cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical implementation of terminal-attractor-based associative memory

For the purpose of reducing the spurious states in a Hopfield neural net for associative memory, we invoke terminal attractors. In achieving the optical implementation of the terminal-attractor-based associative memory (TABAM) as described in this paper, we first prove the existence of the terminal-attractor model with binary neuron representation. We then present several one- and two-dimensional optical architectures for the TABAM. Finally, as an example, we experimentally demonstrate an inner-product optical neural model using liquid-crystal spatial light modulators with engineering approximations and discuss how to apply the inner-product model to build a two-dimensional parallel processing TABAM.
Patterns of prostaglandin production in the bovine fetal and maternal vasculature

Prostaglandin (PG) synthesis by the blood vessel wall may contribute to the regulation of vascular tone and prevent deposition of platelets. The pattern of prostaglandin synthesis was investigated in vascular tissues from fetal, maternal and non-pregnant cows. Thin slices of blood vessels were incubated in Krebs' solution to which was added [1-14C] arachidonic acid. The radioactive products were extracted from the incubation medium, separated by thin-layer chromatography, and quantitated by scintillation counting. In all blood vessels studied the principal prostaglandin recovered from the incubation medium was 6 keto-PGF1α, the stable hydrolysis product of prostacyclin; the highest yield of radioactive prostaglandins was obtained with fetal tissues. Only the mesenteric arteries obtained from pregnant and non-pregnant cows demonstrated a biosynthetic capacity comparable to those of the fetal vasculature; pulmonary arteries and aortas of adult animals had a much lower capacity to synthesize prostaglandins. Release of prostaglandins by the ductus arteriosus was also measured by mass fragmentography. Again 6 keto-PGF1α was the predominant product: 6 keto-PGF1α = 223 versusPGE2 = 10 and PGF2α = 15 ng/g of wet weight of tissue. The identity of 6 keto-PGF1α was confirmed by mass spectroscopy. The high capacity of fetal blood vessels to synthesize PGI2 may reflect an important role for this substance in the regulation of the fetal circulation.
Wandering spleen presenting as duodenal obstruction after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

The most common presentation of the wandering spleen in children is torsion with infarction. Duodenal obstruction by the spleen has not been reported previously. Wandering spleen can accompany congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) because of its loss of retroperitoneal fixation. If absence of normal splenic fixation is found during repair of CDH, splenopexy should be performed to eliminate the risk of torsion, infarction, or, as described here, duodenal obstruction.
Rearrangement of duplicated DNA in specialized cells of neurospora

Introduction of DNA into Neurospora crassa can lead to sequence instability in the sexual phase of the life cycle. Sequence instability was investigated by using a set of strains transformed with single copies of a plasmid including host sequences, Neurospora sequences deleted from the host genome, and foreign sequences. The sequences already represented in the host were rearranged at high frequency in a cross. In general, both elements of the duplication, that from the plasmid and that from the host, became rearranged, whether or not they were linked. Unique sequences were left unaltered. Cytosine residues in the rearranged sequences typically became methylated de novo. Results from tetrad analyses indicated that the rearrangements occur before meiosis, during a stage between fertilization and karyogamy. We suggest that this previously unrecognized genetic process, RIP (rearrangement induced premeiotically), may contribute diversity for evolution and also maintain the gross organization of the genome.
Liberalism without Democracy: Nationhood and Citizenship in Egypt, 1922–1936 – By Abdeslam M. Maghraoui

This is an important and powerful book, even if the author carries his argument further than the evidence allows. Abdeslam M. Maghraoui asserts that the reason democracy has thus far not thrived in...
Toxicity assessment of pesticide mixtures typical of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta using Chironomus tentans.

This study examined the effects of nine commonly detected pesticides in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta on the aquatic midge Chironomus tentans. Pesticides were chosen from a variety of chemical classes including organophosphate (OP) insecticides as well as triazine, triazinone, and substituted urea herbicides. Both single toxicant and binary mixture bioassays were performed. In addition, midges were pre-exposed to DDE at environmentally relevant concentrations and then challenged by exposing them to chlorpyrifos or diazinon in single-toxicant acute bioassays. Results indicate that most of the binary mixtures elicited additive responses in C. tentans, whereas OP insecticides in combination with various herbicides caused greater-than-additive responses. Pre-exposures with DDE did not have a significant impact on subsequent OP challenges at DDE concentrations of 0.2, 2, and 20 μg/kg. This study represents an important first step in understanding the interactions among various pesticides commonly detected throughout the Delta.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a secondary headache disorder characterized by headaches and visual symptoms. It most frequently occurs in obese women of childbearing age. However, many secondary causes exist, and it may affect children, men, and slim individuals. Prompt recognition, evaluation, and treatment are needed to prevent permanent visual loss.
Inpatient treatment of eating disorders: A cognitive therapy milieu

Inpatient treatment of eating disorders has evolved over the past 20 years. Interventions have progressed from single treatments based on narrow concepts of origin to multidisciplinary approaches. Cognitive therapy has been shown to be effective in outpatient studies, especially with bulimia nervosa, but has yet to be used systematically within an inpatient setting. This article describes the framework of an inpatient unit with psychotherapeutic interventions based on cognitive behavioral principles. The basic structure of the unit is described in terms of the theoretical principles upon which it is based. The team-oriented interventions are described to demonstrate how the patient with an eating disorder is understood and treated.
Pricing differentiated products with indifferent consumers

Abstract I analyze a linear city duopoly in which a fraction of consumers (`switchers') travel without incurring transportation costs. Roughly, a pure-strategy equilibrium exists if and only if the number of switchers is small. A mixed-strategy equilibrium generally exists.
T-cell-depleted hematopoietic SCT from unrelated donors for the treatment of congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia.

T-cell-depleted hematopoietic SCT from unrelated donors for the treatment of congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia
Quantification of Variability and Uncertainty for Air Toxic Emission Inventories with Censored Emission Factor Data

Probabilistic emission inventories were developed for urban air toxic emissions of benzene, formaldehyde, chromium, and arsenic for the example of Houston. Variability and uncertainty in emission factors were quantified for 71-97% of total emissions, depending upon the pollutant and data availability. Parametric distributions for interunit variability were fit using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), and uncertainty in mean emission factors was estimated using parametric bootstrap simulation. For data sets containing one or more nondetected values, empirical bootstrap simulation was used to randomly sample detection limits for nondetected values and observations for sample values, and parametric distributions for variability were fit using MLE estimators for censored data. The goodness-of-fit for censored data was evaluated by comparison of cumulative distributions of bootstrap confidence intervals and empirical data. The emission inventory 95% uncertainty ranges are as small as -25% to +42% for chromium to as large as -75% to +224% for arsenic with correlated surrogates. Uncertainty was dominated by only a few source categories. Recommendations are made for future improvements to the analysis.
Use of parks or playgrounds: reported access to drinking water fountains among US adults, 2009.

Background As a first step to determining the public availability of drinking water, self-reported access to water fountains in parks and playgrounds was examined. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of 4163 US adults (aged 18 years) using the 2009 HealthStyles Survey. The outcome measure was reported access to water fountains in parks/playgrounds. Among those who reported using parks/ playgrounds, multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations between sociodemographic variables and reported access to water fountains. Results About half (54.7%) of participants used parks/playgrounds. Among those, 55.0% reported access to water fountains. Factors significantly associated with reported access to water fountains were being male [odds ratio (OR) ¼ 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) ¼ 1.09, 1.85] and living in the Pacific region (versus East North Central region, OR ¼ 2.56; 95% CI ¼ 1.61, 4.06). Age, race/ethnicity, household income, marital status, education, smoking and physical activity were not significantly associated with reported access to water fountains. Conclusions Among 54.7% of adults using parks/playgrounds, reported access to water fountains was significantly differed by sex and region. This study provides information that can be considered when developing interventions to increase access to drinking water in public facilities.
Effects of Immediate Feedback Delivered via Webcam and Bug-in-Ear Technology on Preservice Teacher Performance:

University faculty and supervisors dedicated to the preparation of future teachers are facing more challenges than ever before in doing more with less. This includes supervising more preservice tea...
Munchausen syndrome by proxy presenting as hearing loss.

Objective:To review the diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a factitious disorder, in which symptoms are induced or feigned, usually in a child, by the caregiver. The involved caregiver seeks to gain attention or sympathy and often has a psychological need to maintain the sick role. We highlight the diagnostic difficulties and factors that may help with diagnosis in an otolaryngology setting.Method:We present the case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy presenting with hearing loss in a five-year old boy, who was diagnosed eight years after his initial presentation. A literature review of Munchausen syndrome by proxy cases presenting with ENT symptoms is provided.Conclusion:Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a diagnosis that otolaryngologists should be aware of, particularly where recurrent or persistent illnesses in children, especially those involving otological symptoms, are refractory to the usual treatments.
SN 2009ip and SN 2010mc: core-collapse Type IIn supernovae arising from blue supergiants

The recent supernova (SN) known as SN 2009ip had dramatic precursor eruptions followed by an even brighter explosion in 2012. Its pre-2012 observations make it the best documented SN progenitor in history, but have fueled debate about the nature of its 2012 explosion — whether it was a true SN or some type of violent non-terminal event. Both could power shock interaction with circumstellar material (CSM), but only a core-collapse SN provides a self-consistent explanation. The persistent broad emission lines in the spectrum require a relatively large ejecta mass, and a corresponding kinetic energy of at least 10 51 erg, while the faint 2012a event is consistent with published models of core-collapse SNe from compact (�60 R⊙) blue supergiants. The light curves of SN 2009ip and another Type IIn, SN 2010mc, were nearly identical; we demonstrate that their spectra match as well, and that both are standard SNe IIn. Our observations contradict the recent claim that the late-time spectrum of SN 2009ip is returning to its progenitor’s LBV-like state, and we show that late-time spectra of SN 2009ip closely resemble spectra of SN 1987A. Moreover, SN 2009ip’s changing Hα equivalent width after explosion matches behavior typically seen in core-collapse SNe IIn. Several key facts about SN 2009ip and SN 2010mc argue strongly in favor of a core-collapse interpretation, and make a non-terminal 10 50 erg event implausible. The most straighforward and self-consistent interpretation is that SN 2009ip was an initially faint core-collapse explosion of a blue supergiant that produced about half as much 56 Ni as SN 1987A, with most of the peak luminosity from CSM interaction.
Orientationally Ordered Colloidal Co-Dispersions of Gold Nanorods and Cellulose Nanocrystals

Nematic-like and helicoidally orientational self-assemblies of gold nanorods co-dispersed with cellulose nanocrystals to form liquid crystalline phases are developed. Polarization-sensitive extinction spectra and two-photon luminescence imaging are used to characterize orientations and spatial distributions of gold nanorods. Cholesteric-isotropic phase coexistence and continuous domains of single-phase regions are observed and qualitatively discussed on the basis of entropic and electrostatic interactions in co-dispersions of rigid rods of different aspect ratios. Potential applications include biologically compatible plasmonic composite nanomaterials for solar biofuel production and polarization-sensitive plasmonic papers and fabrics.
B lymphocyte activation. The roles of receptor cross-linkage and BSF-1.

Although responses to antigens introduced into an individual for the first time depend upon the small fraction of B lymphocytes which bear receptors capable of binding to epitopes on that antigen. Since antibody must be produced promptly and in sufficient amounts to deal with an infectious agent or a newly emerging malignant cell, B cell proliferation and differentiation are key to the efficient function of the immune system. Immunologists have adopted a working model for control of B lymphocyte growth and antibody responses which is predicated on the recognition that antigens may be divided into two broad classes, those with repetitive epitopes and those which bear but a single representation of any individually epitope. The importance of this distinction follows from the observation that receptor-mediated signalling requires cross-linking of membrane receptors. Since individual B lymphocytes possess receptors all of which have a common binding specificity, those antigens which bear repetitive epitopes will be capable of cross-linking receptors while those which bear but a single copy of an epitope will not. Current work indicates that responses to antigens of the latter type depends on T cell-B cell interactions in which the T cell recognizes antigenic peptides and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of the B cell. This type of interaction is usually referred to as cognate T cell-B cell interaction. Antibody responses to antigens with repetitive epitopes could, in principle, also use this mechanism. However, a second pathway of B cell responses may be utilized for such antigens, which is designated receptor cross-linkage-dependent B cell activation.
COPPER TOLERANCE IN TWO LEGUME SPECIES FROM A COPPER MINE HABITAT

Summary Lupinus bicolor Lindl. and Lotus purshianus (Benth.) Clem. & Clem, plants growing on copper mine waste in northern California exhibited considerably greater copper tolerance at 0.2 mg copper 1−1 in nutrient solution than plants from an adjacent meadow. Effective nitrogen fixation in the copper-enriched soils is suggested from acetylene reduction assays.
Utility of radiation in the prevention of heterotopic ossification following repair of traumatic acetabular fracture.

Abstract Purpose: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common problem following surgical repair of traumatic acetabular fracture (TAF), potentially causing severe pain and decreased range of motion. This report analyzes the role of radiation therapy for prevention of HO in TAF. Methods and Materials: The charts of all patients who received RT to the hip following TAF repair between July 1988 and January 1998 were reviewed. Sixty-six patients were identified. RT was given in 5 fractions of 2 Gy in 45 patients, 1 fraction of 8 Gy in 17 patients, and other doses in 4 patients. Treatment fields encompassed periacetabular tissues at highest risk for HO. Time to RT was ≤ 24 hours for 46 patients. Results: Radiographic follow-up at least 6 months following RT was available in 47/66 (71%) patients to permit Brooker classification, revealing 6 cases (13%) of Grade III HO, compared to historical incidence in this population of 50%. No Grade IV HO was found. Mean follow-up was 18 months. Four of the Grade III patients had received 10 Gy/5 fractions, and 2 received 8 Gy/1 fraction. Postoperative wound infection occurred in 6 patients, and osteonecrosis of the femoral head was found in 13. Conclusions: RT following surgical repair of TAF provides effective prophylaxis against formation of clinically significant HO. We recommend a single fraction of 7–8 Gy within 24 hours of surgery to prevent HO formation and minimize patient discomfort.
Clinical spectrum of allergic and pseudoallergic drug reactions

Among the many types of adverse effects of drugs, allergic reactions constitute a very significant minority, with respect to both their frequency and sometimes serious consequences. To keep the term "drug allergy" meaningful, it should be limited to those adverse drug reactions that are based on immune mechanisms or that can reasonably be presumed to have this basis. Pseudoallergic drug reactions, which will also be considered in this issue, have similar clinical manifestations and some common pathogenetic mechanisms, but the initiating event does not appear to involve a reaction between the drug or a drug metabolite and specific antibodies. Clinically, drug allergy is commonly observed in nonatopic as well as atopic people. Innumerable drugs have been reported to produce these types of reactions, but in many instances drug metabolites may be the actual culprits. Clinical manifestations of drug allergy also are legion. Unfortunately, essentially none of these is unique or specific for drug allergy, but it is important for clinicians to think of this very treatable condition along with other diagnostic possibilities. It is convenient and helpful to classify allergic reactions to drugs according to Gell and Coombs' four main types of hypersensitivity processes, but in many instances more than one mechanism may be involved, just as immune responses to most antigens generally are complex. Type I reactions are generally immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated, and clinical manifestations include urticaria, angioedema, respiratory symptoms, and anaphylaxis. Pseudoallergic reactions of the latter type are called anaphylactoid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nonlinear Equations of Thermoviscoelectroelasticity

Nonlinear equations of thermoviscoelectroelasticity are derived with the electric field vector as the independent electric variable. The equations are linearized for small deformations and weak ele...
Versatile Self‐Complexing Compounds Based on Covalently Linked Donor–Acceptor Cyclophanes

A range of covalently linked donor-acceptor compounds which contain 1) a hydroquinone (HQ) unit, 2) a 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP) ring system, or 3) a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) unit as the pi-donor, and 4) cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT(4+)) as the pi-accepting tetracationic cyclophane were prepared and shown to operate as simple molecular machines. The pi-donating arms can be included inside the cyclophane in an intramolecular fashion by virtue of stabilizing noncovalent bonding interactions. What amounts to self-complexing/decomplexing equilibria were shown to be highly temperature dependent when the pi-donating arm contains either an HQ or DNP moiety. The thermodynamic parameters associated with the equilibria have been unraveled by using variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The negative DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees values account for the fact that the "uncomplexed" conformation becomes the dominant species, since the entropy gain associated with the decomplexation process overcomes the enthalpy loss resulting from the breaking of the donor-acceptor interactions. The arm's in-and-out movements with respect to the linked cyclophanes can be arrested by installing a bulky substituent at the end of the arm. In the case of compounds carrying a DNP ring system in their side arm, two diastereoisomeric, self-complexing conformations are observed below 272 K in hexadeuterioacetone. By contrast, control over the TTF-containing arm's movement is more or less ineffective through the thermally sensitive equilibrium although it can be realized by chemical and electrochemical ways as a result of TTF's excellent redox properties. Such self-complexing compounds could find applications as thermo- and electroswitches. In addition, the thermochromism associated with the arm's movement could lead to some of the compounds finding uses as imaging and sensing materials.
Do dead fish tell tales? DNA degradation in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) carcasses.

Abstract Carcasses are potentially a valuable source of DNA for genetic studies of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus sp.). They can be collected at spawning grounds across a wide geographic area and include populations in streams in which it is logistically difficult or too intrusive to sample spawning fish. However, the quality and quantity of DNA from salmon carcasses is highly variable. Using a standardized set of microsatellite loci, we investigated the relationship of amplification success and genotyping errors to time since death and locus size in Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) carcasses. Amplification success declined rapidly from death, smaller loci had greater amplification success than larger loci, and genotyping errors were present in 5% of scored samples. Salmon carcasses can be a valuable source of genetic information; however, the level of effort needed to produce accurate and reliable data with microsatellite loci is considerable. Ideally, field collections should be frequent and focus on fresh...
Multi-armed bandit experiments in the online service economy

The modern service economy is substantively different from the agricultural and manufacturing economies that preceded it. In particular, the cost of experimenting is dominated by opportunity cost rather than the cost of obtaining experimental units. The different economics require a new class of experiments, in which stochastic models play an important role. This article briefly summarizes multi-armed bandit experiments, where the experimental design is modified as the experiment progresses to reduce the cost of experimenting. Special attention is paid to Thompson sampling, which is a simple and effective way to run a multi-armed bandit experiment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AN ESTIMATE OF THE EFFECT OF FMVSS 301-FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY

Abstract Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 301—Fuel System Integrity—was first promulgated, effective 1 January 1968. Its purpose was to reduce the fatalities, injuries and damage caused by fires occurring in automobile crashes. It was subsequently strengthened (1 September 1975 and again 1 September 1976) and extended to all four wheel vehicles of Gross Vehicle Weight less than 10,000 pounds (1 September 1976). This paper uses existing police accident and fire department data from a total of 10 states to estimate the effects of FMVSS 301 on the passenger car crash population. Only very limited information on the rates of fuel spillage were found, so the paper concentrates on the rate of fires in crashes involving passenger cars. Some information on fatalities from the Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) is also used. Post-crash passenger car fires are rare. Reported rates ranged from less than one per thousand crashes up to nearly five per thousand crashes. Rates averaged about two fires per thousand police reported crashes or about three fires per thousand towaway crashes. Fatalities are also quite rare. In 1976, 814 persons were killed in 683 vehicles that caught fire after a crash. In 1977, 982 persons died in 858 such vehicles. Fire department data proved only of supplemental use, because a car fire could not be identified with a crash. Police accident data showed smaller post-crash fire rates with newer model year cars. While this is consistent with a beneficial effect of FMVSS 301, it could also be caused by an increasing likelihood of fire in a crash for older cars. A linear trend in age for ear fire rates was statistically significant only in the Illinois data. Combining the data from 6 states showed a 16% reduction in post-crash passenger car fire rates coincident with the first promulgation of the FMVSS 301 in 1968. An additional 14% reduction occurred coincidently with the later versions starting with the 1976 model year. A total reduction of 25% was estimated comparing pre-standard models with the current standard. These reductions were all statistically significant. While it was not possible to eliminate the possibility that aging contributed to the observed reductions, or that other factors could have influenced these reductions, it seems reasonable to conclude that some of the benefit resulted from the standard.
A micromechanistic model of the combustion synthesis process: Part I. Theoretical development

A theoretical model of the combustion synthesis process has been developed. In particular, a set of nonlinear and interrelated partial differential equations is given that accounts for all of the relevant physical and chemical processes that occur during the combustion synthesis process. The appropriate conservation equations for thermal energy, mass, and momentum densities are correctly described—for each phase at each point in the sample—at all times during the process. In addition, details of the necessary interphase transfer terms are expressed in a number of constitutive relationships, in which the dependence of an independent variable upon its dependent variable(s) is given explicitly. In doing so, microstructural details are accounted for, derived primarily from percolation concepts as applied to disordered porous media. All assumptions that are incorporated into the theoretical model have been tabulated in detail. This theoretical model establishes an approach to the development of a sound, quantitative, and fundamental understanding of the combustion synthesis process, particularly with respect to the processing-microstructure-properties relationship. It also provides a point of departure for conducting detailed, quantitative computer experiments of the combustion synthesis process.
Prostaglandins in lower urinary tract

The search for noncholinergic, nonadrenergic neurotransmitters in the lower urinary tract has recently focused on the prostaglandins (PG). Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and, to a lesser degree, prostaglandin FZα (PGFzα), are produced by the bladder in response to mechanical and nerve stimulation. In vitro stimulation of detrusor smooth muscle, using the same two compounds, produces a slow, prolonged contraction which is independent of nervous activity. In contrast, in urethral smooth muscle PGF2α causes contraction while PGE2 causes relaxation. Clinically, intravesical or intravenous administration of PGE2 or PGF2α may produce improved bladder tone or uninhibited contraction. Similarly, inhibitors of PG synthesis may produce improvement of unstable bladder.
Biodegradation of composite materials

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites were examined for susceptibility to microbiologically-influenced degradation. Composites, resins, and fibers were exposed to sulfur/iron-oxidizing, calcareous-depositing, ammonium-producing, hydrogen-producing, and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in batch culture. Surfaces were uniformly colonized by all physiological types of bacteria; however, the microbes preferentially colonized surface anomalies including scratches and fiber disruptions. Epoxy and vinyl ester neat resins, carbon fibers, and epoxy composites were not adversely affected by the microbial species. SRB degraded the organic surfactant on glass fibers. Hydrogen-producing bacteria appeared to disrupt bonding between fibers and vinyl ester resin and to penetrate the resin at the interface. Acoustic emission testing demonstrated reduction of tensile strength in a stressed carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composite after exposure to SRB.
Gender differences in sleep, fatigue, and daytime activity in a pediatric oncology sample receiving dexamethasone

Objective To examine gender differences in sleep, fatigue, and daytime activity in a sample of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods Participants included 88 children in maintenance treatment for ALL (34 girls; 54 boys). Participants wore an actigraph for 10 consecutive days (5 days pre-dexamethasone and 5 days during dexamethasone administration). Fatigue instruments were also administered. Results Girls napped more and had less fragmented night sleep than boys did. Wake time after sleep onset was sensitive to dexamethasone administration, revealing a differential direction of response for girls and boys. No gender differences were observed for subjective fatigue or daytime activity in the total sample. Conclusions Our preliminary findings support gender differences in the sleep of children with cancer after controlling for differences in age, treatment, and risk group. Future research that focuses on the etiology of gender differences and developing interventions will help clarify the clinical application of our findings.
Modeling electromigration lifetime under bidirectional current stress

Electromigration reliability of interconnect under bidirectional current stress has been studied in a wide frequency range (mHz to 200 MHz). Experimental results show that the AC lifetime rises with the stress current frequency. The current density exponent and the activation energy of AC lifetime are found to be twice that of DC lifetime. Pure AC current stress failure at extremely high current density is believed to result from thermal migration of metal at hot/cold transition points. >
Development and analytical validation of a radioimmunoassay for the measurement of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor concentrations in feces from healthy puppies and adult dogs.

Canine α(1)-proteinase inhibitor (cα(1)-PI), a proteolysis-resistant protein with a molecular weight similar to albumin, has been shown to be clinically useful as a marker for gastrointestinal protein loss in dogs. A competitive, liquid-phase radioimmunoassay was developed and analytically validated. Fecal samples were collected from 101 healthy pet dogs of various breeds and ages, and fecal cα(1)-PI (Fcα(1)-PI) concentrations were compared between dogs of different age groups. A reference interval for Fcα(1)-PI concentration was calculated using the central 95th percentile. Analytical sensitivity of the assay was 2.2 µg Fcα(1)-PI/g feces. Observed-to-expected ratios for the serial dilution and spiking recovery of 9 and 6 fecal extracts ranged from 90.4 to 152.0% and from 71.3 to 112.3%, respectively. Coefficients of variation for intra- and interassay variability for 6 fecal extracts were ≤10.8% and ≤12.5%, respectively. The reference intervals for the mean and maximum Fcα(1)-PI from fecal samples collected on 3 consecutive days were 2.2-13.9 µg/g and 2.2-21.0 µg/g, respectively. Fcα(1)-PI was significantly higher in dogs 13.9 µg/g or >21.0 µg/g, respectively, should be considered abnormal in dogs >1 year of age. Fecal cα(1)-PI concentrations in dogs <1 year of age were significantly higher and should be carefully interpreted in this age group.
Contribution of impaired mobility to patient burden in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is frequently diagnosed during a person’s most productive years, and because life expectancy for patients with MS approaches that of the general population, MS is associated...
Ad hoc signage in a new hospital- a useful social tool and cognitive artifact

Introduction:High-stakes industries, such as healthcare, are complex systems prone to influence by various constraining factors. Expert practitioners in these domains work at the “sharp end” of these constraints and must reconcile limitations in the context of operations. When a major constraining factor is changed abruptly, it can induce a rapid sequence of adaptations. We observed the cognitive artifacts of post hoc signage, posted inside the space of the operating rooms of a new hospital facility, to help identify the way clinicians adapt to a new physical plant.Methods:In the first six months of operation of a new hospital facility, a clinician (MN) photographed signage posted on the operatory floor of the hospital. The photographs were classified into general categories to uncover the sorts of adaptive behaviors they represented.Results:We identified 28 signs that fit into four categories: way finding (7); appropriation and item localization (6); equipment activation, instruction and upkeep (9); and ...
Output SNR of time-reversal based underwater acoustic communications

While one generally expects the output signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) to increase with the number of receivers and decrease with increasing channel estimation error, to determine their exact relationship for a given channel, a channel model is normally required as the OSNR is dependent on the number of tap coefficients which are different for different channels having different multipath spread. This paper shows, supported by experimental data from different oceans, that the increase of OSNR with the number of diverse (or effective) receivers, and the decrease of OSNR with the channel estimation (data estimation) error follow a universal relationship using the time-reversal or correlation-based equalizer, despite the fact that the channels have very different properties. The reason is due to the fact that the OSNR is a function of the q function, the autocorrelation of the received impulse responses summed over all receiver channels, and the q function is approximately the same for all the data.
ELITES, EDUCATION AND REFORMS

We analyze the interplay of political elites’ de facto power, democracy and education based on a theoretical framework inspired by the model in Acemoglu and Robinson (2006). We identify conditions under which the elite may overcompensate the loss of de jure power (as a result of political reform) by investing too much in de facto power so that the probability to have de facto power is higher under democracy than under non-democracy. The analysis also shows that depending on whether the income effect of education is strong or weak and whether citizens’ education has increasing or decreasing returns, the elite may or may not support education subsidy under democracy. We show that under certain assumptions the political elites may treat democracy and spending on citizens’ education as substitutes. We comment on the implications of the results for understanding why countries that started from comparable initial conditions may follow divergent development paths.
Comparisons of GPS-Derived Orthometric Heights Using Local Geometric Geoid Models

The purpose of the research was to compare measuring orthometric heights using differential leveling, static global positioning observations, and real-time kinematic (RTK) Global Positioning System (GPS) observations in the vicinity of the University of Conn. campus. Height observations were recorded at temporary and permanent monuments using differential leveling, static GPS, and RTK. Heights at permanent monuments with published elevations were observed using each method and served as control and to check the quality of all measurements. Three-dimensional reference ellipsoid coordinates derived from GPS observations and published orthometric heights were used to create local geoid models, which were then used to convert ellipsoid heights observed with the static GPS and RTK to orthometric heights. The resulting values were used to compare between the measuring methods. In general, static GPS performed better than RTK. Several polynomial surface models of different orders were fitted to the geoid heights...
High order notation and automated program generation for realtime signal processing

A high-order signal processing graph notation (PGN) has been developed to convert information contained on the signal processing block diagram to a tabular form that is used by a computer-based Automated Program Generator. The Automated Program Generator (APG) uses the PGN input to generate the executable code/initial program load (IPL) for a realtime signal processor called the Functional Processing Element (FPE). PGN generation is a transfer of parameters on the block diagram such as filter length and decimation to the tabular form of PGN. The PGN representation of the block diagram can be generated directly by the signal processing analyst or system engineer. The APG produces the linkage code required to sequence and schedule the execution of the realtime signal processing functions. It automatically smooths the processor computation loading for multirate signal processing tasks and performs all memory mapping and management tasks.
Power Amplifiers and RF Switches

This chapter contains sections titled: A Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Confirmation of the Optimally Loaded and Overdriven RF Power Amplifier High Efficiency Transmitting Power Amplifiers for Portable Radio Units A UHF Band 1.3W Monolithic Amplifier with Efficiency of 63% High Performance Integrated PA, T/R Swich for 1.9 GHz Personal Communications Handsets A 3.5V, 1.3W GaAs Power Multi-Chip IC for Cellular Phones A 900 MHz CMOS RF Power Amplifier with Programmable Output Highly Efficient UHF-Band Si Power MOSFET for RF Power Amplifiers Analysis of Phase Characteristics of a GaAs PET Power Amplifier for Digital Cellular Portable Telephones Low Voltage, High Power T/R Switch MMIC Using LC Resonators A GaAs High-Power RF Single-Pole Double-Throw Switch IC for Digital Mobile Communications System
In situ observations of wave‐supported fluid‐mud generation and deposition on an active continental margin

Wave-supported fluid muds (WSFM) are a type of gravity flow that can rapidly transport sediment across continental margins. They occur when wave-induced bed stress maintains suspended-sediment concentrations (SSC) >10 g l−1, and sediment-induced stratification near the top of the wave boundary layer limits upward diffusion of sediment. Observations from near-bed instrumentation are used to evaluate the conditions under which WSFMs form on the continental shelf offshore of the Waipaoa River, NZ. An event in July 2010 featured >130 hours river of energetic ocean conditions, and water discharge >1900 m3 s−1. A calibrated acoustic backscatter sensor at the mid-shelf measured near-bed SSC >50 g l−1, with a strong lutocline occurring >15 cm above the predicted wave-current boundary layer, resulting in ~5-cm deposition. A velocity anomaly occurred during this time, with offshore-directed currents faster at 1 meter above bed (mab) than at 3.5 mab. Using these observations, we empirically solve a simple buoyancy-drag force balance to estimate the gravity-driven velocity of the WSFM, which is always <0.03 m s−1. Extending the force balance across a shelf transect suggests that WSFM-carried sediment can reach the shelf edge in 50–240 hours. Spatial and temporal patterns of deposition predicted by the gradient of modeled sediment flux correlate well with seabed observations on the Waipaoa shelf reported in Walsh et al. (2014). This study highlights the importance of WSFMs for cross-shelf sediment transport, despite relatively slow gravity-driven velocities and the infrequency with which they occur.
Bones of Contention: Custody of Family Pets

The article discusses the difference between the legal and the popular view of pets. It proposes a way to accommodate both in determining who gets custody of a pet following the dissolution of a relationship.
Late Returns Claiming Refunds: Negotiating the 'Fantastic Labyrinth'

This article begins with the premise that clarification of the proper application of the statutes of limitations on refund claims to delinquent returns is still sorely needed. It considers such recent cases as Anastasoff and Weisbart, and argues for a uniform three-year limitations period under section 6511, coupled with application of the "mailbox rule" under section 7502 to a timely mailed but late-arriving refund claim made on a delinquent return. The article further suggests that the applicability of section 7503 to extend the due date for a return should not extend the deadline for a refund claim when the return was not actually filed on the extended due date.
Diabetes and Nutrition: The Mitochondrial Part

Diabetes mellitus is the most common genetic disease in the Western world today. It is the phenotype for >150 genotypes. Each of these genotypes is characterized by impaired glucose tolerance and impaired control of intermediary metabolism. There are many strains of mice and rats that can be used to study diabetes in its various forms. One of these is the BHE/Cdb rat, which mimics the human phenotype with a mutation in the mitochondrial (mt) DNA. The result of such mutation is a loss in metabolic control with respect to the role of the mitochondria in this control. This review addresses those aspects of control that are exerted by mt oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Diet can have both genomic and nongenomic effects on OXPHOS. The type of dietary fat influences the fluidity of the mt membranes and hence, mt function. The dietary fat effect depends on the genetic background of the consumer. Diabetes-prone BHE/Cdb rats with base substitutions in the mt ATPase 6 gene are more likely to be influenced by the diet effect on mt membrane fluidity than are normal rats. Vitamin A also affects mt function through an effect on mt gene expression. BHE/Cdb rats have a greater need for vitamin A than normal rats and supplemental vitamin A appears to influence OXPHOS.
Carbon-black suspension based broadband optical limiter

A cascaded-focus optical limiter using carbon suspensions has been demonstrated to clamp the output near 1 microJoule for input pulses at several wavelengths throughout the visible spectrum. The device was tested up to 60 mJ without damage.
The Mt. Sangay Labyrinth and Its Fauna

MORE than fifty years ago Edward Whymper, pausing in his triumphant descent from the first conquest of Mt. Chimborazo, the giant of the Ecuadorian Andes, caught sight of a formidable volcano ncady fifty'miles to the southeast. The blas4 conqueror of the Matterhorn was amazed at the outburst taking place before his eyes. He made drawings of the eruptions, which he then presumed were "outrushes of steam" and calculated the velocity of ejection, determining it as "twenty-two miles per minute"I Whyroper undoubtedly witnessed the early stages of one of the major eruptions which take place at periodic intervalS, ranging from a few years to fifty or more. Twelve years later in 1892, when writing his great classic, • he expressed astonishment that a volcano so formidable should be known to Ecuadorians "only by name"! Whyroper did not seem to know that thirty-four years earlierVillavicencio had indicted Sangay as the "most frightful-volcano in the World. "a Nor did his book reveal acquaintance with the observations of non-Ecuadorian scientists and explorers who, for two centuries, had borne testimony to its devastating power. As early as 1739 Monsieur de la Condamlne witnessed a violent eruption which seemed to him "to set on fire the whole mountain
Social capital and rural intensification: Local organizations and islands of sustainability in the rural Andes

While the general image of much of the Andes is one of poverty, environmental degradation and out-migration, and of rural economies that refuse to develop self-reinforcing and inclusive forms of growth, islands of sustainable intensification of rural land use and livelihoods can be found. Analysing how these 'islands of sustainability' have emerged can help us understand how far policy and development intervention might encourage similar successes elsewhere in the Andes. This paper considers six localities in the Ecuadorian and Bolivian Andes, four of which are characterized by such success, and two, though located nearby, which are not. Common to the cases of successful intensification is the manufacture of high-value products for middle class and elite markets. Another critical factor is the existence of base and federated local organizations, and of external actors who have networks of contacts with non-local institutions. These two dimensions of local 'social capital' - organizations and networks - play a critical role in helping these localities renegotiate relationships with the market, state and other civil society actors. This renegotiation can generate new resources, entitlements and opportunities that, when linked to local social capital, facilitate local processes of socially-inclusive intensification that can ameliorate both poverty and environmental degradation. For this to be successful also requires a wider enabling context: in particular the existence of appropriate technologies, strong support institutions and significant levels of market demand.
Contrast‐Aided Diagnostic Ultrasound Does Not Enhance Lung Metastasis in a Mouse Melanoma Tumor Model

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research was to test the hypothesis that contrast-aided diagnostic ultrasound (CADUS) could exacerbate the metastatic spread of mouse melanoma tumor cells to the lungs. METHODS The melanoma cell lines B16 and B16-D5 (metastatic specifically to lung) were implanted on a hind leg of female C57/bl6 mice. Growing tumors were scanned by 1.5-MHz diagnostic ultrasound in a 37 degrees C water bath. Four hundred image frames were triggered at a 1-Hz rate with 4 retro-orbital injections of an ultrasonographic contrast agent at dosage of 10 microL/kg at 100-second intervals. Sham-treated mice received 400 frames of ultrasonography followed by the contrast agent with the ultrasound off. The primary tumor was surgically removed 1 day after ultrasound administration. Lungs were removed and evaluated blind after 2 weeks of bleaching in Fekete solution. RESULTS Three experiments were performed. The first experiment involved scanning sham and CADUS groups of 20 mice each with B16 tumors; B16 metastasis was not enhanced. The second experiment repeated this test with the D5 cell line; the metastasis enhancement was marginally significant for average number (0.3 and 3.2; P = .06) and incidence (3 and 9 of 19; P = .08) in mice without tumor recurrence. Finally, a third experiment was performed to clarify ambiguous results in the second experiment and consisted of 2 groups of 40 mice each. In this larger experiment, the results were essentially equal for the sham and CADUS groups. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results do not support the hypothesis of CADUS-enhanced metastasis.
How to help your patient choose the right wheelchair.

For a disabled patient, a wheelchair can be the key to a more enjoyable, useful, and independent life—provided it is carefully chosen and suited to his or her needs. In this article, Dr Blocker des...