cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Techniques for measuring sound propagation in liquid 4He and 3He-4He solutions☆

Abstract The description of an instrument for the accurate measurement of ultrasonic attenuation and velocity in liquid 4 He and 3 He- 4 He solutions, and the details of the cell in which they were made, are presented. Measurements were made by matching the amplitude of a signal traversing the helium to a reference pulse of equal amplitude but opposite phase (both signals being derived from the same oscillator). By observing the change with temperature in the amplitude and phase of the signal passing through the helium, both the change in the velocity and in the attenuation could be determined. The cell in which the measurements were made employed two matched x-cut quartz crystal transducers, separated by a fused quartz spacer. The crystals, which were clamped only at the rim, were loaded on both sides by liquid helium.
White matter changes with age utilizing quantitative diffusion MRI

Objective: To investigate the relationship between older age and mean cerebral white matter fiber bundle lengths (FBLs) in specific white matter tracts in the brain using quantified diffusion MRI. Methods: Sixty-three healthy adults older than 50 years underwent diffusion tensor imaging. Tractography tracings of cerebral white matter fiber bundles were derived from the diffusion tensor imaging data. Results: Results revealed significantly shorter FBLs in the anterior thalamic radiation for every 1-year increase over the age of 50 years. Conclusions: We investigated the effects of age on FBL in specific white matter tracts in the brains of healthy older individuals utilizing quantified diffusion MRI. The results revealed a significant inverse relationship between age and FBL. Longitudinal studies of FBL across a lifespan are needed to examine the specific changes to the integrity of white matter.
Thin-film transistors with transparent amorphous zinc indium tin oxide channel layer

Thin-film transistors (TFTs) with transparent amorphous zinc indium tin oxide (ZITO) channel layer are demonstrated. Optical transmission of the channel layer is approximately 85% in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The channel layer is formed via rf magnetron sputter deposition and then furnace annealed in air. Peak incremental mobilities of 5–19 cm2 V−1 s−1 and turn-on voltages of −4 to −17 V are obtained for devices annealed post-deposition at 100–300 °C, respectively. Current–voltage measurements indicate n-channel, depletion-mode transistor operation with excellent drain current saturation and a drain current on-to-off ratio greater than 106. ZITO is one example of an emerging class of high performance TFT channel materials involving transparent amorphous multicomponent oxides composed of heavy-metal cations with (n − 1)d10ns0 (n ≥ 4) electronic configuration.
New and noteworthy South American species of Agalinis (Scrophulariaceae)

Agalinis bandeirensis is a Brazilian species distinguished by linear bracts, short pedicels, and villous stamens.Agalinis ramulifera, from southern Brazil, is distinguished by many, short, leafy branches and small flowers.Agalinis linarioides subsp.rojasi, from Paraguay, is distinguished by paniculate inflorescences, short calyx lobes, and broad corollas.Gerardia bangii, G. digitalis, andG. meyeniana are recognized as species ofAgalinis and appropriate transfers are made.
Influence of Inelastic Scattering at Metal-Dielectric Interfaces

Thermal boundary conductance is becoming increasingly important in microelectronic device design and thermal management. Although there has been much success in predicting and modeling thermal boundary conductance at low temperatures, the current models applied at temperatures more common in device operation are not adequate due to our current limited understanding of phonon transport channels. In this study, the scattering processes across Cr/Si, Al/Al 2 O 3 , Pt/Al 2 O 3 , and Pt/AIN interfaces were examined by transient thermoreflectance testing at high temperatures. At high temperatures, traditional models predict the thermal boundary conductance to be relatively constant in these systems due to assumptions about phonon elastic scattering. Experiments, however, show an increase in the conductance indicating inelastic phonon processes. Previous molecular dynamic simulations of simple interfaces indicate the presence of inelastic scattering, which increases interfacial transport linearly with temperature. The trends predicted computationally are similar to those found during experimental testing, exposing the role of multiple-phonon processes in thermal boundary conductance at high temperatures.
Epidermal growth factor binding and mitogenic activity on purified populations of cells from the central nervous system.

Binding of 125I-epidermal growth factor (EGF) to purified populations of rat astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons was measured. Astrocytes bound 40,000–100,000 EGF molecules per cell, while oligodendrocytes bound only 6,000–10,000 EGF molecules per cell. In contrast, neurons had little or no capacity to bind 125I-EGF. EGF alone was able to stimulate incorporation of tritiated thymidine fivefold in purified astrocyte cultures incubated in serum-free medium. When EGF was added to the previously described chemically defined medium for astrocytes, incorporation of tritiated thymidine in purified astrocytes was equivalent to that observed in medium containing 10% fetal calf serum. Addition of EGF to this chemically defined medium also doubled the proliferative capability of the medium for cultured astrocytes. EGF was maximally effective in stimulating 3H-thymidine incorporation at concentrations between 1–10 ng/ml.
Mechanism of plastic shrinkage cracking in portland cement and portland cement-silica fume paste and mortar

Abstract The objective of this paper is to discuss the mechanism of plastic shrinkage in portland cement and portland cement-silica fume paste and mortar. The effects of the three delivery forms of silica fume; asreceived powder, densified powder, and slurry, on plastic shrinkage are presented. In paste, plastic shrinkage is primarily related to development of tensile capillary pressure during drying. The higher the surface area of particles, the higher the tensile capillary pressure, and consequently, the more vulnerable the system would be to plastic shrinkage cracking. In mortar, plastic shrinkage is controlled by both capillary pressure in the paste and presence of fine aggregate particles. These particles serve to reduce cracking by (a) arresting cracks, and (b) refining the size and distribution of capillary pores. Data of rate of evaporation of water can only indicate degree of drying. Charts developed by Portland Cement Association to calculate the rate of evaporation can not predict whether or not plastic shrinkage cracks occur. A quantitative method could perhaps be developed to predict plastic shrinkage cracking.
Enzyme activities in Appalachian soils: 3. Pyro‐phosphatase

Abstract The pyrophosphatase (PPi) enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate to orthophosphate. The PPi activity was determined in 14 hill‐land soils of the Appalachian Region. The top two horizons from each soil were sampled and stored in a field‐moist state at 4°C (4°C) and in an air‐dry (AD) state prior to determination of PPi activity. Each soil type had its own level of PPi activity. The mean PPi activities of surface and subsurface horizons stored at 4°C were 1.3 and 1.7 times higher than those of AD samples. The average PPi activities of surface horizons were 6.2 and 4.6 times higher than subsurface horizons stored at AD and 4°C. respectively. The PPi activities were positively correlated with organic C, N, forms of S and P. exchangeable cations, original moisture by weight and volume, and percent air‐filled porosity. In both surface and subsurface horizons, significant positive correlationships were observed between PPi activities and Mn content, indicating the need for Mn in the activation...
Increased responsiveness to MDMA in adult rats treated neonatally with MDMA.

Abstract MDMA [(±)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as ecstasy] is a popular recreational drug among women of reproductive age. The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term neurobehavioral consequences of early developmental MDMA exposure. On postnatal days (PD) 1–4, Sprague–Dawley rats received two 10 mg/kg injections of MDMA with an inter-dose interval of 4 h. Male subjects were tested in adulthood for their performance in an object-recognition memory task and for their thermal and behavioral responses to an acute MDMA challenge (10 mg/kg i.p.). Neonatal MDMA administration did not alter working memory in the object-recognition test in young adulthood (PD 68–73) and there were no differences in radiolabeled citalopram binding to the serotonin transporter at this age. However, the pretreated animals showed increased thermal dysregulation and serotonin syndrome responses (particularly headweaving stereotypy) following the MDMA challenge. These results add to the growing literature demonstrating that developmental MDMA administration can lead to long-lasting functional abnormalities, and they further suggest that the offspring of ecstasy-using women may be at risk for enhanced sensitivity to this drug due to their earlier exposure.
Characterization of nanoscale property variations in polymer composite systems: 1. Experimental results

A technique utilizing the indenting capabilities of the atomic force microscope is used to evaluate local changes in the response of polymer composite systems near the fiber-matrix interface. Room temperature and elevated temperature indentation response is measured for several model composite systems. Results of indentation studies are compared to finite element model predictions to understand the influence of interphase properties on the measured responses. For sized fiber systems, unexpected property variations are observed, leading to the discovery of a possible interphase formation mechanism in these systems. q 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
On Sensor Sampling and Quality of Information: A Starting Point

Many sensor-based applications (re)act following the detection of certain events of interest. Hence, the effectiveness of these applications depends on the quality of the information (QoI) provided by their sensor-based event detectors. In this paper, we derive relationships between the QoI attributes of timeliness and confidence and the operational characteristics of sensor systems and the events they detect. By building upon the Neyman-Pearson hypothesis testing procedure, we study the dependence of these characteristics and attributes on each other and establish their theoretical performance boundaries
Correlation regimes in fluctuations of fatigue crack growth

Abstract This paper investigates correlation properties of fluctuations in fatigue crack growth of polycrystalline materials, such as ductile alloys, that are commonly encountered in structures and machinery components of complex electromechanical systems. The model of crack damage measure indicates that the fluctuations of fatigue crack growth are characterized by strong correlation patterns within short-time scales and are uncorrelated for larger time scales. The two correlation regimes suggest that the 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, analyzed in this paper, is characterized by a micro-structure which is responsible for an intermittent correlated dynamics of fatigue crack growth within a certain scale. The constitutive equations of the damage measure are built upon the physics of fracture mechanics and are substantiated by Karhunen–Loeve decomposition of fatigue test data. Statistical orthogonality of the estimated damage measure and the resulting estimation error are demonstrated in a Hilbert space setting.
Use of pelvic flexure biopsies to predict survival after large colon torsion in horses

Objective— To determine if morphologic evaluation of intraoperative biopsies of the large colon could be used to accurately predict outcome in horses with large colon torsion. Study Design— Clinical study. Animals— Fifty-four horses with large colon torsion. Methods— A full-thickness biopsy was collected from the pelvic flexure of the ascending colon after correction of naturally occurring colonic torsion. Morphologic changes were evaluated and graded for interstitial tissue to crypt ratio (I:C ratio), percentage loss of superficial and glandular epithelium, and the degree of hemorrhage and edema. These variables were then used to predict survival. Results— Morphologic variables could be used to correctly predict survival or death in 51 horses (P < .0001). This corresponded to a sensitivity of 95.1% (82.2%-99.2%; 95% CI) and a specificity of 92.3% (62.0%-99.6%; 95% CI). Of 6 horses that had colonic resection, 5 survived; an accurate prediction of outcome based on morphologic criteria was made for each horse. Conclusions— Interpretation of changes in colonic morphology can be used to accurately predict postoperative survival in horses with large colon torsion. Clinical Relevance— Use of frozen colonic tissue sections is a rapid, reliable, and relatively inexpensive method for assessing morphologic damage associated with large colon torsion during surgery. Intraoperative evaluation of pelvic flexure biopsies can aid in the prediction of survival and guide surgical judgment as to the need for colonic resection.
Technique for wideband, rapid, and accurate diode-laser heterodyne spectroscopy: measurements on 1,1-difluoroethylene.

Refinements in the instrumentation of a diode-laser heterodyne spectrometer permit the rapid and routine measurement of infrared absorptions lying within 6.5 GHz of a CO2 laser emission to a precision and accuracy well within 10 MHz. Measurements on 1,1-difluoroethylene, which is used in optically pumped submillimeter-wave lasers, illustrate the technique.
A Population-based Case-Control Study of Stillbirth: The Relationship of Significant Life Events to the Racial Disparity for African Americans

Stillbirths (fetal deaths occurring at ≥20 weeks' gestation) are approximately equal in number to infant deaths in the United States and are twice as likely among non-Hispanic black births as among non-Hispanic white births. The causes of racial disparity in stillbirth remain poorly understood. A population-based case-control study conducted by the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network in 5 US catchment areas from March 2006 to September 2008 identified characteristics associated with racial/ethnic disparity and interpersonal and environmental stressors, including a list of 13 significant life events (SLEs). The adjusted odds ratio for stillbirth among women reporting all 4 SLE factors (financial, emotional, traumatic, and partner-related) was 2.22 (95% confidence interval: 1.43, 3.46). This association was robust after additional control for the correlated variables of family income, marital status, and health insurance type. There was no interaction between race/ethnicity and other variables. Effective ameliorative interventions could have a substantial public health impact, since there is at least a 50% increased risk of stillbirth for the approximately 21% of all women and 32% of non-Hispanic black women who experience 3 or more SLE factors during the year prior to delivery.
Transmission of histomoniasis with male Heterakis gallinarum (Nematoda)

Histomoniasis was transmitted to poults inoculated orally with recently harvested whole intact male worms in three trials (4/5, 5/6, 2/4), but not with female worms (0/5, 0/9, 0/3). When triturated male worms were given in two trials, the rate of transmission was reduced (3/5, 0/10). Triturated female worms given orally produced histomoniasis in 1/9 poults. These results suggest that further unknown steps may be involved in histomonad transmission by heterakid worms.This study was partially supported by NSF Grant GB-5227.
Combinatorial Test Case Selection with Markovian Usage Models

A method of using Markov chain techniques for combinatorial test case selection is presented. The method can be used for statistical and coverage testing of many software programs, in particular for scientific computational software. The central point of the approach is modeling of dependencies between input parameters. Several different types of such dependencies are considered and models for each situation are created. Based on these models, test cases can be automatically generated and executed. Results of using the JUMBL tool for analyzing models and generating test cases are described.
A dual polarized near-field focusing plate at microwave frequencies providing sub-wavelength focusing in two dimensions

In this work we introduce a novel near-field focusing plate able to provide sub-wavelength focusing in both directions, parallel to the plate, as well as for both polarizations of the illuminating plane wave at microwave frequencies. Two similar designs are proposed: the first one is made of a thick metallic plate, whereas the second one is made of a thin copper plate fabricated on top of a Rogers 5880 dielectric substrate. The focusing behavior of these structures is analyzed with Ansys HFSS and CST Microwave Studio full-wave simulators.
SUNNY SIDE UP FOR HOT CORALS

![Figure][1] Coral reefs form in clear, nutrient-poor waters. The metabolic energy supporting coral reefs comes from the symbiosis between coral polyps and endosymbiotic photosynthetic algae. Coral bleaching, which occurs when coral polyps eject their algae (thereby losing their source of
Odd/even mode antenna design using a 2 to 4 mode power divider

In satellite communication system design, it is often desirable to isolate adjacent transponder channels by using an odd/even mode scheme for the transmit antenna. The general solution has been discussed in the 1iterature.l This technique eliminates the requirement of a contiguous band multiplexer in the transponder section. The simplest form of such an antenna feed is a 90° hybrid as shown in Figure 1. The even channels (Ch 2, 4, 6, 8 etc.) would drive the even input port and the odd channels (Ch 1, 3, 5, 7 etc.) would drive the odd input port. The even and odd ports are orthogonal for this device and are totally isolated for an ideal 90° hybrid. The general requirement for orthogonality is: ve . vo* = 0
Regularization of inverse problems to determine transcription factor profiles from fluorescent reporter systems

Signal transduction pathways are characterized by complex biochemical reactions which involve a large number of proteins. The availability and quality of experimental data pose challenges for identifying the role of individual proteins in these pathways. To address this issue, this article formulates and solves an inverse problem to determine the dynamics of transcription factors from fluorescence intensity measurements of green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter systems. In the presented approach, a model describing transcription and translation of GFP is discretized and concentrations of transcription factor are estimated at discrete time points. Unlike previous studies, this approach has no restrictions with regard to a particular shape of the profiles. However, the resulting inverse problem is ill-conditioned and requires the use of regularization techniques. Two regularization methods—truncated singular value decomposition and Tikhonov regularization—are investigated in this work and the characteristics of the results obtained are discussed in detail. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Light-Actuated AC Electroosmosis for Nanoparticle Manipulation

We present a novel light-actuated ac electroosmosis (LACE) mechanism that allows the concentration and transportation of micro- and nanoscopic particles using light-patterned dynamically reconfigured microfluidic vortices on a photoconductive surface. LACE is realized by sandwiching an aqueous liquid medium between a featureless photoconductive surface and a transparent indium tin oxide electrode. By applying an ac electrical bias with a frequency that is close to the electric double-layer relaxation frequency, a light-patterned virtual electrode can induce ac electroosmotic flow to concentrate and transport nanoscopic particles on the photoconductive surface. By integrating with a spatial light modulator such as a digital micromirror device microdisplay, we can create 31000 microfluidic vortices on a 1.3 times 1-mm2 area for massively parallel trapping of 2- and 1-mum polystyrene beads. We have also demonstrated LACE concentration and transportation of nanoscopic particles including 200- and 50-nm polystyrene beads, lambda-phage DNA molecules, and quantum dots.
Promoting academic integrity in your first classroom

Many new engineering educators are not fully aware of the prevalence of cheating among undergraduates. As many as 60-75% of graduating engineering students self-report cheating during undergraduate school. New faculty members need to be aware of academic dishonesty statistics and take steps in their first classroom to prevent cheating and promote a culture of academic integrity. This preliminary research study consists of a qualitative survey of assistant professors within the first five years of their career and graduate students preparing for an academic position. Respondents were asked to provide their best estimates of cheating statistics, as well as descriptions of situations they have personally encountered and how they were handled. This paper presents the survey results and summarizes advice for new engineering educators who wish to promote academic integrity in their first classroom setting.
Simultaneous subthreshold and gate-oxide tunneling leakage current analysis in nanometer CMOS design

In this paper we develop a fast approach to analyze the total leakage power of a large circuit block, considering both gate leakage, I/sub gate/, and subthreshold leakage, I/sub sub/. The interaction between I/sub sub/ and I/sub gate/ complicates analysis in arbitrary CMOS topologies. We propose simple and accurate heuristics to quickly estimate the state-dependent total leakage current considering the interaction between I/sub sub/ and I/sub gate/. We apply this method to ISCAS benchmark circuits in a projected 100 nm technology and demonstrate excellent accuracy compared to SPICE simulation with a 20,000X speedup on average.
The Impact of HbA1c Testing on Total Annual Healthcare Expenditures Among Newly Diagnosed Patients with Diabetes.

In 2010, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes also imposes a huge financial burden on the US economy. In 2009, the American Diabetes Association International Expert Committee recommended the use of the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test as a uniform diagnostic measure to identify patients with diabetes. Although HbA1c is a convenient diagnostic test, it is also more expensive than older tests and could, therefore, have an impact on patients' healthcare expenditures.To determine if HbA1c testing has an impact on total annual healthcare expenditures among newly diagnosed patients with diabetes and to analyze the factors that are associated with the total healthcare expenditures among diabetic patients before and after HbA1c was implemented as a standard diagnostic factor.This was an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Household Component 2009 and 2011 databases were used to form the study cohort of patients with diabetes. The total mean healthcare expenditures among patients with diabetes formed the dependent variable. A proxy variable representing a diagnosis of diabetes with and without the use of HbA1c testing in 2009 and in 2011, respectively, formed the main independent variable along with demographic factors, comorbidities, and healthcare services utilization in both years. A generalized linear regression was conducted to determine the association of HbA1c testing with total diabetes-related healthcare expenditures.The mean total healthcare expenditure decreased in 2011 compared with 2009. The HbA1c test did not show an association with the total healthcare expenditures versus earlier diabetes-related diagnostic factors. The total expenditures were associated with private insurance, the incidence of a previous heart attack, prescription drug refills, inpatient hospital stays, home care, hospital discharges, and visits to outpatient providers and physicians in both years.The HbA1c diagnostic factor did not yield any association with diabetes healthcare expenditures. Although the total healthcare expenditures were reduced in 2011 compared with 2009, it cannot be established that the reduction in costs is solely attributed to the implementation of the HbA1c diagnostic criteria. Further research on healthcare expenditures for diabetic patients diagnosed with and without the use of HbA1c testing is warranted to establish any possible association.
Disordered aldosterone-volume relationship in end-stage kidney disease:

Introduction. Sodium loading, and subsequent volume expansion, suppresses aldosterone levels in individuals with normal renal function. We hypothesised that loss of renal function impairs this volume-aldosterone relationship. Materials and methods. With multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy, we measured total body water (TBW), extracellular volume (ECV), and intracellular volume in five haemodialysis patients at varied states of hydration and in five healthy volunteers during low-, normal-, and high-salt diets. Serum aldosterone, potassium, and C-reactive protein were measured simultaneously. Scatterplots and general estimating equations were used to examine the relationship among these variables. Results. In healthy volunteers with salt loading, and in haemodialysis subjects with increased inter-dialytic weight gain, expansion of ECV led to reciprocal declines in serum aldosterone concentrations. The relationship was more profound in healthy volunteers (p<0.001) than in haemodialysis subjects (p=0.1). Notably, haemodialysis subjects posted consistently higher levels of ECV (median 49.6% TBW, IQR 43.9–51.8% compared to 41.1%, 39.9–42.8% in volunteers) and serum aldosterone (median 26.7 ng/dl, IQR 19.8–29.6 compared to 12.4 ng/dl, 8.8–16.0 in volunteers). Serum potassium did not appear to influence aldosterone concentration (p=0.9). Conclusions. The shift of the volumealdosterone curve in haemodialysis subjects suggests that end-stage kidney disease is a state of high volume and inappropriately high aldosterone. These data have important clinical implications, as dialysis patients may benefit from both volume reduction and mineralocorticoid receptor blockade.
Girls' Troubles, Girls' Delinquency, and Gender Responsive Programming: A Review

This article begins with a consideration of the interconnected troubles and needs that research has documented for girls who become enmeshed in the juvenile justice system. Special attention is given to findings from research that gives girls in the system some 'voice' in explaining what services and programs they need and want. After offering some explanation of the gap in programs and services for girls, the article notes the failure of evaluation results to shed light on effective program models, and thus the importance of available documentation on programs as a guide for developing effective, gender responsive programs for girls. Available documentation is analysed, with particular attention to the fit of girls' assessed and expressed needs to the descriptive material on programs.
A mixed-form fast multipole algorithm

The fast multipole algorithm manifests in two very different forms at low frequencies and at mid frequencies. Each can operate in their respective regimes, but are not tenable in the other regimes. The paper reports on a way to factorize the Green's function for fast algorithm using a mixed form. The low-frequency fast multipole algorithm (LF-FMA) will be used at low frequencies or the long-wavelength regime, and the multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA) will be used for the mid frequencies or the shorter-wavelength regime. For object modeling where both long-wavelength and wave physics are important, we propose a mixed-form fast multipole algorithm (MF-FMA). This algorithm has no low frequency break down, and it can work seamlessly from static (where circuit physics is important) to dynamic (where wave physics is important).
Delayed elevation of international normalized ratio with concurrent clarithromycin and warfarin therapy.

Clarithromycin is rarely reported to cause disturbances in anticoagulation. Theoretically clarithromycin administered concurrently with warfarin could result in enhanced anticoagulation, since many properties of clarithromycin are similar to those of erythromycin, which interacts with warfarin. A search of the National Library of Medicine produced no published reports of an interaction between the drugs. Erythromycin competitively inhibits hepatic metabolism of warfarin, specifically the R-warfarin enantiomer, by the cytochrome P450 3A3 and 3A4 pathways, resulting in increased prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR). Two men, age 61 and 70 years, who received stable warfarin regimens, experienced supratherapeutic elevations in prothrombin time (98.4 and 26.8 sec) and INR (90.3 and 5.6), respectively. While taking warfarin, both patients experienced dramatically increased anticoagulation effects 5 days after starting clarithromycin for atypical pneumonia. They were similarly managed for overanticoagulation by discontinuing clarithromycin, holding warfarin, and receiving intravenous phytonadione. Neither man suffered from medical complications related to anticoagulation. Until clear documentation of the exact mechanism and temporal relationship of this interaction is known, patients receiving warfarin who require the concurrent clarithromycin should have prothrombin time and INR closely monitored.
p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 3 contributes to cardiac insufficiency in α-tropomyosin Glu180Gly transgenic mice.

Myocardial interstitial fibrosis is an important contributor to the development of heart failure. Type 3 p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK3) was recently shown to be required for concentric myocyte hype...
Remote Presence Proctoring by Using a Wireless Remote-Control Videoconferencing System

Remote presence in an operating room to allow an experienced surgeon to proctor a surgeon has been promised through robotics and telesurgery solutions. Although several such systems have been devel...
Small-screen interface design: Where are we? Where do we go?

Cell phones, handheld computers, iPods, and other small-screen technologies have become ubiquitous with more and more physical features added annually. Researchers have used diverse variables to explore usability on small-screen design for cell phones and PDAs, but few researchers have explored presenting Websites on small screens nor have theories been proposed to guide future research on small-screen interfaces. Our article, a work in progress, coincides with our small-screen pilot funded by the National Cancer Institute. We provide a succinct review of the empirical research on small-screen technology interface and then propose theoretical conceptualizations to guide future research and highlight variables of critical importance.
Materials analysis of the TITAN-I reversed-field-pinch fusion power core

Abstract The operating conditions of a compact, high-neutron-wall-loading fusion reactor severely limit the choices for structural, shield, insulator, and breeder materials. In particular the response of plasma-facing materials to radiation, thermal and pressure stresses, and their compatibility with coolants are of primary concern. Material selection issues are investigated for the compact, high mass-power-density TITAN-I reactor design study. In this paper the major findings regarding material performance are discussed. The retention of mechanical strength at relatively high temperatures, low thermal stresses, and compatibility with liquid lithium make vanadium-base alloys a promising material for structural components. Based on limited data, the thermal creep behaviour of V3TiISi and V15Cr5Ti alloys is approximated using the modified minimum committment method. In addition, the effects of irradiation and helium generation are superimposed on the creep behavior of V3Ti1Si. Coolant compatibility issues are investigated. The liquid lithium compatibility of the two vanadium alloys, V15Cr5Ti and V3Ti1Si, are compared, and the latter was chosen as the primary structural-material candidate for the liquid-lithium-cooled TITAN-I reactor. Electrically insulating materials, capable of operating at high temperatures are necessary throughout the fusion reactor device. Electrical insulator-material issues of concern include irradiation induced swelling and conductivity. Both issues are investigated and operating temperatures for minimum swelling and dielectric breakdown strength are identified for spinel (MgAI 2 O 4 ).
Consumers' credit cards and international students

This paper focuses on graduate international students' knowledge, attitudes, experiences, practices, and satisfaction relating to credit cards. Respondents (n = 261) were graduate international students (n = 623) attending a western US land-grant university. Findings show students' credit card knowledge was low, attitudes were favourable, and pre-US experiences limited. A majority of respondents had obtained cards, followed commonly recommended practices, and were satisfied with their credit card use.
Ellipsoidal cones and rendezvous of multiple agents

In this paper we use ellipsoidal cones to achieve rendezvous of multiple agents. Rendezvous of multiple agents is shown to be equivalent to ellipsoidal cone invariance and a controller synthesis framework is presented. We first demonstrate the methodology on first order LTI systems and then extend it to rendezvous of systems that are force driven.
Direct reconstruction of kinetic parameter images in fluorescence optical diffusion tomography

We present a technique for reconstructing the spatially dependent dynamics of a fluorescent contrast agent in turbid media. The dynamic behavior is described by linear and nonlinear parameters of a compartmental model. The method extends our previous work in fluorescence optical diffusion tomography by parametrically reconstructing the time dependent fluorescent yield. The reconstruction uses a Bayesian framework and an efficient, nonlinear, single-site update scheme closely related to Gauss-Seidel methods, which we call parametric ICD or PICD. We demonstrate the method with a simulation study, and show that it can distinguish between objects with different uptake rates with high contrast.
Gas composition of the January 1983 eruption of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Abstract Gas collections were made from a ∼900°C vent both by conventional evacuated-bottle/wet-chemical techniques and by manual pumping of flowthrough bottles. The complete analyses suggest an equilibrium assemblage quenched at 1,010°C, about midway between fountain and vent temperatures. I suggest that the very low C S ratio is due to degassing of CO2 during storage of the magma in a shallow reservoir before eruption. The two sampling techniques yielded analytical data in mutual agreement.
Ultralow power silicon microdisk modulators and switches

We demonstrate a 4 mum silicon microdisk modulator with a power consumption of 85 fJ/bit. The modulator utilizes a reverse-biased, vertical p-n junction to achieve 10 Gb/s data transmission with 3.5 V drive voltage, BER<10-12, and without signal pre-emphasis. High-speed silicon bandpass switches are constructed from pairs of modulators.
The role of DNA bending in type IIA topoisomerase function

Type IIA topoisomerases control DNA supercoiling and separate newly replicated chromosomes using a complex DNA strand cleavage and passage mechanism. Structural and biochemical studies have shown that these enzymes sharply bend DNA by as much as 150°; an invariant isoleucine, which has been seen structurally to intercalate between two base pairs outside of the DNA cleavage site, has been suggested to promote deformation. To test this assumption, we examined the role of isoleucine on DNA binding, bending and catalytic activity for a bacterial type IIA topoisomerase, Escherichia coli topoisomerase IV (topo IV), using a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and biochemical assays. Our data show that alteration of the isoleucine (Ile172) did not affect the basal ATPase activity of topo IV or its affinity for DNA. However, the amino acid was important for DNA bending, DNA cleavage and supercoil relaxation. Moreover, an ability to bend DNA correlated with efficacy with which nucleic acid substrates stimulate ATP hydrolysis. These data show that DNA binding and bending by topo IV can be uncoupled, and indicate that the stabilization of a highly curved DNA geometry is critical to the type IIA topoisomerase catalytic cycle.
Development and pilot testing of an Internet-based survey instrument to measure the alcohol brand preferences of U.S. youth.

Background: Although we know a great deal about the percentage of youth who drink alcohol, we know very little about the specific brands they choose to drink. This information gap needs to be addressed if public health officials are to develop more effective interventions. Unfortunately, there are no national youth surveys that collect data on alcohol brand consumption. In this paper, we describe the development and pilot testing of what we believe to be the first comprehensive, Internet-based youth survey of brand-specific alcohol use. Methods: We used online advertising in 3 U.S. cities to recruit a convenience sample of 241 respondents, ages 16 to 18 years. We used Craigslist, a network of online communities that features local classified advertisements, to recruit the sample. We used SurveyGizmo, an online software program for designing Internet surveys, collecting data, and performing basic analysis, to survey these respondents about their brand-specific alcohol consumption patterns. The survey instrument assessed each respondent's 30-day drinking history, including the frequency of consumption for each alcohol brand. Results: Using Internet survey technology, we were able to collect information on 366 brands and still have respondents complete the instrument quickly and easily. The total number of brands consumed in the past 30 days ranged from 1 to 18, with a median of 4 brands. The top 5 brands consumed were beer brands, as were eleven of the top 15 brands. The remaining 4 brands in the top 15 included 3 brands of flavored alcoholic beverages and 1 brand of mixed drink. Among the top 15 alcohol brands consumed during heavy drinking episodes were 8 brands of beer, 4 brands of flavored alcoholic beverages, 2 brands of wine, and 1 brand of mixed drink. Conclusions: This pilot study helps establish the feasibility of including brand-specific questions on federal or other national youth alcohol surveys. Language: en
PLANT SPECIES RICHNESS AT DIFFERENT SCALES IN NATIVE AND EXOTIC GRASSLANDS IN SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA

Abstract Species richness in Madrean mixed-grass prairies dominated by native or exotic species in southeastern Arizona was characterized at the community and point scales using ten 1-m2 quadrats nested within each of eight 1000-m2 plots. In the 1000-m2 plots average richness was significantly higher in oak savanna (OS, 121.0 species) than in exotic grassland on mesa tops (EMT, 52.0 species), whereas native grassland on mesa slopes (NMS, 92.5 species) and native grassland on mesa tops (NMT, 77.0 species) did not differ significantly in richness from OS or EMT. When richness was partitioned by life form, EMT was notably poorer than other community types in species of perennial grasses, perennial herbs, and summer annuals. In the 1-m2 quadrats, OS (21.2 species), NMS (20.9 species), and NMT (20.7 species) were significantly richer than EMT (5.9 species). Cover in 1-m2 plots was significantly higher in EMT than in NMT, NMS, or OS. Species richness at the point scale showed a unimodal relation to canopy cover...
NBTI-aware flip-flop characterization and design

With the scaling down of the CMOS technologies, Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) has become a major concern due to its impact on PMOS transistor aging process and the corresponding reduction in the long-term reliability of CMOS circuits. This paper investigates the effect of NBTI phenomenon on the setup and hold times of flip-flops. First, it is shown that NBTI tightens the setup and hold timing constraints imposed on the flip-flops in the design. Second, different types of flip-flops exhibit different levels of susceptibility to NBTI-induced change in their setup/hold time values. Finally, an NBTI-aware transistor sizing technique can minimize the NBTI effect on timing characteristics of the flip-flops.
Two Approaches to Tailoring Treatment for Cultural Minority Adolescents

At this time, compared with mainstream (Caucasian) youth, cultural minority adolescents experience more severe substance-related consequences and are less likely to receive treatment. Although several empirically supported interventions (ESIs), such as motivational interviewing (MI), have been evaluated with mainstream adolescents, fewer published studies have investigated the fit and efficacy of these interventions with cultural minority adolescents. In addition, many empirical evaluations of ESIs have not explicitly attended to issues of culture, race, and socioeconomic background in their analyses. As a result, there is some question about the external validity of ESIs, particularly in disadvantaged cultural minority populations. This review seeks to take a step toward filling this gap, by addressing how to improve the fit and efficacy of ESIs like MI with cultural minority youth. Specifically, this review presents the existing literature on MI with cultural minority groups (adult and adolescent), proposes two approaches for evaluating and adapting this (or other) behavioral interventions, and elucidates the rationale, strengths, and potential liabilities of each tailoring approach.
Chest wall thickness and decompression failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing anatomic locations in needle thoracostomy.

Introduction Current Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines recommend decompression for thoracic tension physiology using a 5-cm angiocatheter at the second intercostal space (ICS) on the midclavicular line (MCL). High failure rates occur. Through systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the chest wall thickness (CWT) of the 2nd ICS-MCL, the 4th/5th ICS at the anterior axillary line (AAL), the 4th/5th ICS mid axillary line (MAL) and needle thoracostomy failure rates using the currently recommended 5-cm angiocatheter.
The Uncertainty in Accident Consequences Calculated by Large Codes due to Uncertainties in Input

A methodology has been constructed to assess the uncertainty in an output consequence calculated by a large code, due to the uncertainties in input data. A sensitivity analysis was first applied to the code to screen the input variables, leaving only those most affecting the output consequences. The variations of these effective inputs were prescribed by an effective combination of statistical designs, which accounted for the linear, quadratic, and two-factor interaction effects of the inputs on the calculated consequence. A key result of the methodology was the probability density function of the consequence of interest, expressed as a distribution of the Pearson family. The confidence level in calculating a consequence was readily obtained from this distribution function.The methodology was applied to the computer code MELT-IIIA, a major code for the analysis of the hypothetical core disruptive accident in liquidmetal fast breeder reactors, and the confidence level in predicting the time of initial pin ...
NEONATAL NEUTROPENIA AND LEUKOAGGLUTININS

Support for the existence of an immunoneutropenia of the neonatal period was not obtained. The leukocyte counts of 39 full-weight newborn infants who stimulated their mothers to form leukoagglutinins were compared with the counts of 76 newborns who failed to stimulate formation of these agglutinins. A significant difference between the mean total leukocyte or differential counts for the two groups was not observed. The leukocyte counts of both groups throughout the first four days of life were in close agreement with the accepted values for this period. The platelet counts for 10 full-weight newborn infants who stimulated white cell agglutinin formation did not differ over the first four days of life from a control group of 37 newborns. Transplacental passage of the leukocyte agglutinins was demonstrated in 15 of 49 newborns examined. Persistence of antibody in the serum of the newborn was variable It was concluded that in this series transplacental passage of leukocyte agglutinins from sensitized mothers to newborns with antigen did not induce significant leukopenia or neutropenia.
A Hypothesis Testing Approach for Topology Error Detection in Power Grids

When the grid topology is changed due to incidents and the state estimator is not updated with the topological change, it is considered a topology error. In this paper, we develop a new method for detecting topology errors in power grids. The proposed method considers the measurement data as a nonstationary Gaussian process, explores the dependence structure of the underlying process. It detects errors by testing the hypothesis of whether the mean vector of a nonstationary Gaussian process is zero and does not rely on the convergence of the standard weighted least-squares (WLS) state estimation algorithm. It is very effective in detecting topology errors, in which multiple conforming errors may occur and the traditional state estimation algorithms may fail to converge. Simulation results show that it can accurately identify the abnormal measurements caused by the topology error.
Cluster Fusion: Face‐Fused Nine‐Atom Deltahedral Clusters in [Sn14Ni(CO)]4−

The title anion was synthesized by heating dimethylformamide (DMF) solution of the known Ni-centered and Ni(CO)-capped tin clusters [Ni@Sn9 Ni(CO)](3-) . The new anion represents the first example of face-fused nine-atom molecular clusters. The two clusters are identical elongated tricapped trigonal prisms of nido-[Sn8 Ni(CO)](6-) with nickel at one of the capping positions. They are fused along a triangular face adjacent to a trigonal prismatic base and made of two Sn and one Ni atoms. The new anion is structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction in the compound (K[222-crypt])4 [Sn14 Ni(CO)]⋅DMF. Its presence in solution is corroborated by electrospray mass spectrometry.
Employment of Persons with Disabilities: Evidence from the National Sample Survey

This paper reports on the employment of persons with disabilities in India based on recent data from the National Sample Survey. The study shows that the employment rate of persons with disabilities is relatively low compared to that of the all India working age population, with great variations across gender, urban/rural sectors and state. A multivariate analysis suggests that employment among persons with disabilities is influenced more by individual and household characteristics than human capital.
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy. A diagnostic challenge in aging patients

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to physicians in a number of specialties. The diagnostic evaluation consists of a comprehensive neurologic and orthopedic examination supplemented by appropriate neurophysiologic and neuroradiologic studies. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging and myelography with computed tomography are the imaging methods of choice. Conservative therapy helps one half of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and surgery may benefit up to three quarters. Although this condition is entirely benign pathologically, its clinical manifestations appear malicious and deleterious. As new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are refined, management of the disease should become even more successful.