cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-flux current effects in interfacial reactions in Au–Al multilayers

Abstract The influence of high dc currents (up to 1019 A cm−2) on the interaction between thin Au-Al layers was investigated over the temperature range 400-500°C. In contrast with earlier diffusion couple results, only four of the five intermetalllic compounds in this system were observed, in both the absence and the presence of a current at all levels. The intermetallics Au5 Al2 and Au2 Al were the dominant products while AuAl and AuAl2 were relatively insignificant. The latter showed little change, growing only to a total thickness of a few micrometres, regardless of the magnitude of the current density and time of annealing. While the sequence of formation of the different intermetallics was not affected by the current, the incubation time and rate of growth of the layers were strongly influenced. The incubation time for the appearance of a measurable product layer was markedly reduced by the current, by nearly two orders of magnitude in some cases. The effect of the current on the nucleation of the pr...
Analytic determination of stationary patterns of cellular automata

Abstract We present an analytic method for predicting stationary states of cellular automata (CAs). It is based on a decoupling scheme that takes into account the pattern selection imposed by the CA rule. This technique is applicable to both deterministic and probabilistic CAs, and finds static, oscillatory, and random equilibrium patterns.
Respiratory patterning following cerebral ventricular administration of cocaine.

Abstract Intravenous (IV) cocaine in the conscious cat causes extreme tachypnea and reduction in breath-to-breath variability. In this study, we examined respiratory patterning following administration of cocaine into the cerebral ventricles. Intraventricular cocaine elicited a tachypnea that was nearly identical to that for IV cocaine. At the high dose, peak respiratory rate increased by 380%. Breath-to-breath variability was dramatically reduced by cocaine, especially in the early stages of the intoxication; during these stages, the tachypnea was occasionally interrupted by prolonged inspiratory efforts. Procaine was administered as a control for the anestetic effects of cocaine and caused an initial tachypnea that was similar to that for cocaine. For both cocaine and procaine, the mean ratios of inspiratory to expiratory durations were unaffected, indicating that the tachypnea was accomplished by approximately equal reductions in inspiratory and expiratory durations. We conclude that the tachypnea following cocaine administration results principally from central rather than peripheral mechanism. In addition, the data suggest that anesthetic actions mediate the principal respiratory effects of cocaine.
Ellipsoidal Techniques for Reachability Under State Constraints

The paper presents a scheme to calculate approximations of reach sets and tubes for linear control systems with time-varying coefficients, bounds on the controls, and constraints on the state. The scheme provides tight external approximations by ellipsoid-valued tubes. The tubes touch the reach tubes from the outside at each point of their boundary so that the surface of the reach tube is totally covered by curves that belong to the approximating tubes. The result is an exact parametric representation of reach tubes through families of external ellipsoidal tubes. The parameters that characterize the approximating ellipsoids are solutions of ordinary differential equations with coefficients given partly in explicit analytical form and partly through the solution of a recursive optimization problem. The scheme combines the calculation of external approximations of infinite sums and intersections of ellipsoids, and suggests an approach to calculate reach sets of hybrid systems.
Pancreatic Pseudocysts: Is Delayed Surgical Intervention Associated with Adverse Outcomes?

Background Nonsurgical interventions are increasingly applied for pancreatic pseudocysts. We hypothesized that surgical therapy applied after failure of percutaneous or endoscopic therapies for pseudocysts is associated with poorer outcomes than cases in which surgery is the initial intervention.
Phagocytic processing of bacterial antigens for class I MHC presentation to T cells

Class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules present antigens that are produced within the presenting cell or penetrate from the vacuolar system into the cytosol for processing. Most studies of exogenous antigen processing have used soluble antigens, which are not efficiently presented by class I MHC molecules and do not elicit CD8 T-cell responses in vivo. But particulate antigen preparations with no known mechanism for cytosolic penetration can also elicit CD8 T-cell responses in vivo. We report here that phagocytosis of bacteria with no mechanism for cytosolic penetration also results in presentation of bacterial antigens by class I MHC molecules. Moreover, this mechanism is resistant to cycloheximide and Brefeldin A, which block the classical class I processing pathway. These results suggest a novel vacuolar class I processing pathway for exogenous phagocytic antigens.
Interstate Business College: A Case Study in Fraud Examination

This case is based on an actual fraud that occurred and provides you with an opportunity to develop fraud examination skills, which include document examination, searching public records, financial statement analysis, and communicating the results of your work. Such skills benefit all accounting students regardless of the career path they may choose (e.g., a fraud investigator, an auditor, a consultant, a tax accountant). This case also: (1) exemplifies the complexity often found in fraud cases, and (2) illustrates how fraud examinations differ from financial statement audits. While some of the names of the parties involved have been changed, no facts in the case have been altered. Interstate Business College (IBC), founded in 1912, collapsed in the wake of allegations of top management fraud. The allegations became public when 23 former students filed a lawsuit against the director and owner of IBC, alleging misappropriation of student funds. You will assume the role of the fraud investigator hired by th...
Performance analysis of hierarchical group key management integrated with adaptive intrusion detection in mobile ad hoc networks

We develop a mathematical model to quantitatively analyze a scalable region-based hierarchical group key management protocol integrated with intrusion detection to deal with both outsider and insider security attacks for group communication systems (GCSs) in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). Our proposed adaptive intrusion detection technique is based on majority voting by nodes in a geographical region to cope with collusion of compromised nodes, with each node preloaded with anomaly-based or misuse-based intrusion detection techniques to diagnose compromised nodes in the same region. When given a set of parameter values characterizing operational and environmental conditions, we identify the optimal intrusion detection rate and the optimal regional area size under which the mean time to security failure of the system is maximized and/or the total communication cost is minimized for GCSs in MANET environments. The tradeoff analysis in performance versus security is useful in identifying and dynamically applying optimal settings to maximize the system lifetime for scalable mobile group applications while satisfying application-specific performance requirements.
Effects of tetraalkylammonium salts on the micellar electrokinetic chromatography of aniline and substituted anilines

Abstract Experiments investigating the effects of tetraalkylammonium (TAA) ions on the micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) of aniline and a series of 12 substituted anilines using sodium n-dodecyl sulfate (SDS) are reported. Increasing the concentration of tetramethylammonium (TMA) ions results in increases in the elution range (tmc−t0) and the migration times for the aniline solutes. In contrast the addition of small concentrations of tetrabutylammonium (TBA) ions leads to changes in the elution order and a considerable improvement in the separation of the anilines without a significant increase in the elution range. Further increases in the concentration of TBA ions to levels above 1/3 the concentration of SDS narrows the elution range and has a detrimental effect on the separation. The effects of the TBA ions are attributed to changes in the structure of the SDS micelles resulting in a more open and disordered SDS micelle which enhances the transfer of anilines with polar ring substituents into the micelle.
Statistical experimental design on the optimization of high-performance photoresist

The ultimate photolithographic performance of a photoresist is essentially determined by the nature and relative concentration of the chemical components in the formulation and the process conditions selected. To meet the stringent performance requirements demanded by the advanced microlithography technology, each individual constituent of the photoresist process described must be optimized simultaneously. This study presents an effective and time saving approach using experimental design techniques to address the complicated multi-variable of resist formulation and process condition optimization. The responses for the design experiment in terms of lithographic performance were: exposure and focus latitude, photosensitivity and resist pattern thermal flow temperature are correlated with the resin dissolution characteristics, relative photosensitizer concentration, pre- and postexposure bake temperatures and development time.
Eliciting and Analysing Subjective Data about Engineering Design

SUMMARY Techniques for eliciting and analysing subjective data about the engineering design process are presented. The elicitation techniques are categorized as observations, questions, retrospective protocols, real-time protocols, and psychometric scales. The analysis techniques are categorized as unstructured observations, structured observations, content analysis, and statistical analysis. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are presented as well as their applications. The verification of the resulting data is also discussed.
Linguistic Relativity Revisited: The Interaction between L1 and L2 in Thinking, Learning, and Production

The linguistic relativity hypothesis (LRH; a.k.a., Whorfian hypothesis) is reconsidered with respect to second language (L2) acquisition. With ebbs and flows over time, the notion of LRH went through dis- missal and resurgence in linguistics, psychology, and anthropology. Empirical evidence gleaned from the pseudo-linguistic domains, such as color categorization, time perception, spatial cognition, and number recognition, supports the weak form of LRH. This article briefly reviews the conflicting views, discusses empirical evidence, and expands the premise of LRH to L2 learning. Of interest is the interface of syntax and semantics in English language learners’ (ELLs) ergative verb usage in which ELLs tend to overpassivize English ergative verbs (e.g., appear, happen, break). The source of prevalent overpassivization errors is discussed using the LRH framework.
Mood stabilizers in the prevention of recurrent affective disorders: a meta-analysis.

Objective To determine by meta-analysis the efficacy of mood stabilizers in preventing recurrence of bipolar or unipolar mood disorders and to consider the evidence for a lithium withdrawal-induced relapse syndrome. Method Controlled studies of lithium, valproate and carbamazepine in preventing future episodes of affective disorders were classified according to methodological rigour, and meta-analyses were performed overall and on each type. Results A total of 19 blinded, randomized, controlled trials of prophylaxis in 865 patients found lithium highly effective (74% recurrence on placebo vs. 29% on lithium). In the mirror-image studies, whose substantial lithium vs. prior treatment difference cannot be explained by withdrawal relapse, lithium reduced relapse by 50% (bipolar) and 58% (unipolar). Conclusion Maintenance lithium produces a highly significant reduction in relapses. The mirror-image studies had not been systematically analysed previously, and they support the effectiveness of lithium. We also failed to find sufficient evidence to prove that the lithium-withdrawal relapse phenomenon exists.
Wearable sensors for human health monitoring

Wearable sensors for continuous monitoring of vital signs for extended periods of weeks or months are expected to revolutionize healthcare services in the home and workplace as well as in hospitals and nursing homes. This invited paper describes recent research progress in wearable health monitoring technology and its clinical applications, with emphasis on blood pressure and circulatory monitoring. First, a finger ring-type wearable blood pressure sensor based on photo plethysmogram is presented. Technical issues, including motion artifact reduction, power saving, and wearability enhancement, will be addressed. Second, sensor fusion and sensor networking for integrating multiple sensors with diverse modalities will be discussed for comprehensive monitoring and diagnosis of health status. Unlike traditional snap-shot measurements, continuous monitoring with wearable sensors opens up the possibility to treat the physiological system as a dynamical process. This allows us to apply powerful system dynamics and control methodologies, such as adaptive filtering, single- and multi-channel system identification, active noise cancellation, and adaptive control, to the monitoring and treatment of highly complex physiological systems. A few clinical trials illustrate the potentials of the wearable sensor technology for future heath care services.
A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of OPAC Screen Changes on Searching Behavior and Searcher Success

A longitudinal study of four sets of OPAC transaction logs was conducted over a four-year period. Analysis of the initial set of transaction logs revealed problems that users experienced while searching the OPAC. Over time, a series of OPAC screen changes were implemented in an attempt to help searchers improve their searching behavior. After each series of changes, a set of transaction logs was analyzed to assess the impact of the changes and to study whether earlier improvements in searching behavior persisted over time. Although the screen changes initially had a positive impact on searching behavior, in some cases the initial improvements in searching success were not sustained over time.
Preliminary Design Concepts for Compliant Mechanism Prosthetic Knee Joints

Compliant mechanisms present several design advantages that may be exploited in prosthetic joint design — low friction and wear, low part count, light weight, high reliability, efficient manufacturing and assembly, etc. However, they also come with their share of challenges. For example, in the past compliant mechanisms have not been viable alternatives to rigid-body joints in high compression applications. Two principles, isolation and inversion, can be successfully applied to many compliant joints to increase their ability to withstand high compressive loads and make them viable design alternatives to some current prosthetic joint designs. This paper presents preliminary design concepts for a compliant prosthetic knee. The inverted cross-axis flexural pivot design is selected and a proof of concept prototype is constructed and tested. The prototype exceeds the functional specification of 550 lbs, and satisfies a maximum deflection of 140°, an infinite life for a deflection of 110°, and a weight under 2 lbs.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Fatal respiratory distress syndrome after prolonged mechanical ventilation: its pathogenesis and prevention.

Abstract Prolonged pulmonary atelectasis was shown to produce a highly lethal respiratory distress syndrome. Atelectasis with secondary hypoxemia occurred in open-chest animals ventilated for long periods with intermittent positive pressure (IPPV). These animals frequently died of progressive pulmonary insufficiency a few days after the period of thoracotomy and mechanical ventilation. Atelectasis did not occur in closed-chest animals subjected to long periods of IPPV and these animals did not manifest pulmonary insufficiency after the period of ventilation. Continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV) prevented atelectasis in open-chest animals during prolonged mechanical ventilation and thoracotomy, and animals so treated developed postoperative pulmonary insufficiency infrequently. It is concluded that atelectasis, which occurs during IPPV in open-chest animals, if prolonged, leads to progressive, bilateral massive pulmonary consolidation and death a few days after closure of the chest and termination of mechanical ventilation. This frequently fatal respiratory distress syndrome does not occur if atelectasis is prevented during mechanical ventilation.
Mediastinal Thymic Cyst after Open Heart surgery

A benign thymic cyst seen six years after valvular heart surgery is described, and the question of the possible role of previous surgical trauma in the development of the cyst is raised.
Implementation of school policies to prevent youth tobacco use in Alabama.

BACKGROUND: Public health professionals must monitor the effectiveness of school policies and programs to prevent youth initiation, promote quitting, and eliminate secondhand smoke. This analysis of school tobacco policies was preliminary to release of a state tobacco prevention and control plan for 2010-2015. METHODS: University health educators collaborated with the state health agency to review policies of 33 school systems in 5 Metropolitan Statistical Areas and 9 public health areas. Authors developed a systematic approach of 8 steps useful to rate implementation of school tobacco control and prevention policies and discuss implications for health education program planning. RESULTS: Thirty school policies prohibited possession and use of tobacco by students, faculty and campus visitors, and 26 of 33 specified disciplinary measures following violations. Only 4 public education agencies included 3 of the 6 elements of a model tobacco prevention and control policy as suggested by the state public health agency. None featured all 6 elements. None specified establishing school-community partnerships for tobacco prevention and control. CONCLUSIONS: Preparing smoke-free youth requires implementing and evaluating tobacco education in grades K-12 including use of model guidelines from federal agencies and professional organizations. Determining the focus of existing school tobacco policies is an initial step to encourage adoption of comprehensive policies to reduce youth use of tobacco. Youth health advocates may act together with school administrators and legislators to strengthen policies to be consistent with model guidelines for tobacco prevention and control.
ECOFEMINISM AS A PEDAGOGICAL PROJECT: WOMEN, NATURE, AND EDUCATION

In this essay, Huey-li Li inquires into how ecofeminist analyses of the woman-nature affinity call for the rectification of polarized conceptions of ''nature.'' By attending to the interconnections be- tween various forms of oppression, Li argues, ecofeminism sheds light on how gender ideology influences our worldview and the construction of educational institutions. Above all, she contends, ecofeminism as a pedagogical project emphasizes ethical activism within oppressive contexts. The recent development of ecofeminism, in particular, represents a collaborative feminist coalition aimed at redressing interrelated oppressive systems in patriarchal societies. The transformative potential of the praxis of ecofeminism, Li concludes, lies in its mobilization of both dominant groups and subordinate groups to undertake collec- tive educational efforts to critically examine existing social norms and to explore the possibilities of establishing new ethical norms in the global community. In 1974, French feminist Franc xoise d'Eaubonne, in suggesting that women have the potential to solve today's ecological crises, coined the term ''ecofemin- ism.'' 1 Gradually, ecofeminism has come to refer to a variety of feminist modes of inquiry into the conceptual linkages between sexism and other forms of oppres- sion, such as racism, class exploitation, militarism, and ecological destruction. 2 The naming of ''ecofeminism'' reflects ecofeminists' intent to carve out an inde- pendent position within feminist and environmentalist communities. In effect, the theorizing of ecofeminism represents feminists' efforts to address and redress inter- related forms of oppression. By emphasizing the interconnections among various forms of oppression, ecofeminism does not appear to privilege gender oppression. Instead, the praxis of ecofeminism underlines women's active participation and leadership in integrating environmental movements, women's movements, and democratic movements across cultural and national boundaries. 3
Thermodynamic Analysis of Four Magnetic Heat-Pump Cycles

Magnetic heat pumps have been successfully used for refrigeration applications at near absolute-zero-degree temperatures. In these applications, a temperature lift of a few degrees in a cryogenic environment is sufficient and can be easily achieved by a simple magnetic heat-pump cycle. To extend magnetic heat pumping to other temperature ranges and other types of application in which the temperature lift is more than just a few degrees requires more involved cycle processes. The possible cycle applications include cooling of superconducting transmission lines, space conditioning, and industrial heating. This paper investigates the characteristics of a few better-known thermomagnetic heat-pump cycles (Carnot, Ericsson, Stirling, and regenerative) in extended ranges of temperature lift. The regenerative cycle is the most efficient one. Cycle analyses were done for gadolinium operating between 0 and 7 Tesla, and with a heat-rejection temperature of 320 K. The analysis results predicted a 42 percent reduction in coefficient of performance at 260 K cooling temperature and a 15 percent reduction in capacity at 232 K cooling temperature for the magnetic Ericsson cycle as compared with the ideal regenerative cycle. Such substantial penalties indicate that the potential irreversibilities from this one source may adversely affect the viability of certain proposed MHP concepts if the relevant loss mechanisms are not adequately addressed.
Effect of load/unload process on friction/stiction and durability of head-disk interface

Effect of various operating parameters viz. load/unload speed, disk speed, ramp height, and disk dynamics on load/unload performance, friction/stiction and durability of a head-disk interface (HDI) were studied. Load/unload performance was evaluated using acoustic emission signals and friction force measurements. The load/unload performance was found to be better for higher load/unload durations, lower disk speeds and higher ramp heights. The effect of ramp height was studied for two different slider suspension designs. A slider suspension with `A' type suspension design performed well for higher ramp heights. The slider with `B' suspension design was not affected by a change in ramp height. Disk dynamics studies indicated how strongly HDI can be affected by disk vibrations and supported the effect seen by varying ramp heights. Durability tests revealed that the HDI deteriorated faster for lower ramp heights for a slider with `A' type suspension design than for the slider with `B' type suspension design.
ENDOSCOPIC APPROACHES TO COMMON BILE DUCT INJURIES

Operative injury of the common bile duct and its management have been the subject of interest for many decades. Elaborate strategies for the timing and construction of bile duct repairs have been detailed in surgical journal articles and texts. 9 The introduction of laparoscopic approaches to biliary surgery, and its attendant learning curve, once again highlighted the risk of ductal injury associated with cholecystectomy and the great potential morbidity associated with such occurrences. 2,11 Whereas operative repair of major bile duct injuries clearly remains the gold standard for management of these cases, newer endoscopic interventions may afford the opportunity to improve the timing of an eventual surgical intervention or even avoid operation entirely. In cases of minor ductal leaks for which nonoperative approaches have been effective in the past, endoscopic assistance may reduce attendant morbidity and shorten the course to full recovery. Although elaborate classifications of bile duct injury exist, for purposes of the present discussion they may be arranged into three groups: bile duct leaks, minor ductal injuries, and major ductal disruptions. Endoscopic intervention may play a role in each of these circumstances.
Genetic modification of vascular endothelial function as therapeutic strategy in heart failure.

in patients with chronic heart failure, endothelial dysfunction contributes to increased systemic vascular resistance, decreased exercise tolerance, and reduced tissue perfusion. One of the better-characterized mechanisms responsible for endothelial dysfunction is the increased production of
A lower bound for the critical probability in a certain percolation process

Consider a lattice L in the Cartesian plane consisting of all points (x, y) such that either x or y is an integer. Points with integer coordinates (positive, negative, or zero) are called vertices and the sides of the unit squares (including endpoints) are called links. Each link of L is assigned the designation active with probability p or passive with probability 1 − p, independently of all other links. To avoid trivial cases, we shall always assume 0 < p < 1. The lattice L, with the designations active or passive attached to the links, is called a random maze. A set of links is called connected if the points comprising the links (including endpoints) form a connected point set in the plane.
The efficacy of dynamic external fixation for treatment of distal radius fractures using 3D kinematic analysis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinematics of external fixation devices used for distal radius fractures. Dynamic external fixator devices that are placed across the wrist joint facilitate fracture healing by allowing force transmission across the fracture site and articular cartilage repair by allowing wrist motion. If external fixation devices are to be used dynamically, then their actual effect on wrist kinematics should be determined. Unfortunately, there has been no agreement among authors regarding normal carpal kinematics. This study investigated several parameters, global wrist flexion/extension, angles between carpal bones, and the instantaneous screw axis (ISA), in an attempt to quantify normal kinematics and the kinematics of wrists with external fixators attached. The results of this study show that the center of rotation of the wrist is not limited to the proximal head of the capitate as previously suggested. It also shows that the global range of motion of the wrist is limited with the application of any of the dynamic external fixators tested. Finally, the intercarpal bone joint angles are altered with the application of an external fixator. The radial-lunate joint has an increased range of motion with an external fixator attached in order to compensate for the constraints imposed by the external fixator.
Experimental Studies of Droplet Evaporation Kinetics: Validation of Models for Binary and Ternary Aqueous Solutions

Experiments were conducted with an electrodynamic levitation system to study the kinetics of droplet evaporation under chemically rich conditions. Single solution droplets of known composition (HNO3/H2O or H2SO4/HNO3/H2O) were introduced into an environmentally controlled cubic levitation cell. The gaseous environment was set intentionally out of equilibrium with the droplet properties, thus permitting the HNO3 mass accommodation coefficient to be determined. Measurements were performed at room temperature and various pressures (200–1000 hPa). Droplet sizes (initial radii in the range 12–26 m) were measured versus time to high precision (0.03 m) via Mie scattering and compared with sizes computed by different models for mass and heat transfer in the transition regime. The best agreement between the theoretical calculations and experimental results was obtained for an HNO3 mass accommodation coefficient of 0.11 0.03 at atmospheric pressure, 0.17 0.05 at 500 hPa, and 0.33 0.08 at 200 hPa. The determination of the mass accommodation coefficient was not sensitive to the transport model used. The results show that droplet evaporation is strongly limited by HNO3 and occurs in two stages, one characterized by rapid H2O mass transfer and the other by HNO3 mass transfer. The presence of a nonvolatile solute (SO 2 ) affects the activities of the volatile components (HNO3 and H2O) and prevents complete evaporation of the solution droplets. These findings validate recent attempts to include the effects of soluble trace gases in cloud models, as long as suitable model parameters are used.
A mathematical model for a single screen barrier in open-plan offices

Abstract In open-plan offices, single screen barriers are widely used to separate individual workplaces as a means of improving acoustical privacy. In this paper, a general model for calculating the insertion loss of a single screen barrier in the presence of a floor and a ceiling is developed using the image source technique. In addition to the acoustical properties of the floor and ceiling, this model also takes the sound absorption of the screen, the sound transmission through the screen and the interference between the sound waves into account. This model is able to separate the contribution of reflected sound and diffracted sound from the total sound pressure level at the receiving point, which can help indicate how best to improve the acoustical design of an open office. The mean differences between the predicted 1/3 octave band insertion loss values behind the screen and the corresponding measured results are within 2 dB.
Neural mechanisms for processing binocular information I. Simple cells.

The visual system integrates information from the left and right eyes and constructs a visual world that is perceived as single and three dimensional. To understand neural mechanisms underlying thi...
Disproving the fusion hypothesis: an analysis of data fusion via effective information retrieval strategies

Many prior efforts have been devoted to the basic idea that data fusion techniques can improve retrieval effectiveness. Recent work in the area suggests that many approaches, particularly multiple-evidence combinations, can be a successful means of improving the effectiveness of a system. Unfortunately, the conditions favorable to effectiveness improvements have not been made clear. We examine popular data fusion techniques designed to achieve improvements in effectiveness and clarify the conditions required for data fusion to show improvement. We demonstrate that for fusion to improve effectiveness, the result sets being fused must contain a significant number of unique relevant documents. Furthermore, we show that for this improvement to be visible, these unique relevant documents must be highly ranked. In addition, we present a comprehensive discussion on why previous assumptions about the effectiveness of multiple-evidence techniques are misleading. Detailed empirical results and analysis are provided to support our conclusions.
Returns to scale and externalities in the consumption and investment sectors

Abstract Using data on US manufacturing, I estimate internal returns to scale and external effects for the consumption and investment sectors. I construct panels of data at the industry level and use results of gross output production function estimation to derive implied estimates in a value added specification. For the investment sector, returns to scale appear to be slightly increasing, with evidence of a positive external effect. For consumption, the evidence indicates decreasing to constant returns to scale. I discuss the implications of these results for the empirical plausibility of indeterminacy in recent multi-sector models of the business cycle.
Adapting a clinical comorbidity index for use with ICD-9-CM administrative databases

Administrative databases are increasingly used for studying outcomes of medical care. Valid inferences from such data require the ability to account for disease severity and comorbid conditions. We adapted a clinical comorbidity index, designed for use with medical records, for research relying on International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis and procedure codes. The association of this adapted index with health outcomes and resource use was then examined with a sample of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent lumbar spine surgery in 1985 (n = 27,111). The index was associated in the expected direction with postoperative complications, mortality, blood transfusion, discharge to nursing home, length of hospital stay, and hospital charges. These associations were observed whether the index incorporated data from multiple hospitalizations over a year's time, or just from the index surgical admission. They also persisted after controlling for patient age. We conclude that the adapted comorbidity index will be useful in studies of disease outcome and resource use employing administrative databases.
The role of aerobic metabolism and intragel oxygen in hypoxia tolerance of three ctenophores : Pleurobrachia bachei, Bolinopsis infundibulum and Mnemiopsis leidyi

Ctenophores are important members of planktonic communities that are often abundant in dysaerobic environments. Previous studies have shown that ctenophores are not adversely affected by extended periods of hypoxia. The three species used in this study, Pleurobrachia bachei, Bolinopsis infundibulum, and Mnemiopsis leidyi, were all able to oxyregulate to very low partial pressures of oxygen (PO 2 s). These species were found to have mean critical oxygen tensions of 7.7, 10.6, and 7.2 hPa respectively. In general, ctenophores are better oxyregulators than medusae and many species of shrimps, fish and squid. Intragel oxygen was measured using a fibre optic oxygen optode. All these ctenophores have intragel subsurface [O 2 ]s of 5-10% below that of the surrounding seawater. Intragel oxygen measurements of P. bachei showed a gradient of decreasing PO 2 from surface tissues to the gut. Specimens of P. bachei over 14 mm in diameter had anaerobic guts. Survival times in anoxia ranged from 0 h for M. leidyi to up to 6 h for P. bachei. Ctenophores rely on aerobic metabolism to tolerate hypoxia.
Distribution system analysis and the future Smart Grid

The “smart grid” refers to various efforts to modernize the power grid through the application of alternate sources of energy and intelligent devices. The present national interest in smart grid applications has generated many questions concerning the role of distribution engineering in the future. What features do utility engineers need in distribution system analysis tools to support the future smart grid? This paper will discuss some relevant Electric Power Research Institute research in this area that focuses on selected issues related to smart grid analysis relevant to rural utilities. The essential characteristics of distribution system analysis tools to support analysis of these issues are discussed.
Efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum as a biological control of Fusarium oxysporum in container-grown Douglas-fir seedlings

Inoculating a soilless medium with encapsulated Trichoderma harzianum did not affect any aspect of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca [Beissn.] Franco) seed germination or subsequent growth. Results of inoculating medium with a known pathogenic isolate of Fusarium oxysporum alone, or concurrently with T. harzianum, were the same: high levels of damping-off, low amounts of hypocotyl and root disease in midsummer, and significant reductions in height growth. When seedling roots grew through T. harzianum-inoculated medium before growing into a mixture of T. harzianum-F. oxysporum-inoculated medium, mortality was reduced about 50%. Although contamination by resident Fusarium occurred, subsequent root colonization was significantly reduced in T. harzianum-amended growing medium.
A comprehensive strategy for globally integrated operations

Purpose – To aid business leaders struggling to implement global integration, IBM Consulting developed an “R‐O‐I Framework” that emphasizes repeatable processes, optimized assets and integrated operations, all on a global basis. This paper aims to look at this framework.Design/methodology/approach – The researchers first examined data from and IBM 2008 CEO Study (more than a 1,000 respondents), and then selected 20 best practice cases to identify patterns among strategies that strong global integrators were using.Findings – The IBM approach has identified three elements of the R‐O‐I framework that must be addressed concurrently: repeatable processes – eliminating inefficiency, optimizing effectiveness, and managing exceptions; optimized assets – managing core versus non‐core activities, optimizing locations and establishing virtual operations; and integrated operations – Optimizing global competencies via partnering and managing end‐to‐end processes on a global basis.Practical implications – In concert wi...
Types of Disease and Models for Their Genetic Analysis

The authors compare schizophrenia with several other diseases and discuss how a few simple models that have already been successfully applied in other cases could be used in the genetic analysis of schizophrenia and MAO activity. Among the diseases discussed are Huntington's disease, xanthomatosis, and diabetes. The authors recommend undertaking multivariate studies of monoamine oxidase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase, and other traits associated with schizophrenia in single, large pedigrees ascertained through schizophrenic probands.
Priming the ‘Soil’ for Breast Cancer Metastasis: The Pre-Metastatic Niche

The long prevailing model of metastasis recognizes the importance of both "seed" and "soil" for metastatic progression [1]. Much attention has focused on understanding the molecular and genetic factors that confer an intrinsic metastatic advantage to certain tumor cells. Meanwhile, changes occurring within distant tissues, creating a "soil" conducive for tumor invasion, have been largely neglected. Bone marrow-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) recently emerged as key players in initiating these early changes, creating a receptive microenvironment at designated sites for distant tumor growth and establishing the "Pre-Metastatic Niche" [2]. This insight into the earliest stages in the metastatic cascade revises our concept of the metastatic "microenvironment" to include physiological cells recruited from the bone marrow. Moreover, the concept of pre-metastatic tissues as 'niches' similar to physiological stem cell niches establishes a paradigm in which disseminated tumor cells may reside within a highly defined microcosm, both supportive and regulatory, and which may confer specific functions on indwelling cells. Understanding the cellular and molecular cross-talk between "seed" and "soil" may further our understanding of the factors that govern both site-specific patterning in metastasis and the phenomenon of tumor dormancy. This may lead to therapeutic strategies to detect and prevent metastasis at its earliest inception.
Quality of life in head and neck cancer patients: impact of HPV and primary treatment modality.

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine posttreatment quality of life (QOL) in head and neck cancer patients, stratifying by human papillomavirus (HPV)/p16 status and primary treatment modality. Study Design Retrospective study. Methods One hundred and seventy-seven patients (N = 177) with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and known HPV/p16 status were included. All patients completed at least one baseline or posttreatment University of Washington QOL survey. QOL scores were averaged and compared across patients, stratifying by HPV/p16 status and primary treatment modality (surgical vs. nonsurgical). In the analysis, p16 was used as a surrogate marker for HPV. Results Of the 177 patients, 80 (45.2%) were p16-positive and 49.7% of subsites were oropharyngeal. Nearly 60% (105/177) of patients underwent primary surgery, 26.7% (28/105) of patients with transoral robotic or laser techniques. The remainder 40.7% of patients underwent primary radiation and/or chemotherapy. Overall, QOL scores were better for p16-positive patients compared to p16-negative patients at baseline (P = 0.008), at 6 months posttreatment (P = 0.034), and at greater than 1 year posttreatment (P = 0.013). P16-positive patients had better QOL scores in speech (P = 0.0009), chewing (P = 0.0004), and swallowing (P = 0.021) after 1 year posttreatment compared to p16-negative patients. Primary treatment modality did not affect overall QOL or any of the 12 QOL categories in p16-positive patients at any time point. At over 1 year posttreatment, QOL was at or above baseline in both p16-positive treatment groups. Conclusion The p16-positive patients had better baseline and posttreatment overall QOL compared to p16-negative patients. The overall and category specific QOL scores for p16-positive patients were not affected by primary treatment modality. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 124:1592–1597, 2014
Comparative phosphate acquisition in giant-celled rhizophytic algae (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta): Fleshy vs. calcified forms

Abstract Phosphate uptake through above-ground thalli vs. subterranean rhizoids has been compared in siphonaceous rhizophytic green algal species from five globally distributed tropical genera: Avrainvillea nigricans Decaisne, Caulerpa lanuginosa J. Agardh, Halimeda incrassata (J. Ellis) J.V. Lamouroux, Penicillus capitatus Lamarck, and Udotea flabellum (J. Ellis & Solander) M. Howe. Plants were collected, acclimated to lab conditions for 3 days, and then incubated for 8 h at saturating light intensity with 30 μM PO 4 3− added to their above-ground thallus or below-ground rhizoids. Percent tissue phosphorus was then compared to control specimens, which were run simultaneously in the absence of phosphate. The two fleshy species, A. nigricans and C. lanuginosa , showed no significant differences in tissue nutrient status, and displayed much larger variation among controls than the three calcified species. Calcified species showed greater phosphorus content after being exposed to either above- or below-ground thallus portions, indicating that these seaweeds can respond to short term increases in nutrient availability and have a more regulated nutrient acquisition mechanism. Results suggest that calcification may play an important role in phosphorus absorption.
A system-verilog behavioral model for PLLs for pre-silicon validation and top-down design methodology

This paper presents a System-Verilog behavioral model for charge-pump PLLs based on piece-wise constant (PWC) real number modeling and table lookup. The proposed model exploits the sampled nature of the PLL where most of its analog behavior takes effect during the phase detection, and remains almost constant during the rest of the reference cycle. The PLL model simulation run time takes only 1 second, which makes it a perfect fit for pre-silicon digital validation as well as top-down design methodology. Compared to transistor-level Spice simulations, the proposed model shows a correlation of more than 97% for the PLL locking behavior, jitter, and phase noise. The PLL model is used to exercise critical features like spread-spectrum clocking (SSC) and adaptive frequency system (AFS). In addition, the model was integrated in a pre-silicon validation environment and enabled catching design bugs.
Lewis blood group system

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the Lewis blood group system. It consists of 6 antigens. The lewis blood group system was discovered by Mourant in 1946, and was named after one of the two original donors in whom anti-Lea was identified. Lewis antigens are not the primary gene product, and are not intrinsic to red blood cells (RBCs) but are located on type 1 glycosphingolipids that are adsorbed onto the blood cells from the plasma. The biosynthesis of Lewis antigens results from the interaction of two independent loci FUT3 (LE) and FUT2 (SE). Lewis antigens may be lost from RBCs as a result of infectious mononucleosis complicated with hemolysis, severe alcoholic cirrhosis, and alcoholic pancreatitis. Glycoconjugates with Leb activity mediate attachment of Helicobacter pylori, a major causative agent of gastric ulcers, to gastric mucosal epithelium. Saliva is a good source of soluble Lewis antigens and should be made isotonic before use in the hemagglutination tests.
Increasing Engagement in French and Francophone Studies: Structured Journaling on the Emotions in La Fayette's La princesse de Clèves

Literary representations of emotions fascinate us as readers; they connect to us logically and naturally because we experience in our daily lives many of the emotional events depicted in novels, plays, and poems. Students are intrigued by the similarities and differences between their everyday feelings and the emotions represented in literature. Emotions are thus interesting processes to study, and in classroom discussions and activities most students have something to say about them. For this reason, I use emotion (broadly defined) as an important subject of inquiry in my literature and culture classes. In what follows, I share a structured journaling assignment based on emotion that helps students read with more detail, improves their foreign language skills, and boosts their engagement with difficult subject matter.
Nanometer-scale measurements of Fe3+/ΣFe by electron energy-loss spectroscopy: A cautionary note

The effects of electron-beam damage on the Fe 3+ /ΣFe (total iron) ratio were measured by electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Spectra were acquired from crushed and ion-beam-thinned cronstedtite. For fluences below 1 × 10 4 e/A 2 , the Fe 3+ /ΣFe values from crushed grains range between 0.43 and 0.49, consistent with undamaged material. These measurements were acquired from flakes 180 to 1000 A thick. With increase in fluence, samples 3+ /ΣFe values >0.5. The critical fluence for radiation damage by 100 kV electrons as defined by Fe 3+ /ΣFe 4 e/A 2 . The absorbed dose to the speciman during acquisition of a typical EELS spectrum is large, with values around 2.2 × 10 10 Gy (J/kg), equivalent to the deposition of 620 eV/A 3 . Cooling to liquid N 2 temperature did not significantly slow the damage process. Ion-beam thinning produces an amorphous layer on crystal surfaces. Spectra from the thinnest regions, which are amorphous, exhibit Fe 3+ /ΣFe >0.7. With increase in sample thickness, the Fe 3+ /ΣFe values decrease to a minimum, consistent with data from the undamaged material. The increase of Fe 3+ /ΣFe with respect to electron-beam irradiation is likely caused by loss of H. At low fluences, the loss of H is negligible, thus allowing consistent Fe 3+ /ΣFe values to be measured. The cronstedtite study illustrates the care required when using EELS to measure Fe 3+ /ΣFe values. Similar damage effects occur for a range of high-valence and mixed-oxidation state metals in minerals. EELS is the only spectroscopic method that can be used routinely to determine mixed-valence ratios at the nanometer scale, but care is required when measuring these data. Consideration needs to be given to the incident beam current, fluence, fluence rate, and sample thickness.
Coherent Proximity Sensor with High Density Fiber Array

A linear, high density single mode fiber (SMF) array with 15 pm center spacing was fabricated and used to make coherent distance measurements. Objects were detected up to 250μm from the fiber without a lens.