cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Well, you’re the expert: how signals of source expertise help mitigate partisan bias

Using low information rationality, citizens can compensate for their lack of political knowledge by turning to experts to help interpret and economize information. However, citizens must navigate a...
Bifurcation analysis of nonlinear Hamiltonian dynamics in the Fermilab Integrable Optics Test Accelerator

The Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA) is a novel storage ring at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory designed (in part) to investigate the dynamics of beams in the presence of highly nonlinear transverse focusing fields that generate integrable single-particle motion with a large spread in the intrinsic betatron tunes. We describe how contemporary geometrical methods from the theory of integrable Hamiltonian systems may be used to locate all critical separatrixlike structures in the 4D transverse phase space, and to construct a complete analysis of the dynamical bifurcations of the system. Application of these techniques results in a global picture of the nominal on-energy transverse dynamics, revealing a rich diversity of accessible dynamical behavior. Similar techniques may be applied to future facilities that exploit the concept of nonlinear integrable optics.
Education deans’ perspectives on factors contributing to their longevity

This study explored the construct of longevity for education deans and the perceived impact that endurance in the role exerts on the welfare of schools and colleges of education. Some 181 standing education deans who had served for five or more years responded to a 12-item online survey that probed their perspectives on the professional and personal benefits of their longevity, the influence on their institutions, factors contributing to or jeopardizing their time in office, and the optimal term to stay in the position. From the qualitative analyses, a multi-faceted conceptualization, job satisfaction, emerged as the main reason education deans remained in their roles. This emerged as a result of the perceived support they have to effect and sustain change, and of feeling entrusted to provide effective leadership and continuity for their various constituencies, while enjoying their camaraderie. Noteworthy impediments to longevity and advice for new deans were also revealed.
Deep Trench Capacitors in Silicon Interconnect Fabric

Silicon interconnect fabric (Si-IF) technology is a PCB replacement, fine pitch heterogeneous integration platform that enables high package density by supporting dielet assembly at small inter-dielet spacing. Electrical analysis of a back-side power delivery architecture for Si-IF is performed in this paper. To extend the frequency range of operation of the power delivery network (PDN), decoupling capacitors need to be used, which are implemented in Si-IF as deep trench capacitors (DTCAPs). DTCAPs with high specific cap density greater than $100\frac{{fF}}{{\mu {m^2}}}$, low effective series resistance (≤ 1 mΩ), break down voltage greater than typical operating voltage, and process flow compatible for integration in Si-IF is targeted. Fabrication and experimental characterization of DTCAPs in Si-IF is currently a work in progress. Some early fabrication results are presented.
Sudden death in individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a form of sleep-disordered breathing, characterised by blockage of the airway, snoring, gasping for air during sleep, daytime sleepiness and fatigue. OSA is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). The magnitude of this risk varies in the literature and therefore we aim to systematically assess this risk. This study protocol proposes a meta-analysis and systematic review aimed to estimate the magnitude of the association between OSA, ‘sudden death’ and cardiovascular death. Methods We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published from the inception of each database, which report the risk of ‘sudden death’ or cardiovascular death (including SCD) in individuals diagnosed with OSA versus persons without OSA. The primary outcome of interest in this study will be the relative risk of ‘sudden death’ in patients diagnosed with OSA in comparison to those without an OSA diagnosis. We will search the following electronic research databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane, OVID (Healthstar), OVID (Medline), Scopus and Joana Briggs Institute EBP Database. This protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol guidelines. The checklist for this document is included in the supplemental material. Two reviewers will screen articles for inclusion criteria, extracting appropriate data and evaluating the quality of the included studies. The methodological quality of studies will be appraised using an appropriate tool. Funnel plots and the Egger’s test will be employed to evaluate potential publication bias. We will fit random-effects model with inverse-variance methods for the pooling effect estimates. We will conduct a meta-regression analysis, using numerous variables of interest including age, gender, race, body mass index, hypertension and diabetes, to explore sources of study heterogeneity. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020164941. Ethics and dissemination No ethics clearance was required for this protocol, for no primary data are being collected on research subjects. Only secondary analysis of pre-existing data in scientific databases will be evaluated. The findings of this meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific conferences. These results may assist professionals in the prevention and management of OSA and SCD.
Clinical Significance of Bone Marrow Blast Percentage in Patients With Myelofibrosis and the Effect of Ruxolitinib Therapy

Abstract Background The effect of bone marrow (BM) blasts on the outcome of patients with myelofibrosis (MF) is poorly understood, unless they are ≥ 10% and represent a more aggressive accelerated phase. Similarly, the role of the JAK inhibitor, ruxolitinib (RUX), has not been assessed in correlation with BM blasts. Patients and Methods Herein, we present clinical characteristics and outcomes of 1412 patients with MF stratified by BM blasts and therapy. Results Seven percent and 4% of patients had 5% to 9% and ≥ 10% BM blasts, respectively. Forty-four percent of patients were treated with RUX throughout their disease course. Overall survival (OS) differed among patients with 0% to 1%, 2% to 4%, and 5% to 9% BM blasts, with median OS of 64, 48, and 22 months, respectively (P Conclusions Our results indicate that patients with MF with ≥ 5% BM blasts represent a high-risk group with adverse clinical characteristics and inferior outcome. However, they still appear to derive substantial survival benefit from therapy with RUX.
More-than-human methodologies in qualitative research: Listening to the Leafblower:

This paper explores the methodological possibilities of listening to more-than-human sounds as an entry point to critical analysis. Through attending to the sound of a leafblower as it resonates ac...
Abstract WP441: Association Between Troponin Levels and Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source

Background: Asymptomatic elevations in serum troponin levels often occur in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We evaluated whether patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS) hav...
Advanced liver fibrosis and the metabolic syndrome in a primary care setting.

Aims The fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) are noninvasive and accessible methods for assessing advanced liver fibrosis risk in primary care. We evaluated the distribution of FIB-4 and NFS scores in primary care patients with clinical signals for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study of electronic record data between 2007 and 2018 included adults with at least one abnormal aminotransferase and no known (non-NAFLD) liver disease. We calculated patient-level FIB-4 and NFS scores, the proportion of patients with mean values exceeding advanced fibrosis thresholds (indeterminate risk: FIB-4 > 1.3, NFS > -1.455; high-risk: FIB-4 > 2.67, NFS > 0.676), and the proportion of patients with a NAFLD International Classification of Diseases-9/10 code. Logistic regression models evaluated the associations of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components with elevated FIB-4 and NFS scores. Results The cohort included 6506 patients with a median of 6 (interquartile range: 3-13) FIB-4 and NFS scores per patient. Of these patients, 81% had at least two components of MetS, 29% had mean FIB-4 and NFS scores for indeterminate fibrosis risk, and 11% had either mean FIB-4 or NFS scores exceeding the high advanced fibrosis risk thresholds. Regression models identified associations of low high-density lipoprotein, hyperglycemia, Black race and male gender with high-risk FIB-4 and NFS values. Only 5% of patients had existing diagnoses for NAFLD identified. Conclusions Many primary care patients have FIB-4 and NFS scores concerning for advanced fibrosis, but rarely a diagnosis of NAFLD. Elevated FIB-4 and NFS scores may provide signals for further clinical evaluation of liver disease in primary care settings.
Systematic analysis and review of path optimization techniques in WSN with mobile sink

Abstract Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a research center due to the general application like military and scrutinizing circumstance of environment. The recent approaches showed that the mobility of sink in a controlled path could enhance the efficiency of energy in WSN, but the constraints of the path make the routing more complicated. Thus, the sink with fixed speed poses less communication time for collecting data via sensor nodes that are arbitrarily deployed. This limitation has significant issues in enhancing data collected and minimizing energy consumption. Moreover, these research constraints led to the design proficient path optimization technique in WSN. This work presents a survey based on path optimization strategies. Also, a thorough investigation is done based on various parameters Also, we have analyzed the merits and demerits of conventional path optimization strategies. Finally, future research directions in obtaining efficient path optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks and mobile sink are elaborated.
N-alpha-acetylation of Huntingtin protein increases its propensity to aggregate.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a poly-CAG expansion in the first exon of the HTT gene, resulting in an extended poly-glutamine (polyQ) tract in the N-terminal domain of the Huntingtin (Htt) protein product. Proteolytic fragments of the polyQ-containing N-terminal domain form intranuclear aggregates that are correlated with HD. Post-translational modification of Htt has been shown to alter its function and aggregation properties. However, the effect of N-terminal Htt acetylation has not yet been considered. Here, we developed a bacterial system to produce unmodified or N-terminally acetylated and aggregation-inducible Htt protein. We used this system together with biochemical, biophysical and imaging studies to confirm that the Htt N-terminus is an in vitro substrate for the NatA N-terminal acetyltransferase and show that N-terminal acetylation promotes aggregation. These studies represent the first link between N-terminal acetylation and the promotion of a neurodegenerative disease, and implicates NatA-mediated Htt acetylation as a new potential therapeutic target in HD.
Packing in the Spheres

To study how objects pack together, physicists have long assumed that the objects are spherical. But this simplifying approximation may be leading researchers astray. As Weitz discusses in his Perspective, the work reported by Donev et al. in the same issue shows that how spheres pack may be the exception rather than the rule. Through a combination of experiments with a large collection of ellipsoidal candies and computer simulations, the researchers discover that a much higher volume can be filled with the ellipsoids than with spheres. Not just a theoretical puzzle, the ways in which objects pack are of vital concern to the shipping and manufacturing industries.
Does Continuing Data Collection Beyond One Month Improve the Completion and Response Rates in Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey

Does Continuing Data Collection Beyond One Month Improve the Completion and Response Rates in Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey?
Efficient Similarity Search In Sequence Databases

We propose an indexing method for time sequences for processing similarity queries. We use the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) to map time sequences to the frequency domain, the crucial observation being that, for most sequences of practical interest, only the first few frequencies are strong. Another important observation is Parseval's theorem, which specifies that the Fourier transform preserves the Euclidean distance in the time or frequency domain. Having thus mapped sequences to a lower-dimensionality space by using only the first few Fourier coefficients, we use R * -trees to index the sequences and efficiently answer similarity queries. We provide experimental results which show that our method is superior to search based on sequential scanning. Our experiments show that a few coefficients (1–3) are adequate to provide good performance. The performance gain of our method increases with the number and length of sequences.
Fear in the news : A discourse of control

Fear pervades popular culture and the news media. Whether used as a noun, verb, adverb, or adjective, an ongoing study finds that the word “fear” pervades news reports across all sections of newspa...
Remotely piloted vehicles in civil airspace: requirements and analysis methods for the traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) and see-and-avoid systems

The integration of remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) into civil airspace requires new methods of ensuring aircraft separation. This work discusses issues affecting requirements for RPV traffic avoidance systems and for performing the safety evaluations that are necessary to certify such systems. The paper outlines current ways in which traffic avoidance is assured depending on the type of airspace and type of traffic that is encountered. Alternative methods for RPVs to perform traffic avoidance are discussed, including the potential use of new see-and-avoid sensors or the traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS). Finally, the paper outlines an established safety evaluation process that can be adapted to assure regulatory authorities that RPVs meet level of safety requirements.
The free focus concept in dental and maxillofacial radiography. The present status of the miniaturized dental x-ray machines.

Abstract “Free focus” radiography has shown promise in the examination of complex anatomy in many parts of the body, where conventional and tomographic exposures provide limited information. The approach was introduced in dentistry three decades ago and applied clinically from the time the miniaturized x-ray machines with rod anodes became available in the early 1960's. Yet it has received little attention in the international literature. Recent generations of the unique machines allow free focus surveys of the dentition in two exposures with a film quality comparable to or better than conventional periapical surveys and with a fraction of the radiation load. There is a need for evaluation of such procedures for use in dental practice. Additional applications of free focus radiography promise unusual flexibility in the use x-ray examinations in endodontics, pedodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery, which may justify further development of the miniaturized equipment for such new approaches. Specific suggestions for technical improvements are discussed.
Rapidly evolving imprinted loci

Most imprinted genes are highly conserved, encoding proteins with similar structure and function in all mammals; some are even well conserved in nonmammalian vertebrates in which imprinting does not exist. These genes are likely to participate in well-established pathways defining shared embryological and adult traits. However, certain imprinted genes vary in form, function, and tissue-specific regulation in different mammalian species. One imprinted domain, located in human chromosome 19 and proximal mouse chromosome 7, is exceptional in that all of the resident genes are of this evolutionarily unstable type. Five of the six genes in this region encode SCAN- and KRAB-containing Kruppel-type zinc-finger (ZNF) genes, and are therefore members of rapidly evolving, vertebrate-specific gene families. The recent advent of these genes may help explain their unusual level of evolutionary instability. However, because of their predicted function as transcription factors, the lineage-specific loss and divergence of these loci may have far-reaching effects on development, morphology, and behavior that define distinguishing traits in different mammals. Keywords: imprinting; zinc-finger transcription factors; zinc-finger genes; lineage-specific evolution
Till Death Do Us Part: Chief Justices and the United States Supreme Court

Using a recent book chronicling the final illness of Chief Justice Rehnquist as a point of departure, this essay explores an overlooked aspect of the recent debates concerning proposals to modify the institutional architecture of the Supreme Court and the Justices’ terms of service. Our piece bridges two strands of that debate. One subset of the literature has explored the phenomenon of lifetime tenure enabling Justices to continue to serve beyond their ability to do so, while another has examined the implications of and concerns arising from the wide range of administrative responsibility that has accrued to the Chief Justice. Our research reveals that Chief Justices are more likely to die in office than Associate Justices. This in turn suggests that there is a greater potential for a Chief Justice to continue to serve despite an inability to do the job (as was unquestionably true during much of Chief Justice Rehnquist’s final term on the Court). This may be a product of an added allure arising from the vast array of the Chief Justice’s administrative responsibilities, or, perhaps more likely, of the lack of anyone with formal responsibility to nudge a Chief Justice toward retirement. Either way, our examination of the history of Chief Justices “at the end” provides further support for many of the proposed reforms.
Messenger RNA: Interaction with Ribosomes

The recruitment and binding of a messenger RNA (mRNA) to the ribosome is a highly specific and regulated process. This process depends on unique sequences and structures within the mRNA, soluble auxiliary factors as well as the RNA and protein components of the ribosome to allow the synthesis of proteins. Keywords: ribosome; messenger RNA; IRES; translation factor; Shine–Dalgarno
An Improvement in the Size-Depth Tradeoff for Strictly Non-Blocking Generalized-Concentration Networks

Generalized-concentrators are interconnection networks that provide vertex-disjoint directed trees to satisfy interconnection requests. An interconnection network is non-blocking in the strict sense if every compatible interconnection request can be satisfied regardless of any existing interconnections. We present a non-asymptotic lower bound size-depth tradeoff, \(k(n - m + \tfrac{k}{{k + 1}}c)c^{\tfrac{1}{k}} - (k - 1)(n - c)\) if r<k − 1, and \(\alpha _k (n - \tfrac{m}{r} + \beta _k \tfrac{k}{{k + 1}}\tfrac{c}{r})r^{\tfrac{{k - 1}}{k}} c^{\tfrac{1}{k}} - \tfrac{1}{2}(n - \tfrac{m}{r})r\) otherwise (where \(\alpha _k = \tfrac{1}{2}\tfrac{k}{{(k - 1)^{\tfrac{{k - 1}}{k}} }}\) and \(\beta _k = 1 - \tfrac{1}{{2^1 + \tfrac{1}{k}}}\)), for synchronous strictly non-blocking (c, r)-limited (n, m)-generalized-concentrators with arbitrary depth k.
Anaerobic l-α-Glycerophosphate Dehydrogenase of Escherichia coli: Its Genetic Locus and Its Physiological Role

In mutant cells of Escherichia coli missing the particulate l-alpha-glycerophosphate (l-alpha-GP) dehydrogenase necessary for aerobic growth on glycerol or l-alphaGP, a soluble, flavine-dependent l-alpha-GP dehydrogenase supports normal anaerobic growth rates on either of the two substrates with fumarate or nitrate as exogenous hydrogen acceptor. In an experiment in which glycerol served as the carbon source and nitrate as the acceptor, the growth of such a mutant was arrested upon the admission of air, whereas the growth of wild-type cells continued smoothly. Mutant cells lacking the soluble l-alpha-GP dehydrogenase, but possessing the particulate enzyme, can grow at normal rates aerobically on glycerol and l-alpha-GP or anaerobically on these compounds with nitrate, but not fumarate, as the hydrogen acceptor. Double mutants lacking both of the dehydrogenases fail to show significant growth on either glycerol or l-alpha-GP under any condition. Mutations affecting the anaerobic dehydrogenase (glpA locus) are situated at about minute 43 of the Taylor map, just clockwise beyond glpT, and show cotransduction with purF (1.5%), glpT (91%), and nalA (50%). The anaerobic dehydrogenase is a member of the glp regulon as judged by its inducibility by l-alpha-GP and by its constitutive formation in strains of glpR(c) genotype. The level of the anaerobic dehydrogenase is about the same in cells grown either aerobically or anaerobically with nitrate serving as a terminal hydrogen acceptor. With fumarate as terminal acceptor, the level is elevated several fold.
Work–Family Conflict and Flexible Work Arrangements: Deconstructing Flexibility

Workplace flexibility has been a topic of considerable interest to researchers, practitioners, and public policy advocates as a tool to help individuals manage work and family roles. In this study, meta-analysis is used to clarify what is known about the relationship between flexible work arrangements and work–family conflict by deconstructing the flexibility construct. We found that the direction of work–family conflict (work interference with family vs. family interference with work) and the specific form of flexibility (flextime vs. flexplace; use vs. availability) make a difference in the effects found. Overall, the significant effects were small in magnitude.
Skull-base foramina of the middle cranial fossa : reassessment of normal variation with high-resolution CT

PURPOSE To evaluate by means of high-resolution CT the anatomic variations of the middle cranial fossa foramen. METHODS We examined 123 CT studies of the temporal bone in patients with no evidence of disease that might alter foraminal anatomy. A checklist of known variants and suspected structures was used as each case was systematically examined for the presence or absence of these foramina; variations in size, shape, and location; and relationship of structures to each other. Inclusion criteria were established to eliminate error. RESULTS The foramen rotundum had a constant appearance. We identified the inferior rotundal canal in 16% of patients and the lateral rotundal canal in 8%. The foramen of Vesalius was present, at least unilaterally, in 80% of our cases. Asymmetry of the foramen of Vesalius did not indicate disease in our patient group. We did not find an inverse relationship between the size of the foramen of Vesalius and that of the ipsilateral foramen ovale. We found variations in the size and shape of the foramen ovale and its confluence with the foramen spinosum (n = 2) and the foramen of Vesalius (n = 8). We did not find an inverse relationship between the size of the foramen ovale and that of the foramen spinosum. The canaliculus innominatus for the lesser superficial petrosal nerve was identified in 16.3% of our patients. Variations of the foramen spinosum that we found include a medial bony defect (26.8%) and absence (3.2%). CONCLUSION Although it is unlikely that well-formed foramen will be misinterpreted as diseased, it is nonetheless important to recognize foraminal variants and associated neurovascular anatomy.
Network optimization problem in tie-set flow vector space and information network resource management

This paper presents a general approach to network optimization problem based on proposed theory of tie-set graph and tie-set flow vector space. A new distributed algorithm for the network optimization problem is proposed where local optimizations on tie-sets lead to global optimization autonomously. As an application of the theory, a distributed algorithm for efficient resource management in information network is proposed.
Thoracic and abdominal injuries in skiers : The role of air evacuation

The increasing popularity of skiing as a recreational sport has resulted in a greater number of major thoracic and abdominal injuries. These injuries, unlike the more common orthopedic injuries, are often life threatening. This 8-year study reviews 44 thoracic and abdominal ski injuries managed at an urban trauma center since the inception of a helicopter air evacuation program with in-flight resuscitation capabilities. Twenty-five per cent of the injured had signs of hemorrhagic shock, and nearly 60% required a major operation. The injuries were caused by high-speed collisions with stationary objects or other skiers and by falls. Three were penetrating injuries. Organs injured were: heart, lung, kidney, spleen, liver, rectum and abdominal wall, and more than half were multiple injuries. Almost half had associated orthopedic trauma. Resuscitation was initiated on helicopter arrival in these seriously injured patients (78% of helicopter-transported patients came to operation), and apparently contributed to the low mortality of 4.5%.
Fetuses with Down syndrome have disproportionately shortened frontal lobe dimensions on ultrasonographic examination.

Abstract OBJECTIVE : The purpose of our study was to determine whether the frontal lobe is significantly smaller than normal in the Down syndrome fetus in midtrimester. STUDY DESIGN : Frontothalamic distance, measured from the inner table of the frontal bone to the posterior thalamus, and frontothalamic distance/ biparietal diameter ratio were compared in 125 normal and 19 Down syndrome fetuses between 16 and 21 weeks' gestation. RESULTS : In the Down syndrome group 52% had frontothalamic distance p p CONCLUSION : Frontal lobe dimension is significantly shortened in Down syndrome fetuses. (Am J OBstetGynecol 1992;167:1009–14.)
Some Nonlinear Evolution Equations in Water Waves

Abstract This paper deals with the two- and three-dimensional nonlinear water waves generated by a steady or oscillating pressure distribution acting at the free surface of a running stream on water of finite depth h . The solutions of the corresponding linearized problems become singular depending on the relative values of the water depth, frequency, and the speed of the applied pressure leading to a resonant phenomenon. When the applied oscillatory pressure distribution moves at a resonant speed, the finite amplitude response is governed by the forced nonlinear Schrodinger (fNLS) equation. Under certain circumstances, the generated wave disturbance may not reach a steady state; in particular, for deep water, a steady state is never attained. For the case of a two-dimensional wave generated by a localized steady pressure moving at a resonant speed, the generated waves are actually of bounded amplitude and are governed by a forced Korteweg–de Vries (fKdV) equation subject to appropriate asymptotic initial conditions. A computational study of the forced KdV equation reveals that a series of solitons is generated in front of the pressure distribution. On the other hand, for the case of the three-dimensional waves induced by a localized steady pressure traveling at a resonant speed, the nonlinear response is governed by a forced Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (fKP) equation. In order to extend the range of applicability of the Boussinesq-type equations in the theory of water waves, the modified Boussinesq equations are derived in terms of the velocity potential on an arbitrary elevation and the free surface displacement.
Whole-body metabolism varies across the estrous cycle in Sprague–Dawley rats

Abstract Food intake in rats and other mammals is lowest at estrus and highest at diestrus. While much is known about the effects of different estrous phases on energy intake, as well as some of the metabolic effects the associated hormones exert, little has been reported about changes in whole-body metabolism that accompany those phases. This study investigates how energy expenditure (EE) and respiratory quotient (RQ) vary in intact female Sprague–Dawley rats ( n =12) tested mid-light cycle over 2 h on days associated with estrus vs. diestrus. Rats showed small but reliable decreases in body weight on days associated with estrus, but not diestrus. EE was significantly increased by approximately 21% on the day associated with estrus compared to diestrus. At the same time, RQ was significantly decreased by approximately 7% on the day associated with estrus, indicating a relative shift to fat over carbohydrate as the energy substrate to support energetic needs. Future investigations of ingestive processes can integrate the present findings to investigate how gender differences in feeding and metabolism contribute to regulatory behaviors.
Design of effective buffer control policies for ATM networks

Abstract Due to limited buffers and highly unpredictable traffic loads, the design of effective buffer management policies that minimize cell loss is critical to ATM networks. We outline the important characteristics of optimal buffer control policies for a single node, and using a dynamic programming formulation for a simple two-node network, gain insights into the much harder general multi-node problem. The key result we present is that simple non-work-conserving policies which use limited feedback from adjacent nodes can reduce cell loss significantly. We construct a feedback-based control that uses simple “stop-and-go” rules. This control is then enhanced to react to rapidly changing network conditions. This new control is called the Adaptive HILO policy. Simulation studies of complex networks with large delay-bandwidth product show that the Adaptive HILO policy performs impressively under diverse conditions. Using intuitive arguments, we demonstrate that this policy effectively utilizes unused buffer capacity in upstream buffers during periods of heavy load in downstream buffers.
Periodicity phenomena for concordance classes of branched coverings

THE GOAL of this paper is a theorem expressing some stable periodicity in k of the concordance classes of k-fold branched coverings of a sphere. Actually, we prove a weak kind of p-local periodicity for the universal covers of the classifying spaces for branched coverings (Proposition 12). The result on spheres is then a corollary about homotopy groups (Corollary 13). For manifolds other than a sphere, the concordance classes of branched coverings do not form a group. It is not so easy to translate our p-local classifying space periodicity into a statement about branched coverings of an arbitrary base space. We begin by recalling the basic notions of branched coverings and their concordance classifications from [ 1,2]. First, let cc&: O(2)+ O(2) denote the homomorphism
Influence of molecular environment on single-photon behavior of heterocyclic NLO chromophores and its implications for two-photon behavior

Over the past several years, organic molecules exhibiting significant two-photon absorbance have been of intense interest for a wide variety of applications including high speed communications, data storage, imaging, and optical limiting. However, it has been commonly observed that the local molecular environment can significantly affect the linear and nonlinear optical properties of the chromophores. In an effort to examine these effects, the influence of the solvent environment on the linear absorbance and photoluminescence of a series of donor-acceptor heterocyclic chromophores was examined. The Stoke's shift associated with one-photon absorbance and photoluminescence was observed to increase with increasing solvent polarity. This behavior is adequately described by the Lippert equation and is related to relaxation of the solvent molecules around an excited molecule. Additionally, it was observed that the spectral shape, as well as the solvent dependence, of two-photon and one-photon pumped photoluminescence were similar, thus indicating that the longest-lived luminescing excited state is independent of the method of excitation. These results have direct implications to two-photon applications which rely on up-converted fluorescence. They also yield insight into the structure-property relationships governing their linear and multi-photon behavior including the potential contributions to the effective two-photon cross-section from excited state absorbance.
Observability of nonlinear systems

New necessary and sufficient conditions are presented for the observability of systems described by nonlinear ordinary differential equations with nonlinear observations. The conditions are based on extension of the necessary and sufficient conditions for observability of time-varying linear systems to the linearized trajectory of the nonlinear system. The result is that the local observability of any initial condition can be readily determined, and the observability of the entire initial domain can be computed. The observability of constant parameters appearing in the differential equations is also considered. Examples are presented to illustrate the theory.
Computed Tomography Appearance of a Right Cervical Aortic Arch

The clinical diagnosis of cervical aortic arch rests on the detection of a pulsatile mass in the supraclavicular fossa. Unfortunately, clinical differentiation of a cervical arch from an aneurysm of the great vessels can be difficult. Dynamic computed tomography (CT) can aid in this differentiation and avert the need for angiography.
Called to Commitment: An Examination of Relationships Between Spiritual Calling, Job Satisfaction, and Organizational Commitment

Religious and spiritual variables have largely been excluded from organizational research. Yet, there is a growing body of literature that suggests religion and spirituality have a significant and substantive role in influencing employees’ attitudes and behaviors at work. This paper aims to add to this literature by looking at the relationships of spiritual calling with job satisfaction and affective organizational commitment after accounting for a range of demographic, religious, and work controls. Furthermore, we explore the interactive effect of spiritual calling and job satisfaction on organizational commitment. The data are drawn from a nationally representative sample of 771 adults in the United States. The results provide evidence of a positive relationship between spiritual calling and both job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Additionally, our results support the interaction of spiritual calling and job satisfaction explaining additional variance in organizational commitment. Specifically, not only is organizational commitment strongest when spiritual calling and job satisfaction are both strong, but the results also indicate that spiritual calling is positively associated with organizational commitment even if one’s job is not very satisfying.
Occlusal morphology of human molar tooth buds

Abstract The development of a simple nomenclature for tooth bud morphology and the examination of differences in the occlusal anatomy of tooth buds and fully calcified teeth were the purposes of this study. Tooth buds were dissected from seventy-one human foetuses, stained with alizarin red S dye and examined under a dissecting microscope. Tooth bud occlusal anatomy was markedly different from fully calcified teeth. Although the number of primary cusps was basically the same as found in fully calcified teeth, tooth buds showed a greater occurrence of cusplets, more pointed cuspal anatomy and a lack of complete bilateral symmetry.
MM Algorithms for Some Discrete Multivariate Distributions.

The MM (minorization–maximization) principle is a versatile tool for constructing optimization algorithms. Every EM algorithm is an MM algorithm but not vice versa. This article derives MM algorithms for maximum likelihood estimation with discrete multivariate distributions such as the Dirichlet-multinomial and Connor–Mosimann distributions, the Neerchal–Morel distribution, the negative-multinomial distribution, certain distributions on partitions, and zero-truncated and zero-inflated distributions. These MM algorithms increase the likelihood at each iteration and reliably converge to the maximum from well-chosen initial values. Because they involve no matrix inversion, the algorithms are especially pertinent to high-dimensional problems. To illustrate the performance of the MM algorithms, we compare them to Newton’s method on data used to classify handwritten digits.
Responsiveness of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire in carpal tunnel surgery.

Purpose Symptom resolution and functional improvement are the 2 primary reasons for patients to seek treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study aimed to measure the responsiveness of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) when evaluating outcomes after carpal tunnel surgery. Methods Fifty patients prospectively completed the MHQ and the DASH before and 6 months after open carpal tunnel release. Data were analyzed using paired t tests and responsiveness to clinical change was calculated by using standardized response means (SRMs). Results All domains of the MHQ significantly improved after carpal tunnel release: the pain scale had a large SRM of 0.9 and the function scale showed medium responsiveness of 0.6. The combined function/symptom scale of the DASH significantly improved after surgery; the SRM revealed a medium effect of 0.7. Conclusions The MHQ and the DASH are both responsive in measuring outcomes of carpal tunnel surgery. The MHQ has subscales that can measure symptom and function improvement independently. The MHQ and the DASH can be used for outcomes research related to carpal tunnel surgery with the advantage of also being useful for assessing and comparing outcomes for various other hand disorders.
Dynamic Mode-I crack-propagation in a carbon/epoxy composite

Abstract A modified DCB specimen has been used to study the dynamic Mode-I delamination fracture toughness of an AS4/3501-6 carbon/epoxy composite at high crack-propagation speeds. A strip of FM-73 adhesive film was placed at the tip of a pre-crack created during laminate lay-up. The adhesive strip substantially increased the crack-initiation toughness so that after initiation an unstable crack-propagation was produced and high crack-propagation speeds were achieved. Specimens were loaded at a constant displacement rate of 0·1 mm s −1 on an MTS machine. Crack extension was monitored by means of a conductive circuit placed along the path of the propagating crack. Continuous records were obtained for the load, deflection and crack extension. The strain-energy release rate was calculated by using plate finite elements based on the crack-propagation data. It was found that the critical dynamic strain-energy release rate for crack speeds up to 200 m s −1 is a constant and is equal to the critical static strain-energy release rate.
Age and growth rate determinations for the atlantic ribbed mussel,Geukensia demissa Dillwyn (Bivalvia: Mytilidae)

Field studies were conducted in Westport, Connecticut, to determine linear shell growth rates forGeukensia demissa. These rates were then compared with those reported for the same species from other locations. Most shell deposition occurred from March through November of each year. Winter interruptions in growth were clearly recognized in all size mussels and the rings were a reliable method for determining age in mussels from Westport. No significant sexual dimorphism in mean annual growth rates was detected. Age-size relationships based on internal shell lines appear to be less reliable, probably because of the interference by shell erosion at the umbo in this species. No well-defined latitudinal patterns in growth could be established forGeukensia demissa.
A novel function of HPV16-E6/E7 in epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 is among the most important etiological factors in many human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) not associated with alcohol or tobacco use. HPV16-E6 and E7 oncoproteins target intracellular signaling networks, altering key molecular and cellular events during tumor progression. The present study investigates the role of HPV16-E6 and E7 oncogenes on the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a cellular process thought to be critical for tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Using the epithelial MDCK cell line as an in vitro model, we show that the stable expression of HPV16-E6 or E7 induces morphological conversion from cobblestone-shaped epithelium to spindle-shaped mesenchyme-like phenotype. Consistent with these morphological changes, both E6 and E7 induce expression of the EMT-activating transcriptional factors Slug, Twist, ZEB1 and ZEB2, especially ZEBs, accompanied with switch from epithelial to mesenchymal markers. Importantly, E6 and E7 expression results in induction of the migratory and invasive potential, a functional hallmark of EMT. When we examined the association between HPV16 and the EMT signature in HNSCC cell lines derived from head and neck cancer patients, we found a correlation between HPV16 positivity and the expression of EMT transcription factor ZEB1. Taken together, our findings suggest HPV16 induces EMT-like processes via induction of the EMT transcription factors which may contribute to tumor progression and metastasis.
Optogenetic perturbation of preBötzinger complex inhibitory neurons modulates respiratory pattern

Inhibitory neurons make up a substantial fraction of the neurons in the preBotzinger complex (preBotC), a site that is critical for mammalian eupneic breathing. We investigated the role of glycinergic preBotC neurons in respiratory rhythmogenesis in mice using optogenetically targeted excitation and inhibition. Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) or Archaerhodopsin (Arch) were expressed in glycinergic preBotC neurons of glycine transporter 2 (Glyt2, also known as Slc6a5)-Cre mice. In ChR2-transfected mice, brief inspiratory-phase bilateral photostimulation targeting the preBotC prematurely terminated inspiration, whereas expiratory-phase photostimulation delayed the onset of the next inspiration. Prolonged photostimulation produced apneas lasting as long as the light pulse. Inspiratory-phase photoinhibition in Arch-transfected mice during inspiration increased tidal volume without altering inspiratory duration, whereas expiratory-phase photoinhibition shortened the latency until the next inspiration. During persistent apneas, prolonged photoinhibition restored rhythmic breathing. We conclude that glycinergic preBotC neurons modulate inspiratory pattern and are important for reflex apneas, but that the rhythm can persist after substantial dampening of their activity.
A 128dB dynamic range 1kHz bandwidth stereo ADC with 114dB THD

A high performance, single die stereo delta sigma ADC is designed for high precision measurement applications. A single loop, fifth-order, thirty-three level delta-sigma analog modulator with positive and negative feedforward path is implemented. An interpolated multilevel quantizer with unevenly weighted quantization levels replaces a conventional 5-bit flash type quantizer in this design. These new techniques suppress signal dependent energy inside the delta sigma loop, reduce internal channel coupling and power consumption. Integrated with an on-chip bandgap reference circuit and decimation filter, the ADC achieves 128dB dynamic range, −114dB THD over 1kHz bandwidth. Power consumption is less than 140mW per channel.
Viscosity of suspensions of spherical and other isodimensional particles in liquids

The viscosity of a suspension is related to the properties of the suspending liquid and the suspended particles by measuring the viscosity of suspensions made up of closely sized materials such as glass spheres, plastic Zeolite spheres, blasting sand, and salt cubes in a wide range of concentrations in liquids of varying properties made up of castor oil, tetrabromoethane and carbon tetrachloride, or corn syrup and water. The measurements were made under carefully controlled conditions by means of a Brookfield viscometer, and the reproducibility of results was demonstrated by repetitive runs. Equations are derived to describe the viscosities of these various suspensions in terms of the viscosity and density of the suspending liquid and of the shape, size distribution, density, and concentration of solid particles. The range of concentration covered is from infinite dilution to near infinite viscosity. The results obtained can best be explained by postulating nonuniform distribution of particles in a suspension in a network of tetrahedral and simple cubical packings.
The combinatorial effect of complexing agent and inhibitor on chemical-mechanical planarization of copper

Chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) is a vital process for the fabrication of advanced copper multilevel interconnects schemes. The focus of this investigation was to understand the oxidation, dissolution and surface modification characteristics of Cu in slurries with varying pH. Hydrogen peroxide was used as the oxidizer, glycine as complexing agent and 3-amino-triazol (ATA) as inhibitor in the slurry. The electrochemical process involved in the oxidative dissolution of copper was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization studies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to investigate the surface modification of copper and understand the interaction between Cu H2O2- glycine-ATA during CMP. In the absence of glycine and ATA, copper removal rate was found to be high in the slurry with 5% H2O2 at pH 2. The removal rate then decreased and reached the minimum at pH 6 and started to increase in alkaline conditions. With the addition of 0.01 M glycine, the removal rates of copper were lowered in acidic slurries, but increased significantly in alkaline slurries. The addition of ATA lowered copper removal rates, however, better surface planarity was achieved. The present investigation provides an insight to the mechanism of Cu removal in the presence of oxidizer, complexing agent and inhibitor.
The historical geographies of growing and fermenting the Delaware grape in the Kōfu Basin of Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan

The Kōfu Basin in Yamanashi Prefecture is at the center of table grape and wine production in Japan. This article traces the historical geographies of the growing and fermentation of Delaware grapes in this region. Data were gathered from over 145 interviews with stakeholders across the table grape and wine industries, extensive archival research and participant observation as a grape farmer in the Kōfu Basin for over one and a half years. Emphasis is placed on intertwining that history to overarching developments in local viticulture and winemaking. This includes tracing the arrival of the cultivar from the USA to Japan at the start of the Meiji Restoration in 1868, early fermentation and later rapid diffusion linked to its popularity as the first commercially available seedless cultivar. Delaware reached the pinnacle of its popularity as a grape for the table and wine in the 1960s and 1970s, before changes in consumer demands to higher value table grapes and away from sweet wines led to its fairly rapid...