cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma profile and shape optimization for the advanced tokamak power plant, ARIES-AT

Abstract An advanced tokamak plasma configuration is developed based on equilibrium, ideal MHD stability, bootstrap current analysis, vertical stability and control, and poloidal field coil analysis. The plasma boundaries used in the analysis are forced to coincide with the 99% flux surface from the free-boundary equilibrium. Using an accurate bootstrap current model and external current drive profiles from ray tracing calculations in combination with optimized pressure profiles, βN values above 7.0 have been obtained. The minimum current drive requirement is found to lie at a lower βN of 6.0. The external kink mode is stabilized by a tungsten shell located at 0.33 times the minor radius and a feedback system. Plasma shape optimization has led to an elongation of 2.2 and triangularity of 0.9 at the separatrix. Vertical stability could be achieved by a combination of tungsten shells located at 0.33 times the minor radius and feedback control coils located behind the shield. The poloidal field coils were optimized in location and current, providing a maximum coil current of 8.6 MA. These developments have led to a simultaneous reduction in the power plant major radius and toroidal field from those found in a previous study [S.C. Jardin, C.E. Kessel, C.G. Bathke, D.A. Ehst, T.K. Mau, F. Najmabadi, T.W. Petrie, the ARIES Team, Physics basis for a reversed shear tokamak power plant, Fusion Eng. Design 38 (1997) 27].
Examining cyberbullying across the lifespan

Understanding the variables and processes that predict cyberbullying perpetration has become important to developing theory and contributing to intervention. One recent cyberbullying model that has received recent support is the Barlett and Gentile (2012) model. Briefly, this model applies broader learning theory to predict that anonymity and the lack of concern about strength differential predict cyberbullying behavior through the development of positive attitudes towards cyberbullying. To test these learning postulates, the current study had 167 youth (average age=13.76) and 552 adults (average age=36.20) complete measures of cyberbullying behavior, cyberbullying attitudes, anonymity, belief in the non-importance of physical strength online, and time spent online. Results showed that the relation between age and the aforementioned variables was quadratic (rather than linear), such that cyberbullying increased from youth to emerging adulthood and then decreased. Examined participant's age on cyberbullying.Participants aged between 11 and 75 years completed questionnaires.Results showed age correlated with cyberbullying.Results showed age moderated cyberbullying relations.Overall, age is theoretically related to cyberbullying processes.
Race, Serum Potassium, and Associations With ESRD and Mortality

Background Recent studies suggest that potassium levels may differ by race. The basis for these differences and whether associations between potassium levels and adverse outcomes differ by race are unknown. Study Design Observational study. Setting & Participants Associations between race and potassium level and the interaction of race and potassium level with outcomes were investigated in the Racial and Cardiovascular Risk Anomalies in Chronic Kidney Disease (RCAV) Study, a cohort of US veterans (N=2,662,462). Associations between African ancestry and potassium level were investigated in African Americans in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (N=3,450). Predictors Race (African American vs non–African American and percent African ancestry) for cross-sectional analysis; serum potassium level for longitudinal analysis. Outcomes Potassium level for cross-sectional analysis; mortality and end-stage renal disease for longitudinal analysis. Results The RCAV cohort was 18% African American (N=470,985). Potassium levels on average were 0.162mmol/L lower in African Americans compared with non–African Americans, with differences persisting after adjustment for demographics, comorbid conditions, and potassium-altering medication use. In the ARIC Study, higher African ancestry was related to lower potassium levels (−0.027mmol/L per each 10% African ancestry). In both race groups, higher and lower potassium levels were associated with mortality. Compared to potassium level of 4.2mmol/L, mortality risk associated with lower potassium levels was lower in African Americans versus non–African Americans, whereas mortality risk associated with higher levels was slightly greater. Risk relationships between potassium and end-stage renal disease were weaker, with no difference by race. Limitations No data for potassium intake. Conclusions African Americans had slightly lower serum potassium levels than non–African Americans. Consistent associations between potassium levels and percent African ancestry may suggest a genetic component to these differences. Higher and lower serum potassium levels were associated with mortality in both racial groups.
Chemostat Culture for Yeast Physiology and Experimental Evolution

Continuous culture provides many benefits over the classical batch style of growing yeast cells. Steady-state cultures allow for precise control of growth rate and environment. Cultures can be propagated for weeks or months in these controlled environments, which is important for the study of experimental evolution. Despite these advantages, chemostats have not become a highly used system, in large part because of their historical impracticalities, including low throughput, large footprint, systematic complexity, commercial unavailability, high cost, and insufficient protocol availability. However, we have developed methods for building a relatively simple, low-cost, small footprint array of chemostats that can be run in multiples of 32. This "ministat array" can be applied to problems in yeast physiology and experimental evolution.
Architectures for Data Parallel Algorithms

One very useful division of parallel algorithms is the division between those algorithms that exploit data parallelism and those that exploit control parallelism. As defined by Hillis, data parallel algorithms have a single thread of control that acts on many data items in parallel, while control parallel algorithms have many threads of control. Although the distinction is not always sharp, it does capture an important aspect of parallel computing.
The ε-δ Arguments

Every subject has its A, B, and C. The A-B-C for large-sample techniques is e, δ, and a line of arguments. For the most part, this line of arguments tells how large the sample size, n, has to be in order to achieve an arbitrary accuracy that is characterized by e and δ. It should be pointed out that, sometimes, the arguments may involve no δ (e), or more than one δ (e), but the basic lines of the arguments are all similar.
Impact of roasting on the flavan-3-ol composition, sensory-related chemistry, and in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of cocoa beans.

Abstract Roasting is an important cocoa processing step, but has been reported to reduce the polyphenol content in the beans. We investigated the impact of whole-bean roasting on the polyphenol content, aroma-related chemistry, and in vitro pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitory activity of cocoa under a range of roasting conditions. Total phenolics, (−)-epicatechin, and proanthocyanidin (PAC) dimer – pentamer content was reduced by roasting. By contrast, roasting at 150 °C or greater increased the levels of catechin and PAC hexamers and heptamers. These compounds have greater PL inhibitory potency. Consistent with these changes in PAC composition and this previous data, we found that roasting at 170 °C time-dependently increased PL inhibitory activity. Cocoa aroma-related compounds increased with roasting above 100 °C, whereas deleterious sensory-related compounds formed at more severe temperatures. Our results indicate that cocoa roasting can be optimized to increase the content of larger PACs and anti-PL activity, while maintaining a favorable aroma profile.
Exertional heat illness incidence and on-site medical team preparedness in warm weather

To investigate the influence of estimated wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and the International Institute of Race Medicine (IIRM) activity modification guidelines on the incidence of exertional heat stroke (EHS) and heat exhaustion (HEx) and the ability of an on-site medical team to treat those afflicted. Medical records of EHS and HEx patients over a 17-year period from the New Balance Falmouth Road Race were examined. Climatologic data from nearby weather stations were obtained to calculate WBGT with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (WBGTA) and Liljegren (WBGTL) models. Incidence rate (IR) of EHS, HEx, and combined total of EHS and HEx (COM) were calculated, and linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between IR and WBGTA or WBGTL. One-way ANOVA was performed to compare differences in EHS, HEx, and COM incidence to four alert levels in the IIRM guidelines. Incidence of EHS, HEx, and COM was 2.12, 0.98, and 3.10 cases per 1000 finishers. WBGTA explained 48, 4, and 46% of the variance in EHS, HEx, and COM IR; WBGTL explained 63, 13, and 69% of the variance in EHS, HEx, and COM IR. Main effect of WBGTA and WBGTL on the alert levels were observed in EHS and COM IR (p < 0.05). The cumulative number of EHS patients treated did not exceed the number of cold water immersion tubs available to treat them. EHS IR increased as WBGT and IIRM alert level increased, indicating the need for appropriate risk mitigation strategies and on-site medical treatment.
Biologically Active NOx Production By Nano-Second Pin-Plate Discharge In Air

Atmospheric pressure air plasma discharges can generate abundance of biologically actives such as nitrogen oxides NOx (NO, NO2 etc) which are known as very important reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in biomedical applications.[1-2] In this work, we focus on the study of NOx synthesis by nanosecond pin-plate discharge in atmospheric pressure air. The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum shows the primary species produced by this discharge only include NO, NO2, and HONO. The energy costs of NOx production decrease with increasing pulse width (in the range of 100ns to 260ns) from ~2400 GJ/tN (gigajoules per metric ton) to ~1000 GJ/tN. Detailed investigation of power consumption and NOx production throughout the pulse gives hints regarding the mechanisms of efficient NOx synthesis, namely that the initial and inefficient breakdown process is the main sink of energy. We show late-pulse, 2 mm gap NOx production energy cost may be as low as ~ 300 GJ/tN（~1.4 x 1017 molecules/J）which is something similar with gliding arc discharge results [3]. A simple 0D post-discharge kinetic model is able to reproduce the experimentally observed trends, assuming the main driver for NOx production is electronically excited nitrogen species N2,e*. The model implies an initial increasing trend for efficiency with increased N2,e* concentration which may explain the increase in efficiency we observe with increasing pulse width.
Separable t Matrices and the Three-Body Problem

A new, separable expansion of the two-body $t$ matrix is presented. Such an expansion reduces the Faddeev equations to coupled equations in one continuous variable. The leading term of the expansion is the separable approximation suggested by Kowalski and Noyes. Any separable approximation to the $t$ matrix obtained by truncating the expansion is exact half-off the energy shell, exactly satisfies the off-shell unitarity relation, and duplicates the exact $t$ matrix in the neighborhood of two-body bound-state and resonance energies. The rate of convergence of the expansion is tested by means of examples. Two terms give a good approximation to the $S$-wave part of the $t$ matrix arising from a square-well potential, which fits the low-energy two-nucleon scattering data in an average way. It is also shown that the first term of the expansion gives a very good approximation to the $t$ matrix arising from a pure hard-core potential. Results are given for the binding energy of a system of three identical spinless particles interacting via square-well potentials with and without hard cores. The two potentials have the same scattering length and effective range. The potential without a core produces a three-body binding energy of 10.1 MeV; the potential with a core produces a three-body binding energy of 8.00 MeV.
Unilateral true vocal fold synkinesis presenting with airway obstruction.

Objectives: We present a case series of 10 patients with unilateral true vocal fold paralysis who presented with airway obstruction. Methods: A retrospective review of the authors' patients at 2 institutions with unilateral true vocal fold motion impairment was carried out over a 10-year period. Of these, 10 patients were identified who presented with stridor and dyspnea as a result of synkinesis. Six cases were a result of thyroidectomy, 1 case resulted from recurrent laryngeal nerve section for spasmodic dysphonia, 1 case occurred after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion, and in 2 cases no cause was identified. Results: Three patients underwent tracheotomy. Two patients underwent partial arytenoidectomy. Seven patients underwent botulinum toxin injection; 2 were treated with breathing therapy, and in 1 case breathing therapy was recommended. Seven patients underwent treatment with more than 1 method. Conclusions: Unilateral vocal fold paralysis may present with airway obstruction as a result of synkinesis. Treatment should be incremental and starts with breathing therapy and botulinum toxin injection. Partial arytenoidectomy or tracheotomy may be necessary for refractory cases.
Prehistoric Diet From the Lower Pecos Region of Texas

The analysis of 38 coprolites provides a unique view of the diet, health, and subsistence of a group of hunter-gatherers of the Chzhuahuan Desert region of southwestern Texas. These prehistoric peo...
The Yards, A Way of Life: A Story of the Sioux City Stockyards

Review of: "The Yards, a Way of Life: A Story of the Sioux City Stockyards," by Marcia Poole.
Discourse Issues in Cross-Cultural Pragmatics: Educating the Community

In the past 20 years, new issues have emerged in the field of educational linguistics owing directly to loosening of borders and acceptance of “marginality” across societal boundaries (cf. Rampton 1997). With this new fluidity come new challenges, not the least of which is educating the public about how to avoid cross-cultural misfires when multiple norms of interaction come into contact. From the perspective of cross-cultural discourse and pragmatics, it is no longer appropriate nor is it practical to view the acquisition of communicative competence as a process of learning the norms of a second language. To take this sort of ethnolinguistic/ethnocentric view can be more than dangerous—it can be a matter of life and death. I illustrate this pressing need with one recent example of a second language discourse misfire that resulted in a national health issue and ultimately the death of a child.
Laryngeal cryptococcoma resulting in airway compromise in an immunocompetent patient: a case report.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast than can result in isolated or disseminated infections. This case report describes an immunocompetent patient presenting with airway obstruction secondary to laryngeal crypotococcoma, mimicking a laryngeal malignancy, and describes associated management. A 68-year-old immunocompetent female with a new positron emission tomography-avid laryngeal lesion was intubated after acute respiratory decompensation. Airway evaluation revealed diffuse mucosal changes throughout the endolarynx with significant loss of normal native tissue architecture. Operative biopsy confirmed infection of C neoformans. The patient was treated with extended-course fluconazole. This case reinforces characteristic physical and histologic findings described for laryngeal cryptococcal infection. Laryngoscope, 129:926-929, 2019.
Implementation of strategies to increase genetic counseling referral rates for ovarian cancer patients.

1590Background: Genetic counseling is recommended for all women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, independent of family history. Despite the potential benefits to the patient and her family...
Gonadal Functioning and Perceptions of Infertility Risk Among Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Report From the St Jude Lifetime Cohort Study.

PURPOSETo describe perceptions of infertility risk among adult survivors of childhood cancer, to test the concordance of survivors’ risk perceptions and their adult fertility status, and to identif...
FDA Approval Summary: Ruxolitinib for Treatment of Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

On May 24, 2019, the Food and Drug Administration approved ruxolitinib for steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR-aGVHD) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older. Approval was based on Study INCB 18424-271 (REACH-1; NCT02953678), an open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial that included 49 patients with grades 2-4 SR-aGVHD occurring after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Ruxolitinib was administered at 5 mg twice daily, with dose increases to 10 mg twice daily permitted after 3 days in the absence of toxicity. The Day-28 overall response rate was 57.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.2-71.2). The median duration of response was 0.5 months (95% CI: 0.3-2.7), and the median time from Day-28 response to either death or need for new therapy for acute GVHD was 5.7 months (95% CI: 2.2 to not estimable). Common adverse reactions included anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, infections, edema, bleeding, and elevated transaminases. Ruxolitinib is the first drug approved for treatment of SR-aGVHD. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Ruxolitinib is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older. Its approval provides a treatment option for the 60% of those patients who do not respond to steroid therapy.
Deep Learning Acceleration with Neuron-to-Memory Transformation

Deep neural networks (DNN) have demonstrated effectiveness for various applications such as image processing, video segmentation, and speech recognition. Running state-of-theart DNNs on current systems mostly relies on either generalpurpose processors, ASIC designs, or FPGA accelerators, all of which suffer from data movements due to the limited on-chip memory and data transfer bandwidth. In this work, we propose a novel framework, called RAPIDNN, which performs neuron-to-memory transformation in order to accelerate DNNs in a highly parallel architecture. RAPIDNN reinterprets a DNN model and maps it into a specialized accelerator, which is designed using non-volatile memory blocks that model four fundamental DNN operations, i.e., multiplication, addition, activation functions, and pooling. The framework extracts representative operands of a DNN model, e.g., weights and input values, using clustering methods to optimize the model for in-memory processing. Then, it maps the extracted operands and their pre-computed results into the accelerator memory blocks. At runtime, the accelerator identifies computation results based on efficient in-memory search capability which also provides tunability of approximation to improve computation efficiency further. Our evaluation shows that RAPIDNN achieves 68.4×, 49.5× energy efficiency improvement and 48.1×, 10.9× speedup as compared to ISAAC and PipeLayer, the state-of-the-art DNN accelerators, while ensuring less than 0.5% quality loss.
Cyber-Physical Smart Light Control System Integration with Smart Grid using Zigbee

This paper presents a hardware-in-the-loop cyber-physical system architecture design to monitor and control smart lights connected to the active distribution grid. The architecture uses Zigbee-based (IEEE 802.15.4) wireless sensor networks and publish-subscribe architecture to exchange monitoring and control signals between smart-light actuators (SLAs) and a smart-light central controller (SLCC). Each SLA integrated into a smart light consists of a Zigbee-based endpoint module to send and receive signals to and from the SLCC. The SLCC consists of a Zigbee-based coordinator module, which further exchanges the monitoring and control signals with the active distribution management system over the TCP/IP communication network. The monitoring signals from the SLAs include light status, brightness level, voltage, current, and power data, whereas, the control signals to the SLAs include light intensity, turn ON, turn OFF, standby, and default settings. We have used our existing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) cyber-physical system (CPS) security SCADA testbed to process signals received from the SLCC and respond suitable control signals based on the smart light schedule requirements, system operation, and active distribution grid dynamic characteristics. We have integrated the proposed cyber-physical smart light control system (CPSLCS) testbed to our existing HIL CPS SCADA testbed. We use the integrated testbed to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm by real-time performance and latency between the SLCC and SLAs. The experiments demonstrated significant results by 100% realtime performance and low latency while exchanging data between the SLCC and SLAs.
Individualized Therapy for Hypothyroidism: Is T4 Enough for Everyone?

Context It is well recognized that some hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine (LT4) remain symptomatic, but why patients are susceptible to this condition, why symptoms persist, and what is the role of combination therapy with LT4 and liothyronine (LT3), are questions that remain unclear. Here we explore evidence of abnormal thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism in LT4-treated patients, and offer a rationale for why some patients perceive LT4 therapy as a failure. Evidence acquisition This review is based on a collection of primary and review literature gathered from a PubMed search of "hypothyroidism," "levothyroxine," "liothyronine," and "desiccated thyroid extract," among other keywords. PubMed searches were supplemented by Google Scholar and the authors' prior knowledge of the subject. Evidence synthesis In most LT4-treated patients, normalization of serum thyrotropin levels results in decreased serum T3/T4 ratio, with relatively lower serum T3 levels; in at least 15% of the cases, serum T3 levels are below normal. These changes can lead to a reduction in TH action, which would explain the slower rate of metabolism and elevated serum cholesterol levels. A small percentage of patients might also experience persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism, with impaired cognition and tiredness. We propose that such patients carry a key clinical factor, for example, specific genetic and/or immunologic makeup, that is well compensated while the thyroid function is normal but might become apparent when compounded with relatively lower serum T3 levels. Conclusions After excluding other explanations, physicians should openly discuss and consider therapy with LT4 and LT3 with those hypothyroid patients who have persistent symptoms or metabolic abnormalities despite normalization of serum thyrotropin level. New clinical trials focused on symptomatic patients, genetic makeup, and comorbidities, with the statistical power to identify differences between monotherapy and combination therapy, are needed.
Qualitative analysis of helpful and unhelpful aspects of social relationships among young adults with type 1 diabetes.

Aims Young adulthood is a high-risk time for type 1 diabetes management when individuals are managing diabetes within changing social contexts and new social relationships. This qualitative study examined helpful and unhelpful aspects of social relationships in the daily lives of young adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews with 29 young adults with type 1 diabetes (ages 22-24, mean = 23 years; 55% female) explored: 1) who in the past week was present when diabetes management occurred; 2) what others did that was helpful or unhelpful for diabetes management; 3) what made helpful and unhelpful aspects of social relationships more or less likely; and 4) what young adults disclosed to others about diabetes. Results Romantic partners and parents were commonly present and helpful in giving reminders and offering instrumental support, but the presence of trusted individuals was also helpful to management. Co-workers and friends were present during episodes of diabetes management but were often unhelpful, especially when lacking knowledge about participants' diabetes or its management. Participants also discussed conflicting and spontaneous changes in schedules were unhelpful to management. Disclosing diabetes to others and planning for social context barriers were described as strategies to facilitate helpful and reduce unhelpful aspects of social relationships. Conclusions Young adults face social barriers to management if they are unable to utilize their relationships effectively. Interventions to promote disclosure to trusted others and planning to avoid social context-related barriers to diabetes management may facilitate more effective self-management at this high-risk time of development.
Frequent testing and immunity-based staffing will help mitigate outbreaks in nursing home settings

Abstract Background Nursing homes and other long term care facilities have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies are urgently needed to reduce transmission in these vulnerable populations. We aim to evaluate the reduction in transmission in nursing homes achieved through contact-targeted interventions and testing. Methods We developed an agent-based Susceptible–Exposed– Infectious(Asymptomatic/Symptomatic)–Recovered (SEIR) model to examine SARS-CoV-2 transmission in nursing homes. Residents and staff are modelled individually; residents are split into two cohorts based on COVID-19 diagnosis. We evaluate the effectiveness of two contact-targeted interventions. In the resident cohorting intervention, recovered residents are moved back from the COVID (infected) cohort to the non-COVID (susceptible/uninfected) cohort. In the immunity-based staffing intervention, recovered staff, who we assume have protective immunity, are assigned to work in the non-COVID cohort, while susceptible staff work in the COVID cohort and are assumed to have high levels of protection from personal protective equipment. These interventions aim to reduce the fraction of people’s contacts that are presumed susceptible (and therefore potentially infected) and replace them with recovered (immune) contacts. We further evaluate two types of screening tests conducted with varying frequency: 1) rapid antigen testing and 2) PCR testing. Results The frequency and type of testing has a larger impact on the size of outbreaks than the cohorting and staffing interventions. The most effective testing strategy modeled is daily antigen testing. Under all screening testing strategies, the resident cohorting intervention and the immunity-based staffing intervention reduce the final size of the outbreak among residents, with the latter reducing it more. The efficacy of these interventions among staff varies by testing strategy and outbreak size. Conclusions Increasing the frequency of screening testing of all residents and staff, or even staff alone, in nursing homes has the potential to greatly reduce outbreaks in this vulnerable setting. Immunity-based staffing can further reduce spread at little or no additional cost and becomes particularly important when daily testing is not feasible.
SC19 highlights

SC19 is just around the corner! We asked Michela Taufer, SC19 General Chair, to give us her notes on things-to-watch at this year's meeting. Here are a few highlights; head to the SC19 blog and monitor social media for additional tips!
Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders by Time Since First Substance Use Among Young People in the US.

This cross-sectional study examines the association of time since first substance use with substance use disorders among young people in the US.
Post-Acquisition Earnings Forecasts: Unintentional Optimism or Strategic Bias?

I examine whether and why the completion of an acquisition affects the bias in managers’ earnings forecasts, and three disclosure consequences to understand the source of the bias. I find systematic optimism in acquiring firms’ earnings forecasts after an acquisition. Prior research suggests this bias can arise from an intentional, strategic motive by management or an unintentional, psychological bias. To disentangle these possible explanations, I examine whether the bias varies predictably with acquisition characteristics that enhance managers’ perceived commitment and control to an acquisition, and whether the bias is associated with subsequent disclosure costs. I find post-acquisition forecast optimism is more likely for diversifying acquisitions, relatively-larger acquisitions and acquisitions management completed despite a negative market reaction to its announcement. In addition, post-acquisition forecast optimism is associated with negative disclosure consequences, including lower analyst responses to future forecasts, greater likelihood of a class action lawsuit dismissal, and greater likelihood of CEO departure. Together, these tests support the argument that managers’ optimistic bias is related to unintentional, rather than strategic, optimism regarding the recently completed acquisition.
A Case of Multiple Calcific Embolic Strokes in a Patient With a Porcelain Left Atrium.

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) commonly manifests as an incidental, asymptomatic finding that is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality. Very rarely, patients with severe MAC can have extensive dystrophic calcification extending into the left atrial wall, termed porcelain left atrium. In this case report, we describe a patient who experienced multiple calcific acute embolic strokes in the setting of severe mitral annular calcification and porcelain left atrium. Our patient presented with multiple, small bilateral acute infarcts scattered throughout the cerebrum and cerebellum confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). He was placed on continuous telemetry and underwent multimodal imaging with transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, carotid neck ultrasound (US), head and neck computed tomography angiogram (CTA), and cardiac MRI. There were no arrhythmic events detected on telemetry, and all imaging excluded left ventricular thrombi, aortic atheroma, carotid artery stenosis, intracardiac shunting, or large vessel stenosis. Noted on imaging, however, was severe mitral annular calcification with numerous, highly mobile calcific extensions and densely calcified plaque along the posterior left atrial wall, presumed to be the source of this patient's embolic stroke. Cardiac catheterization was significant for severe three-vessel disease requiring coronary artery bypass grafting, and our patient was subsequently discharged to outpatient follow-up on event monitoring and aspirin monotherapy. This case serves to highlight a previously unreported complication of calcific embolic stroke in severe MAC and porcelain left atrium, and highlight the need for further randomized controlled trials to determine the optimum management of these cases.
A rigorous dispersive characterization of microstrip cross and tee junctions

A full-wave spectral-domain analysis is applied to the characterization of multiport microstrip discontinuities. This approach uses the moment method to find the currents in the microstrip circuits and, subsequently, the scattering parameters of the junctions. In this approach, all the physical effects are considered, including radiation and surface waves. The numerical results for a tee and a cross junction are presented and agree well with the quasi-static values at low frequencies. The S-parameters of a tee junction are further compared with the measured results with excellent agreement. The utilization of a shaped T-junction as a broadband equal-power divider is also discussed. >
The Due Diligence Defense and the Refco IPO

Despite weighty obligations imposed upon securities underwriters by Section 11 and 12 of the 1933 Securities Act, it seems inappropriate to saddle the underwriter with the entire burden to discover pre-offering fraud, especially in light of its dual roles, as well as its status as a dependent gatekeeper. Where fraudulent activity is so well concealed by perpetrators that even sophisticated parties such as pre-IPO private equity investors, auditors, SROs, and perhaps even federal regulators, do not uncover material facts of the fraud, underwriting firms, absent active involvement in concealing fraud, cannot be reasonably construed as culpable, and perhaps not even liable, for losses connected to and caused by the well concealed schemes of an issuer and its executives.
Toolkit Support fro Multiuser Audio/Video Applications

Comet is a UNIX/C++ toolkit for writing programs that involve multiple users and that use digital audio and video. Comet provides a simple programming interface: the application builds a graph of objects representing speakers and microphones, mixers, files, and so on. Comet then realizes the graph by creating processes to handle mixing and file I/O if needed, and linking them by network connections to audio/video I/O servers. In addition, Comet addresses the interrelated issues of client requirements and resource management. It determines delay and throughput requirements, process placement, and data type conversion; it deals with resource managers on the application's behalf. These mechanisms are based on a negotiation protocol among the components of the object graph.
Penetration Resistance for Driven Piling

Procedures for estimating penetration resistance for driven piling are proposed and investigated. Each method is analyzed by comparison of predictions and field observation on five projects. Estimated pile bearing capacity based on soil properties and on pile driving records is used as the basis of the predictions. Wave equation analysis, the Hiley equation, and the Engineering News formula are all considered as means of estimating penetration resistance from bearing capacity. The validity of the predictions is shown to improve with increasing quality of the procedures for analysis of pile dynamics. It is also shown that for sites where pile driving records are available, penetration resistance estimates can be very reliably made. The records are first converted to driving resistance (dynamic capacity) using a dynamic formula. The driving resistance curves are then converted to penetration resistance with a dynamic formula and characteristics of the hammer proposed for use.
Pediatricians do matter.

To the Editor.— The American Academy of Pediatrics expressed concern when the Mead Johnson Division of Bristol-Myers began a direct advertising campaign to sell their Gerber brand infant formula. The Academy believed that pediatricians should counsel parents about infant nutrition and choice of formula, and these important nutritional decisions should not be made in response to advertising on television or in the print media. Marketing surveys validate the concerns of the Academy. The most recent A.C. Nielsen survey (October 22, 1991) indicates that only 56% of the Gerber infant formula that currently is purchased by customers is iron-fortified, as contrasted with 88.2% for SMA, 82% for Similac, and 81.6% for Enfamil.
Reassembly and time advance in reflectionless scattering

Abstract We show that a wave packet incident on a reflectionless potential will reassemble after the scattering event, but with its mean position always advanced in time. An exact expression for this advance is derived in terms of the bound state spectrum of the potential. We identify two physically distinct correspondence limits in which the time advance agrees with the appropriate classical formula.
Cytological definition of the poriferan stylocyte: a cell type characterized by an intranuclear crystal.

The stylocyte (Gr. stylos; pillar) of Corvomeyenia carolinensis Harrison (Spongillidae), a previously undescribed proiferan cell type, was examined using phase contrast microscopy, histochemistry and electron microscopy. The stylocyte, an anucleolate amoebocyte, is characterized by a rhomboidal intranuclear crystal. The crystal, lacking an investing membrane, is embedded directly into the nucleoplasm. It is homogenous with no demonstrable crystalline subunits. Histochemical studies suggest that the crystal is proteinaceous, containing no DNA or RNA. Cytoplasmically, the stylocyte contains promienent homogenous smooth membrane-bound inclusions which contain high levels of neutral (PAS-positive) and polycarboxylated mucopolysaccharides but low levels of glycogen and no significant phosphatase activity. The granular endoplasmic reticulum is poorly developed. Correspondingly, with various histochemical methods, little or no cytoplasmic RNA is demonstrated. Because electron microscopic studies of C. carolinensis indicate the probable absence of viral inclusions in the sponge and because the crystal contains no histochemically demonstrable nucleic acid, the evidence appears to suggest that the crystal neither represents an assemblage of mature virus units nor a virus-induced structure. The stylocyte cell type may play a role in nutrient cycling in C. carolinensis with the crystal acting either as a site of protein storage or as an excretory product.
Using scintillation at two wavelengths to measure path-averaged heat fluxes in free convection

Local free convection scaling is one of the obvious triumphs of boundary-layer similarity theory. In free convection, there is no dynamic velocity scale; the sensible and latent heat fluxes, therefore, scale directly with the temperature and humidity structure parameters C t 2 and C q 2. By using scintillation to measure the refractive index structure parameter C n 2 at two electromagnetic (EM) wavelengths, we can obtain C t 2 and C q 2 and, thus, in effect, measure path-averaged values of the sensible and latent heat fluxes. Here I describe this so-called two-wavelength method for free convection, derive quantitative guidelines for optimizing the method, and evaluate its potential accuracy. I show that the two-wavelength method works best when one EM wavelength is in the visible or infrared region and the other is in the millimeter or radio region. When the Bowen ratio is between -5 and -0.1 or between 0.1 and 5, the expected accuracy of the measured fluxes is ±10–20% — typical of what is possible with eddy-correlation measurements. With the two-wavelength method, however, the fluxes represent spatial averages.
Droplet streams for serial crystallography of proteins

Serial diffraction of proteins requires an injection method to deliver analyte molecules—preferably uncharged, fully hydrated, spatially oriented, and with high flux—into a focused probe beam of electrons or X-rays that is only a few tens of microns in diameter. This work examines conventional Rayleigh sources and electrospray-assisted Rayleigh sources as to their suitability for this task. A comparison is made and conclusions drawn on the basis of time-resolved optical images of the droplet streams produced by these sources. Straight-line periodic streams of monodisperse droplets were generated with both sources, achieving droplet diameters of 4 and 1 micrometer, respectively, for the conventional and electrospray-assisted versions. Shrinkage of droplets by evaporation is discussed and quantified. It is shown experimentally that proteins pass undamaged through a conventional Rayleigh droplet source.
Optimal production and rationing decisions in supply chains with information sharing

This paper considers a two-echelon capacitated supply chain with two non-identical retailers and information sharing. We characterize the optimal inventory policies. We also study the benefits of the optimal stock rationing policy over the first come first served (FCFS) and the modified echelon-stock rationing (MESR) policies.
Signal Acquisition and Timing for a Free Space Laser Communications Receiver

NASA anticipates a significant demand for long-haul communications service from deep-space to Earth in the near future. To address this need, a substantial effort has been invested in developing a novel free-space laser communications system that can be operated at data rates that are 10-1000 times higher than current RF systems. We will focus here on the receiver design which consists of a distributed array of telescopes, each with a Geiger-mode Avalanche Photo Diode (APD) array capable of detecting and timing individual photon arrivals to within a fraction of a nanosecond. Using an array of telescopes has the advantage of providing a large collection area without the cost of constructing a very large monolithic aperture. A key challenge of using a distributed array receiver is combining the detected photons from each of the telescopes so that the combined system appears as a single large collector. This paper will focus on the techniques employed by the receiver to spatially acquire a deep-space downlink laser signal, synchronize the timing of all the photon arrivals at each telescope, and combine the photon detections from each telescope into a single data stream. Results from a hardware testbed utilizing this receiver concept will be shown that demonstrate an efficiency of less than one incident photon per bit at data rates up to 14 Mbps, while operating within 1 dB of the channel capacity.
Uncoupling Protein 3 (UCP3) but Not UCP2 Gene Expression Is Increased in the Human Glucose Transporter - 4 Overexpressing Suckling Mice

Uncoupling Protein 3 (UCP3) but Not UCP2 Gene Expression Is Increased in the Human Glucose Transporter - 4 Overexpressing Suckling Mice
Spondylolysis in a pre‐contact San Francisco Bay population: behavioural and anatomical sex differences

Spondylolysis refers to a separation of the spinal body from the arch. Researchers have documented that these fractures occur due to stresses related to activities involving the lower limb and back. Spondylolysis in sacral and lumbar vertebrae of 146 (66 males, 66 females, 14 indeterminates) California Amerinds were examined to determine whether sex differences were present. Sacral anatomy (i.e. sacralisation and lumbarisation, sacral base angles, and superior facet morphology) was analysed in relation to spondylolysis and sex, to explore whether sex differences could be better explained through activity patterns or anatomical variation. Spondylolysis afflicted 24 individuals (16.4%). Males had more than twice the rate of spondylolysis than did females (26% and 11%, respectively). Activity patterns, such as thrusting and throwing shafted obsidian points, could explain the sex differences. Males were most frequently buried with obsidian point artefacts, whereas females were buried with mortar and pestles. For sacral anatomy, only males had lumbarisation, and all other anatomical variation had no significant sex differences. Lumbarisation related to spondylolysis in males. In this study, sacral anatomical variation could not fully account for sex differences in spondylolysis; activity patterns provided a better explanation. Nonetheless, anatomical variation may predispose males to spondylolysis, or spondylolysis may affect sacral anatomy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of trochoids and their application to determining gear teeth fillet shapes

Some interesting characteristics of trochoids are discussed in this paper and a new concept of virtual involute is introduced. These characteristics prove very useful in determining the exact tooth fillet shape generated by racks consisting of circular arcs and straight line segments. The fillet curves generated by racks with a protuberance or with a chamfered tip are discussed in detail. A numerical example is given to illustrate their application.
It has bugs, but the games are out of this world [DP industry]

Today's computer industry, particularly the PC industry, is in love with the culture of irreverence and adolescent behaviors. To get the point, just imagine how much more fun HAL would be if a consortium of Valley software developers were to design him today in a nine-month product cycle. HAL would still have bugs of course, but the video games would be out of this world. Why is fun so often associated with computing technology? The author looks at the market forces and design motives behind today's technology.
Wind-up of stretch reflexes as a measure of spasticity in chronic spinalized rats: The effects of passive exercise and modafinil

Spasticity is a common disorder following spinal cord injury that can impair function and quality of life. While a number of mechanisms are thought to play a role in spasticity, the role of motoneuron persistent inward currents (PICs) is emerging as pivotal. The presence of PICs can be evidenced by temporal summation or wind-up of reflex responses to brief afferent inputs. In this study, a combined neurophysiological and novel biomechanical approach was used to assess the effects of passive exercise and modafinil administration on hyper-reflexia and spasticity following complete T-10 transection in the rat. Animals were divided into 3 groups (n=8) and provided daily passive cycling exercise, oral modafinil, or no intervention. After 6weeks, animals were tested for wind-up of the stretch reflex (SR) during repeated dorsiflexion stretches of the ankle. H-reflexes were tested in a subset of animals. Both torque and gastrocnemius electromyography showed evidence of SR wind-up in the transection only group that was significantly different from both treatment groups (p<0.05). H-reflex frequency dependent depression was also restored to normal levels in both treatment groups. The results provide support for the use of passive cycling exercise and modafinil in the treatment of spasticity and provide insight into the possible contribution of PICs.
Engineering development of hyperfiltration with dynamic membranes Part I. Process and module development

Abstract Techniques were developed for precoating ceramic tubes with a 0.006-in. layer of fine particle size ZrO 2 powder; dynamic membranes formed on the precoated porous surfaces possessed fluxes of 95 to 100 gal/ft 2 ·day and rejections of 85 to 90% for 0.05 M NaCl compared with values of 20 gal/ft 2 ·day and 40 to 60% obtained with nonprecoated tubes. These ceramic tubes were then incorporated in a seven-tube bundle with a total area of 6 ft 2 . A module consisted of two of these bundles fitted into a pressure housing fabricated from standard 2-in. pipe; this module then possessed a flux density of 4453 gal/day per cubic ft. compared with values of 1350 and 3000 gal/day per cubic ft for hollow fine fiber and spiral wrap modules, respectively (1) . Since 1971 the flux density for hollow fine fibers has been 13,000–18,000. Similarly, the flux of membranes utilized in spiral wound or tubular systems has also increased very significantly, but not by an order of magnitude. The procedure developed for forming dynamic membranes on the ceramic tube modules consists of the following steps: 1. Adjust the pH of the 0.05 M NaCl feed solution to pH = 4 and add sufficient hydrous zirconium oxide to give a concentration of 50 mg/liter. 2. Within one-half to one hour after introduction of the feed to the system at a pressure of 1000 psig and a velocity of 30 ft/sec, either the flux will be of the order of 1000 gal/ft 2 ·day or the rejection will be 35 %; whichever value occurs first is not critical. At that time adjust the pH of the flowing stream to 2 and add sufficient PAA to give a concentration of 50 mg/liter. 3. Approximately one hour after addition of the PAA begin neutralization of the flowing stream with NaOH solution. The pH should be increased in steps over an interval of one to two hours until the circulating stream is near neutral. At this time the dynamic membrane should have a rejection of 85 to 90% and a flux of 95 to 100 gal/ft 2 ·day when the feed is 0.05 M NaCl. The velocity can then be reduced to 15 ft/sec with little loss in flux or rejection.