cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When Is a Family of Sets a Family of Bounded Sets

Let (X, r) be a metrizable topological space. A metric p for X is called admissible provided it is compatible with the topology r for X. Given any admissible metric p for the topology, the equivalent metric d defined by d(x, y) = min{1, p(x, y)} makes each subset of X d-bounded. Now let v be a family of subsets of X. In this article we address the following question: when does there exist an unbounded metric d compatible with r for which each member of v is a d-bounded set? Since points are always bounded with respect to any admissible metric, and bounded sets are closed under finite unions and are hereditary under inclusion, there is no loss in generality in assuming that (i) UV = X; (ii) {A1, A2,A3,.., An } c A n U>1A i E; (iii) A EV and B cA =B c V. A family of sets satisfying these properties is often called a bomology [1]. Thus, our question may be recast as follows: when can a bornology in a metrizable space be extended to a nontrivial metric bomology. i.e., a bornology consisting of the bounded subsets of X as determined by some unbounded admissible metric? We pause to introduce some notation and terminology. Let (X, r) be a metrizable space. We denote the interior, closure, and complement of a subset A of X by int A, cl A, and Ac, respectively. Given an admissible metric d for r, x c X, and r > 0 we denote the open (respectively, closed) ball of radius r and center x by S'(x) (respectively, B'(x)). A subset A of X is d-bounded if for some x c X and r > 0, A C Sd(x); equivalently, diamd(A) = sup{d(a1, a2): a1 cA, a2 c A} < oo. We denote the family of d-bounded sets by M(d), so that a bornology on X is a metric bornology if it coincides with W(d) for some admissible metric d. Finally, d(x, A) denotes inf {d(x, a): a c A}, the usual distance from a point x in X to a subset A of X. The question we posed at the outset has a rather simple answer. Recall that a family W of subsets of X is called discrete if each point x c X has a neighborhood V that meets at most one element of 9/.
The effect of materials testing modes on finite element simulation of hard machining via the use of internal state variable plasticity model coupled with experimental study

To understand the true nature of hard turning mechanics, a numerical model that incorporates an internal state variable plasticity model via a material user subroutine has been developed with the material constants obtained from the compression and tension tests. A global material failure/damage evolution model was implemented to simulate chip formation that solely depends on the material deformation state. Orthogonal hard turning experiments were performed to validate the numerical model. The purpose of this work was to determine the material property differences under the different stress states by using numerical simulations. The numerical and experimental results illustrated that the material constants from the compression tests captured the true nature of a hard machining process as compression dominates the of material deformation process in hard machining.
Ascending aortic dilation in patients with congenital complete heart block

Background The clinical spectrum and underlying pathophysiology of isolated congenital complete heart block (CCHB) remain incompletely understood. Aortic dilation has been anecdotally observed in some children with CCHB, but detailed reports are lacking. Objective This study sought to systematically describe aortic size in children with CCHB and to investigate predictor variables associated with aortic dilation. Methods A retrospective review of clinical features and echocardiograms was performed for all patients with CCHB and a structurally normal heart or simple anatomic lesions seen at our center over 22 years. Echocardiographic measurements were assigned z-scores using validated norms. Results Sixty subjects met inclusion criteria. The median ascending aorta (AsAo) z-score was 2.2 (range −0.6 to 7.2) at first echocardiogram, with 30 of 58 (52%) having a z-score >2 ( P 4. The distribution of aortic root dimensions was nearly normal with a median z-score of 0.4 (range −1.3 to 3.2). Although the AsAo remained dilated at the last echocardiogram (median z=1.7, range −0.9 to 6.3), the trend toward normalization was significant ( P = .002). Maternal autoantibody seropositivity and decreased left ventricular function were associated with AsAo dilation at initial echocardiogram in a multiple logistic regression model controlling for heart rate and indexed stroke volume (odds ratio 15, P = .03, and odds ratio 0.8, P = .02, respectively). Conclusion Potentially clinically significant AsAo dilation, but not aortic root dilation, is present in a large proportion of pediatric patients with isolated CCHB. Maternal autoantibody seropositivity and decreased left ventricular function at initial echocardiogram correlate with this previously unreported finding. This observation may indicate a previously unrecognized consequence of fetal exposure to these autoantibodies.
Spin pairing and penetration depth measurements from nuclear magnetic resonance in NaFe 0.975 Co 0.025 As

We have performed $^{75}$As nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) Knight shift measurements on single crystals of NaFe$_{0.975}$Co$_{0.025}$As to show that its superconductivity is a spin-paired, singlet state consistent with predictions of the weak-coupling BCS theory. We use a spectator nucleus, $^{23}$Na, uncoupled from the superconducting condensate, to determine the diamagnetic magnetization and to correct for its effect on the $^{75}$As NMR spectra. The resulting temperature dependence of the spin susceptibility follows the Yosida function as predicted by BCS for an isotropic, single-valued energy gap. Additionally, we have analyzed the $^{23}$Na spectra that become significantly broadened by vortices to obtain the superconducting penetration depth as a function of temperature with $\lambda_{ab}(0) = 5,327 \pm$ 78$\,\AA$.
Lagrangian coherent structures in the California Current System – sensitivities and limitations

We report on numerical experiments to test the sensitivity of Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs), found by identifying ridges of the finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE), to errors in two systems representing the California Current System (CCS). First, we consider a synthetic mesoscale eddy field generated from Fourier filtering satellite altimetry observations of the CCS. Second, we consider the full observational satellite altimetry field in the same region. LCS are found to be relatively insensitive to both sparse spatial and temporal resolution and to the velocity field interpolation method. Strongly attracting and repelling LCS are robust to perturbations of the velocity field of over 20% of the maximum regional velocity. Contours of the Okubo–Weiss (OW) parameter are found to be consistent with LCS in large mature eddies in the unperturbed systems. The OW parameter is unable to identify eddies at the uncertainty level expected for altimetry observations of the CCS. At this expected error level, t...
Gas Holdup in Trayed Bubble Column Reactors

The sectionalization of conventional bubble columns by perforated trays into trayed bubble columns (TBCs) has much potential in biochemical and petroleum refining processes, as an effective way to ...
Predicted Raman intensities for bulk and surface plasmons of a layered electron gas.

Solution analytique exacte pour la reponse dielectrique a l'approximation de la phase aleatoire, avec correction pour la surface, pour un gaz electronique en couche semi-infinie entre deux milieux dielectriques differents. Calcul de l'intensite de diffusion Raman. Conditions pour l'observation experimentale
Miriam A. Locher, Power and politeness in action: Disagreements in oral communication

Miriam A. Locher, Power and politeness in action: Disagreements in oral communication. Language, Power and Social Process, 12. Berlin and New York: Mouton de Gruyter, 2004. Pp. xvi, 365. Pb.This is a study of the interface between power and politeness as manifested in verbal disagreements. It begins with a number of chapters devoted to a discussion of the key concepts that define the author's theoretical conceptualization of social interaction. These concepts are power, communication, relational work, and politeness. The author then applies the model to four (transcribed) interactions. The first, and most extensively analyzed, is a dinner conversation among friends and acquaintances. The second is an organizational meeting in a physics laboratory. The final two come from official transcripts of a radio interview of President Clinton and Supreme Court proceedings relating to the vote count in the U.S presidential elections of 2000. Common to them all, in the author's view, are instances of disagreement.
Intensive preoperative radiotherapy with local hyperthermia for the treatment of gastric carcinoma

Abstract In order to devitalize maximally tumour tissue and improve the prognosis of gastric cancer patients, a method employing preoperative intensive radiotherapy with local hyperthermia as adjuvant treatment was evaluated. In order to estimate the effectiveness of preoperative intensive radiation and radiation with local microwave hyperthermia in radical gastric cancer treatment, 293 patients were randomized into three respective treatment groups: surgery alone, surgery preceded by preoperative radiation; and surgery followed by preoperative radiation and hyperthermia. Preoperative radiation therapy to a total dose of 20 Gy in four 5 Gy fractions did not improve 3-or 5-year survival in gastric cancer patients in comparison with surgery alone. Local hyperthermia in combination with radiation therapy followed by surgery produced a significant improvement in 3-year survival of 22.1% (from 35.5 ± 4.9% to 57.6 ± 6.3%, P P
Visualizing Flow of Uncertainty through Analytical Processes

Uncertainty can arise in any stage of a visual analytics process, especially in data-intensive applications with a sequence of data transformations. Additionally, throughout the process of multidimensional, multivariate data analysis, uncertainty due to data transformation and integration may split, merge, increase, or decrease. This dynamic characteristic along with other features of uncertainty pose a great challenge to effective uncertainty-aware visualization. This paper presents a new framework for modeling uncertainty and characterizing the evolution of the uncertainty information through analytical processes. Based on the framework, we have designed a visual metaphor called uncertainty flow to visually and intuitively summarize how uncertainty information propagates over the whole analysis pipeline. Our system allows analysts to interact with and analyze the uncertainty information at different levels of detail. Three experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and intuitiveness of our design.
Front-end wafer-level microsystem packaging technique with microcap array

Packaging represents a significant and expensive obstacle in commercializing microsystem technology (MST) devices such as micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), micro-optical-electro-mechanical-systems (MOEMS), microsensors, microactuators and other micromachined devices. This paper describes a novel wafer level protection method for MST devices which facilitates improved manufacturing throughput and automation in package assembly, wafer level testing of devices, and enhanced device performance. The method involves the use of a wafer-sized micro-cap array. This array consists of an assortment of small caps molded onto a material with adjustable shapes and sizes to serve as protective structures against the hostile environments associated with packaging. It may also include modifications which enhance its adhesion to the MST wafer or increase the MST device function. Depending on the application, the micro-molded cap can be designed and modified to facilitate additional functions, such as optical, electrical, mechanical, and chemical functions, which are not easily achieved in the device by traditional means. The fabrication method, materials selection, and the compatibility of the micro cap device to conventional packaging process are discussed in this paper. The results of wafer-level micro cap packaging demonstrations are also presented.
AN ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE STUDY OF THE SEMIQUINONOID STATE OF D-AMINO ACID OXIDASE.

Abstract Stabilized intermediate stages of oxidation-reduction of d -amino acid oxidase were observed by visible spectroscopy. These intermediate stages were found to be formed reversibly. In ESR experiments, a high concentration of flavin semiquinone of d -amino acid oxidase was found in equilibrium mixtures of pyruvate, ammonium ion, dithionite, and the enzyme. It showed an absorption peak at 490 mμ. By determination of flavin-free radical concentration, it appeared that about half of the total flavin of the enzyme exists as flavin semiquinone at the equilibrium state, whereas the radical concentration was much less in the equilibrium containing dl -alanine instead of dithionite.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)

A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) is defined by an enzyme, a restriction endonuclease, that cuts the doublestranded DNA at a particular sequence of bases, a probe, a labeled, complementary segment of DNA that will anneal to a portion of the digested sample, and a set of variable fragment length bands that appear on a Southern blot. An elementary discussion of restriction enzymes, their nomenclature, recognition sequences, and activities is presented. This is followed by a basic description of the RFLP and its components, electrophoresis, the Southern blot, and hybridization. Simple DNA polymorphisms are illustrated in light of the nomenclature for RFLPs in human gene segments of known function and those that are anonymous. It is shown that the majority of RFLP loci have two alleles, while a subset, the minisatellite and some variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci, exhibit hypervariability. Applications of RFLP technology to parentage testing, human gene mapping, prenatal diagnosis, and evolutionary studies complete the essay.
Effects of seated posture on erector spinae EMG activity during whole body vibration

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the electromyographic (EMG) response of the erector spinae to whole body vibration in three different unsupported seated postures: neutral upright, forward lean, and posterior lean. Subjects were 11 healthy college-age men. EMG was collected using bipolar surface electrodes placed bilaterally over the erector spinae at the L4 level. A modified chair with attached accelerometer was affixed to an induction type vibrator. Subjects were vibrated vertically at 4·5 Hz and 6·21 m.s−2 RMS. Data were collected in each of the three postures for 30 s pre- and post-vibration and for 2 min during vibration. Mean EMG values were determined for each sampling period and compared using ANOVA. The mean value for anterior lean was significantly larger (p<0·05) than that for posterior lean and neutral. EMG data analysed by triggered averaging showed a phase-dependent response to the vibratory cycle for the forward leaning and neutral upright postures. The results of this study indica...
Spectral differences in the ability of temporal gaps to reset the mechanisms underlying overshoot

When very brief tonal signals are presented immediately after the onset of a gated noise masker, detectability can be 10-20 dB worse than when the signal is delayed by several hundred milliseconds, an effect known as the overshoot. It has long been known that, when an "onset" is created in an otherwise continuous, broadband masker by briefly turning it off and on again, the detectability of a brief signal presented soon after this temporal gap will decline gradually as the gap is increased from a few milliseconds to a few hundred milliseconds. In other words, the auditory system recovers to its quiescent, resting state following an adequate silent interval. Here, the broadband maskers consisted of three adjacent spectral bands--one centered on the frequency of the tonal signal, one low passed below the lower edge of the center band, and one high passed above the upper edge of the center band. The signal was a 2500-Hz tone having a total duration of 6 ms. In different blocks of trials, either all three bands, only the center band, or only the two flanking bands were temporally gapped by a duration ranging from 10-300 ms. When the center band was about 750 Hz wide (about 2.5 critical bandwidths), this differential gapping process resulted in typical recovery functions when all three bands (the entire spectrum) or when just the two flanking bands were gapped. However, when only the center band was gapped, there was no evident recovery--rather, detectability remained near the signal level required with a continuous masker, even for a gap duration of 300 ms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Financing small photovoltaic applications

Abstract There can be no development without electricity, and sustainable development is not possible without a sustainable source of energy. So in the context of worldwide development policy being discussed in the wake of the Earth Summit at Rio, solar energy must be considered more seriously than ever before, because only solar energy is sustainable. Solar in this context includes photovoltaics, solar thermal, solar water heating, wind, small hydro, and biomass cogeneration. This paper is about solar electricity, and photovoltaics specifically; off-grid, stand-alone, small-scale household PV, for rural applications. 3.1 billion people—more than half the planet's population—still live in rural areas. Two thirds of them have no access to the electric grid. PV is their greatest hope.
Role of nicotine gum and pretreatment depressive symptoms in smoking cessation: twelve-month results of a randomized placebo controlled trial

Objective:The aim was to investigate the role of nicotine gum and pre-treatment depressive symptoms in long-term smoking cessation.Methods:12-month follow-up of 608 participants within a randomized, controlled trial was conducted. Participants received brief counseling plus nicotine or placebo treatment. Based on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale pre-treatment score (≥ 16), 32% of the participants were classified as depressed at baseline.Results:At the 12-month follow-up the non-depressed participants with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) were most successful (20.1%), while the depressed ones with placebo were least successful (5.7%) (p = .004). However, the depressed participants with NRT (15.1%) were not significantly less successful than the non-depressed ones with NRT (20.1%, p = .23). Survival analysis showed significant depression (p = .01) and treatment effects (p = < .001) on the abstinence. Further, when adjusted for marital status and education, the treatment effect remai...
INCENTIVES, CONTRACTS, AND MARKETS: A GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM THEORY OF FIRMS1

This paper takes steps toward integrating firm theory in the spirit of Alchian and Demsetz (1972) and Grossman and Hart (1986), contract theory in the spirit of Holmstrom (1979), and general equilibrium theory in the spirit of Arrow and Debreu (1954) and McKenzie (1959). In the model presented here, the set of firms that form and the contractual arrangements that appear, the assignments of agents to firms, the prices faced by firms for inputs and outputs, and the incentives to agents are all determined endogenously at equilibrium. Agents choose consumption-but they also choose which firms to join, which roles to occupy in those firms, and which actions to take in those roles. Agents interact anonymously with the (large) market, but strategically within the (small) firms they join. The model accommodates moral hazard, adverse selection, signaling, and insurance. Equilibria may be Pareto ranked.
A study of adenosine 3'-5' cyclic monophosphate binding sites of human erythrocyte membranes using 8-azidoadenosine 3'-5' cyclic monophosphate, a photoaffinity probe

An earlier report (1a) has shown the utility of 8-N3cAMP (8-azidoadenosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate) as a photoaffinity probe for cAMP binding sites in human erythrocyte membranes. The increased resolution obtained using a linear-gradient SDS polyacrylamide gel system now shows that: 1) both cAMP and 8-N3cAMP stimulate the phosphorylation by [gamma-32P]-ATP of the same red cell membrane proteins; 2) the protein of approximately 48,000 molecular weight whose phosphorylation by [gamma-32P]-ATP is stimulated by cAMP and 8-N3cAMP migrates at a slower rate than the protein in the same molecular weight range which is heavily photolabeled with [32P]-8-N3cAMP;3) other cyclic nucleotide binding sites exist besides those initially reported; 4) the variation in the ratio of incorporation of [32P]-8-N3cAMP into the two highest affinity binding sites appears to be the result of a specific proteolysis of the larger protein.
A two-decade spectrum of revisional bariatric surgery at a tertiary referral center

Abstract Background Ineffective weight loss or complications of previous bariatric surgery often require revisional bariatric procedures. Our aim was to define the indications, operative approach, and outcomes of revisional bariatric procedures during 2 decades at a tertiary center. Methods From our prospective database (n = 1584), including 1985–2004, 218 patients (14%) underwent revisional bariatric procedures. Follow-up (mean 7 yr, range 1 mo to 19 yr) data obtained from patient records and questionnaires were current for 98%. Patients were grouped according to operative indications: group 1, unsatisfactory weight loss (n = 97); group 2, mechanical/symptomatic complications (n = 95); and group 3, severe nutritional/metabolic problems (n = 26). Results The operative mortality rate was 0.9% (1 case each of pulmonary embolus and cardiac arrest). The serious operative morbidity rate was 26% (wound infection in 13%, leak in 3%, pulmonary embolus in 2%, anemia/hemorrhage in 2%, pneumonia/prolonged ventilation in 2%, and other in 4%). Of the 218 patients, 94% underwent conversion to, or revision of, Roux-en-y gastric bypass. Group 1 achieved substantial weight reduction with a mean body mass index from 51 ± 1 to 38 ± 1 kg/m 2 , the complications resolved in 88% of group 2, and the nutritional/metabolic problems resolved in 79% of group 3. Patients who underwent revisional surgery 1990 were more likely to present with mechanical/symptomatic/metabolic complications than for unsuccessful weight loss ( P Conclusions Revisional bariatric surgery is safe and effective in experienced centers. Complications (mechanical/symptomatic/nutritional) or unsatisfactory weight loss after primary bariatric procedures can be treated effectively with revision to Roux-en-y gastric bypass.
POWER DENSITY SPECTRUM OF SURFACE WIND SPEED ON PALMYRA ISLAND

Abstract Power spectra covering a frequency range of 0.002 to 100 cycles/hr of scalar surface-wind speed at Palmyra Island during the period of the Line Island Experiment of 1967 are presented. The distribution of eddy kinetic energy in the medium- and high-frequency range is similar to that at the middle latitudes. In general, the spectrum followed the minus five-thirds power law.
Publication of Scientific Research carried out by Industry

ON p. 322 of NATURE of September 12, Dr. Denbigh charges “many British firms” with refusing to allow their staffs to publish their scientific work. He proceeds to write of “industrial companies” without qualification, and to draw a general comparison between British and American industry. It seems, therefore, that by “many” he means “practically all”. Accordingly, it should be pointed out that there is at least one important firm to which his statements do not apply, and, therefore, that evidence is needed to show that the practice he denounces is typical of British industry.
Mechanism of deactivation in phosphine-modified rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation: a CIR-FTIR study

Abstract The deactivation mechanism for the hydroformylation of 1-hexene was studied by cylindrical internal reflectance infrared spectroscopy (CIR-FTIR) under autogenous conditions. These studies showed that the initial deactivation involved the conversion of the most active catalytic intermediate, RhH(CO) 2 (PR 3 ) 2 , 1 , to a less active orange dimer, [Rh(CO)(PR 3 ) 2 ] 2 , 2 , which was followed by formation of a totally inactive binuclear complex having a bridged phosphide ligand. The in situ spectra showed that when the first two complexes were observable in solution hydroformylation was facile, and when they were replaced by the phosphido complex all activity stopped. A series of hydroformylation reactions was carried out in which the triphenylphosphine ligands carried a variety of para-substituents on the phenyl rings. Deactivation was rapid when the substituents were strongly electron-donating, such as p -methoxy and p -dimethylamino.
Peer Respites: A Research and Practice Agenda

Peer respites are voluntary, short-term residential programs designed to support individuals experiencing or at risk of a psychiatric crisis. These programs posit that for many mental health services users, traditional psychiatric emergency department and inpatient hospital services are undesirable and avoidable when less coercive or intrusive community-based supports are available. Intended to provide a safe and homelike environment, peer respites are usually situated in residential neighborhoods. These programs are starting to spread across the United States, yet there is very little rigorous research on whether they are being implemented consistently across sites and which processes and outcomes may lead to benefits for persons experiencing psychiatric crises and for overburdened mental health systems. This Open Forum outlines implementation and research issues that peer respites face.
Garlic consumption and cancer prevention: meta-analyses of colorectal and stomach cancers

BACKGROUND Animal and in vitro studies have provided evidence of an anticarcinogenic effect of active ingredients in garlic. OBJECTIVE The objective was to conduct meta-analyses of the epidemiologic literature on the association between garlic consumption and risk of stomach, colon, head and neck, lung, breast, and prostate cancers. DESIGN Meta-analyses were conducted for all cancers mutually and separately for colorectal and stomach cancers in relation to consumption of exclusively raw garlic, cooked garlic, or both (RC garlic). Eighteen studies reported a relative risk estimate for RC garlic consumption and cancer risk. RESULTS In the meta-analyses of colorectal and stomach cancer, the reference categories ranged from no consumption to consumption of 3.5 g/wk, whereas the highest categories ranged from any consumption to >28.8 g/wk. The average difference between the highest and lowest categories was 16 g/wk. The random-effects relative risk (RR) estimate of colorectal cancer and RC garlic consumption, excluding garlic supplements, was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.89). For stomach cancer, the random-effects RR estimate was 0.53 (95% CI: 0.31, 0.92). The heterogeneity among studies for the latter outcome (P: = 0.0002) indicates the questionableness of the generalizability of this summary estimate. An indication of publication bias for all cancers combined is evident from a funnel plot of RC garlic consumption and cancer risk and from the results of the Begg and Mazumdar test (P: = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS High intake of RC garlic may be associated with a protective effect against stomach and colorectal cancers. Heterogeneity of effect estimates, differences in dose estimation, publication bias, and possible alternative hypotheses (eg, confounding by total vegetable consumption) preclude sole reliance on summary effect estimates.
Influence of Diesel Injection Parameters on End-of-Injection Liquid Length Recession

Diesel injection parameters effect on liquid-phase diesel spray penetration after the end-of-injection (EOI) is investigated in a constant-volume chamber over a range of ambient and injector conditions typical of a diesel engine. Our past work showed that the maximum liquid penetration length of a diesel spray may recede towards the injector after EOI at some conditions. Analysis employing a transient jet entrainment model showed that increased fuel-ambient mixing occurs during the fuel-injection-rate ramp-down as increased ambient-entrainment rates progress downstream (i.e. the entrainment wave), permitting complete fuel vaporization at distances closer to the injector than the quasi-steady liquid length. To clarify the liquid-length recession process, in this study we report Mie-scatter imaging results near EOI over a range of injection pressure, nozzle size, fuel type, and rate-of-injection shape. We then use a transient jet entrainment model for detailed analysis. Results show that an increased injection pressure correlates well with increasing liquid length recession due to an increased entrainment wave speed. Likewise, an increased nozzle size, with higher jet momentum and faster entrainment wave, enhances the liquid length recession. A low-density, high-volatility fuel does not decrease the strength of the entrainment wave; however, it decreases the steady liquid length causing the entrainmentmore » wave to reach the liquid spray tip earlier, which ultimately results in faster liquid length recession. A slow ramp down in injection rate causes a weaker entrainment wave so that the liquid length recession occurs even prior to injector close.« less
Vein wrapping at cubital tunnel for ulnar nerve problems

Background Recurrent compression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel is a difficult problem and many solutions have been tried with variable success. Autologous vein graft wrapping is an alternative technique and it is recommended for the treatment of recalcitrant ulnar nerve compression in which 2 or more previous surgical procedures have failed to resolve the problem. Methods Seventeen patients with recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome were treated with autologous saphenous vein wrapping. These patients had previously undergone simple decompression, decompression combined with medial epicondylectomy, anterior submuscular, or intramuscular transposition with internal neurolysis and had persistence of symptoms. Each patient underwent both subjective and objective evaluation. Results Our clinical results on 17 patients have been encouraging. All patients reported significant pain relief, while improvements in grip strength and 2-point discrimination were also observed. There were no complications, other than transient leg swelling secondary to harvesting the saphenous vein graft from the leg. Conclusion This technique is not technically demanding, has low donor site morbidity, and leads to pain relief and high patient satisfaction.
Distribution of fish and macrozooplankton in ice-covered and open-water areas of the eastern Bering Sea

The eastern Bering Sea shelf is a productive ecosystem with extensive commercial fisheries. Although the area is well-studied during summer months, little is known about the abundance and distribution of fish and macrozooplankton during periods of seasonal ice cover. The use of an icebreaker during the Bering Sea Ecosystem Study (BEST) provided a platform for spring acoustic surveys of fish and zooplankton in ice-covered areas for the first time. Icebreaker measurements were complemented with observations from conventional vessels during spring and summer. In spring, very little backscatter from fish (dominated by walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma) was observed in the icecovered northern areas where near-bottom waters were cold (o � 0.5 1C), including areas where walleye pollock are abundant in summer. The majority of fish were observed within 40 km (and often slightly inside) the ice edge over similar seafloor depths as in summer. Together, these observations suggest that pollock, a dominant component of the ecosystem, shift their distribution to a more restricted geographic area in spring, following the ice edge southeast along the bathymetry, away from areas of cold water and extensive ice cover, then reoccupying these areas in summer. In contrast, acoustic backscatter attributed to zooplankton (likely dominated by euphausiids) was more evenly distributed, and less restricted by water temperature and ice cover. The implications of this seasonal shift in fish distribution are uncertain, but this may affect predator–prey interactions by reducing overlap of pollock with euphausiids, an important prey source, while increasing overlap of adult and juvenile pollock and potentially increasing cannibalism. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Overview Of Process Integration Issues For Low K Dielectrics

The era of silicon Ultra-Large-Scale-Integration (ULSI) has spurred an everincreasing level of functional integration on-chip, driving a need for greater circuit density and higher performance. While traditional transistor scaling has thus far met this challenge, interconnect scaling has become the performance-limiting factor for new designs. Both interconnect resistance and capacitance play key roles in overall performance, but modeling simulations have highlighted the importance of reducing parasitic capacitance to manage crosstalk, power dissipation and RC delay. New dielectric materials with lower permittivity (k) are needed to meet this challenge. This paper summarizes the process integration and reliability issues associated with the use of novel low k materials in multilevel interconnects.
Patient self-assessment factors predictive of persistent depressive symptoms 6 months after enrollment in collaborative care management.

Background: Collaborative care management (CCM) is effective for improving depression outcomes. However, a subset of patients will still have symptoms after 6 months. This study sought to determine whether routinely obtained baseline clinical, demographic, and self-assessment variables would predict which patients endorse persistent depressive symptoms (PDS) after 6 months. By estimating the relative risk associated with the patient variables, we aimed to outline the combinations of factors predictive of PDS after CCM enrollment. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1,110 adult primary care patients with the diagnosis of major depressive disorder enrolled in a CCM program and evaluated those with PDS (defined as Patient Health Questionnaire-9score ≥10) 6 months after enrollment. Results: At baseline, an increased depression severity, worsening symptoms of generalized anxiety, an abnormal screening on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and the diagnosis of recurrent episode of depression were independent predictors of PDS. A patient with severe, recurrent depression, an abnormal MDQ screen, and severe anxiety at baseline had a predicted 42.1% probability of PDS at 6 months. In contrast, a patient with a moderate, first episode of depression, normal MDQ screen, and no anxiety symptoms had a low probability of PDS at 6.6%. Conclusions: This study identified several patient self-assessment scores and clinical diagnosis that markedly predicted the probability of PDS 6 months after diagnosis and enrollment into CCM. Knowledge of these high-risk attributes should alert the clinician to monitor select patients more closely and consider altering therapy appropriately. Depression and Anxiety
Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for patients receiving workers' compensation

Background Studies have demonstrated that receiving workers' compensation (WC) benefits can be a negative predictor of outcomes after orthopedic procedures. This study compares postoperative outcomes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) between patients receiving WC benefits and a control group that did not. Methods A cohort of 13 consecutive TSA patients with WC benefits were compared with a control group of 63 consecutive patients with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up during the same period. Patient demographics, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey scores, return to work status, and time out of work were evaluated. Results The WC TSA cohort consisted of 13 men and no women with a mean age of 55.9 years. Twelve of the 13 were laborers. The TSA control group consisted of 36 men and 27 women with a mean age of 63.2 years ( P = .01). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores at final follow-up were significantly lower in the WC cohort (73.6) compared with the control group (86.6; P = .01). However, the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey physical and mental component summary scores were not significantly different ( P = .09 and P = .6). Only 4 of the 13 WC patients returned to work. Conclusion Compared with a non-WC population, patients with WC who received an anatomic TSA are more likely to be male, younger, and a laborer. Outcomes are generally excellent and better than those of other WC shoulder surgery cohorts in the literature; however, the outcomes are relatively worse than in the non-WC TSA patients. A significant number of WC patients are unable to return to work after TSA.
Quandary at the crossroads: Paternalism versus advocacy surrounding end of treatment decisions

The moral and ethical basis for promoting the patient as ultimate decision-maker regarding his or her treatment plan is advanced. The practice implications of differing educational and historical backgrounds of physicians and nurses is addressed. Paternalism and maternalism are examined. These traditional roles are contrasted with the emerging provider role as patient advocate. Recommendations are suggested for improved physician/ nurse/patient interaction in the resolution of ethical dilemmas in a highly complex health care arena.
Grand challenge case studies in a simulation curriculum

Students wishing to become experts in modeling and simulation (M&S) need to appreciate limitations of the technology. Our goal is to expose students to the current boundaries of simulation technology. To achieve this, we propose the incorporation of grand challenge case studies into a modeling and simulation curriculum. Grand challenge problems are defined as problems for which there does not exist a universally accepted solution (at present). We argue that grand challenge case studies are an excellent vehicle for discovering and appreciating current boundaries of M&S technology. We present three candidate case studies, one in detail - the ongoing U.S. Department of Energy analysis of Yucca Mountain as a location for nuclear waste storage - with supporting discussion about how these cases can enhance exploration of the challenges in M&S technology. We discuss the proposed Yucca Mountain storage facility, along with two other case studies, and examine their integration into M&S curricula.
Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Power Devices

The present status of high-voltage power semiconductor switching devices is reviewed. The choice and design of device structures are presented. The simulated performance of the key devices in 4H-SiC is described. The progress in high-voltage power device experimental demonstration is described. The material and process technology issues that need to be addressed for device commercialization are discussed.
On the response of convectively unstable flows to oscillatory forcing with application to liquid sheets

The complete integral solution is found for the convectively unstable and oscillatory-forced linear Klein–Gordon equation as a function of spatial variable, , and time, . A comparison of the integral solution with series solutions of the Klein–Gordon equation elucidates salient features of both the transient and long-time spatially growing solutions. A rigorous method is developed for identifying the key rays associated with saddle points that can be used to characterize the transition between transient temporally growing and long-term spatially growing waves. This method effectively combines the procedure given by Gordillo & Perez-Saborid (Phys. Fluids, vol. 14, 2002, pp. 4329–4343) for determining the ray at which the forced spatial growth response affects the observed waveform and competes with the transient response, with an established methodology for identifying the leading and trailing edge rays of an impulse response. The method is applied to a linearized system describing an oscillatory-forced liquid sheet and asymptotic predictions are obtained. Series solutions are used to validate these predictions. We establish that the portion of the solution responsible for spatial growth in the signalling problem is correctly identified by Gordillo & Perez-Saborid (Phys. Fluids, vol. 14, 2002, pp. 4329–4343), and that this interpretation is in contrast with the classical literature. The approach provided here can be applied in multiple ways to study a convectively unstable oscillatory-forced medium. In cases where numerical or series solutions are readily available, the proposed method is used to extract key features of the solution. In cases where only the forced long time behaviour is needed, the dispersion relation is used to extract: (i) the time required to see the forced solution; (ii) the amplitude, phase and spatial growth of the forced solution; and (iii) the breadth of the transient.
Regulatory light chain mutations affect myosin motor function and kinetics

The actin-based motor protein myosin II plays a critical role in many cellular processes in both muscle and non-muscle cells. Targeted disruption of the Dictyostelium regulatory light chain (RLC) caused defects in cytokinesis and multicellular morphogenesis. In contrast, a myosin heavy chain mutant lacking the RLC binding site, and therefore bound RLC, showed normal cytokinesis and development. One interpretation of these apparently contradictory results is that the phenotypic defects in the RLC null mutant results from mislocalization of myosin caused by aggregation of RLC null myosin. To distinguish this from the alternative explanation that the RLC can directly influence myosin activity, we expressed three RLC point mutations (E12T, G18K and N94A) in a Dictyostelium RLC null mutant. The position of these mutations corresponds to the position of mutations that have been shown to result in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in humans. Analysis of purified Dictyostelium myosin showed that while these mutations did not affect binding of the RLC to the MHC, its phosphorylation by myosin light chain kinase or regulation of its activity by phosphorylation, they resulted in decreased myosin function. All three mutants showed impaired cytokinesis in suspension, and one produced defective fruiting bodies with short stalks and decreased spore formation. The abnormal myosin localization seen in the RLC null mutant was restored to wild-type localization by expression of all three RLC mutants. Although two of the mutant myosins had wild-type actin-activated ATPase, they produced in vitro motility rates half that of wild type. N94A myosin showed a fivefold decrease in actin-ATPase and a similar decrease in the rate at which it moved actin in vitro. These results indicate that the RLC can play a direct role in determining the force transmission and kinetic properties of myosin.
Effects of nest success and mate fidelity on breeding dispersal in a population of Snowy Plovers Charadrius nivosus

Breeding dispersal subsequent to nest failure is hypothesised to be a behavioural response to danger posed by nest predators. We used histories and locations of male and female Snowy Plover Charadrius nivosus nests in northern California over a 10-year period to examine effects of nest fate, mate fidelity, residency, predator exclosures, and age on dispersal distance. Within years, females moved a median distance of 2.2 km after changing mates; males moved a median of 0.9 km. Between years, plovers moved the shortest distances when they retained a mate from the prior year and were successful in hatching eggs (males = 0.2 km, females = 0.3 km). Both females (13.0 km) and males (2.6 km) dispersed farther when mate change coincided with nest failure in the prior year. The observation that most plovers did not disperse far enough to move away from sites where predators are abundant and have strong effects on plover reproductive success suggests that effective predator management will be challenging.
Qualitative vision-based mobile robot navigation

We present a novel, simple algorithm for mobile robot navigation. Using a teach-replay approach, the robot is manually led along a desired path in a teaching phase, then the robot autonomously follows that path in a replay phase. The technique requires a single off-the-shelf, forward-looking camera with no calibration (including no calibration for lens distortion). Feature points are automatically detected and tracked throughout the image sequence, and the feature coordinates in the replay phase are compared with those computed previously in the teaching phase to determine the turning commands for the robot. The algorithm is entirely qualitative in nature, requiring no map of the environment, no image Jacobian, no homography, no fundamental matrix, and no assumption about a flat ground plane. Experimental results demonstrate the capability of autonomous navigation in both indoor and outdoor environments, on both flat and slanted surfaces, with dynamic occluding objects, for distances over 100 m
Population consequences of maternal effects: sex-bias in egg- laying order facilitates divergence in sexual dimorphism between bird populations

When costs and benefits of raising sons and daughters differ between environments, parents may be selected to modify their investment into male and female offspring. In two recently colonized environments, breeding female house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) modified the sex and growth of their offspring in relation to the order in which eggs were laid in a clutch. Here we show that, in both populations, these maternal effects strongly biased frequency distribution of tarsus size of fully grown males and females and ultimately produced population divergence in this trait. Although in each population, male and female offspring show a wide range of growth patterns, maternal modifications of sex-ratio in relation to egg-laying order resulted in under-representation of the morphologies that were selected against and overrepresentation of morphologies that were favoured by the local selection on juveniles. The result of these maternal adjustments was fast phenotypic change in sexual size dimorphism within and between populations. Maternal manipulations of offspring morphologies may be especially important at the initial stages of population establishment in the novel environments and may have facilitated recent colonization of much of North America by the house finch.