cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sparsity-based approaches for multispectral super-resolution of tropical cyclone imagery

An aperture synthesis system produces ringing at sharp edges and other transitions in the observed field. In this paper, we have developed an efficient multispectral deconvolution method, based on Split Bregman total variation minimization technique, and showed it to reduce image ringing, blurring, and distortion, while sharpening the image and preserving information content. We also present a multispectral multiframe super-resolution method that is robust to image noise and noise in the point spread function and leads to additional improvements in spatial resolution. The methodologies are based on current research in sparse optimization and compressed sensing, which lead to unprecedented efficiencies for solving image reconstruction problems.
When Complexity Meets Evidence in Governance

The author reflects on some contradictions or paradoxes that are inherent in discourses, based on his experience of efforts to decentralise the very complex centralised and federalist education structure in Austria. In this structure, the political attempts to strengthen ‘evidence’ are strongly contested. The explanation may lie in the governance structure. On the one hand, there are challenges of complexity in the education system. On the other, policy makers and researchers do not address these challenges in an appropriate manner, as the part of unpredictability is negated. One conclusion is that a professional approach to governance that is oriented towards the integration of practice and knowledge production at the teaching level can cope better with the insecurities involved in complex structures than an ‘evidence-based approach’.
EEG channel interpolation using ellipsoid geodesic length

EEG channel interpolation is of great significance when the EEG signal from a channel is very low quality or missing altogether. This is particularly critical for low density EEG arrays employed in several clinical and research applications because the missing channel represents a large portion of the underlying cortical activity and adversely affects further data analysis and, potentially, diagnosis. For the same reasons, it is also critical for dry EEG applications when a disrupting contact is present. We present an approach for reconstructing a missing or poor EEG signal by combining signals from neighboring electrodes according to their distance from the electrode corresponding to the reconstructed signal. We used EEG data recorded from humans performing a cognitive task, omitted one channel at a time (to assess any spatial dependencies of our proposed approach), and reconstructed the omitted signal from the rest of the signals. Signals were reconstructed using Euclidean distance, great circle distance, and ellipsoid geodesic length and compared to reference (omitted) signals by means of inspection and normalized mean square error. Pilot results indicated that the ellipsoid geodesic length gave the best signal reconstruction as it provided event related potential and scalp map estimates closest to the reference and the smallest average (across all omitted channels) normalized mean square error (NMSE) values.
A Linux Real-Time Packet Scheduler for Reliable Static SDN Routing.

In a distributed computing environment, guaranteeing the hard deadline for real-time messages is essential to ensure schedulability of real-time tasks. Since capabilities of the shared resources for transmission are limited, e.g., the buffer size is limited on network devices, it becomes a challenge to design an effective and feasible resource sharing policy based on both the demand of real-time packet transmissions and the limitation of resource capabilities. We address this challenge in two cooperative mechanisms. First, we design a static routing algorithm to find forwarding paths for packets to guarantee their hard deadlines. The routing algorithm employs a validation-based backtracking procedure capable of deriving the demand of a set of real-time packets on each shared network device, and it checks whether this demand can be met on the device. Second, we design a packet scheduler that runs on network devices to transmit messages according to our routing requirements. We implement these mechanisms on virtual software-defined network (SDN) switches and evaluate them on real hardware in a local cluster to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of our routing algorithm and packet scheduler.
The Role of Nicotine Dependence in E-Cigarettes' Potential for Smoking Reduction.

Introduction E-cigarettes (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, or ENDS) are an increasingly popular tobacco product among youth. Some evidence suggests that e-cigarettes may be effective for harm reduction and smoking cessation, although these claims remain controversial. Little is known about how nicotine dependence may contribute to e-cigarettes' effectiveness in reducing or quitting conventional smoking. Methods A cohort of young adults were surveyed over 4 years (approximately ages 19-23). Varying-coefficient models (VCMs) were used to examine the relationship between e-cigarette use and conventional smoking frequency, and how this relationship varies across users with different nicotine dependence levels. Results Lifetime, but not recent, e-cigarette use was associated with less frequent concurrent smoking of conventional cigarettes among those with high levels of nicotine dependence. However, nondependent e-cigarette users smoked conventional cigarettes slightly more frequently than those who had never used e-cigarettes. Nearly half of ever e-cigarette users reported using them to quit smoking at the last measurement wave. For those who used e-cigarettes in a cessation attempt, the frequency of e-cigarette use was not associated with reductions in future conventional smoking frequency. Conclusions These findings offer possible support that e-cigarettes may act as a smoking reduction method among highly nicotine-dependent young adult cigarette smokers. However, the opposite was found in non-dependent smokers, suggesting that e-cigarette use should be discouraged among novice tobacco users. Additionally, although a substantial proportion of young adults used e-cigarettes to help them quit smoking, these self-initiated quit attempts with e-cigarettes were not associated with future smoking reduction or cessation. Implications This study offers potential support for e-cigarettes as a smoking reduction tool among highly nicotine-dependent young adult conventional smokers, although the extent and nature of this remains unclear. The use of e-cigarettes as a quit aid was not associated with reductions in conventional smoking, consistent with most other quit aids in this sample except for nicotine replacement therapy, which was only effective for the most dependent smokers. Notably, these findings highlight the necessity of accounting for smokers' nicotine dependence levels when examining tobacco use patterns.
Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Kerogen Thermal Maturation and Cross-Linking Pathways

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed with a ReaxFF reactive force field to investigate bond breaking and bond formation mechanisms during the thermal maturation of three kerogens and potential cross-linking pathways toward the formation of three-dimensional (3D) quasi-infinite molecular networks (cross-linked kerogen macromolecules). Starting with small ensembles of high molecular mass models for immature type I Green River Shale kerogen (kerogen 1-I), top of the oil window type II kerogen (kerogen 2-L), and low maturity type III kerogen (kerogen 3-L), low molecular mass species including H2O, C2H4, and C3H6 were produced as the maturities of the remaining kerogens increased. Highly reactive fragments, which are not detected in pyrolysis experiments, were also produced. Further, the cross-linking mechanisms in the newly developed polymeric kerogen networks appear to be highly complex, and covalent —C–S—, —C–O—, and —C–C— bonds were the primary cross-links that structurally bond kerogen monomers t...
Gasdermin: A new player to the inflammasome game

Pyroptosis is a lytic type of programmed cell death that was traditionally associated with the involvement of inflammatory caspases, such as caspase-1. These inflammatory caspases are activated within multi-protein complexes called inflammasomes that are assembled in response to invading pathogens and/or danger signals. Pyroptotic cell death was suggested to evolve via the formation of pores in the plasma membrane, but the exact mechanism underlying the formation of these pores remained unclear. Recently, gasdermin D, a member of the gasdermin protein family was identified as a caspase substrate and essential effector of pyroptosis, being identified as the protagonist of membrane pore formation. Gasdermins have emerged as a family of new class of cell death inducers, but many questions remain unanswered. Here, we present an overview of recent work being done in the area of programmed cell death and the latest evidence regarding the role and participation of gasdermin D as an effector of pyroptosis.
Priorities in Recovering From a Lost Generation of Firearms Research.

An editorial is presented which addresses firearms research in America as of 2018, and it mentions gun-related violence in the U.S., media coverage of mass shootings, and school shootings at places such as Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. Lobbyists for the firearms industry are examined, along with support for gun safety reform. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and population health research are assessed.
Determining the Strain Distribution in Bonded and Bolted/Bonded Composite Butt Joints Using the Digital Image Correlation Technique and Finite Element Methods

Composite primary and secondary aircraft structures have the potential to achieve the same strength and stiffness as conventional metallic structures, but at substantially lower weight. To accomplish this in an efficient and effective manner the joints used to attach these composite structures will be critical. This work investigated the strain distribution in adhesively bonded and hybrid bolted/bonded composite single-strap butt joints using a 2D digital image correlation (DIC) technique and geometrically nonlinear finite element modelling. A high magnification optical setup was used to measure the strains in the through thickness direction, allowing strain measurements in the region of the adhesive and along the bondline in the joint overlap section. This provided a detailed measure of strain flow through the adhesive and into the doubler and adherend under a maximum tensile load of 5338 N (1200 lbf). In all cases a crack developed at the inner overlap section in the hybrid joints and, using DIC techniques, the size of the crack as well as crack tip strains could be determined from the deformed images. The information obtained from the DIC measurements proved valuable in helping to improve the fidelity of the finite element model.
Interpreting Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Results

The interpretation algorithm presented in this chapter only assesses the patient’s ANS. It has no “knowledge” of the patient or patient history. It assumes an otherwise healthy individual. While multiple ANS symptoms may be demonstrated simultaneously, they must all must be considered together and together with the patient’s history in mind. The software can diagnose the ANS, but not the ANS in light of the patient’s history. This is where the physician’s experience and knowledge of the specific patient history, physical examination, laboratory data, and other pertinent diagnostic tests are needed. The report from many physicians is that the software only highlights autonomic dysfunction. The true interpretation comes when these highlights are applied to the specific patient history, etc. Only then are appropriate therapy plans developed and is the physician ready to speak with the patient.
The Medicare Part D Coverage Gap, Prescription Use, and Expenditures.

The Affordable Care Act has put in place policies to gradually close the Medicare Part D coverage gap (donut hole). I examine the effect of this gradual closure on total and out-of-pocket prescript...
Applications of synchrophasor technologies in power systems

Synchrophasors are time-synchronized electrical measurements that represent both the magnitude and phase angle of the electrical sinusoids. Synchrophasors are measured by fast time-stamped devices called phasor measurement units (PMUs) to constitute the basis of real-time monitoring and control actions in the electric grid. Due to its enhanced situational awareness capabilities, many applications of PMUs are presented in the literature in the past decades. This paper presents a comprehensive summary of synchrophasor technology, its architecture, optimal placement techniques and its applications in electric power transmission and distribution systems. These applications include wide-area situational awareness and monitoring, state estimation, fault location and protective relaying, islanding detection etc. This review also covers some of the existing challenges in its implementation and its potential applications.
Need for Interoperability to Enable Seamless Information Exchanges in Smart and Sustainable Urban Systems

AbstractOver the last few decades, the built environment and the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry have grown in the amount of computer software, technologies, ...
The association between novel clinical factors and gastrointestinal bleeding among patients supported with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device therapy

BACKGROUND This study explores novel preimplantation risk factors associated with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation. CF-LVAD therapy implantation for patients with advanced heart failure is associated with a 20% to 40% incidence of GIB. METHODS This study includes patients receiving CF-LVAD at a quaternary medical center from 2006 to 2014 (n = 254). The primary endpoint was GIB within 12 months after implantation; the secondary outcome was 3-year all-cause mortality. The Student t test or the χ2 test compared continuous or categorical variables. Competing risks analysis calculated the cumulative incidence of GIB postimplantation. Cox proportional hazards model was used for univariate/multivariate models predicting GIB. RESULTS Sixty-four patients had GIB, with incidence rates at 1, 3, and 12 months of 11.8%, 19.3%, and 25.2%, respectively. Endoscopy revealed no identified source of bleeding in 41%; 33% of lesions were localized in the upper gastrointestinal tract, with the bulk (39%) categorized as vascular. Patients with prior gastrointestinal abnormalities (n = 98) had a greater risk of GIB post-CF-LVAD (HR 1.85 [1.11-3.09]; P = 0.02) than those with normal gastrointestinal evaluation results (n = 45) and those without preimplantation gastrointestinal evaluation (n = 111). Baseline blood urea nitrogen, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and prior percutaneous coronary intervention were statistically associated with post-CF-LVAD GIB. The presence of GIB within 12 months of CF-LVAD implantation was associated with an increased risk of 3-year all-cause mortality (HR 2.57 [1.57-4.15]; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS First-year GIB is associated with increased mortality post-CF-LVAD. We advocate a closer examination of several GIB risk factors when evaluating CF-LVAD candidates.
Preparation of Orientation and Mobility Specialist Students Who are Blind and Have Low Vision: Survey of Faculty Who Teach Blindfold and Simulation Cane Courses:

Introduction:The purpose of this study was to survey the faculty of personnel preparation programs that train orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists in the identification of accommodations, tea...
Supported Single Fe Atoms Prepared via Atomic Layer Deposition for Catalytic Reactions

We report a general strategy to synthesize Fe single-atom catalysts (SACs) on various substrates (e.g., multiwalled carbon nanotubes, SiO2, and TiO2) with high Fe loading (>1.5 wt %) by atomic laye...
Implications for Early Postoperative Care After Quadriceps Tendon Autograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Technical Note

The quadriceps tendon (QT) has become increasingly used by orthopaedic surgeons as an alternative autograft choice in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. As its use increases, athletic trainers and other rehabilitation clinicians will treat a greater number of patients with this autograft type. The recently developed, minimally invasive technique for harvest of the all-soft tissue autograft has many benefits, including versatility, decreased donor-site morbidity, and enhanced cosmesis. Early clinical trials revealed that the QT autograft resulted in decreased anterior knee pain and similar strength and functional outcomes to those of more common autograft types. From a rehabilitation perspective, many characteristics should be considered, such as the importance of early knee extension and quadriceps activation. Therefore, the purpose of this technical note is to expose athletic trainers to the QT autograft so that they may provide the best care for patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Scenes from the life of Picasso’s Still Life (1922): history, materials, and conservation

Pablo Picasso manipulated his paints to achieve a range of visual effects in his painting Still Life (Art Institute of Chicago, 1953.28). The addition of excess medium and the superposition of multiple paint layers with different drying rates contributed to localized areas of wrinkling, tenting, and lifting paint. Discolored surface coatings and overpaint from an early restoration treatment posed challenges to the understanding and conservation treatment of the work. Research and analysis were undertaken to study Picasso’s process and to aid treatment decisions. X-ray and infrared imaging revealed that Picasso had originally painted a neo-classical still life on the canvas. He applied a lead-white-based priming layer over the first composition before painting the linear abstract Still Life dated February 4, 1922. The results of pyrolysis–gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of paint samples and restoration coatings from past treatments helped to clarify our understanding of the painting and supplement previously published analytical results.
Understanding the clinical course of genotype-negative MEN1 patients can inform management strategies.

Abstract Background It is unclear whether genotype-negative clinical multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 patients derive equal benefit from prospective surveillance as genotype-positive patients. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we compared genotype-negative patients with clinical multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 with genotype-positive index cases. Primary outcome was age-related penetrance of manifestations; secondary outcomes were disease-specific survival and clinical course of endocrine tumors. Results We included 39 genotype-negative patients with clinical multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (Male: 33%) and 63 genotype-positive multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 index cases (Male: 59%). Genotype-negative patients with clinical multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 were 65 years old at last follow-up; genotype-positive multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 index cases were 50 (P Conclusion Genotype-negative patients with clinical multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 have a different clinical course than genotype-positive multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 index cases. This may support a separate classification and a tailored surveillance regimen. Of the genotype-negative patients with clinical multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 who had parathyroidectomy, almost half had no evidence of multigland disease and may be potential candidates for a more targeted single-gland approach.
Low-dose prostaglandin E1 is safe and effective for critical congenital heart disease: is it time to revisit the dosing guidelines?

Introduction: Prostaglandin E1 is used to maintain ductal patency in critical congenital heart disease (CHD). The standard starting dose of prostaglandin E1 is 0.05 µg/kg/minute. Lower doses are frequently used, but the efficacy and safety of a low-dose regimen of prostaglandin E1 has not been established. Methods: We investigated neonates with critical CHD who were started on prostaglandin E1 at 0.01 µg/kg/minute. We reviewed 154 consecutive patients who were separated into three anatomical groups: obstruction to systemic circulation, obstruction to pulmonary circulation, and inadequate mixing (d-transposition of the great arteries). Treatment failure rates and two commonly reported side effects, respiratory depression and seizure, were studied. Results: A total of 26 patients (17%) required a dose increase in prostaglandin E1. Patients with pulmonary obstruction were more likely to require higher doses than patients with systemic obstruction (15/49, 31% versus 9/88, 10%, p = 0.003). Twenty-eight per cent of patients developed respiratory depression and 8% of patients needed mechanical ventilation. Prematurity (<37 week gestation) was the primary risk factor for respiratory depression. No patient required dose escalation or tracheal intubation while on transport. No patient had a seizure attributed to prostaglandin E1. Conclusions: Prostaglandin E1 at an initial and maintenance dose of 0.01 µg/kg/minute was sufficient to maintain ductal patency in 83% of our cohort. The incidence of respiratory depression requiring mechanical ventilation was low and was mostly seen in premature infants. Starting low-dose prostaglandin E1 at 0.01 µg/kg/minute is a safe and effective therapy for critical CHD.
Gatekeepers of Legal Information: Evaluating and Integrating Free Internet Legal Resources into the Classroom

This Article provides a new analytical tool for legal researchers and practitioners to evaluate free or low-cost Internet resources. Since the global financial crisis has discouraged legal researchers and practitioners from accessing high-cost databases and has encouraged increased reliance on free or low-cost Internet resources, it is important now to establish appropriate evaluation standards for free or low-cost Internet resources. The author believes that evaluation standards based on authority, accuracy, currency, coverage, and usability are necessary for legal instructors in order to safely introduce these resources into their classrooms. The Article critically analyzes Internet legal resources, primarily using the principle of usability web-design. It concentrates on explaining how to evaluate free or less expensive Internet resources. First, the Article attempts to define Internet legal research and show the difficulty of distinguishing Internet legal research from other online searches. Next, the pros and cons of using free or less expensive Internet resources for legal research are discussed. Lastly, this Article attempts to introduce and establish evaluation standards which we can apply to various Internet resources.
Bimanual Interference Increases with Force Demands and is Facilitated by Visuomotor Adaptation.

Abstract When simultaneously performing asymmetrical movements with both hands, there is a tendency for the action of one limb to interfere with control of the other. Little is known about how sensory feedback influences interference. We conducted two experiments to determine how manipulating force feedback and visual feedback alter bimanual coordination during center-out reaching. In the adaptive experiment, asymmetrical reaching was induced by a visual feedback rotation for the right hand while the left hand operated under kinesthetic control (i.e., without visual feedback); in the non-adaptive experiment, asymmetrical reaching was induced by having participants move their right hand to rotated targets under veridical visual feedback, again with the left hand operating under kinesthetic control. In both experiments, we applied a spring resistive force to each hand, with different groups of participants experiencing 0 N/m, 30 N/m, or 60 N/m of resistance. In the adaptive experiment, interference increased with an increase in the force demands for movement in a dose–response fashion (i.e., the higher the resistive force, the larger the interference), but this result did not hold generally for the non-adaptive experiment. Our results indicate that adapting to a visuomotor perturbation may increase sensitivity to feedback gains, including to sensory information not present in the perturbation. Additionally, interference may reflect the application of an explicit strategy used for one limb to control the other, and the addition of an implicit adapting process may bolster this communication of motor information across motor cortices.
The Path to Completion

Attempted wrongdoing is wrong and deserves censure and sanction, provided the agent was responsible for her attempt. One conception of attempts, incorporated in the criminal law, treats them as bivalent. The important question is at what point in an agent’s planning, preparation, and execution of an offense the attempt is completed. However, bivalence fails to recognize partially complete attempts and is unable to give a satisfying account of the criminal law defense of abandonment. This essay explores an alternative conception of attempts as historical and scalar. On this view, attempts involve the implementation of temporally extended decision trees that pass through many nodes and terminate in a last act. This view rejects bivalence, because at many points within the decision tree there is only a partially complete attempt, and it provides a more satisfying account of abandonment, precisely because it can recognize attempts that are only partially complete.
Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement Using the Martlet Wireless Sensing System

This paper describes a recent development in ultrasonic thickness measurement for the Martlet wireless sensing system. The newly developed ultrasonic daughter board is capable of a maximum 80 MHz sampling frequency, a significant improvement compared to the 3 MHz sampling frequency in the previous version. The newly implemented analog-to-digital-converter (ADC) module consists of a high-speed ADC chip, a memory chip, and a shift register, transferring the sampled signal to the Martlet motherboard through the serial peripheral interface protocol. The sampling performance of the proposed ultrasonic daughter board is first validated with 1 MHz and 2.5 MHz sine waves. Ultrasonic thickness measurement testing of 25.4 mm thick steel and 8.0 mm thick rusty steel is next conducted using a 2.25 MHz dual element transducer. The proposed ultrasonic daughter board successfully samples the transducer signal, wirelessly sends the sampled signal to a base station, and obtains accurate thickness values. The developed compact, wireless ultrasonic setup has been designed to be integrated into wireless sensor networks containing a diverse array of sensors, and has been designed to be readily integrated with a mobile robot in the future for autonomous structural inspection.
Discourse on the move

Discourse on the Move is the first book-length exploration of how corpus-based methods can be used for discourse analysis, applied to the description of discourse organization. The primary goal is to bring these two analytical perspectives together: undertaking a detailed discourse analysis of each individual text, but doing so in terms that can be generalized across all texts of a corpus. The book explores two major approaches to this task: ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’. In the ‘top-down’ approach, the functional components of a genre are determined first, and then all texts in a corpus are analyzed in terms of those components. In contrast, textual components emerge from the corpus analysis in the bottom-up approach, and the discourse organization of individual texts is then analyzed in terms of linguistically-defined textual categories. Both approaches are illustrated through case studies of discourse structure in particular genres: fund-raising letters, biology/biochemistry research articles, and university classroom teaching.
Inhibition of intestinal secretion in rats by colchicine and vinblastine

Abstract The role of microtubules in small intestinal electrolyte secretion was investigated in rats by testing the effects of colchicine and vinblastine, both of which inhibit microtubule assembly. In the intact rat, intraperitoneal injection of colchicine (5 mg/kg) inhibited cholera toxin and prostaglandin-stimulated secretion without inhibiting their effects on adenylate cyclase or cAMP concentration. Pretreatment with colchicine had no effect on fluid transport in the absence of secretory stimuli. When added to rat ileum in vitro, colchicine reduced by 60% the short-circuit current (I sc ) response to dibutyryl cAMP added 4 h later, whereas its structural isomer, lumicolchicine, which does not inhibit microtubule assembly, was ineffective. Vinblastine reduced by 55% the I sc response to dibutyryl cAMP and theophylline added 2 h later. Two hour pretreatment with vinblastine also reduced by 40% the I sc response to the cholinergic agonist, carbamylcholine, a Ca-dependent secretory stimulus which does not increase cAMP concentration. In contrast to their antisecretory actions, neither colchicine nor vinblastine inhibited glucose-stimulated active Na absorption. These results suggest a role for microtubules in active electrolyte secretion in the small intestine.
Evaluations of CMIP5 simulations over cropland

Cropland is the major source of carbon lost to the atmosphere and contribute directly to emissions of greenhouse gases. There is, however, large potential for cropland to reduce its carbon ux to the atmosphere and sequester soil carbon through soil and crop managements. The managements include no-tillage, perennial and/or deep root crops, irrigation, and organic fertilization etc. But these estimations over cropland remain largest uncertain among all other terrestrial biomes. In most models in CMIP5, the cropland is generally treated similarly as grassland without accounting for realistic crop phenology and physiology processes and crop and soil manage- ments. In this study, we will evaluate how well cropland is represented in CMIP5 simulations and how to improve the representations and reduce the uncertainties over cropland. We will compare the modeled biogeochemical variables against multiple observational data including various remote sensing products and in-situ data.
Selective-column ball grid array (BGA) for improved reliability

Spherical shaped solderballs on BGA packages have stress concentrations at the solderball-to-package and solderball-to-board interfaces. These stress concentrations can lead to fatigue cracks due to the resulting applied shear stress from the board to package coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch. The concept discussed in this paper uses a better solderball shape to reduce the stress concentration and improve the temperature cycle reliability of these packages. Selective columnar ball grid array packages have columnar shaped solder joints at selective locations within the package. The shape of the columnar joints resembles an hourglass shape which helps to move the region of high stress from the solder ball-package pad interface to the bulk of the solder and also increase the compliancy of the solder joint by reducing the cross section area. The average joint area is reduced by about 30% which reduces the shear stresses by about 50%. A non-linear temperature cycle global model was developed in ABAQUS to assess the improvement in the reliability performance by using columnar joints. The modeling results showed about 40% reduction in the inelastic strain energy density in the worst region solder ball. The model also predicted the high stress region in the bulk of the solderball. The model was validated using displacement fields obtained from Moire interferometry. These packages were stressed for 2000 cycles of temperature cycling from -25 /spl deg/C to 125 /spl deg/C. Cross sections of the solder balls and dye-and-pry techniques were used to understand the failure mechanisms and locations. Failure analysis showed that the columnar balls fail at a slower rate compared to the spherical balls. Cross section of the failed joints showed that they failure location was within the bulk of the solder ball rather than at the interface.
Women, Pain and Death: Rituals and Everyday Life on the Margins of Europe and Beyond

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2008 Pages: 235 Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing ISBN: 9781847188700 (hard cover). Prices: $69.99 USD(hard cover).
Adaptive equalization for time division multiplex channels

A recursive least-squares adaptive lattice algorithm is applied to equalizing a communication channel carrying time division multiplexed (TDM) signals. The procedure utilizes one lattice predictor subsystem for all TDM signals before demultiplexing. The total TDM signal serves as a training sequence, and the minimization is performed on the sum of the squares of the total joint error residual. The weighted backward error output of the lattice predictor is then multiplexed, and the estimate of each signal is obtained. This way, a significant savings in hardware can be obtained. Computer simulation is run for both multiplexed signals. The results show that the equalizer performance is the same as in the case of a single transmitted signal. >
Entrepreneurship in International Trade

One informal barrier to international trade is lack ofinformation about international trading opportunities.This informationcan be supplied by export trading companies who have knowledge about buyers andsellers.Employees working in production or sales cultivate networks offoreign contacts; eventually these employees can change role and becomeentrepreneurs/intermediaries, selling access to their networks of contacts.This is a major mode of entrepreneurship in international trade. A pilot survey sent in 2001 to 220 international trade intermediaries whorepresented organizations belonging to the World Trade Centers Association,supports this hypothesis regarding the supply of network intermediation. Amathematical model of network-based international trade entrepreneurship in apure matching market is also introduced. This general-equilibrium model showsthat there can be too much or too little intermediation, depending on theintermediaries' bargaining power and the technology of intermediation.Equilibrium depends on various parameters, including the cost of maintaining anetwork and the distribution of network sizes in the population. Because theoptimal level of intermediation can be achieved by manipulating the power thatintermediaries have in negotiation, policies that encourage intermediaries tomaintain large networks are commendable. (SAA)
Abstract W P29: Tissue Plasminogen Activator Mediated Reperfusion, and Subsequent Improvement in Resting State Connectivity Correlates with Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) is the only FDA approved medical therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Prior study suggests that early recanalization is associated with better stroke outcome. Our aim was to correlate task-negative and task-positive (TN/TP) resting state network activity with tissue perfusion and functional outcome, in stroke patients who received TPA. Method: AIS patients were consented and underwent NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans during TPA infusion (baseline) and six hours post stroke. The MRI sequences include contrast-enhanced perfusion weighted image (PWI) and resting state Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent or BOLD (RSB) images acquired using a Siemens Treo 3T MRI scanner. Additionally, the RSB scan and the NIHSS were obtained at a 30-day follow up visit. Results: Fourteen patients (mean age ± SD=63 ±14, 50% male, 50% white, 43% black and 7% others) who qualified for TPA completed the study at baseline and 6 hours post stroke. Of these, 6 patients had valid follow up data at 30 days. Three patients without cerebral ischemia were excluded. A paired samples t-test comparing baseline and 6h post stroke showed a significantly improved TP network t(10)= -4.24 p< 0.05. The resting network connectivity improved from 6 hours post stroke to 30-days follow up, t(5)= -5.35 p< 0.01. Similarly, NIHSS, at 6h post stroke t(10)= 3.62 p< 0.01 and at 30-days follow up t(5)= -3.4 p< 0.01 were significantly better than the NIHSS at baseline. The 6-hours post-stroke perfusion correlated with the resting network connectivity in both the damaged (r=-0.56 p= 0.07) and intact hemispheres (r= -0.57 p= 0.06). Differences in functional connectivity and NIHSS scores from baseline to 6 h were positively correlated (r= 0.56 p=0.07). Conclusion: In this pilot study we found that TPA led to changes in MRI based resting state networks and associated functional outcome. Correlations were found between perfusion, functional connectivity and NIHSS. This suggests that the improvement of resting state network means improved efficiency of brain activity indicated by functional outcome and may be a potential predictive MRI biomarker for TPA response. A larger study is needed to verify this finding.
Characteristics of a novel treatment system for linear accelerator–based stereotactic radiosurgery

The purpose of this study is to characterize the dosimetric properties and accuracy of a novel treatment platform (Edge radiosurgery system) for localizing and treating patients with frameless, image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Initial measurements of various components of the system, such as a comprehensive assessment of the dosimetric properties of the flattening filter-free (FFF) beams for both high definition (HD120) MLC and conical cone-based treatment, positioning accuracy and beam attenuation of a six degree of freedom (6DoF) couch, treatment head leakage test, and integrated end-to-end accuracy tests, have been performed. The end-to-end test of the system was performed by CT imaging a phantom and registering hidden targets on the treatment couch to determine the localization accuracy of the optical surface monitoring system (OSMS), cone-beam CT (CBCT), and MV imaging systems, as well as the radiation isocenter targeting accuracy. The deviations between the percent depth-dose curves acquired on the new linac-based system (Edge), and the previously published machine with FFF beams (TrueBeam) beyond D(max) were within 1.0% for both energies. The maximum deviation of output factors between the Edge and TrueBeam was 1.6%. The optimized dosimetric leaf gap values, which were fitted using Eclipse dose calculations and measurements based on representative spine radiosurgery plans, were 0.700 mm and 1.000 mm, respectively. For the conical cones, 6X FFF has sharper penumbra ranging from 1.2-1.8 mm (80%-20%) and 1.9-3.8 mm (90%-10%) relative to 10X FFF, which has 1.2-2.2mm and 2.3-5.1mm, respectively. The relative attenuation measurements of the couch for PA, PA (rails-in), oblique, oblique (rails-out), oblique (rails-in) were: -2.0%, -2.5%, -15.6%, -2.5%, -5.0% for 6X FFF and -1.4%, -1.5%, -12.2%, -2.5%, -5.0% for 10X FFF, respectively, with a slight decrease in attenuation versus field size. The systematic deviation between the OSMS and CBCT was -0.4 ± 0.2 mm, 0.1± 0.3mm, and 0.0 ± 0.1 mm in the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions. The mean values and standard deviations of the average deviation and maximum deviation of the daily Winston-Lutz tests over three months are 0.20 ± 0.03 mm and 0.66 ± 0.18 mm, respectively. Initial testing of this novel system demonstrates the technology to be highly accurate and suitable for frameless, linac-based SRS and SBRT treatment.
The Alliance of Virtue and Vanity in Hume's Moral Theory

In this article I argue that vanity, the desire for and delight in the favorable opinion of others, plays a fundamental role in Hume's account of moral motivation. Hume says that vanity and virtue are inseparable, though he does not explicitly say how or why this should be. I argue that Hume's account of sympathy can explain this alliance. In resting moral sentiment on sympathy, Hume gives a fundamental role to vanity as it becomes either a mediating motive to virtue or else strengthens the otherwise weak motive of moral sentiment.
A new perceptual model for video sequence encoding

A method of encoding monochrome video sequences is presented. This method is applicable to slow-moving scenes with a zoom factor close to unity. It incorporates a perceptual model for the detection and tracking of image blocks perceived to be in apparent motion. The perceptual model is a threshold model based on contrast. Weber fractions in the spatiotemporal domain are used to set the threshold for the detection of motion. The threshold is determined on a scene-adaptive basis. The information content of the scene is derived from the spectral distribution of image data and the masking characteristics of the human visual system. The perceptual model is used in the block-classification process, which in turn determines the coding strategy used for each block type. The discrete cosine transform is used for encoding image blocks which have changed beyond a perceptual threshold. A comparison of the perceptually encoded image sequence with that using no perceptual model indicates substantially improved quality and performance of the perceptual encoder for compression ratios up to 100:1. >
State-of-the-art of superconducting magnets

Abstract A survey of the most recent developments in superconducting magnet materials is presented, and complete data on the upper critical field and transition temperature for the NbTi alloy system are given. The overall critical current density of compound conductors is shown for both low and high field commercial superconductors. A tabulation is given of high field and large bore solenoids, comparing design and test data. Comparative data are also given for some nonsolenoidal coils, and details are listed for the systems under construction or design. A criterion is derived for the stable current density attainable in extremely large magnet systems such as those envisioned for fusion reactors: jα (stored energy) − 1 6 . The review concludes with summaries concerning the structural materials useful in large magnets and the effects of radiation on superconducting magnets.
DIFFUSION OF WEAK ACIDS ACROSS THE TOAD BLADDER. INFLUENCE OF PH ON NON-IONIC PERMEABILITY COEFFICIENTS.

Studies have been carried out, using the toad bladder, to determine the influence of pH on the permeability coefficients (Ktrans) of the non-ionic species of (a) a series of aliphatic acids ranging from propionic to octanoic and (b) the aromatic acids, benzoic and acetylsalicylic. The data demonstrate that as the acidity of the mucosal bathing solution is increased by changing pH from 6 to 4, the fluxes of propionic, butyric, and acetylsalicylic acids increase in direct proportion to the increase in the calculated non-ionic concentration; the permeability coefficients, therefore, remain constant. However, the fluxes of the six, seven, and eight carbon aliphatic acids and benzoic acid rise only slightly despite an almost tenfold increase in non-ionic concentration, the Ktrans falling from approximately 20,000 x 10-7 cm sec.-1 at pH 6 to approximately 2500 x 10-1 cm sec.-1 at pH 4. It has been tentatively proposed that the common characteristic of the compounds exhibiting this anomalous behavior is their non-polarity and high degree of lipid solubility. Possible explanations for the differences observed between the more lipid-soluble and less lipid-soluble compounds have been considered.
Gene expression of the mouse corneal crystallin Aldh3a1: activation by Pax6, Oct1, and p300.

PURPOSE. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 3a1 (Aldh3a1) represents 50% of the water-soluble protein of the mouse corneal epithelial cells and thus, by analogy with the abundant lens crystallins, is considered a corneal crystallin. This study was conducted to examine the developmental pattern and transcriptional activation of Aldh3a1 gene expression in the mouse cornea. METHODS. Aldh3a1 mRNA and protein were analyzed by quantitative (Q)-PCR and Western immunoblot analysis. Functional promoter analysis was examined by cotransfecting plasmids containing variable portions of the Aldh3a1 promoter fused to the luciferase reporter gene into COS-7 cells with selected transcription factors. Transcription factor binding sites were identified by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays (ChIP). In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to assess expression of Aldh3a1, Pax6, and Oct1 in the cornea. RESULTS. Aldh3a1 expression is temporally regulated in the cornea beginning at birth and increasing 100-fold by 6 weeks of age. Pax6, Oct1, and p300 synergistically activate the Aldh3a1 promoter 116-fold. One Pax6 and two Oct1 binding sites were identified in vitro and in vivo in the Aldh3a1 promoter fragment analyzed. Pax6 and Oct1 are both present in the nuclei of corneal epithelial cells of the 6-week-old mouse. Finally, a reduction of Aldh3a1 correlated with reduced Pax6 in the corneas of heterozygous Small eye Pax6 / mice. CONCLUSIONS. Pax6, Oct1, and p300 activate gene expression of the corneal crystallin Aldh3a1 in the mouse. These transcription factors are also implicated in the high expression of crystallin genes in the lens, consistent with the “refracton hypothesis” unifying many aspects of the lens and cornea. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008;49:1814‐1826) DOI: 10.1167/iovs.07-1057
Effect of Water Movement on Salt Movement through Tomato Roots

IN recent years, there has been renewed debate concerning the effect of water absorption on salt absorption through the roots of intact plants. Salt absorption is regarded by many workers as involving active transport into the xylem by a mechanism dependent on energy released in respiration1–3. According to this view, water movement through roots affects salt movement only indirectly by removing salt from the root xylem and thereby producing conditions favourable for increased movement of salt by active transport. On the other hand, several investigators have concluded that, in rapidly transpiring plants, salt moves into the root xylem by mass flow as well as by active transport4–6.
Local Advection of Momentum, Heat, and Moisture during the Melt of Patchy Snow Covers

Abstract A numerical atmospheric boundary layer model, based on higher-order turbulence closure assumptions, is developed and used to simulate the local advection of momentum, heat, and moisture during the melt of patchy snow covers over a 10-km horizontal domain. The coupled model includes solution of the mass continuity equation, the horizontal and vertical momentum equations, an E−ϵ turbulence model, an energy equation, and a water vapor conservation equation. Atmospheric buoyancy is accounted for, and a land surface energy balance model is implemented at the lower boundary. Model integrations indicate that advective processes occurring at local scales produce nonlinear horizontal variations in surface fluxes. Under conditions of the numerical experiments, the energy available to melt snow-covered regions has been found to increase by as much as 30% as the area of exposed vegetation increases upwind of the snow cover. The melt increase is found to vary in a largely linear fashion with decreasing snow-c...
Official etiologies of polish crises: Changing historiographies and factional struggles

(1986). Official etiologies of polish crises: Changing historiographies and factional struggles. Soviet Studies: Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 53-68.