cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality control optimization part I: Metrics for evaluating predictive performance of quality control

Abstract Background Quality control (QC) policies are usually designed using power curves. This type of analysis reasons from a cause (a shift in the assay results) to an effect (a signal from the QC monitoring process). End users face a different problem: they must reason from an effect (QC signal) to a cause. It would be helpful to have metrics that evaluated QC policies from an end-user perspective. Methods We developed a simple dichotomous model based on classification of assay errors. Errors are classified as important or unimportant based on a critical shift size, defined as Sc. Using this scheme, we show how QC policies can be analyzed using common accuracy metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). We explore the impact of design choices (QC limits, number of repeats) on these performance measures in a number of different contexts. Results PPV varies widely (1% to 100%) depending on context. NPV also varies (40% to 100%) but is less sensitive to context than PPV. There are many contexts in which QC policies have low predictive values. In such cases, performance (PPV, NPV) can be improved by adjusting the QC limits or the number of repeats at each QC event. Conclusion The effectiveness of QC can be improved by considering the context in which the QC policy will be applied. Using simple assumptions, common accuracy metrics can be used to evaluate QC policy performance.
Tax Expenditures and Horizontal Equity: A Lost Lesson from Stanley Surrey

Tax expenditures are “revenue losses attributable to provisions of the Federal tax laws which allow a special exclusion, exemption, or deduction from gross income or which provide a special credit, a preferential rate of tax, or a deferral of tax liability.’’ The concept of tax expenditures was invented by the first Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy, Stanley S. Surrey, in the late 1960s, and was codified by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, which requires that a list of tax expenditures be included in the US budget. The tax expenditure budget relies on the Haig Simons definition of income as the base, while acknowledging the fact that not all deviations from Haig Simons are treated as tax expenditures. The basic problem with attempts to define tax expenditures against a Haig Simons baseline is that it is not clear why such deviations are normatively problematic. Put bluntly, who cares whether a specific tax provision is a deviation from some theoretical definition of income by two long dead economists? That, presumably, is why most of the literature now accepts the Weisbach and Nussim view that the debate between Surrey and Bittker was meaningless, and we should just learn to live with the tax expenditures. Surrey would have disagreed, and this article represents an attempt to recapture his original view of tax expenditures and assess its present day implications. Part I briefly surveys Surrey’s career and explains how he came to invent the concept of tax expenditures. The most important lesson from this page of history is that Surrey in fact never intended to measure tax expenditures against Haig Simons. Instead, his aim was to identify departures from horizontal equity, i.e., the idea that taxpayers with equal ability to pay should bear an equal burden of tax. Part II of the Article moves overseas and examine how tax expenditures are treated there. Examples from Germany, Italy and Israel show that in these countries tax expenditures are assessed not against Haig Simons but against a constitutional norm of equal protection. While such constitutionalization of the analysis would not be appropriate in a US context, the foreign cases show that what people care about when discussing tax expenditures is fairness, not deviation from a theoretical baseline. Part III of the Article then attempts to assess the consequences of this line of analysis for some of the larger US tax expenditures.
Learning-In-The-Loop Optimization: End-To-End Control And Co-Design Of Soft Robots Through Learned Deep Latent Representations

Soft robots have continuum solid bodies that can deform in an infinite number of ways. Controlling soft robots is very challenging as there are no closed form solutions. We present a learning-in-the-loop co-optimization algorithm in which a latent state representation is learned as the robot figures out how to solve the task. Our solution marries hybrid particle-grid-based simulation with deep, variational convolutional autoencoder architectures that can capture salient features of robot dynamics with high efficacy. We demonstrate our dynamics-aware feature learning algorithm on both 2D and 3D soft robots, and show that it is more robust and faster converging than the dynamics-oblivious baseline. We validate the behavior of our algorithm with visualizations of the learned representation.
Evolution of the Pediatric Intensivist Sedation Service

Discuss significant changes in provision of pediatric procedural sedation care in the last 2 decades. Organized pediatric sedation services have enabled statistically significant compilations of risk involved in providing sedation care to children. Sedation care outside of the operating room setting involves a wide variety of providers, novel medication administration techniques, and differentiation of scheduled and unscheduled sedation care. Pediatric intensivists have been and are critical to providing procedural sedation for children particularly those with severe illness.
Re-Read and Recover: Afrofuturism as a Reading Practice in George S. Schuyler’s Black No More and Octavia E. Butler’s “The Book of Martha”

Stanley proposes that an Afrofuturistic reading of George S. Schuyler’s Black No More and Octavia E. Butler’s “The Book of Martha” expand the canon of literary utopias that consider race and other marginalized positions as central to their construction. Both Schuyler’s and Butler’s experience with and understanding of race invite discussions of literary utopias as an exercise that questions rather than reaches a destination. They are less concerned about inventing utopia and more about participating in a process for writing utopia that is inclusive and diverse. Afrofuturism, in its expression as a reading practice, then becomes a method for rereading these texts to discover how they are experiments in utopia.
Landau quantization of multilayer graphene on a Haldane sphere

We consider the problem of multilayer graphene on a Haldane sphere and determine the Landau level spectrum for this family of systems. This serves as a generalization of the Landau quantization problem of ordinary nonrelativistic Haldane sphere and spherical graphene, or Dirac-like particles on a sphere. The Hamiltonian is diagonalized in a concise algebraic fashion exploiting two mutually commuting SU(2) algebras of the problem. Additionally, using exact wave functions we demonstrate computation of Haldane pseudopotentials in the second Landau level. These exact solutions add to the current toolkits of the numerical studies on fractional quantum Hall effects in systems of graphite multilayers.
Endotoxin May Not Be the Major Cause of Postprandial Inflammation in Adults Who Consume a Single High-Fat or Moderately High-Fat Meal.

BACKGROUND Metabolic endotoxemia is considered a cause for high-fat diet (HFD)-induced inflammation. However, convincing experimental evidence in humans is scant. OBJECTIVE We determined whether a HFD or moderately HFD increases LPS and LPS-mediated cytokine production in the postprandial blood (PPB). METHODS Ninety-eight volunteers (age: 37.3 ± 1.5 y) from the cross-sectional phenotyping study (PS) and 62 volunteers (age: 26.8 ± 1.2 y) from the intervention study (IS) consumed a breakfast containing 60% kcal fat (HF) and 36% kcal fat (moderately HF), respectively. For the IS, only the results from the placebo group are presented. Blood samples were probed for LPS-mediated cytokine production by incubating them with LPS inhibitor polymyxin B (PMB) for 24 h at 37°C besides the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare the temporal changes of metabolic profiles and treatment outcomes. RESULTS At least 87.5% of the plasma LPS measurements in 32 PS volunteers from each time point were below the LAL assay sensitivity (0.002 EU/mL). PMB suppressed IL-1β (P = 0.035) and IL-6 (P = 0.0487) production in the 3 h PPB of the PS after 24 h incubation at 37°C compared to the vehicle control, suggesting the presence of LPS. However, the amount of LPS did not increase the cytokine concentrations in the 3 h PPB above the fasting concentrations. Such suppression was not detected in the PPB of the IS. Treating whole blood with lipoprotein lipase (LPL) significantly (P < 0.05) increased FFA and cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) concentrations in both studies. CONCLUSION LPS may not be the major cause of postprandial inflammation in healthy adults consuming a moderately HF meal (36% kcal fat, similar to the typical American diet) or a HF meal (60% kcal fat). Plasma FFAs may modulate postprandial inflammation. The prevailing concept of HFD-induced metabolic endotoxemia requires careful re-evaluation. The PS was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02367287 and the IS as NCT02472171.
CARE TRAJECTORY AND EARLY CLINICAL FEATURES AMONG PATIENTS WITH 99MTC-PYROPHOSPHATE POSITIVE TRANSTHYRETIN AMYLOID CARDIOMYOPATHY (ATTR-CM)

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) may be more common than previously thought and is often underdiagnosed. We sought to evaluate traditionally accepted “red flag” clinical features with novel methods. We identified a random sample of 46 patients with a grade 2 or 3 positive 99mTc-
A population-based study of invitation to and participation in clinical trials among women with early-stage breast cancer.

Although many studies clearly demonstrate disparities in cancer clinical trial enrollment, there is a lack of consensus on potential causes. Furthermore, virtually nothing is known about associations between patients’ decision-making style and their participation in clinical trials. Women with newly diagnosed, stage 0–II breast cancer reported to the Georgia and Los Angeles County Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries in 2013–2014 were surveyed approximately seven months after diagnosis. We investigated two primary outcome variables: (1) invitation to participate in a clinical trial, (2) participation in a clinical trial. We evaluated bivariate associations using Chi-squared tests and used multivariable logistic regression models to investigate associations between patient variables, including decision-making style, and the primary outcomes. 2578 patients responded (71% response rate); 30% were > age 65, 18% were black, 18% were Latina, 29% had ≤ high school education. 10% of patients reported invitation to participate in a clinical trial; 5% reported participation in a clinical trial. After adjustment younger age, receipt of chemotherapy or radiation, disease stage, and a more rational (versus more intuitive) decision-making style were associated with a higher odds of invitation to participate. Being married was associated with a higher odds of participation; having an annual family income ≥ $40,000 was associated with a lower odds of participation. 10% of patients reported invitation to participate in a clinical trial, and half of these reported participation. Invitation to participate varied by age and decision-making style, and participation varied by marital status and income.
Effect of frailty on postoperative readmissions and cost of care for ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objectives Frailty, defined as loss of reserve and vulnerability to changes in health, affects many ovarian cancer patients who are planned to undergo surgery. The effect of frailty on postoperative readmissions in ovarian cancer patients remains poorly defined. We investigated the effect of frailty on unplanned readmission, morbidity, and mortality among patients undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer. Study design Patients who underwent laparotomy for ovarian cancer between 2010 and 2014 were identified using the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Frailty was classified using the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups Frailty Diagnoses Indicators. Primary outcomes were divided into index admission (intensive level of care, mortality, non-routine discharge,) 30-days (readmission and mortality), and 90-days (readmission and mortality). Multivariable regression models were fit, adjusting for patient, hospital, and clinical factors. Results From 2010 to 2014, there were 76,441 inpatient laparotomies identified with a 6.1% frailty rate. Frailty was associated with an increased risk of intensive level of care (aRR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.68, 1.85), non-routine discharge (aRR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.33, 1.45), and inpatient mortality (aRR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.63, 2.23) during the index admission. Frail patients were more likely to be readmitted within 90 days (aRR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04–1.18), sustain mortality during 90-day readmission (aRR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.01–1.69), and have longer and costlier index hospital stays. Hospital readmission costs did not differ significantly between frail and non-frail patients. Conclusions Frailty affects postoperative outcomes in ovarian cancer patients and is associated with an increased rate of 90-day readmission and mortality among those who are readmitted. Gynecologic oncologists should screen for frailty and consider outcomes in frail ovarian cancer patients when counseling for surgery.
Designing Moonshots

This Innovative Practice full paper presents an immersive class model, "Designing Moonshots," which harnesses design thinking principles to equip students with theories, skills, and trajectories for designing moonshot projects. Through user interviews, expert feedback, and student-led "makeathons," participants reported a significant development of their abilities to need-learn and work with peers. Students also noted an increase in agency towards tackling systemic issues, the acquisition of novel problem solving strategies, and the discovery of new fields of interest. Implications of this research demonstrate that the pedagogical synthesis of the design thinking approach and moonshot solutions holds promise for a variety of skills that are often omitted in traditional education.
The Association Between Board Risk Oversight and the Risk of Material Misstatement

Corporate governance failures in the early 2000s and the financial crisis that emerged in 2008 have contributed to heightened expectations for the board of directors to strengthen its oversight of the firm’s risk management processes. Thought leaders (COSO 2013, 2017, ISO 2018; NYSE 2004; SEC 2010) stress the importance of board risk oversight processes; however, we know little about what boards actually do to fulfill their risk oversight responsibilities. Most of the existing research has focused on the association between certain board of director input characteristics (e.g. member composition, independence, expertise, tenure, etc.) and a variety of financial reporting related outcomes. Studies have called for additional examination of what boards actually do to fulfill their oversight roles (e.g. Cohen, Krishnamoorthy and Wright 2017; Beasley, Carcello, Hermanson, and Neal 2009). Our study responds to this need by utilizing proxy disclosures about the board’s role in risk oversight, instituted by the SEC in 2010, to examine whether boards more engaged in risk oversight processes are associated with a lower risk of material misstatement (RMM) in the financial statements, while controlling for board input characteristics documented by prior studies. We find that boards more engaged in risk oversight are positively associated with two avenues for mitigating RMM: effective internal control over financial reporting and higher auditor quality. In addition, we find that boards with more extensive risk oversight processes are associated with fewer actual instances of materially misstated financial statements.
Automated Contracts and the Lawyers Who Don’t Review Them: Motivating Use of Machine Learning Tech

Firms’ transitions from existing technologies to new technologies are often challenging and incremental. Machine learning (ML) is distinct from many technologies in that it is a general purpose tec...
Giant Fusiform Vertebral Artery Aneurysm Treated with Microsurgical Bypass and Endovascular Coiling after Failed Flow Diversion: A Case Report and Discussion

Background Giant vertebral and vertebrobasilar aneurysms have proven to be extremely challenging vascular entities to treat despite many advances in microsurgical and endovascular techniques. In recent years, there has been more attention paid to combined approaches, including combinations of endovascular and surgical procedures in hopes of decreasing the associated morbidity and mortality of these lesions. Clinical Presentation We present a case of a giant fusiform vertebral artery aneurysm that was initially treated with flow-diverting stents. After the failure of flow diversion to occlude the aneurysm, the lesion was definitively treated with an occipital artery to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) bypass and coil embolization of residual aneurysm. Conclusion After bypass and parent vessel deconstruction, angiography confirmed the aneurysm has remained occluded and the PICA patent. This case highlights the use of an extracranial-to-intracranial bypass to salvage a complex residual aneurysm after failed flow diversion.
Study of Non-Equilibrium Plasma Effects on Detonation in Fuel Lean Natural Gas Mixtures

Combustion can occur with flame propagations at both subsonic and supersonic velocities, known as deflagration and detonation, respectively. In detonation, the hot gases of combustion are expelled at supersonic velocities, generating thrust. Combustors designed for utilizing this type of combustion, like Rotating Detonation Combustors (RDCs), are found to be more efficient (by 4-5%) than in the traditional constant pressure gas turbine combustors.
“Where is Our Home?”: The Ambiguity of Biblical and Euro-American Imaging of Wilderness and Garden as Sacred Place

Certainly a radical attachment to place, whether to features of an accustomed landscape, or to sites or monuments of personal, ancestral, legendary or historic associations, must be numbered among the “elemental passions of the soul”. As Yi-Fu Tuan points out, such strong emotional attachments can form independently of any highly-charged associations with the sacred or the heroic, or with national or ethnic identity, and “may come simply with familiarity and ease, with the assurance of nurture and security, with the memory of sounds and smells, of communal activities and homely pleasures accumulated over time” (p. 159), so we need to be wary of overgeneralizing or essentializing this elemental passion, and to be attentive instead to expressions of cultural and personal difference. With that caveat in mind, this essay will explore the ambiguity encoded in the biblical imaging of sacred place, particularly in the images of garden and wilderness, and some of the ways in which this ambiguity has passed into Western conventions of art and literature. But first, in order to frame this investigation within a larger context of comparative cultural study, I should like to begin by referencing the widely perceived difference between the biblically inspired Western sense of historically significant place and the sense of naturally significant place common in many indigenous cultures. I should like, that is, to explore both the difference, insofar as it can be documented, and the perception of the difference, as an aspect of the history of consciousness.
Multiple Personality Disorder

Multiple Personali Disorder (MPD), long considered a rarity, is being diagnosex treated, and researched with increasing frequency (Kluft, 1984). This paper will provide an overview of relevant literature, a description of the psychotherapeutic treatment process, and will offer an ap roach which occupational therapists may utilize to facilitate ef F ective milieu treatment of these difficult patients when hospitalized. Suggested occupational therapy intervention follows the course of treatment and requires close communication with the primary therapist and other team members.
3D reconstruction of prior β grains in friction stir–processed Ti–6Al–4V

Summary The prior β grain structure and orientations in the central stir zone of friction stir–processed Ti–6Al–4V were reconstructed from measured α phase orientations obtained by three-dimensional serial sectioning in a dual-beam focused ion beam scanning electron microscope. The data were processed to obtain the α colony and β grain size distributions in the volume. Several β grains were individually analysed to determine the total number of unique α variants and the respective volume fractions of each. The analysis revealed that some grains experienced overwhelming variant selection (i.e. one variant dominated) whereas other β grains contained a more evenly distributed mixture of all 12 variants.
Topological analysis of criminal activity networks in multiple jurisdictions

Sharing of information between multiple tiers of government is a major focus in digital government research. Law enforcement agencies in particular can greatly benefit from information sharing. Information on known criminals can be analyzed using criminal activity networks that link people and vehicles based on data found in law enforcement databases. We analyze the topological characteristics of criminal activity networks of individuals in a multiple jurisdictional scenario. We find that large narcotics networks are small-world with short average path lengths ranging from 4.5-8.5 and have scale-free degree distributions with power law exponents of 0.85 - 1.3. In addition we find that utilizing information from multiple jurisdictions provides higher quality leads by reducing average shortest path lengths of the networks.
The practical subtleties of biometric key generation

The inability of humans to generate and remember strong secrets makes it difficult for people to manage cryptographic keys. To address this problem, numerous proposals have been suggested to enable a human to repeatably generate a cryptographic key from her biometrics, where the strength of the key rests on the assumption that the measured biometrics have high entropy across the population. In this paper we show that, despite the fact that several researchers have examined the security of BKGs, the common techniques used to argue the security of practical systems are lacking. To address this issue we reexamine two well known, yet sometimes misunderstood, security requirements. We also present another that we believe has not received adequate attention in the literature, but is essential for practical biometric key generators. To demonstrate that each requirement has significant importance, we analyze three published schemes, and point out deficiencies in each. For example, in one case we show that failing to meet a requirement results in a construction where an attacker has a 22% chance of finding ostensibly 43-bit keys on her first guess. In another we show how an attacker who compromises a user's cryptographic key can then infer that user's biometric, thus revealing any other key generated using that biometric. We hope that by examining the pitfalls that occur continuously in the literature, we enable researchers and practitioners to more accurately analyze proposed constructions.
Organocatalytic living ring-opening polymerization of cyclic carbosiloxanes.

An organocatalytic route to narrowly dispersed poly(carbosiloxanes) of predictable molecular weight and end group fidelity is described. N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) and 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) catalyze the ring opening of cyclic carbosiloxanes. The pKb of the catalyst is important in preventing adverse transetherification reactions and obtaining well-defined polymers. Mechanistic studies indicate that hydrogen bonding to TBD or the NHC activates alcohols or silanols for ring-opening reactions.
The Relationship between Socio-Economic Characteristics of Maize Farmers and Household Food Security in Eastern Uganda

Despite the importance of maize in the Ugandan diet, its role in ensuring food security, and the numerous research studies that have been done on adoption of maize production technologies, limited work has been done to assess the food security status of households engaged in improved maize production vis-a-vis that of local maize farmers. This study was done firstly to compare the socio-economic characteristics of 187 improved maize and local maize growers; secondly, to establish the relationship between the socio-economic characteristics and household food security of improved and local maize growers. Two separate analyses were done- one to examine the socio-economic differences between local maize and improved maize growers and the other to assess the relationship between the socio-economic characteristics and household food security. All socio-economic characteristics were found to be non-significant which implied that improved maize growers and local maize growers did not differ statistically in all aspects. The Subsistence Potential Ratio was used to compare the food security status of improved maize and local maize growers and was found to be 0.54 for improved maize growers, while that for local maize growers was 0.42 though the difference was not significant. Analysis using a consumption model revealed that a significant relationship existed between household food security and income, labour hours exported and imported by a household, education level of household head, number of extension visits, and area allocated to improved maize varieties. Keywords: Food security, maize, subsistence potential ratio Eastern African Journal of Rural Development Vol.19(1) 2003: 2-12
Clinical coaching: a strategy for enhancing evidence-based nursing practice.

Purpose The purpose of this article is to describe how clinical nurse specialists can promote the development of knowledge and skills in nurses as one step toward making evidence-based nursing practice the norm in all patient care settings. Background The need for the use of evidence in nursing practice has been highlighted for several decades. Moving evidence more quickly into practice requires that nursing use many strategies. Description of strategy The strategy of clinical coaching is proposed in this article for the development of skills in nurses specifically to promote evidence-based nursing practice. Clinical coaching is a relationship for the purpose of building skills. This strategy is aimed at increasing foundational staff nurse knowledge and skills. Conclusion The achievement and maintenance of evidence-based nursing practice take continuous attention from clinical nurse specialists. Clinical coaching is only one part of a comprehensive approach for establishing and sustaining evidence-based nursing practice.
Depression During Pregnancy Among Young Couples: The Effect of Personal and Partner Experiences of Stressors and the Buffering Effects of Social Relationships

Abstract Study Objective To assess the relationship between personal and romantic partner's experiences of stressful life events and depression during pregnancy, and the social moderators of this relationship, among 296 young couples with low incomes from urban areas. Participants and Setting We recruited couples who were expecting a baby from four ob/gyn and ultrasound clinics in southern Connecticut; women were ages 14–21 and male partners were 14+. Design and Outcome Measures We analyzed self-reports of stressful events in the previous six months, depression in the past week and current interpersonal social supports. To determine the influence of personal and partner experiences of stressful events on depression, we used multilevel dyadic models and incorporated interaction terms. We also used this model to determine whether social support, family functioning and relationship satisfaction moderated the association between stressful events and depression. Results Experiences of stressful life events were common; 91.2% of couples had at least one member report an event. Money, employment problems, and moving were the most common events. Personal experiences of stressful life events had the strongest association with depression among men and women; although partner experiences of stressful life events were also significantly associated with depression among women. Social support, family functioning, and romantic relationship satisfaction significantly buffered the association between personal and partner stressful events and depression. Conclusion Interventions that improve relationships, support systems, and family functioning may reduce the negative impact of stressors, experienced both personally and by a romantic partner, on the emotional well-being of young expectant parents.
The inferior alveolar and mylohyoid nerves: an anatomic study and relationship to local anesthesia of the anterior mandibular teeth

The distance between the branching point of the mylohyoid nerve to the entrance of the inferior alveolar nerve into the mandibular canal was studied in 37 adult human cadavers. On the average, this branching distance was 14.7 mm, which is greater than previously reported. Also found was a 43% incidence of extension of the mylohyoid nerve beyond the muscle to foramina on the lingual aspect of the mandible. If the mylohyoid nerve mediates sensory information from the anterior incisors, then the factor of an increased branching distance may become important in terms of the dilution of the anesthetic agent during diffusion and the amount of nerve length exposed to the anesthetic agent. These findings may also account in part for the purported greater success of the so-called Gow-Gates type of injection technique compared with that of the conventional mandibular block.
Rapid flowering Nicotiana tabacum L.

Selected Nicotiana tabacum Tobacco Introductions from the Nicotiana Germplasm Collection were crossed, back-crossed, and then selfed. When compared to parents, the new genotypes produce smaller plants with a shortened life-cycle that go from seed to seed in under 11 weeks.
Accumulation rates of Th-230, Pa-231, and some transition metals on the Bermuda Rise

Abstract Measurements of 238U, 234U, 230Th, 232Th, 231Pa, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn were made on 23 samples from core GPC-5, a 29-m giant piston core from a water depth of 4583 m on the northeastern Bermuda Rise (33°41.2′N, 57°36.9′W). This area is characterized by rapid deposition of sediment transported by abyssal currents. Unsupported 230Th and 231Pa are present throughout the core but, because of large variations in the sedimentation rate, show marked departures from exponential decay with depth. The trend with depth of the 231 Pa ex 230 Th ex ratio is consistent with the average accumulation rate of 36 cm/1000 y reported earlier on the basis of radiocarbon dating and CaCO3 stratigraphy. When expressed on a carbonate-free basis, concentrations of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, 230Thex, and 231Paex all show cyclic variations positively correlated with those of CaCO3. The correlations can be explained by a model in which all of these constituents, including CaCO3, are supplied to the sediments from the water column at a constant rate. Concentration variations are controlled mainly by varying inputs of terrigenous detritus, with low inputs occurring during interglacials and high inputs during glacials. Relationships between the metal and 230Thex concentrations permit estimates of the rates at which the metals are removed to the sediment by scavenging from the water column. The results, in μg/cm2-1000 y, are: 4300 ± 1100 for Mn, 46 ± 16 for Ni and 76 ± 26 for Cu. These rates are somewhat larger than ocean-wide averages estimated by other methods, and the absolute rate of 230Th accumulation in GPC-5 averages about nine times higher than production in the overlying water column. This part of the Bermuda Rise and similar bottom-current deposits may act as important accumulators of elements scavenged from seawater.
Transmission RF diffuse optical tomography instrument for human breast imaging

In this paper, we describe a novel clinical breast diffuse optical tomography (DOT) instrument for CW and RF data acquisition in transmission geometry. It is designed to be able to acquire a massive amount of data in a short amount of time available for patient measurement by using a 209-channel galvo-based fast optical switch and a fast electron-multiplying CCD. In addition to CW measurements, RF measurements were made by using an electro-optic modulator for source modulation and a gain-modulated image intensifier for detection. The patient bed has many clinically-oriented features as well as improved data acquisition rate and transmission RF measurement capability. A series of preliminary results will be shown, including a heterodyne RF experiment for bulk property measurement and a CW experiment for 3D imaging. In order to deal with large data size, a linear reconstruction algorithm that exploits separability of the inverse problem in Fourier domain is used for fast and memory-load-free reconstruction.
Space‐based Earth science to be reviewed

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has begun a study of agency roles in space-based earth science research for the next decade, 1985–1995. The study will be made on the basis of discussions with policy-level personnel at eight federal agencies, as well as with working scientists and other standing earth science committees. According to Richard Johnson, OSTP Assistant Director for Space Science and Technology and chairman of the evaluation, the study will involve “fine-tuning agency roles” in the space-based earth sciences. “Further definition” and “providing a clearer statement of what their roles are,” said Johnson, “will improve the stability of funding” and should help avoid the “peaks and valleys” seen in the past.
Trade and Transboundary Pollution: Spatial Separation Reconsidered

Abstract Copeland and Taylor (1999, J. Int. Econ. 47, 137–168) show that trade allows the spatial separation of two incompatible industries. Concentrating the polluting industry in one country eliminates its degenerative effects in the other. This paper extends the analysis by allowing for transboundary pollution. Thus specialization has indirect repercussions on the level of pollution in the other country. We show (i) how cross-national differences in exposure to pollution emissions can generate comparative advantage and (ii) under what condition the resulting trading pattern combined with transboundary pollution can increase pollution exposure with negative effects on productivity and welfare in both countries.
Fibrous histiocytoma of bladder

A case of benign fibrous histiocytoma of the bladder is presented. The occurrence is rare, and criteria for defining malignant potential are unreliable. Careful follow-up evaluations are important.
Scalability Properties of the S‐Distribution

Previous work has shown that the S-distribution is a valuable tool for data analysis and for the classification of continuous and discrete distribution functions. The distribution has four parameters: one determines its location, one is related to the variance, and two control its shape. The distributional structure allows symmetry as well as skewness to the right or the left. This offers great flexibility and, among other analyses, facilitates the simultaneous investigation of random variables whose distributions differ in shape. The present paper demonstrates that mean, variance, and quantiles of any S-distribution can be computed with simple algebraic operations from corresponding properties of a standard S-distribution, sSd, which is characterized by only the two shape parameters. This scalability is comparable with the use of z-scores when dealing with normal distributions.
Combined ozone and ultraviolet inactivation of Escherichia coli.

The kinetics of Escherichia coli inactivation using ozone and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, separately and simultaneously, was evaluated at 25°C in buffered (pH 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0), demand-free media. While ozone was found to be a stronger disinfectant than UV radiation, using both simultaneously was more effective than using them individually. Inactivation kinetics was pseudo first-order for the three treatment processes, while the disinfection rate was a linear function of the disinfectant dose. The synergism observed in microbial inactivation when the disinfectant processes were combined was illustrated by estimates of kinetic model parameters. This synergy was attributed to the generation of hydroxyl radicals via ozone photolysis. Subsequently, dosage calculations, as based on disinfectant level and exposure time, indicated that the simultaneous use of UV and ozone could substantially reduce their individual doses.
Structural Characterization of Molybdenum Oxide Supported on Zirconia

X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption and Raman spectroscopies were used to determine the structure of dispersed and crystalline structures in MoOx/ZrO2 catalysts useful in the oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes. The MoOx surface density on ZrO2 was varied over a wide range (0.35−50 Mo/nm2) by changing the Mo content (1−44 wt % MoO3) and the treatment temperature (393−973 K). Raman spectra showed that MoOx/ZrO2 samples with low surface density (<5 Mo/nm2) treated at temperatures below 873 K initially contain isolated tetrahedral MoOx species; these species oligomerize to form two-dimensional structures with bridging MoOMo bonds as the surface density increased to values typical for a polymolybdate monolayer (∼5 Mo/nm2). An increase in surface density led to a shift in the ν(MoO) Raman band to higher frequencies and to changes in the near-edge X-ray absorption spectra. Both of these are consistent with the growth of these polymolybdate domains with increasing Mo surface density, as also suggested by the...
Trichloroethylene biotransformation and its role in mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and target organ toxicity

Metabolism is critical for the mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and other adverse health effects of trichloroethylene (TCE). Despite the relatively small size and simple chemical structure of TCE, its metabolism is quite complex, yielding multiple intermediates and end-products. Experimental animal and human data indicate that TCE metabolism occurs through two major pathways: cytochrome P450 (CYP)-dependent oxidation and glutathione (GSH) conjugation catalyzed by GSH S-transferases (GSTs). Herein we review recent data characterizing TCE processing and flux through these pathways. We describe the catalytic enzymes, their regulation and tissue localization, as well as the evidence for transport and inter-organ processing of metabolites. We address the chemical reactivity of TCE metabolites, highlighting data on mutagenicity of these end-products. Identification in urine of key metabolites, particularly trichloroacetate (TCA), dichloroacetate (DCA), trichloroethanol and its glucuronide (TCOH and TCOG), and N-acetyl-S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (NAcDCVC), in exposed humans and other species (mostly rats and mice) demonstrates function of the two metabolic pathways in vivo. The CYP pathway primarily yields chemically stable end-products. However, the GST pathway conjugate S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)glutathione (DCVG) is further processed to multiple highly reactive species that are known to be mutagenic, especially in kidney where in situ metabolism occurs. TCE metabolism is highly variable across sexes, species, tissues and individuals. Genetic polymorphisms in several of the key enzymes metabolizing TCE and its intermediates contribute to variability in metabolic profiles and rates. In all, the evidence characterizing the complex metabolism of TCE can inform predictions of adverse responses including mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and acute and chronic organ-specific toxicity.
Fetomaternal transfusion depends on amount of chorionic villiaspirated but not on method of chorionic villus sampling

Summary Transcervical and transabdominal chorionic villus sampling are believed, on the basis of indirect evidence,to result in fetomaternal transfusion. We sought to measure this phenomenon by devising a simple method that would allow us to identify variables that influence fetomaternal transfusion. We investigated patients undergoing transcervical-chorionic villus sampling ( n = 15) and transabdominal-chorionic villus sampling ( n = 15), restricting the sample to subjects who required only a single catheter passage or needle insertion to obtain villi. Maternal serum a-fetoprotein was measured before and after the procedure along with α-fetoprotein concentration of the transport medium into which the villi had been aspirated. We first confirmed that the change in maternal serum α-fetoprotein levels after chorionic villus sampling, an indirect measure of fetomaternal transfusion, was indeed correlated with the α-fetoprotein concentration of transport medium into which the villi were aspirated ( p = 0.0350). Fetomaternal transfusion next proved to be correlated with the amount of villi obtained ( p = 0.0279). However, when adjusted for the amount of villi obtained, no significant difference was observed between transcervical and transabdominal-chorionic villus sampling with respect to the change in maternal serum α-fetoprotein levels after chorionic villus sampling ( p = 0.8512). These data suggest that the magnitude of fetomaternal transfusion depends on the amount of villi obtained but not on the chorionic villus sampling method used
Numerical Simulation of Elastohydrodynamically Lubricated Contacts With Rough Surfaces

Transient numerical analysis to elastohydrodynamically lubricated point contacts with rough surfaces is described. The numerical simulation is based on the multigrid method. Three types of surface roughness: single dent or bump, oblique waviness and random roughness are reviewed. Under heavily loaded conditions, results reveal a strong domination of Couette flow (convective flow). The presence of sliding greatly increases pressure fluctuation and as a consequence may lead to surface-initiated spallings. For obliquely orientated roughness, lubricant flow intends to deform the ridges and create primarily longitudinal passages.
Clinical manifestations of HIV infection, including persistent generalized lymphadenopathy and AIDS-related complex

The ability to recognize disease related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and subsequent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has improved in recent years with refinement of laboratory techniques. Because of this progress, several clinical conditions can now be identified as "pre-AIDS" syndromes. These include the persistent generalized lymphadenopathy syndrome, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, the wasting syndrome, and certain predominantly neurologic presentations. All are characterized by the presence of infection with HIV, symptomatic disease, and, over time, an increasing tendency to progress to "full-blown" AIDS.
Resonant scattering assisted light element analysis

Abstract The use of H+ beams at a selected low energy allows enhanced detection sensitivity to those atoms which possess resonant scattering. Further improvement is possible by using the simultaneous reduction of the substrate scattering cross section by destructive resonance interference. To show the usefulness of destructive and constructive resonance interference, we have selected two systems: one is a thin film of carbon on a silicon substrate and the other is boron on a carbon substrate.
CMOS-Based Phase Fluorometric Oxygen Sensor System

The design and development of a phase fluorometric oxygen (O2 ) sensor system using single-chip CMOS detection and processing integrated circuit (DPIC) and sol-gel derived xerogel thin-film sensor elements is described. The sensor system determines analyte concentrations using the excited state lifetime measurements of an O2-sensitive luminophore (tris(4,7-diphenyl-1,10- phenathroline)ruthenium (II)) embedded in the xerogel matrix. A light emitting diode (LED) is used as the excitation source, and the fluorescence is detected by the DPIC using a 16times16 phototransistor array on-chip. The DPIC also consists of a current mirror, current-to-voltage converter, amplifier, bandpass filter, and phase detector. The DPIC output is a dc voltage that corresponds to the detected fluorescence phase shift. With a 14-kHz modulation frequency, the entire system including driving the LED consumes 80 mW of average power. The sensor system provides stable, reproducible, analytically reliable, and fast response (~20 s) to changes in the gaseous oxygen concentrations and establishes the viability for low cost, low power and miniaturized biochemical sensor systems
Sub-threshold logic circuit design using feedback equalization

Low energy has become one of the primary constraint in the design of digital VLSI circuits in recent years. Minimum-energy consumption can be achieved in digital circuits by operating in the sub-threshold regime. However, in this regime process variation can result in up to an order of magnitude variations in Ion/Ioff ratios leading to timing errors, which can have a detrimental impact on the functionality of the sub-threshold circuits. These timing errors become more frequent in scaled technology nodes where process variations are highly prevalent. Therefore, mechanisms to mitigate these timing errors while minimizing the energy consumption in sub-threshold circuits are required. In this paper, we propose the use of a variable threshold feedback equalizer circuit with combinational logic blocks to mitigate the timing errors, which can then be leveraged to reduce the dominant leakage energy by scaling supply voltage or decreasing the propagation delay. At the fixed supply voltage, we can decrease the propagation delay of the critical path using equalizer circuits and, correspondingly decrease the leakage energy consumption. For a 8-bit carry lookahead adder designed in UMC 130 nm process, the operating frequency can be increased by 22.87% (on average), while reducing the leakage energy by 22.6% in the sub-threshold regime. Overall the feedback equalization technique provides up to 35.4% lower energy-delay product compared to the conventional non-equalized logic. Alternately, for a 8-bit carry lookahead adder, the proposed technique enables us to reduce the critical voltage (beyond which timing errors occur) from 300 mV (nominal design) to 270 mV (design with feedback circuit), and provides a 16.72% decrease in energy per operation while maintaining performance.
Crack at the apex of a loaded notch

Abstract This paper deals with the plane elastostatic problem of an infinite wedge, subjected to arbitrary surface tractions, and cracked along the wedge angle bisector. The problem is reduced to a single Fredholm integral equation, which is solved numerically for normal loads on the crack faces and various loads on the wedge faces. It is shown that the crack tip intensity factor depends strongly on the wedge angle. An approximation to a half plane with a notch of finite angle, cracked at its apex, is also obtained.
Neue Physik im Vakuum

Einige Theorien zur Vereinheitlichung der vier bekannten Naturkrafte sagen neue Teilchen, Krafte oder die Existenz von mehr als drei Raumdimensionen voraus. Mit der heute erreichbaren Messgenauigkeit sollten sich diese bei geringen Abstanden in einem Abweichen von bekannten Gesetzen, wie dem Newtonschen Abstandsgesetz der Gravitation, bemerkbar machen. Bei solchen Experimenten stellt die Casimir-Kraft die wichtigste Unsicherheit in der Beschreibung des Messaufbaus dar. Theoretiker von der Purdue University und dem Wabash College haben nun eine Losung dieses Problems vorgeschlagen [1].