cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Viscoelasticity of rigid macromolecules with irregular shapes in the limit of overwhelming Brownian motion.

We consider viscoelastic properties of complex rigid macromolecules in fluids undergoing steady or sinusoidal linear shearing. An arbitrary body is hydrodynamically described by six tensors to allow for irregular shapes that couple rotational and translational motions to each other and to the shear field. The viscosity increment ν is obtained for infinitely dilute suspensions in the limit of overwhelming Brownian motion by balancing drag forces and torques with entropic forces and torques. For sinusoidal shearing, ν is a complex number that exhibits five resonances at frequencies matching the j = 2 eigenvalues of the rotational diffusion equation for a stationary fluid. The resonance amplitudes are conveniently expressed in terms of a second-rank body-fixed tensor χ that characterizes alignment by the shear field, and special cases of symmetry are considered which reduce the number of contributing terms. Steadyshear methods, which assume a body matches the translational and rotational motions of the fluid element it replaces, are shown to slightly overestimate ν when complex shapes are involved. An algebraic criterion is found to locate the center of viscosity needed in these other methods although our treatment is independent of the choice of position in the body used for calculations. Bead-model expressions are derived in order to provide numerical treatments of complicated structures. As an example, we examine a long bent rod.
Equation-free optimal switching policies for bistable reacting systems

In the context of the recently developed equation-free modelling framework, we present a computer-assisted approach to locating approximate coarse optimal switching policies between stationary states of chemically reacting systems described by microscopic/stochastic evolution rules. The coarse time-stepper constitutes a bridge between the underlying stochastic simulation and traditional, continuum numerical optimization techniques formulated in discrete time. The approach is illustrated on a simple CO oxidation on Pt catalytic surface reaction model, implemented through the Gillespie stochastic simulation algorithm. The objective sought is to switch between two coexisting stable stationary states by minimal manipulation of a macroscopic system parameter. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of ENSO-forcing of hemispherically symmetric precipitation variability

Summary The patterns of precipitation anomalies forced by the El Nino-Southern Oscillation during Northern Hemisphere winter and spring are remarkably hemispherically symmetric and, in the mid-latitudes, have a prominent zonally symmetric component. Observations of global precipitation variability and the moisture budget within atmospheric reanalyses are examined to argue that the zonally symmetric component is caused by interactions between transient eddies and tropically-forced changes in the subtropical jets. During El Nino events the jets strengthen in each hemisphere and shift equatorward. Changes in the subtropical jet influence the transient eddy momentum fluxes and the eddy-driven mean meridional circulation. During El Nino events eddy-driven ascent in the mid-latitudes of each hemisphere is accompanied by low level convergence and brings increased precipitation. This changes in the transient eddy and stationary eddy moisture fluxes almost exactly cancel each other and, in sum, do not contribute to the zonal mean precipitation anomalies. Propagation of anomalous stationary waves disrupts the zonal symmetry. Flow around the deeper Aleutian Low and the eastward extension of the Pacific jet stream supply the moisture for increased precipitation over the eastern North Pacific and the western seaboard of the United States while transient eddy moisture convergence supplies the moisture for increased precipitation over the southern United States. In each case increased precipitation is fundamentally caused by anomalous ascent forced by anomalous heat and vorticity fluxes.
Bandwidth optimal all-reduce algorithms for clusters of workstations

We consider an efficient realization of the all-reduce operation with large data sizes in cluster environments, under the assumption that the reduce operator is associative and commutative. We derive a tight lower bound of the amount of data that must be communicated in order to complete this operation and propose a ring-based algorithm that only requires tree connectivity to achieve bandwidth optimality. Unlike the widely used butterfly-like all-reduce algorithm that incurs network contention in SMP/multi-core clusters, the proposed algorithm can achieve contention-free communication in almost all contemporary clusters, including SMP/multi-core clusters and Ethernet switched clusters with multiple switches. We demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is more efficient than other algorithms on clusters with different nodal architectures and networking technologies when the data size is sufficiently large.
Limits to the predictability of tidal current energy

The predictability of tidal currents in the context of hydrokinetic power generation are assessed using current data from a series of surveys in Admiralty Inlet, Puget Sound, Washington, USA. Both current speed and kinetic power density are shown to be well-described by harmonic analysis. Three challenges to predictability are identified. First, non-sinusoidal fluctuations over time scales on the order of hours are observed but cannot be replicated by conventional harmonic analysis. Second, turbulent fluctuations over time scales on the order of seconds are relatively large and inherently unpredictable. Third, for this site, predictions may not be extrapolated more than 100 m from the location of measurement. While none of these issues are insurmountable, they contribute to a degree of unpredictability for tidal hydrokinetic power.
Rate-distortion-based scalable progressive image coding

The emergence of distributed, heterogeneous media such as the Internet has established the practical importance of progressive image transmission, in which an image is transmitted in such a way as to admit coarse rendering and recognition at the decoder as early as possible in the bitstream. This paper presents a wavelet-based progressive image transmission algorithm that attempts to achieve several goals not addressed by other image compression algorithms in the literature. First, the algorithm evaluates the tradeoff between rate and distortion as a criterion for selecting wavelet coefficients for transmission. The distortion metric is not limited to mean squared error; the algorithm provides a framework for investigating any distortion function including psychovisual and segmentation-based distortion metrics. Second, it provides a high degree of spatial scalability by sending coarser resolution information earlier in the bitstream than detail information and does not waste bits by refining high frequency subbands early. Finally, the algorithm is computationally asymmetric, pairing a very fast decoder with an encoder that can be as computationally intensive as required. The performance of the algorithm is comparable with current coders at low bitrates. Keywords: progressive image coding, scalable image coding, wavelets, deterministic rate-distortio
X-ray absorption spectroscopic investigation of the spin-transition character in a series of single-site perturbed iron(II) complexes.

Select ferrous spin-transition complexes with the pentadentate ligand 2,6-bis(bis(2-pyridyl)methoxymethane)pyridine (PY5) were examined using variable-temperature solution solid-state magnetic susceptibility, crystallography, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and UV/vis absorption spectroscopy. Altering the single exogeneous ligand, X, of [Fe(PY5)(X)]n+ is sufficient to change the spin-state of the complexes. When X is the weak-field ligand Cl-, the resultant Fe complex is high-spin from 4 to 300 K, whereas the stronger-field ligand MeCN generates a low-spin complex over this temperature range. With intermediate-strength exogenous ligands (X = N3-, MeOH), the complexes undergo a spin-transition. [Fe(PY5)(N3)]+, as a crystalline solid, transitions gradually from a high-spin to a low-spin complex as the temperature is decreased, as evidenced by X-ray crystallography and solid-state magnetic susceptibility measurements. The spin-transition is also evident from changes in the pre-edge and EXAFS regions of ...
Effects of pH, temperature, and Eh on the uptake of cadmium by bacteria and an artificial sediment.

The report describes an investigation of cadmium adsorption by a Cd-resistant bacterium (Pseudomonas sp.) and a sediment matrix under various incubation conditions. (JMT)
Electronic structure and magnetic properties of CeAl2

Self‐consistent electronic energy band calculations have been performed utilizing the LMTO method for CeAl2 in assumed paramagnetic, induced ferromagnetic, and antiferromagnetic states. The paramagnetic Ce f band is roughly 1 eV wide and is located primarily above the Fermi energy with a leading edge extending down and producing a very high density of states at the Fermi energy. The induced ferromagnetic calculation shows large enhancement of the field but appears to decay when the field is removed. We have approximated the observed antiferromagnetic structure by the simple two sublattice form which does not enlarge the unit cell. The f level density of states is sharply narrowed in this state. Further, the state is self‐consistently stable; after the fictitious driving field is removed, it does not decay away and results in a moment of 0.88 μB in good agreement with the neutron results of Barbara et al.
Diagnostic efficacy of surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration: A randomized controlled trial:

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of surgeon-performed, office-based head and neck ultrasound in facilitating diagnostic fine needle aspiration (FNA) of lesions in the head and neck.Stud...
Photoactivatable Azido Push-Pull Fluorophores for Single-Molecule Imaging in and out of Cells

We have designed a series of photoactivatable push-pull fluorophores, single molecules of which can be imaged in living cells. Photoactivatable probes are needed for super-resolution imaging schemes that require active control of single-molecule emission. Dark azido push-pull chromophores have the ability to be photoactivated to produce bright fluorescent labels. Activation of an azide functionality in the fluorogens induces a photochemical conversion to an amine, thus restoring fluorescence. Moreover, photoactivated push-pull dyes can insert into bonds of nearby biomolecules, simultaneously forming a covalent bond and becoming fluorescent (fluorogenic photoaffinity labeling). We demonstrate that the azide-to-amine photoactivation process is generally applicable to a variety of push-pull chromophores, and we characterize the photophysical parameters including photoconversion quantum yield, photostability, and turn-on ratio. Azido push-pull fluorogens provide a new class of photoactivatable single-molecule probes for fluorescent labeling and super-resolution microscopy.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide(top) Photoconversion of an azido push-pull fluorogen produces a fluorescent amino molecule. (A) Living cells incubated with an azido fluorogen before and after photoactivation. Scalebar approximately 15 um. (B) Image of single molecules in a polymer film immediately after photoactivation. Inset is the frame immediately before activating. Scalebars approximately 2 um.
Chronic Stress-Induced Hippocampal Vulnerability: The Glucocorticoid Vulnerability Hypothesis

The hippocampus, a limbic structure important in learning and memory, is particularly sensitive to chronic stress and to glucocorticoids. While glucocorticoids are essential for an effective stress response, their oversecretion was originally hypothesized to contribute to age-related hippocampal degeneration. However, conflicting findings were reported on whether prolonged exposure to elevated glucocorticoids endangered the hippocampus and whether the primate hippocampus even responded to glucocorticoids as the rodent hippocampus did. This review discusses the seemingly inconsistent findings about the effects of elevated and prolonged glucocorticoids on hippocampal health and proposes that a chronic stress history, which includes repeated elevation of glucocorticoids, may make the hippocampus vulnerable to potential injury. Studies are described to show that chronic stress or prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids can compromise the hippocampus by producing dendritic retraction, a reversible form of plasticity that includes dendritic restructuring without irreversible cell death. Conditions that produce dendritic retraction are hypothesized to make the hippocampus vulnerable to neurotoxic or metabolic challenges. Of particular interest is the finding that the hippocampus can recover from dendritic retraction without any noticeable cell loss. When conditions surrounding dendritic retraction are present, the potential for harm is increased because dendritic retraction may persist for weeks, months or even years, thereby broadening the window of time during which the hippocampus is vulnerable to harm, called the 'glucocorticoid vulnerability hypothesis'. The relevance of these findings is discussed with regard to conditions exhibiting parallels in hippocampal plasticity, including Cushing's disease, major depressive disorder (MDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
An approximation formula for evaluating the number of possible schemes for 1FmP separation problems

Abstract Currently, the only formula available in the literature for calculating the number of possible separation schemes is limited to cases where products are pure components. For a general separation problem, however, products with multicomponents need be considered. This necessitates the development of a more general formula. In the current work, a definition for a separation scheme is proposed. This has led to the derivation of an approximation formula to calculate the number of possible alternative schemes for a one-feed, m-product (1FmP) separation problem involving simple sharp separators and multicomponent product streams. The resultant formula is useful for estimating the search space or effort in finding the optimal separation scheme for the problem.
DEVELOPING THE CRIMINAL SELF: MEAD'S SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY AND SUTHERLAND'S DIFFERENTIAL ASSOCIATION

ABSTRACT Although the precise impact that Mead had on Sutherland may be somewhat of a mystery, Mead's ideas can be traced within differential association. Through an explicit articulation of Mead's social psychology, it is possible to overcome differential association's inability to connect object definitions with individual behaviors. Important to this connection are Mead's notions of self-as-communication and the development of a generalized other in the genesis of what we call the “criminal self.” This criminal self, rooted in language and its relation to others, is articulated in the behavior which brings about those relations. The conceptualization we provide is developed through the exploration of three areas that connect Mead to Sutherland: general notions on the genesis of the self that focuses on play; the acquisition of specific content in that development that focuses on game; and some final distinctions which further reclaim the interactionist roots of the theory.
Determinants of tetanus toxoid immunization in pregnancy in rural Bihar.

In order to increase the uptake of tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination, we need to understand the factors that underlie the decision of the pregnant woman to undergo vaccination, especially in rural areas, where 75% of India's population resides. This paper constructs a model from a data-set of 2398 women in order to understand the determinants of TT vaccine immunization by women during their most recent pregnancy and applies it to the National Family Health Survey-2 data. The object of the model is to predict the likelyhood of a pregnant woman receiving the recommended two doses of TT vaccine subject to other factors such as birth order, maternal education, prenatal care provider, household standard of living, health-care-seeking decision-maker and service availability. Policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Surgical management of infrainguinal arterial prosthetic graft infections: Review of a thirty-five-year experience

Purpose: The purpose was to determine the early and late mortality and morbidity rates associated with infrainguinal arterial prosthetic graft infection (IAPGI) and to identify optimal methods of management. Methods: The study included 53 men and 14 women (mean age, 61 years) in whom a total of 68 IAPGIs developed in the years 1959 to 1993. IAPGI involved 58 femoropopliteal grafts (85%), six femorodistal grafts (9%), and four other grafts or synthetic patches (6%). Graft material was dacron in 36 (53%), polytetrafluoroethylene in 28 (41%), and human umbilical vein in four (6%). Sixteen IAPGIs (24%) involved limbs that had required amputations before IAPGI was diagnosed. Twenty-six (38%) of the 68 grafts were thrombosed, and 14 (88%) of the 16 amputees had occluded grafts. Results: Staphylococcal organisms were isolated from 34 (58%) of the 59 IAPGIs for which culture data were available. The median intervals until IAPGI was diagnosed were 3 months after implantation and 1 month after the last procedure involving the original graft. Initial management consisted of local measures only in 13 (19%), partial removal or in situ graft replacement in 15 (22%), and total graft excision in 40 (59%). Total excision was performed in 15 (94%) of the 16 patients with prior amputations and in only 25 (48%) of the 52 intact limbs. The overall postoperative mortality rate was 18%; seven (58%) of the 12 early deaths were related to sepsis, and all 12 occurred within the group of 51 patients (24%) for whom limb salvage was still being attempted ( p =0.056). IAPGI ultimately led to amputations in 21 (40%) of 52 intact limbs within the first year. Twenty-three (82%) of the 28 IAPGIs managed with incomplete graft removal required subsequent operations for continued sepsis, compared with five (13%) of the 40 treated with complete excision ( p Conclusions: IAPGI is associated with substantial early mortality and amputation rates. Complete excision of infected graft material results in a significant reduction in the incidence of recurrent sepsis.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) nanocomposites incorporating cellulose nanocrystals with potential applications in lithium ion batteries

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have received considerable attention recently because CNCs can be produced from renewable materials such as straw, wood, cotton, and sea animals (tunicates). CNCs are one of the stiffest organic materials, with an estimated tensile modulus (E) of 80–160 GPa depending on the starting material. In addition, composites incorporating CNCs have been fabricated from a variety of polymer matrices and CNCs have been shown to increase the E significantly and to a lesser extent the tensile strength (TS). A copolymer of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), PVDF-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDFHFP), has received interest over the years in the area of lithium ion battery separator technology. However, the mechanical properties of neat PVDFHFP do not meet the necessary requirements for commercial separators, especially the low E. In this work, novel PVDHFHFP/CNC nanocomposite films were fabricated and characterized. It was found that incorporation of CNCs improves the E and TS. The improvement in mechanical properties of PVDFHFP upon addition of CNCs makes PVDFHFP a more suitable candidate for polymer separators in lithium ion batteries. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Incidence and management of leukopenia/neutropenia in 233 kidney transplant patients following single dose alemtuzumab induction.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and management strategies for post-transplant leukopenia/neutropenia in kidney recipients receiving alemtuzumab induction during the first year following transplantation. Methods We prospectively identified 233 adult patients who underwent kidney transplantation with alemtuzumab induction at a single institution. The incidence and severity of leukopenia (white blood cell count [WBC] ≤2500/mm3) and neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] ≤500/mm3) were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-transplantation. We determined any association with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, graft rejection, and infections requiring hospitalization. We also reviewed interventions performed, including medication adjustments, treatment with granulocyte stimulating factor, and hospitalization. Results The combined incidence of either leukopenia or neutropenia was 47.5% (n = 114/233) with an average WBC nadir of 1700 ± 50/mm3 at 131.0 ± 8.5 days and an average ANC nadir of 1500 ± 100/mm3 at 130.4 ± 9.6 days. No significant difference in graft rejection, CMV infection, or infections requiring hospitalization was found in the leukopenia/neutropenia group vs the normal WBC group (P = .3). The most common intervention performed for leukopenia/neutropenia group was prophylactic medication adjustment. Six patients (5.2%) required a change in >1 medication. The majority of these patients also required granulocyte stimulating factor (61.5%; 32/52), with an average of 2.5 doses given. A total of 25 patients (21.9%) required hospitalization due to leukopenia/neutropenia with an average length of stay of 6 days. Conclusions Kidney transplant patients receiving alemtuzumab induction required significant interventions due to leukopenia/neutropenia in the first year post-transplantation. These results suggest the need for additional studies aimed at defining the optimum management strategies of leukopenia/neutropenia in this population.
Broad-Band Fourier Transform Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry

Broad-band nondestructive ion detection is achieved in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer by impulsive excitation of a collection of trapped ions of different masses and recording of ion image...
Serum Leptin in Adolescent Females with Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia(FCH) vs Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) † 17

Leptin, a recently discovered hormone produced in adipocytes, regulates satiety and body weight in animals. Human obesity is associated with increased leptin levels and thought to be a leptin resistant state. FCH, a form of dyslipidemia characterised by hypertriglyceridemia and premature atherosclerosis, is strongly associated with adult onset obesity whereas another common dyslipidemia, FH is not. We therefore hypothesized that leptin levels would be higher in adolescents with FCH compared with those with FH. Methods: Eight females with FCH were compared with 18 females with FH. Fasting lipid profiles and anthropometric data (height, weight were collected at entry). Leptin level was measured by commercial RIA kit (Lindco Research Inc., St Charles, MO.) Table Results: Leptin level, corrected for BMI percentile, was two fold higher in FCH than in FH subjects (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Leptin is increased in females with FCH and may be a marker for risk of adult onset obesity. This suggests a need to alter treatment approach in this common dyslipidemia, emphasizing energy balance and exercise more than fat intake.
E-beam column monitoring for improved CD SEM stability and tool matching

Tool matching is an important metric for in-line semiconductor metrology systems. The ability to obtain the same measurement results on two or more systems allows a semiconductor fabrication facility (fab) to deploy product in an efficient manner improving overall equipment efficiency (OEE). Many parameters on the critical dimension scanning electron microscopes (CDSEMs) can affect the long-term precision component to the tool-matching metric. One such class of parameters is related to the electron beam column stability. The alignment and condition of the gun and apertures, as well as astigmatism correction, have all been found to affect the overall measurements of the CDSEM. These effects are now becoming dominant factors in sub-3nm tool-matching criteria. This paper discusses the methodologies of column parameter monitoring and actions and controls for improving overall stability. Results have shown that column instabilities caused by contamination, gun fluctuations, component failures, detector efficiency, and external issues can be identified through parameter monitoring. The Applied Materials (AMAT) 7830 Series CDSEMs evaluated at IBM's Burlington, Vermont manufacturing facility have demonstrated 5 nm tool matching across 11 systems, which has resulted in non-dedicated product deployment and has significantly reduced cost of ownership.
Successful Treatment With Novel Triple Drug Combination Consisting of Interferon-γ, Interferon Alfacon-1, and Ribavirin in a Nonresponder HCV Patient to Pegylated Interferon Therapy

Despite major advances in therapy of hepatitis C over the past decade, nearly half of the patients treated with the currently available regimens do not clear the virus. Therefore, there is a large unmet need for more effective therapy for patients who have failed pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy. We describe a case of a HCV genotype 1b patient who had failed previous combination therapies of interferon plus ribavirin and pegylated interferon plus ribavirin and was subsequently successfully treated with a novel triple drug combination consisting of interferon-γ plus interferon alfacon plus ribavirin with the outcome of a sustained virologic response. This triple drug therapy combination could be an option for patients who have failed therapies with currently available pegylated interferons plus ribavirin. Prospective randomized studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of this regimen in this patient population.
Next Play Evolution: Beyond Triple Play & Quad Play

On the horizon is a host of mobile multimedia devices that will be integrated into today's home video experience. This will cause a slew of new applications that will blur the boundaries between voice, video and data. This paper discusses a vision of Converged Services where users can access any content, from any device, whenever and wherever they want. Converged networks within the home will become a key element in tearing down the silos between the video, voice & data worlds. This will generate many new services (and new revenue streams) which will make the concept of Triple Play and Quad Play no longer relevant. We need to start thinking in terms of the Next Play and the ability to quickly add many new services.
Is Calcitriol Life-Protective for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease?

In nephrology we are frequently confronted with association studies reporting novel biomarkers or mediators. Which among the myriad of potential candidates are amenable to intervention and, thereafter, which do we carry forward into clinical trials? Our group and others have considered the potential of vitamin D. Before commenting on vitamin D in chronic kidney disease, lessons learned from Alfred Sommer's initial observational studies and subsequent clinical trials with vitamin A—a journey of humility and perseverance—are worthy of reminder. Alfred Sommer, Dean Emeritus of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, received the Lasker Award in 1997 for his seminal work showing vitamin A deficiency is linked to increased risk of mortality and for demonstrating that correcting this deficiency reduces mortality. His series of studies started as simple observations, which led to community-based randomized trials. When Sommer initiated his work, vitamin A deficiency was highly prevalent, yet the connection between vitamin A deficiency and mortality had not been established. With the intent of examining night-blindness and dry eyes, Sommer and his colleagues stumbled across the observation that death rates in children with these ophthalmic conditions were several-fold higher than children without these conditions.1 When Sommer first published his prospective observational study linking vitamin A deficiency with a 16% increased risk in mortality,2 the field hardly took notice. As he articulated in a commentary written at the time of winning the Lasker, “The initial report associating vitamin A deficiency with increased mortality was received with deafening silence.”1 This response, as we know all too well, is common. Treatment with activated vitamin D, or calcitriol [1,25(OH)2D3], has been used for over three decades to manage the secondary hyperparathyroidism and hypocalcemia accompanying chronic renal disease.3–6 This intervention markedly changed the management of renal …
Biofilm dispersal: deciding when it is better to travel.

Summary Bacteria live predominantly in biofilms, and the internal signal cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) is a universal signal that governs the formation and the dispersal of these communities. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important reference systems for studying bacterial biofilms and contains numerous diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) for synthesizing c-di-GMP and phosphodiesterases (PDEs) for degrading c-di-GMP. However, few studies have discerned how cells in biofilms respond to their environment to regulate c-di-GMP concentrations through this sophisticated network of enzymes. Basu Roy and Sauer (2014) provide insights on how cells disperse in response to an increase in nutrient levels. Their results show that the inner membrane protein NicD is a DGC that controls dispersal by sensing nutrient levels: when glutamate concentrations are increased, NicD is dephosphorylated, which increases c-di-GMP levels and leads to phosphorylation and processing of dispersal regulator BdlA. Processing of BdlA leads to activation of PDE DipA, which results in a net reduction of c-di-GMP and biofilm dispersal. These results suggest biofilm dispersal relies on surprisingly dynamic c-di-GMP concentrations as a result of a sophisticated interaction between DGCs and PDEs.
Cytoarchitecture, fiber connections, and some histochemical aspects of the interpeduncular nucleus in the rat.

The organization of afferent and efferent connections of the interpeduncular nucleus (IP) has been examined in correlation with its subnuclear parcellation by using anterograde and retrograde tracing techniques. Based on Nissl, myelin, and acetylcholinesterase staining five paired and three unpaired IP subnuclei are distinguished. The unpaired division includes the rostral subnucleus (IP-R), the apical subnucleus (IP-A), and the central subnucleus (IP-C). The subnuclei represented bilaterally are the paramedian dorsal medial (IP-DM) and intermediate subnuclei (IP-I) and the laterally placed rostral lateral (IP-RL), dorsal lateral (IP-DL), and lateral subnuclei (IP-L). Immunohistochemical techniques showed cell bodies and fibers and terminals immunoreactive for substance P, leu-enkephalin, met-enkephalin, or serotonin to be differentially distributed over the different IP subnuclei. Substance P-positive perikarya were found in IP-R, enkephalin neurons in IP-R, IP-A, and the caudodorsal part of IP-C, and serotonin-containing cell bodies in IP-A and the caudal part of IP-L.
A Novel Wafer-Yield PDF Model and Verification With 90–180-nm SOC Chips

In this paper, we describe a new wafer yield distribution model, which agrees well with experiment using fabricated products with various process technologies. To investigate physical reasoning of the proposed model, we firstly measure effective defect density of chips regarding to spatial dependency in a wafer. It is clarified that the defect density near wafer edge is a couple of times larger than that at the rest of wafer area. Note that the increase of defect at wafer edge causes a significant yield loss in production process lines.
Fungal and bacterial communities across meadow-forest ecotones in the western Cascades of Oregon

Meadows are natural dynamic features of forested mountain landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Proportions of meadows and forests change with environmental conditions and disturbance history. We investigated the belowground mi- crobial communities associated with these two vegetation types and how they change across the meadow-forest transition at two sites in Oregon. Soils were sampled along replicate transects extending from meadow into forest. We quantified to- tal bacterial and fungal biomass using direct microscopy and described the composition of bacterial and fungal commun- ities using a DNA-based fingerprinting technique. Bacterial biomass was similar in meadow and forest soils, but fungal biomass was significantly higher in forest soil. Meadow and forest soils had distinct communities of bacteria and fungi. Bacterial communities near the meadow-forest boundary reflected current vegetation, but fungal communities under meadow vegetation near the forest edge were intermediate in composition between those found in meadow and forest soils. The more gradual transition observed with fungal communities may reflect the influence of tree roots and their associated ectomycorrhizal fungi or possibly colonization by saprotrophic fungi associated with tree litter accumulating near the forest edge. Invasion of forest-associated fungi into the meadow soils may presage subsequent expansion of forest vegetation into meadows.
Characteristics of recent violence among entrants to acute mental health and substance abuse services

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of recent interpersonal violence perpetrated and experienced by individuals recruited from acute crisis mental health and substance abuse treatment settings and to examine differences among incidents involving individuals with mental disorders only (MDO), substance use disorders only (SDO), and co-occurring mental and substance use disorders (COD). Participants (N = 419) were interviewed about their involvement in specific acts of violence in the past 30 days. Participants were also asked about where each incident took place, who was involved, whether individuals were injured, and whether alcohol or drugs were used before the incident. We examined distributions of violence characteristics for the full sample and used logistic regression analyses to test differences among incidents involving participants with MDO, SDO, and COD. Approximately 41% (n = 171) of the sample was involved in at least one incident of violence as a perpetrator or a victim, generating a total of 379 incidents. Far more incidents of violence involved victimization (62%) than perpetration (38%). Most incidents were isolated and involved only perpetration or only victimization. However, a total of 98 (26%) incidents occurred with another incident and constituted 49 episodes of violence that included incidents of perpetration and victimization. Characteristics of perpetration and victimization incidents were similar, except that victimization incidents involved more serious types of violence. The majority of incidents took place outdoors and did not result in injuries. Participants used drugs or alcohol prior to over 40% of incidents. Most incidents of perpetration (70%) targeted someone known to the participant. Diagnostic group was the strongest predictor of type of injury, location of incident, and use of alcohol and drugs before the incident. Individuals with substance use disorders, either alone or co-occurring with mental disorders, were more likely to report that violent incidents took place outdoors. Individuals with mental disorders, either alone or co-occurring with substance use disorders, were less likely to report alcohol and drug use prior to involvement in violence. Violence is common among individuals entering acute crisis mental health and substance abuse treatment. We found that such persons are more likely to report being victims of violence than perpetrators of violence. In contrast to prior studies, we found that most incidents took place outdoors. Although individuals in different diagnostic groups were no more or less likely to perpetrate or experience violence, they perpetrated and experienced violence under different circumstances. Implications and directions for future research and practice are discussed.
Discovering the influence of socioeconomic factors on online game behaviors

With the rapid growth of popularity of online games in recent years, research has increased the knowledge about game playing behaviors and some demographic correlates, such as age and gender. Contributing to this line of research, we further examined the associations of socioeconomic factors (education, employment, income, and poverty status) and demographic characteristics (age, gender, and race/ethnicity) with online gaming behaviors (player count, total game sessions, total actions taken, and maximum level reached). We focused on one form of online games, Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs), which has received much attention recently. Analyses were conducted by extracting and linking the related data from the EverQuest II game logs, a popular form of MMOGs, and the summarized U.S. Census data for the zip-code areas of players from the state of Illinois (n=495). This study was performed on Gordon, a supercomputer hosted at San Diego Supercomputer center. Results from multiple regression analyses indicated positive associations between education rate (Bachelor's degree or above) and employment rate (for 16 years or older) at the zip-code level with game playing behaviors. The impact of median income on gaming behaviors appeared to operate through education and employment. Although male players outnumbered female players, female players tended to play more games sessions and take more actions. Results also indicated that a higher percentage of white population in a geography area seemed to be negatively related to game playing activities. These study findings provides valuable information and highlight the importance of further research and theoretical development in this area.
Regioselective and Asymmetric Diels−Alder Reaction of 1- and 2-Substituted Cyclopentadienes Catalyzed by a Brønsted Acid Activated Chiral Oxazaborolidine

Cationic oxazaborolidine 2 affords Diels−Alder adducts of ethyl acrylate and 2-substituted cyclopentadienes, derived from the corresponding mixture of regioisomers, as single isomers in excellent yields and enantioselectivities. Furthermore, Diels−Alder adducts of 1-substituted cyclopentadienes are obtained through a one-pot procedure whereby ethyl acrylate is initially employed to consume all 2-substituted cyclopentadiene. Subsequently, various 2,5-disubstituted benzoquinones are added to react with remaining 1-substituted cyclopentadiene. Remarkably, reaction occurs selectively at the double bond coordinated anti to catalyst 2 to provide adducts containing adjacent all-carbon quaternary stereocenters in high yields and excellent enantioselectivities.
A Short Simplicial h -Vector and the Upper Bound Theorem

The Upper Bound Conjecture is verified for a class of odd-dimensional simplicial complexes that in particular includes all Eulerian simplicial complexes with isolated singularities. The proof relies on a new invariant of simplicial complexes--a short simplicial h -vector.
The meanings of color.

(1962). The Meanings of Color. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 67, No. 1, pp. 89-99.
An Ultralow-Power Receiver for Wireless Sensor Networks

An ultralow-power super-regenerative receiver for BFSK modulated signals has been designed and fabricated in a standard 0.18-μm CMOS process. The use of BFSK modulation allows the receiver to operate at higher data rates and also gives an approximate 3-dB SNR performance increase over the more traditional OOK modulation. A fast calibration scheme and the absence of an external inductor make it ideal for ultralow-power sensor networks. A power consumption of 215 μW from a 0.65-V supply and an area of 0.55 mm2 make it ideal for highly integrated energy harvesting sensor nodes. At 2 Mb/s, the receiver consumes 0.18 nJ/b, making it the lowest energy integrated super-regenerative receiver to date.
Observation, analysis, and modeling of deep radio occultation signals: Effects of tropospheric ducts and interfering signals

GPS radio occultation (RO) signals are sometimes observed very deep in the Earth's shadow. To investigate these phenomena, one of the FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC RO receivers was set to track RO signals deep below the limb, down to a height of straight line −350 km on 5–6 October 2010. Analysis of the spectrograms revealed the existence of two types of signals below −200 km, RO signals induced by tropospheric propagation and interfering signals not transmitted by the occulted GPS. The RO signals induced by tropospheric propagation arrive from impact heights corresponding to inversion layers. Wave optics modeling of RO signals showed that deep signals exist when the refractivity gradient exceeds critical (super-refraction). The existence of such signals is a diffractional phenomenon, which offers a new quality control parameter to identify occultations that may be affected by super-refraction. This is important for RO data assimilation in weather models in the moist lower troposphere because assimilation of RO data affected by super-refraction is an ill-conditioned problem. Detection of the tropospheric ducts also may be useful for evaluation of radio wave propagation conditions. For infinitely horizontally extended ducts, the deep signals are extended in duration, have amplitudes of about 0.1%, and exist for only elevated ducts. For ducts of limited horizontal extension, the deep signals are shorter in duration, have amplitude of about 1%, and may exist for both elevated and surface ducts. The interfering signals were found in about half of occultations. Based on frequency modeling, in most cases, the interfering signal was identified with non-occulted GPS. The disturbance of retrieved bending angle induced by an interfering signal from a non-occulted GPS in a region of strong defocusing and significant spectral spread of RO signal was modeled and determined to be quite large, up to 10% of bending angle. However, the probability of occurrence of such interference (not estimated), generally, must be low. Removal of the interfering signal by high-pass filtering was tested, but it introduced a disturbance of bending angle of about the same magnitude as the interfering signal itself.
Improving Child Outcomes With Data-Based Decision Making: Collecting Data

Ms. Carol is concerned about Dominique, one of the children in her preschool class, who has difficulty interacting appropriately with peers and often engages in aggressive behaviors. Ms. Carol wants to intervene with Dominique and collect data to see how she responds. Similarly, Ms. Kathy is concerned about the early literacy development of one of the children in her class. Jaylen does not seem to be acquiring phonological awareness skills at the same rate as his peers. Ms. Kathy wants to work with him individually and track his progress, but she is not sure how to go about doing this. Another teacher, Mr. Nick, has been working on increasing Trevor's participation in activities in his inclusive preschool classroom. However, after 3 months, Mr. Nick is not seeing much improvement in this area, according to his daily class notes. These teachers have similar needs and interests_they wish to intervene with children individually and intentionally and to systematically assess the effects of their efforts to de...
Nanometer-scale characterization and manipulation of ferroelectric films using scanning probe microscopy

Abstract Ferroelectric domain structures in Pb(Ni 0.04 Zr 0.28 Ti 0.68 )O 3 and SrBi 2 Ta 2 O 9 ferroelectric thin films have been non-destructively observed using various scanning probe microscopy (SPM) modes. Using the SPM, it has been shown that it is possible to not only image but also manipulate the local domain structure on a nanometer scale by biasing the SPM tip. In addition, the SPM was applied to measure d C /d V – V spectra on individual ferroelectric grains. The examples illustrate the possibility of using an SPM-based datastorage read/write system.
Thyroid Function in the Preterm Infant

Postnatal thyroid function in the preterm infant is dependent on the neonate’s gestational maturity, intrauterine growth and birth weight, and state of health. In general, in larger premature infants the pattern of pituitary-thyroid function is qualitatively similar but quantitatively less than that in the term infant, whereas in the smaller (<1,000 g, <30 weeks) preterm infant there is delay in activation of pituitary-thyroid function (1, 2).
Does the text matter in a multiple-choice test of comprehension? the case for the construct validity of TOEFL's minitalks

The current study addresses a specific construct validity issue regarding multiple-choice language-comprehension tests by focusing on TOEFL’s minitalk passages: Is there evidence that examinees attend to the text passages in answering the test items? To address this problem, we analysed a large sample (n = 337) of minitalk items. The content and structure of the items and their associated text passages were represented by a set of predictor variables that included a wide variety of text and item characteristics identified from the experimental language-comprehension literature. Stepwise and hierarchical regression techniques showed that at least 33% of the item difficulty variance could be accounted for primarily by variables that reflected the content and structure of the whole passage and/or selected portions of the passage; item characteristics, however, accounted for very little of the variance. The pattern of these results was interpreted, with qualifications, as favouring the construct validity of T...
Care for chronic diseases.

See pp 954, 914, 925, 961 This is the third in the BMJ 's series of theme issues on managing chronic diseases. This focus reflects the increasing demands on practitioners and health systems around the globe posed by mounting numbers of chronically ill patients.1 The term “chronic disease” usually connotes the prevalent chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But papers in the three theme issues argue that a much broader array of health problems generate similar needs for patients and similar challenges for health services—these include diseases such as chronic uveitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, and osteoporosis. Despite the clinical differences across these chronic conditions, each illness confronts patients and their families with the same spectrum of needs: to alter their behaviour; to deal with the social and emotional impacts of symptoms, disabilities, and approaching death; to take medicines; and to interact with medical care over time. In return, healthcare must …
Optimal Variable Switching Frequency Scheme for Reducing Switching Loss in Single-Phase Inverters Based on Time-Domain Ripple Analysis

The choice of switching frequency for pulsewidth modulation single-phase inverters, such as those used in grid-connected photovoltaic application, is usually a tradeoff between reducing the total harmonic distortion (THD) and reducing the switching loss. This paper discusses an approach to minimize the switching loss while meeting a given THD requirement using variable switching frequency schemes (switching schemes with the switching frequency varying within a fundamental period). An optimal switching scheme is proposed based on time-domain current ripple analysis and the calculus of variations. The analysis shows that, to meet the same THD requirement, the optimal scheme has a significant saving on switching loss, compared to the fixed switching frequency scheme and the hysteresis control scheme, in addition to other benefits such as reduced peak switching loss and a spread spectrum of the current harmonics. The optimal scheme has been implemented in a prototype and the experimental results have verified the theoretical analysis. Also, a straightforward design method for designing filter inductors for single-phase converters is provided based on the time-domain current ripple analysis.