cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health impact and cost of COVID-19 prophylaxis with monoclonal antibodies

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to over 600,000 deaths in the United States and continues to disrupt lives even as effective vaccines are available. We aimed to estimate the impact and health system cost of implementing post-exposure prophylaxis against household exposure to COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies. Methods We developed a decision-analytical model analysis of results from a recent randomized controlled trial with complementary data on household demographic structure, vaccine coverage, and COVID-19 confirmed case counts for the representative month of May, 2021. The model population includes individuals of all ages in the United States by sex and race/ethnicity. Results In a month of similar intensity to May, 2021, in the USA, a monoclonal antibody post-exposure prophylaxis program reaching 50% of exposed unvaccinated household members aged 50+, would avert 1,813 (1,171 – 2,456) symptomatic infections, 526 (343 - 716) hospitalizations, and 83 (56 - 116) deaths. Assuming the unit cost of administering the intervention was US$ 1,264, this program would save the health system US$ 3,055,202 (−14,034,632 - 18,787,692). Conclusions Currently in the United States, health system and public health actors have an opportunity to improve health and reduce costs through COVID-19 post-exposure prophylaxis with monoclonal antibodies.
Independent Evolution of a Lysergic Acid Amide in Aspergillus Species.

Ergot alkaloids derived from lysergic acid have impacted humanity as contaminants of crops and as the bases of pharmaceuticals prescribed to treat dementia, migraines, and other disorders. Several plant-associated fungi in the Clavicipitaceae produce lysergic acid derivatives, but many of these fungi are difficult to culture and manipulate. Some Aspergillus species, which may be more ideal experimental and industrial organisms, contain an alternate branch of the ergot alkaloid pathway but none were known to produce lysergic acid derivatives. We mined genomes of Aspergillus species for ergot alkaloid synthesis (eas) gene clusters and discovered three species--A. leporis, A. homomorphus, and A. hancockii--had eas clusters indicative of the capacity to produce a lysergic acid amide. In culture, A. leporis, A. homomorphus, and A. hancockii produced lysergic acid amides, predominantly lysergic acid α-hydroxyethylamide (LAH). Aspergillus leporis and A. homomorphus produced high concentrations of LAH and secreted most of their ergot alkaloid yield into the culture medium. Phylogenetic analyses indicated genes encoding enzymes leading to the synthesis of lysergic acid were orthologous to those of the lysergic acid amide-producing Clavicipitaceae; however, genes to incorporate lysergic acid into an amide derivative evolved from different ancestral genes in the Aspergillus species. Our data demonstrate fungi outside the Clavicipitaceae produce lysergic acid amides and indicate the capacity to produce lysergic acid evolved once, but the ability to insert it into LAH evolved independently in Aspergillus species and the Clavicipitaceae. The LAH-producing Aspergillus species may be useful for study and production of these pharmaceutically important compounds. IMPORTANCE Lysergic acid derivatives are specialized metabolites with historical, agricultural, and medical significance and were known heretofore only from fungi in one family, the Clavicipitaceae. Our data show that several Aspergillus species, representing a different family of fungi, also produce lysergic acid derivatives and that the ability to put lysergic acid into its amide forms evolved independently in the two lineages of fungi. From microbiological and pharmaceutical perspectives, the Aspergillus species may represent better experimental and industrial organisms than the currently employed, lysergic acid producers of the plant-associated Clavicipitaceae. The observation that both lineages independently evolved the derivative lysergic acid α-hydroxyethylamide (LAH), among many possible lysergic acid amides, suggests a selection for this metabolite.
Another Marx: Early Manuscripts to the International

Marcello Musto is a professor of sociology at York University, Canada, and has published voluminously in multiple languages on Karl Marx. This review centers on Musto’s book Another Marx: Early Man...
« San Carlos de los Jupes : une tentative avortée de sédentarisation des bárbaros dans les territoires frontaliers du nord de la Nouvelle-Espagne en 1787-1788 »

En juillet 1787, Paruanarimuco, principal chef des Comanches jupes, sollicita le soutien de Juan Bautista de Anza, gouverneur espagnol du Nouveau-Mexique, en vue de la construction d’un village pour accueillir les siens. Les autorites du nord de la Nouvelle-Espagne s’empresserent de donner suite a cette requete pour le moins inhabituelle, envisageant de creer ainsi un precedent chez les nomades paiens de la frontiere dans la sedentarisation et l’hispanisation des Jupes. C’est ainsi que debuta, en ete 1787, la construction du village de San Carlos de los Jupes sur les rives de l’Arkansas, dans l’Etat actuel du Colorado, mobilisant main-d’oeuvre et fonds espagnols. Or, en janvier 1788, les Jupes quitterent le village et n’y retournerent jamais plus. Cet essai explore la fondation et la disparition de San Carlos selon une perspective ethnohistorique. L’auteur affirme que ce village comanche ephemere etait voue a l’echec, et ce, pour diverses raisons ecologiques, culturelles et geostrategiques.
Imaging Yellowstone plume-lithosphere interactions from inversion of ballistic and diffusive Rayleigh wave dispersion and crustal thickness data

[1] Diffusive and ballistic Rayleigh wave dispersion data from three PASSCAL seismic deployments are combined with crustal thickness constraints from receiver function analysis to produce a high-resolution shear velocity image of the Yellowstone hot spot track crust and uppermost mantle. This synoptic image shows the following crustal features: the eastern Snake River Plain (ESRP) high-velocity midcrustal layer, low-velocity lower crust beneath the 4.0–6.6 Ma Heise caldera field, high-velocity lower crust beneath the <2.1 Ma Yellowstone Calderas, and low-velocity upper crustal volume beneath the <2.1 Ma Yellowstone caldera fields. The low-velocity lower crust beneath the 4.0–6.6 Ma Heise caldera field is found to extend outward 50–80 km from the ESRP margins, consistent with outflow of the magmatically heated and thickened ESRP lower crust. In addition, the lack of 10 km of crustal thickening of the ESRP crust, associated with the estimated 10 km of magmatic thickening, requires that the ESRP lower crust has flowed outward in a complex fashion governed by preexisting lower crustal strength heterogeneity. Within the northern Wyoming province, the so-called 7.x km/s lower crustal magmatic layer is found to extend westward to the N-S oriented pre-Cambrian rift margin. The high-velocity, hence high-density, 7.x layer beneath the <2.1 Ma Yellowstone caldera fields has apparently inhibited heating of the subcaldera lower crust and instead magmatic heat and fluids are exchanged with the country rock above 13 km depth. The narrow 80 km diameter plume imaged by body wave tomograms, after being sheared to horizontal by plate drift, is manifest as a very low velocity (3.9 km/s) layer that is only about 110 km wide. The ESRP mantle lithosphere has been thinned to about 28 km thickness by the plume's transport of heat and magma upward, lateral advection of the lower lithosphere by plume shear, and ongoing lithospheric dilatation.
Techniques for Identifying and Narrowing Issues in Antitrust Cases

It is true that judges have been hearing an increasing amount of talk about the necessity of managing litigation and about how to do it. I suspect that many of you will say that the subject hasn't penetrated very well in many courts around the country and I think that's probably true although an increasing number of judges are becoming management-minded. But the reason that many judges continue to be reluctant to manage cases is that, one, it's hard work to get into a case sufficiently to be able to manage it; two, judges may feel that they don't have the time to do it; three, they may not be sufficiently familiar either with the law or the facts; and four, many of them regard management as being contrary to the traditional passive role of the judge in the adversary process.
A Review of Scientific Evidence in Criminal Cases , 3rd edition

This volume is the third edition of a work which, since its first appearance in 1973, has become the classic short treatment of its subject. The two senior authors, Professors Moenssens and Inbau, have long been associated with forensic science and have collaborated on the treatise since its inception. They are joined on the present edition by Professor James E. Starrs, also an experienced and well-known author on forensic science matters.
Community Initiatives and Medical Education: Time to Strengthen the Commitment

It is obvious that today’s health crisis in industrialized nations has shifted from communicable infectious issues to non-communicable diseases, especially ones of lifestyle (e.g., diabetes, coronary artery disease, substance abuse). The prevalence of these chronic non-communicable diseases is increasing at a rapid rate, whereby 2030, it is estimated that over 150 million Americans will be affected. The economic ramifications of chronic diseases are also significant: diabetes, for example, increased its economic impact by 41% (from 2007 to 2012), costing $245 billion a year in 2012 [1]. With prevalence and economic burden only to worsen in regards to chronic diseases, the current health system must re-evaluate if it is prepared to take on these health battles.
PROGENIE: biographical descriptions for intelligence analysis

Intelligence analysts face the need for immediate, up-to-date information about individuals of interest. While biographies can be writtenand stored in text databases, we argue that they can get quicklyobsolete for living persons. We present here the architecture of PROGENIE,a biographical description generator currently under construction,focusing on the requirements of the task and its impact on potentialusers.
THE PROBLEM OF POWER

The purpose of this article is to offer a methodological approach for reconstructing and reclaiming power in policy analysis and research. Positivist and post-positivist researchers have largely abandoned the concept after failing to produce a universal definition of power. Interpretive researchers tend to produce definitions that are a function of the methodology and theory selected to guide the inquiry review earlier efforts to define power before presenting a methodology that was used to guide a study of power in the federal higher education policy arena. The methodology combines several methods with the common thread being interpretation. At the heart of this approach is Callon and Latour's (1981) sociology of translation. The claim made for this approach is that it presents a clearer field of vision unimpeded by a priori interpretations or theories of power. The meaning of power is allowed to emerge from the social setting which is being studied.
Time-resolved Fourier spectrum and imaging in highly scattering media

Time and spatial-gated Fourier spectra and imaging were measured and analyzed. A picosecond Kerr–Fourier gate was used to image objects by selecting the spatial frequencies of objects illuminated by a laser pulse passing through a thick turbid medium. The earlier arriving ballistic/snake light and most of the later scattered light were spatially filtered and temporally separated to form an image. The image contrast and the signal-to-noise ratio of hidden objects in turbid media were greatly improved with the addition of Fourier spatial filtering.
A twin study of early cannabis use and subsequent use and abuse/dependence of other illicit drugs.

Introduction. Cannabis use is strongly associated with the use and abuse/dependence of other illicit drugs. Gateway and common liabilities models have been employed to explain this relationship. We sought to examine this association using a combination of the discordant twin design and modeling methods. Method. We assess the relationship between early cannabis use and the subsequent use and abuse/ dependence of other illicit drugs in a population-based sample of male and female twin pairs using four analyses : (i) analysis of the association between early cannabis use and other illicit drug use and abuse/dependence in the entire sample of twins, (ii) assessment of the influence of early cannabis use in twin 1 on twin 2’s use or abuse/dependence of other illicit drugs, (iii) use of twin pairs discordant for early cannabis use in a discordant twin design and (iv) a model-fitting procedure. Results. We found : (i) a strong association between early cannabis use and use and abuse/dependence of other illicit drugs in the sample, (ii) twin 1’s early cannabis use is significantly associated with the twin 2’s other illicit drug use, (iii) the role of correlated genetic factors with some evidence for a causal influence, and (iv) the correlated liabilities model fits the data well. Conclusions. Early cannabis use is strongly associated with other illicit drug use and abuse/dependence. The relationship arises largely due to correlated genetic and environmental influences with persisting evidence for some causal influences.
Ratio of the maximum standardized uptake value on FDG-PET of the mediastinal (N2) lymph nodes to the primary tumor may be a universal predictor of nodal malignancy in patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer.

Background The maximum standardized uptake value (maxSUV) on F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan of mediastinal (N2) lymph nodes may predict pathology in patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer. However, the maxSUV varies among PET scanners. Thus, we evaluated the ratio of the maxSUV of the lymph node to the primary tumor at different centers to determine whether it was a universal predictor of lymph node malignancy. Methods This is a retrospective review of a prospective database. Patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer, a dedicated FDG-PET with the maxSUV of the primary lung tumor and FDG-avid mediastinal (N2) nodes reported (before therapy), and who underwent lymph node removal were eligible. Results There were 239 patients with 335 FDG-PET–positive N2 nodes at 14 different PET centers. The median ratio of the maxSUV of the lymph node to the maxSUV of the primary tumor of the pathologically proven malignant nodes was 0.58 (range, 0.32 to 1.61). Benign nodes had a median ratio of 0.40 (range, 0.21 to 1.10, p = 0.02). The median value was similar for all centers except one. Receiver operating characteristics analysis determined the optimal value of the ratio that maximized sensitivity to be 0.56 or greater (+LR 6.6, sensitivity 94%, specificity 72%). Conclusions The ratio of the maxSUV of the mediastinal (N2) lymph node to the maxSUV of the primary tumor in patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer predicts mediastinal nodal pathology across different PET centers. When the ratio is 0.56 or greater, there is a 94% chance that the node is malignant. The ratio may take into account the different techniques used at different centers.
Refinement of the fundamental niche of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) seedlings in Louisiana: Applications for restoration

Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) occurs at the northern boundary of its North American range in the coastal salt marshes and barrier islands of Louisiana. This species provides important habitat and sustainability to Louisiana’s coastal salt marshes via its woody structure and extensive root system. Refinement of the physiological tolerances of A. germinans seedlings to salinity, sand burial and hydrologic regime provides valuable insight into the fundamental niche of A. germinans and thereby the potential for increased restoration success in coastal and back-barrier salt marshes. We subjected two age classes of A. germinans seedlings used in restoration (young seedlings of 6 or 12 months of age, and older seedlings of either 18 or 24 months of age) to abiotic stressors frequently encountered at coastal restoration sites: (1) elevated salinity levels, from 0 to 96 ppt, (2) sediment burial, from 0 to +20 cm, and (3) varying water levels, ranging from 0 cm to −60 cm. A. germinans seedlings displayed a non-linear response to each environmental factor, with greatest biomass occurring between low and moderate levels of stress or disturbance (i.e., between 24 and 48 ppt salinity, 0 to +10 cm burial, and −15 to −30 cm water level). The two age classes displayed similar physiological tolerances; however, older seedlings may confer an advantage due to greater total biomass and reserves, most notably in response to burial. We suggest that this refinement of the fundamental niche be utilized as a guideline for improved restoration success in micro-tidal environments within black mangrove’s range.
Gait Characteristics in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have reduced gait speeds and more frequent falls. We analyzed gait characteristics and fall risk in these patients using video...
Can sequencing shed light on cell cycling

Every organism must have cells that can replicate indefinitely. Can the draft human genome sequence tell us how the cell cycle works and how it evolved? We studied two protein families--the cyclins and their partners the cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks)--and a conserved regulatory circuit, the spindle checkpoint. Disappointingly, we discovered a few novel cyclins and no new Cdks or components of the spindle checkpoint, and could shed little light on the organization of the cell cycle.
Interferometric tomography in a three-dimensional differentially heated enclosure

Optical tomography using interferometric data is applied in this study to investigate the flow and heat transfer phenomena a 3D differentially-heated cubic enclosure. The interferometric recording and reconstruction system, associated processing and reconstruction procedures, and results from this analysis are described. The experimental results are verified by comparison with independent temperature measurements. The comparisons indicate that the experimental technique can yield 3D perspectives of complex flows having sufficient spatial resolutions to verify detailed 3D direct numerical simulations.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Optimal Message Block Size for Computer Communications with Error Detection and Retransmission Strategies

Error detection and retransmission are used as error control in many computer communication systems. In these systems, random length messages are partitioned into fixed size blocks for ease in data handling and memory management. A mathematical model is developed in this paper to determine the optimal message block size that minimizes the expected waiting time in retransmission and acknowledgment delay and thus maximizes channel efficiency. The model considers two classes of error detection and retransmission strategies: 1) stop-and-wait and 2) continuous transmissions. Using the relationships among acknowledgment time, channel transmission rate, channel error characteristics (random error or burst error), average message length, optimal block size are computed from the model and presented in graphs. The model and the graphs should be useful as a guide in the selection of the optimal fixed message block size for computer communication systems.
SERIAL PROPAGATION OF ADULT HUMAN PROSTATIC EPITHELIAL CELLS WITH CHOLERA TOXIN

Reproducible subculture of adult human prostatic epithelial cells from normal, benign hyperplastic and malignant tissue has been achieved. Cholera toxin is the key component in the culture system, but use of an optimal basal medium (PFMR-4) supplemented with a high level of serum in collagen-coated dishes also improves growth and serial propagation.
Fostering Meaningful Student Learning Through Constructivist Pedagogy and Technology Integration

While national statistics cite a remarkable improvement in technology tools and access to the Internet in most schools across the nation, many teachers are not integrating these tools into their instruction in ways that support and maximize student learning. Additionally, many teachers entering the workforce are far more likely to use computers for personal purposes rather than in the classroom Keengwe, 2007; Keengwe & Onchwari, 2009. Consequently, there is need to motivate, train, and equip teachers with the skills, knowledge, and pedagogical framework to effectively teach with technology tools. This article reviews the constructivist pedagogical framework and the critical issues related to technology integration in schools. This article advocates the need for teachers to embrace constructivist teaching strategies to enhance meaningful teaching and learning in modern technology-rich classrooms.
Brokeback Mountain. Directed by Ang Lee. Los Angeles: Focus Films, 2005

When University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard was brutally killed for being gay in 1998, hate crimes against homosexuals began to be acknowledged as malicious acts. For students who identified...
Subdural empyema caused by an unusual organism following intracranial haematoma.

Introduction Subdural empyema is not commonly diagnosed in the developed world, occurring mostly after meningitis, sinusitis, trauma or surgery.
Lower extremity peripheral artery disease in the absence of traditional risk factors. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Objective Lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (LE-PAD), is strongly related to traditional risk factors (smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes). We hypothesized that the prevalence of LE-PAD in the absence of traditional CVD risk factors is not negligible, and that this condition would remain associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in other territories.
A group of non-uniform exponential growth locally isomorphic to IMG(z^2+i)

We prove that a sequence of marked three-generated groups isomorphic to the iterated monodromy group of z 2 + i converges to a group of non-uniform exponential growth, which is an extension of the infinite direct sum of cyclic groups of order 4 by a Grigorchuk group.
The role of teleconferences in global public health education.

This paper presents a global health education program using a ‘Teleconference’ approach. It provides examples of how technology can be used to deliver health education at the international level. Two international teleconferences about public health issues were conducted in 2013 and 2014 involving universities and public health institutions in Colombia, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Uganda, and the United States. More than 400 students, faculty, and community members attended these educational events. These teleconferences served as the medium to unite countries despite the geographical distances and to facilitate collaborations and networking across nations. Teleconferences are an example of effective technology-based health education and health promotion programs.
The evaluation of a cadexomer iodine wound dressing on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in acute wounds.

Background.Many bacteria have become resistant to commonly-used antibiotics.Objective.The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a cadexomer iodine wound dressing on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).Method.Partial thickness wounds were made on the backs of three pigs an
A cutaneous and pelvic lymphangioma with varices, lymphangiomas and capillary hemangiomas of the rectosigmoid colon

ination almost three-fourths of the cross-sectional area of the polyp head appeared carcinomatous (Figure Ic). Signet-like carcinoma cells were seen invading the stroma of the hyper­ plastic polyp (Figure Id). These cells stained with mucicar­ mine. The carcinoma did not invade into the stalk. There was intestinal ization ofthe mucosa of the hyperplastic polyp. After polypectomy, the patient had no further gastrointestinal com­ plaints. She died following a cerebrovascular accident 8 months afterwards. Necropsy was not obtained. DISCUSSION The patient was referred for electrosurgical polypectomy because she was felt not to be a suitable surgical candidate by the referring surgeon by reason of digitalis intoxication, severe coronary artery disease, and debility. The endoscopic electrosurgical polypectomy was performed without difficulty. That carcinoma was present in the polyp was an unexpected finding. However, insofar as there was no invasion into the stalk of the polyp, no further therapy was pursued. No longer is it necessary to operate upon patients for symptomatic gastric polyps or to follow them radiographically when polyps can be removed endoscopically without appar­ ent morbidity or mortality.s-B Superficial biopsy of gastric polyps has been shown to be misleading.' Therefore, accurate diagnosis can be obtained only by examination of the entire polyp removed by electrosurgical polypectomy. Gastric polyps larger than 2 cm have been shown to have approximately a 50% chance of malignancy.· Sagaidak re­ ported a 77% occurrence of gastric carcinoma and death in polyps over 2 cm in diameter in a series of 227 patients.9 There continues to be controversy whether adenomatous polyps degenerate into carcinoma or occurde nova. It appears that adenomatous polyps with intestinalization of gastric mu­ cosa have a propensity to do SO.4,1O-12 No report of adenocar­ cinoma occurring in a hyperplastic gastric polyp published in English could be found.
Practical and High-Yield Syntheses of Dihydromorphine from Tetrahydrothebaine and Efficient Syntheses of (8S)-8-Bromomorphide

A practical method for the conversion of tetrahydrothebaine to dihydromorphine in 92% yield is described. The procedure should allow more efficient production of opium products and may be easily modified for large-scale synthesis. The conversion of codeine to (8S)-8-bromomorphide, a potentially valuable intermediate to 6-demethoxyoripavine and derivatives, is also described. The absolute configuration of (8S)-8-bromomorphide was determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of the hydrobromide salt.
Facilitating Emergent Literacy Skills: A Literature-Based, Multiple Intelligence Approach

Abstract Educators have continually sought to achieve a balance between a phonics-based, code-emphasis program and a more holistic, meaning-based approach to emergent literacy instruction. This article describes an integrated phonics and literature-based approach to developing children's emergent literacy skills. These skills included alphabet knowledge, phonemic awareness, phonics and nonsense word competence, and language usage. Using Howard Gardner's (1983) theory of multiple intelligence, the program's literacy activities addressed children's interpersonal, intrapersonal, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, linguistic, musical, naturalistic, and visual-spatial abilities and interests. Stories from children's trade books were told in a variety of storytelling methods, such as draw talk, character imagery, felt board, group role play, and chant. These approaches were matched to children's interests and multiple intelligence areas. All of the storytelling sessions were followed by related activitie...
Modified constraint-induced therapy in acute stroke: a randomized controlled pilot study.

To determine modified constraint-induced therapy (mCIT) feasibility and compare its efficacy to traditional rehabilitation (TR) in acute stroke patients exhibiting upper limb hemiparesis. Method. Before-after, multiple baseline, randomized controlled pilot study. Setting. Rehabilitation hospital. Patients. Ten stroke patients < 14 d poststroke and exhibiting upper limb hemiparesis and affected limb nonuse. Interventions. Five patients were administered mCIT, consisting of structured therapy emphasizing more affected arm use in valued activities 3 d/week for 10 weeks and less affected arm restraint 5 d/week for 5 h. Five other patients received 1/2 sessions of traditional motor rehabilitation for the affected arm, which included affected limb manual dexterity exercises and stretching, as well as compensatory strategies with the unaffected limb. The TR regimens occurred 3 d/week for 10 weeks. Main Outcome Measures. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery (Fugl-Meyer), Action Research Arm Test (ARA), and...
Computer simulation results for the two-point probability function of composite media

Computer simulation results are reported for the two-point matrix probability function S/sub 2/ of two-phase random media composed of disks distributed with an arbitrary degree of impenetrability lambda. The novel technique employed to sample S/sub 2/(r) (which gives the probability of finding the endpoints of a line segment of length r in the matrix) is very accurate and has a fast execution time. Results for the limiting cases lambda = 0 (fully penetrable disks) and lambda = 1 (hard disks), respectively, compare very favorably with theoretical predictions made by Torquato and Beasley and by Torquato and Lado. Results are also reported for several values of lambda that lie between these two extremes; cases which heretofore have not been examined. copyright 1988 Academic Press, Inc.
Thermal and Physical Characterization and Curing Kinetics Study of a Novel Curable Fillet Forming Ball Attach Flux for Improvement of Solder Joint Reliability on Ball Grid Array Packages

This paper concentrates on the characterization of a novel curable fillet forming ball attach flux. This polymer based material is expected to improve 2nd level interconnet solder joint reliability on ball grid array packages. The evaluations reported in this paper consist of the characterization of their physical and thermal properties. With the understanding of the materials physical properties, the failing mechanism, and material robustness can be predicted.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Mass Motions in a Flare Spray

High velocity Hα ejections were observed in association with an important solar flare on March 12, 1969, and simultaneously with Type II followed by Type IV radio emission detectable to 3–4 solar radii (R ⊙) from the center of the Sun. From a sequence of Hα coronagraph photographs, trajectories and velocity determinations were made for fragments of the flare spray which was visible to a distance of 2 R ⊙. The temporal and spatial relationship between the optical and radio events is discussed. The mass motions appear to be controlled by the gravitational field while the fragments move in the direction of the open magnetic field lines.
Mapping determinants of the substrate selectivities of P450 enzymes by site-directed mutagenesis

Abstract Point-mutation studies in cytochrome P450s by site-directed mutagenesis have identified key residues that can confer the catalytic properties of one cytochrome P450 onto another. Most of these key residues cluster at sites that map to amino acids forming the substrate-binding site of P450cam. a distantly related enzyme. These sites are found on topological elements of P450cam, which by their surface location and lack of extensive secondary structure are likely to permit genetic variation without extensive disruption of the overall topology of the enzyme. If these topological features of P450cam are conserved in the mammalian enzymes, they are likely to accommodate the structural diversity seen for mammalian P450s in a manner that conserves a basic structure for P450 enzymes but that leads to the catalytic diversity seen for the mammalian enzymes.
On the honesty of graph complements

Abstract A graph is called honest if its edge-integrity equals its order. It is shown in this paper that except for the path of length 3, every graph that is not honest has an honest complement. This result is extended to complements of products and applied to the Nordhaus-Gaddum theory for edge- integrity.
Motor pattern control for increasing crushing force in the striped burrfish (Chilomycterus schoepfi).

Abstract The relationship between muscular force modulation and the underlying nervous system control signals has been difficult to quantify for in vivo animal systems. Our goal was to understand how animals alter muscle activation patterns to increase bite forces and to evaluate how accurate these patterns are in predicting crushing forces. We examined the relationship between commonly used measures of cranial muscle activity and force production during feeding events of the striped burrfish (Chilomycterus schoepfi), a mollusc crushing specialist. We quantified the force required to crush a common gastropod prey item (Littorina irrorata) of burrfish using a materials testing device. Burrfish were fed these calibrated prey items while we recorded electromyograms (EMGs) from the main jaw closing muscles (adductor mandibulae A1β, A2α, and A2β). We quantified EMG activity by measuring the burst duration, rectified integrated area, and then calculated the intensity of activity from these two variables. Least squares regressions relating force to crush ( F crush ) and all EMG variables were calculated for each fish. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine how much of the variation in F crush could be explained by muscle activation patterns. We found that 20 cm burrfish are capable of generating extremely high crushing forces (380 N peak force) primarily by increasing the duration of muscle activity. EMG variables explained 71% of the total variation in force production. After accounting for the inherent variation in F crush of snails, EMGs do a very good job of predicting bite forces for these fish.
mGlu1α-dependent recruitment of excitatory GABAergic input to neocortical Cajal-Retzius cells.

Cajal-Retzius cells are thought to play an important role for cortical development, and receive primarily spontaneous GABAergic input mediated by GABAA receptors. However, neither the effects of synaptically-released GABA on their excitability nor the cellular source(s) of spontaneous GABAergic currents have been yet determined. By directly recording electrophysiological responses from identified Cajal-Retzius cells of the CXCR4-EGFP mouse, we show that GABAergic input can trigger supra-threshold responses, and that the pharmacological activation of mGlu1α receptors with the group I agonist DHPG powerfully increases the frequency of spontaneous GABAergic currents. These effects appeared mediated by a network mechanism, because responses to DHPG were completely prevented both by surgical disconnection of layer I from lower layers and by exposure of slices to TTX. We propose that the cellular source underlying the observed effect of DHPG are layer I-targeting Martinotti-like interneurons, which we show express functional group I mGluRs and respond to DHPG with supra-threshold depolarization already at early developmental stages. In conclusion, our work suggests that conditions of enhanced glutamate release may be critical at early developmental stages for the recruitment of an mGlu1α-dependent micro-circuit, which then leads to the activation of Cajal-Retzius cells.
Fitting the generalized lambda distribution (GLD) system by a method of percentiles, II: tables

SYNOPTIC ABSTRACTThe Generalized Lambda Distribution, GLD(λ1, λ2, λ3, λ4), is a four-parameter family that has been used for fitting distributions to data sets. With rare exceptions, the method of moments has been used for estimating the GLD parameters, making it impossible to fit a GLD distribution whose first four moments do not exist. This paper deals with the use of an estimation method that is based on percentiles. To provide practitioners ready access to this method, extensive tables are provided to facilitate parameter estimation.This research paper was supported by NATO Research Grant No. CRG 931030 and a Robert C. Good Fellowship from Denison University.
Comparison of damping in buildings under low-amplitude and strong motions

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of damping values and other dynamic characteristics of five buildings using strong-motion and low-amplitude (ambient vibration) data. The strong-motion dynamic characteristics of five buildings within the San Francisco Bay area are extracted from recordings of the 17 October 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake (LPE). Ambient vibration response characteristics for the same five buildings were inferred using data collected in 1990 following LPE. Additional earthquake data other than LPE for one building and ambient vibration data collected before LPE for two other buildings provide additional confirmation of the results obtained. For each building, the percentages of critical damping and the corresponding fundamental periods determined from low-amplitude test data are appreciably lower than those determined from strong-motion recordings. These differences are attributed mainly to soil-structure interaction and other non-linear behavior affecting the structures during strong shaking. Significant contribution of radiation damping to the effective damping of a specific building is discussed in detail.
In Situ Detection of Messenger RNA Using Digoxigenin-Labeled Oligonucleotides and Rolling Circle Amplification

The detection of specific RNA molecules in situ is routinely performed using haptenated probes, which are detected by either enzymatic amplification or direct fluorescence. A drawback of fluorescence labeling has been the reduced sensitivity relative to that of methods that use enzymes as signal generators. Reliable fluorescence detection methods often require the use of multiple oligonucleotide probes for each gene target. Here, we demonstrate that single haptenated DNA probes specific for actin mRNA may be detected in situ using antibody-coupled rolling circle amplification (immuno-RCA). This fluorescence-based detection method offers remarkable sensitivity due to the use of signal amplification and yet retains the ability to count hybridization signals as discrete objects. We demonstrate the detection of actin-specific immuno-RCA signals in the cytoplasm and use 3D image deconvolution of multiple z axis sections to show that there are hundreds of signals per cell. With some modifications, this method may be adaptable to the simultaneous detection of several RNA species, including low-copy-number mRNA.
Spontaneous emission of a moving atom in vacuum

Spontaneous emission of an excited two-level nonrelativistic atom is examined in the Schr\"odinger picture by treating the atom's external and internal degrees of freedom on the same quantum footing. After all atomic transitions that lead to the evolution of this atom-vacuum system are analyzed, it is found that the atom's spontaneous emission rate is reduced by its center-of-mass motion. It is also found that, as a result of the entanglement between atomic and photonic states, the spontaneous emission process cannot be explained as a process that takes place in one coordinate system moving with the atom but is observed in another stationary system.
Murine strain differences in contractile function are temperature- and frequency-dependent.

Despite the widespread use of mice in the investigation of cardiac function, little is known as to what extent cardiac contractile function varies between different murine strains. We have investigated basic contractile function in isolated multicellular right ventricular trabeculae from three commonly used mouse strains (C57BL/6, SV129, and FVBN). Suitable trabeculae ( 1 mm long) occurred rather frequently in FVBN and SV129 mice (on average about 2 per heart), but only sporadically in C57BL/6 mice (on average only 1 per 3–4 mice). However, using similar sized preparations under experimental conditions closely mimicking those in vivo (37°C and frequencies between 8 and 12 Hz), contractile function was virtually identical. In addition, the magnitude of response to β-adrenergic stimulation was also indistinguishable between the strains. However, at subphysiological frequency, FVBN mice consistently displayed more developed force compared to C57/BL6 and SV129 mice. Furthermore, contractile performance at a subphysiological temperature and frequency, where studies on isolated myocardium often are performed, was also strain-dependent. We conclude that basic contractile function under near physiological conditions is preserved throughout various strains, but subphysiological conditions can have a profound effect on contractile performance. Hence, choice of strain can have important implications for cardiac contractile function under nonphysiological conditions.
Oviposition Dynamics of Two Released Species of Toxorhynchites (Diptera: Culicidae) and Potential Prey Species

Releases of 122 Toxorhynchites brevipalpis and 106 Toxorhynchites rutilus were made in a 4.6-ha oak-maple woodlot in northern Indiana to examine the spatial distribution of Toxorhynchites oviposition in relation to prey oviposition preferences. Oviposition was monitored at 25 sites with ovitraps suspended at 0.6, 3.0, and 6.1 m. Six weekly collections yielded 137,917 eggs of Aedes triseriatus and Aedes hendersoni and all 75 traps received eggs. Over a 28-day period, 1370 Tx. brevipalpis and 785 Tx. rutilus eggs were recovered. Toxorhynchites brevipalpis eggs were collected in 88% (66/75) of the traps and Tx. rutilus eggs were collected in 91% (68/75). Toxorhynchites eggs of 1 or both species were found in all traps. The Tx. brevipalpis mosquitoes deposited over ½ of their eggs in the 0.6-m traps, whereas the 3.0-m trap received the most Tx. rutilus eggs. Eggs of both Toxorhynchites species and the potential prey species were spatially aggregated within the woodlot. The spatial differences in oviposition between the 2 species of Toxorhynchites enhanced the degree of overlap in oviposition between the predators and the potential prey population.
Microblogging about teaching: Nurturing participatory cultures through collaborative online reflection with pre-service teachers

Abstract Reflection is a cornerstone of most teacher education programs, but common practices have long been individualistic and this has become increasingly evident in an era when young people are participating in online cultures more than ever. Informal participation in digital affinity spaces could provide insights for more formal learning environments. We encouraged collaborative reflection among 77 middle/secondary pre-service teachers using the closed social networking site Edmodo. While there were obstacles and ambiguities, findings indicated that our pre-service teachers found the site highly usable, appreciated the choice and influence afforded them through the medium, and grew as teacher-candidates from peer-to-peer interactions.
Wolbachia and the normal and incompatible eggs of Aedes polynesiensis (Diptera: Culicidae)☆

Abstract The development of eggs resulting from compatible and incompatible crosses of Aedes polynesiensis strains was studied. No difference was seen between newly laid compatible and incompatible eggs. Very little development occurs in most of the incompatible eggs; the eggs that develop mature but often produce abnormal embryos. Embryos developed in as many as 10% of the incompatible eggs and these developed into both males and females, which indicates that the surviving embryos were not parthenogenetic. In eggs infected with Wolbachia, the pole cells are infected at the time of formation and provide infection for the germ cells which develop later. Embryos that survive the incompatibility reaction and hatch from the egg develop normally.
Error source in flowmetering in cable-in-conduit conductors by time of flight

Abstract Measurement of the flow velocity of helium above the lambda point by the time of flight method suffers from inaccuracies caused by retardation of the heat pulse with respect to the flowing helium and by the progressive change in the shape of the pulse. The cause of these effects is the engulfing of cold metal by the heated slug of helium as it progresses downstream. Because the magnitude of these effects depends on the specific heat of the metal, the error in the velocity is small for low temperatures (≈ 1%in the case of NbTi/Cu at 4.0 K) but rises rapidly with increasing temperature (about a factor of 3 in the case of Ag/BSCCO at 20 K).
Adjustment Problems in Developing Countries and the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement

This article examines changes in intraindustry specialization indicators over the 1992–2006 period to assess the potential for factor adjustment problems that may arise in Central American countries and the Dominican Republic (CA/DR) with trade growth resulting from the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Results show there is considerable scope for intraindustry specialization between CA/DR countries and their most important trading partner. Few CA/DR industries are likely to encounter adjustment problems. When adjustment problems are indicated, extended phase-out periods for tariffs, tariff-rate quotas, and import safeguards are used to ease factor adjustment pressures in import-sensitive industries.
Spectral evolution of microwaves and hard X-rays in the 1989 March 18 flare and its interpretation

We analyze the time variation of microwave spectra and hard X-ray spectra of 1989 March 18, which are obtained from the Solar Array at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) and the Hard X-Ray Burst Spectrometer (HXRBS) on the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM), respectively. From this observation, it is noted that the hard X-ray spectra gradually soften over 50 - 200 keV on-and-after the maximum phase while the microwaves at 1 - 15 GHz show neither a change in spectral shape nor as rapid a decay as hard X-rays. This leads to decoupling of hard X-rays from the microwaves in the decay phase away from their good correlation seen in the initial rise phase. To interpret this observation, we adopt a view that microwave-emitting particles and hard X-ray particles are physically separated in an inhomogeneous magnetic loop, but linked via interactions with the Whistler waves generated during flares. From this viewpoint, it is argued that the observed decoupling of microwaves from hard X-rays may be due to the different ability of each source region to maintain high energy electrons in response to the Whistler waves passing through the entire loop. To demonstrate this possibility, we solve a Fokker-Planck equation that describes evolution of electrons interacting with the Whistler waves, taking into account the variation of Fokker-Planck coefficients with physical quantities of the background medium. The numerical Fokker-Planck solutions are then used to calculate microwave spectra and hard X-ray spectra for agreement with observations. Our model results are as follows: in a sronger field region, the energy loss by electron escape due to scattering by the waves is greatly enhanced resulting in steep particle distributions that reproduce the observed hard X-ray spectra. In a region with weaker fields and lower density, this loss term is reduced allowing high energy electrons to survive longer so that microwaves can be emitted there in excess of hard X-rays during the decay phase of the flare. Our results based on spectral fitting of a flare event are discussed in comparison with previous studies of microwaves and hard X-rays based on either temporal or spatial information.