cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organic–inorganic hybrid materials constructed from Cu(II)–organonitrogen coordination complex cations and oxovanadium-arsonate subunits

The hydrothermal reactions of NH 4 VO 3 , Cu(NO 3 ) 2 ·H 2 O or Cu(CH 3 CO 2 ) 2 ·H 2 O As 2 O 5 and the appropriate organonitrogen ligand in the presence of HF as mineralizer yield a series of bimetallic oxides of the Cu/V/O/As family. The materials [Cu(bpy)(VO 2 )(AsO 4 )] ( 1 ) and [Cu(bpy)VO 2 (OH)(AsO 4 H)]·H 2 O ( 2 ·H 2 O) are one-dimensional (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine). While phase 1 is constructed from { VO 2 ( AsO 4 ) } n 2 n - chains decorated by {Cu(bpy)} 2+ groups, compound 2 consists of {V 2 O 4 (OH) 2 (AsO 4 H) 2 } 2− clusters linked through {Cu(bpy)} 2+ subunits. In contrast, the structure of [Cu 2 (bpyrm)(VO 2 ) 2 (AsO 4 ) 2 ]·H 2 O ( 3 ·H 2 O) is three-dimensional, consisting of { VO 2 ( AsO 4 ) } n 2 n - layers, linked through {Cu 2 (bpyrm)} 4+ rods (bpyrm = bipyrimidine).
Standard form of four-dimensional symplectic quadratic maps.

It is shown that all four-dimensional symplectic quadratic maps generated by a generating function should be in a form that can be transformed into two coupled (two-dimensional) H\'enon maps. The latter is called the standard form of the four-dimensional symplectic quadratic map.
How Do Concepts of Age Relate to Work and Off-the-Job Stresses and Strains? A Field Study of Health Care Workers in Five Nations

Health care workers from five nations (Brazil, Croatia, Poland, Ukraine, U.S.A.) completed the Survey of Health Care Professionals, which includes measures of on-the-job and off-the-job conditions/concerns, as well as ratings of work-related strains, self-ratings of work performance and work ability, and measures of chronological and psychological age. Consistent with previous research, workers generally reported that they felt, looked, acted, and preferred to be younger than their chronological age. In addition, feeling old relative to one's chronological age was positively associated with several indicators of job-related strain for several nations, replicating findings reported earlier in a U.S. manufacturing sample. Significant differences were observed among nations on all of the psychological age variables measured in this study. Differences among nations were also observed for levels of concern with work conditions and off-the-job conditions. Furthermore, examination of relationships of age variabl...
Male Sterility in Tomato

Abstract Male sterility research has been directed toward two goals: identifying genes required for the pollen development pathway and, more practically, identifying genetically stable lines that can be used in hybrid seed-breeding programs. The present resurgence of interest in male sterility remains true to these goals, but in addition seeks a molecular understanding of pollen development in order to genetically engineer controllable male sterility for hybrid seed production. In this review, we discuss the genetic and histochemical studies of tomato male sterile mutants that were conducted prior to 1970 in the context of gene expression and interaction. We also examine the use of molecular biological techniques in recent studies of male sterility and report on the current strategies being used for hybrid seed production.
Rheology and spatially resolved structure of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide wormlike micelles through the shear banding transition

We present the first combined study of spatially resolved structure and shear rheology for a model shear banding fluid comprised of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide wormlike micelles. Combining conventional rheometry, velocimetry, flow birefringence, and flow-small angle neutron scattering (flow-SANS) in the 1–2 (flow-gradient) plane of shear completely characterizes shear banding in the system and enables comparison of local flow kinematics to local segmental orientation and alignment within the bands. The Giesekus constitutive equation with stress diffusion is shown to successfully model the viscoelasticity, steady shear viscosity, and shear banding kinematics. Flow-SANS measurements in the 1–2 plane exhibit a critical alignment and orientation required for shear banding, followed by a first order orientational transition to a paranematic state in the high-shear band. Master curves of the segmental orientation and alignment are constructed by comparing the local structural features to the locally observed...
Euclidean individual preference and continuous social preference

Abstract Assume a finite society, a standard space of allocations of public goods, and an open and connected domain of profiles of Euclidean individual preferences. (There is an additional technical restriction on the domain.) If a social welfare function f satisfies Arrow's independence axiom and generates social preferences that are continuous and transitive, then f is constant or dictatorial or inversely dictatorial.
Modified integrated optic Fresnal lens for waveguide-to-fiber coupling

The traditional design procedure for the waveguide Fresnel lens was carried over from those of bulk optics and micro-optics. In this design it is assumed that the lens thickness is negligibly small with respect to the focal length. This criterion does not hold for many integrated optic devices, in particular those with small mode-index modulations and long wavelengths. Under these conditions, the focal properties of the lens become unpredictable and the lens efficiency is reduced, both of which severely limit the usefulness of the lens as a waveguide-to-fiber coupler. To correct for this shortcoming, the standard Fresnel lens design procedure was modified to acocunt for the thickness of the lens explicitly. Both the standard and the modified Fresnel lens designs are outlined. A comparison of the limitations of the two lenses predicts better performance for the modified Fresnel lens. This is supported through computersimulation results for a pair of test lenses.
The Philosopher, the Priest, and the Painter: A Portrait of Descartes. By Steven Nadler. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2013. Pp. xiv, 230. $27.95.)

Did Franz Hals paint Rene Descartes's portrait, leaving now‐nameless painters a model for their more careful and famous copies? And if so, how did the French stalker of abstract certainties meet th...
Hot off the wiki: dynamics, practices, and structures in Wikipedia's coverage of the Tohoku catastrophes

Wikipedia editors are uniquely motivated to collaborate around current and breaking news events. However, the speed, urgency, and intensity with which these collaborations unfold also impose a substantial burden on editors' abilities to effectively coordinate tasks and process information. We analyze the patterns of activity on Wikipedia following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami to understand the dynamics of editor attention and participation, novel practices employed to collaborate on these articles, and the resulting coauthorship structures which emerge between editors and articles. Our findings have implications for supporting future coverage of breaking news articles, theorizing about motivations to participate in online community, and illuminating Wikipedia's potential role in storing cultural memories of catastrophe.
The subunit character of soluble estrogen receptors from rat uteri and their modification in vitro.

Abstract The soluble receptor-estrogen complexes from mature rat uteri, which sediment in the 9-S region of sucrose gradients, are reversibly dissociated into two dissimilat units (A and B) when exposed to 0.3 M KCl; only the A unit binds estradiol. Partial separation of the units is obtained by sedimentation through sucrose gradients and by gel filtration on 6% agarose, columns. Aging the receptors in the presence of 0.3 M KCl at 0° prevents the reassociation of the subunits when they are sedimented into gradients lacking KCl. A small subunit (C) appears to be released from its original association within the 9-S complex during the aging process. This unit, which can be extracted with 0.3 M KCl from receptor complexes adsorbed on PVM-estradiol resin, modifies the A units and prevents them from reassociating with intact B units. A possible role of the modified receptors in the mechanism of estrogen action is discussed.
Absolute frequency measurements of N2O laser transitions

Abstract The absolute frequencies of 33 P- and R-branch lines of the N 2 O, 00°1–10°0 laser band have been measured by heterodyning with known CO 2 laser frequencies of the 00°1 – 10°0 band in a tungsten-nickel diode. These measurements were used to calculate more precise values for the band centre and for the rotational constants.
Modeling bottom roughness in the presence of wave‐generated ripples

[1] Near-bottom wave, current and microtopography measurements have been obtained at the LEO-15 site off the southern coast of New Jersey. The measurements are used in conjunction with a recently calibrated continental shelf bottom boundary layer model to refine estimates of bottom roughness for a rippled bed under combined wave and current flows. In the presence of nearly two-dimensional wave-generated ripples, application of the Grant and Madsen [1979] type bottom boundary layer model produces estimates of the bottom roughness felt by the current that are several times greater than established formulations for rippled beds under waves. Modifying one of the primary length scales in the eddy viscosity profiles returns estimates that are more consistent with the wave roughness results. Application of the roughness model in conjunction with a refined empirical ripple geometry model produces highly accurate estimates of measured shear velocities and apparent roughnesses during a moderate storm. The demonstrated accuracy of this simple combined roughness and ripple geometry formulation reveals its utility when considering applications of coupled bottom boundary layer–shelf circulation models.
Refractive/diffractive telescope with very high angular resolution for X-ray astronomy

The 0.5 arcsec angular resolution of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory is likely to be the best that a grazing incidence telescope with substantial collecting area will ever attain. We describe a concept for a telescope composed of diffractive and refractive components that transmit rather than reflect X-rays. Therefore, its angular resolution would be relatively insensitive to figure errors and surface roughness. With appropriately selected values for the two focal lengths the chromatic aberration that is inherent in both the diffractive and refractive components individually would compensate each other within a limited but not insignificant energy band. The system has a focal length of about 10 4 km because the refractive component is rather weak. The long focal length requires a very demanding type of formation flying between an optics spacecraft and a detector spacecraft. We simulate the simplest diffractive/refractive imaging system where chromatic aberration is corrected to first order at 6 keV. The angular resolution is expected to be better than a miliarcsec within a 10 % bandwidth. The energy band could be broadened either by employing an array of smaller systems with the same total area or by modifying the diffractive component in situ. The components are lightweight, not difficult to fabricate and can probably be made in a machine shop. We also consider possible sites for the system.
Antibacterial activity of povidone iodine towards non sporing bacteria.

The antibacterial activity of povidone iodine was examined in vitro in saline, in nutrient broth, in simulated ulcer experiments and in the presence of blood components. Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations were within a narrow concentration range. Nutrient broth and plasma had little inactivating activity but 1 g haemoglobin inactivated 50 mg of free iodine: experiments with 125I showed that uptake of iodine by red cells occurred rapidly. Optimal antimicrobial effects in clinical use should be achieved in relatively blood-free situations. Povidone iodine produced a potent, and sometimes persistent bactericidal effect towards bacteria on healthy skin. It is suggested that antiseptics such as povidone iodine should continue to replace topical antibiotics for prevention and treatment of wound infection.
The unbearable lightness of meaning: Well-being and unstable meaning in life

Psychological theories prioritize developing enduring sources of meaning in life. As such, unstable meaning should be detrimental to well-being. Two daily experience sampling studies were conducted to test this hypothesis. Across the studies, people with greater instability of daily meaning reported lower daily levels of meaning in life, and lower global levels of life satisfaction, positive affect, social connectedness and relationship satisfaction, along with higher global levels of negative affect and depression. In addition, instability of meaning interacted with average daily levels of meaning to account for significant variance in meaning in life scores. Relative to people with more stable meaning, people with unstable meaning tended to score near the middle of the distribution of well-being, whether they reported high or low levels of daily meaning. Results are discussed with an eye toward a better understanding of meaning in life and developing interventions to stabilize and maximize well-being.
Older-age care politics, policy and institutional reforms in Lithuania

This study investigates the dynamics of policy reforms pertaining to care for older adults in post-socialist Lithuania. In the Soviet era social services in Lithuania were in a rudimentary stage of development. By the early 1990s a combination of long-term demographic trends such as ageing, a decline in fertility rates and an increase in divorce rates, and the impact of radical neo-liberal reforms significantly increased the number of older individuals living alone and in poverty. In response, a number of measures were undertaken to reform older-age care, resulting in decentralisation, institutional layering and institutional recalibration of social services. It is argued that the historical legacy has proved to be especially significant in the institutional development of social services by reproducing a State-centred system, although with a growing trend towards the privatisation and marketisation of social care. The role of various organised interests and civic groups, policy makers and international organisations, as well as ideologies and broader sets of cultural values in shaping social services pertaining to the care of older adults are discussed.
The Equatorial Rotation Rate of the Supergranulation Cells

The equatorial rotation rate of the supergranulation cells has been observed to be 14.72±0.07°/day. Velocity patterns observed at different times are cross-correlated to derive the rotation rate. The observed rate is 3% faster than recent observations of the surface rotation rate by Doppler shifts. The difference between the cell rate and surface rate is consistent with a model of the supergranular convection in which angular momentum per unit mass is conserved in the radial flow (Foukal, 1977).
A numerical tool to predict ice growth in lakes

Oil and gas exploration activities on the North of Slope of Alaska rely on ice roads to provide access to the exploration sites, with negligible effects on the tundra. The construction of ice roads requires a large volume of water which, in turn, poses challenges to water resource managers. A tool capable of predicting ice thickness in a given lake could certainly benefit the oil industry. This study focuses on the development and use of such a predictive tool. Using a simplified Stefan equation, the tool is based on a combination of three weather scenarios (warm, average and cold winters), current winter condition and ice thickness measurements. It was applied to four lakes located on the Arctic Coastal Plain and one lake in the foothill area. The study results indicate the model predictions are relatively accurate (7% average percentage error) for monthly time spans. The study results also reveal a temporal variation in a coefficient used in the calculations, although previous literature utilized a constant coefficient to estimate the ice thickness.
Expression of L-Selectin, but Not CD44, Is Required for Early Neutrophil Extravasation in Antigen-Induced Arthritis

L (leukocyte)-selectin (CD62L) and CD44 are major adhesion receptors that support the rolling of leukocytes on endothelium, the first step of leukocyte entry into inflamed tissue. The specific contribution of L-selectin or CD44 to the regulation of cell traffic to joints in arthritis has not been investigated. We used CD44-deficient, L-selectin-deficient, and CD44/L-selectin double knockout mice to determine the requirement for these receptors for inflammatory cell recruitment during Ag-induced arthritis. Intraperitoneal immunization resulted in similar activation status and Ag-specific responses in wild-type and gene-targeted mice. However, extravasation of neutrophil granulocytes, but not the emigration of T cells, into the knee joints after intra-articular Ag injection was significantly delayed in L-selectin-deficient and double knockout mice. Intravital videomicroscopy on the synovial microcirculation revealed enhanced leukocyte rolling and diminished adherence in mice lacking either CD44 or L-selectin, but CD44 deficiency had no significant effect on the recruitment of L-selectin-null cells. Compared with wild-type leukocytes, expression of L-selectin was down-regulated in CD44-deficient cells in the spleen, peripheral blood, and inflamed joints, suggesting that reduced expression of L-selectin, rather than the lack of CD44, could be responsible for the delayed influx of granulocytes into the joints of CD44-deficient mice. In conclusion, there is a greater requirement for L-selectin than for CD44 for neutrophil extravasation during the early phase of Ag-induced arthritis.
Instantaneous scale and the short-time scale transform

The concept of instantaneous scale, c/sub i/, is developed and it is shown that it is given by c/sub i/=tOE'(t) where OE'(t) is the derivative of the phase of the signal. Formulas for average scale, scale bandwidth, and scale group delay are obtained. The scale transform, the short time scale transform, the analytic scale signal, and other related concepts are defined. >
MODELING HETEROGENEOUS TRAFFIC FLOW

The composition of traffic in developing countries is mixed, with a variety of vehicles, motorized and nonmotorized, using the same right-of-way. The motorized or fast-moving vehicles include passenger cars, buses, trucks, auto-rickshaws, scooters, and motorcycles; nonmotorized or slow-moving vehicles include bicycles, cycle-rickshaws, and animal-drawn carts. The proportion of slow-moving vehicles in the traffic stream may vary from 10 to 80 percent. Since the 1950s, considerable research has been done to develop traffic flow models for roadways with mainly motorized vehicles or homogenous traffic, representing the composition of traffic primarily in industrialized countries. A review of the literature has shown that limited studies have been done to develop an understanding of traffic flow for non-lane-based heterogeneous or mixed traffic conditions in developing countries. Some efforts have applied a variation of practices developed for homogenous traffic by converting heterogeneous traffic to equivalen...
Role of the protein side‐chain fluctuations on the strength of pair‐wise electrostatic interactions: Comparing experimental with computed pKas

The effect of the protein side-chain fluctuations on the strength of electrostatic interactions was studied. The effect was modeled on 7 different crystal structures on the same enzyme as well as on 20 molecular dynamics snapshot structures. It was shown that the side-chain flexibility affects predominantly the magnitude of the strong pair-wise interactions, that is, the pair-wise interaction among ion pairs, and practically does not affect the interactions with the rest of the protein. This was used to suggest a correction function that should be applied to the original pair-wise electrostatic interaction to mimic the effects of the fluctuations. The procedure is applied on three ion pairs identified in lysozyme. It was shown that sampling different side-chain rotamers and modifying the strength of the pair-wise interaction energies makes calculated pKas less sensitive to the fluctuations of the structure and improves the prediction accuracy. Proteins 2003;50:94–103. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
News Organizations and Information Gathering During a Natural Disaster: Lessons from Hurricane Katrina

Manship School of Mass Communication, Louisiana State University, 211 Journalism Building, Baton Rouge, LA70803, USA. E-mails: almiller@lsu.edu, kgoidel@lsu.eduNews organizations are uniquely situated to gather and transmit information duringtimes of natural disaster, which can help citizens and policy-makers understand thescope, causes, and consequences of the unfolding disaster. Yet, news organizations arealso subject to institutional biases that may lead to distorted presentations of reality andthat perpetuate misinformation, stereotypes, and misunderstanding. In this article, weutilize examples from Hurricane Katrina to critically examine the role of the televisionnews media during natural disasters. We contend that the institutional characteristics ofnews organizations are invaluable in the reporting of ‘breaking news’ and developmentson the ground but hinder their ability to gather contextually rich information on thecauses and consequences of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina.
Dual homogeneous forms and varieties of power sums

We review the classical definition of the dual homogeneous form of arbitrary even degree which generalizes the well-known notion of the dual quadratic form. Following the ideas of S. Mukai we apply this construction to the study of the varieties parametrizing representations of a homogeneous polynomial as a sum of powers of linear forms.
Behavioral evidence for μ-opioid and 5-HT2A receptor interactions

Electrophysiological studies have demonstrated a physiological interaction between 5-HT2A and mu-opioid receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, behavioral studies have found that phenethylamine hallucinogens induce head shakes when directly administered into the medial prefrontal cortex. The receptor(s) by which morphine suppresses head shakes induced by serotonin agonists have not been characterized. We administered mu-opioid receptor agonists and antagonists to adult male Sprague-Dawley rats prior to treatment with the phenethylamine hallucinogen 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), which is known to induce head shakes via 5-HT2A receptors. The suppressant action of the moderately selective mu-opioid receptor agonist, buprenorphine (ID50 approximately 0.005 mg/kg, i.p.; a mu-opioid receptor partial agonist and kappa-opioid receptor antagonist) was blocked by naloxone and pretreatment with the irreversible mu-opioid receptor antagonist clocinnamox. Another mu-opioid receptor agonist fentanyl also suppressed DOI-induced head shakes. In contrast, a delta-opioid receptor agonist was without effect on DOI-induced head shakes. Thus, activation of mu-opioid receptors can suppress head shakes induced by hallucinogenic drugs.
Analysis of Cytokine Profiles in Patients With Human Papillomavirus-Associated Neoplasms

Two nuclear signalling pathways for vitamin D. Nature 1993;361: 657-60. (47) Elstner E, Linker-Israeli M, Umiel T, Le J, Grillier I, Said J, et al. Combination of a potent 20-epi-vitamin D3 analogue (KH 1060) with 9-cisretinoic acid irreversibly inhibits clonal growth, decreases bcl-2 expression, and induces apoptosis in HL-60 leukemic cells. Cancer Res 1996;56: 3570-6. (48) Elstner E, Linker-Israeli M, Le J, Umiel T, Michl P, Said JW, et al. Synergistic decrease of clonal proliferation, induction of differentiation and apoptosis of APL cells after combined treatment with novel 20-epi vitamin D3 analogs and 9-cis retinoic acid. J Clin Invest. In press. (49) Yoshinaga SK, Peterson CL, Herskowitz I, Yamanoto KR. Roles of SWI1, SWI2, and SWI3 proteins for transcriptional enhancement by steroid receptors. Science 1992;258:1598-604. (50) Onate SA, Tsai SY, Tsai MJ, O’Malley BW. Sequence and characterization of a coactivator for the steroid hormone receptor superfamily. Science 1995;270:1354-7.
The type III transforming growth factor-β receptor inhibits proliferation, migration, and adhesion in human myeloma cells

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays an important role in regulating hematopoiesis, inhibiting proliferation while stimulating differentiation when appropriate. We previously demonstrated that the type III TGF-β receptor (TβRIII, or betaglycan) serves as a novel suppressor of cancer progression in epithelial tumors; however, its role in hematologic malignancies is unknown. Here we demonstrate that TβRIII protein expression is decreased or lost in the majority of human multiple myeloma specimens. Functionally, restoring TβRIII expression in myeloma cells significantly inhibited cell growth, proliferation, and motility, largely independent of its ligand presentation role. In a reciprocal fashion, shRNA-mediated silencing of endogenous TβRIII expression enhanced cell growth, proliferation, and motility. Although apoptosis was not affected, TβRIII inhibited proliferation through induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27. TβRIII further regulated myeloma cell adhesion, increasing homotypic myeloma cell adhesion while decreasing myeloma heterotropic adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells. Mechanistically, live cell imaging of myeloma and stroma cell cocultures revealed that TβRIII-mediated inhibition of heterotropic adhesion was associated with decreased duration of myeloma/bone marrow stromal cell interaction. These results suggest that loss of TβRIII expression during multiple myeloma progression contributes to disease progression through its functional effects on increased cell growth, proliferation, motility, and adhesion.
Simulations of a prototypical device using pyroelectric materials for harvesting waste heat

This paper is concerned with directly converting waste heat into electricity using pyroelectric materials. A prototypical pyroelectric converter is simulated by solving the two-dimensional mass, momentum, and energy equations using finite element methods. The pumping power and the electrical power generated are estimated from the computed pressure, temperature, and velocity. The results show that the energy efficiency increases as the density and specific heat of the working fluid and of the pyroelectric material decrease. Moreover, the power density increases as the density and specific heat of the working fluid increase and those of the pyroelectric material decrease. One can reasonably achieve an energy efficiency of 40% of the Carnot efficiency and a power density of 24 W/L of pyroelectric materials.
Characterization of Backscatter by Surface Features in L-Band Active Microwave Remote Sensing of Soil Moisture

Satellite-based remote sensing of soil moisture is generally conducted with active (radar) and passive (radiometer) microwave measurements. During active microwave remote sensing the backscattering from the target i.e, the soil surface is adversely affected by the overlaying vegetation, consequently, sending degraded signal back to the radar sensor. This phenomena greatly compromise with the quality of soil moisture measurements. The proposed research presents an algorithm that averts usage of theoretical and empirical backscattering models. The algorithm uses Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere-Transfer model for soil moisture estimation that is used to quantify the backscattering components of radar signals. The algorithm has simple and valid assumptions that convert the total radar backscattering equations for a particular temporal scale into a set of simple linear systems. The algorithm reasonably estimates the stochastic surface roughness and vegetation backscattering components.
Alternating minimization multigrid algorithms for transmission tomography

The problem of image formation for X-ray transmission tomography is formulated as a statistical inverse problem. The maximum likelihood estimate of the attenuation function is sought. Using convex optimization methods, maximizing the loglikelihood functional is equivalent to a double minimization of I-divergence, one of the minimizations being over the attenuation function. Restricting the minimization over the attenuation function to a coarse grid component forms the basis for a multigrid algorithm that is guaranteed to monotonically decrease the I-divergence at every iteration on every scale.
Querying and controlling the future behavior of complex objects

The complex system formalism is utilized for describing structural and behavioral properties of complexly structured systems. A complex system is a production system that models a database with complex objects and explicitly supports time and nondeterminism. Consequently, complex systems can be used to predict the evolution of databases. To obtain predictions about future behavior, a futuristic query language is defined. A query optimisation algorithm is provided for a subset of this language. In general, complex systems do not yield unique answers to futuristic queries because of the inherent nondetermination. Therefore, an optimal control problem is formulated that finds behavior satisfying user-defined goals. Subsequently, such goals can be converted into additional system constraints, thus reducing nondeterminism and providing for the optimal system's behavior. >
On networks with side information

In this paper, we generalize the lossless coded side information problem from the three-node network of Ahlswede and Korner to more general network scenarios. We derive inner and outer bounds on the achievable rate region in the general network scenario and show that they are tight for some families of networks. Our approach demonstrates how solutions to canonical source coding problems can be used to derive bounds for more complex networks and reveals an interesting connection between networks with side information, successive refinement, and network coding.
The design of sigma-delta modulation analog-to-digital converters

The author examines the practical design criteria for implementing oversampled analog/digital converters based on second-order sigma-delta ( Sigma Delta ) modulation. Behavioral models that include representation of various circuit impairments are established for each of the functional building blocks comprising a second-order Sigma 2gD modulator. Extensive simulations based on these models are then used to establish the major design criteria for each of the building blocks. As an example, these criteria are applied to the design of a modulator that has been integrated in a 3- mu m CMOS technology. An experimental prototype operates from a single 5-V supply, dissipates 12 mW, occupies an area of 0.77 mm/sup 2/, and has achieved a measured dynamic range of 89 dB. >
Design of a robotic feeder

The use of US Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) recommendations to develop the design specifications of an inexpensive two-degree-of-freedom robot arm for use in rehabilitation applications is described. The current status of the robotic self-feeder is presented along with the mechanical, electrical, and control software design.
Injuries and Illnesses Among American Red Cross Responders—United States, 2008–2012

OBJECTIVE: Occupational injury and illness rates for volunteer responders have not been well documented. We analyzed data specific to volunteers from the American Red Cross (ARC). METHODS: Data collected by the ARC between 2008 and 2012 were analyzed to identify disaster factors associated with responder injuries and illnesses. We focused on disaster-relief operation (DRO) level (indicating operational costs, ranging from 3 [lower] to 5+ [higher]); disaster type; region; and year. We calculated injury and illness rates and estimated rate ratios (RR) with 95% CI, using negative binomial regression. Also, we analyzed a total of 113 disasters. RESULTS: Hurricanes had the highest rates of injuries (14/1000 responders) and illnesses (18/1000 responders). In the adjusted model for injuries, RRs were higher for DRO levels 4 (3.6 [CI, 2.0-6.7]) and 5+ (4.9 [CI, 2.2-11.0]) than for level 3. In the adjusted model for illnesses, RRs also were higher for DRO levels 4 (4.4 [CI, 2.6-7.3]) and 5+ (8.6 [CI, 4.1-17.7]) than for level 3. CONCLUSIONS: Higher DRO levels were a significant predictor of greater rates of occupational injuries and illnesses. Careful selection of responders, including volunteers, has been warranted for deployments to such disasters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-7). Language: en
The acute muscular effects of cycling with and without different degrees of blood flow restriction

The aim was to compare the acute effects of work matched high intensity (75% peak aerobic capacity) aerobic exercise to low intensity (40% peak aerobic capacity) aerobic exercise with different degrees of blood flow restriction (BFR) [40% estimated arterial occlusion (40 BFR) and 60% estimated arterial occlusion (60 BFR)] on variables previously hypothesized to be important for muscle adaptation. There were no meaningful changes in torque. Anterior thigh muscle thickness was increased from baseline with high intensity cycling and 40 BFR (~2 mm increase, p ≤ 0.008). A significant increase in lactate occurred in all exercise conditions but was greatest with high intensity cycling (~5.4 mmol/L increase). Muscle activation was significantly higher with high intensity cycling compared to low intensity cycling with BFR, regardless of pressure (~25% vs. ~12% MVC). Mean power frequency was not different between conditions but did increase from the first 5 minutes of exercise to the last 5 minutes (93% vs. 101%, p < 0.001). Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were higher with high intensity cycling but discomfort was similar between conditions. We wish to suggest that high intensity cycling produces greater muscular stress than that observed with work matched low intensity cycling in combination with BFR.
Some approximation problems in harmonic analysis

We consider the question of when certain Banach algebras on the circle group or the integers, which themselves are the closed span of their idempotents, have closed subalgebras which fail to have this property. We also consider what other special properties such subalgebras may have.
Regional Lymph Node Metastasis From Bladder Cancer

AbstractThe prognosis for patients with bladder cancer metastatic to regional lymph nodes is dismal and only minimally altered by current treatment modalities. The 5-year survival rate after radical cystectomy for 134 bladder cancer patients with positive regional lymph nodes was only 7 per cent and 82 per cent of the patients died of bladder cancer. Stratification of patients into groups with varying extent of nodal disease showed a correlation between the level of nodal involvement and the interval to recurrence. While 38 per cent of the patients died of distant disease alone 25 per cent had only pelvic recurrence, indicating a possible therapeutic effect of a systematic bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and implicating extrapelvic disease as a major determinant of patient survival.
Solutions and Solute

In the formation of calculi within the urinary tract, two fundamental factors are critical when crystals precipitate and stones form: They are solute and the solution itself, which must be oversaturated if crystals are to form and to grow. Several elements present in the urine influence solutions and solute and, thus, stone formation. Because all forms of medical therapy influence these elements favorably to prevent stone formation, this update reviews why stones form and how specific medical therapy works to prevent their formation.
“Shock Therapy” in Ukraine: A Radical Approach to Post‐Soviet Police Reform

Summary Ukraine has pursued an aggressive “shock therapy” approach to police reform since early 2015, in the aftermath of the February 2014 Maidan protests and subsequent change of government. This approach is described and examined in light of previous 21st century post-Soviet police reform efforts in Ukraine, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan. Internal and external pressures to demonstrate real commitment to corruption control and rule of law seem to have been responsible for pushing Ukraine in the direction of the Georgian shock therapy model. Early results are very promising, but significant challenges remain, including sustaining the reform political coalition, overcoming bureaucratic resistance to change, surviving the armed insurgency in eastern Ukraine, downsizing the old militsiya, reshaping the culture of corruption that permeates the entire government and much of society, and convincing the citizenry that the new police are truly committed to serving the public, not regime protection. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environment-protected solid-state-based distributed charge qubit

A solid-state-based charge qubit is presented. The system consists of a one-dimensional wire with a pair of qubits embedded at its center. It is shown that the system supports collective states localized in the left and right sides of the wire and therefore, as a whole, performs as a single qubit. The couplings between the ground and excited states of the two central qubits are inversely proportional making them fully asynchronized and allowing for coherent manipulation and gate operations. Initialization and measurement devices, such as leads and charge detectors, connected to the edges of the wire are modeled by a continuum of energy states. The coupling to the continuum is discussed using the effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. At weak continuum coupling, all internal states uniformly acquire small decay widths. This changes dramatically as the coupling strength increases: the width distribution undergoes a sharp restructuring and is no longer uniformly divided among the eigenstates. Two broad resonances localized at the ends of the wire are formed. These superradiant states (analogous to Dicke states in quantum optics) effectively protect the remaining internal states from decaying into the continuum and hence increase the lifetime of the qubit. Environmental noise is introduced by considering random Gaussian fluctuations of electronic energies. The interplay between decoherence and superradiance is studied by solving the stochastic Liouville equation. In addition to increasing the lifetime, the emergence of the superradiant states increases the qubit coherence.
Surface Damage and Oxidative Properties of Sequentially Annealed Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction Sequentially annealed highly crosslinked polyethylenes (HXLPEs) were introduced in total knee replacement (TKR) starting in 2005 to reduce wear and particle-induced osteolysis. Few studies have reported on the clinical performance of HXLPE knees. In this study, we hypothesized that due to the reduced free radicals, sequentially annealed HXLPE would have lower oxidation levels than gamma inert-sterilized controls. Methods 145 tibial components were retrieved at consecutive revision surgeries at 7 different surgical centers. 74 components were identified as sequentially annealed HXLPE (X3, Stryker) while the remainder (n = 71) were conventional gamma inert sterilized polyethylene. The sterilization method was confirmed by tracing the lot numbers by the manufacturer. The conventional inserts were implanted for 1.7 years (Range: 0.0–9.3 years), while the X3 components were implanted 1.1 years (Range: 0.0–4.5 years). Surface damage was assessed using the Hood method. Oxidation analysis was performed in accordance with ASTM 2102 following submersion in boiling heptane for 6 hours to remove absorbed lipids. 30 of the conventional and 29 of the HXLPE inserts were available for oxidation analysis. Results The predominant reasons for revision were loosening, instability, and infection for both material cohorts. None of the highly crosslinked tibial inserts were revised for osteolysis. Pitting, scratching, and burnishing were the predominant damage mechanisms within both material groups. Delamination was not present within the highly crosslinked inserts. Oxidation indices were similar between the two cohorts at the bearing surface, AP face, and the post (p>0.30). Oxidation was lower at the backside surface in the HXLPE group when compared to the gamma inert group (p=0.04). In the HXLPE group, the backside surface had lower oxidation indices than the bearing surface (p = 0.02), post (p Discussion This study evaluated the surface damage mechanisms and oxidative stability of 2nd generation HXLPE in total knee replacement. Sequentially annealed HXLPE inserts exhibited comparable surface damage mechanisms and oxidation indices as compared with conventional inserts. Additional, longer-term HXLPE retrievals are necessary to ascertain the long term in vivo stability of these materials in total knee replacement.
A question of ‘fit’: local perspectives on top-down flood mitigation policies in Vermont

Despite consensus on the need to adapt to climate change, who should adapt, and how, remain open questions. While local-level actions are essential to adaptation, state and federal governments can play a substantial role in adaptation. In this paper, we investigate local perspectives on state-level flood mitigation policies in Vermont as a means of analysing what leads top-down adaptations to be effective in mobilizing local action. Drawing on interviews with town officials, we delineate local-level perspectives on Vermont's top-down policies and use those perspectives to develop a conceptual framework that presents the ‘fit’ between top-down policies and the local-level context as comprised of three components: Receptivity, Ease of Participation, and Design. We explain how these components and their interactions influence local-level action. This analysis points to how careful consideration of the components of ‘fit’ may lead to greater local-level uptake of top-down adaptation policies.
The joy of Desire: Understanding Levinas’s Desire of the Other as gift

In this paper, I argue that if we understand Levinas’s Desire of the Other as gift, we can understand it as joyful—that is, as celebratory. After presenting Levinas’s conception of Desire, I consider his claim, found in Otherwise than Being, that the self is a hostage to the Other, and I contend that, paradoxical as it may seem, being a hostage to the Other is actually liberating. Then, drawing on insights Richard Kearney offers in Reimagining the Sacred, I argue for understanding Desire as a gift that is the condition of possibility for joy. If I offer hospitality to the Other, I thereby accept the gift that makes joy possible, and this joy is not egoistic but is the proper response to the gift. Finally, I ask whether Desire can be joyful in practice, given that the pure gift is an originary condition and never a historical one, and I conclude that imperfect joy remains possible. Moreover, this imperfect joy is better than any solitary enjoyment I might experience in the total absence of the Other.
Nicotine Dependence and Willingness to Quit Smoking in Vascular Surgery Patients

Background Smoking rates have declined; however, it remains the primary modifiable risk factor for vascular disease. While vascular surgeons often advise patients to quit, few provide assistance. We sought to understand patients' interest in quitting and determine factors that influence this willingness to quit. Methods Anonymous surveys were given to vascular surgery clinic patients in a single institution over a 5-month period. Demographic information, smoking status, cessation attempts, and barriers to quitting were obtained. Nicotine dependence was determined using the Fagerstrom Test, and willingness to quit was assessed using a contemplation ladder. Patient's willingness to quit was evaluated in relation to symptomatic status, previous/planned operation, and nicotine dependence levels. Results A total of 490 patients (92%) completed the survey with 109 (22%) current smokers, 195 (40%) former smokers, and 186 (38%) never smokers. Never smokers were more likely to be female and employed while smokers were more likely to be disabled. Although 51% of smokers displayed moderate/high nicotine dependence, 54% demonstrated willingness to consider quitting within 6 months. The primary barrier to cessation identified was previous failed attempt(s) to quit in 44%. Most (90%) had previously attempted quitting, 63% attempted 3 or more times, and the most common technique used was “quitting cold turkey”. Fifty-nine percent of patients reported physicians' had offered assistance in cessation, but only 2% had been in a cessation program. There was no correlation between willingness to consider quitting and symptomatic status, previous/planned operation, or nicotine dependence. Smokers of less than 10 cigarettes/day had a lower nicotine dependence level (P = 0.0001) and higher willingness to consider quitting (P = 0.0015), as did those who had fewer failed prior attempts to quit and who did not believe it was too late to quit. Conclusions Most of our vascular patients self-report as nonsmokers. Over half of those who smoke demonstrate willingness to consider quitting within 6 months, which is not dependent on nicotine dependence, previous/planned operation, or symptomatic status. Those who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day, have fewer past failed attempts to quit, and believe that it is not too late to quit are more likely to consider quitting. Vascular surgeons should be more aware of previous quit attempts and patterns of smoking and be proactive in assisting patients in cessation attempts.
Speed And Convergence Of Bimodal Optical Computers

A Bimodal Optical Computer (BOC) is presented. The speed and accuracy of the BOC are studied and compared with that of the digital computer. Accuracies comparable to that of the digital computer are achievable, while BOC speed is far more superior in solving a system of linear equations. This advantage in speed increases with the increase of the size of the matrix. The problem of the convergence of the solution using the BOC is investigated. It is found that even with using electro-optical systems with an error as high as 50% in the optical mask and 1% in the electro-optical devices, convergence was achieved for matrices with condition numbers of 25. The effect of the condition number on the convergence of the solution is investigated. It is found that matrices with large condition numbers converge very slowly. Convergence for matrices with condition numbers of higher than 250 was achieved. Some means of improving the condition number of matrix are also introduced.