cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Fluorescein Angiography in National Collaborative Studies

Over the past 20 years, fluorescein angiography has demonstrated its value in the diagnosis and management of most diseases of the retinal vessels and choroidal vessels, including diabetic retinopathy, aging macular degeneration, and venous occlusive disorders. Fluorescein angiography has become so important for diagnostic purposes and for laser management that it has become a standard technique in the authors' most carefully performed clinical research studies such as randomized clinical trials. These clinical trials demand fluorescein angiography not only for diagnosis and eligibility of patients, but also to document the adequacy of laser photocoagulation. The use of fluorescein angiography has encouraged the development of newer photographic techniques and has encouraged a commendable level of expertise among photographers. Experience with fluorescein angiography in clinical trials has led to the development of general guidelines for the use of angiography for the management of patients outside the confines of a clinical trial; we emphasize the importance of recent angiography as a general guideline for all patients with macular edema or choroidal neovascularization before consideration of laser photocoagulation.
Self-Regulatory Resources Power the Reflective System: Evidence From Five Domains

In this commentary, I focus on the deficiencies in the reflective-impulsive model (RIM) by Strack, Werth, and Deutsch (2006) in terms of understanding the mechanics of the reflective system. Strack et al. outlined the cognitive architecture of the consumer with the RIM but failed to specify how its most impressive feature, the reflective system, is powered. Drawing on the literature on self-regulation (as a reconceptualization of RIM incompatibility), I argue that self-regulatory resources drive the reflective system. Research from 5 domains—overeating among dieters, impulsive spending, logical thinking, making choices, and subjective perceptions of duration—supports this hypothesis.
Silicon delays Tobacco ringspot virus systemic symptoms in Nicotiana tabacum

Soluble silicon (Si) provides protection to plants against a variety of abiotic and biotic stress. However, the effects of Si on viral infections are largely unknown. To investigate the role of Si in viral infections, hydroponic studies were conducted in Nicotiana tabacum with two pathogens: Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Plants grown in elevated Si showed a delay in TRSV systemic symptom formation and a reduction in symptomatic leaf area, compared to the non-supplemented controls. TRSV-infected plants showed significantly higher levels of foliar Si compared to mock-inoculated plants. However, the Si effect appeared to be virus-specific, since the element did not alter TMV symptoms nor did infection by this virus alter foliar Si levels. Hence, increased foliar Si levels appear to correlate with Si-modulated protection against viral infection. This is all the more intriguing since N. tabacum is classified as a low Si accumulator.
China's "tidal wave" of migrant labor: what can we learn from Mexican undocumented migration to the United States?

The purpose of this article is to place Chinese labor migration from agriculture within the context of the literature on labor mobility in developing countries by comparing it to undocumented Mexican migration to the United States. The similarities fall within three general areas: the migration process the economic and social position of migrants at their destination and the agrarian structure and process of agricultural development that has perpetuated circular migration. The last section of the article draws upon these similarities as well as differences between the two countries to generate predictions concerning the development of labor migration in China. (EXCERPT)
Dynamic plasticity and fracture in high density polycrystals: constitutive modeling and numerical simulation

Abstract Presented is a constitutive framework for modeling the dynamic response of polycrystalline microstructures, posed in a thermodynamically consistent manner and accounting for finite deformation, strain rate dependence of flow stress, thermal softening, thermal expansion, heat conduction, and thermoelastic coupling. Assumptions of linear and square-root dependencies, respectively, of the stored energy and flow stresses upon the total dislocation density enable calculation of the time-dependent fraction of plastic work converted to heat energy. Fracture at grain boundary interfaces is represented explicitly by cohesive zone models. Dynamic finite element simulations demonstrate the influences of interfacial separation, random crystallographic orientation, and grain morphology on the high-rate tensile response of a realistic two-phase material system consisting of comparatively brittle pure tungsten (W) grains embedded in a more ductile matrix of tungsten–nickel iron (W–Ni–Fe) alloy. Aspects associated with constitutive modeling of damage and failure in the homogenized material system are discussed in light of the computational results.
Transplacental mutagenicity of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea at the hprt locus in T-lymphocytes of exposed B6C3F1 mice.

Previous studies have compared age-related differences in total mutagenic burden in mice of differing age (preweanling, weanling, or young adult) after single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of ethylnitrosourea (ENU). The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effects of time elapsed since treatment on the frequency of hprt mutant T-cells (Mf) from mice treated transplacentally with single acute vs. multiple split doses of ENU. To this end, pregnant C57BL/6 mice (n = 13–16/group), which had been bred to C3H males, were given i.p. injections of 40 mg ENU/kg bw in a single dose on day 18 of gestation, in a split dose of 6 mg ENU/kg bw on days 12 through 18 of gestation, or DMSO vehicle alone. Groups of pups were necropsied on days 10, 13, 15 (single dose only), 17, 20, 40, and 70 postpartum for T-cell isolations and hprt Mf measurements using the T-cell cloning assay. The time required to reach maximum Mfs in T-cells isolated from thymus of transplacentally treated animals was 2 weeks, the same time span as previously observed after ENU treatment of adult, weanling, and preweanling mice. Mfs in T-cells isolated from spleens of control animals averaged 2.1 ± 0.3 (SE) × 10−6. In spleens of mice treated transplacentally with ENU in a single dose, Mfs reached a maximum at 15 days postpartum [84.7 ± 15.8 (SE) × 10−6] and decreased to lower but still elevated levels at 40 days postpartum. In spleens of mice treated transplacentally with ENU in a split dose, Mfs reached a maximum at 13 days postpartum [74.0 ± 16.3 (SE) × 10−6] and decreased to background levels at 40 days postpartum. The areas under the curves describing the change in hprt Mfs over time for ENU-treated vs. control mice estimate the mutagenic potency for transplacental single- and split-dose exposures to be 1.9 and 0.8 × 103, respectively. Comparison of the mutagenic potency estimates for mice exposed to ENU in utero to 4-week-old mice given a similar dose of the same lot number of ENU indicates that the mouse is more susceptible to ENU-induced mutagenesis during fetal life. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 38:30–37, 2001 © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Human evoked brain responses following loud pure tones

The electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded at the vertex of three subjects following a 5-min exposure to a 720-Hz pure tone at 110 dB or 45 dB SPL. Eight consecutive evoked brain responses (EBRs) to tone bursts were computed from the EEG for a 2-min period following each exposure. The EBRs computed following the 110-dB exposure were initially smaller than those computed following the 45-dB exposure, and this difference became minimal as time after exposure increased. Thus, EBR amplitude data suggest that a temporary threshold shift (TTS) was produced by the 110-dB exposure and that the EBR reflects this change in the listener’s sensitivity.
Sex and Test Verification Bias Impact on the Diagnostic Value of Exercise Echocardiography

Background The use of exercise echocardiography for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) has been validated in pilot studies but is not documented in clinical practice and in women comparatively with men. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of sex and of test verification bias on the diagnostic performance of exercise echocardiography. Methods and Results Three thousand six hundred seventy-nine consecutive patients (1714 women, 1965 men) who underwent an exercise echocardiographic study were studied; the observed sensitivity, specificity, and correct classification rate were calculated among 340 patients (244 men, 96 women) who underwent angiography; to study the effect of test verification bias, sensitivity and specificity were estimated for all patients who underwent exercise echocardiography including those not referred to angiography. In the angiographic group, the prevalence of CAD was 60% in women and 80% in men. The observed sensitivity and specificity of exercise e...
Association of platelet-derived growth factor-induced protein with nuclear material.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been proposed to initiate the cell-cycle traverse of density-arrested BALB/c-3T3 cells by rendering quiescent cells ‘competent’ to respond to ‘progression’ factors contained in platelet-poor plasma (PPP)1. PDGF-treated cells remain competent for many hours following PDGF removal; subsequent addition of PPP triggers G0–G1 traversal and entry into S phase1,2. Numerous observations suggest that the competent state reflects the existence of a stable PDGF-induced ‘second signal’ as opposed to a persistent association of PDGF with cells1–3. Several unique proteins have been shown to be synthesized in response to PDGF; of these, the dose-dependent production of ‘pI’ (molecular weight 29,000) was found to correlate closely with the induction of competence4. We report here the further characterization of pI in terms of its time-dependent synthesis, intracellular location and stability. Electrophoretic analysis of nuclear and non-nuclear extracts of PDGF-treated BALB/C-3T3 cells demonstrated that pI is synthesized during the first 6 h of G0–G1 is associated with nuclear material and is stable for 9–12 h. These findings are consistent with the proposed role of pI as the cellular mediator of PDGF.
Consumer health information on the Internet about carpal tunnel syndrome: indicators of accuracy.

Purpose To identify indicators of accuracy for consumer health information on the Internet. Methods Several popular search engines were used to find websites on carpal tunnel syndrome. The accuracy and completeness of these sites were determined by orthopedic surgeons. It also was noted whether proposed indicators of accuracy were present. The correlation between proposed indicators of accuracy and the actual accuracy of the sites was calculated. Results A total of 116 websites and 29 candidate indicators were examined. A high Google toolbar rating of the main page of a site, many inlinks to the main page of a site, and an unbiased presentation of information on carpal tunnel syndrome were considered genuine indicators of accuracy. Many proposed indicators taken from published guidelines did not indicate accuracy (e.g., the author or sponsor having medical credentials). Conclusion There are genuine indicators of the accuracy of health information on the Internet. Determining these indicators, and informing providers and consumers of health information about them, would be useful for public health care. Published guidelines have proposed many indicators that are obvious to unaided observation by the consumer. However, indicators that make use of the invisible link structure of the Internet are more reliable guides to accurate information on carpal tunnel syndrome.
Preparation of a glycosyl donor suitable for synthesis of glycoprotein “core” oligosaccharides

Abstract 2- O -Acetyl-3- O -allyl-4- O -benzyl-6- O-tert -butyldiphenylsilyl- d -glucopyranosyl chloride ( 14 ), a glycosyl donor suitable for synthesis of oligosaccharides corresponding to the N-glycoprotein saccharide “core”, was synthesized by an efficient, six-stage route from 3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-1,2- O -[1-( exo -ethoxy)ethylidene]-α- d -glucopyranose. Silver triflate-promoted coupling of 14 with benzyl 2-acetamido-3,6-di- O -benzyl-2-deoxy-α- d -glucopyranoside gave a protected β- d -(1→4)-linked disaccharide in 38% yield, but a major side-reaction also occurred. When the tert -butyldiphenylsilyl group was quantitatively removed from 14 prior to the coupling reaction, and replaced afterwards, the yield in the glycosidation was increased to 55%, and major side-products were avoided.
Emerging models and paradigms for stem cell ageing

Ageing is accompanied by a progressive decline in stem cell function, resulting in less effective tissue homeostasis and repair. Here we discuss emerging invertebrate models that provide insights into molecular pathways of age-related stem cell dysfunction in mammals, and we present various paradigms of how stem cell functionality changes with age, including impaired self-renewal and aberrant differentiation potential.
Interference of Resonant and Nonresonant Three-Wave Mixing in Diamond

We have used the second harmonic of a Nd: glass laser and a continuously tunable dye laser to measure the variation of the third-order nonlinear susceptibility ${|{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{(3)}(\ensuremath{-}2{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}+{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{2}, {\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}, {\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}, \ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{2})|}^{2}$ when ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{2}$ passes through the optical-phonon resonance in diamond. The frequency difference between the observed maximum and minimum determines the nonlinear electronic susceptibility ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{(3)E}$ both in sign and magnitude with respect to the Raman susceptibility. A theoretical discussion of this interference is presented.
Why do women feel lgnored? gender differences in computer-mediated classroom interactions

Abstract Recent research on gender and computer-mediated communication (CMC) indicates that, despite claims to the contrary, electronic communication does not automatically equalize the proportion of discourse spoken by men and women. This study investigates the relationship between the quality of cross-gendered interactions online and the often-expressed complaint that women are ignored in these environments. The computer-mediated interactions of students in one undergraduate classroom consisting of equal numbers of male and female students are analyzed to determine the effects different kinds of conversational work have on the discourse of men and women. The results find the women in this study initiating more agreements and open-ended questions, but equivalent numbers of disagreements as their male classmates. However, even though female students are willing to challenge their classmates' comments, when they are confronted, they fail to speak in their own defense, thus suggesting a relationship between adversarial discourse and the low proportion of female discourse online.
Hetastarch as a Prime for Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Abstract Hetastarch, a synthetic colloid osmotic plasma volume expander, was employed in a prime for cardiopulmonary bypass in 37 patients undergoing myocardial revascularization. Comparison of laboratory values to those of 42 patients undergoing myocardial revascularization using an albumin-containing prime showed lower postoperative platelet counts ( p
Effect of a Polychlorinated Biphenyl Metabolite on Early Life Stage Survival of Two Species of Trout

PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are a common class of environmental contaminants known to reduce hatching success and larval survival in fish. Exposure via contaminated water (DeFoe et al. 1978; Hansen et al. 1975; Nebeker et al. 1974), sediment (Benson et al. 1994), and maternal transfer of PCBs to eggs (Nimmi 1983) have resulted in toxicity to early life stages of fish. Adverse effects associated with bioaccumulation of PCBs have included reduced viable hatch in Baltic flounder (Von Westernhagen et al. 1981), egg mortality in charr (Monod 1985), reduced larval size in winter flounder (Black et al. 1988), and reduced egg hatchability in lake trout (Mac and Swartz 1992). Recent studies have linked exposure to environmental contaminants such as PCBs with depressed estradiol levels, which could inhibit spawning (Johnson et al. 1989). Even after hormone treatments, fish from PCB contaminated areas were less likely to spawn, took longer to spawn, and produced a higher proportion of abnormal larvae than fish from less contaminated areas (Casillas et al. 1991).
Interferometry and holography in a low-gravity environment

A Mach-Zehnder interferometer and a sideband holographic unit have been used in various materials processing in space (MPS) experiments conducted in a low-gravity environment. These experiments lay the groundwork required for the use of advanced optical measurement techniques in Space Shuttle experiments. The design and operation of the optical units are presented and preliminary results are outlined. The low-gravity experiments were conducted using a NASA KC-135 aircraft flying a parabolic trajectory.
Classification and identification of mass spectra of toxic compounds with an inductive rule-building expert system and information theory

Abstract An expert system for classifying and identifying low-resolution mass spectra of toxic and related compounds was developed with an expert shell program. The shell system used was an inexpensive, rule-building software package with an implementation of the ID3 algorithm. Seventy-eight target compounds were used to establish classes previously found by SIMCA class modeling. The six classes included nonhalobenzenes; chlorobenzenes; bromoalkanes and bromoalkenes; mono- and di-chloroalkanes and the analogous alkenes; tri-, tetra- and penta-chloroalkanes and the analogous alkenes; and unknowns. Identification modules for the target compounds were forward-chained to the classification modules. An expert system based on binary-encoded mass spectra, with 17 masses selected on the basis of information content, gave 97 and 86% classification accuracy for training and test spectra, respectively. Identification accuracy was 77 and 80%, respectively. An expert system was also developed which was based on ternary encoding of the mass spectra of 108 training compounds using 25 masses. Ternary encoding has many of the advantages of binary encoding, without the disadvantages. This latter system was tested with the spectra of thirty compounds found in field samples or potential air pollutants. The classification accuracy for training and test spectra was 99 and 97%, respectively. The identification accuracy was 96 and 93%, respectively. With proper precautions, the rule-building expert system can be very effective in spectral classification and identification problems.
Electro-optical shift

Erzeugt man in einem flussigen Dielektrikum, wie wasserfreiem Athanol, Schwefelkohlenstoff, p-Tolylazetat oder Nitrobenzol, zwischen speziell gestalteten Elektroden ein elektrisches Feld von etwa 10000 V/cm, so wird ein Lichtstrahl, der die im Feld befindlichen Teile der Flussigkeit durchsetzt, gekrummt. Die Ablenkung des Strahls aus der geraden Richtung betragt in manchen Fallen 1°.
Asset ownership and market structure in oligopoly: Further results

Abstract How does the sale of assets from a small firm to a large firm affect the equilibrium price in oligopoly? Using the ‘cross-sectional differentiation’ technique introduced by Farrell and Shapiro ( Rand Journal of Economics , 1990, 21, 275–292), I show that the equilibrium price rises if the common production technology is homogeneous of degree t , 0 t ⩽1.
THE LINEAR LEAGUE IN NORTH AMERICA

ABSTRACT Seven different linear leagues—five land and two marine—were used as either cadastral or distance measures in colonial North America. French land leagues included the lieue commune (4.4445 km), grande lieue ordinaire (ca. 4.9 km), and lieue de poste (3.8981 km). The Spaniards used the legua legal (ca. 4.2 km) and legua comun (5.5727 km). The five land leagues maintained remarkable linear consistency at official levels despite variations in application for land subdivision and itinerary purposes. The marine leagues, however, “lengthened”between the early 1500s and mid-1600s, as increasingly accurate knowledge of the earth's dimensions evolved. Thus the Spanish marine league of 17.5 per latitudinal degree, in reality 6.3504 km, was considered to be 4 Roman miles (5.9260 km) in the 1500s. Similarly the length of the Anglo-French marine league of 20 per degree was thought to equal 3 Roman miles (4.4445 km) in the mid-1500s, but was recognized at its true length (5.5566 km) after the mid-1600s. Histor...
Deflation-related variability of breathing pattern persists with intact upper airway

In anesthetized, tracheotomized rats continuous negative airway pressure (CNAP) augments breath-to-breath variability of the respiratory pattern compared to that during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). To test the hypothesis that loss of airflow regulation by the upper airway was responsible for this increased variability during CNAP we measured respiratory pattern regularity in rats with intact airways subjected to steady inflating and deflating transrespiratory pressures. The coefficients of variation of tidal volume, peak inspiratory flow, and rate of change of flow at end-inspiration were larger during deflation maneuvers than during inflations, whereas the coefficients of variation of inspiratory and expiratory durations were not different. A variable degree of expiratory flow retardation often was observed during deflation. We conclude that breathing through the upper airway does not prevent the increase in variability of the respiratory pattern associated with deflation.
Factors Influencing Behavior in a Boating Speed Zone

The greatest source of human-related mortality for endangered Florida manatees is collisions with watercraft. Regulation of boat speeds is the principal management tool to minimize this threat. Demands on law enforcement limit their ability to monitor boater behavior and managers seek alternative strategies to increase compliance. The purposes of this study were to: (1) explore the effectiveness of an on-site sign to enhance boater compliance in a boating speed zone, and (2) examine the environmental and boating characteristics that influence the probability of compliance. Signs designed to increase compliance were posted halfway through the 18-week study period. The signs were not related to compliance level. Logistic regression models showed that only time of day and boat type were significantly related to compliance. Results suggest that passive methods of persuasion may not be an effective means of influencing boater behavior.
Postnatal Sonographic Evaluation of Bilateral Renal Agenesis with Filling of the Renal Fossa by the Adrenal Glands

Bilateral renal agenesis can be detected easily by sonography during the postnatal period. Careful sonographic observation of the flattened ovoid adrenal glands filling the renal fossa, in addition to a complete survey of the abdomen and pelvis to rule out renal ectopia, provides a definitive diagnosis.
Supplying high availability with a standard network file system

The design of a network file service that is tolerant to fail-stop failures and that can be run on top of a standard network file service is described. The fault-tolerance is completely transparent, so the resulting file system supports the same set of heterogeneous workstations and applications as the chosen standard, To demonstrate that the design can provide the benefit of highly available files at a reasonable cost to the user, a prototype has been implemented using the Sun NFS protocol. The approach is not limited to being used with NFS and should apply to any network file service built along the client-server model. >
Edge-valued binary decision for multi-level hierarchical verification

The authors present a new data structure called edge-valued binary decision diagrams (EVs) as a representation of functions. An EV is an extension of ordered binary decision diagrams that allows for multilevel and hierarchical verification. It is shown that an EV is a compact and canonical representation for arbitrary integer functions. Hence, the specification can be at a higher level than the implementation. The variable ordering strategy for an EV can be derived from a higher-level functional specification instead of the gate-level specification. Examples of the design of a 64-b comparator and of a 64-b ripple-carry adder are included. >
A study of electrical performance for next generation plastic packages

The authors compare the power and ground path inductance for three types of plastic packages. These packages are the 196 S/L PQFP (single-layer plastic quad flat pack), the 296 FR-PQFP (fine-pitch PQFP), and the 196 MM-PQFP (multilayer molded PQFP with one power and one ground plane). The S/L PQFP and the MM-PQFP packages are wirebonded and the FP-PQFP package is TAB (tape automated bonding) bonded. The authors also present plots of lead inductance as a function of the number of leads for the three packages and MM-PQFP plane inductance as a function of the number of leads. Simulations show that the MM-PQFP has the lowest power and ground path inductance while the S/L PQFP has the highest. >
Distortion of pulsed signals in microstrip transmission lines using short-time Fourier transform

Short-time Fourier transform (STFT) is used to window the propagation of pulses traveling in microstrip lines. Characteristics of dc and Gaussian pulses are studied based on their zoom-in time-amplitude windows, fast Fourier transforms, and time-frequency results. Behaviors of dc and Gaussian pulses at a certain time along the length of a microstrip line are also examined. The STFT technique can be used to observe the distortion locally at any time and at any point in the microstrip lines and is especially attractive when the microstrip lines are subjected to complex signals, which vary substantially over a short duration.
Multipath-adaptive GPS/INS receiver

Multipath interference is one of the contributing sources of errors in precise global positioning system (GPS) position determination. This paper identifies key parameters of a multipath signal, focusing on estimating them accurately in order to mitigate multipath effects. Multiple model adaptive estimation (MMAE) techniques are applied to an inertial navigation system (INS)-coupled GPS receiver, based on a federated (distributed) Kalman filter design, to estimate the desired multipath parameters. The system configuration is one in which a GPS receiver and an INS are integrated together at the level of the in-phase and quadrature phase (I and Q) signals, rather than at the level of pseudo-range signals or navigation solutions. The system model of the MMAE is presented and the elemental Kalman filter design is examined. Different parameter search spaces are examined for accurate multipath parameter identification. The resulting GPS/INS receiver designs are validated through computer simulation of a user receiving signals from GPS satellites with multipath signal interference present The designed adaptive receiver provides pseudo-range estimates that are corrected for the effects of multipath interference, resulting in an integrated system that performs well with or without multipath interference present.
Event-driven network topology monitoring function

This paper discusses the design of a topology management application. The application monitors the topology of point-to-point networks in which each network node is required to contain only local trunk information. To build and continuously update the topology map, information must be collected from network nodes. The challenge is to do this in real time without adversely consuming network bandwidth. By defining a clear set of conditions to determine whether polling or event monitoring should be used, this design makes it possible to realize the advantage of monitoring network topology by processing events. With the use of event monitoring, first, consumption of network bandwidth by network management traffic can be significantly reduced compared to a pure polling approach, and second, the topology map represents a continuous topology history.
Risk factors for uteroplacental vascular compromise and inflammation

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify potentially modifiable risk factors of placental injury that reflect maternal uteroplacental vascular compromise (UPVC) and acute and chronic placental inflammation. Study Design A prospective epidemiologic study was conducted. A total of 1270 placentas were characterized by gross and microscopic examination. Placental pathologic condition was coded for features of amniotic fluid infection syndrome (AFIS), chronic villitis, UPVC, and fetal vascular obstructive lesions. Odds ratios between UPVC, the acute and the chronic inflammatory lesions, and risk factors of interest were calculated. Results After adjustment for confounders, we found that women with a history of preterm birth had 1.60 times the odds of chronic inflammation (95% CI, 1.10, 2.55). Women with a previous elective termination had 3.28 times the odds of acute inflammation (95% CI, 1.89, 5.70). The odds of chronic villitis increased with parity; the odds of AFIS decreased with parity. Conclusion We have identified several predictors of UPVC, AFIS, and chronic villitis. Further studies are needed to examine whether interventions to alter UPVC, AFIS, and chronic villitis will lead to improved pregnancy outcomes.
Estimation of in-band distortion in digital communication system

A generalized approach for estimating in-band distortion spectrum when a wireless communication signal is processed by a nonlinear amplifier is presented. The output spectrum is represented as the sum of uncorrelated components using Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization without any restriction on the statistical properties of the input signals. The analysis allows the accurate estimation of in-band distortion and hence the effective SNR, Rho and EVM of wireless communication systems. The approach is verified by measurements of in-band distortion using feed-forward cancellation.
A predictable propensity: secondary revascularization is associated with further revascularization.

The epidemiologic burden of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is remarkable with prevalence ranging from 3% to 10%, rising to 15% to 20% in patients over 70 years.[1][1]–[4][2] Symptomatic PAD with intermittent claudication has a prevalence of up to 60% in patients over 60 years of age and the
A multilevel unequal protection scheme for robust H.264/AVC video transmission over wireless channels

We present a cross-layer and multilevel unequal error protection (UEP) approach for robust video transmission over noisy wireless channels. We combine the UEP schemes at the application layer (i.e., multi-level unequal importance of compressed H.264/AVC video data) and physical layer (multi-resolution asymmetric 8-PSK modulation). The proposed scheme multiplexes the video data by mapping it to the unequally protected asymmetric PSK signal constellation, such that the most significant bits have a lower probability of error than the least significant bits. This scheme provides a graceful degradation of reconstructed video data during short deep fades in a point to point wireless communication system.
Needle Thoracostomy: Implications of Computed Tomography Chest Wall Thickness

Objectives To determine the length of catheter required to perform a needle thoracostomy, as determined by chest wall thickness, to treat the majority of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a potential tension pneumothorax. Methods A convenience sample of 111 computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest in trauma and medical resuscitation patients at a military Level 1 trauma center in San Antonio, Texas, was pooled, and the chest wall thickness was measured at the second intercostal space, midclavicular line, to the nearest 0.1 cm. Results The mean chest wall thickness in the patients studied averaged 4.24 cm (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.97 to 4.52). Nearly one fourth (25) of the study patients had a chest wall thicker than 5 cm. Women, on average, have thicker chest walls than men (4.90 for women; 4.16 for men; p = 0.022). Conclusions In this study, a catheter length of 5 cm would reliably penetrate the pleural space of only 75% of patients. A longer catheter should be considered, especially in women.
Fecal pellet flux to modern bottom sediment of Santa Barbara Basin (California) based on sediment trapping

Fecal pellets constituted more than 60% of the material collected during 45 days of deployment of a suitcase-type sediment trap in Santa Barbara Basin. The flux was 660 g m−2 yr−1, of which 22 g m−2 yr−1 was carbon flux. Pellet transport can account for about one-half of the sediment flux to the central basin floor, including the supply of terrigenous matter. The clearing activities of pellet-producing plankton have important implications for sedimentation and fertility in the coastal ocean.
Political Context, Issue Salience, and Selective Attentiveness: Constituent Knowledge of the Clarence Thomas Confirmation Vote

According to the issue salience hypothesis, citizens tend to acquire information on subjects they perceive as important. However, past efforts to demonstrate this have been mixed. I argue that this is because scholars often fail to recognize the importance of overlapping group memberships. I maintain that different group memberships-a traditional proxy for issue salience-can cancel out effects if they are in conflict. Some research has also shown that cues in the political environment increase levels of political information. Extending this line of research, I hypothesize that the interaction of salience with environmental cues influences both information and participation levels. I find that an examination of the confirmation vote for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas largely confirms these hypotheses.
Design and performance of adaptive systems based on structured stochastic optimization strategies

The theory and design of linear adaptive filters based on FIR filter structures is well developed and widely applied in practice. However, the same is not true for more general classes of adaptive systems such as linear infinite impulse response adaptive filters (MR) and nonlinear adaptive systems. This situation results because both linear IIR structures and nonlinear structures tend to produce multi-modal error surfaces for which stochastic gradient optimization strategies may fail to reach the global minimum. After briefly discussing the state of the art in linear adaptive filtering, the attention of this paper is turned to MR and nonlinear adaptive systems for potential use in echo cancellation, channel equalization, acoustic channel modeling, nonlinear prediction, and nonlinear system identification. Structured stochastic optimization algorithms that are effective on multimodal error surfaces are then introduced, with particular attention to the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique. The PSO algorithm is demonstrated on some representative IIR and nonlinear filter structures, and both performance and computational complexity are analyzed for these types of nonlinear systems.
Nature of Localized States in Amorphous Semiconductors—A Study by Electron Spin Resonance

The paramagnetic behavior of localized states in amorphous chalcogenide alloys and the tetrahedrally coordinated amorphous germanium has been studied by ESR experiments. No signal has been detected in any of the chalcogenide glasses, prepared by quenching from the melt, with a sensitivity of about ${10}^{11}$ spins/G near $g=2$. This enables us to estimate ${10}^{14}$ spins/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ as an upper limit to the density of unpaired spins. In some samples a small signal is detectable whose magnitude is \ensuremath{\approx} ${10}^{15}$ spins/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ and depends sensitively on heat treatment. In contrast, and in agreement with Brodsky and Title, thin films of evaporated amorphous germanium ($a$-Ge) are found to yield a large ESR signal at $g=2.022\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001$, corresponding to a spin density of approximately ${10}^{20}$ spins/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. In $a$-Ge, the temperature dependence of the linewidth indicates that two relaxation mechanisms are operative. For temperatures below $T\ensuremath{\approx}200$ K, the width is temperature independent, probably due to spin-spin relaxation. One obtains a spin-spin relaxation time ${T}_{2}\ensuremath{\approx}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}$ sec. Above 200 K the linewidth is proportional to $\frac{1}{T}$ in accordance with a direct relaxation process. It is suggested that this direct relaxation process is associated with the high density of low-energy excitations which may be responsible for large linear specific heat in amorphous materials at low temperatures observed by Zeller and Pohl.
An Irrigation Intake Is like a Uterus: Culture and Agriculture in Precolonial North Pare, Tanzania

This case study of intensive agriculture in precolonial Tanzania argues that irrigation existed under conditions of low population density because a regional exchange network created incentives for farmers to invest in their land. This economic context cannot, however, explain specific strategies for accumulating wealth in a 19th-century African society. Descriptions of how precolonial farmers managed labor, land, and water show that production was relatively compartmentalized from the formal politics of centralized chiefdoms. In this sparsely inhabited frontier zone, irrigation was a way to accumulate wealth in people. An analysis of the symbolism of irrigation shows the symbolic correlations between human and agricultural fertility, which, in turn, became an ideological force for organizing labor. Landscape features such as irrigation systems were therefore forms of symbolic and material capital, and the management of both constituted the politics of maintaining a particular division of labor and rights to resources by gender and age. [Key words: intensive agriculture, irrigation, symbolic capital, fertility symbolism, gender division of labor]
Exploring the depths of Kraken Mare – Power, thermal analysis, and ballast control for the Saturn Titan submarine

Abstract To explore the depths of the hydrocarbon rich seas on the Saturn moon Titan, a conceptual design of an unmanned submarine concept was recently developed for a Phase I NASA Innovative Advanced Concept (NIAC) study. Data from Cassini Huygens indicates that the Titan polar environment sustains stable seas of variable concentrations of ethane, methane, and nitrogen, with a surface temperature around 93 K. To meet science exploration objectives, the submarine must operate autonomously, study atmosphere/sea exchange, interact with the seabed at pressures up to 10 atm, traverse large distances with limited energy, hover at the surface and at any depth within the sea, and be capable of tolerating multiple different concentration levels of hydrocarbons. Therefore Titan presents many cryogenic design challenges. This paper presents the trade studies with emphasis on the preliminary design of the power, thermal, and ballast control subsystems for the Saturn Titan submarine.
Application of Ultramicrotomy to Tem Specimen Preparation of Particulate Inclusion and Composite Materials

Ultramicrotomy has been used to prepare TEM specimens from nickel sulfide inclusions in plate glass and from calcium aluminate / polyvinyl alcohol composite materials. Microstructural studies showed that the inclusion probably contained at least two different phases, namely Ni7S6 and Ni3S2. Although microtomy-induced cracking and chatter were observed, important microstructural features such as twins and Moire patterns were preserved. The microchemistry of the polymer phase in the ceramic / polymer composite was precisely determined.
Collaboration and Emotion in Way

In this exploratory study, four participants were observed playing Way, an online, synchronous, multiplayer game. In Way, participants cannot use verbal or written communication; they use avatars to nonverbally teach and learn from each other and solve collaborative tasks to win the game. Based on an analysis, five themes emerged and recommendations were provided for designing online collaborative games. Shared contexts and goals, a relevant set of nonverbal cues and gestures, and a system that values collaborative success were suggested to enhance learning. Participants tried to name and interpret their partner’s emotions, but did not try to express emotion using Way’s interface. The anonymous nature of Way, and the focus on communication and problem-solving, seemed to enhance the participant’s attachment to the partner, as well as their interest in and awareness of one’s partner’s emotions. All results should be considered directional and descriptive, given the limited sample size.
Regression of established renal cell carcinoma in nude mice using lentivirus-transduced human T cells expressing a human anti-CAIX chimeric antigen receptor

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a tumor-associated antigen and marker of hypoxia that is overexpressed on > 90% of clear-cell type renal cell carcinoma (RCC) but not on neighboring normal kidney tissue. Here, we report on the construction of two chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that utilize a carbonic anhydrase (CA) domain mapped, human single chain antibody (scFv G36) as a targeting moiety but differ in their capacity to provide costimulatory signaling for optimal T cell proliferation and tumor cell killing. The resulting anti-CAIX CARs were expressed on human primary T cells via lentivirus transduction. CAR-transduced T cells (CART cells) expressing second-generation G36-CD28-TCRζ exhibited more potent in vitro antitumor effects on CAIX+ RCC cells than first-generation G36-CD8-TCRζ including cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion, proliferation, and clonal expansion. Adoptive G36-CD28-TCRζ CART cell therapy combined with high-dose interleukin (IL)-2 injection also lead to superior regression of established RCC in nude mice with evidence of tumor cell apoptosis and tissue necrosis. These results suggest that the fully human G36-CD28-TCRζ CARs should provide substantial improvements over first-generation mouse anti-CAIX CARs in clinical use through reduced human anti-mouse antibody responses against the targeting scFv and administration of lower doses of T cells during CART cell therapy of CAIX+ RCC.
Electrophysiologic Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring in High-Risk Thyroid Surgery:

We recently began performing intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve during high-risk thyroidectomies. Neuromonitoring can detect stimulation of these nerves and thereby prevent a mechanical or thermal injury that can result in neurapraxia or axonotmesis. Monitoring is also useful during dissection in an already operated-on field, when performing thyroidectomy on patients who depend on their voice for their livelihood, and when removing a large goiter or mediastinal mass.
Mediators of the relationship between thin-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction in the natural environment☆

Social comparisons (i.e., body, eating, exercise) and body surveillance were tested as mediators of the thin-ideal internalization-body dissatisfaction relationship using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Participants were 232 college women who completed a 2-week EMA protocol, responding to questions three times per day. Multilevel path analysis was used to examine a 2-1-1 mediation model (thin-ideal internalization assessed as trait; between-person effects examined) and a 1-1-1 model (component of thin-ideal internalization [thin-ideal importance] assessed momentarily; within- and between-person effects examined). For the 2-1-1 model, only body comparison and body surveillance were significant specific mediators of the between-person effect. For the 1-1-1 model, all four variables were significant specific mediators of the within-person effect. Only body comparison was a significant specific mediator of the between-person effect. At the state level, many processes explain the thin-ideal internalization-body dissatisfaction relationship. However, at the trait level, body comparison and body surveillance are more important explanatory factors.
A meta-analysis of public attitudes toward ex-offenders.

Ex-offenders face barriers to community reintegration including negative attitudes held by members of the public. This meta-analysis summarizes the extant research on the correlates of public attitudes toward ex-offenders—namely, public, ex-offender, and community characteristics—and the moderating effects of sexual offense history. A systematic search of four databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, National Criminal Justice Reference Service [NCJRS], and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses) identified 19 records, consisting of 9,355 participants. Results revealed small associations between correlate variables and attitudes, suggesting that people are more similar than different in their attitudes toward ex-offenders. Indeed, only political ideology, interpersonal contact, and sexual offense history emerged as significant correlates. Moderation analyses revealed differences in public attitudes toward ex-offenders based upon the year a record was produced. Findings reveal the need for additional research examining...
Risk as a Consequence

Expected-utility theory advances representation theorems that do not take the risk an act generates as a consequence of the act. However, a principle of expected-utility maximization that explains the rationality of preferences among acts must, for normative accuracy, take the act’s risk as a consequence of the act if the agent cares about the risk. I defend this conclusion against the charge that taking an act’s consequences to comprehend all the agent cares about trivializes the principle of expected-utility maximization.
Flujo genico horizontal en microorganismos: algunos avances actuales

El proceso de flujo genico orizontal en el mundo microbiano puede definirse, en sus terminos mas reducidos, como la transmision de material genetico de un microorganismo a otro de la misma u otra especie, entendiendose la transmision como la herencia de la informacion genetica transferida entre celulas.
Comparison of Two Sampling Methods for Assessing Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Numbers in Soybean Fields

Sampling soybean fields for the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys Stal (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), can be challenging. Both adults and nymphs have a “startle response” and drop to the ground with even the slightest disturbance. This behavior could reduce the effectiveness of the traditional sweep net and ground cloth sampling methods. In 2013 and 2014, in Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland, we evaluated a visual plant inspection method that consisted of counting the number of brown marmorated stink bug nymphs and adults seen on soybean plants in a 2-min inspection period while walking carefully between two rows. After a 30-min interval, which allowed the stink bugs to reposition in the canopy, the area was resampled using 15 sweeps with a 38-cm-diameter sweep net. In total, 76 soybean fields and 2,042 paired comparisons were used to determine a strong linear relationship between sampling methods ( y = 0.984 x + 0.4359, R 2 = 0.6934, where y = brown marmorated stink bugs/2-min visual count and x = brown marmorated stink bugs/15 sweeps). An average visual count of 5.4 brown marmorated stink bugs in 2 min was estimated as being equivalent to the current economic threshold of 5 stink bugs per 15 sweeps. Visual inspection appears to be an effective method for assessing brown marmorated stink bug populations in soybeans.