cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of High Pressures on Au-Sn Solid Liquid Interdiffusion (SLID) Bonds

This paper investigates the influence of high pressure on Au-Sn solid-liquid interdiffusion (SLID) bonds formed by bonding Si substrates to dies of either lead-zirconate titanate (PZT) with high surface roughness or Si with low surface roughness. Bonded samples were exposed to 1000 bar pressure in a silicone oil filled pressure vessel. Samples were characterized before and after exposure by means of scanning acoustic microscopy, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. All but one sample successfully passed the pressure exposure. This failed sample had a delamination in the proximity of a large void in the intermetallic layer.
Factors that Minimize Curative Resection for Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma: an Analysis of Clinical Decision-Making and Survival

Gallbladder adenocarcinoma has a poor prognosis as it is often diagnosed incidentally, and patients have a high risk for residual and occult metastatic disease. Expert guidelines recommend definitive surgery for ≥T1b tumors; however, surgical management is inconsistent. This study evaluates the factors that affect the completion of radical resection with portal lymphadenectomy and its impact on survival. A retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for gallbladder cancer from 2008 to 2017 at an academic institution was performed. Patients were analyzed based on whether they underwent definitive surgical resection. Patient factors and clinical decision-making were analyzed; overall survival was compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Seventy-five patients with ≥T1b tumors were identified, of who 32 (42.7%) underwent definitive resection. Fifty-four (72%) patients had gallbladder cancer identified as an incidental diagnosis following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Among patients who did not undergo definitive resection, the underlying factors were varied. Only 24 (55.8%) patients in the non-definitive resection group were seen by surgical oncology. Among patients who underwent re-operation for definitive resection, 12 (38.7%) were upstaged on final pathology. Of the 43 patients who did not undergo definitive resection, 4 (9.3%) had metastatic disease identified during attempted re-resection. Patients who underwent definitive resection had a significantly longer median overall survival compared to those who did not (4.3 v. 1.9 years, p = 0.02). Patients undergoing definitive resection have a significantly improved survival, including as part of a re-operative strategy. Universal referral to a surgical specialist is a modifiable factor resulting in increased definitive resection rates.
Approximately and Efficiently Estimating Dynamic Point-to-Point Shortest Path

Point-to-point shortest path (PPSP), or s-t connectivity, is a variant of the shortest path problem found in graph theory. In this problem, we are given a graph and pairs of vertices over time, and the output is the shortest path between each pair of vertices. In this paper, we present two algorithms. Our first algorithm approximately solves the PPSP problem on any arbitrary graph. For each pair of vertices queried, it accurately and efficiently estimates the shortest path between the two vertices. Our second algorithm extends the first to work on dynamic graphs. That is, our second algorithm can efficiently account for changes in the graph, such as friend requests on the Facebook network or road closures on road networks. At a high level, both algorithms partition the graph into highly connected communities. To respond to a query q(u, v), they each find the fewest number of partitions between u and v, and the shortest path through each partition. We show that our static graph algorithm can approximate the distance between two vertices with about 20%-35% percent error and anywhere from 80X-70000X faster than a BFS in practice with the right choice of partitions. Additionally, we show that our dynamic graph algorithm can account for updates to the graph anywhere from 20X-20000X faster than rerunning the static graph algorithm for each change to the graph.
Drivable path detection using CNN sensor fusion for autonomous driving in the snow

This work targets the problem of drivable path detection in poor weather conditions including on snow covered roads. A successful drivable path detection algorithm is vital for safe autonomous driving of passenger cars. Poor weather conditions degrade vehicle perception systems, including cameras, radar, and laser ranging. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based multi-modal sensor fusion is applied to path detection. A multi-stream encoder-decoder network that fuses camera, LiDAR, and Radar data is presented here in order to overcome the asymmetrical degradation of sensors by complementing their measurements. The model was trained and tested using a manually labeled subset from the DENSE dataset. Multiple metrics were used to assess the model performance.
Cost-effectiveness of artificial intelligence monitoring for active tuberculosis treatment: A modeling study

Background Tuberculosis (TB) incidence in Los Angeles County, California, USA (5.7 per 100,000) is significantly higher than the U.S. national average (2.9 per 100,000). Directly observed therapy (DOT) is the preferred strategy for active TB treatment but requires substantial resources. We partnered with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of AiCure, an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that allows for automated treatment monitoring. Methods We used a Markov model to compare DOT versus AiCure for active TB treatment in LA County. Each cohort transitioned between health states at rates estimated using data from a pilot study for AiCure (N = 43) and comparable historical controls for DOT (N = 71). We estimated total costs (2017, USD) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over a 16-month horizon to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefits (NMB) of AiCure. To assess robustness, we conducted deterministic (DSA) and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA). Results For the average patient, AiCure was dominant over DOT. DOT treatment cost $4,894 and generated 1.03 QALYs over 16-months. AiCure treatment cost $2,668 for 1.05 QALYs. At willingness-to-pay threshold of $150K/QALY, incremental NMB per-patient under AiCure was $4,973. In univariate DSA, NMB were most sensitive to monthly doses and vocational nurse wage; however, AiCure remained dominant. In PSA, AiCure was dominant in 93.5% of 10,000 simulations (cost-effective in 96.4%). Conclusions AiCure for treatment of active TB is cost-effective for patients in LA County, California. Increased use of AI platforms in other jurisdictions could facilitate the CDC's vision of TB elimination.
Prevalent Gaps in Understanding the Features of Catatonia Among Psychiatrists, Psychiatry Trainees, and Medical Students.

Background: Catatonia is often overlooked, and a key factor for underdiagnosis may be an inadequate understanding of catatonia's heterogeneous phenotypes. The aim of this study was to identify the current state of theoretical and applied knowledge of catatonic features among psychiatry trainees and practitioners using the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), the most commonly used instrument to identify and score catatonia. Methods: We created an online 50-item multiple-choice test and 3-minute standardized patient video to be scored using the BFCRS. Email invitations were sent to medical students and psychiatry residents and fellows through listservs of psychiatry clerkship and residency directors and to consultation-liaison psychiatrists through the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Participants could access the exam from October 1 to December 31, 2020. Results: In our sample (n = 482), participants correctly answered an average of 55% of test questions and identified 69% of BFCRS items on the standardized patient exam. Multivariable regression adjusting for demographics revealed that, compared to medical students, psychiatrists scored 7 points higher on the multiple-choice test and identified only 2 more items correctly on the BFCRS. Older participants performed worse than younger participants. No meaningful performance differences were identified by region or gender. Several items were consistently misidentified. Conclusions: We found significant inaccuracies in clinicians' understanding of catatonic features irrespective of their stage of training and years of experience. These data suggest prevalent gaps in catatonia recognition among psychiatrists, psychiatry trainees, and medical students utilizing the BFCRS. This has important implications for clinical research and patient care.
A General Framework of Dual Certificate Analysis for Structured Sparse Recovery Problems

This paper develops a general theoretical framework to analyze structured sparse recovery problems using the notation of dual certificate. Although certain aspects of the dual certificate idea have already been used in some previous work, due to the lack of a general and coherent theory, the analysis has so far only been carried out in limited scopes for specific problems. In this context the current paper makes two contributions. First, we introduce a general definition of dual certificate, which we then use to develop a unified theory of sparse recovery analysis for convex programming. Second, we present a class of structured sparsity regularization called structured Lasso for which calculations can be readily performed under our theoretical framework. This new theory includes many seemingly loosely related previous work as special cases; it also implies new results that improve existing ones even for standard formulations such as L1 regularization.
Separate compilation for synchronous modules

Synchronous models are useful for designing real-time embedded systems because they provide timing control and deterministic concurrency. However, the semantics of such models usually require an entire system to be compiled at once to analyze the dependencies among modules. The alternative is to write modules that can respond when the values of some of their inputs are unknown, a tedious and error-prone process. We present a compilation technique that allows a programmer to describe synchronous modules without having to consider undefined inputs. Our algorithm transforms such a description into code that does as much as it can with undefined inputs, allowing modules to be compiled separately and assembled later. We implemented our technique in a compiler for the Esterel language and present results that show the technique does not impose a substantial overhead.
A quality improvement initiative project to evaluate a newborn hearing screening program in a Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative setting

Hearing loss present from birth can have a detrimental impact on later language and educational outcomes. Newborn hearing screening has allowed early identification and intervention of hearing loss, giving children the opportunity to develop age-appropriate language skills. The aim of this quality initiative study was to evaluate the quality of the newborn hearing screening program in the context of a newly implemented Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Program at Summa Health System Akron City Hospital. The goals were (1) to determine whether screening environment (mother’s room vs. nursery) affected screening results, (2) to identify challenges and positive outcomes encountered by the audiologists, and (3) to ensure that Pass/Refer rates met state standards. A Quest Technologies sound level meter (Model 1800; St. Paul, MN, USA) was used to measure noise levels in the nursery rooms where newborns were tested. The length of screening time was determined using a calibrated SP® Traceable® (ISO 17025) stopwatch (McGraw Park, IL, USA). Pass/Refer rates and observed challenges and benefits were noted. All well-baby infants born in the month of February 2013 (n = 101) were included, and Pass/Refer results were compared to those in years 2008-2012. Noise levels in the mother’s room did not appear to negatively affect the Pass/Refer rates. Some challenges were present, including interruptions and louder environmental noise. This protocol was considered appropriate for assessing a hearing screening program in a Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) setting. Benefits of performing hearing screening in the mother’s room included test transparency for parents and the ability to immediately discuss the results. Results obtained in the mother’s room were comparable to past results obtained in the nursery. Noise levels in the screening rooms and challenges should be noted, to ensure accuracy of screening results.
High productivity integral train-Phase I testing of New York Air Brake Company 'Iron Highway'

The high-productivity integral train (HPIT) project was initiated in April, 1984, and the New York Air Brake (NYAB) Company proposed an intermodal train concept called Iron Highway. The concept consists of a 1000 ft continuous platform (element) supported by single axle trucks every 28 ft at an articulated joint. A control and power unit provides power at each end of an element to the first five axles. The truck suspension is unique in that at each articulated joint an air-spring connects the truck to the carbody. The nonpowered axles at each truck have independently rotating wheels and steering links to reduce rolling resistance and guide the truck radially through curves. Another innovative feature of the concept, and a potentially very advantageous one, is the freedom to load and unload trailers of any length on the platforms using movable hitches and a low deck side center platform loading scheme. >
An Adaptive State Feedback Controller for a Class of Stochastic Systems

The paper is concerned with the problem of non-zero set-point (NZSP) control of linear stochastic systems with unknown model parameters. It is shown that a convenient solution is possible through the minimization of the state error variance. It is also shown that the proposed combined "NZSP feed-forward and estimated state feedback," control law is simpler to compute than the LQG solution. Further, the new solution has some important advantages over the self-tuning controller. The results are illustrated using a simulated example.
Introduction to Large‐Scale Linear Programming and Applications

Linear programming (LP) has been used as an effective tool to solve a number of applications in manufacturing, transportation, military, health care, and finance. In a number of these applications, the problem size in terms of the number of variables and constraints can become rather large in order to accurately represent the system. For this reason, a number of specialized procedures such as column generation and cutting-plane methods have been developed to effectively solve these large-scale linear programs. In other cases, the problem may have a special structure, where decomposition methods can also be used. This article provides an overview of these specialized solution procedures. We conclude the article with an example of a large-scale linear program developed to balance routes for street sweepers in Southern California. Keywords: master problem; cutting-plane methods; column generation; block-matrix structure; Dantzig–Wolfe decomposition
The Simalytic Modeling Technique

While the advent of desktop and departmental servers started the popularity of multiple-tier application designs (2-tier, 3-tier, n-tier, etc.), the e-commerce explosion has forced many more applications into a multiple-tier implementation using the Internet. However, the popularity of providing web access to new and existing applications has created significant problems for the performance analyst and the capacity planner. This chapter introduces "Simalytic" (Simulation/Analytic) Modeling, a new approach to modeling the performance of transaction based client/server applications specifically addressing the problems of modeling client/server applications for capacity planning. This technique uses a general purpose simulation tool as an underlying framework, combined with analytic results to represent individual nodes, to predict the capacity requirements in an enterprise model. It combines modeling tools already in place for the individual systems (platform-centric and general purpose) to address heterogeneous environments with a modeling framework that connects the parts of an application.
Characteristic crack tip field and the characterizing parameters for elastic-plastic fracture mechanics

ABSTRACT The linear elastic fracture mechanics can be formulated from the concept of a characteristic crack tip field, which is directly correlated with a well defined fracture initiation process. This formulation is extended to the elastic-plastic fracture mechanics. The stresses and strains at a crack tip are in a complicated three-dimensional state. There are three two-dimensional models of elastic-plastic crack tip fields: plane strain, plane stress, and strip yielding. The essential features of the crack tip fields of these three limiting cases are reviewed and analyzed, and the characterizing parameters for these three models are enumerated and their application to elastic-plastic fracture mechanics is discussed.
Linking Individuals to Digital Information

As computer crime increases in scope and magnitude, it is imperative to develop techniques that can link individuals to specific computers, computer programs and electronic documents. Unfortunately, scientific techniques that can establish these links are limited at best. This paper demonstrates that computer use characteristics can be employed to establish strong, legitimate links between individuals and digital information. Certain characteristics can be used to identify individuals. Other characteristics may be used to create profiles that assist in eliminating suspects and reducing the scope of investigations.
Estimating the proportions in a mixed sample using transcriptomics

Often, biomedical researchers take a tissue sample from a tumour that unintentionally contains tumour cells and stromal cells so that gene expression from the sample represents two distinct kinds of cells. This is tolerated because techniques for separating tumour and stromal cells are expensive and time-consuming and the act of separation can alter gene expression. So, it is desirable to have a technique for estimating the proportion of tumour cells in a mixed sample to improve detection of differential expression in cancer cells. © 2014 The Authors. Stat Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Cloud‐Based Privacy‐Preserving Remote ECG Monitoring and Surveillance

Background The number of technical solutions for monitoring patients in their daily activities is expected to increase significantly in the near future. Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, BMI, oxygen saturation, and electrolytes are few of the physiologic factors that will soon be available to patients and their physicians almost continuously. The availability and transfer of this information from the patient to the health provider raises privacy concerns. Moreover, current data encryption approaches expose patient data during processing, therefore restricting their utility in applications requiring data analysis. Methods We propose a system that couples health monitoring techniques with analytic methods to permit the extraction of relevant information from patient data without compromising privacy. This proposal is based on the concept of fully homomorphic encryption (FHE). Since this technique is known to be resource-heavy, we develop a proof-of-concept to assess its practicality. Results are presented from our prototype system, which mimics live QT monitoring and detection of drug-induced QT prolongation. Results Transferring FHE-encrypted QT and RR samples requires about 2 Mbps of network bandwidth per patient. Comparing FHE-encrypted values—-for example, comparing QTc to a given threshold—runs quickly enough on modest hardware to alert the doctor of important results in real-time. Conclusions We demonstrate that FHE could be used to securely transfer and analyze ambulatory health monitoring data. We present a unique concept that could represent a disruptive type of technology with broad applications to multiple monitoring devices. Future work will focus on performance optimizations to accelerate expansion to these other applications.
F.I.T.: Fashion as Information Technology

FIT: Fashion as Information Technology is one of a series of three short works on the relationship between intellectual property and fashion design. The first, a book chapter entitled simply Intellectual Property and Fashion Design (http://ssrn.com/abstract=1309735), outlines the history of the issue with particular reference to the status of fashion design protection in the United States. The second, a long-term work in progress, focuses on the cultural and historical reasons for the limited degree of intellectual property extended in the past to certain categories of human creativity, including fashion design. This essay turns to the question of why-despite shifting cultural attitudes and other conditions-some tension still exists between creators and consumers of fashion, how information theory can contribute to an explanation for that tension, and what role law can play in its resolution. In addition, I explore these issues in a book forthcoming from Yale University Press and a blog, Counterfeit Chic.The goal of FIT is twofold: first, to redirect attention to the broader realm of information and communications technology, of which fashion is a foundational medium; and second, to analyze fashion as an information technology in order to better understand the industry's desire for intellectual property protection, popular resistance to such protection, and the most efficacious balance between them in terms of creative expression. Beginning with Part I, FIT explores the broad concept of information and communications technology and its legal parameters. Turning specifically to the clothing and textile industry, Part II focuses on both the historical and cultural role of fashion in conveying information and the production mechanisms that are direct historical antecedents of more recently developed information technologies. Part III discusses the bi-level nature of clothing and accessories as information technology, simultaneously embodying the designer's authorial voice and generating information on behalf of and about the wearer. Finally, Part IV identifies the dueling approaches to intellectual property law inherent in fashion's dual information identity, points out the inadequacies and distorting effects of the legal status quo, and suggests a framework for resolution - narrowly tailored for a perfect fit.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of liver cancer

Focal liver lesions occur commonly and with varying histology, each requiring radically different management. There are a multitude of imaging modalities currently being used for detecting and characterizing focal liver neoplasms. The primary modalities include ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and rarely, angiography. CT and MRI have benefited from rapid technologic advances, and MRI, in particular, from the advent of new contrast agents.
Simple alignment constraints for efficient alignment of RNA sequences using family-specific models

In this extended abstract, we present a simple method for finding alignment constraints that can be used for efficient alignment of RNAs based on family-specific models, such as profile context-sensitive HMMs (profile-csHMMs) and covariance models (CMs). The alignment constraints are established based on the alignment positions predicted by a profile-HMM. Application of the proposed constraints to the profile-csHMM based structural RNA alignment method significantly improved the average alignment speed without degrading the alignment accuracy.
Age and Skin Tone as Predictors of Positive and Negative Racial Attitudes in Hispanic Children

Past research suggests that both White children and minority children, including Hispanics, hold pro-White biases. Although doll studies have been a popular way of assessing racial attitudes among children, several methodological issues have made it challenging to interpret the results from these studies. Furthermore, past research has failed to consider the independence of positive and negative attitudes. The present study utilized a revised doll technique to look at racial attitude development in 116 Hispanic children aged 3 to 10. Results contradict past findings, as the vast majority of the children showed no in-group bias (preference for Hispanics over other groups) or out-group bias (preference for other groups over Hispanics). Nonetheless, Hispanic children showed a slight preference for Whites over Blacks and Asians, and racial attitudes differed as a function of age and skin tone. Results from this study suggest that positive and negative attitudes are influenced by different factors.
Comparison of supercritical fluid extraction and Soxhlet extraction of organic compounds from carpet samples

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and Soxhlet extraction were applied to a common set of samples to determine their relative efficiencies for the measurement of a variety of organic compounds and their comparability as laboratory techniques. For this test, a variety of carpet samples were extracted by both SFE and Soxhlet methods and the extraction solutions were analyzed via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results relative to an internal standard spike were then compared statistically by their relative standard deviations, an F-test for precision, and their averages within a 95% confidence level. Compounds of possible environmental exposure concern were used as some of the selected compounds for comparison.
Noninvasive quantification of regional myocardial function using Doppler-derived velocity, displacement, strain rate, and strain in healthy volunteers: effects of aging

Quantification of regional function can be performed using Doppler tissue echocardiography to evaluate myocardial velocity, tissue displacement, strain, and strain rate. Although these techniques have been validated in animal experiments and early clinical trials, there are only limited measurements in healthy populations to use as reference data. In 100 healthy volunteers, left ventricular myocardial velocity, displacement, strain, and strain rate were measured using Doppler tissue echocardiography. Measurements were obtained from basal, mid, and apical segments of walls visualized from left ventricular apical 4- and 2-chamber views. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the effects of age and wall segment position. All parameters showed a strong dependence on wall segment position. Although myocardial velocities and strain rate showed significant dependence on age, displacement and peak systolic strain measures were less affected. Like pulsed Doppler mitral inflow velocity, tissue velocity and strain rate show age-related changes.
The Condorcet-Jefferson connection and the origins of social choice theory

This paper explores the relationship between Condorcet and Jefferson to gain insight into the early development of social choice theory. Jefferson does not seem to have read or understood Condorcet's theoretical work, but studying the relationship leads to the identification of intellectual intermediaries and a different perspective on the creation of social choice theory in the French Academy of Sciences.
Toward Improving Fidelity of Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations: Boundary Conditions Matter

In their paper entitled “Generalized versus Patient-Specific Inflow Boundary Conditions in Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations of Cerebral Aneurysmal Hemodynamics,” Jansen et al[1][1] compare results from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations performed with 2 different kinds of
CTL responses to H2-M3-restricted Listeria epitopes

Cytotoxic T cells (CTL) play a critical role in the murine immune response to Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria). Bacterial antigens are presented to Listeria-specific CTL by products of both conventional, polymorphic MHC class Ia and non-polymorphic MHC class Ib alleles. The H2-M3 class Ib gene product, M3, preferentially presents formylmethionine-initiating (fMet) peptides derived from the N termini of bacterial and mitochondrial proteins. Thus, M3 signals the presence of bacterial invaders to CTL effectors. Listeria-encoded fMet peptide epitopes for H2-M3-restricted CTL have recently been identified. These and other identified fMet peptides are predominantly comprised of hydrophobic residues and appear to be cleaved from membrane-bound proteins. The subcellular location and membrane topology of such proteins may be significant factors in their selection as target antigens for H2-M3-restricted CTL. Such rules may prove useful for prediction of candidate fMet peptide epitopes from other bacterial proteins and species. Studies using synthetic fMet peptides to stimulate CTL ex vivo are also discussed. These latter studies indicate that Listeria infection boosts H2-M3-restricted CTL responses. However, in contrast to MHC class Ia-restricted CTL responses, fMet peptide-specific CTL are observed in a large proportion of cultures from non-immunized, conventionally housed (non-SPF) mice. The CTL activity in these latter cultures may reflect priming in vivo on cross-reactive antigens, or may indicate that requirements for priming of H2-M3-restricted CTL are less stringent than for class Ia-restricted responses.
Precipitation/latent heating retrieval and validation

Rainfall retrieved from space-borne instruments has been accepted as reliable and accurate by a majority of the atmospheric community. One of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) facility rain algorithms is the passive microwave-based rain retrieval algorithm (2A-12). In order to introduce latent heating as a product of 2A-12, many improvements have been made to the current Version 5 algorithm. This paper shows how these modifications impact retrieved surface rainfall rate and latent heating estimates. Comparisons indicate that the error statistics for the prototype Version 6 2A-12 are similar to those of Version 5 at footprint-scale and 30-km resolution; however, consistent latent heating vertical profiles are now obtainable. Preliminary comparisons to dual-doppler radar-based estimates show similar heating structures, but further study will be required to establish the general credibility of 2A-12 latent heating estimates.
Ions in Nitrogen

${\mathrm{N}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{3}^{+}$, and ${\mathrm{N}}_{4}^{+}$ ions have been identified in nitrogen gas by use of a mass spectrometer operated with the ion source in the pressure range from ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ mm Hg to 0.6 mm Hg. Appearance potentials occur at 15.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 ev for ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{+}$, at 15.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 ev for ${\mathrm{N}}_{4}^{+}$, at 22.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5 ev for ${\mathrm{N}}_{3}^{+}$, and at 24.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4 ev for ${\mathrm{N}}^{+}$; ${\mathrm{N}}_{3}^{+}$ ions thus are formed only at much higher electron energies than ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{+}$ but still at 2 ev less energy than ${\mathrm{N}}^{+}$. It is believed that the ${\mathrm{N}}_{4}^{+}$ is formed by the process ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{+}$+${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{N}}_{4}^{+*}$ (excited vibrationally) and the ${\mathrm{N}}_{3}^{+}$ is formed by the process ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{+*}$+${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{N}}_{3}^{+}$+N, where ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{+*}$ is an excited ion. ${\mathrm{N}}_{4}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{N}}_{3}^{+}$ currents decrease with increasing $\frac{E}{p}$ in the source, suggesting that they may be dissociated by molecular impacts. The ${\mathrm{N}}_{4}^{+}$ ions are considerably more readily lost than the ${\mathrm{N}}_{3}^{+}$ ions. Since the formation of ${\mathrm{N}}_{3}^{+}$ must necessarily release a nitrogen atom, this process constitutes a form of dissociation of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ which may account for the value of the dissociation energy of 7.38 ev found by some methods.
Saddle points and Lagrangian-type duality for discrete minmax fractional subset programming problems with generalized convex functions

Abstract In this paper we present four sets of saddle-point-type optimality conditions, construct two Lagrangian-type dual problems, and prove weak and strong duality theorems for a discrete minmax fractional subset programming problem. We establish these optimality and duality results under appropriate ( b , ϕ , ρ , θ ) -convexity hypotheses.
A lip-activated appliance in early orthodontic treatment

The modes of action and types of lip-activated appliances are reviewed, and three cases illustrating the versatility of lip-activating appliances in intercepting dental and occlusal problems are reported.
Growth hormone secretion from pituitary cells in chronic renal insufficiency.

Growth hormone secretion from pituitary cells in chronic renal insufficiency. To examine whether growth hormone (GH) secretion is adversely affected by chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), the GH secretory response of dispersed anterior pituitary cells perifused with GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) was investigated in 5/6 nephrectomized (CRI, N=18) and sham-operated (N = 18) rats. Two weeks after nephrectomy, during a period of stable uremia, CRI rats had significantly higher serum concentrations (mean ± SEM) of urea nitrogen and creatinine than sham rats, 16.8 ± 1.4 µmol/liter (47 ± 4 mg/dl) and 79.6 ± 0.0 μmol/liter (0.9 ± 0.0 mg/dl) versus 6.1 ± 0.4µmol/liter (17 ± 1 mg/dl) and 35.4 ± 0.0 µmol/liter (0.4 ± 0.0 mg/dl), respectively (P
New phenomena associated with homoclinic tangencies

We survey some recently obtained generic consequences of the existence of homoclinic tangencies in diffeomorphisms of surfaces. Among other things, it has been shown that they give rise to invariant topologically transitive sets with maximal Hausdorff dimension, that they prohibit the existence of various kinds of symbolic extensions and that they form an impediment to the existence of Sinai–Ruelle–Bowen (SRB) measures. The main new result described here, together with a positive answer to an as yet unproved conjecture of Palis, would prove that generically on surfaces, SRB measures only exist on uniformly hyperbolic attractors.
Ageing: A midlife longevity drug?

The small molecule rapamycin, already approved for clinical use for various human disorders, has been found to significantly increase lifespan in mice. Is this a step towards an anti-ageing drug for people?
Nonlinear active wave modulation approach for microdamage detection

Several nondestructive testing methods can be used to estimate the extents of damage in a concrete structure. Pulse-velocity and amplitude attenuation, are very common in nondestructive ultrasonic evaluation. Velocity of propagation is not very sensitive to the degrees of damage unless a great deal of micro-damage having evolving into localized macro-damage. Amplitude attenuation is potentially more sensitive than pulse-velocity. However, this method depends strongly on the coupling conditions between transducers and concrete, hence unreliable. A new active modulation approach, Nonlinear Active Wave Modulation Spectroscopy, is adopted in our study. In this procedure, a probe wave will be passed through the system in a similar fashion to regular acoustics. Simultaneously, a second, low frequency modulating wave will be applied to the system to effectively change the size and stiffness of flaws microscopically and cyclically, thereby causing the frequency modulation to change cyclically as well. The resulting amplified modulations will be correlated to the extents of damage with the effect that even slight damage should become quantifiable. This study unveils the potential of nonlinear frequency analysis methods for micro-damage detection and evaluation using actively modulated acoustic signals. This method can interrogate materials exaggerating the nonlinearly that exists due to microcracking and deterioration.
Air entrainment flow field induced by a pool fire

Abstract A laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) was used in conjunction with a quiescently seeded ambient enclosure to study the mean and transient flow field induced by a 7.1-cm toluene pool fire. Radial and axial mean velocity data are presented in the form of a vector plot to elucidate the flow patterns. A component of the vorticity deduced from the velocity field shows a rapid increase near the maximum location of the visible flame interface. The results show that the mass of air set in motion by the fire is much larger than the mass that is entrained into the visible flame and the vorticity interfaces. The results highlight the need for use of a specific unambiguous definition of entrainment when comparing experimental data and correlations. The probability density functions (pdfs) of radial and axial velocities reveal both outward and inward instantaneous motion of air as well as recirculation. The outward motion is caused by expansion and the inward motion is caused by the vorticity generated by the density gradient. A net inward motion is caused leading to entrainment. The transient measurements are of value to the development of improved understanding and analyses of fire induced flows.
Estimating the distance separating fluorescent protein FRET pairs.

Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) describes a physical phenomenon widely applied in biomedical research to estimate separations between biological molecules. Routinely, genetic engineering is used to incorporate spectral variants of the green fluorescent protein (GFPs), into cellular expressed proteins. The transfer efficiency or rate of energy transfer between donor and acceptor FPs is then assayed. As appreciable FRET occurs only when donors and acceptors are in close proximity (1-10nm), the presence of FRET may indicate that the engineered proteins associate as interacting species. For a homogeneous population of FRET pairs the separations between FRET donors and acceptors can be estimated from a measured FRET efficiency if it is assumed that donors and acceptors are randomly oriented and rotate extensively during their excited state (dynamic regime). Unlike typical organic fluorophores, the rotational correlation-times of FPs are typically much longer than their fluorescence lifetime; accordingly FPs are virtually static during their excited state. Thus, estimating separations between FP FRET pairs is problematic. To overcome this obstacle, we present here a simple method for estimating separations between FPs using the experimentally measured average FRET efficiency. This approach assumes that donor and acceptor fluorophores are randomly oriented, but do not rotate during their excited state (static regime). This approach utilizes a Monte-Carlo simulation generated look-up table that allows one to estimate the separation, normalized to the Forster distance, from the average FRET efficiency. Assuming a dynamic regime overestimates the separation significantly (by 10% near 0.5 and 30% near 0.75 efficiencies) compared to assuming a static regime, which is more appropriate for estimates of separations between FPs.
Di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-5 and -crown-6 ethers in cone conformations: synthesis and divalent metal ion extraction

Two series of di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-5 and -crown-6 ethers in cone conformations are synthesized. The ionizable groups are oxyacetic acid moieties and N-(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide units with X=methyl, phenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, and trifluoromethyl, which ‘tunes’ their acidity. For competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform, the new ligands with N-(X)sulfonyl carbamoyl groups are efficient extractants with Ba2+ selectivity. On the other hand, the dicarboxylic acid analogues exhibit little selectivity in extraction of alkaline earth metal cations. For single species extractions of Pb2+, the ligands with both types of ionizable groups show very good extractions abilities. In single species extractions of Hg2+, the N-(X)sulfonyl carboxamide ligands are highly efficient, in contrast to the dicarboxylic acid compounds. Influences of the ionizable group identity, the crown ether ring size, and the presence of upper-rim p-tert-butyl groups on divalent metal ion extraction are explored.
The textplanning component PIT of the LILOG system

In this paper we describe the construction and implementation of PIT (Presenting Information by Textplanning), a subsystem of the LILOG textunderstanding system. PIT is used for planning answers of paragraph length to questions of the kind What do you know about X? We concentrated on a simple, easy to implement mechanism that can be further extended. Experiences with this planning component, especially concerning the integration of new plans and further extensions are discussed.
Thermal and Molecular Characterization of Aspergillus awamori Glucoamylase Catalytic and Starch‐Binding Domains

Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase catalytic domain, linker, and starch-binding domain, the first and third expressed from yeast, have molecular masses of 56.2, 12.6 and 12.9 kDa, respectively, as determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy, and have 10.2, 73.2 and 7.0 % (w/w) carbohydrate, respectively, showing overglycosylation by yeast. Unfolding of the starch-binding domain monitored by circular dichroism is reversible at pH 6.0- 8.0, with the unfolding T m and AH increasing from 49.7 to 58.5 °C and from 284 to 351 kJ/mol, respectively, as pH decreases from 8.0 to 6.0. The catalytic domain unfolds irreversibly at pH 7.5, producing a single asymmetric endotherm by differential scanning calorimetry, with T m and ΔH at a 1 °C/min heating rate being 60.9 °C and 1720 kJ/mol, but with both increasing as the heating rate increases. This suggests that unfolding is partially under kinetic control, while various tests show that it does not follow a simple two-state irreversible model. Values of AH from calculated solvent-accessible surface areas of unglycosylated catalytic and starch-binding domains are about 100 kJ/mol lower than experimentally determined AH values of the corresponding glycosylated domains, showing the effect of glycosylation on unfolding enthalpies.
Microstructure Sensitive Design and Quantitative Prediction of Effective Conductivity in Fuel Cell Design

Statistical continuum approach is used to predict effective conductivity of anisotropic random porous heterogeneous media using two-point correlation functions. Probability functions play a critical role in describing the statistical distribution of different constituents in a heterogeneous media. In this study a 3-dimensional two-point correlation function is utilized to characterize the anisotropic porous media of a Cathode materials to incorporate all the details of the microstructure. These correlation functions are then linked to the effective properties using homogenization relations. An anisotropioc Green’s function solution is used to solve the set of field equations. Examples in this study demonstrated how the model captured the anisotropy in effective conductivity of the random heterogeneous media. Predicted results showed the influence of microstructure on the effective conductivity tensor.
Giardia intestinalis Glucosamine 6-Phosphate Isomerase: the Key Enzyme to Encystment Appears to be Controlled by Ubiquitin Attachment

The cyst wall of the parasitic protozoan, Giardia intestinalis, is composed of a polymer of N-acetylgalactosamine, the precursor of which is synthesized by an inducible enzyme pathway. The first enzyme in this pathway, glucosamine 6-phosphate isomerase, is transcriptionally regulated. During encystment and in mature cysts this isomerase appears to be modified by ubiquitin attachment. Thus, it might be targeted for destruction by an ubiquitin-mediated pathway, suggesting that glucosamine 6-phosphate isomerase expression is tightly regulated.
Relationship between social anxiety disorder and body dysmorphic disorder

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are two separate, but conceptually overlapping nosological entities. In this review, we examine similarities between SAD and BDD in comorbidity, phenomenology, cognitive biases, treatment outcome, and cross-cultural aspects. Our review suggests that SAD and BDD are highly comorbid, show a similar age of onset, share a chronic trajectory, and show similar cognitive biases for interpreting ambiguous social information in a negative manner. Furthermore, research from treatment outcome studies have demonstrated that improvements in SAD were significantly correlated with improvements in BDD. Findings from cross-cultural research suggest that BDD may be conceived as a subtype of SAD in some Eastern cultures. Directions for future research and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Decomposable multi-parameter matroid optimization problems

A framework for solving certain multi-dimensional parametric matroid optimization problems in randomized linear time by prune-and-search is presented. The common feature of these problems, which include the multi-parameter minimum spanning tree problem on planar and dense graphs, is that their fixed-parameter versions are solvable by tournament-like algorithms whose structure is represented by a balanced decomposition tree.
MEASUREMENT OF IMPOSED VOLTAGE GRADIENT ADEQUATE TO MODULATE NEURONAL FIRING.

Many authors1–31 have described the effects of polarization by imposed electric current upon nerve cells. We have not seen in the literature, however, a quantitative evaluation of the sensitivity of nerve cells to electric fields in terms of voltage gradient across some appropriate dimension of the neuron. We have undertaken to estimate the threshold value as being the unique value of greatest interest and have found this to be far lower for modulation of the frequency of an already active neuron than for the excitation of a silent one.
Magnetic ordering of Nd in Nd/Y superlattices

Abstract A series of c-axis Nd/Y superlattices, with Nd layers up to 77 A thick, exhibit magnetic order strikingly different from that of bulk Nd. A portion of the moment in the superlattices orders antiferromagnetically along c ∗ . Neel temperatures are enhanced by ≥ 40% relative to the bulk T N of 19.9 K.
Scientific Inquiry in Educational Multi-user Virtual Environments

In this paper, we present a review of research into the problems of implementing authentic scientific inquiry curricula in schools and the emerging use of educational Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVEs) to support interactive scientific inquiry practices. Our analysis of existing literature in this growing area of study reveals three recurrent themes: (1) with careful design and inclusion of virtual inquiry tools, MUVE-based curricula can successfully support real-world inquiry practices based on authentic interactivity with simulated worlds and tools, (2) Educational MUVEs can support inquiry that is equally compelling for girls and boys, and (3) research on student engagement in MUVE-based curricula is uneven. Based on these themes, we suggest that future large-scale research should investigate (1) the extent to which MUVE-based inquiry learning can be a viable substitute for the activities involved in real-world inquiry; (2) the impact of MUVEs on learning and engagement for currently underserved students, and (3) the impact on engagement and learning of individual aspects of MUVE environments, particularly virtual experimentation tools designed to scaffold student inquiry processes and maintain engagement. Additionally, we note that two identified issues with integrating scientific inquiry into the classroom are currently not addressed by MUVE research. We urge researchers to investigate whether (1) MUVE-based curriculum can help teachers meet state and national standards with inquiry curricula; and (2) scientific inquiry curricula embedded in MUVE environments can help teachers learn how to integrate interactive scientific inquiry into their classroom.