cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic NBTI-variability aware statistical pipeline performance assessment and tuning

Random process variation and variability intrinsic to PMOS Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI-induced statistical variation) are two major reliability concerns as transistor dimensions scales with technology. Previous works have studied these two sources of variation separately at device and circuit level. We study the impact of the interaction between intrinsic PMOS NBTI variability and time0 process variability on circuit delay spread. A statistical pipeline timing error model is proposed including both the variability sources to predict its impact on pipeline stage count. It is shown that a wide difference in statistical timing response to intrinsic NBTI variability exists among different circuits. Traditional design time NBTI-aware delay guard-banding is proved to be statistically insufficient in pipelines and an excess of 2x guard-band needs to be incorporated at the end of 10 years. However, the guard-band is shown to be reduced by 30% when the dynamic cycle time stealing technique is employed.
Solubilization and purification of cytochrome 1 from Nitrosomonas.

Abstract Cytochrome a 1 was solubilized with Triton X-100 from a membrane-envelope preparation of Nitrosomonas and partially purified by repeated fractionation with (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 . The purified fraction of cytochrome a 1 was enriched over the crude extract by a factor of 16 and 300 with respect to protein and c -type cytochrome, respectively. The cytochrome was characterized as cytochrome a 1 on the basis of (a) reduced absorption maxima at 444 nm and 595 nm, (b) acid acetone extractibility and ether solubility of the heme and (c) absorption maximum of 587 nm of the ferro-hemochrome in alkaline pyridine. The α absorption band shifted from 600 nm to 595 nm upon solubilization of the cytochrome with Triton X-100. Spectral shifts were observed in the presence of cyanide and azide and the cytochrome changed with aging to a form with a reduced absorption band at 422 nm. Cytochrome a 1 was reduced anaerobically in the presence of reduced mammalian cytochrome c and was rapidly reoxidized in the presence of O 2 . CO caused a shift in the soret peak of the reduced form but did not prevent reoxidation of cytochrome a 1 in the presence of CO-O 2 (95:5, v/v). Cytochrome c oxidase activity found in the same fractions with cytochrome a 1 of Nitrosomonas was stimulated by 0.3% cholate and inhibited by 10 -5 M cyanide, 1 mM azide, 10 -5 M sulfide, 5·10 -4 M hydroxylamine and 10 -5 M diethyl dithiocarbamate. The activity was not inhibited in the presence of CO-O 2 (95:5, v/v). Hydroquinone, pyrogallol, p -phenylenediamine or 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol did not serve as electron donors for oxidase activity.
Association between distal ulnar morphology and extensor carpi ulnaris tendon pathology.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between distal ulnar morphology and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon pathology. We retrospectively reviewed 71 adult wrist MRI studies with ECU tendon pathology (tenosynovitis, tendinopathy, or tear), and/or ECU subluxation. Subjects did not have a history of trauma, surgery, infection, or inflammatory arthritis. MRI studies from 46 subjects without ECU tendon pathology or subluxation were used as controls. The following morphological parameters of the distal ulna were measured independently by two readers: ulnar variance relative to radius, ulnar styloid process length, ECU groove depth and length. Subjects and controls were compared using Student’s t test. Inter-observer agreement (ICC) was calculated. There was a significant correlation between negative ulnar variance and ECU tendon pathology (reader 1 [R1], P = 0.01; reader 2 [R2], P 0.64 for all parameters. Distal ulnar morphology may be associated with ECU tendon abnormalities.
Onthophagus pilularius and its close relatives in Sundaland: a taxonomic reappraisal (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae)

Onthophagus pilularius Lansberge, 1883, a small, poorly known scarab from Sundaland, is redescribed, and a lectotype is designated. A scrutiny of collections reputedly containing O. pilularius and/or its close relative semicupreus Harold, 1877 led to an increased taxonomic resolution, including the recognition of four new species, here described: O. danumcupreus (Malaysia: Sabah), javacupreus (Indonesia: Java), monticupreus (Malaysia: Sabah), peninsulocupreus (Peninsular Malaysia). The species are all placed in Boucomont's (1914) semicupreus group of Onthophagus Latreille, 1802, subgenus Parascatonomus Paulian, 1932. A redefinition of the O. semicupreus group, and a list of the species now included (classified into two subgroups) are given. The eight named species with a distinctly metallic forebody (here called the semicupreus subgroup) are distinguished in a key based on morphological characters, with emphasis on the structure of the aedeagus. Published records of species in the O. semicupreus subgroup require revision on the basis of the present reappraisal. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
1211 THE EFFECT OF FETAL INSULINOPENIA ON FETAL GLUCOSE AND OXYGEN METABOLISM

To measure the effect of a reduction of insulin concentration on ovine fetal glucose and oxygen metabolism, we measured glucose (G), insulin (I), oxygen (O2) concentrations (n=11), oxygen (O2Up) and glucose (GUp) uptakes from the placenta (n=11), glucose production (GPr) and utilization (GUt) (n=10), and glucose oxidation (GOx)(n=8) rates before and after reducing fetal insulin concentration with streptozotocin. These results demonstrate that a reduction in fetal insulin concentration results in: reduced fetal glucose utilization (p< 0.05) accounted for by a fall in both glucose oxidation (0.91 mg/min/kg) and the disposal of glucose by non-oxidative pathways (0.44 mg/min/kg); increased fetal endogenous glucose production (p< 0.01) producing hyperglycemia; and reduced fetal glucose uptake from the placenta (p < 0.001). Thus the basal level of insulin suppresses fetal endogenous glucose production, increases glucose utilization, decreases fetal glucose concentration, and increases fetal glucose uptake from the placenta.
Sib Group Therapy: A Prevention Program for Siblings from Drug-Addicted Families

To prevent drug abuse among younger siblings of addicted adolescents, weekly group therapy sessions were implemented at a suburban therapeutic drug community. The concept evolved as an outgrowth of family therapy which revealed that inter-generational addictive patterns might impose a high future risk of similar behavior among latency age children. Results after 18 months indicate that although severe group acting-out behavior has diminished, underlying psychodynamics appear somewhat unchanged. Some evidence of experimentation with alcohol has emerged. Conclusions are that superego development is still impoverished but the tenacity of the group's existence provides positive speculations of ultimate success.
Dopamine agonist-induced stereotypic grooming and self-mutilation following striatal dopamine depletion.

Rats with bilateral 6-OHDA-induced striatal lesions exhibit altered apomorphine-induced behavior compared to the typical response seen in intact rats. This response is characterized by stereotypic grooming behavior which is transformed to compulsive and intense biting at higher doses. Other agonists, pergolide, bromocriptine, N-n-propylnorapomorphine and L-dopa/carbidoa, caused the same response. Direct intrastriatal infusion of apomorphine after 6-OHDA-induced lesions of the striata also produced this response, while similar SKF 38393 infusion caused more licking than biting, directed at the abdomen instead of the forepaws. The dopamine receptor antagonists haloperidol, SCH 23390 and sulpiride effectively blocked apomorphine-induced behaviors in dopamine-depleted animals. This altered behavior was not observed in rats with dopamine depletion in nucleus accumbens (NAS), nor did additional NAS lesions in rats with existing striatal lesions affect the behavior. Further, high doses of apomorphine (up to 60 mg/kg) failed to induce stereotypic grooming in unlesioned rats. We therefore propose that altered apomorphine-induced behavior is a unique consequence of striatal dopamine depletion and not just an intense form of normal stereotypic activity.
Three-dimensional study of cylindrical morphology in a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer

Abstract When a block copolymer undergoes microphase separation, well ordered microstructures result which give the copolymer unique thermal and mechanical properties. In relating these properties quantitatively to the microstructure, and in devising models for the phase separation, theoreticians have always invoked highly idealized structural elements. However, variations in the actual microstructure may also play a significant role in these properties, so we describe here a method for highly detailed examination of these elements. By using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we have obtained projections of a styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer (30 wt% styrene) at tilt angles ranging from −61.5° to +48.5° in 5° increments. Applying a filtered back-projection reconstruction method to this set of tilted projections yielded a three-dimensional view of the polymer, revealing two different types of structures. The first type resembled cylinders in hexagonal packing with some deviations from geometric ideality. In these cases, the microstructures were found to extend through the thickness of the TEM sample (approximately 36 nm) and were oriented normal to the surface. In the second type of structure, globules of polystyrene were observed in a clearly non-equilibrium condition. Qualitative information concerning the evolutionary process of cylindrical domain formation was obtained from the shapes of these globules.
Multiplexed Detection and Characterization of Rare Tumor Cells in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with Multicolor Quantum Dots

The multicolor and multiplexing capabilities of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are most promising for improving the sensitivity and specificity of in vitro molecular and cellular diagnostics. Here, we report the use of multiplexed QDs and wavelength-resolved imaging to detect and characterize a class of low-abundant tumor cells in Hodgkin's lymphoma. Known as the Hodgkin's and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells, this class of malignant cells is a pathological hallmark in clinical diagnosis, but it comprises only about 1% of the heterogeneous infiltrating cells in lymph node tissues. To overcome this cellular heterogeneity and rarity problem, we have developed multicolor QD-antibody conjugates to simultaneously detect a panel of four protein biomarkers (CD15, CD30, CD45, and Pax5) directly on human tissue biopsies. This multiplexing approach allows rapid detection and differentiation of rare HRS cells from infiltrating immune cells such as T and B lymphocytes. We have also carried out clinical translation studies involving six confirmed Hodgkin's lymphoma patients, two suspicious lymphoma cases, and two patients with reactive lymph nodes (but not lymphoma). The results indicate that a distinct QD staining pattern (CD15 positive, CD30 positive, CD45 negative, and Pax5 positive) can be used to not only detect Hodgkin's lymphoma but also differentiate it from benign lymphoid hyperplasia.
Being Irrelevant: How Library Data Interchange Standards Have Kept Us Off the Internet

Column Editor's Note. This JLA column posits that academic libraries and their services are dominated by information technologies, and that the success of librarians and professional staff is conti...
Stability and change in levels and structure of subjective well-being: USA 1972 and 1988

It has long been recognized that more needs to be known about the dynamic behavior of measures of subjective well-being. As the Social Indicators Movement matures, it becomes possible to explore issues of stability and change in measures of perceived life quality. To contribute to this research need, this paper reports results of administering similar measures of subjective well-being to several representative samples of the adult American population assessed 16 years apart — in 1972 and in 1988. Results show that in the United States, which has experienced reasonably continuous economic prosperity and no major social disruptions during these 16 years, thestructure of the subjective well-being measures (i.e. how they relate to one another and how concern-level measures predict global-level measures) has remained remarkably constant. This is in accord with expectation and enhances confidence in the validity and usefulness of the measures. Changes were found in thelevels of some of the measures: For the total population, feelings about life-as-a-whole, oneself, and one's own health became notably more positive; evaluations of own income and the national government also gained; but assessments of one's own family life, social relationships, community, and job remained fairly stable. Some of these gross changes were general throughout the population, but others occurred only for certain age, racial, or socioeconomic groups. Younger cohorts and people with higher educations and incomes showed more gains in subjective well-being than other groups.
A Note on the Zeta Function of a Graph

The number of spanning trees in a finite graph is first expressed as the derivative (at 1) of a determinant and then in terms of a zeta function. This generalizes a result of Hashimoto to non-regular graphs.
Peer-to-peer research at Stanford

n this paper we present recent and ongoing research projects of the Peers research group at Stanford University.
Ghosts of Managers Past: Managerial Succession and Organizational Mortality

This study investigated the effects of managerial succession on organizational mortality, applying dynamic models to longitudinal data and exploring the impact of succession over time. The model in...
Improving agility of supply chains using base stock model and computer based simulations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to deal with the application of the stochastic inventory model to the three‐tier supply chain and verify the values obtained by mathematical model in physical simulation.Design/methodology/approach – The paper investigates three‐stage serial supply chain with stochastic demand and fixed replenishment lead‐time. Inventory holding costs are charged at each stage, and each stage may incur a consumer backorder penalty cost charged by primary supplier to secondary supplier. The customer‐demand follows Poisson distribution. The base stock model is implemented for inventory control at both suppliers. Physical simulation is then designed in such a way that it satisfies all the assumptions for mathematical model. Simulation is run to verify the values obtained from mathematical model.Findings – Computer simulation is designed to include all the assumptions made by mathematical model. Hence, mathematical base stock model and computer simulation model are comparable. Demand fol...
Evidentiary challenges in comparative effectiveness research

“What healthcare treatment works best, for whom, and under what circumstances?” is the central question of comparative effectiveness research (CER). This paper first defines CER, and then briefly discusses its policy origins, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), and the relationship of CER to other evidence-based medicine approaches. PCORI methodology standards for the conduct of CER are described. Specific evidentiary challenges including the need to include observational data, and assess heterogeneity of treatment effects, are identified. The last section of this paper focuses on how evidence from a systematic review, a common study design in CER, is interpreted for decision-making. Methods for assessing the strength of evidence across a group of studies are described. These assessments are used for decisions at the individual patient level as well as the public health perspective, for example to determine clinical practice guidelines. The challenges inherent in these methods are presented, along with the results from a reliability study. The implications for CER decisions and decision-makers are important to consider.
Crisis rhetoric: Coercion vs. force

Conceiving coercion as a rhetorical strategy requires that it be distinguished from force and identified instead as symbolic action having a persuasive function. Coercion then can be distinguished from noncoercive strategies in its aim, to induce “reasonable” compliance on “unreasonable” grounds chiefly by means of virtual experience of impending disaster. Theories that equate coercion with force implicitly confuse symbols with signals, ignoring the symbolic and creative source of its power and its limitations.
A diagnostic approach to developmental specific learning disorders.

Children and adolescents who are not doing well in school are often referred to physicians for evaluation. Many of these children have average or above-average intelligence but are academically frustrated, low achievers. Parents state that although they are convinced that their child is bright, he or she does not seem to learn, and does not behave acceptably in school and at home. Results of the usual pediatric and neurologic examinations are frequently unrevealing. In evaluating children who are doing poorly in school, the clinician must determine whether the child has a developmental specific learning disorder and whether primary affective illness, disturbed vigilance, or hyperactivity complicates the picture. Children who are intelligent but failing in school frequently manifest either one or several of these conditions. Although there are reasonably well-established criteria for affective illness in children, clinically useful criteria for evaluating the variety of childhood learning problems have not...
Interval estimation in calibration models : an application of fieller' theorem

In this note we demonstrate how Fieller' theorem may be used to provide interval estimates for calibrated data obtained using the classical calibration method. Using a matrix formulation of teh general linear model, it is sraightforward to incorporate extensions to the univariate, multiple regression setting. The results provided are easily programmed in a matrix-based language such as GAUSS.
Identification of a novel Vamp1 splice variant in the cochlear nucleus.

Cochlear nucleus neurons propagate auditory impulses to higher brain stem centers at rapid firing rates with high fidelity. Intrinsic to synaptic transmission are the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins engaged in vesicle fusion, release and recycling. Herein we report a novel splice variant of the SNARE protein Vamp1 (vesicle-associated membrane protein 1) within the cochlear nucleus. We previously demonstrated, through serial analysis of gene expression and microarray studies, that Vamp1 is differentially expressed among the subdivisions of the rat cochlear nucleus. The 3′ end of this transcript, however, was poorly characterized and we could not initially confirm our findings. In this study, we designed RT-PCR primers using conserved 5′ regions and the mouse 3′ domain to validate the expression of Vamp1. Several species of Vamp1 were subsequently amplified from a rat brain cDNA library including a full length clone of Vamp1as and a novel splice variant we termed Vamp1nv. Using regional brain libraries Vamp1nv showed expression in the medulla and lack of expression in the cortex, cerebellum and thalamus. Expression of Vamp1nv was further confirmed and characterized by RT-PCR and real-time PCR in each of the cochlear nucleus subdivisions. The predicted protein sequence for Vamp1nv demonstrates a unique modification of the carboxy-terminal end of the protein as compared to known variants. This includes the appearance of two intra-vesicular serine residues with high predicted potential as kinase phosphorylation sites. Such splice variants of Vamp1 may alter the kinetics of SNARE complex formation and vesicle release and impart unique features to expressing neurons. This may be important for central auditory function and contribute to the distinct physiological properties observed in auditory neurons.
Microstructure Analysis of the Intermetallic Diffusion-Induced Alloy Phases in Composite Pd/Ag/Porous Stainless Steel Membranes

The surface interactions and associated phase changes of the annealed electroless plated Pd and Ag on porous stainless steel (PSS) supports were investigated in the temperature range of 500−800 °C....
On the Carbon Dioxide–Climate Confusion

Abstract A number of estimates of global surface temperature sensitivity to a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide to 600 ppm are collected here and critically reviewed. The assumptions and formulations that lead to differences between certain models' estimates are explained in some detail. Based on current understanding of climate theory and modeling it is concluded that a state-of-the-art order-of-magnitude estimate for the global surface temperature increase from a doubling of atmospheric C02 content is between 1.5 and 3 K with an amplification of the global average increase in polar zones. It is pointed out, however, that this estimate may prove to be high or low by several-fold as a result of climatic feedback mechanisms not properly accounted for in state-of-the-art models.
An Automated Beam Measurement System

A cost effective approach to accurate, automated Gaussian beam diameter measurements is described. The measurement system uses an inexpensive computer and interfacing to a moving slit beam scanner. The software is written in Basic and machine language. The choice of using either language at any point of the program is based on tradeoffs between speed and instruction compactness in memory. The operator is allowed to make other tradeoffs at data taking time. The algorithm, which interprets intensity data from the beam scanner, gives a beam diameter measurement that is invariant to ambient light and d.c. offsets in the electronic circuitry and is relatively immune to noise. Factors that influence the choice of program flow and hardware configuration are discussed. The choice is optimized for an operator who expects fast, reliable and accurate measurements from a simple and inexpensive measurement system.
The Milwaukee Inventory for Styles of Trichotillomania-Child Version (MIST-C): initial development and psychometric properties

This article describes the development and initial psychometric properties of the Milwaukee Inventory for Styles of Trichotillomania-Child Version (MIST-C), a self-report scale designed to assess styles of hair pulling in children and adolescents diagnosed with trichotillomania (TTM). Using Internet sampling procedures, the authors recruited 164 parent-child dyads, the children of whom met modified diagnostic criteria for TTM. The MIST-C was administered in the context of a larger survey examining functional impairment experienced by children with TTM. Results of an exploratory factor analysis on MIST-C items revealed a two-factor solution. Factors 1 ("focused" pulling scale) and 2 ("automatic" pulling scale) consisted of 21 and 4 items, respectively, with both scales demonstrating acceptable internal consistency and good construct and discriminant validity. The development of the MIST-C provides researchers with a reliable and valid assessment of "automatic" and "focused" pulling, and provides a means by which to examine the developmental trajectory and treatment implications of these pulling styles.
Can electronic monitoring reduce crime for moderate to high-risk offenders?

Electronic monitoring (EM) of offenders has been in use for just over two decades and motives for using it remain diverse. Some agencies that use EM attempt to deliver humane and affordable sanctions while others seek to relieve jail crowding or to avoid the construction of new jails. Nonetheless, all EM programs aim to suppress the criminal behavior of offenders being monitored and its advocates have always hoped EM could be instrumental in reducing long-term recidivism. This review investigates the history of EM and the extent to which EM empirically affects criminal behavior in moderate to high-risk populations. All available recidivism studies that included at least one comparison group between the first impact study in 1986 and 2002 were considered for the review. Although variants such as GPS tracking and continuous testing for alcohol in perspiration have recently emerged, no studies of these technologies were found that met the review’s inclusion criteria. Studies are examined and combined for meta-analysis where appropriate. Given its continued and widespread use and the dearth of reliable information about its effects, the authors conclude that applications of EM as a tool for reducing crime are not supported by existing data. Properly controlled experiments would be required to draw stronger conclusions about the effects of EM.
Role and Interpersonal Style as Components of Social Interaction

Twenty pairs of students role-played a situation in which one friend discovered the other making harmful comments about him to a third party. When completed, the same scene was role-played again but with role assignments reversed. Interaction was analysed by means of ratings of altercasting patterns. Significant correlations between assigned role and dimensions of altercasting were found. It was also possible to identify significant components of interpersonal style across roles. Correlations between members of the dyad showed high complementarity in altercasting patterns. Interpersonal tension was resolved chiefly by the re-establishment of exchange of assistance from offender to offended.
Joint angle and delay estimation for DS-CDMA with application to reduced dimension space-time RAKE receivers

In this paper, we propose an algorithm for joint estimation of the angle of arrival (AOA) and delay of each dominant multipath for the desired user for use in a reduced dimension space-time RAKE receiver for DS-CDMA communications that is "near-far" resistant. After we estimate the desired spatio-frequency signal vector, we propose the 2D unitary ESPRIT algorithm as our estimator which provides closed-form as well as automatically paired AOA-delay estimates. We effectively have a single snapshot of 2D data and thus require 2D smoothing for extracting multiple snapshots. The comparative performance of two 2D smoothing schemes, pre-eigenanalysis and post-eigenanalysis 2D smoothing, is discussed. The space-time data model for the IS-95 uplink is presented. The performance of a reduced dimension space-time RAKE receiver for the IS-95 uplink using the AOA-delay estimates is assessed through Monte-Carlo simulations.
Radiation effects predicted, observed, and compared for spacecraft systems

This paper documents radiation effects observed in selected spacecraft at the system and subsystem levels, and where possible, relates them to predicted radiation effects in parts. Comparisons are also made as functions of design paradigm, assurance philosophy, and the vintage and complexity of the parts and the system.
Computer activities, physical exercise, aging, and mild cognitive impairment: a population-based study.

Objective To examine the association between computer use, physical exercise, aging, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Requirement of a Tha4-conserved transmembrane glutamate in thylakoid Tat translocase assembly revealed by biochemical complementation

The thylakoid Tat system employs three membrane components and the pH gradient to transport folded proteins. The translocase is signal-assembled, i.e. a receptor complex containing cpTatC and Hcf106 binds the precursor protein, and upon membrane energization, Tha4 is recruited to the precursor-receptor complex to effect translocation. We developed a two-step complementation assay to examine the implied central role of Tha4 in translocation. The first step results in the inactivation of endogenous Tha4 with specific antibodies. The second step involves integrating exogenous Tha4 and presenting the system with precursor protein. We verified this approach by confirming the results obtained recently with the Escherichia coli Tha4 ortholog TatA, i.e. that the carboxyl terminus is dispensable and the amphipathic helix essential for transport. We then investigated a conserved Tha4 transmembrane glutamate in detail. Substitution of glutamate 10 with alanine, glutamine, and even aspartate largely eliminated the ability of Tha4 to complement transport, whereas a conservative substitution elsewhere in the transmembrane domain was without effect. Chemical cross-linking assays showed that the mutated Tha4s failed to be recruited to the receptor complex under transport conditions, indicating a role for the transmembrane glutamate in translocase assembly. This assay promises an avenue into understanding the role of Tha4 in both the assembly and translocation steps of the Tat translocase.
One-parameter camera calibration for traffic management cameras

Assuming a standard pinhole camera model, we show that there is a calibrating "scale factor" and a simple formula that relates the change in distance along a line parallel to the highway direction to a change in the image vertical coordinate. Using this scale factor, we can estimate vehicle speeds by tracking vehicle images in successive time-tagged images.
Eliminating-highest-error and fastest-metric-descent criteria and iterative algorithms for bit-synchronous CDMA multiuser detection

In this paper, the approach of iterative, metric descent algorithms to bit-synchronous CDMA multiuser detection is proposed. An iterative algorithm in the sequential flip mode is presented. Then the fastest-metric-descent (FMD) and eliminating-highest-error (EHE) criteria are proposed for the determination of the bit to be flipped at each time. The FMD criterion achieves the largest amount of metric descent at each bit flip, while the EHE criterion achieves the highest probability that the bit flip is correct. In perfect power control, the FMD and EHE criteria are equivalent. Two algorithms under the FMD and EHE criteria are proposed for matched filter outputs. The EHE based algorithm for decorrelating noise whitening filter outputs is also proposed. It is shown that in a finite number of bit flips the proposed four algorithms converge to fixed points. It is also shown that these fixed points are local minimum points of the metric, and vice versa. When a user is strong enough, it approaches the single user bound. If the signature waveforms are orthogonal, all users achieve the single user bound. Simulation results show that the FMD and EHE based algorithms have improved performance. The proposed algorithms are attractive in the near-far situation. They have linear computational complexity per demodulated bit in the number of users and are suitable for implementation in Hopfield neural networks for fast parallel computation.
Verifying SPICE results with hand calculations: handling common discrepancies

Students enrolled in a capstone design course on analog integrated circuits often encounter calculational difficulties when they attempt to verify key circuit parameters predicted by computer simulations using SPICE. Discrepancies between their hand calculations and SPICE values sometimes exceed 200%. This paper reviews some commonly encountered discrepancies, describes major causes of significant errors, and offers solutions that have been found to be effective. In particular, this paper discusses the impacts of variable transistor current gains (/spl beta//sub ac/ and /spl beta//sub dc/) on AC gain, input impedance, and quiescent point (Q point) determination. Since realistic computer simulations depend on realistic numerical models of active devices, SPICE parameters that realistically model BJTs, JFETs, and MOSFETs are given. The paper also discusses the large discrepancies typically found when calculating the output resistance (R/sub out/) of a Class AB push-pull stage operating near 0 VDC, the common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of an actively loaded differential stage, and the frequency response of an internally compensated op amp circuit. Lastly, suggestions and recommendations for avoiding many calculational pitfalls also are presented. >
Bipolarity, Multipolarity, and Domestic Political Systems

Domestic factors have become increasingly important with the erosion of bipolarity in international relations. Together with the transnationalization of the world economy and civil society, this change has weakened the state apparatus: and yet the latter is expected to act more effectively for domestic and global governance. The ensuing dilemma of state action is particularly acute in countries like Italy and Japan, where the alliance relationship with the United States has been propped up by conservative political parties. In socialist countries the bipolar international order was closely associated with the one-party state. The lack of accountability by governments in East and West has not been replaced by a new democracy, but rather by a new political volatility reflected in changing coalitions and populist policies. Political imperatives of the Cold War are about to be replaced by the imperatives of the market place. This in turn requires that peace and war issues be analyzed in a new key.
Bacterial Release of Dissolved Organic Matter During Cell Growth and Decline: Molecular Origin and Composition

Heterotrophic bacterial growth and the chemical composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) produced by bacteria from freshwater and marine environments were monitored during experiments with artificial media containing glucose as the sole carbon source. Glucose was quickly consumed, and DOM was released during bacterial growth. Percentages of extracellular release of DOM from bacteria ranged from 14% to 31%, indicating that bacterial production and growth efficiency are underestimated when only cellular carbon is measured. Relatively high concentrations of D-alanine (D-Ala) were observed in DOM released during exponential growth, whereas the concentrations of muramic acid and other D-amino acid components of peptidoglycan were not detected or were in low concentration. The selective release of D-Ala occurred during cell growth and division when peptidoglycan is cleaved and newly synthesized subunits are incorporated into the cell wall via transpeptidation. Most of the D-Ala released during exponential growth was rapidly consumed. Following exponential growth, bacterial abundance decreased due to grazing and possibly viral lysis. The DOM remaining in the incubations after one or more months included a mixture of D-amino acids commonly found in peptidoglycan and the amino sugars glucosamine and galactosamine, which were highly resistant to decomposition. The percentage of D-amino acids was much higher in DOM than in cells due to the preferential release of D-amino acids and decomposition of L-amino acids. The final concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) ranged from 20 to 30 mmol L21 regardless of the initial concentration of glucose or the source of inoculum. The observed
Child Advocacy and Family Privacy.

The paper is addressed to the proposition that the current norm of privacy surrounding child-rearing practices should be shifted in the direction of greater openness and freer communication. The rationale for this proposal is considered in terms of society's responsibility toward the child and in terms of current psychological and legal views of the function of privacy. It is suggested that the degree of extant physical and psychological child abuse coupled with the isolation of the nuclear family make it imperative that both parents and the community have an opportunity for a dialogue in regard to socialization strategies, particularly methods of discipline. A voluntary mechanism is described to accomplish this limited objective while leaving intact privacy boundaries necessary to protect family intimacy, communication, and autonomy.
The ordination of bioethicists as secular moral experts.

The philosophy of medicine cum bioethics has become the socially recognized source for moral and epistemic direction in health-care decision-making. Over the last three decades, this field has been accepted politically as an authorized source of guidance for policy and law. The field's political actors have included the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research (hereinafter, “the President's Commission”), the National Bioethics Advisory Commission, and the new (2001) Council on Bioethics; these groups and agencies have (or will) set forth rules on issues ranging from the role of humans in biomedical research to the production of human embryos for research, the definition of death, and the permissibility of human cloning. The members of the field are not just scholars and teachers in an academic realm directed to both theoretical and applied issues. They are, in addition, practitioners of a conceptual and moral trade that possesses a legal and political standing. This essay critically addresses the sudden emergence of bioethics as a societally recognized source of moral guidance, a source replete with authorized moral experts. Attention is directed to moral and conceptual assumptions that have led the philosophy of medicine, and especially bioethics, to acquire a quasi-juridical/political role in guiding clinical choices, framing health-care policy, and directing court holdings.
ORAL TOLERANCE FOR THE TREATMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

Orally administered autoantigens suppress autoimmunity in animal models, including experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, collagen and adjuvant-induced arthritis, uveitis, and diabetes in the non-obese diabetic mouse. Low doses of oral antigen induce antigen-specific regulatory T-cells in the gut, which act by releasing inhibitory cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta, interleukin-4, and interleukin-10 at the target organ. Thus, one can suppress inflammation at a target organ by orally administering an antigen derived from the site of inflammation, even if it is not the target of the autoimmune response. Initial human trials of orally administered antigen have shown positive findings in patients with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III multi-center trial of oral myelin in 515 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients is in progress, as are phase II clinical trials investigating the oral administration of type II collagen in rheumatoid arthritis, S-antigen in uveitis, and insulin in type I diabetes.
Early detection of rejection and assessment of cyclosporine therapy by 111In antimyosin imaging in mouse heart allografts.

BACKGROUND. Mice (n = 58) with abdominal heterotopic heart transplants were studied to examine the effectiveness of 111In-labeled antimyosin scintigraphy in the detection of rejection and to determine the consequence of cyclosporine therapy on the results. METHODS AND RESULTS. Allografts from B10D2 donors were transplanted into B6AF1 recipients. Of the 49 allografted mice, 19 were treated with cyclosporine (15 mg/kg.day). Nine isografted mice served as controls. Scintigraphy was performed by injecting 100 muCi 111In antimyosin monoclonal antibody 2-15 days after transplantation. An increase in the ratio of percent dose of antimyosin injected per gram (% dose/g) of the grafted heart (G) to that of the autologous heart (A) (G/A) as well as the increasing percent dose per gram of antimyosin in the grafts reflected the severity of histopathological rejection regardless of the presence or absence of cyclosporine. Scintigraphic images demonstrated unequivocally intense accumulation of 111In in rejected allografts as confirmed by histologically demonstrable myocyte necrosis. The G/A ratio in allografted mice with mildly deteriorated mechanical activity (4.2 +/- 1.0, mean +/- SD) was greater than that in mice with normal contractility (1.8 +/- 0.7) (p less than 0.001), and the necrosis correlated with this modest decline in mechanical function could be scintigraphically identified. Of mice with normally contracting allografts, the G/A ratio was greater in animals with demonstrated myocyte necrosis (2.6 +/- 0.5) than in those without necrosis (1.5 +/- 0.5) (p less than 0.001). In contrast, isografted mice or a subset of allografted mice treated with cyclosporine and not showing evidence of rejection did not manifest any significant change in G/A ratio, nor did they have scintigrams positive for rejection as late as 15 days after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS. These findings suggest that antimyosin scintigraphy is a sensitive and early indicator of cardiac transplant rejection and that it could be useful as a noninvasive method for assessing the efficacy of cyclosporine treatment.
Coalition formation in multi-agent systems based on bottlenose dolphin alliances

Male bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, found off the coast of Western Australia and Florida, often form varied levels of alliances to capture females and increase their chances of mating. One such alliance, known as the first-order alliance, consists of 2–3 dolphins that share a very strong “bond”, formally known as the Association coefficient in behavioral biology. We formalize factors that affect the coefficient, and analyze their influence in building alliances in the context of multi-agent coalition formation. We produce a model of the first-order alliance as a hybrid automaton, based solely on local information evolving over spatially defined interaction topologies, where the model is expressive enough to capture the biological phenomenon, yet simple enough to derive results through analysis.
Colorectal Liver Metastases: State of the Art Imaging

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death with mortality determined predominately by metastatic involvement of the liver. Treatment of liver metastases continues to evolve and imaging plays an essential role in initial staging, preoperative planning, and treatment monitoring. This review article discusses the current role of imaging in the management of patients with colorectal liver metastases. Particular challenges such as hepatic steatosis, disappearing metastases, and following treated lesions are addressed.
Nephrologists’ Professional Ethics in Dialysis Practices

Although the number of incidents is unknown, professional quality-oriented renal organizations have become aware of an increased number of complaints regarding nephrologists who approach patients with the purpose of influencing patients to change nephrologists or dialysis facilities (hereinafter referred to as patient solicitation). This development prompted the Forum of ESRD Networks and the Renal Physicians Association to publish a policy statement on professionalism and ethics in medical practice as these concepts relate to patient solicitation. Also common but not new is the practice of nephrologists trying to recruit their own patients to a new dialysis unit in which they have a financial interest. This paper presents two illustrative cases and provides an ethical framework for analyzing patient solicitation and physician conflict of interest. This work concludes that, in the absence of objective data that medical treatment is better elsewhere, nephrologists who attempt to influence patients to change nephrologists or dialysis facilities fall short of accepted ethical standards pertaining to professional conduct, particularly with regard to the physician-patient relationship, informed consent, continuity of care, and conflict of interest.
Impact of ICD Battery Longevity on Need for Device Replacements—Insights from a Veterans Affairs Database

Background: The number of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) replacements is increasing, which adds to patient risk and costs. Objectives: To understand the impact of increasing ICD longevity on need for replacements, costs, and some of the risks. Methods: Using the Veterans Affairs records, veterans with ICD implants between June 1992 and April 2007 and dead as of April 2009 were identified. Data were obtained by retrospective records review. The longevity of each ICD was the duration from implant to explant. For each ICD, the longevity needed to avoid one replacement was defined as longevity of that ICD plus the longevity of the subsequent ICD. Results: The study cohort had 164 patients with 301 ICD implants. Ninety-two patients had at least one ICD replacement. Two patients were excluded for missing data. Twenty-seven patients had an ICD explanted for reasons other than battery depletion. Sixty-three patients received 83 ICDs for battery depletion alone. Among 27 patients who had ICD replacements for other reasons, four patients may have avoided a device infection related to ICD replacement if the initial ICD had lasted 7 years. If all ICDs had lasted 5, 7, or 9 years, then 26%, 58%, and 84% of patients, respectively, would not have needed an ICD replacement. Also 17, 37, and 53 ICD replacements, respectively, would have been avoided, saving US$314,500–US$980,500 over 15 years at 2005 Medicare re-imbursement rates. Conclusions: Prolongation of battery life to 7 or 9 years is important to reduce patient risks and decrease costs. (PACE 2010; 33:314–319)
Characterizations and Correlations of Wall Shear Stress in Aneurysmal Flow

Wall shear stress (WSS) is one of the most studied hemodynamic parameters, used in correlating blood flow to various diseases. The pulsatile nature of blood flow, along with the complex geometries of diseased arteries, produces complicated temporal and spatial WSS patterns. Moreover, WSS is a vector, which further complicates its quantification and interpretation. The goal of this study is to investigate WSS magnitude, angle, and vector changes in space and time in complex blood flow. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was chosen as a setting to explore WSS quantification. Patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed in six AAAs. New WSS parameters are introduced, and the pointwise correlation among these, and more traditional WSS parameters, was explored. WSS magnitude had positive correlation with spatial/temporal gradients of WSS magnitude. This motivated the definition of relative WSS gradients. WSS vectorial gradients were highly correlated with magnitude gradients. A mix WSS spatial gradient and a mix WSS temporal gradient are proposed to equally account for variations in the WSS angle and magnitude in single measures. The important role that WSS plays in regulating near wall transport, and the high correlation among some of the WSS parameters motivates further attention in revisiting the traditional approaches used in WSS characterizations.