysis tool that allows its user to compare entire regions of morphology, visualize shape differences between groups, and create visualizations based on real data. This method is rapidly becoming the standard for data collection and analysis in many fields such as anthropology, biology, ecology, forensics, paleontology, and zoology. Here, the basic procedures of geometric morphometrics are reviewed and a case study on the ecomorphology of the cervid calcaneus is provided to illustrate how geometric morphometrics can be used in paleoecological studies.
Effects of Species-Specific Genetics on Alzheimer's Mouse Models.

In this issue of Neuron, Neuner et al. (2019) report the generation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) transgenic mouse models on a panel of 28 background strains, showing marked background-dependent phenotypic variability. These findings imply that analogous variation in human AD phenotypes may be due, at least in part, to subtle effects of genetic background.
The effect of cognitive vocabulary learning approaches on Chinese learners’ compound word attainment, retention, and learning motivation:

Research has supported the benefit of cognitive vocabulary learning approaches, such as dual-coding (i.e. visual-verbal approach), on Chinese language learners’ vocabulary attainment. However, few ...
EXAMINING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FRAILTY AND ORAL ANTICOAGULANT USE FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: DATA FROM A CONTEMPORARY AMBULATORY VA COHORT

Oral Anticoagulant (OAC) prescription is challenging in older patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) given their elevated risk for both thromboembolism and OAC-related bleeding. Clinicians’ perception of frailty is oft-cited as a reason for withholding OAC. Hence, we sought to examine whether a
Enhancing CNS repair in neurological disease: challenges arising from neurodegeneration and rewiring of the network.

Repair of the central nervous system (CNS) constitutes an integral part of treating neurological disease and plays a crucial role in restoring CNS architecture and function. Distinct strategies have been developed to reconstruct the damaged neural tissue, with many tested preclinically in animal models. We review cell replacement-based repair strategies. By taking spinal cord injury, cerebral ischaemia and degenerative CNS disorders as examples for CNS repair, we discuss progress and potential problems in utilizing embryonic stem cells and adult neural/non-neural stem cells to repair cell loss in the CNS. Nevertheless, CNS repair is not simply a matter of cell transplantation. The major challenge is to induce regenerating neural cells to integrate into the neural network and compensate for damaged neural function. The neural cells confront an environment very different from that of the developmental stage in which these cells differentiate to form interwoven networks. During the repair process, one of the challenges is neurodegeneration, which can develop from interrupted innervations to/from the targets, chronic inflammation, ischaemia, aging or idiopathic neural toxicity. Neurodegeneration, which occurs on the basis of a characteristic vascular and neural web, usually presents as a chronically progressive process with unknown aetiology. Currently, there is no effective treatment to stop or slow down neurodegeneration. Pathological changes from patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis indicate a broken homeostasis in the CNS. We discuss how the blood-brain barrier and neural networks are formed to maintain CNS homeostasis and their contribution to neurodegeneration in diseased conditions. Another challenge is that some inhibitors produced by CNS injury do not facilitate the regenerating neural cells to incorporate into a pre-existing network. We review glial responses to CNS injury. Of note, the reactive astrocytes not only encompass the lesions/pathogens but may also form glial scars to impede regenerating axons from traversing the lesions. In addition, myelin debris can prevent axon growth. Myelination enables saltatory transduction of electrical impulses along axonal calibers and actually provides trophic support to stabilize the axons. Therefore, repair strategies should be designed to promote axonal growth, myelination and modulate astrocytic responses. Finally, we discuss recent progress in developing human monoclonal IgMs that regulate CNS homeostasis and promote neural regeneration.
Management of a young patient with dextrocardia, atrial septal defect, and Eisenmenger syndrome with venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and heart-lung transplantation

Dextrocardia is a rare congenital condition which presents important challenges for surgical management. We discuss a patient with dextrocardia, atrial septal defect, and Eisenmenger syndrome, which ultimately led to decompensated end-stage lung disease and heart-lung transplant. Venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was an important strategy to bridge the patient until donor organs became available. Transplantation of a heart-lung block allowed for the treatment of the patient's underlying congenital heart defect, anatomic reversal of dextrocardia with appropriate venous and arterial connections, and management of pulmonary damage from pulmonary hypertension.
Observation of a Large Magnetic Anisotropy and a Field-Induced Magnetic State in SrCo(VO4)(OH): A Structure with a Quasi One-Dimensional Magnetic Chain.

A new member of the descloizite family, a cobalt vanadate, SrCo(VO4)(OH), has been synthesized as large single crystals using high-temperature and high-pressure hydrothermal methods. SrCo(VO4)(OH) crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system in space group P212121 with the following unit cell parameters: a = 6.0157(2) A, b = 7.645(2) A, c = 9.291(3) A, V = 427.29(2) A3, and Z = 4. It contains one-dimensional Co-O-Co chains of edge-sharing CoO6 octahedra along the a-axis connected to each other via VO4 tetrahedra along the b-axis forming a three-dimensional structure. The magnetic susceptibility of SrCo(VO4)(OH) indicates an antiferromagnetic transition at 10 K as well as unusually large spin orbit coupling. Single-crystal magnetic measurements in all three main crystallographic directions displayed a significant anisotropy in both temperature- and field-dependent data. Single-crystal neutron diffraction at 4 K was used to characterize the magnetically ordered state. The Co2+ magnetic spins are arranged in a staggered configuration along the chain direction, with a canting angle that follows the tipping of the CoO6 octahedra. The net magnetization along the chain direction, resulting in ferromagnetic coupling of the a-axis spin components in each chain, is compensated by an antiferromagnetic interaction between nearest neighbor chains. A metamagnetic transition appears in the isothermal magnetization data at 2 K along the chain direction, which seems to correspond to a co-alignment of the spin directions of the nearest neighbor chain. We propose a phenomenological spin Hamiltonian that describes the canted spin configuration of the ground state and the metamagnetic transition in SrCo(VO4)(OH).
Family Separation As Slow Death

During the Trump Administration, disturbing images of immigration officials forcibly separating parents from their children at the U.S.–Mexico border have rightly invited an onslaught of criticism. Voices across the political spectrum have called these actions immoral and insisted that this is not who we are. The underlying moral imperative of this critique is correct, but this Essay argues that it rests on a mischaracterization of our immigration system. In fact, the principle of “family separation” pervasively defines our entire immigration system. The law governing admissions, enforcement, adjustment of status, and remittances routinely leaves noncitizens waiting, marooned, left out, and helpless in their efforts to remain or reunite with their family members. In other words, a legal system predicated on principles of family separation captures precisely who we are. To make this argument, I borrow insights developed by scholars in the humanities and social sciences who have developed the theory of “slow death” or “slow violence.” Unlike acts of “spectacular violence” (a label for which border apprehensions and forcible separations certainly qualify) the process of slow death happens over time, offering no signs of impending ruination, a reality that frustrates the ability to generate momentum for change. Reframing the experience of migrants in terms of slow death can help recontextualize immigrant suffering in terms of family separation thereby drawing the public’s attention to the need for systemic, and not just episodic, change.
Constelações Transnacionais de Cuidado e Educação: laços de crianças i/migrantes com famílias transfronteiras

Educational researchers often foreground the linguistic-cultural differences that immigrant students bring to school, overlooking the salience of legal and cultural citizenship for identity formation and classroom participation. Moreover, they usually frame (im)immigrant children as students and English language learners, or (more rarely) emergent bilinguals. This narrow framing obscures certain aspects of students’ complex experiences, with important implications for learning. This article leverages anthropological evidence to present more holistic ways of representing and discussing immigrant families’ experiences in a globalized world. This article asks: how can an anthropological perspective on transnational families help us understand how immigration shapes the educational lives of children? Thus, I address how transnational care constellations as a methodological approach contribute to ongoing discussions about equity and belonging in educational scholarship.
A Window into the Classroom: How Teachers Integrate Pronunciation Instruction

This project analyzes teacher behavior using a corpus of 110 hours of recorded instruction in order to document the realities of second-language pronunciation instruction. Teachers of six intact cl...
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Alzheimer’s Disease Synaptic Dysfunction: Therapeutic Opportunities and Hope for the Future

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The impaired synaptic plasticity and dendritic loss at the synaptic level is an early event associated with the AD pathogenesis. The abnormal accumulation of soluble oligomeric amyloid-β (Aβ), the major toxic component in amyloid plaques, is viewed to trigger synaptic dysfunctions through binding to several presynaptic and postsynaptic partners and thus to disrupt synaptic transmission. Over time, the abnormalities in neural transmission will result in cognitive deficits, which are commonly manifested as memory loss in AD patients. Synaptic plasticity is regulated through glutamate transmission, which is mediated by various glutamate receptors. Here we review recent progresses in the study of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in AD cognition. We will discuss the role of mGluRs in synaptic plasticity and their modulation as a possible strategy for AD cognitive improvement.
Helping the Public Understand the Microplastics Issue: Integrating Citizen Science Techniques and Hands-On Education Experiences with Ongoing Microplastics Research

Marine microplastic (plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in length) pollution is a recognized and growing threat to the environment. Microplastic particle estimates number in the trillions and are under sampled in ecosystems worldwide (Eriksen et al. 2014, Zhao et al. 2019). Sources of microplastics include manufactured particles (fibers, beads, industrial abrasives) or microplastics generated from breakdown of larger plastics through mechanical, photochemical, or biologically mediated degradation (Schwarz et al. 2019). Little is known about the fate or effect of microplastics on marine environments thus emphasizing the importance of scientific research. The University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (UGA SkIO) and Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant (UGA MAREX) are mapping the distribution and abundance of microplastics in Georgia’s coastal waters. There are many challenges to studying microplastic abundances, including intensive sampling and measurement efforts on a temporal and spatial scale that require trained personnel. Volunteer-based research is well suited for studying microplastic pollution. We have developed a successful volunteer-based monitoring program to assist with research efforts. We have established partnerships with environmental programs and groups including the UGA MAREX volunteer program, and the Satilla, Altamaha and Ogeechee Riverkeepers to assist with monitoring efforts. Everyone involved understands the critical importance of proper research technique, strict protocols and training in order to obtain “believable” data. Our research to date suggests that a dedicated, trained group of scientists and volunteers can provide the mechanism for conducting detailed studies of microplastics on a local to regional scale.
Distance-Based Formation Control Over Directed Triangulated Laman Graphs in 2-D Space

In this paper, the problem of distance-based formation control over directed graphs is studied. We consider the desired distance-based formation modeled as a directed graph where each edge is assigned to only one of its incident agents to preserve the desired distance. We propose a distributed control solution based on the state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) method that guarantees the formation’s asymptotic stability. Moreover, we developed a procedure for preventing the formation’s flip ambiguity where the signed area constraints are used. We also provide an extension that guarantees collision avoidance besides preventing the flip ambiguity. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Subgroups of patients undergoing chemotherapy with distinct cognitive fatigue and evening physical fatigue profiles.

The purpose was to model cognitive fatigue and evening physical fatigue together to determine subgroups of patients with distinct cognitive fatigue AND evening physical fatigue profiles. Once these profiles were identified, differences among the subgroups in demographic and clinical characteristics, co-occurring symptoms, and quality of life outcomes were evaluated. Oncology patients (n = 1332) completed self-report measures of cognitive fatigue and evening physical fatigue, six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. Latent profile analysis, which combined the two symptom scores, was done to identify subgroups of patients with distinct cognitive fatigue AND evening physical fatigue profiles. Three distinct profiles (i.e., Low [20.5%], Moderate [39.6%], and High [39.6%]) were identified. Compared to the Low class, patients in the High class were younger, female, and more likely to live alone and had a higher comorbidity burden and a lower functional status. In addition, these patients had a higher symptom burden and a poorer quality of life. Based on clinically meaningful cutoff scores, 80% of the patients in this study had moderate to high levels of both cognitive fatigue and evening physical fatigue. In addition, these patients experienced high levels of other common symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and pain). These co-occurring symptoms and other modifiable characteristics associated with membership in the Moderate and High classes may be potential targets for individualized symptom management interventions.
Dual class firms and trade credit

Abstract Firms with dual class structure can suffer from poor corporate governance and may utilize strategies that can help them avert monitoring by outsiders. We find that dual class firms use less trade credit as compared to non-dual class firms. We believe that this behavior is motivated by their antipathy towards supplier oversight. Our results are especially relevant for non-manufacturing and high bargaining power dual class firms. We extend the literature by shedding light on trade credit policies of dual class firms and by presenting an additional metric to assess operational transparency and monitoring preferences of dual class firms.
Dual system design for a low-ductility concentrically braced frame with a reserve moment frame

Abstract To address shortcomings of the moderate-seismic design philosophy currently implemented in the United States, this paper proposes design criteria for a Concentrically Braced Dual Frame (CBDF). In contrast to existing low-ductility Concentrically Braced Frame (CBF) systems, such as R = 3 CBF (R3CBF) and Ordinary Concentrically Braced Frame (OCBF) systems, the proposed CBDF design approach explicitly considers the strength and integrity of the post-elastic, degraded (reserve) system. Specifically, the CBDF is defined to consist of a stiff low-ductility primary concentrically braced frame (PCBF) supplemented by a flexible, distributed reserve moment-resisting frame (RMRF). Relative to the R3CBF and OCBF systems, the proposed CBDF system achieves superior collapse performance without the need for costly ductility detailing requirements or substantial changes to traditional seismic design provisions. Consequently, the CBDF system is proposed as a practical, reliable, and cost-effective design alternative to R3CBF and OCBF systems.
Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma-like tumors in male with JAZF1 gene fusions

Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is a hormone-responsive low-grade sarcoma typically occurring in the uterine corpus in women. Their genetic hallmarks are recurrent gene fusions involving JAZF1, partnering with either SUZ12 gene or less commonly with PHF1. Low-grade ESS-like sarcoma, or endometrioid stromal sarcoma, is exceptionally rare in males, and has been reported to date only in two cases, one in the paratesticular area and the other of prostatic stromal origin. We report herein two new cases of low-grade ESS-like sarcoma in male patients, one presenting as a periprostatic/peri-rectal mass with a JAZF1-GLI3 fusion, while the other as a paratesticular mass with a JAZF1-PHF1 fusion. As the GLI3 fusion appeared novel, we searched the transcriptional signature of 35 low-grade ESS from our archives, and found a similar JAZF1-GLI3 fusion in a low-grade ESS arising from the uterine corpus, supporting a common pathogenesis. Histopathologically, both cases demonstrate cellular, monotonous proliferation of ovoid to fusiform cells with a background of arteriolar vascular network. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells express ER, PR, and CD10, similar to ESS. One case also expresses diffuse and strong AR. On follow-up, the patient with the periprostatic mass recurred two years after initial surgery with peritoneal 'sarcomatosis'. We describe the salient diagnostic morphologic, immunohistochemical and molecular features, and discuss the differential diagnosis and possible pathogenesis of this unusual entity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
High Resolution Arma Model Reconstruction for NDE Ultrasonic Imaging

Ultrasonic imaging is of use in a number of important areas, including nondestructive testing and medicine. The field has grown considerably in the past ten years and remains an active and growing area of research. For nondestructive evaluation of materials (NDE), the aim is to provide means for obtaining estimates of the size, shape and orientation of flaws in sufficiently a quantitative manner so that failure of mechanical structural parts can be predicted.1,2 As an imaging technique, ultrasonic imaging is appropriate whenever the medium considered is opaque to other sources of radiation, such as optical radiation. It is versatile and convenient and may be used in both the transmission and reflection, active and passive modes. The technique is also versatile in another important sense. Use of (nearly) spatial coherent radiation sources and of linear detectors results in the availability of a wide variety of digital signal processing procedures for enhancing signals, improving lateral resolution, range gating and so on.3
Integrative genomic analysis identify novel oncogenes in breast cancer

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4192 High-resolution genome-wide mapping of chromosomal alterations in breast cancer should facilitate the localization and identification of novel oncogenes and tumor suppressor. We have used Agilent oligonucleotide array-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to profile copy number alternations in 7 SUM breast cancer cell lines. Upon comparison with previous chromosome CGH and BAC array CGH data in the same 7 cell lines, 50 Kb-resolution oligonucleotide array CGH allowed us to identify regional gains and losses including 8p11-12, 17q12 (ErbB2) amplicon and 9p21 (p16) deletion, but with much finer definition. Our array CGH analysis also detected numerous previously unrecognized localized DNA amplification and deletions in these cell lines. High-level amplification and presumptive homozygous deletions were identified in multiple regions such as amplicons at 9q33 (1.1 Mb), 16q12 (3Mb) and 22q13 (0.5Mb), and deletions at 13q13 (0.3Mb), 22q11(0.2Mb), Xq22(2.1Mb). Interestingly, separate amplicons interrupted by nonamplified segments at 10q26 (FGFR1) and 17q11-21(ErbB2) were also identified in the SUM-52 and SUM-190 cell lines. To define the subset of amplified and deleted genes with correspondingly altered expression, these cell lines were analyzed with global expression profiling using Affymetrix Human U133A arrays. The data suggest that regions with high-level amplifications seen by array CGH frequently contain genes that are also overexpressed at the mRNA level, including RALGPS1 and ZNF297B (9q33), CUZD1and ACADSB (10q26), CPD and GOSR1(17q11), ZBED4 at 22q13 and others. Therefore, high resolution array CGH analysis of breast cancer genomes detects more alternations in breast cancer than conventional technology, including both known and novel regions. Integration of gene expression analysis and genomic profiles will identify candidate genes relevant to breast cancer.
Mixed-Signal Control of Single-Phase PFC Based on a Nonlinear Current Control Method

Mixed-signal control of single-phase power factor corrected (PFC) ac-dc converters based on a new nonlinear current control method is presented. The proposed nonlinear current control combines input current feedforward with cycle-by-cycle integral control of the switch current to achieve sinusoidal input current and unity input power factor. Stability of the proposed nonlinear current control method is analyzed, and different improvement methods are presented. The resulting control performance is superior to all existing PFC control methods and can meet the requirements of various applications, including high-frequency (360–800 Hz) airborne power systems. The proposed mixed-signal implementation scheme uses an analog current controller that is simple, insensitive to noise, and independent of converter and control design parameters. A digital controller regulates the output voltage by providing a low-frequency reference to the analog current loop. A sampling rate much lower than the switching frequency can be used, thereby enabling the use of a low-speed digital control device while achieving all the benefits of digital control. A prototype design is presented to validate the theory and to demonstrate the performance of the proposed control method.
The Ionosphere: Propagation Theory

The propagation of low frequency electromagnetic waves in the atmosphere of the earth is a function of the degree of ionization of the constituent gases. The ionization is produced (Friedman, 1962; Ratcliffe, 1960) by the short-wave electromagnetic spectrum of the sun, X-rays and ultra-violet; and to some extent by particles, cosmic rays, meteors, and ion clouds from the sun. In general, a given ionizing agent will produce a layer with maximum ionization rate at some level, for the ionizing flux finds very few atoms or molecules to ionize at very great heights in the atmosphere. Then as the radiation penetrates more deeply, more ions sec−1cm−3 are produced, but in this process the ionizing radiation is absorbed so that at lower heights the rate of ionization again falls to lower values, even though more ionizable molecules are present. Thus, any specific ionization process tends to produce a layer with a maximum ionization rate at some level.
Effect of emotional valence on retrieval-related recapitulation of encoding activity in the ventral visual stream

While prior work has shown greater retrieval-related reactivation in the ventral visual stream for emotional stimuli compared to neutral stimuli, the effects of valence on retrieval-related recapitulation of successful encoding processes (Dm effects) have yet to be investigated. Here, seventeen participants (aged 19-35) studied line drawings of negative, positive, or neutral images followed immediately by the complete photo. After a 20-min delay, participants performed a challenging recognition memory test, distinguishing the studied line drawing outlines from novel ones. First, results replicated earlier work by demonstrating that negative and positive hits elicited greater ventral occipito-temporal cortex (VOTC) activity than neutral hits during both encoding and retrieval. Moreover, the amount of activation in portions of the VOTC correlated with the magnitude of participants' emotional memory enhancement. Second, results revealed significant retrieval-related recapitulation of Dm effects (Hits>Misses) in VOTC (anterior inferior temporal gyri) only for negative stimuli. Third, connectivity between the amygdala and fusiform gyrus during the encoding of negative stimuli increased the likelihood of fusiform activation during successful retrieval. Together, these results suggest that recapitulation in posterior VOTC reflects memory for the affective dimension of the stimuli (Emotional Hits>Neutral Hits) and the magnitude of activation in some of these regions is related to superior emotional memory. Moreover, for negative stimuli, recapitulation in more anterior portions of the VOTC is greater for remembered than forgotten items. The current study offers new evidence for effects of emotion on recapitulation of activity and functional connectivity in support of memory.
"It drives us to do it": pregnant adolescents identify drivers for sexual risk-taking.

Background: Sexual risk-taking behaviors have a negative effect on the heath and future of American adolescents. Aims and objectives: To gain insight into these behaviors and preventative efforts, this study explored the experiences and perceptions of 15 pregnant adolescents using a qualitative feminist approach and in-depth interviews. Methods: As participants discussed sex education, each identified influences on sexual decision-making that often overpowered the information received. Results: Content analysis and constant comparison of this data led to the overarching theme “Drivers for Sexual Risk-taking.” Drivers were categorized as internal and external and each demonstrated a significant influence on adolescent sexual decision-making. Conclusion: Results of this study can inform the development of educational efforts, reform of social policy, and the focus of future research.
Pregnancy in patients with obstructive lesions: Aortic stenosis, coarctation of the aorta and mitral stenosis

Abstract Women born with the obstructive cardiac lesions of aortic stenosis, coarctation of the aorta and mitral stenosis may be relatively asymptomatic through their childbearing years. However, the hemodynamic changes of pregnancy of volume expansion, increased preload and decreased afterload may cause the patient to become symptomatic. Those caring for women born with these cardiac lesions should look for signs of early decompensation and anticipate problems before they occur. Aortic stenosis may be mild or moderate and the woman may first become symptomatic after the hemodynamic changes of pregnancy ensue she may develop pulmonary edema or heart failure as the pregnancy progresses. This certainly can be managed expectantly in this patient population. The woman with an uncorrected coarctation of the aorta may be at risk of decreased placental blood flow, although a woman of childbearing age with an unrepaired coarctation of the aorta, often has a mild coarctation with extensive collateral flow. She is also at risk for hypertension developing during pregnancy along with the woman who has undergone repair prior to conception. Mitral stenosis is of concern and in the past has been predominantly of rheumatic origin. It may remain clinically silent until a woman becomes pregnant. The risks of this lesion include pulmonary edema and atrial fibrillation resulting in thromboembolic phenomenon due to the hypercoagulable state of pregnancy. It is best to identify obstructive cardiac lesions prior to pregnancy, but careful management during pregnancy can facilitate a safe and successful pregnancy in these patients. If patients are evaluated prior to conception and found that they have critical valve lesions, they may have a less complicated pregnancy if correction is recommended prior to conception.
Power Factor Correction on Distribution Systems

POWER factor is a characteristic of electrical energy which is being transmitted by an impressed alternating voltage and resultant alternating current whereby it is possible for the current to rise and fall in magnitude before, with or after, the equivalent rise or fall in the alternating electromotive force. Tied up with this relative timing of voltage and current waves (which make up one pair of the cause and effect twins of the electrical family) is much of the hope and grief of the distribution game.
Synthesis and identification of major metabolites of environmental pollutant dibenzo(c,mno)chrysene

Dibenzo(c,mno)chrysene commonly known as naphtho(1,2-alpha}pyrene (N(1,2-alpha)P) is an environmental pollutant, recently identified in coal tar extract, in air-borne particulate matter, in marine sediment, and in cigarette-smoke condensate. We recently reported an efficient synthesis of N(1,2-alpha)P and examined its in vitro metabolism by male Sprague Dawley rat liver S9 fraction, which resulted in a number of dihydrodiol and phenolic metabolites. The synthesis of 10-hydroxy-N(1,2-alpha)P and fjord region N(1,2-alpha)P trans-9,10-dihydrodiol, which were identified among the various metabolites, was assigned earlier by comparing with the synthetic standards. The other major metabolites were separated by HPLC and, based on the {sup -1}H NMR analysis, were tentatively suggested to be the two K-region dibydrodiols, that is, N(1,2-alpha)P trans-4,5dihydrodiol and N(1,2-alpha)P trans-7,8-dihydrodiol, and the hydroxy derivatives of N(1,2-alpha)P. To unequivocally assign the structure to each of the peaks and to have them in larger amounts for toxicological studies, we have now synthesized the two K-region dihydrodiols and the 1-/3-hydroxy-N(1,2-alpha)P, short-listed based on the proton NMR of the collected peaks. As expected, all the synthesized dihydrodiol and phenolic derivatives of N(1,2-a)P identified with those obtained from in vitro metabolism enabling the assignment of all the major metabolites.
Converting from a DEC system-10 to VAX

May 15th 1986, we unplugged our DECsystem-10 after 17 years of service, and replaced it with new VAXes. We had to not only learn a new system, but prepare our users for the changeover, and help them learn the VAX.We looked for ways to make sure DEC-10 users would know their computer was leaving. We surveyed users looking for potential user conversion problems. We helped users get ready for and eventually get used to the VAXes.This article will discuss the preparation we (and our users) made for the upcoming changeover, a description of our conversion efforts, and a discussion of some problems we ran into.
New laser system for measurements of dissociation rates of small molecules with picosecond temporal resolution

A technique is presented for studying state-specific picosecond unimolecular reaction dynamics of small molecules in their ground electronic states, and hence their thermal unimolecular reactions. Formyl fluoride (HFCO) is chosen for its unique properties. HFCO dissociates over a barrier of 17,200 +/- 1,400 cm-1 to form HF + CO. It has been shown that intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR) is far from complete at such energies. Thus substantial state- and mode-selectivity are exhibited in vibrational couplings and dissociation rates. Stimulated emission pumping (SEP) is used to selectivity populate single rovibrational levels in the electronic ground state. A third, variably delayed laser pulse, probes the depleting population of molecules from this level by laser induced fluorescence. The high temporal resolution of the dump and the probe laser pulses is realized by two distributed- feedback dye lasers amplified in (beta) -barium borate crystals serving as optical parametric amplifiers. The complete system is pumped by one active passive mode-locked Nd:YAG laser. The system delivers two independently tunable 16 ps laser pulses with a bandwidth of 1.48 cm-1 and energies of up to 1 mJ.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The integrability of consumer demand functions

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to characterize the class of systems of consumer demand functions that are representable as ratios of first-order polynomial functions and are integrable. Starting from a general system of consumer demand functions representable as ratios, we impose successively the restrictions corresponding to homogeneity, summability, symmetry, non-negativity, and monotonicity. We find that the only such systems which are capable of modeling arbitrary own- and cross-substitution effects are the systems generated by transcendental logarithmic utility functions.