cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitride-organic hybrid heterostructures for possible novel optoelectronic devices: charge injection and transport

We investigate the physical integration of organic thin film semiconductors with (In)GaN to explore new types of “hybrid” heterojunction device structures. Planar nitride-organic junctions are found to be quite versatile in enabling charge injection across two very different electronic material constituents. Here (In)GaN/CuPc devices were studied in terms of photogenerated charge transport. An efficient photocurrent response was observed at the absorption wavelength of the InGaN quantum well which requires ready photo-carrier transport across the organic/inorganic interface. Additionally a weaker photocurrent response from CuPc was acquired near its absorption peak around 640 nm, which suggests that some photo-generated excitons are diffused and dissociated at the hybrid interface. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Lifetime measurements and collective behavior in 49 V

Lifetimes of levels in $^{49}\mathrm{V}$ have been measured using the Doppler-shift attenuation method. States were populated with the $^{46}\mathrm{Ti}(\ensuremath{\alpha},p)^{49}\mathrm{V}$ reaction at a beam energy of 10 MeV. Protons were detected near 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} relative to the beam and most Doppler shifts were measured between $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ spectra accumulated at ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}=53 \mathrm{and} 140\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$. Values or limits were obtained for the mean lifetimes of 25 levels in $^{49}\mathrm{V}$ from 748 to 2812 keV in excitation energy. The positive parity levels appear to form two rotational bands with ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={\frac{3}{2}}^{+} \mathrm{and} {\frac{1}{2}}^{+}$. The first 2 MeV of the negative parity level scheme is reproduced rather well with calculations using the strong coupling model. This model also predicts the transition strengths reasonably well. These results suggest strong collective behavior in the states of both parities.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{46}\mathrm{Ti}(\ensuremath{\alpha},p\ensuremath{\gamma})$, ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}=10$ MeV; measured Doppler-shift attenuation. $^{49}\mathrm{V}$ deduced levels, $\ensuremath{\tau}$, $J$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$, $B(\ensuremath{\Lambda})$, branching ratios. Enriched target.
Global phase diagram for magnetism and lattice distortion of iron-pnictide materials

We study the global phase diagram of magnetic orders and lattice structure in the Fe-pnictide materials at zero temperature within one unified theory tuned by both electron doping and pressure. On the low doping and high-pressure side of the phase diagram, there is one single transition, which is described by a $z=2$ mean-field theory with very weak run-away flows; on the high doping and low-pressure side, the transition is expected to split to two transitions, with one O(3) spin-density wave transition followed by a $z=3$ quantum Ising transition at larger doping. The fluctuation of the strain field of the lattice will not affect the spin-density wave transition but will likely drive the Ising nematic order transition a mean-field transition through a linear coupling, as observed experimentally in ${\text{BaFe}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Co}}_{x}{\text{As}}_{2}$.
Cecal pelvic transposition following total pelvic exenteration.

Abstract Background . Multiple techniques have been utilized in an attempt to prevent small bowel obstructions following total pelvic exenteration. Pelvic transposition of the cecum may be an effective way to reduce the incidence of this serious complication. Cases . We present three women who underwent total pelvic exenteration and cecal pelvic transposition to exclude the small bowel from the "empty pelvis". All three patients did well without any postoperative small bowel complications. Conclusion . Cecal pelvic transposition precludes the small bowel from entering the pelvis. This procedure can be performed relatively easily by a gynecologic oncologist experienced with bowel surgery. A larger patient series is needed to assess the efficacy of this previously unpublished procedure.
Long-lived life: a detriment

In this issue of Blood, Fernandez-Boyanapalli and colleagues report that macrophages isolated from X-linked CGD mice exhibit decreased recognition and removal of apoptotic inflammatory cells secondary to attenuated endogenous IL-4 production.
Governance Ideas for and from the “Knowledge Banks”

Chapter 7 provides an extensive expos? on how value and values can be defined and related to collective action. Although values are "essentially contested concepts" (Gallie 1955, 169) and will remain so after this book, Bozeman at least presents a coherent conceptualization, something that many scholars who study values do not. Chapters 8 and 9 focus primarily on the concept of public value mapping. A public value mapping grid is introduced as "a tool for analyzing normative publicness" (156) and applied to a specific case?that of genetically modified foods and the terminator gene. The concept of public value mapping, albeit a work in progress, as the author is first to admit, provides a concrete framework for making transparent the successes and failures in actual izing public values in specific decision-making and policy processes and is, as such, the first of its kind, at least in terms of applicability and transferability to different cases.
Quantitative Parsimony, Explanatory Power and Dark Matter

Baker (Br J Philos Sci 54:245–259, 2003) argues that quantitative parsimony—the principle that hypotheses requiring fewer entities are to be preferred over their empirically equivalent rivals—is a rational methodological criterion because it maximizes explanatory power. Baker lends plausibility to his account by confronting it with the example of postulating of the neutrino in order to resolve a discrepancy in Beta decay experiments. Baker’s account is initially attractive, but I argue that its details are problematic and that it yields undesirable consequences when applied to the case of astrophysical dark matter. Baker has not succeeded in showing why quantitative parsimony is a theoretical virtue.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of New “Extended” Building Blocks for Crystal Engineering: (Pyridylmethylene)aminoacetophenone Oxime Ligands

The syntheses and crystal structures of four new ligands based on “extended” (pyridylmethylene)aminoacetophenone oxime derivatives are reported. The ligands are all prepared in good yields by allowing a suitably substituted pyridine to react with hydroxylamine, followed by Schiff-base condensation with the appropriate pyridinecarboxaldehyde. Their solid-state structures show that the dominating hydrogen bond, a head-to-tail O−H···N interaction between the oxime O−H moiety and the pyridine nitrogen atom, is present in each of the four reported cases despite considerable differences in crystal packing. These structures also contain a multitude of weaker π−π interactions, but they do not display the same consistency and regularity as the O−H···N hydrogen bond, which illustrates the importance of hydrogen bonding as the primary supramolecular synthetic tool.
Structure and properties of an iron based self-lubricant wear-resistant gradient layer

Abstract The structure and properties of an iron based self-lubricant wear-resistant gradient layer, with spherical graphites as well as alloy-carbides on a surface of cast steel, were studied. From the outside in, the composition, structure and properties of the self-lubricant wear-resistant gradient layer with a thickness of 5–6 mm take on a gradient distribution and transform gradually into that of a master-alloy. The subsurface layer which has many more nodular graphites and alloy-carbides possesses high as-cast hardness and great wear-resistance under the condition of dry slipping with a heavy load.
The Pancreatic Islet as Rubik's Cube: Is Phospholipid Hydrolysis a piece of the Puzzle?

At least three types of phospholipase exist in the β-cells of the pancreatic islet. Data regarding their physiological activation are incomplete but suggest that glucose (or its metabolite glyceraldehyde) either activates or potentiates the activation of several phospholipases. At least seven phospholipid hydrolysis by-products (diacylglycerol, myo -inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, lysophospholipids, arachidonic acid and its cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-derived metabolites, phosphatidate) have been demonstrated to have effects compatible with their postulated roles as mediators or modulators of islet function. Presumptive mechanisms of action have been tentatively identified for these metabolites. However, key studies in the puzzle are missing, and current methodologies have important limitations. Shortcomings include the paucity of measurements of the mass of metabolites; the frequent use of static incubations rather than perfusions; a lack of complete time- and agonist concentration–dependence curves; the equation of metabolite accumulation with rates of metabolite generation (which ignores metabolite removal as a key variable); the use of nonspecific, insensitive, or ambiguous phospholipase assays; and the need for more studies directly correlating lipid metabolism and insulin secretion in physiologically functioning preparations. Like Rubik9s Cube, the pancreatic islet is a dynamic puzzle comprised of many interrelated components requiring proper alignment and integration. Phospholipid turnover is one “panel” in the islet; however, an obligate role for phospholipase activation in glucose-induced insulin secretion is not yet rigorously established, despite tantalizing, inferential evidence. It may be that glucose serves principally to potentiate the phospholipase and secretory responses to other signals that act by initiating phospholipid hydrolysis.
Success outcomes of full-day kindergarten: More positive behavior and increased achievement in the years after

Abstract This statewide longitudinal study was designed to investigate the effects of kindergarten schedule (half day, alternate day, and full day) and prior preschool attendance on elementary children's success (achievement, incidence of grade retention, provision of special educational services, and classroom behavior). Academic data are summarized from two phases of the study: a retrospective analysis of children's outcomes related to kindergarten attendance in 27 school districts in the years 1982, 1983, and 1984; and a prospective analysis of two cohorts of children, one entering kindergarten in fall 1986 in 27 school districts and one in fall 1987 in 32 school districts. Behavioral outcome data are reported in detail. Existing data found in cumulative folders, representing scores from 13 different standardized tests, and various outcome data were analyzed for the retrospective study. Outcome data for the ongoing study were gathered from the Metropolitan Readiness Tests (administered in kindergarten), the Metropolitan Achievement Tests (administered in first grade), and the Hahnemann Elementary School Behavior Rating Scale (administered in kindergarten). Results from the longitudinal study indicate that children who attend preschool prior to kindergarten experience greater subsequent success in elementary school than those who do not. Results from both phases of the study indicate that participation in full-day kindergarten is positively related to subsequent school performance, at least through first grade. Additional analyses demonstrate the significant impact of age at entrance to kindergarten and of gender.
A partial m =(2 k +1)-cycle system of order n can be embedded in an m -cycle system of order (2 n +1) m

Abstract A generalization of Cruse's Theorem on embedding partial idempotent commutative latin squares is developed and used to show that a partial m=(2k+1)-cycle system of order n can be embedded in an m-cycle system of order tm for every odd t⩾(2n+1).
The rat claustrum: Afferent and efferent connections with visual cortex

Abstract We have examined the afferent and efferent projections between the claustrum and visual cortex in the Long-Evans rat using anterograde and retrogade axonal transport techniques. Injections of either wheat germ agglutinin/horseradish peroxidase (WGA/HRP) or Fast Blue were made into each of the main visual regions (17, 18a or 18b) as well as directly into the claustrum. The cortical injections were placed in either the upper, middle or deep layers so as to assist in determining the laminar organization of these connections. Of the 3 visual areas, only area 18b appears to have extensive and reciprocal connections with the claustrum. After a WGA/HRP injection of this area, dense labeled terminals and numerous labeled cells were found intermixed throughout the full extent of the claustrum. The density of this labeled activity was found to vary directly with the amount of the infragranular layers involved by the injections. Injections in the other visual areas did produce labeled cells in the claustrum, but their number was always small or even negligible. There was never any evidence of anterograde labeled terminals in the claustrum from any injection of areas 17 or 18a. Tracer injections directly in the claustrum confirmed and extended these findings by showing that the labeled terminals and/or labeled cells were localized predominantly in layer VI of area 18b of visual cortex. On the basis of these injections, two major conclusions are reached. First, the pattern of connections between the claustrum and visual cortex in the rat differs fundamentally with that found in other species. Secondly, given the extensive labeling in the claustrum observed after the injections of a single cortical locus (area 18b), these results argue against a simple topographical relationship between cortex and the claustrum.
The role of myocardial revascularization preceding noncardiac surgery

Of about 6.7 million Americans who have coronary artery disease, approximately 700,000 undergo various noncardiac operations annually in the United States. Perioperative cardiac complications remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality not related to the primary operative procedure; the mechanisms of perioperative ischemia and infarction are unclear. Currently, clinicians, using a combination of clinical and laboratory findings, can estimate the risk of noncardiac surgical procedures with a high degree of precision, but much less is known about the preferred approach to patient management after noninvasive risk stratification. Coronary angiography and revascularization are frequently recommended for those determined by functional tests to be at moderate and high risk, but the risks of revascularization are often substantially higher among these patients. No randomized, controlled trials exist to guide patient management. Quantitative decision analysis based on published nonrandomized data suggests that coronary angiography with selective myocardial revascularization should be performed to reduce the risk of noncardiac surgery only if the risk of noncardiac surgery is greater than 5% and the risk of coronary angiography with selective revascularization is less than 3%. On the other hand, if independent indications exist for myocardial revascularization, it should generally be performed before the noncardiac operation.
The Beginnings of Psychoanalytic Supervision: The Crucial Role of Max Eitingon

Psychoanalytic supervision is moving well into its 2nd century of theory, practice, and (to a limited extent) research. In this paper, I take a look at the pioneering first efforts to define psychoanalytic supervision and its importance to the psychoanalytic education process. Max Eitingon, the “almost forgotten man” of psychoanalysis, looms large in any such consideration. His writings or organizational reports were seemingly the first psychoanalytic published material to address the following supervision issues: rationale, screening, notes, responsibility, supervisee learning/personality issues, and the extent and length of supervision itself. Although Eitingon never wrote formally on supervision, his pioneering work in the area has continued to echo across the decades and can still be seen reflected in contemporary supervision practice. I also recognize the role of Karen Horney—one of the founders of the Berlin Institute and Poliklinik, friend of Eitingon, and active, vital participant in Eitingon’s efforts—in contributing to and shaping the beginnings of psychoanalytic education.
Economic Limit of Offshore Structures in the Gulf of Mexico—Regression Modeling

Abstract When the net cash flow of a structure turns negative, it is no longer economic to produce. The operator will subsequently shut down operations and abandon the structure in accord with the regulatory framework that governs decommissioning. The purpose of this article is to predict the economic limit of offshore structures in the Gulf of Mexico using regression-based modeling techniques. Functional relations are derived for the economic limit based on an empirical assessment of over 1,300 structures decommissioned in the Gulf over the past two decades. Operational, physical, technical, and regulatory parameters are used to develop the economic limit functionals.
Effect of basic open-hearth slag on magnesium-silicate ladle brick

Magnesium-silicate refractories — dunite, talcomagnesite and olivinite — react with basic open-hearth slag, forming both low-melting phases (pyroxeme-type mineral and monticellite) and high-melting phases (periclase and composite spinel). The preliminary test on magnesite-silicate refractories as lining for steel-casting ladles have shown that the slag adheres and becomes welded to the refractory to an appreciable extent. The hypothesis has been expressed that this adhesion is due to the appearance of periclase and composite spinel in the contact zone — slag from high-melting interacting products — and that these two minerals apparently increase the viscosity of the melted slag.
Parameter identification using mollification for predator-prey models in spatially heterogeneous environments

A stable numerical method is introduced for the identification of population densitiesand spatially dependent diffusion coefficients in a Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model in which bias dispersal is present. In this problem, noisy data at the active boundary and initial measured population densities are given. This algorithm makes no assumption on the amount and/or character of the noise in the data.
Computerized Thermal Characterization Tool (CT)2 for Complete Thermodynamic Coefficients Mapping at the Wavelength of 10.6 μm: a PMMA Case Report

Abstract Objective: This paper details a proposed clinical identification tool, the Computerized Thermal Characterization Tool or (CT)2, designed to precisely quantify and forecast the ablation capabilities of a CO2 laser beam and to optimize its usage when human tissue is exposed to 10.6 μm wavelength radiation. Background: As seen in other studies by the same author, the correct identification of the optical absorption of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) allows isolating other key time-dependent coefficients, all described qualitatively rather than quantitatively in the literature, with better accuracy. Tests on other biological media were performed and reported as potential contribution for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Methods: The laser in use was configured in different combinations amongst the following parameters: transverse electromagnetic modes (TEM22), output power, exposure times, and focal lengths. Several PMMA blocks (1 cm × 4 cm × 4 cm) were exposed to the continuous wave radiation o...
Multimerization of the Cytoplasmic Domain of Syndecan-4 Is Required for Its Ability to Activate Protein Kinase C

The transmembrane proteoglycan syndecan-4, which is a coreceptor with integrins in cytoskeleton-matrix interactions, appears to be multimerized in vivo. Both purified and recombinant core proteins form sodium dodecyl sulfate-resistant oligomers, and we now report that a synthetic peptide corresponding to the central region of syndecan-4 cytoplasmic domain (4V) also oligomerizes. The degree of oligomerization correlates with the previously reported ability to bind protein kinase C (PKC) and regulate its activity. Only multimeric recombinant syndecan-4 core protein, but not the monomeric protein, potentiated the activity of PKCα, and only oligomeric syndecan-4 cytoplasmic peptides were active. Changes in peptide sequence caused parallel loss of stable oligomeric status and ability to regulate a mixture of PKCαβγ activity. A synthetic peptide encompassing the whole cytoplasmic domain of syndecan-4 (4L) containing a membrane-proximal basic sequence did not form higher order oligomers and could not regulate the activity of PKCαβγ unless induced to aggregate by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. Oligomerization and PKC regulatory activity of the 4V peptide were both increased by addition of N-terminal cysteine and reduced by phosphorylation of the cysteine thiol group. Concentration of syndecan-4 at sites of focal adhesion formation may enhance multimerization and both localize PKC and potentiate its activity to induce stable complex formation.
Enabling advanced inference on sensor nodes through direct use of compressively-sensed signals

Nowadays, sensor networks are being used to monitor increasingly complex physical systems, necessitating advanced signal analysis capabilities as well as the ability to handle large amounts of network data. For the first time, we present a methodology to enable advanced decision support on a low-power sensor node through the direct use of compressively-sensed signals in a supervised-learning framework; such signals provide a highly efficient means of representing data in the network, and their direct use overcomes the need for energy-intensive signal reconstruction. Sensor networks for advanced patient monitoring are representative of the complexities involved. We demonstrate our technique on a patient-specific seizure detection algorithm based on electroencephalograph (EEG) sensing. Using data from 21 patients in the CHB-MIT database, our approach demonstrates an overall detection sensitivity, latency, and false alarm rate of 94.70%, 5.83 seconds, and 0.199 per hour, respectively, while achieving data compression by a factor of 10x. This compares well with the state-of-the-art baseline detector with corresponding results being 96.02%, 4.59 seconds, and 0.145 per hour, respectively.
Calcium channel blocker-associated small bowel angioedema.

Introduction Isolated angioedema of the small intestine is a rare entity. The cases described have been related with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, or C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency. We present a case of small intestine angioedema caused by calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and a review of the literature. Case report Over the course of approximately 2 years, a 56-year-old African American woman presented to our hospital with 8 similar episodes of diffuse, intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The diagnostic workup was extensive and included normal stool studies, anticardiolipin antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, cryoglobulin studies, complement levels, urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and serum markers for inflammatory bowel diseases. A computed tomographic angiogram was normal. Abdominal computed tomographic scans showed prominent mural thickening of different intestinal segments, always involving the ileum. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed patchy edematous, violaceous folds in the second portion of the duodenum. Colonoscopy revealed a markedly edematous and erythematous distal ileum. The recurrences subsided after CCBs were discontinued in this patient and reoccurred when they were incidentally restarted. Conclusions Our case demonstrates that CCBs can cause isolated intestinal angioedema with distinctive endoscopic findings. The discontinuation of the involved medication is the key for both diagnosis and treatment.
The pathobiological mechanisms of emphysema models: What do they have in common?

Emphysema results from a multi-step, complex, process of lung destruction. This review aims at organizing the available information concerning the animal models of emphysema as to which step of the pathogenesis they address. The experimental models have been classified as to whether they are based on: (a) pharmacological, (b) environmental, or (c) genetic manipulations to induce emphysema and whether they are: (a) triggers or initiators of emphysema, (b) modifiers of lung predisposition to further damage by trigger factors, or (c) mediators of lung tissue destruction.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON AGRICULTURAL MARKETING RESEARCH AND THE NEED FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT IN AUSTRALIA and DISCUSSION

Marketing research is a relatively neglected field in Australia; and we can't afford to let it remain neglected. The situation confronting so many of our individual industries is far from bright; the beef, the dairy, the egg and the wheat industries (just to mention examples) all have major marketing problems to contend with. Even the wool industry cannot ignore the need for marketing research over a broad field in order to hold its position. From the national viewpoint market research is of vital importance in assisting us to earn more from the export of agricultural commodities which appears to be the core of the problem of maintaining the growth and development of the Australian economy.
Shape Comparison of 3D Models Based on Features and Parameters

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is used extensively during mechanical product design, which involves creating 3D models of components and then assembling them into modules and systems. Methods and tools to compare components and identify a common platform using these 3D CAD models of components would facilitate faster specification of product family architecture. Hence, there is a need to develop means for comparing component geometry, in order to identify the common and distinct features, determine component commonality, and identify a common platform for the set of components. This paper presents an approach to determine geometric commonality between components from their 3D solid models. The approach consists of performing a pair-wise comparison between components. To measure commonality for a pair of components, first all feature-pair’s dimensions and positions are measured, which then combined to give the overall component-pair commonality.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Sensitivity of the Na efflux in barnacle muscle fibres to the microinjection of troponin-C

Nachweis, dass eine Microinjektion von Troponin-C den Na-Ionen-Ausfluss aus Einzelfasern des Entenmuschel-Muskels steigert.
Modulation of red cell K+ transport by membrane lipids.

Alterations in the state of the membrane lipids affect human red cell K+ transport. Depletion of membrane cholesterol by 29–34% significantly inhibited both total K+ influx and ouabain-sensitive K+ influx. Addition of the hydrophobic anesthetic, chlorpromazine, in concentration from 2 · 10−5 to 2 · 10−4 M increased both total K+ influx and ouabain-sensitive K+ influx. In each case the effect on both processes was almost identical which indicates a linkage between K+ “pump” and “leak”. Further, these results demonstrate that red cell K+ transport can be modulated by local conditions in the micro-environment of the transport system.
A history of representations of Isthmus Zapotec women

This paper consists of a history of outsiders’ representations of Isthmus Zapotec women of Oaxaca, Mexico. Isthmus Zapotec women are famous throughout Mexico and well‐known abroad because of their image as matriarchal, Amazon‐like figures. The paper traces the construction of a discourse about powerful Zapotec women from colonial times to the present. Special attention is paid to the ways in which prominent Mexican painters have depicted Zapotec women as well as to recent feminist portrayals. Using Zapotec women's representations of themselves and ethnographic field data the paper discusses problems involved in the construction of a unified, authentic subject called Zapotec women and examines some of the ironies involved in such an effort.
Point-driven understanding in engineering lecture comprehension

Abstract Nonnative speakers have long been known to have trouble understanding academic lectures. ESP researchers and teachers agree that the problem lies mainly at the discourse level, not at the sentence level; accordingly, a body of discourse-oriented teaching materials for lecture comprehension is now on the market. Though a step in the right direction, these materials fail to do justice to the rhetorical, strategic nature of academic lectures. As our study shows, students may understand all the words of a lecture (including lexical connectives and other discourse markers) and yet fail to understand the lecturer's main points or logical argument. Our study was an exploratory one. Fourteen NNS graduate and undergraduate students watched an authentic 16-minute videotaped lecture on a topic in mechanical engineering and then were asked to provide immediate-recall summaries, which were then analyzed in consultation with the lecturer. Although the lecture was clerly structured around several main points, most of the students failed to grasp these points. These results are discussed in terms of listening strategies: the successful students used a ‘point-driven’ strategy while the unsuccessful ones used an ‘information-driven’ strategy. We conclude that students should be taught how to listen to lectures in a more rhetorical, strategic way. More generally, if we are to teach students to understand and communicate more effectively, we should help them see how the organization of their discourse fits into the larger goals, agendas, and contexts in their fields.
Quadratic B-mode and pulse inversion imaging of perfusion defects in vivo

In this paper, a comparison of quadratic B-mode (QB-mode) and pulse inversion (PI) imaging for characterization of perfusion defects in heat treated tumor model in vivo is presented. SCK mammary carcinomas grown in A/J mice were treated with 125 or 250 mug/kg CYT-6091 (formerly known as PT-cAu-TNF) followed by local heating at 42.5degC using a water-bath for 60 min, 4 hrs after nanoparticle injection. Ultrasound imaging was performed on days 1 and 5 after treatment using a modified Technos MPX system from ESAOTE S.p.A. (Genoa, Italy). A linear array probe (LA522E, 2-cycle transmit pulse centered at 5.5 MHz) was used to collect data in PI mode at 26 fps. The contrast agent, BR14 (Bracco Research S.A., Geneva, Switzerland) which is a new experimental agent consisting of high molecular weight perfluorobutane gas bubbles (2 mum diameter) encapsulated by a flexible phospholipids shell and suspended in saline was administered by the tail vein at a concentration of 0.0025 mL/kg of body weight. QB-mode images were obtained from the quadratic components from an adaptive second order Volterra filter (SoVF). A recursive least square (RLS) algorithm was used to estimate the quadratic kernel of the SoVF. PI images were formed in the usual manner by summing the echoes from the positive and negative transmit pulses. The RF echo data from the positive transmit pulse was used as input to the SoVF to extract the quadratic component. Results: PI images (typically 40 dB dynamic range) showed heterogeneous perfusion profile in the treated tumor 1 and 5 days after the treatment. This was quantified by computing a temporal perfusion index (TPI) for each image pixel from a sequence of 126 frames. QB-mode images (typically 70 dB dynamic range) showed similar heterogeneity in the perfusion pattern. However, the results illustrate an important potential advantage of this imaging mode. Specifically, QB-mode images have high dynamic range with reduced speckle with high sensitivity and specificity to nonlinear oscillations from UCA. Conclusion: QB-mode images have shown the same level of sensitivity to perfusion defects as PI images. QB-mode images do not require multiple pulse transmission thus they are not vulnerable to motion artifacts. In addition, they achieve higher specificity due to speckle reduction and noise suppression.
Efficient Integration of Web Services in Ambient-aware Sensor Network Applications

Sensor webs are heterogeneous collections of sensor devices that collect information and interact with the environment. They consist of wireless sensor networks that are ensembles of small, smart, and cheap sensing and computing devices that permeate the environment as well as high-bandwidth rich sensors such as satellite imaging systems, meteorological stations, air quality stations, and security cameras. Emergency response, homeland security, and many other applications have a very real need to interconnect such diverse networks and access information in real-time. While Internet protocols and Web standards provide well-developed mechanisms for accessing this information, linking such mechanisms with resource-constrained sensor networks is very challenging because of the volatility of the communication links. This paper presents a service-oriented programming model for sensor networks which permits discovery and access of Web services. Sensor network applications are realized as graphs of modular and autonomous services with well-defined interfaces that allow them to be described, published, discovered, and invoked over the network providing a convenient way for integrating services from heterogeneous sensor systems. Our approach provides dynamic discovery, composition, and binding of services based on an efficient localized constraint satisfaction algorithm that can be used for developing ambient-aware applications that adapt to changes in the environment. A tracking application that employs many inexpensive sensor nodes, as well as a Web service, is used to illustrate the approach. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of ambient-aware applications that interconnect wireless sensor networks and Web services.
Accelerating statistical static timing analysis using graphics processing units

In this paper, we explore the implementation of Monte Carlo based statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) on a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). SSTA via Monte Carlo simulations is a computationally expensive, but important step required to achieve design timing closure. It provides an accurate estimate of delay variations and their impact on design yield. The large number of threads that can be computed in parallel on a GPU suggests a natural fit for the problem of Monte Carlo based SSTA to the GPU platform. Our implementation performs multiple delay simulations at a single gate in parallel. A parallel implementation of the Mersenne Twister pseudo-random number generator on the GPU, followed by Box-Muller transformations (also implemented on the GPU) is used for generating gate delay numbers from a normal distribution. The μ and σ of the pin-to-output delay distributions for all inputs and for every gate, are obtained using a memory lookup, which benefits from the large memory bandwidth of the GPU. Threads which execute in parallel have no data/control dependencies on each other. All threads compute identical instructions, but on different data, as required by the Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) programming semantics of the GPU. Our approach is implemented on a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 8800 GPU card. Our results indicate that our approach can obtain an average speedup of about 260x as compared to a serial CPU implementation. With the recently announced quad 8800 GPU cards, we estimate that our approach would attain a speedup of over 785x. The correctness of the Monte Carlo based SSTA implemented on a GPU has been verified by comparing its results with a CPU based implementation.
Link Positions Matter: A Noncommutative Routing Metric for Wireless Mesh Network

We revisit the problem of computing the path with the minimum cost in terms of the expected number of link layer transmissions (including retransmissions) in wireless mesh networks. Unlike previous efforts, such as the popular ETX, we account for the fact that MAC protocols (including the IEEE 802.11 MAC) incorporate a finite number of transmission attempts per packet. This in turn leads to our key observation: the performance of a path depends not only on the number of the links on the path and the quality of its links, but also, on the relative positions of the links on the path. Based on this observation, we propose ETOP, a path metric that accurately captures the expected number of link layer transmissions required for reliable end-to-end packet delivery. We analytically compute ETOP, which is not trivial, since ETOP is a noncommutative function of the link success probabilities. Although ETOP is a more involved metric, we show that the problem of computing paths with the minimum ETOP cost can be solved by a greedy algorithm. We implement and evaluate a routing approach based on ETOP on a 25-node indoor mesh network. Our experiments show that the path selection with ETOP consistently results in superior TCP goodput (by over 50% in many cases) compared to path selection based on ETX. We also perform an in-depth analysis of the measurements to better understand why the paths selected by ETOP improve the TCP performance.
Critical Configurations for Radial Distortion Self-Calibration

In this paper, we study the configurations of motion and structure that lead to inherent ambiguities in radial distortion estimation (or 3D reconstruction with unknown radial distortions). By analyzing the motion field of radially distorted images, we solve for critical surface pairs that can lead to the same motion field under different radial distortions and possibly different camera motions. We study the properties of the discovered critical configurations and discuss the practically important configurations that often occur in real applications. We demonstrate the impact of the radial distortion ambiguity on multi-view reconstruction with synthetic experiments and real experiments.
Tunable RF and analog circuits using on-chip MEMS passive components

Micromachining in RF foundry processes enhances inductor and capacitor quality factors, increases varactor tuning range, and supports creation of electromechanical mixer-filters that downconvert RF signals from GHz to MHz frequency band with built-in frequency selectivity. An on-chip parallel receiver architecture and circuit blocks incorporating these MEMS devices for low-power operation are presented.
Crack-ing the Media Myth Reconsidering Sentencing Severity for Cocaine Offenders by Drug Type

Federal narcotics sentencing policy, most notably for cocaine, has been criticized in regard to its excessive severity and racially disparate outcomes. Crack cocaine was heavily portrayed in the me...
PCR-based detection of Bacillus anthracis using an integrated microfluidic platform

A highly-integrated PCR-based detection system has been developed for the rapid identification of pathogenic bacteria. Nanofabricated fluidic cartridges were used to carry out SYBR Green-based fluorogenic PCR assays for the detection of Bacillus anthracis which incorporated the chromosomal BA813 locus as the target for amplification. Real-time PCR assay conditions and operating parameters were optimised to increase detection sensitivity. Optimisation of the system resulted in the detection of as few as 40 B. anthracis colony forming units (CFU) with an average time to detection of 60 min, inclusive of DNA purification and PCR amplification, and a dynamic range of 40 to 400,000 CFU. Real-time fluorescence curves were analysed using a simplified mathematical method to determine threshold cycle (Ct) values with comparable results to a statistically-based analysis algorithm. These results support the utility of the system for rapid, sensitive detection of B. anthracis as well as potential for quantitative determination of target cell concentration.
Intermittent versus Persistent Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome in Children: Electrophysiologic Properties and Clinical Outcomes

Background Intermittent Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is considered to have a lower risk of sudden death. Fewer data exist regarding electrophysiologic (EP) characteristics and the natural history of intermittent WPW in children. Methods All patients with WPW age 1-18 years at a single institution (1996-2013) were reviewed. Patients with intermittent preexcitation were compared to those with loss of preexcitation on Holter/exercise testing and those with persistent preexcitation. High-risk accessory pathway (AP) was defined as AP effective refractory period (APERP), block cycle length, or shortest preexcited RR interval during atrial fibrillation ≤250 ms. Results A total of 295 patients were included: 226 (76.6%) persistent, 39 (13.2%) intermittent, and 30 (10.2%) loss of preexcitation Holter/exercise. There were no differences in symptoms between groups. Median interquartile range APERP was significantly longer in intermittent WPW (380 [320, 488] ms vs 320 [300, 350] ms persistent, 310 [290, 330] ms loss of preexcitation Holter/exercise; P = 0.0008). At baseline, there was no difference between groups in frequency of high-risk pathways. However, when isoproterenol values were included, high-risk pathways were more frequent among patients with loss of preexcitation on Holter/exercise (54% vs 16% persistent, 11% intermittent; P = 0.005). There was one death in a patient with loss of preexcitation on exercise testing, no EP study, and prior drug use. A second patient with persistent WPW and APERP 270 ms required resuscitation following a methadone overdose. Conclusion Intermittent preexcitation in children does not connote a lower risk AP by EP criteria or reduced symptoms. The low number of pediatric WPW patients who develop preexcited atrial fibrillation or sudden death warrants larger studies to investigate these outcomes.
American Society of Clinical Oncology Technology Assessment: Chemotherapy Sensitivity and Resistance Assays

Purpose To develop a technology assessment of chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays in order to define the role of these tests in routine oncology practice. Methods The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) established a Working Group to develop the technology assessment. The Working Group collaborated with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) Technology Evaluation Center. The Working Group developed independent criteria for selecting articles for inclusion in the ASCO assessment, and developed a structured data abstraction tool to facilitate review of selected manuscripts. One Working Group member and an ASCO staff member independently reviewed the 1,139 abstracts identified by the BCBSA comprehensive literature search, and by an updated literature search performed by ASCO using the BCBSA search strategy (1966 to January 2004). Of the 12 articles included in this technology assessment, eight were identified by the original BCBSA systematic review, one was provided by industr...
Selective cerebral perfusion at 28 °C — is the spinal cord safe?

Objective: To shorten cooling/rewarming associated with hypothermic neuroprotection strategies during complex aortic arch surgery, selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) at 28 8C has recently been advocated, although its safe limits — especially with regard to the ischaemic tolerance of the spinal cord — have not been systematically examined. Methods: Twenty juvenile Yorkshire pigs (30.3 � 2.8 kg) were randomly allocated to undergo circulatory arrest and SCP at 28 8C for 90 min (group A; N = 12) or 120 min (group B; N = 8) at 50 mmHg using alpha-stat pH management. Spinalcord bloodflow(SCBF)wasassessedusingfluorescentmicrospheresatbaseline(prior toSCP);at5 and80 minduringSCP, and at 1, 5 and 48 h after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A modified Tarlov score was used to evaluate neurobehavioural recovery in all survivors blindly from videotapes for 5 days postoperatively. Histological ischaemic spinal cord injury was scored after sacrifice. Results: All pigs could be weaned from CPB and ventilation, but seven pigs (58%) in group A and five (63%) in group B developed multi-organ failure and died within 24 h. SCBF diminished immediately after initiation of SCP and was absent throughout SCP in all segments below T8/9, recovering to baseline 1 h after SCP at all cord levels. All survivors suffered moderate-to-severe histological lumbar spinal cord damage, more severe in group B (p � 0.049). Three of five group A pigs recovered normal function, but two suffered paraparesis. Group B survivors had a worse neurologic outcome (p < 0.0001): all suffered paraplegia (one immediate, and two on day 2, after initial recovery).Conclusion:SCP provides insufficient SCBF below T8/9to sustaincordviability. At28 8C,theischaemic toleranceofthecordmaybeexceededenoughby90 mintoimpairfunction;by120 min,SCP
Discrete-time nonlinear HJB solution using Approximate dynamic programming: Convergence Proof

In this paper, a greedy iteration scheme based on approximate dynamic programming (ADP), namely heuristic dynamic programming (HDP), is used to solve for the value function of the Hamilton Jacobi Bellman equation (HJB) that appears in discrete-time (DT) nonlinear optimal control. Two neural networks are used - one to approximate the value function and one to approximate the optimal control action. The importance of ADP is that it allows one to solve the HJB equation for general nonlinear discrete-time systems by using a neural network to approximate the value function. The importance of this paper is that the proof of convergence of the HDP iteration scheme is provided using rigorous methods for general discrete-time nonlinear systems with continuous state and action spaces. Two examples are provided in this paper. The first example is a linear system, where ADP is found to converge to the correct solution of the algebraic Riccati equation (ARE). The second example considers a nonlinear control system.
Government Control of Sugar During the War

I. Introduction: The four periods of government control, 672. — II. The problems relating to sugar for the crops of 1918–19, 674. — (a) Problems relating to price, 674. — (b) Problems relating to supply and distribution, 687. — III. The solution of these problems through the formation of the United States Sugar Equalization Board, 693. — (a) Formation of the United States Sugar Equalization Board, 693. — (b) Solution of the problems relating to price, 695. — (c) Agreements with the various producers, 702. — (d) Solution of the problems relating to supply and distribution, 705. — IV. Conclusion, 710.
Discrete Models of Slow Voltage Dynamics for under Load Tap-Changing Transformer Coordination

In this paper, an approach to modeling, analysis, and design of slow distributed voltage control schemes is proposed. In particular, a dynamical voltage model governed by the under load tap-changing transformers as control tools is studied. Rigorous conditions are derived to predict when the LTC based scheme may be poorly coordinated and not able to maintain voltages within the limits. The proposition is that nonconvergence of LTC control scheme is one of the causes of a systemwide voltage collapse.
Adaptive inverse optimal Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) (also described as functional electrical stimulation (FES) in some scenarios) is a prescribed treatment for various neuromuscular disorders where an electrical stimulus is provided to elicit a muscle contraction. Barriers to the development of NMES controllers exist because the muscle response to an electrical stimulation is nonlinear and the muscle model is uncertain. Several recent adaptive control results have been developed to enable a stimulated limb to track a desired limb trajectory. Yet, feedback methods (especially adaptive and robust methods) have a potential for overstimulation that can lead to faster muscle fatigue. Efforts in this paper focus on the development of a first ever inverse optimal NMES controller that yields an optimal limb tracking result. That is, a controller is designed that achieves desired limb trajectory tracking while simultaneously minimizing a cost functional that is positive in the error states and stimulation input. The inverse optimal controller is examined through a Lyapunov-based analysis and simulations.