cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
0.7–1.8 GHz digital polar transmitter using a watt-class CMOS power amplifier and digital pulse width modulation with spurious signal reduction

A polar transmitter driven by digital input signals for envelope and phase is demonstrated, using a switched output resonator to achieve multiband operation. A new digital pulse width modulation algorithm is also shown to partially suppress spurious signals associated with the digital input envelope signal. The transmitter consists of a current-mode class-D power amplifier (CMCD PA), together with a buck converter with a dead-time generator for improved efficiency. The CMCD PA was tuned by switched capacitors that can handle up to 9V, and was measured to have 30-31 dBm output power with 31-35% drain efficiency under single-tone testing. The proposed spurious signal reduction technique works to partially suppress the quantization noise without increasing power consumption. Overall efficiencies of 27.1 / 25.6% were obtained at 30.2 / 28.9 dBm CW output powers and 850 / 1750 MHz carrier frequencies respectively. Spur suppression of 9-10 dB peak was achieved when the proposed algorithm was applied to WCDMA modulation.
Lymphocyte reactivity in vitro. II. Soluble reconstituting factor permitting response of purified lymphocyte.

Abstract Several reports have implicated an adherent cell population—enriched in macrophages—in the in vitro lymphocyte response to either soluble antigens to which the donor of the cells is sensitized or to allogeneic-stimulating cells. We have recently presented evidence which suggests that the role of the added cell population may be an essential one. A supernatant of the macrophage preparation, obtained by repeated centrifugations at 1650g to remove intact cells, will substitute for the macrophage preparation and allow purified cells to respond to allogeneic cells. Such purified cells would not respond otherwise. The existence of such a factor (conditioned medium reconstituting factor—CMRF) may cause us to reevaluate some previous roles suggested for the macrophage in immunological reactions.
Evolution of the vacuum Rabi peaks in a many-atom system

Summary form only given. The two peaks of the vacuum Rabi splitting behave like simple harmonic oscillators for very weak excitation. The transmission spectrum of a cavity filled with a collection of two-level atoms shows this doublet and, for sufficiently high intensities, its evolution into a single peak. As the excitation increases anharmonicity grows in the oscillators to a point where frequency hysteresis appears in the transmission spectrum. The saturation of the transition of the two-level atoms is responsible for the nonlinearity that causes the anharmonicity. This work investigates the transition from the doublet into the singlet. We include the possibility of a detuning between the atomic and cavity resonances.
Faith-Based and Secular Social Service Agencies in Pittsburgh

Abstract How are faith-based organizations (FBOs) and secular social service organizations distributed in relatively poor urban neighborhoods? How do FBOs compare with their secular counterparts in terms of services, resources, and organizational characteristics? What are the implications for community practice and capacity-building? This paper draws on a survey of 230 nonprofit organizations in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania to address these questions. The data suggest that FBOs are evenly distributed across communities of varying wealth, but in the poorest quartile communities, FBOs account for a disproportionately high share of essential social services. FBOs are comparable with secular organizations in terms of management infrastructure. The author offers suggestions for building the capacity of community-based social service organizations.
An Unusual Course of Segmental Renal Artery Displays a Rare Case of Hilar Nutcracker Phenomenon

Nutcracker phenomenon or renal vein entrapment is classically seen as a compression of renal vein in between abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery with patients being asymptomatic or clinically manifested in the form of nutcracker syndrome as proteinuria, hematuria, flank pain, pelvic congestion in women, and varicocele in men. In this report, we are presenting a case of rare variant of nutcracker phenomenon along with brief review of anatomy, pathophysiology, public health, and clinical significance of nutcracker syndrome. On a routine dissection of an adult male cadaver, we noticed an unusual arrangement of the structures at the hilum of the left kidney showing entrapment of renal vein between left anterior inferior and posterior segmental renal arteries. The variation in the course of left anterior inferior segmental renal artery leads to compression of left renal vein at renal hilum. Therefore, we have named this rare abnormal anatomical entity as hilar nutcracker phenomenon. The structures in the right renal hilum are normal. The objective of this paper is to report an unusual but important variant of nutcracker phenomenon and also give collective knowledge of such anatomical variations in renal vasculature that will help in diagnosing and treating such rare renal disorder.
On a class of jointly hyponormal Toeplitz operators

We characterize when a pair of Toeplitz operators T = (T Φ , T ψ ) is jointly hyponormal under various assumptions--for example, Φ is analytic or Φ is a trigonometric polynomial or Φ - ψ is analytic. A typical characterization states that T = (T Φ , T ψ ) is jointly hyponormal if and only if an algebraic relation of Φ and ψ holds and the single Toeplitz operator T ω is hyponormal, where ω is a combination of Φ and ψ. More general results for an n-tuple of Toeplitz operators are also obtained.
The Microbiome in Wound Repair and Tissue Fibrosis

Bacterial colonization occurs in all wounds, chronic or acute, and the break in epithelium integrity that defines a wound impairs the forces that shape and constrain the microbiome at that site. This review highlights the interactions between bacterial communities in the wound and the ultimate resolution of the wound or development of fibrotic lesions. Chronic wounds support complex microbial communities comprising a wide variety of bacterial phyla, genera, and species, including some fastidious anaerobic bacteria not identified using culture-based methods. Thus, the complexity of bacterial communities in wounds has historically been underestimated. There are a number of intriguing possibilities to explain these results that may also provide novel insights into changes and adaptation of bacterial metabolic networks in inflamed and wounded mucosa, including the critical role of biofilm formation. It is well accepted that the heightened state of activation of host cells in a wound that is driven by the microbiota can certainly lead to detrimental effects on wound regeneration, but the microbiota of the wound may also have beneficial effects on wound healing. Studies in experimental systems have clearly demonstrated a beneficial effect for members of the gut microbiota on regulation of systemic inflammation, which could also impact wound healing at sites outside the gastrointestinal tract. The utilization of culture-independent microbiology to characterize the microbiome of wounds and surrounding mucosa has raised many intriguing questions regarding previously held notions about the cause and effect relationships between bacterial colonization and wound repair and mechanisms involved in this symbiotic relationship.
Early aspects of Caenorhabditis elegans sex determination and dosage compensation are regulated by a zinc-finger protein.

THE sdc-1 gene acts at an early step in the regulatory hierarchy that controls the choice of sexual fate in Caenorhabditis elegans. It functions at a point before the control of sex determination and X-chromosome dosage compensation diverge. Here we report that sdc-1 encodes a protein of 1,203 amino acids containing seven zinc fingers. This protein motif in combination with other genetic and molecular information suggests that sdc-1 is likely to function as an embryonic transcription factor regulating downstream genes involved specifically in the sex determination and dosage compensation pathways, or regulating other genes involved in the coordinate control of both processes. These results enhance our general understanding of sex determination strategies, which are already known to involve transcriptional regulation1 and alternative RNA splicing2,3 in Drosophila melanogaster, DNA rearrangements in Saccharomyces cerevisiae4, and transcriptional regulation in mammals5,6.
THE FERTILITY AND LANGUAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEXICAN‐AMERICAN AND NON‐HISPANIC HUSBANDS AND WIVES

In this article cultural and socioeconomic explanations of the effects of language characteristics on the fertility of Mexican-American and non-Hispanic white couples are considered. The impact of husbands' as well of wives' characteristics are estimated on the fertility of a sample drawn from 1980 U.S. census data, using a dynamic model for fertility. The pattern of effects presented is consistent with a cultural explanation that includes the relevence of pronatalist values to the higher fertility of Spanish-speaking Mexican Americans. The greater detail provided by this method also results in the identification of a subset of English-speaking Mexican-American couples who appear to be using a very low fertility strategy and a subset of non-Hispanic whites whose higher fertility is also tied to language characteristics.
Individual inconsistency: Implications for test reliability and behavioral predictability

The nature of individual inconsistency in per formance on trait measurements is an important topic in psychometrics because of its direct rele vance to measurement reliability. Several studies have supported short-term inconsistency as a sys tematic source of variation among individuals by finding some evidence for generalizability and rela tionship to behavioral predictability. However, these findings are questionable, since these studies con founded change with short-term fluctuation in their response inconsistency measure. The current re search separates these two sources of inconsistency in a reanalysis of the data from one major study on short-term consistency and finds little evidence for generalizability or a relationship to behavioral pre dictability. These results support the popular as sumption that measurement error from short-term fluctuations is not due to systematic individual dif ferences in response consistency, as well as sup porting a more limited definition of the individual inconsisten...
Phase contrast MRI assessment of pedal blood flow

This study attempts to evaluate the reliability of cine phase contrast (PC) flow measurements in the assessment of normal pedal blood flow and quantitation of revascularisation-induced flow changes in patients with end-stage peripheral vascular occlusive disease (PVOD). Oblique axial cine-PC acquisitions were obtained on a 1.5 T MRI system at the level of the talotibial joints in 8 normal subjects on four separate occasions. Subsequently 8 patients with end-stage PVOD were examined before and after surgical revascularisation (bilateral, n = 2; unilateral, n = 6). Measured flow in the trifurcation vessels was highly variable among normal subjects. Total pedal flow ranged from 32 to 183 ml/min (mean 91 ml/min) and was significantly different between the subjects evaluated (P < 0.0001). Measurements in the same subject over time were considerably less variable (P < 0.005). Normal arterial flow patterns were consistently triphasic; those in patients with PVOD were either mono- or biphasic. Pedal flow measured by cine-PC in patients was reduced compared with normal subjects (mean 38.3 ml/min). Flow was slower in symptomatic limbs (26.7 ml/min) compared with asymptomatic ones (48.9 ml/min). Flow increases in revascularised limbs (mean 315%) were significantly different from those observed in non-affected limbs (P < 0.005). The ability to quantitate pedal blood flow and subsequent revascularisation-induced flow increases appears promising for the identification of optimal treatment options and monitoring of treatment results.
Developing an Education Program for Nutrition Support Teams

Focused training and continuing medical education are necessary for nutrition support clinicians to acquire new skills, maintain competence, and keep abreast of advancements in the field. Unfortunately, there is a lack of physician-nutrition specialists to act as teachers and role models. One solution is to have members of a multidisciplinary nutrition support team, regardless of discipline, share their expertise with others. This is best accomplished within the framework of a formal education program that can accommodate the knowledge and skill level of each instructor and educational goals of each student. Developing an education program should include the following steps: formulate general goals of the program, specify learning objectives, assess each student’s current level of knowledge and educational goals, determine educational strategies and learning activities that will best meet the goals of each student and the program, and devise a method to evaluate the performance of each student and the program as a whole.
The Crystal Structures of A‐, B‐ and C‐Polymorphs of Amylose and Starch

The crystal structures of the A-, B- and C-polymorphs of amylose have been determined through a combination of fiber x-ray diffraction analysis and computer-based structure refinement. The three structures correspond to the naturally occurring A-, B- and C-starches. A- and B-structures differ in the crystalline packing of the helices and the water content. The C-structure is a mixture of A- and B-unit cells and, therefore, intermediate between the A- and B-forms in packing density.
On a question of Davenport and Lewis and new character sum bounds in finite fields

Let χ be a nontrivial multiplicative character of Fpn. We obtain the following results. (1) Let ϵ>0 be given. If B={∑j=1nxjωj :xj∈[Nj+1,Nj+Hj]∩Z,j=1,…,n} is a box satisfying Πj=1nHj>p(2/5+ϵ)n, then for p>p(ϵ) we have, denoting χ a nontrivial multiplicative character, |∑x∈Bχ(x)|≪np-ϵ2/4|B| unless n is even, χ is principal on a subfield F2 of size pn/2, and maxξ|B∩ξF2|>p-ϵ|B|. (2) Assume that A,B⊂Fp so that |A|>p(4/9)+ϵ, |B|>p(4/9)+ϵ, |B+B| 1/2+δ. Then for a nonprincipal multiplicative character χ, |∑x∈I,y∈Dχ(x+y)|<p-δ2/12|I| |D|. We also slightly improve a result of Karacuba [K3]
Unilateral odor deprivation: Differential effects due to time of treatment

Rats were unilaterally deprived of odor stimulation by surgically sealing one naris 1, 30 or 60 days after birth. Thirty days later the laminar volumes of the olfactory bulb ipsilateral to the occluded naris were compared with those ipsilateral to the normal side. Deprivation from days 1–30 resulted in approximately 25% reductions in “deprived” bulb size, corroborating results reported by others. Altered experience at older ages had little effect on laminar volume suggesting that deprivation does not produce atrophy per se, but interacts with early developmental processes to result in differential bulb size.
Structural characterization and activity studies on Ni/Co bimetallic catalysts

Abstract Five Ni/Co bimetallic catalysts with loadings of 10% Ni, 7% Ni + 3% Co, 5% Ni+5% Co, 3% Ni+7% Co, and 10% Co were impregnated on Degussa silica by the incipient wetness technique. The catalysts were calcined at 400 °C for about 5 h in a furnace, and then reduced at 350 °C in flowing hydrogen for about 20 h. Lattice parameters determined from X-ray diffraction data indicated the presence of either pure Ni and pure Co or a bimetallic alloy. The activity of the reduced catalysts were determined by measuring the conversion of a 3:1 mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. As the Co content increased, the catalysts showed high initial activity and more rapid deactivation in methane and ethane formation. Stacking faults which can be directly observed in cobalt-rich catalysts may provide active sites which increase the initial activity and also cause rapid deactivation. The formation of NiO in the 7% Ni + 3% Co system may also be related to the high initial activity of this system. Ethylene formation also increased as the Co content of the catalysts increased.
Scalable High-Frequency Silicon Carbide Optomechanical Microresonators

We demonstrate silicon carbide optomechanical microresonators with mechanical frequency up to 1.7GHz, mechanical quality above 5500 and optomechanical coupling around 100GHz/nm. The frequency can match the zero-field splitting of the defect spin in silicon carbide.
Low temperature microcrystalline silicon thin film resistors on glass substrates

Abstract Doped microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si) thin film resistors have been processed at low temperatures (
Tracking the Carbon Footprint of Outdoor Recreation Programs: A Case Study of Texas Tech University's Outdoor Pursuits Center

Outdoor leaders are already sensitive to the ethics of immediate actions related to use and care of wilderness areas. Considering the impact of our activities on global climate, however, requires an entirely new paradigm of thinking; one that considers the long-term and often invisible implications of our choices. Here, we develop a generalizable methodology to quantify the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food consumption and transportation from outdoor recreation trips. We then apply this method to estimate the average carbon footprint for trips conducted by the Outdoor Pursuits Center at Texas Tech University (TTU) to total 94kg CO2eq per person, approximately one half to one third the emissions incurred by a typical student's weekend trip home. Finally, we evaluate potential strategies to mitigate those emissions including adjusting trip menus to include less carbon-intensive and more local food items, traveling to closer locations, and purchasing carbon offsets.
Computer aided identification of eugonic gram-negative bacilli: Clustering for bacteriological screening☆

Abstract A system based on pattern recognition in terms of operationally meaningful criteria has been designed for the identification of eugonic gram-negative bacilli. It includes the selection of a battery of tests to be used as a screening. The results of these tests place each isolate in any one of a number of clusters. A second set of tests is used to identify the isolate as one of the species in the cluster. The system can identify most common species economically and can be used in clinical laboratories not equipped with computers.
Molecular genetics of benign tumors.

The identification of the Philadelphia chromosome marked the beginning of a remarkable era in cancer cytogenetics [[1]]. Detection of chromosomal translocations has become an important adjunct to c...
Studies of correlation of lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin with the clinical and immunologic status in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The in vitro peripheral lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was correlated with the clinical and immunologic status in 44 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The mean lymphocyte response was only slightly below the normal range at day 3 of culture in patients in remission; but a majority of these patients showed delayed maximum responses. In contrast, the PHA response was markedly depressed and delayed in patients with active disease. The lymphocyte response to PHA was well correlated with the duration of disease, the status of disease, the status of therapy, the degree of lymphocytosis, and the status of immunoglobulin level in patients with this disease.
Current status of CT, magnetic resonance, and barium in inflammatory bowel disease.

Over the last several years there has been an increasing interest and utilization of cross-sectional imaging techniques for evaluation of the bowel in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially for Crohn’s disease. Cross-sectional imaging can evaluate the entire gastrointestinal tract, depict transmural and perienteric inflammation, detect complications such as fistulas and abscesses—which may be not be evident with techniques used to evaluate the mucosal surface—and assess other abdominal organs and structures. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) have advantages and limitations, which must be understood to perform the most appropriate imaging test in any given clinical scenario. Barium fluoroscopic exams still maintain some advantages over the cross-sectional techniques, such as higher spatial resolution and the ability to examine bowel peristalsis and distension in real time. In this article we explain the clinical benefits and appropriate utilization of cross-sectional enterography, review the technique and performance of CT enterography (CTE) and MR enterography (MRE), and discuss the findings and approaches to interpretation. Finally, we highlight the advantages and role of fluoroscopic examinations.
Fluorine 18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose myocardial single-photon emission computed tomography: An alternative for determining myocardial viability

The identification of hibernating myocardium in patients with poor ventricular function has become increasingly important as investigators demonstrate an improvement in ventricular performance in patients with injured but viable myocardium who undergo surgical revascularization. Modifications of 201Tl redistribution protocols and rest/stress 99mTc-labeled hexakis-2-methoxy-2-methyl propylisonitrile perfusion studies continue to underestimate myocardial viability compared with resting 18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) positron emission tomography. The combined data from multiple investigators suggest that 18FDG single-photon emission computed tomography used in combination with cardiac perfusion agents, either sequentially or with simultaneous dual-isotope acquisition, may provide an acceptable alternative to positron emission tomographic imaging for the detection of hibernating myocardium.
Genetic Susceptibility to Leishmania: IL-12 Responsiveness in TH1 Cell Development

The genetic background of T lymphocytes influences development of the T helper (TH) phenotype, resulting in either resistance or susceptibility of certain mouse strains to pathogens such as Leishmania major. With an in vitro model system, a difference in maintenance of responsiveness of T cells to interleukin-12 (IL-12) was detected between BALB/c and B10.D2 mice. Although naive T cells from both strains initially responded to IL-12, BALB/c T cells lost IL-12 responsiveness after stimulation with antigen in vitro, even when cocultured with B10.D2 T cells. Thus, susceptibility of BALB/c mice to infection with L. major may derive from the loss of the ability to generate IL-12-induced TH1 responses rather than from an IL-4-induced TH2 response.
Microplastic surface deformation of A12219-T851

Abstract A model of inhomogeneous plastic deformation in a grain embedded in an elastic matrix is developed and used to examine the highly localized softening of the surface of A12219-T851 during fatigue. The model is used to calculate the stress within plastically deformed grains as a means of obtaining true local stress-strain response. Strains measured within individual grains reveal that the degree of softening increases with grain size. In grains larger than four times the mean grain size, the local yield strength after fatigue is reduced to a third that of the cyclically stable bulk yield strength.
General Approach to Epipolythiodiketopiperazine Alkaloids: Total Synthesis of (+)-Chaetocins A and C and (+)-12,12′-Dideoxychetracin A

A highly stereoselective and systematic strategy for the introduction of polysulfides in the synthesis of epipolythiodiketopiperazines is described. We report the first total synthesis of dimeric epitri- and epitetrathiodiketopiperazines.
Small-Time Existence and Two Classes of Solutions for the n-Dimensional Coupled Yukawa Equations

We discuss the Yukawa equations, a system of nonlinear partial differential equations which has applications to meson-nucleon interactions. First, we determine small-time local existence of solutions under fairly general initial data. In particular, we show that small-time solutions are analytic, and by the higher order Cauchy–Kowalevski theorem, unique. Secondly, we obtain a class of stationary solutions. For the $$1+1$$ model, we find that space-periodic solutions may be obtained through an application of multiple scales analysis. In this case, the coupled Yukawa equations result in a sort of non-local Gross-Pitaevskii equation. We outline the method for stationary solutions to the $$n+1$$ problem as well. Finally, we consider a separate class of solutions, namely travelling waves. The wave solutions we obtain here are distinct from those discussed previously in the literature. For these solutions, we are able to determine the asymptotic behavior of the solutions.
A multielectrode implant device for the cerebral cortex.

Abstract A new class of brain implant technology was developed that allows the simultaneous recording of voltage signals from many individual neurons in the cerebral cortex during cognitive tasks. The device allows recording from 49 independent positions spanning a 2×2-mm region of neural tissue. The recording electrodes are positioned in a square grid with 350 μm spacing, and each microelectrode can be precisely independently vertically positioned using a hydraulic microdrive. The device utilizes ultrafine, sharp iridium microelectrodes that minimize mechanical disturbance of the region near the electrode tip and produce low noise neuronal recordings. The total weight of this device is less than 20 g, and the device is reusable. The implant device has been used for transdural recordings in primary somatosensory and auditory cortices of marmosets, owl monkeys, and rats. On a typical day, one-third of the microelectrodes yield well-discriminated single neuron action potential waveforms. Additional array electrodes yield lower amplitude driven multiunit activity. The average signal-to-noise ratio of discriminated action potential waveforms 6 months after implantation was greater than 9. Simple design alternatives are discussed that can increase the number of electrodes in the array and the depths at which dense array recordings can be achieved.
Cigarette smoking patterns in patients after treatment of upper aerodigestive tract cancers.

There is a paucity of data on variables predictive of successful smoking cessation in cancer patients. In this questionnaire‐based study, we report the smoking status of 75 patients (46 men, 29 wom...
Refining fire emissions for air quality modeling with remotely sensed fire counts: A wildfire case study

This paper examines the use of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observed active fire data (pixel counts) to refine the National Emissions Inventory (NEI) fire emission estimates for major wildfire events. This study was motivated by the extremely limited information available for many years of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) NEI about the specific location and timing of major fire events. The MODIS fire data provide twice-daily snapshots of the locations and breadth of fires, which can be helpful for identifying major wildfires that typically persist for a minimum of several days. A major wildfire in Mallory Swamp, FL, is used here as a case study to test a reallocation approach for temporally and spatially distributing the state-level fire emissions based on the MODIS fire data. Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model simulations using these reallocated emissions are then compared with another simulation based on the original NEI fire emissions. We compare total carbon (TC) predictions from these CMAQ simulations against observations from the Inter-agency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) surface network. Comparisons at three IMPROVE sites demonstrate substantial improvements in the temporal variability and overall correlation for TC predictions when the MODIS fire data is used to refine the fire emission estimates. These results suggest that if limited information is available about the spatial and temporal extent of a major wildfire fire, remotely sensed fire data can be a useful surrogate for developing the fire emissions estimates for air quality modeling purposes.
Practice Patterns in the Management of Urinary Lithiasis

The prevalence of kidney stones is rising rapidly in the United States. Data from the Urologic Diseases in America project suggests that healthcare utilization and expenditures for treating patients with kidney stones are rising dramatically as well. Current understanding of treatment patterns is limited, but suggests that urologists are moving away from shock-wave lithotripsy and towards ureteroscopy for urinary stones that require intervention. Many opportunities exist for furthering our understanding of healthcare delivery for stones, including assessing quality of care, drivers of expenditures, and opportunities to maximize value for patients.
Evaluation of rubella vaccination in a large school system

An evaluation of rubella vaccine was conducted in a large school system to determine the antigenic effect, the presence of transmission of vaccine virus to susceptible contacts, the morbidity caused by the vaccine, and the acceptability by the community of vaccine evaluation. Cendehill strain live, attenuated rubella vaccine was used. The study was placebo controlled. A total of 7,238 children participated in the study. The vaccine was highly antigenic; 96.8 per cent of the susceptible vaccines developed a significant serum antibody titer. Nine per cent of the susceptible children receiving placebo also developed significant serum antibody titer. Spread of rubella virus from the vaccinees could not be ruled out. There was little morbidity associated with vaccination. Generalized urticaria occurred in 2 vaccinees several weeks after vaccination. The study was well received by the community.
Designing for and with diaspora: a case study of work for the truth and reconciliation commission of liberia

We describe our experiences in designing new media technologies in cooperation with Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This work includes two major projects: a dynamic, interactive Web site for the Commission, and a mobile video-sharing kiosk intended for use in-country where connectivity is limited. We place specific focus on our design exercises with members of the Liberian diaspora in Atlanta. Our report includes lessons learned both in designing technologies directly for diaspora users, and in using diaspora members as surrogates for users in-country. These lessons include the need to recognize diversity even within the diaspora community, the sensitivity of content to cultural nuances, and the overall value of the perspective of interaction with diaspora members.
Random interactions explore the nuclear landscape: Predominance of prolate nuclear deformations

We use an ensemble of random but spin- and isospin-invariant interactions in a restricted orbital space as a tool for exploration of the shell-model parameter space to understand the source of collective effects. The mean field with the yrast state sequence ${0}^{+}\ensuremath{-}{2}^{+}\ensuremath{-}{4}^{+}$, rotational energy ratio $E({4}^{+})/E({2}^{+}),$ and rigid-rotor relation between the prolate quadrupole moment $Q({2}^{+})$ and the transition probability $B(E2;{2}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}^{+})$ appears with a high probability as a result of mixing of single-particle orbitals split by deformation. For a given set of collective observables, we identify the responsible matrix elements of the effective forces. In this framework, we reanalyze an old problem of the predominance of prolate deformations among well-deformed nuclei.
Lorentz-force-driven infiltration by aluminum

A new process for infiltrating fibrous pre-forms with liquid metal is presented which eliminates the need for pressurization of the metal or pre-form chemical pretreatment. The molten matrix material and preform are held in a cermic crucible so that the melt forms an annulus around the pre-form. These are then subjected to an intense high frequency magnetic pulse. The eddy currents induced in the melt interact with the magnetic pulse to propel the metal into the pre-form at a high speed, infiltrating the preform. The infiltration length is governed by the nature and number of discharges. Work in progress on modeling the process, with the aim of predicting the infiltration produced by discharges of known characteristics, is described. A finite difference solution is used to solve the governing electromagnetic field equations. The predicted electromagnetic field is then used together with Ergun's equation to calculate the infiltration distance. Preliminary experimental results are presented as well, in which infiltrations in excess of 2 mm have been achieved on Saffil(TM) pre-forms with aluminum as the infiltrating matrix.
Sex differences in the activity of γ-aminobutyric acidergic neurons in the rat hypothalamus

The rate of GABA turnover was determined in nine microdissected brain regions in adult male and female rats. In the medial preoptic nucleus (central aspect) and ventromedial nucleus (ventrolateral aspect) of the hypothalamus, areas involved in the regulation of gonadotropin secretion and sex behavior, GABAergic neuronal activity was about 2-fold greater in males than females. These results demonstrate a striking sexual dimorphism in the activity of specific populations of hypothalamic GABAergic neurons.
The engineer’s responsibility for quality

This paper offers a definition of quality for products, explains why engineers are morally responsible for quality, and outlines how engineers can fulfill this responsibility.
The comparison of school-age children's performance on two motor assessments: the Test of Gross Motor Development and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children

Background: Competence in the motor domain is associated with positive, health-related outcomes. Physical education teachers often administer assessments into their programs to measure motor competence for a variety of reasons. Recently, researchers have questioned the relatedness of performance on different assessments. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare motor assessment outcomes of the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) in school-age children.Method: Sixty-five children (M = 6.7 years) completed the TGMD-2 and the MABC-2. The TGMD-2 includes two subscales: object control and locomotor skills. The MABC-2 includes three subscales: manual dexterity, aiming and catching, and balance. Standard scores and percentile rankings were used for analysis.Findings: Although 10 of the possible 12 Pearson correlations were significant, the range of r² values was 0.07–0.27 indicating low practical significance. A paired samples t-test rev...
Specificity in Chemical Perturbation of Crystal Structures

Abstract The specificity in chemical perturbation of crystal structure is examined by investigating the efffect of the position of particular substituent group on the crystal structure. 1,2,3,5-tetra-halobenzenes are chosen for this study. A comparative study of Raman phonon spectra of 1,2,3,5-tetrachlorobenzene; 1,2,3-trichloro-5-bromobenzene; and 1,3,5-trichloro-2-bromo-benzene crystals reveals that former two have the same crystal structure, while the latter has a different crystal structure. It is inferred that a bromine group substitution in 2-position of 1,2,3,5-tetrachlorbenzene creates a lattice instability which gives rise to a different crystal structure for 1,3,5-trichloro-2-bromobenzene. The nature of this instability is discussed. Mixed crystals of 1,2,3,5-tetrachlorobenzene and 1,2,3-trichloro-5-bromobenzene are studied to establish phonon correlation and deloalization.
The role of material and test inhomogeneities in determining superplastic ductility

Abstract Superplastic (SP) ductility is limited by strain localization due to the presence of microstructural and test inhomogeneities. We present a model that quantifies this effect, for the case of a non-uniform distribution of internal cavities, sections with different grain sizes and temperature gradients. The use of appropriate constitutive equations to characterize mechanical behavior enables the modeling of the increase in strain rate, strain localization and cavity growth in the inhomogeneous section. The predicted failure strains are shown to be in good agreement with experimental observations in a range of SP alloys. The relative effects of inhomogeneities in the initial cavity fraction, grain size and test temperature are quantified. It is suggested that scatter in tensile elongations is most likely due to variations in the level of cavitation inhomogeneity from sample to sample.
Hardware-software co-design of an embedded power management module with adaptive on-chip power processing schemes

This paper presents an embedded power management module with adaptive on-chip power processing schemes, tailored for next-generation power-aware VLSI systems. The module comprises a single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) power converter and a software-defined, digital controller. By using a digital control, the entire converter can be integrated with microprocessor units (MPUs). This enables a hardware-software co-design, where effective power processing carried out at the software level can be directed to generate the most optimal voltages at the hardware level. Such an embedded power management module leads to an integrated and autonomous system-on-chip (SoC) design, which is independent of additional external hardware control. In this design, each power output from the SIMO converter provides a step-up/down voltage conversion, thereby enabling a wide range of variable supply voltage. An adaptive global/local power allocation control algorithm is employed to significantly improve DVS tracking speed and line/load regulation, while the still retaining low cross regulation. Designed with a 180-nm CMOS process, the converter precisely provides three independently variable power outputs from 0.9 to 3.0 V, with a total power range from 33 to 900 mW. A very fast load transient response of 3.25 µs is achieved, in response to a 67.5-mA full-step load current change.
THE SAFETY OF ELDERLY PEDESTRIANS AT FIVE URBAN INTERSECTIONS IN MIAMI

A study of five intersections was conducted in the city of Miami to identify the problems encountered by youg, middle-aged, and old pedestrians. Data were collected using questionnaires and videotapes. Both the survey and the videotape data support pedestrian difficulties at the intersections studied. Highlights of the findings are provided.
Minimal model systems for β-sheet secondary structure in proteins

Abstract Use of model systems to explore the forces that control β sheet formation was stymied for many years by the perception that small increments of β sheet necessarily aggregate. Recently, however, a number of short peptides (9–16 residues in length) that fold into two-stranded antiparallel β sheets (‘β hairpins’) have been reported; several short peptides (20–24 residues in length) that fold into three-stranded antiparallel β sheets have also been described. These model systems are beginning to provide fundamental insights into the origins of β sheet conformational stability.
Effects of cadmium on nucleic acid and protein synthesis in rat liver.

In male rats, cadmium (0.5 or 2.5 mg Cd 2+ /kg, ip) distributes among the major hepatic organelles, with the cytoplasmic fraction showing the greatest accumulation. Cadmium (0.34, 1.70, or 3.41 mg Cd 2+ /kg, ip) administration showed a biphasic effect with time on RNA synthesis in vivo . Upon its addition to isolated hepatic nuclei cadmium inhibited RNA synthesis. Administration of cadmium (0.34 or 1.70 mg Cd 2+ /kg, ip) to partially hepatectomized rats, decreased DNA synthesis. It was suggested from (DNA) melting profile measurements that cadmium may interact directly with DNA. The incorporation of l -[ 14 C]phenylalanine by a microsomal preparation from rats pretreated with cadmium (0.34, 1.70, or 3.41 mg Cd 2+ /kg, ip) was increased relative to controls. When hepatic microsomes were preincubated to destroy mRNA, the polyuridylic acid-directed incorporation of l -[ 14 C]phenylalanine was significantly inhibited by the cadmium pretreatment. This activity was likewise inhibited when cadmium was added to preincubated microsomes from control animals. The mRNA directed incorporation of amino acid by hepatic microsomes from control animals showed a significant biphasic effect dependent upon the concentration of added cadmium. At the doses of cadmium used in this study histologic examination of liver indicated focal necrosis, hemorrhage, inflammation, and congestion in some treatment groups.
SU-E-T-555: A Model-Based Dose Calculation Algorithm for Kilovoltage X-Rays

Purpose: Current model‐based dose calculation algorithms implemented in commercial radiotherapy treatment planning systems are inaccurate for kilovoltage photon beams. This work presents a new model‐based dose calculation algorithm designed to provide accurate, patient‐specific dose distributions for kV x‐rays. Methods: This algorithm calculates the radiation dose as the sum of primary and scatter dose components. The scatter dose is calculated by convolving an empirically parameterized scatter kernel with the primary photon fluence. Several approximations are introduced to increase calculation speed: (1) the photon energy spectrum is approximated as monoenergetic; (2) density inhomogeneities are accounted for by implementing a global distance scaling factor in the scatter kernel; (3) kernel tilting is ignored. These approximations allow for efficient calculation of the scatter dose convolution with the fast Fourier transform. Medium atomic number dependent effects are accounted for by implementing a Medium‐Dependent Correction, which correlates the effects of photoabsorption in bone with a surrogate quantity that is determined for an x‐ray source associated with an imaging procedure. Results: The accuracy of this algorithm was tested by comparing dose distributions resulting from kV‐CBCT scans and radiographs of real patients with those calculated by the Monte Carlo method. Imaging sites studied include the head‐and‐neck, thorax, and pelvis. For all patients studied, the differences of mean dose between the Monte Carlo Method and the model‐based algorithm for kV‐CBCT were within 4% for bone, and 3% for soft tissues. This is in contrast to current model‐based methods used in commercial treatment planning systems that Result in underestimations exceeding 100% for bone and overestimations of 8% for soft tissues. Conclusion: This new algorithm overcomes the limitations of current model‐based photon beam calculation algorithms and can be implemented in commercial treatment planning systems to extend dose calculations to kV photon beams resulting from imaging guidance procedures or therapeutic orthovoltage beams.
Stiffness transitions in Si x Se 1 − x glasses from Raman scattering and temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry

Temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) measurements on ${\mathrm{Si}}_{x}{\mathrm{Se}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$ glasses show glass transitions to be thermally reversing in character in the composition window $0.20lxl0.27.$ Raman scattering shows a trimodal distribution of vibrational modes, identified with corner-sharing (CS), edge-sharing (ES), and Se-chain modes (CM). In the floppy region, $0lxl0.19,$ these modes are symmetric and are characteristic of a random network. In the transition region, $0.20lxl0.27,$ the ES and CM split into doublets suggesting appearance of extended range structural correlations. In the percolatively rigid region, $xg0.27,$ the CS mode in addition to the ES and CM also splits into a doublet indicating growth of substantial medium range structure. The large compositional width $(0.20lxl0.27)$ associated with Raman elastic thresholds coincides with the thermally reversing window from MDSC.
Differential sensitivity of C2-C12 striated muscle cells to lovastatin and pravastatin

One of the major side-effects of the use of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia is the development of myositis and, in some patients undergoing concomitant immunosuppressive treatment, the development of rhabdomyolysis. Experiments outlined in these studies demonstrate that inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase activity which differ primarily in the substitution of a methyl group for a hydroxyl group have differential effects on both cholesterol levels and cell viability in a striated muscle cell model, the mouse C 2 -C 12 myoblast. Thus, concentrations as high as 200 μm of pravastatin had little effect on total cholesterol level while 25 μm of lovastatin decreased cellular cholesterol by over 90%. Simvastatin and lovastatin decreased viability of C 2 -C 12 myoblasts by nearly 50% at concentrations as low as 1 and 5 μm, respectively, and decreased viability by almost 90% at 10 and 15 μ respectively. However, 300 μm of pravastatin decreased cell viability by less than 50%. The order of potency for the effects on cell viability was simvastatin>lovastatin>>>pravastatin. The possible relationship between effects on cell viability and the development of myositis is discussed.
Structural Defects and Their Relationship to Nucleation of Gan Thin Films

Microstructure and extended defects in α-GaN films grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy on sapphire substrates using low temperature A1N (or GaN) buffer layers have been studied using transmission electron microscopy. The types and distribution of extended defects were correlated with the film growth mode and the layer nucleation mechanism which was characterized by scanning force microscopy. The nature of the extended defects was directly related to the initial three-dimensional growth. It was found that inhomogeneous nucleation leads to a grain-like structure in the buffer; the GaN films then have a columnar structure with a high density of straight edge dislocations at grain boundaries which are less likely to be suppressed by common annihilation mechanisms. Layer-by-layer growth proceeds in many individual islands which is evidenced by the observation of hexagonal growth hillocks. Each growth hillock has an open-core screw dislocation at its center which emits monolayer-height spiral steps.
Use of insoluble heparin for isolation of DNA polymerase enzymes from murine myeloma.

Abstract Heparin was found to be a potent inhibitor of a DNA polymerase present in the murine myeloma tumor MGPC-21. By increasing the KCl concentration of the reaction mixture, the inhibition of this enzyme could be completely reversed, suggesting that insoluble heparin might be a useful tool in the isolation of DNA polymerases. When heparin covalently bound to Sepharose was used, some of the DNA polymerases present in MOPC-21 myeloma tumors were separated and partially purified.
Gold nanocluster-DNase 1 hybrid materials for DNA contamination sensing

Abstract : Protein encapsulated gold nanocluster (P-AuNC) synthesis was first demonstrated in 2009. Initially these P-AuNCs were used as cellular imaging agents as the protein shell surrounding the AuNC made them highly biocompatible. However, recent studies have begun to show that these stabilizing proteins may also retain native biological function thus giving a dual functionality to these hybrid molecules. Here we present the synthesis of DNase 1 stabilized gold nanoclusters (DNase 1:AuNCs) with core sizes consisting either 8 or 25 atoms. The DNase 1:Au8NCs exhibit blue fluorescence whereas the DNase 1:Au25NCs are red emitting. Moreover, in addition to the intense fluorescence emission; the synthesized DNase 1:AuNC hybrid retain the native functionality of the protein, allowing simultaneous detection and digestion of DNA with a detection limit of 2 g/mL (Scheme 1). The DNase 1:AuNCs could be conveniently employed as efficient and fast sensors to augment the current inefficient and time consuming DNA contamination analysis techniques.