cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exclusive Single Pion Electroproduction off the Proton: Results from CLAS

Exclusive meson electroproduction off protons is a powerful tool to probe the effective degrees of freedom in excited nucleon states at the varying distance scale where the transition from the contributions of both quark core and meson-baryon cloud to the quark core dominance. During the past decade, the CLAS collaboration has executed a broad experimental program to study the excited states of the proton using polarized electron beam and both polarized and unpolarized proton targets. The measurements covered a broad kinematic range in the invariant mass W and photon virtuality \(Q^2\) with nearly full coverage in polar and azimuthal angles in the hadronic CM system. As results, several low-lying nucleon resonance states in particular from pion threshold to \(W < 1.6\,\hbox {GeV}\) have been explored. These include \(\varDelta (1232)\frac{3}{2}^+\), \(N(1440)\frac{1}{2}^+\), \(N(1520)\frac{3}{2}^-\), and \(N(1535)\frac{1}{2}^-\) states. In addition, we recently published the differential cross sections and helicity amplitudes of the reaction \(\gamma ^*p\rightarrow n\pi ^+\) at higher W (1.6–2.0 GeV) which are the \(N(1675)\frac{5}{2}^-\), \(N(1680)\frac{5}{2}^+\), and \(N(1710)\frac{1}{2}^+\) states. These excited states with isospin 1/2 and with masses near 1.7 GeV can be accessed in single \(n\pi ^+\) production as there are no isospin 3/2 states present in this mass range with the same spin-parity assignments. I will briefly discuss these states from CLAS results of the single charged pion electroproduction data.
Achieving high microprocessor manufacturing output-the Copy Exactly! method

A review of Intel's 1 /spl mu/m technology demonstrates that uncontrolled engineering innovation can limit output during the transfer and ramp of Si technology into manufacturing. A method to copy the development fabrication facility learning, thereby maximizing output during the transfer and ramp, is described. This "Copy Exactly!" method is shown to enhance output as demonstrated by the results of Intel's 0.5 /spl mu/m, 0.35 /spl mu/m and 0.25 /spl mu/m technology transfer and ramp.
Memories of the counterculture through the lens of Irwin Klein

AbstractThe author of this essay reflects upon his experience with the counterculture in northern New Mexico and his relationship to his uncle, the late photographer Irwin Klein (1933–1974).
Beating the diffraction limit in IR microscopy through detecting the thermal effect

We report a mid-infrared photothermal microscope with sub-micron spatial resolution. Such performance has exceeded the diffraction limit of infrared microscopy and allowed label-free three-dimensional chemical imaging of live cells and organisms. Distributions of endogenous lipid and exogenous drug inside single cells were visualized.
Understanding of safety monitoring in clinical trials by individuals with CF or their parents: A qualitative analysis

Abstract Background Recruiting both pediatric and adult participants for clinical trials in CF is currently of paramount importance as numerous new therapies are being developed. However, recruitment is challenging as parents of children with CF and adults with CF cite safety concerns as a principal barrier to enrollment. In conjunction with the CF Foundation (CFF) Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), a pilot brochure was developed to inform patients and parents of the multiple levels of safety monitoring; the CFF simultaneously created an infographic representing the safety monitoring process. This study explores the attitudes and beliefs of CF patients and families regarding safety monitoring and clinical trial participation, and elicits feedback regarding the educational materials. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a pre-tested interview guide and audio-recorded during routine CF clinic visits. Participants included 5 parents of children with CF Results Four major thematic categories with subthemes emerged as supported by exemplar quotations: attitudes toward clinical trials, safety values, conceptualizing the safety monitoring process, and priorities for delivery of patient education. Participant feedback was used to revise the pilot brochure; text was shortened, unfamiliar words clarified (e.g., "pipeline"), abbreviations eliminated, and redundancy avoided. Conclusions Qualitative analysis of CF patient and family interviews provided insights into barriers to participation in clinical trials, safety concerns, perspectives on safety monitoring and educational priorities. We plan a multicenter study to determine if the revised brochure reduces knowledge, attitude and practice barriers regarding participation in CF clinical trials.
Safety I to Safety II: A Paradigm Shift or More Work as Imagined? Comment on "False Dawns and New Horizons in Patient Safety Research and Practice"

In their editorial, Mannion and Braithwaite contend that the approach to solving the problem of unsafe care, Safety I, is flawed and requires a shift in thinking to what they are calling Safety II. We have reservations as to whether by itself the shift from Safety I to Safety II is sufficient. Perhaps our failure to improve outcomes in the field of patient safety and quality lies less in our approach - Safety I vs. Safety II - and more in the lack of an agreed upon, commonly understood set of core competencies (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) needed in its workforce. The authors explore in this commentary the need to establish core competencies as part of the pathway to professionalism for the discipline of patient safety and quality.
Comparison of Factors Involved in Starch Degradation in Barley Germination under Laboratory and Malting Conditions1,2

Barley has long been the model plant for the physiological studies of starch degradation and germination. The majority of barley germination research was and is conducted using various laboratory g...
Development and Cross-Cultural Validity of a Brief Measure of Separation-Individuation

Separation from parents is a key aspect of adolescent development and has been linked to a variety of important mental and behavioral health outcomes. Separation-individuation measures were developed in the United States and have been used in Asian contexts. However, no cross-cultural studies have demonstrated that measures of separation-individuation tap the same domains across Asian and American adolescents. This article describes two studies conducted to develop and initially validate a scale for measuring adolescent separation-individuation. Study 1 (n = 300) developed a Brief Measure of Separation-Individuation (BMSI) using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Item Response Theory. The result was a 32-item BMSI that provided comparable test information to the original 148-item measure. Study 2 examined the BMSI for measurement invariance and convergent validity across U.S. and Taiwanese samples (ns = 231 and 323). Findings suggest that functional independence, attitudinal independence, and emotional independence may be culturally invariant separation-individuation constructs. However, conflictual independence seems to be more culturally dependent in that its items were only partially scalar invariant and it was only loosely related to the other separation-individuation factors. Findings are consistent with previous research that recommended against using total scores for the PSI (i.e., scoring a single separation-individuation dimension). This study suggests the BMSI holds promise as a brief measure of separation-individuation that can be used in cross-cultural research.
The evaluation of multiple gated acquisition (MUGA) scan in breast cancer patients with left breast expander artifact. Description, challenges and solutions

1029 Learning Objectives 1. The purpose for this study is to evaluate the frequency, appearance, location, effect, challenges and solutions of the left breast expander artifact in MUGA scans in patients with left breast expander device. The solution includes limited but certain adjustments of acquisition protocols in order to avoid the artifact caused by the breast expander. 2. To show: 1) Normal anatomy and appearance of MUGA scans. 2) Description of the device artifact appearance in MUGA scans. 3) The different locations of this artifact, the frequency and the limitations of each location. 4) How to evaluate the difference in the ejection fraction caused by this artifact. 5) How to avoid this artifact, challenges and solutions. 6) If the artifact is unavoidable, how to deal with it. 7) Different examples of each location and appearance. 8) How to perform subsequent imaging in the same patient Summary: The breast expander artifact may or may not affect the MUGA scan results. It depends on the location, size and appearance of this artifact. Evaluation of this artifact requires meticulous observation and slight but certain adjustments of the imaging protocols in order to improve the results. Detailed documentation of all the data is required as a future reference for the following exams in the same patient. Understanding the examples provided for each location and situation is important.
Race and the Association Between Police Stops and Depression Among Young Adults: A Research Note:

Police stops are stressful experiences that may be harmful for health. The present study examines the association between police stops and symptoms of depression in the National Longitudinal Survey...
Sports Nutrition Knowledge of Volleyball Players

The study of nutrition and its effects on athletic performance has increased in recent years and its importance to exercise and sport performance is well documented. Therefore, the purpose of this ...
Improving Student Engagement in Community Disaster Preparedness.

Background Recent events continue to demonstrate the need for effective community-level disaster preparedness. Nurses remain key figures in supporting local response efforts and disaster education for unexpected events. Problem Although improved efforts have promoted disaster nursing practice knowledge, nursing education remains challenged in engaging students in disaster management efforts. Approach Students collaborated over 4 semesters to assess and deliver a variety of disaster-related interventions to the community. Outcomes The multisemester project improved students' understanding of disaster nursing, the nursing program's engagement with community partners, and community members' knowledge and ability for emergency preparedness. Conclusion The project was instrumental in improving the community's awareness and engagement of the regional nursing programs in community-based emergency response. The details of the project are provided for replication by other faculty and nursing programs.
Prevalence of Axonal Sensory Neuropathy With IgM Binding to Trisulfated Heparin Disaccharide in Patients With Fibromyalgia.

Objective To assess the intraepidermal nerve fiber density in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) and to evaluate the role of IgM binding to trisulfated heparin disaccharide (TS-HDS) in these patients. Methods FM is a poorly understood pain disorder with several proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms. It is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep abnormalities. Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) has been proposed as an underlying mechanism, and patients with FM have been shown to have a reduction in the intraepidermal nerve fiber density. An underlying inflammatory process that could be a result of autoimmune phenomena has also been suggested. Non-length-dependent SFN (NLDSFN) has been shown to have a higher incidence of autoimmune disease. Twenty-two patients with established diagnosis of FM underwent skin biopsy at 2 sites; 10 cm above the lateral malleolus and 10 cm above the patella. Serum IgM binding to TS-HDS was assayed using an ELISA method. Results A total of 5/22 patients had positive TS-HDS antibodies; of these, 4 had NLDSFN (P = 0.0393). Comparison with a control group at Washington University showed no significant difference in percentage with TS-HDS antibodies (P = 0.41). When compared with Washington University database of skin biopsy, there was a trend for an increased percentage of NLDSFN in patients with FM (P = 0.06). Conclusions This study further supports the hypothesis that a subgroup of patients with FM has SFN. We suggest a correlation between the presence of NLDSFN and TS-HDS antibodies.
Annals On Call - C difficile: The Most Common Health Care–Associated Infection in the United States

In this episode of Annals On Call, Dr. Centor discusses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infection with Clostridioides difficile with Drs. Allison Guh and Preeta Kutty, both of whom work...
Regulation of heart rate and the pacemaker current by phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling

Heart rate in physiological conditions is set by the sinoatrial node (SN), the primary cardiac pacing tissue. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling is a major regulatory pathway in all normal cells, and its dysregulation is prominent in diabetes, cancer, and heart failure. Here, we show that inhibition of PI3K slows the pacing rate of the SN in situ and in vitro and reduces the early slope of diastolic depolarization. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K causes a negative shift in the voltage dependence of activation of the pacemaker current, IF, while addition of its second messenger, phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, induces a positive shift. These shifts in the activation of IF are independent of, and larger than, those induced by the autonomic nervous system. These results suggest that PI3K is an important regulator of heart rate, and perturbations in this signaling pathway may contribute to the development of arrhythmias.
Characterization of non-human primate antisera to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): evidence for unique antigen(s) on childhood ALL of "T" phenotype

A non-human primate antiserum was prepared to acute lymphoblastic leukemia of T-cell phenotype (T-ALL) and, after absorptions with normal blood elements, reacted by immunofluorescence and microcytotoxicity to all the T-ALL tested. In addition, the antiserum reacted with cells from about 70% of the common ALL studied and immunoprecipitated the common ALL antigen of 100,000 daltons. However, when the anti-T-ALL serum was absorbed with with lymphoblasts from common ALL, it failed to react with common ALL lymphoblasts, yet reacted significantly with cells from patients with T-ALL phenotype and defined a 100,000-dalton membrane component not found on common ALL lymphoblasts. In addition, sequential immunoprecipitation of 125I-labeled T-ALL membranes by anti-common-ALL serum followed by anti-T-ALL serum detected the T-ALL membrane component of 100,000 daltons that was not found on common ALL. Thus, our results demonstrate the presence of of a unique human T-ALL antigen present on all T-ALL distinct from the common ALL antigen.
Robust Multi-Relational Learning With Absolute Projection Rescal

RESCAL is a popular approach for multi-relational learning based on tensor decomposition. At the same time, RESCAL follows a L2-norm formulation that can be very sensitive against outlying data corruptions. In this work, we propose A-RESCAL: a corruption-resistant reformulation of RESCAL based on absolute projections. Specifically, we (i) show that rank-1 A-RESCAL can be cast as a combinatorial problem over antipodal binary variables and solve it exactly by exhaustive search; (ii) develop an efficient iterative algorithm for approximating the solution to rank-1 A-RESCAL; and (iii) extend our solver for general rank by means of subspace deflation. Our experimental studies on multiple benchmark datasets show that A-RESCAL performs quite similarly to standard RESCAL when the processed data are nominal, while it is significantly more robust in the case of data corruption.
iPSC-derived endothelial cell response to hypoxia via SDF1a/CXCR4 axis facilitates incorporation to revascularize ischemic retina

Ischemic retinopathies are major causes of blindness worldwide. Local hypoxia created by loss of vascular supply leads to tissue injury and aberrant neovascularization in the retina. There is a great need for therapies that enhance revascularization of hypoxic neuroretinal tissue. To test the therapeutic feasibility of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (hiPSC-ECs) for the treatment of ischemic retinopathies, we compared the angiogenic potential of hiPSC-ECs with mature human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) in response to hypoxia. hiPSC-ECs formed more robust and complex vascular networks in collagen gels, whereas HRECs displayed minimal sprouting. The cells were further tested in the mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Retinas with hiPSC-EC injection showed colocalization with host vessels, whereas HRECs lacked such responses. hiPSC-ECs markedly reduced vaso-obliteration and pathological neovascularization. This beneficial effect of hiPSC-ECs was explained by the stromal cell-derived factor-1a (SDF1a)/CXCR4 axis; hiPSC-ECs exhibited much higher cell-surface expression of CXCR4 than HRECs and greater chemotaxis toward SDF1a-embedded 3D collagen hydrogel. Furthermore, treatment with neutralizing antibody to CXCR4 abolished recruitment of hiPSCs in the OIR model. These findings suggest superior angiogenic potential of hiPSC-ECs under hypoxia and underscore the importance of SDF1a/CXCR4 in the reparative function of hiPSC-ECs in ischemic diseases.
Management of Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Dementia

Dementia, a chronic, progressive decline in cognition, is a significant health concern in older adults impacting 1 in 10 individuals ≥65 years of age. Treatment of dementia often includes memory specific medications, control of cardiovascular risk factors, and nonpharmacologic therapies. Older adults receiving memory specific medications should be carefully monitored and discontinuation considered in cases of side effects, financial burden, or in cases of end-stage disease. Dementia is commonly complicated by behavioral and psychologic symptoms of dementia and sundowning. These issues can be especially challenging for caregivers, and providers should screen for dementia-associated behaviors and caregiver burnout at each visit. The mainstay of treatment for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and sundowning is nonpharmacologic. Older adults with delirium are also at increased risk for delirium, an acute disorder of attention and cognition. During hospitalization, nonpharmacologic multicomponent approaches for prevention of delirium should be implemented in these individuals.
A high accuracy scaleable LED driver topology for multichannel applications

This paper presents a novel driver topology to accurately control the current through LEDs by using a current sink, a switch mode pre-regulator, few interface components and a microcontroller employing an algorithm that controls and predicts the output state in normal and fault modes without directly measuring the output parameters. The topology is easily scaleable to realize multichannel LED drivers, supports wide range of LED loads, provides superior drive current accuracy and is modulation and flicker free. In this paper we provide an overview of the shortcomings of the commonly used multichannel topologies and demonstrate how the proposed architecture and control logic can solve those shortcomings. Experimental results are also provided to validate the operation of the proposed topology in both normal and abnormal load conditions.
A Tool to Predict Readmission to the Intensive Care Unit in Surgical Critical Care Patients—The RISC Score:

Background:Readmission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is associated with a high risk of in-hospital mortality and higher health care costs. Previously published tools to predict ICU readmission i...
Encouraging Convergence of Information Behaviour Theory and Information Services Education

Information behaviour theory, models, and concepts (IB TMCs) are foundational for effective reference and information services (RIS) and yet they are not widely addressed in basic RIS courses. This study explores how librarianship students are being educated in IB TMCs. Course syllabi and assigned textbooks of RIS courses were analyzed for integration of IB TMCs. This analysis is followed by a survey of instructors of these courses to determine key factors in integration of IB TMCs. Preliminary results indicate that treatment of IB TMCs remain limited and suggest that IB scholars may have an impact on the integration of their work.
Fetal Sacrococcygeal Teratoma and the Development of Hydrops.

* Abbreviations: CVO: : combined ventricular output DVP: : deepest vertical pocket EXIT: : ex utero intrapartum therapy FTC: : Fetal Treatment Center MCA: : middle cerebral artery MRI: : magnetic resonance imaging NTD: : neural tube defect PPROM: : preterm premature rupture of membranes RFA: : radiofrequency ablation SCT: : sacrococcygeal teratoma TFR: : tumor volume–to–fetal weight ratio UCSF: : University of California, San Francisco A large sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) was detected on routine 18-week fetal ultrasonography in a 26-year-old, gravida 2, para 0 woman. She had a history of Helicobacter pylori gastric infection and an ovarian cyst, in addition to a previous spontaneous abortion at 15 weeks’ gestation. This pregnancy had been uncomplicated and prenatal laboratory testing was unremarkable. She was evaluated at an outside fetal care center at 21 weeks’ gestation. At that time, the fetal SCT measured 5.9×5.3 cm of mixed solid and cystic components, about 30% to 50% of the fetal size. Given the size of the SCT, with interval growth from initial diagnosis, she was referred to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Fetal Treatment Center (FTC) to discuss the options for fetal surgical intervention. The woman was seen at the UCSF FTC at 23 weeks’ gestation. Imaging at that time included fetal ultrasonography and fetal echocardiography. Ultrasonography (Fig 1) demonstrated a largely exterior SCT with a small, presacral component. The tumor was largely solid with small cystic components and classified as an SCT type 1 lesion. The dimensions were 11.6×10.5×9.6 cm with an estimated volume of 611 mL, about 87% of the fetal size. There was no evidence of polyhydramnios, with the deepest vertical pocket (DVP) at 7.7 cm. Fetal echocardiography showed normal cardiac anatomy with significant dilation of the inferior vena cava and mild cardiomegaly with a cardiothoracic ratio of 0.36. The combined ventricular output (CVO) was significantly elevated at 817 mL/kg per minute (upper limit of normal is 500 mL/kg per minute). Diastolic flow velocity in the umbilical artery (systolic-to-diastolic velocity ratio of 6.2) was low, possibly secondary to a “steal phenomenon” to the tumor. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) diastolic flow velocity was also low, suggestive of cerebral vasodilation to maintain cerebral blood flow (brain-sparing). …
Stellar Evolution and Tidal Dissipation in REBOUNDx

We introduce two new features to REBOUNDx, an extended library for the N-body integrator REBOUND. The first is a convenient parameter interpolator for coupling different physics and integrators using numerical splitting schemes. The second implements a constant time lag model for tides (without evolving spins) from Hut (1981). We demonstrate various examples of these features using post-main sequence stellar evolution data from MESA (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics). These additional effects are publicly available as of REBOUNDx's latest release.
Liquidity and initial public offering underpricing.

Abstract Using eight measures of liquidity, and addressing the potential endogeneity of initial returns, we find underpricing generally increases the secondary market liquidity of IPOs over the first year of trading, irrespective of the horizon over which liquidity is measured. For two model specifications over the eight measures, fifteen regressions display signs consistent with higher underpricing increasing liquidity and thirteen of these are statistically significant. We also find higher initial returns are significantly negatively correlated with the probability of informed trade. Furthermore, the liquidity effects of underpricing survive the lockup date, suggesting they are not quickly dissipated.
A High-performance Onboard Small Animal PET for Preclinical Radiotherapy Research

We have developed and evaluated a prototype animal PET dedicated for PET/CT/RT. It consists of 12 detectors configured in a dodecagon; each panel has a 30x30 array of 1x1x20 mm3 LYSO scintillators with each end of the scintillator array optically connected to Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays for depth-of-interaction (DOI) measurement. The trans-axial and axial field-of-view (FOV) are ~10 cm in diameter and 3.5 cm long. PCB and FPGA based detector readout and processing electronics has been developed. Preliminary system and imaging performances were evaluated with a Na-22 point source and a F-18 ultra-micro hot-rod phantom. The energy, DOI, and coincidence timing resolutions of the system are around 23%, 3.2 mm, and 4.88 ns, respectively. The measured system sensitivity is ~2.2% at the center of FOV, and the image resolution measured from the reconstructed point source images over the FOV ranges from 0.77 to 1.03 mm (mean 0.83 mm). Hot-rods with diameters from 1.0 to 2.4 mm are well separated on the reconstructed phantom image when DOI is applied.
SU‐E‐J‐99: Computation of Deformable Image Registration Confidence Maps

Purpose: Many metrics used to assess Deformable Image Registration (DIR) quality are overly simplistic while also being time consuming. In this study, we develop an automated method to obtain an estimate of the DIR errors at every point on the registration grid. This Deformable Registration Confidence Map (DRC-Map) can then be overlaid onto the deformed volume to highlight regions of poor registration quality. Methods: The DRC-Map computation process for volume A deformed onto volume B consists of four main steps: i) Deform B onto A, ii) Apply a random perturbation to the deformation vector field (DVF) of this deformation and smooth the Result, iii) Apply the perturbed DVF to volume B to create an approximation of A (A’), and iv) Deform A’ back onto B. The perturbed DVF along with the DVF obtained from step 4 can be used to explicitly track the motion of each voxel is they deform from volume B to A’ then back to B. Three patients, two liver and one pancreatic, were chosen for DRC-Map computation. For each patient, volume B was defined by applying a known DVF to volume A. A 5% random perturbation was used to create A’. The DRC-Map was compared to the true errors obtained through knowledge of the exact transform from A to B given by the pre-defined DVF. Results: For the patients considered, the mean difference between the estimated and true registration errors were 1.15 mm, 1.14 mm, and 1.08 mm; with 80% of the DRC-Map values within 1.52 mm, 1.49 mm, and 1.50 mm of the true errors respectively. Conclusion: Computation of a DRC-Map can be fully automated and does not require organ delineation or landmark identification. DRC-Maps provide a fast and accurate mechanism for highlighting regions of poor DIR results in a spatially dependent manner.
Energy-Efficient Multimedia Communications in Lossy Multi-hop Wireless Networks

A key concern in multi-hop wireless networks is energy-efficiency due to battery-power constrained mobile nodes. The network interface is a significant consumer of energy [7, 8, 15] causing a substantial amount of energy to be wasted by sending packets that cannot be used by the receiver. Given the small MAC layer packet sizes of wireless channels as compared to multimedia application data frames, inter-packet dependencies are formed (i.e., the loss of a single packet renders a group of packets useless). In this paper, we present an application-aware link layer protocol to reduce the energy wasted by sending such useless data in lossy networks.
The wave of the future? Youth advocacy at the nexus of population and climate change

In recent years, young activists under 25 have increasingly advocated slowing global population growth through family planning as a climate change strategy. While this approach is developed and disseminated by population and development NGOs, young advocates transform the debate by asserting their role as activist leaders on issues of climate change, population, and women's empowerment. This article explores the logics and discursive strategies employed by a group of transnational youth during a workshop at the sixth annual Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY) as well as training workshops in the USA. It tracks the practices through which young climate change activists engage demographic-climate studies and broader development discourses as a basis for advocacy to influence international population and family planning policies. I argue that development paradigms, activist discourse, and new demographic-climate studies represent both an expansion of the range of issues considered under the climate change umbrella, and simultaneously a narrowing of understandings of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues for women through the technicalisation of women's rights.
Adaptive coding for mobile ad hoc networks with frequency-hop transmission and soft-decision decoding

Alternative protocols are presented for adapting the code from packet to packet in a mobile, wireless, ad hoc network that employs frequency hopping, coherent or noncoherent demodulation, and soft-decision decoding on channels with time-varying partial-band interference. The protocols are implemented in subsystems that are external to the demodulator and soft-decision decoder, so they can be employed with a wide range of codes and decoding algorithms. No channel measurements are needed and no external side information is supplied to the receiver. Performance results are provided for packet transmissions that employ turbo product codes. Protocol performance is compared with capacity limits and with an ideal protocol that uses perfect channel state information for the most recent packet transmission to select the code that maximizes the expected throughput.
Mechanisms of Pathogenesis in Listeria monocytogenes Infection III. Carbohydrate Metabolism

Several enzymes and metabolites concerned with carbohydrate metabolism were examined in mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Liver glycogen and glucose decreased parallel to severity of infection. The concentration of glucose in the blood fell to abnormally low levels with a hypoglycemia being most evident at 72 hr. There was a significant decrease in the activity of hepatic uridine diphosphate glucose-glycogen transglucosylase. This decrease in enzymatic activity correlated with the rate of glycogen depletion. Phosphorylase activity declined in a similar fashion, contraindicating enhanced glycogenolysis as the mechanism responsible for glycogen depletion. Although glucose-6-phosphatase decreased throughout the infection period, it did not appear to be the major metabolic defect causing hypoglycemia in Listeria-infected mice. Further distortion of carbohydrate metabolism was indicated by findings of increased levels of pyruvate and lactate in the blood of infected animals.
A study of corrosion-resistant materials for pulsed gaseous core nuclear systems

The containment of an aggressive high-temperature reactive fluoride atmosphere, such as exists in a pulsed gaseous core nuclear system, requires the use of protective materials that will either not react in this environment or will form stable nonvolatile fluorides, thus passivating the surface against further reaction. Candidate protective materials for gaseous core reactors were identified for further investigation on the basis of their thermodynamic and mechanical properties. Materials included aluminum oxide (Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/), yttrium oxide (Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/), mixtures of Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/, magnesium oxide (MgO), and pyrophyllite (Al/sub 2/(Si/sub 2/O/sub 5/)/sub 2/(OH)/sub 2/). Pioneering studies at the University of Florida on the use of infrared reflection spectroscopy (IRRS) for nondestructive surface analysis, along with x-ray diffraction pattern (XDP) studies, were applied to the analysis of UF/sub 6/ material/surface interactions. Candidate materials were subjected to a UF/sub 6/ atmosphere (973 K, 87 Torr, with 1- to 5-h exposures). The IRRS and XDP analyses of the materials after exposure showed no surface product formation in the case of the first four protective materials. For pyrophyllite, a mechanically and chemically stable protective surface fluoride film was formed.
Toward Building a Course-Timetabling Decision-Support System

We report on our progress on building a decision support system for course timetabling. Our goal is to construct course timetables that minimize some measure of total con flict and tend toward producing compact schedules for pro fessors and students. Our initial application is for the Sci ence Division courses at Rollins College, but the results should ultimately lead to a more general timetabling system that is adaptable to other institutions. The core of the system is an automated timetable construction, whose strategies and heuristics are based on a weighted graph model that the sec ond author has been developing over the past several years. The other key component is a graphical user interface (GUI) that will allow the user to input problem specific conditions and impose changes, improvements, and/or repairs at vari ous stages of the construction.
Betweenness Centrality : Algorithms and Lower Bounds

One of the most fundamental problems in large scale network analysis is to determine the importance of a particular node in a network. Betweenness centrality is the most widely used metric to measure the importance of a node in a network. In this paper, we present a randomized parallel algorithm and an algebraic method for computing betweenness centrality of all nodes in a network. We prove that any path-comparison based algorithm cannot compute betweenness in less than O(nm) time.
Practical issues in implementing software reliability measurement

Many ways of estimating software systems' reliability, or reliability-related quantities, have been developed over the past several years. Of particular interest are methods that can be used to estimate a software system's reliability or fault content prior to test, or to discriminate between components that are fault-prone and those that are not. In this panel, we discuss practical issues to be addressed in implementing software reliability measurement techniques in a production development environment.
Unprecedented Cage-Carbon to Cage-Boron NMe3 Transfer in a Monocarbon Molybdenacarborane †

The reagent Li(2)[7-NMe(3)-nido-7-CB(10)H(10)] reacts with [Mo(CO)(3)(NCMe)(3)] in THF-NCMe (THF = tetrahydrofuran) to give a molybdenacarborane intermediate which, upon oxidation by CH(2)[double bond]CHCH(2)Br or I(2) and then addition of [N(PPh(3))(2)]Cl, gives the salts [N(PPh(3))(2)][2,2,2-(CO)(3)-2-X-3-NMe(3)-closo-2,1-MoCB(10)H(10)] (X = Br (1) or I (2)). During the reaction, the cage-bound NMe(3) substituent is transferred from the cage-carbon atom to an adjacent cage-boron atom, a feature established spectroscopically in 1 and 2, and by X-ray diffraction studies on several of their derivatives. When [Rh(NCMe)(3)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))][BF(4)](2) is used as the oxidizing agent, the trimetallic compound [2,2,2-(CO)(3)-7-mu-H-2,7,11-[Rh(2)(mu-CO)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)]-closo-2,1-MoCB(10)H(9)] (10) is formed, the NMe(3) group being lost. Reaction of 1 in CH(2)Cl(2) with Tl[PF(6)] in the presence of donor ligands L affords neutral zwitterionic compounds [2,2,2-(CO)(3)-2-L-3-NMe(3)-closo-2,1-MoCB(10)H(10)] for L = PPh(3) (4) or CNBu(t) (5), and [2-Bu(t)C[triple bond]CH-2,2-(CO)(2)-3-NMe(3)-closo-2,1-MoCB(10)H(10)] (6) when L = Bu(t)C[triple bond]CH. When 1 is treated with CNBu(t) and X(2), the metal center is oxidized, and in the products obtained, [2,2,2,2-(CNBu(t))(4)-2-Br-3-X-closo-2,1-MoCB(10)H(10)] (X = Br (7), I (8)), the B-NMe(3) bond is replaced by B-X. In contrast, treatment of 2 with I(2) and cyclo-1,4-S(2)(CH(2))(4) in CH(2)Cl(2) results in oxidative substitution of the cluster and retention of the NMe(3) group, giving [2,2,2-(CO)(3)-2-I-3-NMe(3)-6-[cyclo-1,4-S(2)(CH(2))(4)]-closo-2,1-MoCB(10)H(9)] (9). The unique structural features of the new compounds were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies upon 6, 7, 9 and 10.
Yang-Mills vacua in Landau gauge☆

Abstract A vacuum gauge field Aμa for Yang-Mills theory is constructed; this field (i) is pure vacuum (Aμa=0) at the origin, (ii) approaches at large distances, the Belavin-Polyakov-Schwartz-Tyupkin pseudoparticle, and (iii) satisfies ∂μAμa=0 everywhere. The net topological charge is zero, and there is a Dirac-like string terminating at the origin.
High cumulative incidence of uterine leiomyoma in black and white women: Ultrasound evidence☆☆☆★

Abstract Objective: Uterine leiomyoma, or fibroid tumors, are the leading indication for hysterectomy in the United States, but the proportion of women in whom fibroid tumors develop is not known. This study screened for fibroid tumors, independently of clinical symptoms, to estimate the age-specific proportion of black and white women in whom fibroid tumors develop. Study Design: Randomly selected members of an urban health plan who were 35 to 49 years old participated (n = 1364 women). Medical records and self-report were used to assess fibroid status for those women who were no longer menstruating (most of whom had had hysterectomies). Premenopausal women were screened by ultrasonography. We estimated the age-specific cumulative incidence of fibroid tumors for black and white women. Results: Thirty-five percent of premenopausal women had a previous diagnosis of fibroid tumors. Fifty-one percent of the premenopausal women who had no previous diagnosis had ultrasound evidence of fibroid tumors. The estimated cumulative incidence of tumors by age 50 was >80% for black women and nearly 70% for white women. The difference between the age-specific cumulative incidence curves for black and white women was highly significant (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.5-3.4; P Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that most black and white women in the United States develop uterine fibroid tumors before menopause and that uterine fibroid tumors develop in black women at earlier ages than in white women. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:100-7.)
The last refuge of a scoundrel: patriotism, militarism and the Russian national idea*

. In a nation-state, where ethnic and territorial borders coincide, patriotism may easily have an exclusivist-nationalist component, and be used to serve the goals of politicians hoping to mobilise the population for destructive goals. In a multinational state like Russia, the militaristic patriotism that Yeltsin's and Putin's administrations promote can also carry that risk. The Russian state leadership's use of a militaristic patriotism as a means to generate popular support risks unleashing ethnic chauvinism and the military domination of civilian institutions. Such phenomena cast doubt on the prospects for Russia's state-building process to proceed along liberal democratic lines. Non-governmental organisations, such as Russia's Committee of Soldiers' Mothers, however, have devised an alternative vision of patriotism, relying on rule of law and the observance of civil rights, and thereby hold out a slim hope for reframing Russian patriotism and building a peaceful democracy.
Bayesian analysis of MEG visual evoked responses

The authors developed a method for analyzing neural electromagnetic data that allows probabilistic inferences to be drawn about regions of activation. The method involves the generation of a large number of possible solutions which both fir the data and prior expectations about the nature of probable solutions made explicit by a Bayesian formalism. In addition, they have introduced a model for the current distributions that produce MEG and (EEG) data that allows extended regions of activity, and can easily incorporate prior information such as anatomical constraints from MRI. To evaluate the feasibility and utility of the Bayesian approach with actual data, they analyzed MEG data from a visual evoked response experiment. They compared Bayesian analyses of MEG responses to visual stimuli in the left and right visual fields, in order to examine the sensitivity of the method to detect known features of human visual cortex organization. They also examined the changing pattern of cortical activation as a function of time.
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Assessment of Central Skeletal Sites From Peripheral BMD and Ultrasonographic Measurements: An Improved Solution Employing Age and Weight in Type 3 Regression

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop a method whereby bone mineral density measurements of the heel and finger, as well as ultrasonographic measurements of calcaneal sound transmission, could identify individuals with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia by the World Health Organization criteria for these diagnoses in the central skeleton (i.e., the lumbar spine (LS) and hip [femoral neck] [FN]). Two hundred and forty-four women in a university hospital laboratory setting had dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) in the calcaneus, finger, hip, and spine, and quantitative ultrasound of the calcaneus. Regression equations were developed to predict central bone mineral T-scores from T-scores of peripheral measurements, adjusted by age and weight. Equations were validated by predicting the cut point for osteopenia at the lumbar spine and hip (T-score=−1.0). Ninety-five percent confidence intervals of the mean predicted LS or FN T-score from each peripheral site included −1.0. We conclude that our derived regression equations (taking into account interaction of peripheral BMD with patient age and weight) are useful for predicting T-scores in the central skeleton. This approach reduces the potential for misdiagnosis, which can result if one uses unadjusted peripheral T-scores, which are only moderately correlated with the central measurements of BMD.
Interferometer and analysis methods for the in vitro characterization of dynamic fluid layers on contact lenses

The anterior refracting surface of the eye when wearing a contact lens is the thin fluid layer that forms on the surface of the contact lens. Under normal conditions, this fluid layer is less than 10 μm thick. The fluid layer thickness and topography change over time and are affected by the material properties of the contact lens and may affect vision quality and comfort. An in vitro method of characterizing dynamic fluid layers applied to contact lenses mounted on mechanical substrates has been developed by use of a phase-shifting Twyman-Green interferometer. This interferometer continuously measures light reflected from the surface of the fluid layer, allowing precision analysis of the dynamic fluid layer. Movies showing this fluid layer behavior can be generated. Quantitative analysis beyond typical contact angle or visual inspection methods is provided. Different fluid and contact lens material combinations have been evaluated, and variations in fluid layer properties have been observed. This paper discusses the interferometer design and analysis methods used. Example measurement results of different contact lens are presented.
Thermal conductivity of bis-tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene perchlorate [(TMTSF ) 2 ClO 4 ]

We have measured the thermal conductivity of bis-tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene perchlorate [(TMTSF${)}_{2}$${\mathrm{ClO}}_{4}$] in the temperature range from 300 to 6 K and in magnetic fields to 8 T in the low-temperature regime. Due to the small thermal conductance of these samples as compared to residual gases or radiation we have employed a technique which measures both the heat flow into the sample at the hot end and heat flow out of the sample at the cold end, as well as the temperature drop across the sample. We find that the thermal conductivity is monotomically increasing with decreasing temperature from 100 to 12 K as for conventional solids but in contrast to the previously published results of Djurek and co-workers. Below the anion ordering temperature at 24 K the thermal conductivity increases at a faster rate due to reduced scattering. There is a slight reduction of the thermal conductivity at low temperatures in a magnetic field of 8 T.
Structure of northern elephant seal population breeding on San Nicolas Island, california, in 1971

The structure of the population of northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris, on San Nicolas Island, California, was studied during the 1970 and 1971 breeding season. At the population peak on 31 January 1971, there were 77 males, 306 females, 315 pups, and 6 yearlings on shore. The breeding population was subdivided into 15 groups, containing from 3 to 75 breeding animals. Fourteen of the groups were considered territories defended by individual males, and one group, the largest, was controlled by three males in a social hierarchy. The relatively small size of the San Nicolas population and the large amount of available beach space allowed the existence of numerous small breeding groups. Female elephant seals, although gregarious, apparently prefer to be in small groups when conditions permit it. It is likely that the same males that were territorial would have formed the nucleus of a social hierarchy if space had been limited enough to cause all of the females in the population to congregate in one large group.
Comment on "Low-loss terahertz ribbon waveguides".

We point out an important fundamental limitation associated with the dielectric ribbon waveguide described by Yeh [Appl. Opt.44, 5937 (2005)]APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.44.005937, which would restrict its practical use in ultrahigh- or terahertz-speed guided-wave applications, contrary to their underlying prediction, and we additionally point out a noteworthy inaccuracy in their introductory discussion.
Fabrication and Characterization of Photonic Crystals in Photopolymer SZ2080 by Two-Photon Polymerization Using a Femtosecond Laser

Two-photon polymerization (2PP) is a powerful technique in fabricating three-dimensional subdiffraction-limited structures. In this paper, 2PP was applied to generate woodpile structures, one kind of photonic crystal, using SZ2080, which is widely used in 2PP due to its negligible shrinkage. First, the relationship between scanning speed, laser power, and resolution was determined through fabricating free-hanging lines by theoretical and experimental study. Based on this relationship, woodpile structures with different period distances were fabricated with high uniformity as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Then optical properties of woodpile structures were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and a quantitative empirical relationship between period distance and band gaps was established. The empirical relationship can be applied to design woodpile photonic crystals for the optical sensors and filters.