cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling and optimization of a deflection slit for fast-pulsing a low energy ion beam

Abstract When a transverse electric field between a pair of closely spaced electrodes is used to deflect an ion beam, the length of the field region along the beam axis directly affects the length of time required to make the transition between the beam’s undeflected and deflected states. Using the SIMIONTM 3D 7.0 ion optics simulation program, which calculates electrostatic fields via numerical solutions to Laplace’s equation, a deflector of this type has been modeled for fast-pulsing a keV ion beam. Electric fields calculated in the model were used to simulate ion flight through the deflection region. By establishing a condition for ion transmission and by starting ion flights at different positions along the beam axis in the electric field region, the time dependence of the beam’s transition from the undeflected to the deflected state was obtained. The simulated deflection is in good agreement with the measured performance of a deflection system on a Cockcroft–Walton accelerator. Other simulated slit configurations are also investigated that reduce the length of the fields along the beam axis, thus optimizing the pulsing mechanism.
Comparison of Retrofits for Three Strut-Arm Tainter Gates Using a Longevity Corrosion Maintenance Factor

AbstractThis paper presents a methodology to compare various Tainter gate strut-arm retrofit techniques based on the longevity corrosion maintenance (LCM) factor. The rating system is designed to encourage agencies to select retrofits that will better upgrade existing conditions to meet current design standards for hydraulic steel structures and achieve a long design life. An overview of past Tainter gate failures, governing strut-arm load cases, past strut-arm retrofit strategies, current design standards for hydraulic steel structures, and the consequences of welding or bolting to existing structures has been considered in this study as evidence to support the proposed Tainter gate retrofit comparison methodology. An example problem illustrates how to determine the LCM factor and assign a LCM grade for three retrofit scenarios.
Effect of Fly Ash Particles on the Compressive Properties of Closed-Cell Aluminum Foams

The closed-cell aluminum foam reinforced by 1.5 and 3.0 wt.% fly ash particles were manufactured by molten body transitional foaming process. The backscattered electron image shows that fly ash particles distribute uniformly in the cell wall. The quasi-static compression tests were conducted. Results show that Al/Fly ash foams have stable compressive property and the sudden stress drop was not observed. The plateau stress increases nearly linearly with relative density. Moreover, the addition of fly ash particles improves the plateau stress. Also, the energy absorption property of Al/Fly ash foams increase with relative density and fly ash content. These can be attributed to the contribution of the compression of cell gas and the membrane stress in the cell wall.
Reproductive Cycles of Three Species of Anoline Lizards from the Isthmus of Panama

A study of the reproductive cycle of three species of lizards, a forest form, Anolis limifrons, a forest edge species, A. tropidogaster, and a grassland species, A. auratus, was carried out in the Isthmus of Panama from November 1965 until September 1969. The collecting sites were: Pacific side for all three species, mid—Isthmus for A. limifrons and A. auratus and Caribbean side for A. limifrons. Females of all three species of all sites were reproductively active during the wet season (May through December). For A. tropidogaster and A. auratus egg production almost ceases during the dry season. In A. limifrons egg production essentially ceases at the drier Pacific site and is reduced at the other two wetter ones during the same January—to—April period. The testes of males of all three species have mature spermatozoa during the dry season but mean testis weight declines from wet season highs. The male changes occur before the corresponding ones in their females so that the cycles of the two sexes may be controlled by different factors. Lipid levels of adults from the mid—Isthmus site show high values in the late dry season and lower ones throughout much of the wet season. Precipitation, food level, temperature, photoperiod, soil and leaf litter, wind, and evaporation are considered as cues influencing the cycle. The most likely candidate for the female cycle is precipitation with certain limitations. The flexible reproductive system of A. limifrons enables it to reproduce at low rates in some areas where the other two species must cease reproduction during dry periods.
Restoration of sinus rhythm prior to catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: Reverse remodeling or patient selection?

With the recognition of the role of pulmonary venous arrhythmogenicity in the initiation and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation (AF), pulmonary vein (PV) isolation has become a widely adopted treatment modality in patients with AF. 1 Although the isolation of the PVs is highly effective in patients with paroxysmal AF, 2 it often is insufficient for persistent AF. The identification of mechanisms of AF beyond PV arrhythmogenicity has been a major obstacle in improving outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF. Efforts to identify drivers of AF other than the thoracic veins have included mapping of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) and linear ablation. CFAEs have been thought to indicate sites of slow conduction, collision, conduction block, and pivot points for reentrant circuits as well as sites in the vicinity of high-frequency sources. 3 It has also been suggested that CFAEs may represent sites of autonomic innervation. 4 However, CFAEs may represent a summation of electrograms from overlapping layers of myocardium and anisotropy. 5 In a prior study, stepwise ablation that included systematic isolation of PVs, ablation of CFAEs, and linear ablation until AF terminated was associated with excellent efficacy in patients with long-standing persistent AF. 6 However, all ablation steps were necessary in the majority of the patients, resulting in extensive atrial ablation and long procedure and fluoroscopy durations. Furthermore, almost all patients required repeat ablation procedures to eliminate residual atrial tachycardias. For these reasons, adoption of stepwise ablation to eliminate AF has been rather limited. As well stated in the phrase “AF begets AF,” electroanatomical remodeling promoted by recurrent AF is important in the perpetuation of AF. 7,8 Electroanatomical remodeling includes shortening of the atrial effective refractory period, action potential duration, and AF cycle length, progressive fibrosis, a reduction in atrial contractility, and left atrial enlargement. Although fibrosis is not reversible, reverse remodeling can occur after the restoration of sinus rhythm. A correlation between the duration of sinus rhythm after cardioversion and the extent of normalization of atrial effective refractory period has been reported. 9 Reverse atrial remodeling has also been described after AF ablation and cardiac resynchronization therapy. 10,11 Reversal of atrial remodeling could improve the success rate after ablation of AF. However, the majority of studies on reverse remodeling excluded long-lasting episodes of AF. It is unclear to what extent reverse remodeling can occur in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF. In this issue of HeartRhythm, Rivard et al 12 set out to determine whether the restoration of sinus rhythm for at
FPGA routing and routability estimation via Boolean satisfiability

Guaranteeing or even estimating the routability of a portion of a placed field programmable gate array (FPGA) remains difficult or impossible in most practical applications. In this paper, we develop a novel formulation of both routing and routability estimation that relies on a rendering of the routing constraints as a single large Boolean equation. Any satisfying assignment to this equation specifies a complete detailed routing. By representing the equation as a binary decision diagram (BDD), we represent all possible routes for all nets simultaneously. Routability estimation is transformed to Boolean satisfiability, which is trivial for BDD's. We use the technique in the context of a perfect routability estimator for a global router. Experimental results from a standard FPGA benchmark suite suggest the technique is feasible for realistic circuits, but refinements are needed for very large designs.
Predictors of neonatal outcome in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia between 24 and 33 weeks' gestation

Objective: We sought to characterize predictors of neonatal outcome in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia who were delivered of their infants preterm. Study Design: We performed a retrospective analysis of 195 pregnancies delivered between 24 and 33 weeks' gestation because of severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. Multiple logistic regression and univariate χ2 analysis were performed for the dependent outcome variables of survival and respiratory distress syndrome by use of independent fetal and maternal variables. A P value of <.05 was considered significant. Results: In the multivariate analysis, respiratory distress syndrome was inversely related to gestational age at delivery (P =.0018) and directly related to cesarean delivery (P =.02), whereas survival was directly related to birth weight (P =.00025). There was no correlation in the multivariate analysis between respiratory distress syndrome or survival and corticosteroid use, composite neonatal morbidity, mean arterial pressure, eclampsia, or abruptio placentae. In the univariate analysis respiratory distress syndrome was associated with cesarean delivery (odds ratio, 7.19; 95% confidence interval, 2.91-18.32). The incidence of intrauterine growth restriction increased as gestational age advanced. Furthermore, intrauterine growth restriction decreased survival in both the multivariate (P =.038; odds ratio, 13.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-151.8) and univariate (P =.001; odds ratio, 5.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.81-19.26) analyses. Conclusion: The presence of intrauterine growth restriction adversely affected survival independently of other variables. Presumed intrauterine stress, as reflected by the severity of maternal disease, did not improve neonatal outcome. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:607-11.)
Mechanics of mechanically fastened joints in polymer–matrix composite structures – A review

Abstract As the applications of advanced composite structural materials continue to increase, so does the need to understand the mechanical behavior of mechanically fastened joints in such structures. The most recent and relevant review article on this subject was published more than a decade ago, but it was restricted to stress analysis and strength prediction of mechanically fastened joints in fiber-reinforced plastics. The present article attempts a more comprehensive review of recent literature in the broader area of mechanics of mechanically fastened joints in polymer–matrix composite structures. Since experimental characterization has traditionally played such a fundamental role in such studies, the article begins with a review of relevant mechanical test methods and standards. This is followed by a discussion of the mechanics aspects of design, including joint design methodologies, considerations of the influence of geometric effects, and fastener preload selection. The remaining sections are devoted to failure modes such as bearing failure, failure prediction for both statically and dynamically loaded joints, time-dependent joint preload relaxation, the effects of temperature and moisture on joint strength and failure, and non-destructive evaluation techniques for monitoring the joints. Finally, comments are offered regarding the most important remaining problems in this area, and recommendations for future work.
Molecular and Fetal Tissue Biopsy Capabilities Are Needed to Maximize Prenatal Diagnosis of Junctional Epidermolysis bullosa: Fetal Skin Biopsy Using a 1-mm Microendoscope

Objective: To describe a minimally invasive micro-endoscopic technique for fetal skin biopsy and direct examination for a lethal skin condition. Materials and Methods:</
Age-related differences in visual perception: a PET study

To assess age-related differences in cortical activation during form perception, two classes of visual textures were shown to young and older subjects undergoing positron emission tomography (PET). Subjects viewed even textures that were rich in rectangular blocks and extended contours and random textures that lacked these organized form elements. Within-group significant increases in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during even stimulation relative to random stimulation in young subjects were seen in occipital, inferior and medial temporal regions, and cerebellum, and in older subjects, in posterior occipital and frontal regions. Group by texture type interactions revealed significantly smaller rCBF increases in older subjects relative to young in occipital and medial temporal regions. These results indicate that young subjects activate the occipitotemporal pathway during form perception, whereas older subjects activate occipital and frontal regions. The between-group differences suggest that age-related reorganization of cortical activation occur during early visual processes in humans.
Flexible storage placement of digital video media

In addition to the large data size requirement and real-time constraint in continuous media, future video applications such as video editing demands the flexible storage placement and the random access capability on the video-frame level. To offer efficient buffering schemes and flexible storage placement for supporting random access, we present two buffering schemes: the two-buffer scheme and the k-buffer compensation scheme. The two-buffer scheme requires only all the frames in a block to be stored consecutively while providing random access between blocks. However, this intuitive buffering scheme potentially requires a large block size and buffer space. The k-buffer compensation scheme is proposed to resolve this large buffer space requirement by using more than two buffers and requiring a minimal number of blocks randomly placed in each cylinder. Experimental measurement results reveal the significant improvements on the buffer-size reduction and placement flexibility by using the k-buffer compensation scheme.
An analytical constant modulus algorithm

Iterative constant modulus algorithms such as Godard (1980) and CMA have been used to blindly separate a superposition of cochannel constant modulus (CM) signals impinging on an antenna array. These algorithms have certain deficiencies in the context of convergence to local minima and the retrieval of all individual CM signals that are present in the channel. We show that the underlying constant modulus factorization problem is, in fact, a generalized eigenvalue problem, and may be solved via a simultaneous diagonalization of a set of matrices. With this new analytical approach, it is possible to detect the number of CM signals present in the channel, and to retrieve all of them exactly, rejecting other, non-CM signals. Only a modest amount of samples is required. The algorithm is robust in the presence of noise and is tested on measured data collected from an experimental set-up.
Pachinko allocation: DAG-structured mixture models of topic correlations

Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) and other related topic models are increasingly popular tools for summarization and manifold discovery in discrete data. However, LDA does not capture correlations between topics. In this paper, we introduce the pachinko allocation model (PAM), which captures arbitrary, nested, and possibly sparse correlations between topics using a directed acyclic graph (DAG). The leaves of the DAG represent individual words in the vocabulary, while each interior node represents a correlation among its children, which may be words or other interior nodes (topics). PAM provides a flexible alternative to recent work by Blei and Lafferty (2006), which captures correlations only between pairs of topics. Using text data from newsgroups, historic NIPS proceedings and other research paper corpora, we show improved performance of PAM in document classification, likelihood of held-out data, the ability to support finer-grained topics, and topical keyword coherence.
Reply to “Comments on “Observations on Component Infant Mortality and Burn-In Effectiveness””

In the paper under discussion, the Van der Pol article referenced by this author and also by the commentator is a study of a large number of devices used in commercial products where both the long term reliability in system application (field reliability) and long term life test were compared to sample burn-in testing. The authors of this reference found that life test data and system reliability were both well fitted to Weibull distribution. The formulae in the IEEE forum article are based on an empirical fit to this very large number of experimental data points. These are not assumptions but simply an empirical model well grounded in an extensive experimental data set. This author does not assert that a single failure mechanism is appropriate to a complete explanation of infant mortality in integrated circuits. I concur that many failure mechanisms actually apply with different failure characteristics (best detected by failure analysis of infant mortals) and different acceleration.
Impact of Bladder Cancer on Health Related Quality of Life in 1,476 Older Americans: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: The impact of bladder cancer diagnosis on health related quality of life is poorly understood. We compared health related quality of life measures in patients before and after bladder cancer diagnosis.Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in 1,476 patients 65 years old or older with bladder cancer in the SEER-MHOS linkage database between 1998 and 2007 to assess differences in physical and mental component summary scores in 620 and 856 who completed a survey before and after bladder cancer diagnosis, respectively. To determine differences in physical and mental scores in the prediagnosis and post-diagnosis cohorts, we used ANOVA adjusting for baseline covariates.Results: There were statistically significant differences in physical and mental component summary scores between the prediagnosis and post-diagnosis groups (−2.7, 95% CI −3.8, −1.7 vs −1.4, 95% CI −2.6, −0.3). In patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer the physical and mental score differences were −1.9 (p <...
Distributed Saddle-Point Computation for Lifetime Maximization in Mobile Sensor Networks

This paper studies mobility strategies to control positions of mobile robots in a mobile sensor network in order to maximize lifetime of the network. With communication and mobility energy costs modeled, the problem is formulated into a nonlinear non-convex optimization problem, then reformulated into a convex optimization problem. The separable property of the system is then exploited by Lagrangian duality, and the solution is obtained by distributed saddle-point computations. Computer simulations showed that the proposed distributed algorithm can quickly converge to the optimal solution, and it also justifies the use of mobility for energy efficiency by showing its significant improvement to the network lifetime and relatively low cost in mobility. Furthermore, the proposed energy optimization framework can accommodate different mobile sensor network models.
Laparoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of an Infarcted Epiploic Appendage

A patient experienced acute abdominal pain that was diagnosed at laparoscopy as being due to an infarcted epiploic appendage. To our knowledge, this is the second report of laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of an epipolic disorder. Infarcted epiploic appendages may be associated with bowel obstruction and abscess formation. Therefore, they should be looked for at the time of diagnostic laparoscopy for acute abdominal pain of unclear etiology, and removed if present.
Effect of Insurance Status on the Surgical Treatment of Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background Social disparities permeate non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, yet little is known about the effect of insurance status on the delivery of guideline surgical treatment for early-stage (I or II) NSCLC. Methods We used the California Cancer Registry (1996 through 2008) to identify patients 50 to 94 years old with early-stage NSCLC. We used logistic regression models to assess whether or not insurance status (private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, no insurance, and unknown) had an effect on whether or not a lobectomy (or bilobectomy) is performed. Results A total of 10,854 patients met our inclusion criteria. Compared with patients with private insurance, we found that patients with Medicare (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79 to 0.95), Medicaid (aOR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.57), or no insurance (aOR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.70) were significantly less likely to undergo lobectomy, even after adjusting for patient factors (age, race, and gender) and tumor characteristics (histology and tumor size). Increasing age, African American race, squamous cell carcinoma, and increasing tumor size were significant independent negative predictors of whether or not a lobectomy was performed. Conclusions Patients without private insurance were significantly less likely than patients with private insurance to undergo a lobectomy for early-stage NSCLC. The variables(s) contributing to this disparity have yet to be elucidated.
Modeling Conversational Dynamics as a Mixed-Memory Markov Process

In this work, we quantitatively investigate the ways in which a given person influences the joint turn-taking behavior in a conversation. After collecting an auditory database of social interactions among a group of twenty-three people via wearable sensors (66 hours of data each over two weeks), we apply speech and conversation detection methods to the auditory streams. These methods automatically locate the conversations, determine their participants, and mark which participant was speaking when. We then model the joint turn-taking behavior as a Mixed-Memory Markov Model [1] that combines the statistics of the individual subjects' self-transitions and the partners' cross-transitions. The mixture parameters in this model describe how much each person's individual behavior contributes to the joint turn-taking behavior of the pair. By estimating these parameters, we thus estimate how much influence each participant has in determining the joint turn-taking behavior. We show how this measure correlates significantly with betweenness centrality [2], an independent measure of an individual's importance in a social network. This result suggests that our estimate of conversational influence is predictive of social influence.
Characteristics of Fuel Droplets Discharged From a Compensated Fuel/Ballast Tank

Fuel droplets, formed by the interaction of fuel plumes with a water/fuel interface, can be discharged during the refueling of water-filled compensated fuel/ballast tanks. Motivated by increasingly stringent environmental regulations, a study was initiated to understand the physical mechanisms involved in the formation and transport of fuel droplets by complex immiscible flows inside a model tank. In particular, optical measurements were made of the size distribution of fuel droplets in water discharged from a three-bay model of a compensated fuel/ballast tank. The volumetric fuel concentration of discharge from the tank was inferred from measurements of droplet size and number Flow visualizations inside the model were coupled to optical measurements of fuel droplets at the tank outlet to show that the presence of fuel in the discharged water was correlated to the formation of fuel plumes within the water-filled tank. The size distribution of fuel droplets at the tank exit is found to differ from the size distribution reported for the generation zone (near the fuel plumes) inside the tank. Thus, the advection of fuel droplets from the generation zone to the tank outlet is shown to affect the characteristics of discharged fuel droplets. The transport process specifically prevents large-diameter droplets from reaching the tank exit. Buoyancy tends to cause larger fuel droplets generated within the tank to rise and separate out of the flow before they can be discharged. The buoyancy time, τ b (D), relative to the characteristic advection time, τ a , of fuel droplets is a key parameter in predicting the fate of fuel droplets. The influence of buoyancy on the size distribution of discharged droplets was found to be modeled reasonably well by a Butterworth filter that depends on the ratio of timescales τ a /τ b (D). This model, which relates the size distribution of discharged droplets to generated droplets, is found to produce the correct qualitative behavior that larger fuel droplets are discharged when the fuel plumes move closer to the tank exit, i.e., for decreasing advection time τ a .
The Role of Integrated Computed Tomography Positron-Emission Tomography in Esophageal Cancer: Staging and Assessment of Therapeutic Response

Computed tomography (CT) and endoscopy/endoscopic ultrasonography are usually performed to initially stage patients with esophageal cancer, to determine primary tumor response, and to detect nodal and distant metastases after preoperative therapy. Positron-emission tomography (PET) with [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose and integrated CT-PET are useful in the initial staging of patients with esophageal cancer as well as in the prediction of pathologic response, disease-free interval, and overall survival after preoperative therapy. Importantly, integrated CT-PET imaging decreases the number of futile attempts at surgical resection, mainly because of the detection of occult distant metastases. The following sections review the use of integrated CT-PET imaging in determining the T, N, and M descriptors of the American Joint Commission on Cancer's 2002 guidelines for pathologic and clinical staging at initial diagnosis and after chemoradiation therapy in those patients being considered for surgical resection.
Acute transplant glomerulopathy is associated with antibody-mediated rejection and poor graft outcome.

Transplant glomerulopathy (TG) is traditionally considered to be a chronic entity. However, in our practice we observed patients who presented with features of TG as early as 14 days posttransplantation. We investigated the clinicopathological features of these cases. During a 4-year period, all patients with acute rejection were identified. Charts were reviewed to identify patients with antibody-mediated rejection and biopsy features of TG within 6 months posttransplantation. Three patients met the above- mentioned criteria. All of them had diffuse margination of inflammatory cells in peritubular capillaries in the setting of acute renal failure or delayed graft function. Monocyte (CD68-positive) margination in peritubular capillaries was a common feature. All 3 patients had donor-specific antibodies and features suggestive of antibody-mediated rejection. C4d stain in peritubular capillaries was focal and mild or absent in serial biopsies. Occlusive endothelial swelling of glomerular capillary loops (endotheliosis) preceded TG. None of the patients had evidence for other causes of similar glomerular changes in a transplant, such as calcineurin inhibitor toxicity, ischemia, hepatitis C, or immune complex glomerulonephritis. They did not have other biopsy features of chronicity when TG appeared and as it progressed. TG can occur as an acute phenomenon. We propose that endotheliosis is a more accurate and specific precursor of TG than mere glomerulitis. These cases of acute TG may represent a form of antibody-mediated rejection associated with proteinuria and poor response to treatment.
Maximizing Sample Rate for Distributed Source Coding over Multiple Access Channels

We investigate the problem of maximizing the sample rate at the transmitters in a wireless network using distributed source coding (DSC) and lossless transmission. With the consideration of circuit power consumption, average power constraints and DSC rate constraints, we study different orthogonal multiple access channels (MACs) and prove that the optimal orthogonal MAC is either TDMA or CDMA, depending on the joint entropy of the correlated sources, average power constraints, circuit power consumption, noise power and path loss.
A note on photocurrents in extrinsic semiconductors

The advent of the concept of holes and careful determination of mobilities have made it possible to realize that the potential difference between the contacts of an irradiated semiconductor in the absence of current flow is due to the difference in mobility of electrons and holes. In this paper, a preliminary analysis shows that charge neutrality and zero-current condition are compatible. This situation is clarified and it is found that the equation for the electric field E in the absence of current is not absolutely correct even under low-level injection conditions. In particular, it is shown that fairly large currents can be generated by suitable light sources, currents which are entirely due to the disparity between electron and hole mobilities.
Specifying training needs in dynamic judgment tasks using a lens model approach

An important aspect of developing training interventions for complex environments is the characterization of individual performance in order to tailor training to the needs of each individual. Individual judgment performance in a command and control environment was modeled as linear combinations of environmental cue values using a lens model approach. Results showed that overall, all participants had accurate knowledge of the environment, but that good and poor performers were distinguished by the consistency with which they executed judgment strategies based on this knowledge.
Understanding Challenges in Preserving and Reconstructing Computer-Assisted Medical Decision Processes

This paper addresses the problem of understanding preservation and reconstruction requirements for computer- aided medical decision-making. With an increasing number of computer-aided decisions having a large impact on our society, the motivation for our work is not only to document these decision processes semi-automatically but also to understand the preservation cost and related computational requirements. Our objective is to support computer-assisted creation of medical records, to guarantee authenticity of records, as well as to allow managers of electronic medical records (EMR), archivists and other users to explore and evaluate computational costs (e.g., storage and processing time) depending on several key characteristics of appraised records. Our approach to this problem is based on designing an exploratory simulation framework for investigating preservation tradeoffs and assisting in appraisals of electronic records. We have a prototype simulation framework called image provenance to learn (IP2Learn) to support computer-aided medical decisions based on visual image inspection. The current software enables to explore some of the tradeoffs related to (1) information granularity (category and level of detail), (2) representation of provenance information, (3) compression, (4) encryption, (5) watermarking and steganography, (6) information gathering mechanism, and (7) final medical report content (level of detail) and its format. We illustrate the novelty of IP2Learn by performing example studies and the results of tradeoff analyses for a specific image inspection task.
Comparative In Vitro Sensitivities of Human Immune Cell Lines, Vaginal and Cervical Epithelial Cell Lines, and Primary Cells to Candidate Microbicides Nonoxynol 9, C31G, and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

In experiments to assess the in vitro impact of the candidate microbicides nonoxynol 9 (N-9), C31G, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on human immune and epithelial cell viability, cell lines and primary cell populations of lymphocytic and monocytic origin were generally shown to be equally sensitive to exposures ranging from 10 min to 48 h. However, U-937 cells were more sensitive to N-9 and C31G after 48 h than were primary monocyte-derived macrophages. Cytokine activation of monocytes and lymphocytes had no effect on cell viability following exposure to these microbicidal compounds. Primary and passaged vaginal epithelial cultures and cell lines differed in sensitivity to N-9 and C31G but not SDS. These studies provide a foundation for in vitro experiments in which cell lines of human immune and epithelial origin can be used as suitable surrogates for primary cells to further investigate the effects of microbicides on cell metabolism, membrane composition, and integrity and the effects of cell type, proliferation, and differentiation on microbicide sensitivity.
FAILURE OF CLINICAL CONCENTRATIONS OF HALOTHANE TO BLOCK ADENOSINE DIPHOSPHATE-INDUCED PLATELET AGGREGATION IN VITRO

A dose-related inhibition by halothane of adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation was measured for human platelets in plasma anticoagulated with sodium citrate 6.8 mmol litre−1 or 13.6 mmol litre−1, or heparin 2 u. ml−1 and for platelets separated from plasma by albumin density gradient centrifugation and requiring no anticoagulant. By maintaining exposure and assay temperature at 37°C, maintaining physiological pH, avoiding age-related deterioration and using an atraumatic equilibration method, no inhibition was found at clinical concentrations of halothane and 50% inhibition required greater than halothane 10%. Sodium citrate, a calcium chelating anticoagulant, was found to enhance halothane inhibition.
Film-stress-induced deformation of EUV reflective optics

Results of numerical studies on the deformation of multilayer coated optics for EUV lithography are presented and compared. The primary materials-dependent characteristics of EUV multilayer mirrors are reflectance, stress, and stability. Understanding and controlling these mirror characteristics is critical for the efficient operation of an EUVL system. Optimized for reflectance, the multilayer coatings typically have film stress values large enough to deform the optic. We use finite element models to predict the distortion caused by the film stress. Input parameters to the models include the size, shape, and material properties of the optical substrate as well as the magnitude and spatial variations of the film stress. The distortion results are coupled with optical analysis software to predict wavefront aberrations for the candidate optical design. Finally, lithographic analysis software is used to predict the aerial image and linewidth variation. Model predictions have guided the design of the optical substrates so that lithographic errors induced by film- stress-deformation are expected to be within the acceptable error budget.
Finite-Point-Based Transistor Model: A New Approach to Fast Circuit Simulation

In this paper, a new approach of transistor modeling is developed for fast statistical circuit simulation in the presence of variations. For both the I-V and C-V characteristics of a transistor, finite data points are identified based on their physical meanings and their importance in circuit operation. The impact of process and design variations is embedded into these key points using analytical expressions. During the simulation, the entire I -V and C -V curves are interpolated from these points with simple polynomial formulas. This novel approach significantly enhances the simulation speed with sufficient accuracy. The model is implemented in Verilog-A to support generic circuit simulators. The accuracy and convergence of the proposed model are comprehensively evaluated through a set of benchmark circuits, including nand, a pass-gate, latches, AOI, ring oscillators, and an adder. Compared to SPICE simulations with the BSIM models, the simulation time can be reduced by 7 times in transient analysis and more than 9 times in Monte-Carlo simulations.
Nonlinear magnetic reconnection models with separatrix jets

A new theory for fast steady-state magnetic reconnection is proposed that includes many features of recent numerical experiments. The inflow region differs from that in the classical model of Petschek (1964) and the unified linear solutions of Priest & Forbes (1986) in possessing highly curved magnetic field lines rather than ones that are almost straight. A separatrix jet of plasma is ejected from the central diffusion region along the magnetic separatrix. Two types of outflow are studied, the simplest possessing an outflow magnetic field that is potential. The other contains weak standing shock waves attached to the ends of the diffusion region and either slowing down the flow (fast-mode shock) after it crosses the separatrix jet or speeding it up (slow-mode), depending on the downstream boundary conditions. A spike of reversed current slows down the plasma that emerges rapidly from the diffusion region into the more slowly moving downstream region, and diverts most of it along the separatrix jets. In the simplest case the outflow possesses no vorticity over most of the downstream region. The models demonstrate that both upstream and downstream boundary conditions are important in determining which regime of reconnection is produced from a wide variety of possibilities.
2‐(2‐Bromoethyl)‐1,3‐dioxane

(1; R,R = (CH2)3) [33884-43-4] C6H11BrO2 (MW 195.06) InChI = 1S/C6H11BrO2/c7-3-2-6-8-4-1-5-9-6/h6H,1-5H2 InChIKey = WMDHQEHPOVOEOG-UHFFFAOYSA-N (2; R,R = (CH2)2) [18742-02-4] C5H9BrO2 (MW 181.03) InChI = 1S/C5H9BrO2/c6-2-1-5-7-3-4-8-5/h5H,1-4H2 InChIKey = GGZQLTVZPOGLCC-UHFFFAOYSA-N (3; R,R = Me,Me) [36255-44-4] C5H11BrO2 (MW 183.04) InChI = 1S/C5H11BrO2/c1-7-5(8-2)3-4-6/h5H,3-4H2,1-2H3 InChIKey = ODZZAIFAQLODKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N (a group of bifunctional three-carbon reagents having the capacity to serve as electrophiles or as nucleophiles;1 once the latent carbonyl is unmasked, annulation reactions of various types can be implemented; the application range of these reagents can be further enhanced by initial bromide displacement with nucleophiles possessing useful functionality) Physical Data: 1 bp 67–70 °C/2.8 mmHg, d 1.431 g cm−3; 2 bp 68–70 °C/8 mmHg, d 1.542 g cm−3; 3 bp 58–60 °C/17 mmHg, d 1.341 g cm−3. Form Supplied in: all three acetals are colorless, commercially available liquids. Preparative Methods: 3-bromopropionaldehyde acetals are prepared by bubbling anhydrous gaseous Hydrogen Bromide into a dichloromethane solution containing Acrolein and the alcohol or diol at or below rt.2 More recently, the discovery has been made that Chlorotrimethylsilane can promote the conjugate addition of NaX (X = Br, I, SCN) to α,β-unsaturated acetals.3 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: these bromides are recognized to possess irritant properties and should therefore invariably be handled with gloved hands inside an efficient hood. It is also advisable that these reagents be refrigerated for long-term storage in order to minimize the potential for acid liberation.
Seizure Frequency as Treatment Effect Parameter: General Considerations

As epilepsy is a paroxysmal disorder it seems self-evident that the frequency of occurrence of paroxysms is a sensible index. However, as Feinstein admonishes in his teachings on clinimetrics, the first question to be asked is for what purpose do we intend to use the index.
Underwater DoA estimation based on nested array

This paper generalizes a new algorithm for Direction of Arrival (DoA) estimation in one and two dimensional (1D and 2D) underwater non-uniform sensor array networks (UWSANs). The extension of augmented matrix approach from the minimum redundancy array (MRA) to the nested array and co-prime array is the main issue addressed in this work. We elaborate numerical examples of how to construct these new structures of the non-uniform array. The performances of classic MUSIC method and the augmented matrix MUSIC approach are also compared. We also analyze the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) in the non-uniform sensor deployment and it decreases about 10dB comparing to the uniform linear array (ULA). Additionally, the sparse array can exploit more virtual sensors which are able to detect more sources and have a large dynamic range of the signal peaks to the background. Finally, we provide the detailed performance simulations of 1D and 2D nested array and co-prime array respectively.
Challenges of Using Observational Data to Determine the Importance of Example Usage

Educational interventions are often evaluated with randomized control trials, which can be very expensive to conduct. One of the promises of “Big Data” in education is to use non-experimental data to discover insights. We focus on studying the impact of example usage in a Java programming tutoring system using observational data. For this, we compare different formulations of a recently proposed generalized Knowledge Tracing framework called FAST. We discover that different formulations can have the same predictive performance; yet their coefficients may have opposite signs, which may lead researchers to contradictory conclusions. We discuss implications of using fully data-driven approaches to study non-experimental data.
Extreme American Neighborhood Law

This Article explores narratives of extreme American neighbors acting badly - to other neighbors, to the police and to themselves. Starting with a philosophical-religious-psychological assessment of the neighbor as tragic construct, the Article quantifies and analyzes American neighbor jurisprudence in the opening years of the twenty-first century. The cautionary tales reveal ongoing, serious, and destructive meltdowns involving neighbors throughout the United States. The Article notes that while state and federal judges have done a fair job in resolving these vexing disputes under traditional criminal law, tort and property principles, it is high time for some new approaches. In formulating an epistemic theory of extreme neighborhood conflict, the Article closes with an overarching gestalt, suggests a mapping of American neighborhood law, and concludes with a few ideas for potential pragmatic policy responses.
Iron metabolism, anemia, and heart failure.

“When the heart is diseased, its work is imperfectly performed; the vessels proceeding from the heart become inactive so that you cannot feel them.” So goes one of the cardiac glosses of the Ebers papyrus, written about 1600 bc ([1][1]). This description is compatible with heart failure, and
Solving nonlinear programming problems based on the Choquet integral by a genetic algorithm

Nonadditive set functions represent contribution rate of individual feature attributes and combinations of feature attributes toward the target. Their nonadditivity describes the interaction among contributions. The generalized weighted Choquet integral with respect to a nonadditive set function serves as an aggregation tool, which may be used in the nonlinear objective function of optimization problems, to project n-dimensional feature space onto a real axis with a corresponding projection value. In this paper, we propose a special genetic algorithm model to identify the values of feature attributes that maximize the value of the objective function involving a generalized weighted Choquet integral. Thus, we may find the values of the feature attributes giving the greatest contribution toward the target. This is a generalization of linear programming to nonlinear cases.
Cytogenetics of Anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae)

A map of the salivary gland chromosomes of the Gorgas strain of Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann was prepared and used as a standard for comparison with the chromosomes of populations from El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica. All of these populations were similar in chromosome configurations. Xo inversions were found. Both the Mexico and the Guatemala strains, as well as the insecticide-resistant strain from El Salvador, were interfertile with the Gorgas population, and the hybrid chromosomes in all cases were similar to the standard. From this the conclusion was reached that A. albimanus shows little, if any, polymorphism. There is no indication of a tendency toward the formation of sibling species in geographically isolated populations. No gross chromosomal aberrations or differences in banding patterns could be associated with the high level of dieldrin- and DDT-resistance in the El Salvador population; nor could a correlation be established between insecticide resistance and colorational characters of the adult female.
Self‐Efficacy Among Adults in Substance Abuse Treatment: The Role of Religious Coping

In substance abuse treatment, general self-efficacy and religiousness are factors that may support positive outcomes. The authors surveyed clients receiving substance abuse treatment (N = 121) and found that religious coping predicted general self-efficacy scores. Clinical implications are discussed.
Laphystia Loew in North America (Diptera: Asilidae)

This and three related genera are keyed. In Laphystia 29 species are recognized from the Nearctic Region and northern Mexico. These are arranged in nine species groups and are included in a key. L. albiceps (Macq.), of doubtful status, is not so treated. Twelve species are new: L . brookmani , L . cazieri , L . howlandi , L . jamesi , and L . martini (California); L . sonora (Mexico); L . duncani (Arizona); L . utahensis (Utah); L . tolandi (Nevada and Utah); L . laguna (Texas); L . bromleyi (Oklahoma and Arkansas); and L . snowi (Kansas).
A molecular phylogeny of the Grunts (Perciformes: Haemulidae) inferred using mitochondrial and nuclear genes

We infer a phylogeny of haemulid genera using mitochondrial COI and Cyt b genes and nuclear RAG1, SH3PX3, and Plagl2 genes from 56 haemulid species representing 18 genera of the expanded haemulids (including the former inermiids) and ten outgroup species. Results from maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analyses show strong support for a monophyletic Haemulidae with the inclusion of Emmelichthyops atlanticus. The former inermiids did not form a clade indicating that the highly protrusible upper jaw specialization to planktivory evolved more than once within Haemulidae. The subfamilies Haemulinae and Plectorhinchinae, currently diagnosed by eight morphological characters, most notably the number of chin pores and the origin of the retractor dorsalis, are also recovered from these analyses with the Haemulinae sister to the Plectorhinchinae. Plectorhinchus is monophyletic only with the inclusion of Diagramma. Within the Haemulinae, Pomadasys and Conodon are polyphyletic. In addition, Anisotremus is monophyletic only with the inclusion of Genyatremus and Conodon nobilis, and Haemulon is monophyletic only with the inclusion of Xenistius. These results suggest that further morphological and molecular studies are needed to revise the limits of several haemulid genera.
Equation of state of dense plasmas with pseudoatom molecular dynamics

We present an approximation for calculating the equation of state (EOS) of warm and hot dense matter that is built on the previously published pseudoatom molecular dynamics (PAMD) model of dense plasmas [Starrett et al., Phys. Rev. E 91, 013104 (2015)PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.91.013104]. While the EOS calculation with PAMD was previously limited to orbital-free density functional theory (DFT), the new approximation presented here allows a Kohn-Sham DFT treatment of the electrons. The resulting EOS thus includes a quantum mechanical treatment of the electrons with a self-consistent model of the ionic structure, while remaining tractable at high temperatures. The method is validated by comparisons with pressures from ab initio simulations of Be, Al, Si, and Fe. The EOS in the Thomas-Fermi approximation shows remarkable thermodynamic consistency over a wide range of temperatures for aluminum. We calculate the principal Hugoniots of aluminum and silicon up to 500 eV. We find that the ionic structure of the plasma has a modest effect that peaks at temperatures of a few eV and that the features arising from the electronic structure agree well with ab initio simulations.