cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Broadening experience with the retrograde endoscopic management of upper urinary tract urothelial malignancies.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results of the retrograde endoscopic treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial malignancies (UUTUM) in an attempt to preserve renal function while also obtaining an acceptable oncological result. PATIENTS AND METHODS Since 1995, 63 patients who were referred for retrograde endoscopic management of UUTUM were evaluated and treated. All patients had an initial diagnostic ureteroscopy and biopsy to obtain histopathological grading. Additional imaging studies were obtained to exclude metastatic disease. The treatment was directed by tumour grade at presentation and medical comorbidity. Tumour volume and multifocality did not exclude patients from vigorous endoscopic treatment. Tumours were resected with electrocautery, holmium-YAG and Nd:YAG laser. Follow-up endoscopic surveillance was initially at 3-month intervals, with increasing intervals in patients with repeatedly negative findings. RESULTS The tumour grade at presentation was high in 14 (22%), moderate in six (10%), low in 35 (55%) and carcinoma in situ in eight (13%), with 13 (20%) presenting with or subsequently developing bilateral disease. Twenty patients had a nephroureterectomy as they were not amenable to endoscopic treatment. Medical comorbidities necessitated palliative endoscopic therapy of high-grade tumour in six patients; the remaining 35 had low-grade tumour and were managed with retrograde endoscopic therapy. Recurrent low-grade disease was identified in 24 with a mean (range) time to recurrence of 15 (3–63) months. There was concurrent low-grade bladder cancer in 21 (60%) of the patients. The mean (range) follow-up was 32 (3–84) months. No patient with low-grade tumour progressed in grade or stage, and all but one who presented with high-grade tumour progressed. CONCLUSION The retrograde endoscopic management of UTTUMs is particularly useful for patients who present with low-grade lesions, providing good oncological control and preserving renal function. These patients require a careful and consistent follow-up, as many will develop recurrent disease. Treatment of higher-grade lesions is at best palliative.
Systemic bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of methylprednisolone in patients with rheumatoid arthritis following ‘high-dose’ pulse administration

The absolute and relative bioavailability of two methylprednisolone formulations (capsules and suspension) was determined along with its pharmacokinetics in four arthritic female patients, following an unconventional high-dose pulse of 1 g. Plasma concentrations of the drug were measured by a sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) procedure. The disposition of methylprednisolone from plasma following intravenous (i.v.) infusion of its succinate ester appeared monoexponential with a mean half-life of 2.4 h and an apparent volume of distribution (Vd) of 50 l (0.87 l/kg). The total body clearance (Cl) averaged 15.12 l/h. Absolute bioavailability was assessed by comparing the areas under the plasma concentration time curves (normalized to dose) following oral administration of capsule or suspension with those of intravenous administration. No significant difference (p greater than 0.2) was observed when systemic availability (f, expressed in per cent) following administration of drug in capsule (f = 49.35 per cent) was compared with that obtained following the administration of drug in a suspension (f = 58.26 per cent). The difference in the observed and predicted f may be due to incomplete absorption, hepatic and/or extrahepatic metabolism of methylprednisolone. Subjective evaluation showed no side effects of this high-dose pulse therapy in any of the patients.
Acidities of benzyl phenyl sulfones and of the corresponding radical cations. Homolytic bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of αCH bonds in benzyl phenylsulfones

The excellent linearity (R2 = 0·997) of a plot of pKa values for 17 m− and p-substituted benzyl phenyl sulfones, GC6H4CH2SO2Ph, vs. those for the corresponding arylacetonitrile, GC6H4CH2CN, demonstrates that substituent solvation and substituent solvation assisted resonance (SSAR) effects for p-CN, p-COPh, and p-SPh are nearly identical in these two substrates. The PhSO2 group in PhCH2SO2Ph increases the BDE of the α-CH bond by 2 kcal/mol, relative to toluene. The α-CH bonds in GC6H4CH2SO2Ph sulfones are stabilized by 1–2 kcal/mol by acceptor G′s (m-CN, p-CN, m-CF3, p-CF3), but weakened by 1 and 5 kcal/mol, respectively, by donors (p-OMe and p-NMe2). The GC6H4CH2SO2Ph+. radical cation with G = H has a pK = −25. Its acidity is increased when G is an acceptor by as much as 9 to 10 kcal/mol (G = 3-CN, 3-CF3, 4-CF3, 4-NO2), but is decreased when G is a donor by as much as 33 kcal/mol (G = NMe2). When G = 4-SPh the radical cation is stabilized, relative to G = H, by a larger amount (25 kcal/mol) than when G = 4-OMe (18 kcal/mol). Structural changes along the series PhCH2SO2Ph, 2-naphthyl-CH2SO2Ph, 9-anthryl CH2SO2Ph cause negligible changes in the acidities of these acids, but sizable decreases in the acidities of the corresponding radical cations. Introduction of a phenylsulfonyl group into the methyl group of 9-methylanthracene or the 9-position of fluorene or xanthene increase the BDEs by 3, 2, and 7 kcal/mol, respectively. These effects of PhSO2 groups are compared and contrasted with those of CN groups.
Long-pulse modulator-driven cyclotron autoresonance maser and free-electron laser experiments at MIT

High-power CARM and FEL research on a long-pulse (1 microsecond(s) ) high-voltage (700 kV) modulator at the MIT Plasma Fusion Center is described. The experimental results on a Ka-band, long-pulse CARM oscillator experiment are presented. In this experiment, a SLAC 5045 klystron gun produced an electron beam at 250-320 kV and 10-20 A; a beam (alpha) equalsV (rho) (perpendicular)/(rho) (parallel), variable from 0 to 1, was produced on this electron beam with a wiggler magnetic field near guide field resonance. CARM operation was observed for many parameter settings, and for frequencies ranging from 29 to 32 GHz. Output powers as high as 110 kW were achieved with an efficiency of up to 1.8%. Higher frequency radiation at 74.5 GHz was also obtained and is attributed to second harmonic CARM operation. Recent operation of an FEL experiment using a 580 kV, 0.27 (mu) (Rho) electron gun, built by Thomson Tubes Electroniques, and a permanent magnet helical wiggler with (lambda) (omega ) equals 3 cm and B(omega ) equals 500 G is described. Results include measurement of small signal gain, gain-bandwidth, and oscillation at 30 GHz, with power levels of approximately 1 MW.
Fetal microcirculation of abnormal human placenta. II. Scanning electron microscopy of placental vascular casts from fetus with severe erythroblastosis fetalis.

Abstract The latex injection—corrosion cast technique coupled with scanning electron microscopy was applied to the study of severe Rh sensitization of the placenta. The main observed ultrastructural changes in fetal vasculature in this type of placenta were very similar to those of the small for gestational age placenta; large-sized vessels exhibited less branching than those of the normal placenta, and the capillary network showed numerous vascular buds and “H”-shaped anastomoses. In addition, in Rh-sensitized placentas, the capillary network was remarkably sparse, and the cast also revealed smooth-surfaced veins with distinct U shapes undulating through the placental stroma. These U-shaped veins may be the result of umbilical flow impedance with subsequent umbilical venous hypertension, which stretches the veins into undulating form.
Efficient Use Of Silver Halide In X-Ray Film

AbstractSilver halide is a unique9imaging receptor because the absorption of only a few lightphotons can produce up to 10 silver atoms. Recently, the cost of silver has increaseddramatically although there is no shortage of the metal. These price increases have fo-cused attention on making more efficient use of this precious metal in silver halide filmsand on its recovery after use. Photographic manufacturers have developed technology neces-sary to make X -ray films using less silver without affecting photographic performance.Other non -silver imaging systems have been developed for use when high photographic speedis not required.The production of photographic film by the photographic industry constitutes one of thelargest uses of silver today. The recent dramatic gyrations in silver price have had manyeffects on silver users. The price changes have drawn attention to the price paid forX -ray film and to the dramatically increased value of X -ray film stored in the archival files. The price changes have led to speculation that there is a shortage of silver in theworld today. The price changes have also raised speculation that non -silver systems, suchas photopolymer or photochromic systems, will soon be discovered which will replace silverhalide film as a recording medium.The silver halide emulsion is a unique photorecording system because the absorption ofonly a few light photons can lead to the formation of up to 109 silver atoms. Because ofthis extraordinary quantum yield and the range of sensitivity possible with silver halideemulsions, no other imaging system is capable of providing the high photographic speed, greyscale, image definition, and information storage of the silver halide emulsion. Certainly,at this time at least, silver appears essential to the bulk of medical X -ray imaging, bothradiographic imaging with intensifying screens and camera imaging of video displays.Fortunately, there is no shortage of silver. The world supply of silver is more thanample to supply silver for the photographic industry and the many new uses for silver whichare being developed. But, the price of silver is determined by factors other than the usuallaws of supply and demand because like gold, it is a precious metal which is treated as anegotiable asset.More fortunately, because silver is a noble metal, it is almost completely reusable.
Time-variable Intrinsic Absorption Lines in the Quasi-stellar Object Q2343+125

We discuss high-resolution Keck Observatory spectra of an intrinsic absorption-line system at redshift za ≈ 2.24 in the radio-quiet QSO Q2343+125 (ze = 2.515). The absorber's physical relationship to the QSO is confirmed by time-variable line strengths and partial line-of-sight coverage of the QSO continuum source. The N V, C IV, and Si IV doublets varied in unison by factors of 4 in less than 0.3 yr in the QSO rest frame. The resolved C IV doublet ratios show that the absorber occults 20% of the QSO continuum source; therefore, the absorbing clouds are likely to have characteristic sizes less than 0.01 pc. There is evidence for smaller coverage fractions when the lines were weaker, which could explain the line-strength changes. Lower ionization species such as C II and Si II are not detected. The Lyα line at za ≈ 2.24 is contaminated by the dense forest of cosmologically intervening absorption lines, but also appears to be weak or absent. The large uncertainties in the H I column prevent reliable constraints on the metal abundances. The za ≈ 2.24 lines clearly form in high-velocity ejecta from the QSO. The line profiles are smooth and rounded, with FWHM ~ 400 km s-1 and centroids shifted -24,000 km s-1 from the QSO emission redshift. Several narrow-line systems are present inside the broader absorption profiles, but they did not vary in strength and may be due to intervening gas. The large-amplitude variability, low coverage fractions, and large ratio of centroid to FWHM velocities imply different outflow properties than those inferred from the broad absorption lines (BALs) in other sources. Nonetheless, the ejecta identified by the za ≈ 2.24 absorber could be related to the BAL phenomenon and could be ubiquitous in QSOs if the gas subtends a small fraction of the sky as seen from the emission source(s).
The case for hospice care in long-term care environments

Hospice care typically is underused in long-term care facilities. Although these programs do provide other quality services, routine measurement of important parameters of end-of-life care, such as pain control, dyspnea, and spiritual and psychosocial issues, should also occur. Health care providers working in long-term care facilities should be held accountable for high-quality care for dying residents. In this environment, the benefits of hospice or hospicelike services may become immediately apparent. Continued attention to changes in the Medicare Hospice Benefits to improve patient access to hospice services and health care delivery for those living in long-term care facilities is warranted.
The Taziyeh of the Martyrdom of Hussein

The ta ziyeh plays are somewhat similar to the mystery cycle plays of medieval Europe in that authorship is corporate and anonymous. Thus, many communities all over Iran possess a cycle of plays from which to select when circumstances allow performances during the month of Muharram. Clearly, the most important play from any community’s cycle is The Martyrdom of Hussein, since his martyrdom is the central focus for the entire mourning ritual. This play is always performed on the th day of the month of Muharram—the historic date of Hussein’s slaughter. Regardless of when the texts were collected or from what community, the plays that deal with the martyrdom of Hussein share many similar segments of action. All versions stress Hussein’s utter desolation. This is accomplished in several ways. The most emotional way is to include scenes that deal with the slaughter of his infant son and little nephew—the only males left in his family. Another way is to include scenes in which other weak and defenseless persons offer to enter the field of battle in a vain attempt to replace strong champions already slain. Along these same lines, some plays include a scene in which the women traveling with Hussein are forced to take on duties usually relegated to men. Another series of scenes focuses on two kinds of temptations Hussein must face. Each time Hussein bids farewell to a female relative, he has to fight against the natural urge to remain alive to protect her from captivity. Each time a powerful being arrives to offer assistance, Hussein has to fight against the natural urge to restore the balance of unequal odds. In each case, Hussein overcomes the temptation and chooses martyrdom. Thus, flexibility and fluidity are part of the dramatic tradition. In its traditional state, the script for a play consists of acting sides—little strips of paper containing only the lines and cue words of a single character. The acting sides are accompanied by a key that provides the chronological order of the speeches. These stand as a “recipe” for performance. A complete play in chronological order is called a jung. The Martyrdom of Hussein offered here was translated from Persian and is from the collection belonging to the city of Khour, a small oasis in the center of the Kavir desert (Honari ). Although it is not certain when the ta ziyeh tradition developed in Khour, records show that by the last quarter of the th century this city possessed  plays that were performed at the rate of one ta ziyeh per day until the end of the month following Muharram. As a result of a local quarrel between two brothers in , the entire collection was destroyed by fire. Fortunately, copies
A Series-Parallel Hydraulic Hybrid Mini-Excavator with Displacement Controlled Actuators

A displacement-controlled (DC) prototype mini-excavator built at the Maha Fluid Power Research Center at Purdue University, had previously demonstrated 40% fuel savings over a standard mini-excavator with load-sensing architecture, in independent side-by-side testing. A DC series-parallel (DC S-P) hydraulic hybrid architecture has since been conceptualized where the braking energy of the swing can be stored in an accumulator. This architecture promises further efficiency gains over the DC architecture by taking advantage of four-quadrant operation enabled by DC actuation, swing kinetic energy storage capability, and enables 50% reduced engine power, through load-leveling and power management, while exploiting the cyclical nature of excavator work cycles. In simulation, feasibility studies for the DC S-P hybrid excavator with reduced engine power, showed 51% fuel savings over the standard excavator without loss of performance for an expert truck-loading cycle. Conservative power management was used for these studies, with the downsized engine operated efficiently at a single point (maximum governed speed and torque). This work will focus on: a) the high-fidelity co-simulation model used to model dynamic behavior and evaluate various power management strategies, b) working hydraulic schematics for the series-hybrid swing drive, c) the controller in use on the prototype, and d) measurements for proof-of-concept.
Oriented Graphite X-Ray Diffraction Telescope

A development program performed during the last year under a contract with the Office of Naval Research has indicated that diffraction focusing of X-rays may offer significant detection advantages when used to focus low energy gamma and X-radiation onto single detectors. The work which supports this conclusion includes a survey of diffraction crystalline materials, diffractometer X-ray measurements of selected crystal specimens, conceptual design studies of X-ray focusing systems, and finally, the fabrication and testing with a radioactive source of a small parabolic focusing array of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite flat crystals.1 The high diffraction efficiency of oriented graphite even to energies beyond 60 keV has encouraged the development of complete prototype focusing systems. As a part of this continuing effort an eighteen shell oriented graphite laboratory focuser is currently being developed. In order to supply the thousands of square inches of graphite required for this work, a facility has been assembled within General Electric Nuclear Systems Operation at Evendale, Ohio, to produce highly oriented pyrolytic graphite economically and in large quantities.
Characterization of an accelerator neutron source based on the Be(d,n) reaction

Small accelerator neutron sources offer considerable potential for applied neutron radiography applications. Among the desirable features are relatively low costs, limited operating hazards, opportunities for tailoring primary neutron spectra, compactness and portability, and modest licensing requirements (compared to fission reactors). However, exploitation of this potential has been somewhat limited, in part, by incomplete knowledge of the primary-neutron yields and energy spectra from the favorable source reactions. This work describes an extensive experimental determination of zero-degree neutron yields and energy spectra from the 9Be(d,n)10B source reaction, for incident deuterons of 2.6 to 7.0 MeV on a thick beryllium metal target. This information was acquired by means of time-of-flight measurements that were conducted with a calibrated uranium fission detector. Tables and plots of neutron-producing reaction data are presented. This information provides input which will be essential for applications involving the primary spectrum as well as for the design of neutron moderators and for calculation of thermal-neutron yield factors. Such analyses will be prerequisites in assessing the suitability of this source for various possible neutron radiography applications and, also, for assisting in the design of appropriate detectors to be used in neutron imaging devices.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Opiate modulation of growth hormone secretion is compromised during the steroid-induced luteinizing hormone surge.

Earlier studies from our laboratory have shown that treatments with gonadal steroids which cause a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) blunt the effects of morphine on LH secretion, locomotor activity,
William James on “Possible Selves”: Implications for Studying Identity in Communication Contexts

This article describes ideas about the self suggested by William James and how these conceptualizations can be used in communication research. First, the article summarizes the elements of self according to James and how the "possible selves" could be drawn upon in a persuasive communication context. It is suggested that there are at least two approaches to studying possible selves from an empirical perspective: The accessibility of one self out of a field of many possible selves, and the synthesis of potentially conflicting selves. Further, the article argues that the influence of these selves on behavior and on antecedents to behavior suggests that greater attention should be focused on the study of identity as a mediator of communication effects. However, it is argued that James's work should also inspire further exploration of the experience of self as that which provides a sense of continuity despite substantively and temporally variable possible selves. This sense of personal identity cannot be interrogated via traditional empirical methods nor within a persuasive communication context, and a greater attunement to this sense of self has potential to enhance communication experiences.
The effect of high anionomer loading with silver nanowire catalysts on the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline environment

Abstract The effect of ionomer content on the oxygen kinetics in fuel cells and metal-oxide batteries was investigated by varying ionomer loading with constant loadings of a silver nanowire catalyst. Silver nanowire inks were produced in which commercially available anionomer solution constituted 10, 25, 40, 50, and 75% of the total ink volume. Constant loadings of Ag nanowire catalyst were then deposited onto glassy carbon electrodes by varying the amount of ink deposited. These were then used in rotating disc electrode (RDE) experiments using a 0.1 M KOH electrolyte solution. From these experiments, using ORR polarization curves and Koutecky–Levich analysis, it was found that not only did the anionomer loading affect the total activity (given a constant Ag nanowire loading) but, that the anionomer content also had an impact upon the apparent kinetic limited current as well as whether the ORR proceeded through the 2e− or 4e− pathway. Although the total activity declined with very high anionomer loadings, the ORR appeared to proceed more through the 4e− pathway with increased anionomer content.
EX‐ANTE EXPECTATIONS AND PORTFOLIO SELECTION

Abstract This paper examines differences among investors who are relatively optimistic/pessimistic regarding the performance of the stock market in terms of portfolio composition and trading activity. Findings indicate that investors more pessimistic regarding the stock market are likely to: (1) channel their funds into leveraged and tax advantageous investments, and (2) trade less frequently on the stock market.
The ins and outs of serine integrase site-specific recombination

Serine integrases catalyze the integration and excision of phage genomes into and out of bacterial chromosomes in a highly specific and directional manner, making these proteins powerful tools for genome engineering. In 2013, the first structure of a serine integrase–DNA complex was reported. This work revealed how the phage attP sequence is recognized by the integrase and provided important clues about how serine integrases bind to other attachment site sequences. The resulting structural models indicate that distinct spatial arrangements of integrase domains are present for each attachment site complex. Here we describe how serine integrases may exploit this site-dependent domain arrangement to regulate the direction of recombination. We also discuss how phage-encoded recombination directionality factors could change this directionality by altering the nature of inter-subunit interactions.
An Overview of Accomplishments and Challenges in Recrystallization and Grain Growth

The study of microstructural evolution in polycrystalline materials has been active for many decades so it is interesting to illustrate the progress that has been made and to point out some remaining challenges. Grain boundaries are important because their long-range motion controls evolution in many cases. We have some understanding of the essential features of grain boundary properties over the five macroscopic degrees of freedom. Excess free energy, for example, is dominated by the two surfaces that comprise the boundary although the twist component also has a non-negligible influence. Mobility is less well defined although there are some clear trends for certain classes of materials such as fcc metals. Computer simulation has made a critical contribution by showing, for example, that mobility exhibits an intrinsic crystallographic anisotropy even in the absence of impurities. At the mesoscopic level, we now have rigorous relationships between geometry and growth rates for individual grains in three dimensions. We are in the process of validating computer models of grain growth against 3D non-destructive measurements. Quantitative modeling of recrystallization that includes texture development has been accomplished in several groups. Other properties such as corrosion resistance are being related quantitatively to microstructure. There remain, however, numerous challenges. Despite decades of study, we still do not have complete cause-and-effect descriptions of most cases of abnormal grain growth. The response of nanostructured materials to annealing can lead to either unexpected resistance to coarsening, or, coarsening at unexpectedly low temperatures. General process models for recrystallization that can be applied to industrial alloys remain elusive although significant progress has been made for the specific case of aluminum alloy processing. Thin films often exhibit stagnation of grain growth that we do not fully understand, as well as abnormal grain growth. Grain boundaries respond to driving forces in more complicated ways than we understood. Clearly many exciting challenges remain in grain growth and recrystallization.
Magnetic/NIR-responsive drug carrier, multicolor cell imaging, and enhanced photothermal therapy of gold capped magnetite-fluorescent carbon hybrid nanoparticles

This paper reports a type of multifunctional hybrid nanoparticle (NP) composed of gold nanocrystals coated on and/or embedded in a magnetite-fluorescent porous carbon core-shell NP template (Fe3O4@PC-CDs-Au) for biomedical applications, including magnetic/NIR-responsive drug release, multicolor cell imaging, and enhanced photothermal therapy. The synthesis of the Fe3O4@PC-CDs-Au NPs firstly involves the preparation of core-shell template NPs with magnetite nanocrystals clustered in the cores and fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) embedded in a porous carbon shell, followed by an in situ reduction of silver ions (Ag(+)) loaded in the porous carbon shell and a subsequent replacement of Ag NPs with Au NPs through a galvanic replacement reaction using HAuCl4 as a precursor. The Fe3O4@PC-CDs-Au NPs can enter the intracellular region and light up mouse melanoma B16F10 cells in multicolor mode. The porous carbon shell, anchored with hydrophilic hydroxyl/carboxyl groups, endows the Fe3O4@PC-CDs-Au NPs with excellent stability in the aqueous phase and a high loading capacity (719 mg g(-1)) for the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The superparamagnetic Fe3O4@PC-CDs-Au NPs with a saturation magnetization of 23.26 emu g(-1) produce localized heat under an alternating magnetic field, which triggers the release of the loaded drug. The combined photothermal effects of the Au nanocrystals and the CDs on/in the carbon shell can not only regulate the release rate of the loaded drug, but also efficiently kill tumor cells under NIR irradiation. Benefitting from their excellent optical properties, their magnetic field and NIR light-responsive drug release capabilities and their enhanced photothermal effect, such nanostructured Fe3O4@PC-CDs-Au hybrid NPs are very promising for simultaneous imaging diagnostics and high efficacy therapy.
Windows and icons and mice, oh my!-the changing face of computing

The characteristics of a graphical user interface (GUI) are described. The advantages and disadvantages of the GUI are reviewed, and trans-platform graphical interfaces are considered. The major GUIs are then described along with the basic components, i.e., the windowing system, the imaging model, and the applications programming interface. >
The Parasitic Theory of Sexual Reproduction: Parasitism in Unisexual and Bisexual Geckos

The parasitic theory of sexual reproduction was extended to account for the existence of unisexual higher vertebrates. Because unisexual lizards arose through hybridization of two sexual species, the hybrids9 genotypes should be maximally heterozygous resulting in hybrid vigor. We therefore predicted that at least some unisexuals should be resistant to parasitism. To test the above prediction, we examined parasitism rates in a unisexual (Lepidodactylus lugubris) and a sexual gecko species (Hemidactylus frenatus) which live sympatrically on the island of Hawaii. Sixteen percent of the sexual geckos were found to have pseudotumors, 36% of the sexuals were infested with mites and the sexuals were also found to be susceptible to cestode, nematode and pentastomid infections. None of the unisexual geckos examined showed evidence of pseudotumor infection, mite infestation (even after they were housed with mite infested geckos) or cestode infections. The unisexuals were found to harbor pentastomids and nematodes although in the latter case the unisexuals were expelling adult nematodes in their faeces (an immune response to nematode infection). The above data lend support to our prediction that some unisexual species should be highly resistant to parasitism because they are maximally heterozygous.
Attributional Impact of Linguistic Masking Devices

It has been argued that linguistic masking devices can create different versions of reality. This study investigated whether systematic language shifts using three of these lower level devices (per...
Lumped parameter model for chemically amplified resists

Recently the Lumped Parameter Model (LPM) has been extended to three dimensions enabling fast calculations of full resist profiles. This resist model incorporates most of the lithographically significant physical phenomenon of resist systems. This model works well to match isolated and semi-isolated line resist systems. However, it is not very successful at matching contact hole or isolated trench resist systems. The reason for this mismatch can be traced to the influence of base quencher present in chemically amplified (CA) resists yet absent from the original LPM. The quencher effectively splits the aerial image into two complementary images. These two images (acid and base) simultaneously diffuse and react with each other. A single aerial image diffusion model cannot approximate the resulting coupled quenching-diffusion system. An improved LPM that incorporates quencher and its diffusion is presented. Successful implementation of this model requires solving the coupled quenching-diffusion system in a fast and accurate manner. Several solution methods are discussed. The agreement between the Lumped Parameter Model and a full CA resist model is greatly improved. This improvement will enable fast and more accurate calculations of resist affects on three-dimensional imaging bias.
Complications of operative and diagnostic laparoscopy: a retrospective study

Abstract Objective: To determine the incidence of operative complications, conversions to laparotomy, and risk factors for operative complications after laparoscopic surgery. Methods: We obtained demographic information and medical histories for a consecutive series of 381 women who underwent diagnostic and operative laparoscopy at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. All laparoscopic cases, except tubal ligation, were evaluated from January 1, 1995, to June 1, 2000. Major operative complications were defined as bowel, bladder, ureter, and vascular injuries. Differences in the rate of laparoscopic surgical complications and conversions to laparotomy were compared using categorical analysis. The risks of postoperative complications were assessed based on pertinent aspects of the medical history and the specific laparoscopic procedure. Results: Complications developed during and after diagnostic and operative laparoscopy in 22 (5.7%) of the patients in the series. Conversion to laparotomy occurred in 78 (20.4%) of the patients in the series. The most common indication for conversion to laparotomy was adhesions, noted in 26 (33.3%) of the patients. Major laparoscopic surgical complications included seven vascular injuries, two bladder injuries, and one uterine perforation. Two patients in the series developed postoperative bowel obstruction, nine had postoperative infections, and two developed disseminated intravascular coagulation. Women treated for ovarian cystectomy had the lowest rates of operative complications and conversions to laparotomy. There were no case fatalities or thrombophlebitis. Age was the most important risk factor for operative complications, aside from the laparoscopic procedure employed. Conclusions: The overall incidence of major operative complications in this patient population was 5.7%. The more complex the laparoscopic procedure, the greater the rate of operative complications and conversion to laparotomy. There are multiple reasons for the complication rate and the number of laparoscopy–laparotomy conversions, including the learning curve of laparoscopic surgery, prior gynecologic history, and patient demographics.
Toward chemical propulsion: synthesis of ROMP-propelled nanocars.

The synthesis and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) activity of two nanocars functionalized with an olefin metathesis catalyst is reported. The nanocars were attached to a Hoveyda−Grubbs first- or second-generation metathesis catalyst via a benzylidene moiety. The catalytic activity of these nanocars toward ROMP of 1,5-cyclooctadiene was similar to that of their parent catalysts. The activity of the Hoveyda−Grubbs first-generation catalyst-functionalized nanocar was further tested with polymerization of norbornene. Hence, the prospect is heightened for a ROMP process to propel nanocars across a surface by providing the translational force.
Humic Acid-Oxidizing, Nitrate-Reducing Bacteria in Agricultural Soils

This study demonstrates the prevalence, phylogenetic diversity, and physiology of nitrate-reducing microorganisms capable of utilizing reduced humic acids (HA) as electron donors in agricultural soils. Most probable number (MPN) enumera- tion of agricultural soils revealed large populations (10 4 to 10 6 cells g 1 soil) of microorganisms capable of reducing nitrate while oxidizing the reduced HA analog 2,6-anthrahydroquinone disulfonate (AH2DS) to its corresponding quinone. Nitrate- dependent HA-oxidizing organisms isolated from agricultural soils were phylogenetically diverse and included members of the Alphaproteobacteria,Betaproteobacteria, andGammaproteobacteria. Advective up-flow columns inoculated with corn plot soil and amended with reduced HA and nitrate supported both HA oxidation and enhanced nitrate reduction relative to no-donor or oxidized HA controls. The additional electron donating capacity of reduced HA could reasonably be attributed to the oxidation of reduced functional groups. Subsequent 16S rRNA gene-based high-density oligonucleotide microarray (PhyloChip) indicated that reduced HA columns supported the development of a bacterial community enriched with members of the Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, andBetaproteobacteria relative to the no-donor control and initial inoculum. This study identifies a previously un- recognized role for HA in stimulating denitrification processes in saturated soil systems. Furthermore, this study indicates that reduced humic acids impact soil geochemistry and the indigenous bacterial community composition. IMPORTANCE This study identifies a new metabolic capacity in soil microbial communities that may be responsible for the medi- ation of significant nitrogen losses from soil systems. Nitrate-dependent humic acid (HA)-oxidizing organisms isolated from agricultural soils were phylogenetically diverse and included members of Alphaproteobacteria,Betaproteobacteria, andGamma- proteobacteria. Advective up-flow columns inoculated with corn plot soil and amended with reduced HA and nitrate supported both HA oxidation and enhanced nitrate reduction relative to no-donor or oxidized HA controls. The additional electron donat- ing capacity of reduced HA could reasonably be attributed to the oxidation of reduced functional groups.
The risk of sudden death in sickle cell trait: Noninvasive assessment of cardiac response to exercise

The effect of symptom-limited maximal treadmill exercise was evaluated in 34 patients with sickle cell trait (SCT) and 43 controls. Systolic time intervals were measured before and after exercise in 15 of the sickle cell trait subjects, and in 11 controls. Rate pressure product, degree of ST segment depression and incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in subjects with SCT were not significantly different from similar measurements in the control group. No significant difference in electromechanical systole QS2, left ventricular ejection time (LVET), pre-ejection period (PEP)/LVET or ejection fraction (EF) were found between the groups. These data indicate that healthy subjects with SCT do not have an increased incidence of exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, or diminished ventricular function compared to normals. Further studies are indicated to elucidate factors that may be operative in sudden death syndrome.
An economic framework for dynamic spectrum access and service pricing

The concept of dynamic spectrum access will allow the radio spectrum to be traded in a market like scenario allowing wireless service providers (WSPs) to lease chunks of spectrum on a short-term basis. Such market mechanisms will lead to competition among WSPs where they not only compete to acquire spectrum but also attract and retain users. Currently, there is little understanding on how such a dynamic trading system will operate so as to make the system feasible under economic terms. In this paper, we propose an economic framework that can be used to guide i) the dynamic spectrum allocation process and ii) the service pricing mechanisms that the providers can use. We propose a knapsack based auction model that dynamically allocates spectrum to the WSPs such that revenue and spectrum usage are maximized. We borrow techniques from game theory to capture the conflict of interest between WSPs and end users. A dynamic pricing strategy for the providers is also proposed. We show that even in a greedy and non-cooperative behavioral game model, it is in the best interest of the WSPs to adhere to a price and channel threshold which is a direct consequence of price equilibrium. Through simulation results, we show that the proposed auction model entices WSPs to participate in the auction, makes optimal use of the spectrum, and avoids collusion among WSPs. We demonstrate how pricing can be used as an effective tool for providing incentives to the WSPs to upgrade their network resources and offer better services.
Participation for development in radio: An ethnography of the Reporteros populares of Bolivia

Reporteros populares (people's reporters) have emerged in a number of Latin Amer ican countries as a fruitful means of incorporating grass-roots participation into media devel opment practices. Scholars have documented and described a number of people's reporters projects, yet few have explained how participation is constructed and enacted in any theoret ically systematic way. This article reviews the limited work on people's reporters from Latin America, proposes a theoretical template for systematically analyzing participatory practice, and applies the template to data collected in the Bolivian highlands in 1993. Data for this study were collected using ethnographic field methods over a five-week period at Radio Pio XII in Bolivia. Recommendations are included for development practitioners interested in incorporating participatory aspects into their media projects.
A torque improving stationary frame controller for permanent magnet synchronous machines: Feedback linearizing decoupling control

Permanent magnet synchronous motors are often used in a self-commutated mode of operation. This may be accomplished through the use of a resolver or other means of position feedback. In most cases, the phase angle of the applied voltage is configured to be 90/spl deg/ out of phase with the rotor permanent magnet flux (the optimal torque angle) for all operating conditions. However, the current flowing in the motor windings will lag the applied voltage due to inductive and nonlinear effects. To resolve this problem, many manufacturers have developed control circuitry which, in the past, has been rather complex. This paper describes an inexpensive, easily implementable, stationary frame, nonlinear control circuit applicable to permanent magnet synchronous motors. This control was derived using rotating frame theory. The proposed theory is supported by experimental results. >
A review of nonlinear optical properties of nematic liquid crystals

We present a review of the electronic and non-electronic optical nonlinearities of nematic liquid crystals (NLC), and recently observed nonlinear optical processes. In both the ordered and isotropic phases, NLCs exhibit large optical nonlinearities with response times ranging from picoseconds to milliseconds. The fundamental principles underlying these nonlinearities, their dynamics and practical application potential are discussed. Comparisons are made with other nonlinear optical materials currently being investigated.
Small- to medium-size biotech firms’ marketing efforts during the fuzzy front end of innovation

The purpose of this study is to understand the nature of and the extent to which the type and level of marketing efforts help with the continuation of early-stage innovations. The locus between the phases of Research and Development and New Product Development is defined as the fuzzy front end of innovation, frequently called the ‘‘Valley of Death.’’ This early stage of innovation is typified by high risks and scarcity of project resources. The challenge for a firm as it develops an early-stage innovation is securing adequate financial, human, and physical project resources. For this study, early-stage innovations are represented by the US National Institutes of Health licenses accorded to small- to medium-size firms. The study develops firm profiles that describe combinations of marketing efforts that enable innovation continuation during the fuzzy front end of innovation. Profiles are evident in terms of marketing variables, firm attributes, and project resources. These profiles vary for type of firm and also by the stage in the firm’s life cycle. The contributions of this study are to (a) develop combinations of variables and profiles for describing and predicting early-stage innovation continuation, (b) provide pragmatic information to potential stakeholders about how to identify and foster early-stage innovations, and (c) help small- to medium-size firms understand how to position and promote themselves in order to obtain resources and advance early-stage innovations.
Effects of an S6 Strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum Challenge Before Beginning of Lay on Various Egg Characteristics in Commercial Layers

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a reproductive/respiratory disease in poultry implicated in suboptimum egg production and decreased hatchability. Commercial layer hens raised in a controlled environment were inoculated with the S6 strain of MG at 10 wk of age. Egg production and selected egg and egg quality parameters were quantitated over the entire lay cycle for inoculated and control birds. The S6 inoculation had no effect on bird weight, egg production, associated egg quality parameters, or histopathologic lesion scores. This study shows that in the absence of environmental stressors a prelay S6 MG inoculation does not produce detrimental effects on layer hen performance.
Music Downloads and the Flip Side of Digital Rights Management

The ability to digitize information goods such as music and movies and the growing accessibility of the Internet has led to the emergence of a new class of retailers that specialize in digital downloads. The digital retailers have changed the dynamics of the information goods distribution channel. The competition between online and traditional retailers has led to interesting pricing policies. Online retailers (e.g., iTunes Store) tend to prefer uniform pricing where all "products" in the same category (e.g. "New Releases") carry a single price, while traditional retailers do not have a policy of uniform prices. It is important to understand why one retailer should choose a single, uniform price and what impact it has on the competing retailer who chooses multiple prices. I focus specifically on the impact that single price policy adopted by digital retailer has on the traditional retailer. I also analyze the choice of uniform vs. differentiated pricing by modeling the competition between online and traditional retailers for vertically differentiated information goods. Importantly, I demonstrate how the asymmetric equilibrium we observe in the market today can change systematically with the nature of competition between the retailers.
Estimating phoneme formant targets and coarticulation parameters of conversational and clear speech

We present a data-driven formant model and methodology for discovering its parameters, namely phoneme targets and coarticulation functions for consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words from fully-automatic formant data. The model uses formant targets that are speaker dependent, but independent of speaking style and phonemic context. We used a global error measure to search for optimal formant targets for all phonemes, including classes of sounds where formants are not directly observable. Analysis of coarticulation parameters found significant differences in parameters between clear and conversational speech. Estimated formant targets were largely in agreement with acoustic-phonetic expectations. An intelligibility test validated that resynthesized CVC words using modeled formant trajectories were nearly as intelligible as resynthesized CVC words using observed formant trajectories.
The evolving sexual health paradigm: transforming definitions into sexual health practices

Sexual health is an evolving paradigm that integrates a positive approach to sexuality with existing public health policy and practice for reducing the burdens of sexually transmitted infections, including those due to HIV. The sexual health paradigm rests in commitment to sexual rights, sexual knowledge, sexual choice, and sexual pleasure, as well as key elements of sexuality addressed by sexual desire, sexual arousal, and sexual function, and sexual behaviors. The sexual health paradigm offers new approaches to supporting general health and well being while reducing the burdens of sexual diseases and their consequences.
RF measurements of nanoscale devices: Challenges and opportunities

This invited talk will describe some of the opportunities and challenges associated with RF measurements of nanoelectronic devices.