cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control theoretical approach to multivariable spectral factorisation problem

It is shown how with analogy to analogue control theory, that the problem of polynomial-matrix spectral factorisation can be solved using negative feedback. This recursive method is particularly simple to implement compared with other approaches. The algorithm in its basic form requires no matrix inversions or special matrix decompositions.
Effects of glutathione or polyamine depletion on in vivo thermosensitization

Investigations with the melphalan-sensitive and -resistant human rhabdomyosarcoma xenografts TE-671 and TE-671 MR were performed to examine the effect of glutathione and polyamine modulation on thermosensitivity. Regimens of intraperitoneally injected and orally administered buthionine sulfoximine were utilized to achieve glutathione depletion to 8.7% and 13% of control levels in TE-671 and TE-671 MR, respectively. Animals treated with L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine and 42 degrees C or 43 degrees C hyperthermia for 70 min showed no detectable growth delays beyond those observed for hyperthermia alone. Hyperthermia at 42 degrees C of disaggregated TE-671 and TE-671 MR xenografts following growth in short-term culture was performed following preincubation with buthionine sulfoximine or 0.9% saline. Buthionine sulfoximine-mediated glutathione depletion produced a significant increase in hyperthermia-induced cytotoxicity only with TE-671 MR at 43 degrees C. Polyamine depletion was achieved with a 7-day orally administered course of MDL 72.175DA [(2R,5R)-6-heptyne,5-diamine dihydrochloride], an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase. Although this treatment caused significant depletion of intracellular putrescine and spermidine levels, spermine levels remained relatively unaffected. No significant growth delays were observed in either xenograft line for animals treated with MDL 72.175DA or MDL 72.175DA plus hyperthermia as compared with untreated controls. These results contrast with previous work performed in vitro showing synergism between glutathione or polyamine depletion and hyperthermia, and indicate that further studies are needed.
Analog VLSI neural chips for real-time identification and control

Analog CMOS neural chips with on-chip learning are explored to provide efficient and inexpensive electronics for various tasks in real-time identification and control. Hardware learning circuits can successfully obtain a set of synaptic weights for multilayer feedforward neural networks that approximately satisfy any nonlinear mapping in the order of milliseconds. The fast on-chip learning can identify nonlinear dynamical systems to avoid the modeling uncertainty and parameter variations in real-time. Model reference adaptive control with online identification using the neural chips are also proposed.
Perceptions of Race-Based Discrimination Among First-Generation Asian Indians in the United States:

The current study examined how historical, social, and political contexts in their country of origin and their host country have influenced first-generation Asian Indians’ racialized experiences in the United States. We conducted nine separate focus groups with a total of 50 first-generation Asian Indian participants (20 men and 30 women). In a semistructured interview, participants were asked about the factors that influence their perceptions of and coping with race-based discrimination. The data were analyzed using grounded theory. A theoretical model was developed based on factors that influence Asian Indian individuals’ conceptualizations of race-based discrimination, the variables that influence their coping strategies, and the insights gained in coping with discrimination. Pre- and postimmigration experiences seem salient to race-based experiences of Asian Indians in the United States. Attempts at making meaning of Asian Indian race-based experiences were strongly influenced by the caste system, pre...
Using simultaneous equation modeling for defining complex phenotypes.

Background Interactions between multiple biological phenotypes are difficult to model. Simultaneous equation modelling (SEM), as used in econometric modelling, may prove an effective tool for this problem. Generalized linear models were used to derive the structural equations defining the interactions between cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). These structural equations were then applied, using SEM, to Cohort 2 data (replicates 1–100) to estimate the phenotypic structure underlying the simulation. The goal was to determine if this empiric method of deriving structural equations for use in SEM was able to recover the simulation model better than generalized linear models.
The wanderings of hematopoietic stem cells

The Rho GTPase family member Rac1 functions in the migration of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in the embryo and is required for the emergence of intraembryonic hematopoiesis. Although it is generally agreed that migrating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) seed the developing fetal liver, where
An analytical study of laminar counterflow double‐pipe heat exchangers

An orthogonal expansion technique for solving a new class of counterflow heat transfer problems is developed and applied to the detailed study of laminar flow concentric tube heat exchangers. The exchanger problem is solved for fully developed laminar velocity profiles, negligible longitudinal conduction in the fluid streams and in the exchanger walls, and with fluid properties which are independent of the temperature. A description of the variation of the local Nusselt numbers and the temperature at the wall between the two streams is given. Also reported are bulk temperature changes in the two streams and mean overall Nusselt numbers. It is shown that for long exchangers, which are of some industrial importance, asymptotic Nusselt numbers exist in counterflow as in single-phase and cocurrent systems. Numerical values of asymptotic Nusselt numbers are reported for a wide range of parameters. Comparisons are made with single-stream solutions such as the Graetz problem, with empirical correlations of experimental data, and with cocurrent flow exchangers. To solve this problem it was necessary to derive new orthogonality relations, and also expressions for determining positive and negative sets of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Satisfaction of inlet boundary conditions at both ends of counterflow exchangers requires a complete set of eigenfunctions and thus one must use both the positive and negative sets.
Programmable MEMS capacitor arrays

We describe a programmable capacitor technology under development at NCSU and its potential application in building programmable interconnect devices useful for system level connectivity functions, phased array beam steering, and RF switching. Crossbars are made from arrays of electrostatically controlled bistable MEMS-based capacitors. These new devices allow faster signaling and consume less power than BiCMOS crossbars. They also allow critical RF components to be shrinked in size substantially. We describe the essential elements of these arrays and present results obtained so far.
Extensible Simulation of Planets and Comets

The research conducted is intended to enhance the way we view and study our solar system and others, by allowing scientists of astronomy, physics, and computer science to accurately simulate celestial systems. The Extensible Simulator organizes individual groups of celestial bodies, calculates their positions, graphically visualizes their movement using the computed positions, and finally, is extensible, which serves to accommodate additional numerical methods and gravitational functions, body shapes and behaviors, and camera views.
Exact results for the Barabási queuing model

Previous works on the queuing model introduced by Barabasi to account for the heavy tailed distributions of the temporal patterns found in many human activities mainly concentrate on the extremal dynamics case and on lists of only two items. Here we obtain exact results for the general case with arbitrary values of the list length L and of the degree of randomness that interpolates between the deterministic and purely random limits. The statistically fundamental quantities are extracted from the solution of master equations. From this analysis, scaling features of the model are uncovered.
A 60-GHz IMPATT oscillator array with pulsed operation

Describes the design and operation of a 60-GHz quasi-optical power combining array employing IMPATT diodes in a weakly coupled, hybrid, two-by-four arrangement. Frequency-locked operation of all eight elements has been achieved for CW operation with a total radiated power in excess of 2 W. Approximately 61 W of DC power was required to drive the array. Pulsed operation was investigated as a means of preventing overheating. The locking behavior of these pulsed arrays was characterized. The array was pulsed with a 2-ms-risetime, low-duty-cycle, 4-kHz bias. Under these conditions, single-frequency operation was observed throughout the duration of the pulse, including the turn-on period. >
The interactions between pressure and anaesthetics

Compression of animals causes excitation, which has recently posed a barrier to deeper diving. The broad question addressed here is how far the inert gas breathed modifies the excitatory effects of hydrostatic pressure. By using aquatic animals we first show that helium postpones the onset of pressure-induced paralysis by some 35 atm. Next we show that in mammals compressed with helium, five anaesthetic gases (nitrogen, argon, nitrous oxide, carbon tetrafluoride, sulphur hexafluoride) all elevated dose-dependently the median pressure of four distinct phases of the high pressure neurological syndrome (h.p.n.s.) (complete spasms, clonic convulsions, tonic convulsions and non-tonic death). All the gases were equally efficacious relative to their anaesthetic potency. However, the sensitivity of each phase of the h.p.n.s. to anaesthetic gases differed. Most notably, the median pressure for tonic convulsions was elevated about three times more by a given partial pressure of anaesthetic gas than were the median pressures for complete spasms or non-tonic death. These observations can be fitted remarkably well by the hypothesis that a given phase of the h.p.n.s. is activated when some hydrophobic region is compressed beyond a certain critical amount by the application of pressure. Absorption of an inert gas in this region will cause it to expand, tending to elevate the median pressure for that phase of the h.p.n.s. Our data and analysis allow the following conclusions relevant to diving practice. All gases protect against the h.p.n.s. but some phases of this complex syndrome are more effectively controlled than others. Although addition of a second inert gas to helium allows substantial increases in the pressure at which h.p.n.s. occurs, the onset of anaesthesia (or inert gas narcosis) will limit the ultimate gain. The composition of therapeutic gas mixtures becomes more narrowly defined as the pressure increases. The optimum mixture may be different for each phase of the h.p.n.s., and the order of presentation of the h.p.n.s. symptoms may be changed by the second inert gas. We may also predict that physiological sites may exist where helium acts like an anaesthetic. If such sites resulted in physiological dysfunction, addition of a second gas would exacerbate the situation.
The role of gas bubbles in bitumen release during oil sand digestion

Improved efficiency in bitumen recovery was observed in laboratory experiments when oil sand pulp was intentionally aerated by air sparging during digestion. The mechanism of gas bubble attachment to bitumen lenses (at the surface of sand grains), the spreading of bitumen on a gas bubble and the release of bitumen-enveloped bubbles from the sand particles, all of which are of practical significance for the effective separation of bitumen from oil sand, are discussed. The bitumen-gas bubble interactions can be controlled by adjustment of the process chemistry to reduce bitumen-water interfacial tension. In this way the extent of bitumen release during digestion can be improved.
Using the Health Belief Model to Illustrate Factors That Influence Risk Assessment during Pregnancy and Implications for Prenatal Education about Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are ubiquitous in our environment and a growing body of research indicates that EDCs may adversely affect human development. Fetal development is particularly susceptible to EDC exposure, and prenatal care providers are being asked to educate women about the risks of exposure. To inform prenatal education on EDCs, the authors examined how women perceive risks during pregnancy and translate that perception into behavior, using the Health Belief Model as a guiding framework. Because EDCs may not be discussed during prenatal care, examination of general risk perception and motivation for behaviors was used to inform surveys and interviews focused on EDCs. The results of this investigation suggest that education about EDCs needs to be detailed and comprehensive about potential health outcomes in order for women to conduct their own risk assessment.
The Aventiinae, Boletobiinae, Eublemminae, Pangraptinae, Phytometrinae, and Scolecocampinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea: Erebidae) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U.S.A.

Twenty-five species of Erebidae are documented from Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) from the follow-ing subfamilies: Aventiinae (1 species), Boletobiinae (7 species), Eublemminae (1 species), Pangraptinae (2 species), Phy-tometrinae (6 species), and Scolecocampinae (8 species). Each species is documented with an adult image, description/diagnosis, flight period, park distribution, abundance, elevational range, general distribution, and larval hosts. The mostcommon (155 specimens) and widespread (40 localities) species was Pangrapta decoralis Hubner. Scolecocampa liburna (Geyer) is the next most common (87 specimens) and widespread (30 localities). The most species rich locality was the combination of the 11 localities along the Foothills Parkway, Cocke Co., Tennessee.
Developing an Early Warning System for Michigan's Schools

The development of a system that alerts school districts of potential fiscal distress and assists those approaching fiscal distress is essential in the current context in which an increasing number of Michigan schools in this position. On March 11, 2015, State Representatives Earl Poleski, Al Pscholka, Lisa Lyons, Patrick Somerville, and Tim Kelly introduced House Bills 4325, 4326, 4327, 4328, 4329, and 4330, which contribute to the development of an early warning system. After some of the bills were amended on April 23, 2015, the House of Representatives passed this package of bills. The bills now sit in the Michigan Senate awaiting a hearing and potentially a vote. To in fact provide early warning of imminent fiscal distress, an early warning system must incorporate strong predictors of fiscal distress. Unfortunately, the currently proposed system may not. In fact, using three of the quantitative indicators of fiscal distress in the proposed system, less than a third of districts that are in deficit would be identified. Moreover, these indicators of fiscal distress will quite likely inaccurately identify many schools as approaching fiscal distress that will then be subject to additional administrative and oversight requirements.
Address by the Secretary of Agriculture

I COUNT it a pleasure, an honor and a privilege to be your guest at this annual meeting of the American Farm Economic Association. I understand that your organization is nearing its fiftieth anniversary. These have been fruitful years; you have built a body of economic principle, you have made many applications to current problems, and you have much advanced the cause of economic understanding. I congratulate you on your achievements. The unsolved problems, which are many, should not blind us to the good that has been accomplished. Many economists from the Department of Agriculture appear on your program, along with economists from the various colleges and universities and with economists from private life. This symbolizes the fruitful union of public and private efforts and of cooperation at all professional levels. My training to a degree at least is in the field of agricultural economics, so I count myself as one of your group. A non-paying member, shall we say! I plan to repent! I trust that by thus associating myself with the professional economists I shall not damage your public relations or mine. One of my first acts as Secretary of Agriculture was to direct an appeal to our land-grant colleges and other institutions for advice and suggestions on problems of farm policy. I asked that the understanding of professional economists be made more and more a part of our common fund of knowledge. The response to this appeal was most helpful in our efforts to deal with the problems then facing American agriculture. I appear before you today to renew this appeal. Agriculture still faces grave problems, and still needs the best brains, the best imagination, the best scientific help that professional economists like yourselves are so well qualified to offer. The market for ideas is still wide open. We have made progress in attacking our problems. But further strenuous efforts will be needed before we can consider them resolved. As a background for this appeal, let me review these problems as I saw them five years ago and as I see them today. Let me start by placing them in historic perspective briefly. Farming in America has never been an easy way of life. I need not dwell upon the hardships faced by the pioneers who settled our great country, who brought it under cultivation, who laid the foundations for the highly efficient agriculture that we know today. They accepted the toil of subjugating a wild but fertile land. They met the hazards of untamed nature-of drought and flood, of storm and blizzard, of insects and disease. They suffered in addition the hardships of an unstable economy,
A Review: Supplementation of Foods with Essential Fatty Acids—Can It Turn a Breeze without Further Ado?

This paper focuses on the critical aspects of supplementation of foods with essential fatty acids (EFAs), the need, health benefits of supplementation and the constraints of the process. Current trend of supplementation of foods with EFAs has been gaining momentum and more research pioneers due to the health benefits in par with the direct intake of EFA supplements. Technologies including encapsulation, nanotechnology, molecular complexing, genetic engineering and more emerging means, hold promise to food supplementation with EFAs. Food trials with adoption of various technologies, studies of bioavailability and health benefits are still underway and crucial before EFA supplementation in foods can hit the market on a global scale.
Micro execution

Micro execution is the ability to execute any code fragment without a user-provided test driver or input data. The user simply identifies a function or code location in an exe or dll. A runtime Virtual Machine (VM) customized for testing purposes then starts executing the code at that location, catches all memory operations before they occur, allocates memory on-the-fly in order to perform those read/write memory operations, and provides input values according to a customizable memory policy, which defines what read memory accesses should be treated as inputs. MicroX is a first prototype VM allowing micro execution of x86 binary code. No test driver, no input data, no source code, no debug symbols are required: MicroX automatically discovers dynamically the Input/Output interface of the code being run. Input values are provided as needed along the execution and can be generated in various ways, e.g., randomly or using some other test-generation tool. To our knowledge, MicroX is the first VM designed for test isolation and generation purposes. This paper introduces micro execution and discusses how to implement it, strengths and limitations, applications, related work and long-term goals.
Statistical Problems of Contingency Models in Organizational Behavior

The article examines some of the methodological and statistical problems of contingency theories of leadership from both of these perspectives. Proper testing and management application of the cont...
Advising to Avoid or to Cope With Dissertation Hang-Ups

This article presents guidelines for advisors to avoid dissertation hang-ups or. Addressed to fellow dissertation advisors, the aim of this work is to assist advisors in coaching their advisees so ...
Production of GeV electrons from highly-charged ions using ultra intense lasers

Ultraintense laser interactions with highly charged ions (HCIs) are investigated using 3D relativistic Monte Carlo simulations. Ultraenergetic electrons are produced for HCIs chosen so that their electrons remain bound during the rise-time of the laser pulse, and so that they are ionized when the laser is near its peak amplitude.
Application of Ai Control to the VLS SiC Whisker Process

Silicon carbide whiskers have excellent mechanical and chemical properties, making them very desirable as a reinforcement for structural ceramic and other composite materials. Los Alamos has developed a laboratoryscale batch process for producing very high quality SiC whiskers by the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) method which is an active candidate for technology transfer involving significant scale-up. The process, however, involves quite complex chemical/physical and parametric relationships and has not as yet lent itself successfully to modeling. An expert computer system was therefore developed to facilitate the transfer of this technology to industry. Optimum conditions were determined by relating the many process parameters to product results to establish a set of rules for running the process. These are incorporated in a two-phase expert system designed to guide inexperienced users. In Phase I, an expert consultant program provides the user with information that enables him to set up the run. This information is incorporated into the rule base that makes up Phase II- the control system. At present, the operator functions as the controller by responding to the decisions of the expert system; automation can be added later.
Downregulation of human FGF8 activity by antisense constructs in murine fibroblastic and human prostatic carcinoma cell systems

Previously, we described cloning of three alternatively spliced mRNA forms of human FGF8, a, b, and e, of which the b form is the major expressed species in both normal and tumor prostatic epithelial cells. In this report, we describe construction and overexpression of sense and antisense sequences of either the full length FGF8b coding region (215-amino acids or 215aa), 103aa N-terminal part or a smaller N-terminal region (34aa), each including the 23aa putative signal peptide domain, via a retrovirus system. While the morphologic transforming activities of the sense 215aa and 103aa constructs were similar in NIH3T3 cells, 103aa displayed reduced soft agar clonogenic activity. The 34aa construct was practically inert in these assays, although its expression could mimic the ability of 215aa or 103aa in conferring cell growth under reduced serum condition. Overexpression of any of the three constructs in antisense orientation, however, was similarly effective in reversing the morphology and anchorage-independent growth property of FGF8b-transfected NIH3T3 cells. The expression of the antisense 215aa construct significantly reduced the growth rate of the human prostatic carcinoma DU145 cells and inhibited their soft agar clonogenic activity and in vivo tumorigenicity in nude mice. Taken together, these results identify N-terminal portions of FGF8 protein isoform for having the domains necessary for one or more of the biologic effects examined, and suggest that low levels of FGF8 expressed in prostatic epithelial cells may contribute significantly to their growth and tumorigenic properties.
The Great Historical Leap——An Outline of Theoretical Form Transformation of China's Socialism During the 60 Years of New China

During the 60 years from the founding of New China,the form of China's socialism has achieved great changes and it realizes a historic leap from "revolution-oriented ideology" to "construction-oriented ideology",to which Mao Ze-dong,Deng Xiao-ping,Jiang Ze-min and Hu Jin-tao has made great contributions.The setting up,improvement and the development of theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the fruit of the great leap,embodying new contents with Chinese elements and with the spirit of the times to scientific socialism of Marxism.
Microbial Phylogeny and Evolution: Concepts and Controversies

The origin of cells is arguably the most glaring gap in our understanding of biology; we cannot know who we are unless we know where we came from. Genesis is a challenge to microbiologists in particular, for during the first three billion years of our history, all the life that lived was unicellular. Microbial Phylogeny and Evolution provides an accessible, comprehensive, and reasonably current overview of where that quest presently stands. The book consists of 15 essays, prepared by the participants in a conference held at the University of Montreal in 2002, and skillfully edited by Jan Sapp; responses to the literature extend into 2003, occasionally beyond. Most of the material has also appeared in the primary literature, and will be familiar to experts; for the rest of us, having it all collected under a single cover gives one a much better sense of the tides, shoals, and whirlpools of these turbulent waters.
Distribution of tritiated cocaine in selected genital and nongenital organs following administration to male mice

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of cocaine administered to male mice in selected extragenital and genital organs and to investigate its possible binding to sperm. DESIGN: Twenty-seven sexually mature virus-free albino male mice were used in various experiments whereby following intravenous injection of tritiated cocaine hydrochloride, radioactivity was determined in several extragenital and genital organs, as well as sperm. RESULTS: Radioactivity was detected in all of the organs that were tested, and the highest concentrations per milligram of tissue were found in the kidney and epididymis. Removal of the sperm from the epididymis significantly reduced the radioactivity of the organ. The spermatozoa that were isolated on glass filters showed a linear correlation vs radioactivity (r = .93). CONCLUSIONS: Radioactivity is distributed to several organs, including the genital tract, and is found in association with sperm after in vivo administration of tritiated cocaine. These results may explain the mechanism underlying a male-mediated teratogenesis, which has been observed in animals that were exposed to cocaine, and they raise a possibility that the spermatozoa may carry cocaine into the oocyte during fertilization.
Mayors, Accomplishments, and Advancement

This article examines the effects of accomplishments on the career paths of big-city mayors. Using data from 104 cities with populations over 160,000 from 1992 to 2012, this study examines the exte...
Targeted Development: Aid Allocation in an Increasingly Connected World

The determinants of foreign aid allocation have shifted significantly. In the post-2001 period, aid allocation is consistent with donors pursuing a strategy of targeted development. Industrialized states are increasingly unable to insulate themselves from spillovers caused by underdevelopment abroad. Donors attempt to use aid to decrease these spillovers, targeting developing countries where the effects on the donor are anticipated to be large. Once a recipient is chosen, concerns for recipient government capacity guide the composition of aid. Targeted development emerges as an important, additional framework for understanding donor motivations, alongside traditional explanations of “donor interest” and “recipient need” that have dominated the aid allocation literature since the 1970s. Empirical analysis of aid allocation from 1973-2012 demonstrates that, while explanations based on security and economic ties to the donor explain allocation well in the cold war, the post-2001 period is best understood by incorporating a role for targeted development.
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Treatment

Abstract Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare craniofacial pain syndrome that consists of paroxysmal pain of the posterior tongue and pharynx, tonsillar fossa, and angle of the mandible triggered by chewing, coughing, yawning, or swallowing. The initial step in treating glossopharyngeal neuralgia consists of oral medication. The pharmacologic approach commonly involves carabamezepine, gabapentin, pregabalin, and phenytoin. Percutaneous nerve blocks with local anesthetics or neurolytic agents may provide relief in some patients. Medically intractable pain may require surgical intervention to treat the underlying vascular compression that is the most common etiology of glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Additionally, some patients may actually require sectioning or a rhizotomy of the ninth cranial nerve. More recently, recurrent and refractory glossopharyngeal neuralgia pain may be relieved with radiosurgery or gamma knife therapy. Because the radiosurgical experience is limited, open microsurgical decompression still remains as the most effective operative mode of therapy.
Examining the Psychological Effect of Rape Acknowledgment: The Interaction of Acknowledgment Status and Ambivalent Sexism.

Objective Although the majority of rape survivors do not label their experiences as rape (i.e., unacknowledged rape), the literature is mixed in terms of how this affects survivors’ psychological functioning. To elucidate the discrepancies, the present study examined the interaction between rape acknowledgement and ambivalent sexism in relation to depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Method The analyzed sample included 128 female rape survivors who were drawn from a larger college sample of 1,595 participants. The participants completed measures of sexual assault experiences, ambivalent sexism, and depression and PTSD symptoms. Results The results supported a significant interaction between acknowledgement status and benevolent sexism in relation to both depression and PTSD symptoms. Conversely, the present study failed to find support for an interaction between acknowledgment status and hostile sexism. Conclusion The clinical implications suggest that rather than seeing acknowledging rape as essential to the recovery process, clinicians should assess for and take into account other factors that may contribute to psychological functioning. Additionally, the findings support that more complex models of trauma recovery should be investigated with the goal of working toward a more comprehensive understanding of the longitudinal process of rape acknowledgment.
Inclusion of Higher Multipole Moments

In this chapter, contributions to the retarded two-body dispersion potential arising from higher multipole moments, are computed. First, a general formula is obtained for the energy shift between two species with pure electric multipole polarisability of arbitrary order. Interaction energies between an electric dipole polarisable molecule and a second that is electric quadrupole or octupole polarisable, as well as between two electric quadrupole polarisable molecules, are then extracted. Useful insight is gained by decomposing the octupole moment into irreducible components of weights-1 and -3. Magnetic effects are accounted for by including magnetic dipole and lowest-order diamagnetic coupling terms in the interaction Hamiltonian in addition to the electric dipole contribution. Remarkably, the energy shift between an electrically polarisable atom and a paramagnetically susceptible one is repulsive, unlike earlier examples, which are always attractive when both species are in the ground electronic state. Another interesting case arises when both molecules are chiral, and characterised by mixed electric-magnetic dipole polarisability. The energy shift is found to be discriminatory, dependent upon the handedness of each species. Asymptotic forms for \(\Delta E\) are obtained for each of the examples considered. In all of the cases involving electric coupling, retardation effects weaken the potentials relative to their semi-classically derived counterparts.
CVD Cu interconnections for ULSI

CVD Cu has been investigated as an interconnection material. The Cu films have excellent step coverage due to the very low sticking coefficient of 0.015 of the precursor, Cu/sup 1+/(tmvs) (hfac). High aspect ratio trenches and vias can be conformally filled without formation of keyholes. Using etchback processes, lines and plugs can be formed. At temperatures typically encountered in back-end processing, no significant diffusion of Cu through several commonly used inter-metal dielectrics and TiW is observed. CVD Cu interconnections have been incorporated into a CMOS process. No degradation in device characteristics due to Cu is detected. >
The Twisted Veil of Texas LLCs

In this article, I unwind the Texas limited liability company law of “veil-piercing,” the convoluted exception to the rule that a business entity is legally separate from its owners. The Texas statutes as presently written both (1) forbid veil-piercing of limited liability companies and (2) specify how veil-piercing of limited liability companies is to be done. After demonstrating this absurdity, the article recommends how courts and the legislature should react to it.
Abstract A093: Impact of antigen affinity on T cell dysfunction in solid tumors

Although tumor-specific CD8 T cells are found in human solid tumors, cancers progress, indicating that these T cells are dysfunctional. When naive CD8 T cells encounter antigen in an inflammatory context (e.g. acute infection), a cell-intrinsic program is initiated that drives T cells to expand, produce effector cytokines, and differentiate into effector and memory T cells. In contrast, dysfunctional CD8 T cells in solid tumors express high levels of inhibitory receptors and fail to execute effector functions; however, the regulatory mechanisms underlying tumor-specific T cell dysfunction remain poorly defined. T cell-mediated immune responses are triggered by T cell receptor (TCR) binding to peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) on the surface of antigen presenting cells. The affinity of TCR:pMHC interaction is a critical determinant of CD8 T cell expansion and effector function in acute infections; while both low- and high-affinity antigens can activate naive antigen-specific CD8 T cells, T cells with high-affinity TCR:pMHC interactions generally show superior effector function. However, little is known about how tumor antigen affinity impacts the activation of T cells, the induction of T cell dysfunction in progressing tumors, and T cell susceptibility to immunotherapeutic reprogramming. To investigate the role of TCR:pMHC affinity in T cell differentiation in progressing tumors, we generated tumor cell lines expressing altered peptide ligands (APL) derived from SV40 large T antigen epitope I (SV40-I). These APLs are recognized by SV40-I-specific transgenic CD8 T cells (TCRSV40-I) with varying functional avidity. We found that tumor-infiltrating TCRSV40-I encountering low- and high-affinity tumor antigens were equally activated and displayed similar expression levels of inhibitory receptors, such as PD1 and Lag3, suggesting that even very weak TCR ligations can induce a typical “exhaustion” phenotype. Strikingly, while high-affinity TCR:pMHC interactions led to complete loss of interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha production, T cells with low-affinity interactions remained functional and capable of producing high levels of these effector cytokines suggesting that contrary to our expectations, tumor-specific T cells with high-affinity TCR:pMHC interactions enter a profound state of dysfunction. Future experiments will test the impact of tumor antigen affinity on the efficacy of therapeutic reprogramming including checkpoint blockade, which will have important implications for immunotherapy. Citation Format: Mojdeh Shakiba, Mary Philip, Andrea Schietinger. Impact of antigen affinity on T cell dysfunction in solid tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A093.
Computing and maximizing influence in linear threshold and triggering models

We establish upper and lower bounds for the influence of a set of nodes in certain types of contagion models. We derive two sets of bounds, the first designed for linear threshold models, and the second more broadly applicable to a general class of triggering models, which subsumes the popular independent cascade models, as well. We quantify the gap between our upper and lower bounds in the case of the linear threshold model and illustrate the gains of our upper bounds for independent cascade models in relation to existing results. Importantly, our lower bounds are monotonic and submodular, implying that a greedy algorithm for influence maximization is guaranteed to produce a maximizer within a (1 - 1/e)-factor of the truth. Although the problem of exact influence computation is NP-hard in general, our bounds may be evaluated efficiently. This leads to an attractive, highly scalable algorithm for influence maximization with rigorous theoretical guarantees.
Evolution of infrared instrumentation

I have come here today to describe as best I can, the emergence of consumer-oriented IR imaging devices. The infrared instrumentation base of today's industry is rapidly dwindling because it does not fulfill expanding consumer needs. This new growth area is largely com-posed of non-technical people (not research scientists and engineers). They are looking for simpler, easier-to-use consumer devices that will fulfill specific applications and will not require more complex measurement techniques, more infrared educational training, and of course, not more expensive equipment and accessories.
Rotational magneto-acousto-electric tomography (MAET): theory and experimental validation

We present a novel two-dimensional (2D) MAET scanner, with a rotating object of interest and two fixed pairs of electrodes. Such an acquisition scheme, with our novel reconstruction techniques, recovers the boundaries of the regions of constant conductivity uniformly well, regardless of their orientation. We also present a general image reconstruction algorithm for the 2D MAET in a circular chamber with point-like electrodes immersed into the saline surrounding the object. An alternative linearized reconstruction procedure is developed, suitable for recovering the material interfaces (boundaries) when a non-ideal piezoelectric transducer is used for acoustic excitation. The work of the scanner and the linearized reconstruction algorithm is demonstrated using several phantoms made of high-contrast materials and a biological sample.
Lessons learned from "Changing Minds" to increase health care professionals' intentions to discuss physical activity with patients with a physical disability

Only 3% of Canadians with a physical disability engage in physical activity (PA) despite accumulating research evidence about the benefits of, and efficacious strategies that can enhance, participation among this group. While health care professionals (HCPs) have been identified as important conduits of PA information among this group, few discuss PA with their patients. The Canadian Paralympic Committee offers Changing Minds, Changing Lives (CMCL), a nationwide, seminar-mediated educational program that addresses this gap by providing HCPs with the knowledge, strategies and resources needed to discuss PA with their patients with physical disabilities. This presentation will provide an overview of the participatory curriculum development process that engaged a number of stakeholders, including HCPs, to refine the existing CMCL intervention. The steps used in this integrated knowledge translation (KT) approach will be discussed, including the inductive process that led to the selection of the Theory of Planned Behaviour as an underlying theory for the intervention and its subsequent evaluation. The overall findings from CMCL’s nationwide evaluation will be briefly reviewed, with a focus on HCPs’ feedback about the intervention. HCPs’ recall of the Canadian PA guidelines for the general and spinal cord injury populations at pre- and post-intervention, as well as at 1- and 6-month follow-up, will be explored. Finally, lessons learned “behind the scenes” with regards to working with stakeholders, maintaining control of nationwide implementation and data collection, and integrating KT practice with KT science will be shared. Acknowledgments: Work supported by a Mentor-Trainee Capacity Building in Knowledge Mobilization Award from the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation and Rick Hansen Institute, and study funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The partnership between the Canadian Paralympic Committee and SCI Action Canada facilitated the re-development, implementation, and evaluation of the Changing Minds, Changing Lives intervention across Canada.
Oxymorphone Induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy Mimicking Atypical Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome.

Background: Atypical Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS) is a rare life threatening entity characterized by thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia and renal dysfunction. It is a thrombotic microangiopathy related to genetic mutations in the alternate complement pathway and has a distinct pathophysiology which makes it harder to distinguish from other microangiopathies. We present a case of a 25-year-old male patient with history of polysubstance abuse who presented with chest pain and dyspnoea. He admitted to using injectable oxymorphone (Opana) two weeks before presentation. Patient’s vital signs were stable except for tachycardia and high blood pressure. On physical examination, epigastric tenderness and mild splenomegaly was appreciated. Urine Drug Screen was positive for oxycodone and opiates. Laboratory work up revealed haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury. Extensive evaluation resulted in our impression of the disease being atypical haemolytic-uremic syndrome. He was managed with dialysis, intravenous steroids and plasmapheresis with improvement in his hematologic parameters. Keywords: Acute renal failure; a typical Haemolytic uremic syndrome; Opana; oxymorphone use; e ndothelial dysfunction; d rug abuse
A Silicon-Based Low-Power Broadband Transimpedance Amplifier

The analysis, design, and implementation of a 50-Gb/s transimpedance amplifier (TIA) in a 0.13- $\mu \text{m}$ SiGe BiCMOS process are presented. The proposed TIA, designed for use in a single-channel optical communication network, is comprised of three stages including: 1) a shunt-peaked, shunt-series feedback stage incorporating a transformer-based positive feedback; 2) an $RC$ -degenerated common-emitter stage; and 3) an inductively degenerated emitter follower. The TIA chip integrates an on-chip 100-fF input capacitor to emulate the photo-detector junction capacitor, and achieves a measured transimpedance gain of 41 dB $\Omega $ and an input-referred current-noise spectral density of 39.8 pA/ $\sqrt {Hz}$ over a 50-GHz bandwidth. The TIA achieves an open eye at 50 Gbps with random jitter of 2.3-ps rms (including the jitter contribution of the test fixture). The prototype chip occupies 0.58 mm2 (including pads) of die area and dissipates 24 mW of dc power from a 2-V supply voltage (i.e., less than 0.5 pJ/bit).
Risk Budgeting: A New Approach to Investing

Reviewed in this issue is Risk Budgeting: A New Approach to Investing, Leslie Rahl, editor (Risk, 2000).
Thinness and muscularity internalization: Associations with disordered eating and muscle dysmorphia in men.

Objective The tripartite influence model of body image identifies internalization of societal body ideals as a risk factor for developing body dissatisfaction, and subsequent disordered eating behavior. In men, internalization of two dimensions of body image ideals, thinness and muscularity, is associated with body dissatisfaction and eating concerns. However, it is unknown how thinness and muscularity internalization interact in predicting muscle dysmorphia and disordered eating in men. Method Data were collected online from 180 undergraduate men, with ages ranging from 18 to 33 years (19.6, SD = 2.6). Regression models were used to test the interactive effects of thinness and muscularity internalization on (a) muscle dysmorphia symptoms and (b) disordered eating. Subsequent simple slope analyses probed effects at the mean, and ±1 standard deviation of thinness internalization. Results Muscularity and thinness internalization were independently positively related to muscle dysmorphia symptoms and disordered eating. Additionally, a significant interaction revealed that muscularity internalization was increasingly related to muscle dysmorphia symptoms as thinness internalization decreased. Discussion Men who internalized the muscular ideal had higher levels of muscle dysmorphia when they did not highly internalize the thin ideal. However, greater internalization of both the muscularity and thin ideal independently may be most relevant in the development of disordered eating in men. Future research is needed to explore variability in experiences of muscle dysmorphia compared with disordered eating in males.
Complexity in Disguise

After twenty years in design and development, the barcode entered popular culture in 1974, when it was smacked on a pack of Juicy Fruit gum and scanned in a supermarket in Troy, Ohio. The rest is h...
Polyethylene Glycol-3350 (Miralax®)+1.9-L sports drink (Gatorade®)+2 tablets of bisacodyl results in inferior bowel preparation for colonoscopy compared with Polyethylene Glycol-Ascorbic Acid (MoviPrep®).

BACKGROUND/AIMS Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-3350, approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only for constipation, combined with 1.9 L of sports drink (SD) (GatoradeR) and bisacodyl (B) is commonly used in outpatient practice for bowel preparation due to cited patient satisfaction and tolerability of this specific regimen. We aim to compare PEG-3350 (MiralaxR) with PEG-AA-based (MoviPrepR) in terms of efficacy, patient satisfaction, and the effects of these two regimen on serum electrolytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study is a prospective, single-blinded, block randomized trial comparing single-dose PEG-3350+SD+B to split-dose 2-L PEG-AA in the outpatient endoscopy unit in patients undergoing colonoscopy. Basic metabolic profiles were checked on the day of randomization and on the day of procedure. Patients completed a survey on the day of procedure. Bowel preparation quality was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) by two endoscopists and a nurse present during the procedure. RESULTS We randomized 150 patients (74 PEG-3350+SD+B and 76 PEG-AA). The PEG-AA group had significantly higher BBPS scores in the right colon by Endoscopist 1, Nurse, and Endoscopist 2 (p 0.005, <0.000, 0.001) and in the left and transverse colon by Nurse and Endoscopist 2 (p 0.004, 0.26, 0.000, 0.006). There was no statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction or change in serum electrolytes between the two groups. CONCLUSION Use of single-dose PEG-3350+SD+B results in inferior bowel preparation for colonoscopy compared with split-dose PEGAA and does not provide any advantage in regards to patient satisfaction. We therefore recommend discontinuing the use of PEG 3350 for bowel preparation.