cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seismic probabilistic risk assessment and seismic margins studies for nuclear power plants

Abstract This paper reviews the seismic probabilistic risk assessment and seismic margins studies for nuclear power plants in the United States. The techniques employed in these studies are briefly described. A few comments on the evaluation of the fragility of structures and equipment are discussed. Seismic PRA is a systematic process to evaluate the safety of nuclear power plants. In the process, it integrates all the elements such as seismic hazard, component fragility and plant system. Thus, it provides the overall view of the safety of an entire plant under a seismic event. The major tasks of a seismic PRA such as the evaluation of hazard curves, component fragility and plant system are also present in probabilistic analyses of nonnuclear facilities. The concept and technique embodied in seismic PRA for nuclear power plants can be applied to other types of engineering facilities.
Silver(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate π-complexes of olefins and alkynes. Stability and structure

Abstract The decrease in chemical shift of the vinylic protons of cyclohexene with increasing silver(I) salt concentration indicates that extent of olefin π-complexation to silver salt decreases in the order silver trifluoromethanesulfonate > silver hexafluoroantimonate > silver tetrafluoroborate. Proton NMR analysis shows that alkynes π-complex nearly as well as olefins to silver trifluoromethanesulfonate. Silver trifluoromethanesulfonate π-complexes of monoenes, dienes, trienes, monoynes, and diynes have been prepared and isolated. All complexes are 1 : 1 in the solid state and solution, and all carbon—carbon multiple bonds are coordinated to silver ion. Stability constants measured by proton NMR for the alkyne—silver trifluoromethanesulfonate complexes decrease in the order 1,8-cyclotetradecadiyne > 3-hexyne > 2-hexyne > 4-methyl-2-pentyne.
Relationship between Concentration and Anticonvulsant Effect of Phenytoin against Electroshock-Induced Seizures in Rats: Comparison of Sampling Sites for Concentration Determinations

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine the optimum sampling site for phenytoin concentration measurements in the context of pharmacodynamic studies of the anticonvulsant effect of phenytoin. Determination of drug concentrations in the serum, serum water, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of rats as a function of time after iv injection of a 6-mg/kg dose revealed a significant disequilibrium between brain and serum water for 15 min and between CSF and serum water for 5 min after injection. The concentrations of phenytoin in serum water 1 min after injection of 3 mg/kg (0.371 ± 0.054 μg/mL) and 45 min after injection of 8 mg/kg (0.399 ± 0.049 μg/mL) were not significantly different, but drug concentrations in the CSF and brain were appreciably higher after the latter dose. There was no protection against electroshock-induced seizures 1 min after the 3-mg/kg dose, but there was complete protection 45 min after the 8-mg/kg dose. At 15 min after drug injection, phenytoin concentrations in CSF and serum water were essentially identical over a wide concentration range. Fifty female Lewis rats weighing ~225 g, that consistently exhibited maximal electroshock-induced seizures in three preliminary trials on separate days, received 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 mg/kg of phenytoin by iv injection. Electroshock was applied 15 min later, the percentage of animals protected from seizure by each dose was determined, and drug concentrations in serum, serum water, brain, and CSF were measured by gas chromatography. The relationship between anticonvulsant activity and drug concentration could be described by a Hill-type equation. The EC 50 for CSF, 0.333 ± 0.010 μg/-mL, was similar to that in serum water, but much lower than the EC 50 in serum or brain. Cerebrospinal fluid appears to be the optimum sampling site for pharmacodynamic studies of the anticonvulsant action of phenytoin against electroshock-induced seizures in rats.
An approximation for mean waiting times in cyclic server systems with nonexhaustive service

The cyclic server system has been the subject of considerable research over the last few years. Interest in analyzing such systems has gained momentum due to their application in the performance analysis of token ring networks. In this paper we consider cyclic server systems with nonexhaustive service discipline. The performance measures of interest here are the mean waiting times at the nodes in the system. Exact analysis of such systems for these performance measures is very difficult in general, and a number of approximation schemes have been proposed in the past to evaluate these quantities. This paper presents a new approximation technique that gives accurate estimates of these mean waiting times, based on extensive validation with simulations.
Research on the discords detecting on time series based on distance and density

It proposed the definition of the discords detect of time series based the GMBR (Grid Minimum Bounding Rectangle) and it is the first time to combine the distance measure method with the density. It used the “detect eigenvalue” to weigh the detect degree of the time series. Based the definition of the discords detect proposed the author gives the new discords detect algorithm named GMBR-DD (Discords Detect). This algorithm can find the discords time series with high-effect. In the last it validated the definition and the algorithm proposed through two groups of the data. The experiment results show that the algorithm can catch the discords time series and the definition is reasonable. So the production provided a very effect flat roof and a powerful tool in data mining of time series.
Continuous-Flow Microfluidic Devices for Detection of Bacterial Endospores

Using non-lithographic fabrication methods developed in our laboratory, we prepared continuous-flow microfluidic analyzers. We tested these devices in experiments involving detection of bacterial endospores. The detection was based on the enhancement of the fluorescence of a cationic dye, 3,3′-diethylthiacyanine iodide (THIA), in the presence of spores. We were able to detect as few as ~105 spores when injected in a device. The measurements with the micro-fluidic devices manifested significantly higher sensitivity for bacterial spores than for vegetative bacteria. Such distinction between spores and vegetative bacteria could not be achieved with THIA using steady-state emission measurements.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Financing urban rail projects: The case of Los Angeles

This paper describes the potential use of the financing strategy of value capture or benefit assessment for an urban mass transportation project. The paper describes the legal background to the use of benefit assessment, and the process of implementation for the first construction phase of the Los Angeles Metro Rail project. The process of developing the benefit assessment structure was a consultative one, utilizing technical inputs from a team of specialist consultants, a task force consisting of major developers and property owners in the affected area, and politicians representing many of the interests in the region. The initial benefit assessment districts were set up to raise $130 million of the cost of the first 4.4 miles of the rail project, and are based on the benefits accruing to certain categories of property in the vicinity of stations. The assessment would be collected for about 18 years and bonding would be used to provide the capital at the time of construction.
Effects of dopaminergic medication on objective tasks of deftness, bradykinesia and force control

At least one small report has suggested the possibility that limb kinetic apraxia (a deficit in deftness) was not dopamine responsive and independent of bradykinesia and rigidity in PD. Quencer et al. (Neurology 68:150-151, 2007) observed that speed of finger tapping (bradykinesia) in optimally medicated persons with PD was largely comparable to healthy controls, yet their ability to manipulate and rotate a coin (deftness) was impaired. The authors concluded that deftness was independent of parkinsonian features. In this study, we measured tasks of deftness in a more objective way in both the ON and OFF dopaminergic state. Further, we evaluated whether finger-thumb force control was compromised in persons with PD. Eleven PD fluctuators (mean age 68 ± 9 years) and ten healthy age-matched controls (68 ± 8 years) were included. The bradykinesia items in the UPDRS and performance on the large box and block (LBB) tests were used to measure bradykinesia. A small box and block test (SBB), small coin rotation task (SCR) and small lock rotation task (SLR) were used as measures of deftness. Statistical analyses revealed a significant improvement in performance for the LBB, SBB, SLR and the bradykinesia items of the UPDRS following medication. Furthermore, our PD cohort’s scores were comparable to controls on tests of bradykinesia and deftness (SLR, SBB and LBB) in the ON state, but they performed statistically worse than controls in the OFF state. On the other hand, analyses of the force control tasks revealed no significant difference between the groups. In summary, the improvement in deftness and bradykinesia in the ON state among our PD cohorts (and their comparable performance in the ON but not OFF state compared to healthy controls) suggests the possibility of a more uniform response of these motor features to dopaminergic therapy in PD.
A ground truth based comparative study on clustering of gene expression data.

Given the variety of available clustering methods for gene expression data analysis, it is important to develop an appropriate and rigorous validation scheme to assess the performance and limitations of the most widely used clustering algorithms. In this paper, we present a ground truth based comparative study on the functionality, accuracy, and stability of five data clustering methods, namely hierarchical clustering, K-means clustering, self-organizing maps, standard finite normal mixture fitting, and a caBIG™ toolkit (VIsual Statistical Data Analyzer - VISDA), tested on sample clustering of seven published microarray gene expression datasets and one synthetic dataset. We examined the performance of these algorithms in both data-sufficient and data-insufficient cases using quantitative performance measures, including cluster number detection accuracy and mean and standard deviation of partition accuracy. The experimental results showed that VISDA, an interactive coarse-to-fine maximum likelihood fitting algorithm, is a solid performer on most of the datasets, while K-means clustering and self-organizing maps optimized by the mean squared compactness criterion generally produce more stable solutions than the other methods.
Topographical organization of the inferior collicular projection and other connections of the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus in the cat

The topographic distribution of projections from the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (VNLL) in the cat was investigated with the autoradiographic tracing method. The origin of minor projections was verified by retrograde tracing methods. Small injections of tritiated leucine were placed in restricted zones of VNLL. A major afferent fiber system to the inferior colliculus was labeled in all cases. From the injection site labeled fibers coursed through and around the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus to enter the ipsilateral inferior colliculus. Regardless of the position or small size of the injection, labeled fibers distributed widely in the inferior colliculus. Fibers ended in the central nucleus and deeper layers of the dorsal cortex in most cases. There was also labeling in the ventrolateral nucleus, but very few fibers ended as lateral as the lateral nucleus. A small number of labeled fibers passed from the inferior colliculus into the nucleus of the brachium of the inferior colliculus and adjacent tegmental areas. Some labeled fibers entered the commissure of the inferior colliculus where they were traced into the dorsal cortex and rostral pole of the inferior colliculus on the side contralateral to the injection site. Though the projections labeled in individual cases were similar in their divergent pattern within the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus, specific variations in the pattern were found. The dorsal zone of VNLL projected more heavily to the deeper layers of the dorsal cortex and an adjacent field in the central nucleus than the other zones. Dorsal injections in the middle zone of VNLL, on the other hand, labeled the medial part of the central nucleus more heavily, whereas ventral injections in the middle zone resulted in heavier lateral labeling. The ventral zone of VNLL projected heavily to a central field in the central nucleus. In addition to this major afferent system of VNLL to the inferior colliculus, a smaller descending projection was found. The descending projection ended mainly in the dorsomedial periolivary region and ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body. However, in some cases a few fibers were traced to the cochlear nuclei. Finally, we observed projections to the medial geniculate body from the dorsal and ventral zones of VNLL that ended diffusely in the medial division of the medial geniculate body. Possibly some fibers from the dorsal zone contribute to a broader projection of the lateral tegmentum to the dorsal division of the medial geniculate body.
Chromatographic and mass spectral characterization of budesonide and a series of structurally related corticosteroids using LC-MS.

Abstract The LC–MS characteristics of budesonide and a series of structurally related corticosteroids were reviewed to commence the construction of a library of chromatographic and mass spectral information to aid identification of budesonide degradation products during formulation stabilization investigations. The LC–ESI + –MS technique employing a Hypersil ® C18 column with a mobile phase of ethanol-acetonitrile-formic acid (pH 3.8; 0.14 mM) (2:30:68, v/v/v) was then used to characterize 23 corticosteroids. Based on their structures, the corticosteroids were classified into three groups: (I) 4-pregnene-3-one steroids; (II) 1,4-pregnadien-3-one steroids with no fluorine substituents; and (III) 1,4-pregnadiene-3-one steroids with fluorine substituents. Chromatographic (retention time and UV absorbance) and mass spectral properties were correlated with the known chemical structures of these corticosteroids. Base peak and mass spectral fragmentation patterns were related to steroid structural characteristics.
Simultaneous quantitation from infrared spectra of glucose concentrations, lactate concentrations, and lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios in amniotic fluid.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using infrared spectroscopy to simultaneously predict preterm infection, fetal distress, and fetal lung maturity. Study Design: A total of 189 infrared spectra were acquired from amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis. The concentrations of glucose and lactate and the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios were determined separately by accepted clinical chemistry methods for each sample. Infrared spectra were recorded with a commercial spectrometer and 35 μL amniotic fluid was used for each spectrum. Calibration models (partial least squares) were derived from the correlation between 102 infrared spectra and clinical standard analyses; the model was then validated with the remaining 87 spectra. Results: By means of the multivariate technique of partial least squares regression, calibration models for glucose and lactate were developed that had excellent correlation coefficients ( r = 0.97 for glucose and r = 0.91 for lactate); the SEs of calibration were 0.04 mmol/L for glucose and 0.09 mmol/L for lactate. The validation sets for the quantitation of glucose and lactate predicted by the calibration models also yielded good outcomes ( r = 0.95 for glucose and r = 0.71 for lactate, with SEs of prediction of 0.06 mmol/L and 0.18 mmol/L, respectively). Conclusion: Infrared spectroscopy has the potential to become the clinical method of choice for simultaneously predicting preterm infection, fetal distress, and fetal lung maturity. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:696-702.)
SPECTROSCOPY OF SUSPECTED VARIABLE STARS

The results of a spectroscopic survey of 17 suspected variable stars are presented. The majority of the objects are A-G stars (possibly RR Lyrae stars), while the rest consist of a QSO, an AGN, a probable Mira variable, and a possible dwarf nova in decline.
Insecticidal amino acids in legume seeds

Abstract When incorporated into artificial diets, powdered seeds of several Central American legume species were found to be toxic or repellent to larvae of the southern armyworm. Similar results were obtained from bioassay experiments with certain unusual amino acid components of these seeds, suggesting that these compounds may contribute to the known resistance of many legume seeds to natural attack by insects.
Structure and Operation of the ITS Code System

The TIGER series of time-independent coupled electron-photon Monte Carlo transport codes is a group of multimaterial and multidimensional codes designed to provide a state-of-the-art description of the production and transport of the electron-photon cascade by combining microscopic photon transport with a macroscopic random walk1 for electron transport. Major contributors to its evolution are listed in Table 10.1.
A mathematical model of the regulation of the G1 phase of Rb +/+ and Rb —/— mouse embryonic fibroblasts and an osteosarcoma cell line

A mathematical model integrating the roles of cyclin D, cdk4, cyclin E, cdk2, E2F and RB in control of the G1 phase of the cell cycle is described. Experimental results described with murine embryo fibroblasts (MEFs), either Rb +/+ or Rb —/—, and with the RB-deficient osteosarcoma cell line, Saos-2, served as the basis for the formulation of this mathematical model. A model employing the known interactions of these six proteins does not reproduce the experimental observations described in the MEFs. The appropriate modelling of G1 requires the inclusion of a sensing mechanism which adjusts the activity of cyclin E/cdk2 in response to both RB concentration and growth factors. Incorporation of this sensing mechanism into the model allows it to reproduce most of the experimental results observed in Saos-2 cells, Rb —/— MEFS, and Rb +/+ MEFs. The model also makes specific predictions which have not been tested experimentally.
Dispersal and deposition of eolian and fluvial sediments off Peru and northern Chile

Relative abundances of quartz and feldspar in fine-grained terrigenous sediments have been used to recognize specific continental sediment sources along northwestern South America and to trace the dispersal of specific grain size fractions from these sources to adjacent continental margin and deep-sea sedimentary environments. Quartz/feldspar ratios are low (∼0.6) for all fractions of sediments derived from southern Peru and northern Chile, but such ratios increase systematically in central and northern Peru as the importance of granitic and related intrusives increases relative to more basaltic extrusives and gabbroic equivalents. Limited published analyses of dusts collected offshore (Prospero and Bonatti, 1969) are also consistent with a latitudinally varying continental sediment source. We find that clay (
A unified theory of biogeography and relative species abundance and its application to tropical rain forests and coral reefs

Theories of island biogeography and of relative species abundance are of central importance in biogeogra- phy and community ecology, yet these two bodies of theory heretofore have been largely unconnected. Incor- porating speciation into the theory of island biogeography unexpectedly results in unification of these two theories. The unified theory predicts the existence of a fundamental biodiversity number h that controls not only species rich- ness, but also relative species abundance in the source area metacommunity at equilibrium between speciation and extinction. With additional parameters for island size and migration rate, the theory also predicts relative species abundance on islands or local regions of continuous land- scapes. Application of the theory to the biogeography and biodiversity of communities of tropical trees and reef- building corals are discussed. One important result is that only relatively modest migration rates are suƒcient to dynamically couple the regional metacommunity and sta- bilize community structure on large spatiotemporal scales. Thus, regional, long-term compositional stasis in tropical rain forests and coral reefs can arise just as easily from the stabilizing e⁄ect of large numbers as from niche- assembly rules that limit species membership in communi- ties. Because of the higher intrinsic vagility of corals, the theory predicts greater regional similarity in coral reef communities than in tropical tree communities.
Server Siblings: Identifying Shared IPv4/IPv6 Infrastructure Via Active Fingerprinting

We present, validate, and apply an active measurement technique that ascertains whether candidate IPv4 and IPv6 server addresses are “siblings,” i.e., assigned to the same physical machine. In contrast to prior efforts limited to passive monitoring, opportunistic measurements, or end-client populations, we propose an active methodology that generalizes to all TCP-reachable devices, including servers. Our method extends prior device fingerprinting techniques to improve their feasibility in modern environments, and uses them to support measurement-based detection of sibling interfaces. We validate our technique against a diverse set of 61 web servers with known sibling addresses and find it to be over 97 % accurate with 99 % precision. Finally, we apply the technique to characterize the top \(\sim \)6,400 Alexa IPv6-capable web domains, and discover that a DNS name in common does not imply that the corresponding IPv4 and IPv6 addresses are on the same machine, network, or even autonomous system. Understanding sibling and non-sibling relationships gives insight not only into IPv6 deployment and evolution, but also helps characterize the potential for correlated failures and susceptibility to certain attacks.
Dimension reduction of microarray gene expression data: the accelerated failure time model.

The construction of the components of Partial Least Squares (PLS) is based on the maximization of the covariance/correlation between linear combinations of the predictors and the response. However, the usual Pearson correlation is influenced by outliers in the response or in the predictors. To cope with outliers, we replace the Pearson correlation with the Spearman rank correlation in the optimization criteria of PLS. The rank-based method of PLS is insensitive to outlying values in both the predictors and response, and incorporates the censoring information by using an approach of Nguyen and Rocke (2004) and two approaches of reweighting and mean imputation of Datta et al. (2007). The performance of the rank-based approaches of PLS, denoted by Rank-based Modified Partial Least Squares (RMPLS), Rank-based Reweighted Partial Least Squares (RRWPLS), and Rank-based Mean-Imputation Partial Least Squares (RMIPLS), is investigated in a simulation study and on four real datasets, under an Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) model, against their un-ranked counterparts, and several other dimension reduction techniques. The results indicate that RMPLS is a better dimension reduction method than other variants of PLS as well as other considered methods in terms of the minimized cross-validation error of fit and the mean squared error of fit in the presence of outliers in the response, and is comparable to other variants of PLS in the absence of outliers. Supplementary Materials are available at
Historical Shoreline Change, Southeast Oahu, Hawaii; Applying Polynomial Models to Calculate Shoreline Change Rates

Abstract Here we present shoreline change rates for the beaches of southeast Oahu, Hawaii, calculated using recently developed polynomial methods to assist coastal managers in planning for erosion hazards and to provide an example for interpreting results from these new rate calculation methods. The polynomial methods use data from all transects (shoreline measurement locations) on a beach to calculate a rate at any one location along the beach. These methods utilize a polynomial to model alongshore variation in the rates. Models that are linear in time best characterize the trend of the entire time series of historical shorelines. Models that include acceleration (both increasing and decreasing) in their rates provide additional information about shoreline trends and indicate how rates vary with time. The ability to detect accelerating shoreline change is an important advance because beaches may not erode or accrete in a constant (linear) manner. Because they use all the data from a beach, polynomial mod...
The effect of age on avian influenza viral shedding in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos)

Abstract Avian influenza virus (AIV) prevalence in wild aquatic bird populations varies with season, geographic location, host species, and age. It is not clear how age at infection affects the extent of viral shedding. To better understand the influence of age at infection on viral shedding of wild bird–origin low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses, mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) of increasing age (2 wk, 1 mo, 2 mo, 3 mo, and 4 mo) were experimentally inoculated via choanal cleft with a 106 median embryo infectious dose (EID50) of either A/Mallard/MN/355779/00 (H5N2) or A/Mallard/MN/199106/99 (H3N8). Exposed birds in all five age groups were infected by both AIV isolates and excreted virus via the oropharynx and cloaca. The 1-month and older groups consistently shed virus from 1 to 4 d post inoculation (dpi), whereas, viral shedding was delayed by 1 d in the 2-wk-old group. Past 4 dpi, viral shedding in all groups varied between individual birds, but virus was isolated from some birds in each gr...
Preparedness, phobias, and the Panglossian paradigm

In his critique of preparedness theory, Davey does not address the limitations of adaptationism. The purpose of this commentary is to outline problems that arise when one assumes that mental illness (e.g., phobic disorder) must have had adaptive significance for it to have survived the vicissitudes of natural selection.
Oxygen Deficiency Hazards Associated with Liquefied Gas Systems: Derivation of a Program of Controls

The use of liquefied gases in industry and research has become commonplace. Release into the atmosphere of these gases will result in a displacement of air and a reduction in the oxygen concentration. Exposure to reduced levels of oxygen may cause reduced abilities, unconsciousness or death. This paper describes the derivation of a novel program of controls for oxygen deficiency hazards. The key to this approach is a quantitative assessment of risk for each planned operation and the application of control measures to reduce that risk to an acceptable level. Five risk levels evolve which are based on the probability of fatality. Controls such as training, oxygen monitoring equipment, self-rescue respirators and medical surveillance are required when the probability of fatality exceeds 10−7per hour. The quantitative nature of this program ensures an appropriate level of control without undue burden or expense.
Infuse: A TDMA Based Data Dissemination Protocol for Sensor Networks

Reliable dissemination of bulk data is one of the important problems in sensor networks. For example, programming or upgrading the software in sensors at run-time requires reliable dissemination of a new program across the network. In this paper, we present Infuse, a time division multiple access (TDMA) based reliable data dissemination protocol. Infuse takes two input parameters: i. the choice of the recovery algorithm (from one of two presented in this paper) to deal with unexpected channel errors (e.g., message corruption, varying signal strength), and ii. whether a sensor should listen only to a subset of its neighbors to reduce the amount of active radio time. Based on these parameters, we obtain four possible versions of Infuse. We compare the performance of these versions to assist a designer in selecting the appropriate version based on the network characteristics. Furthermore, we demonstrate Infuse in the context of network programming.
An adaptive feedforward artificial neural network with the applications to multiple criteria decision making

An adaptive feedforward artificial neural network (FANN) is presented and used to and solve multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problems. Given a FANN topology, an adaptive learning algorithm to adjust its parameters is presented. The algorithm consists of two steps: generating a direction, and performing a one-dimensional search along that direction. A methodology to obtain the most appropriate topology and assess its parameters, using the adaptive learning algorithm as a subroutine, is developed. When the set of training patterns changes, the FANN model can adapt itself to the changes by retraining or expanding the existing model. The theoretical basis for the adaptive FANN and some examples are included. How to formulate MCDM problems and use the adaptive FANN to select the best alternative when each alternative is associated with a set of conflicting and noncommensurate criteria is shown. It is demonstrated how to incorporate basic MCDM definitions and properties into FANN. >
International security institutions, domestic politics, and institutional legitimacy

Scholars have devoted considerable attention to the informational role of international institutions. However, several questions about the informational aspects of institutional behavior remain underexplored: What determines how audiences respond to institutional decisions? Through what channels does information provision affect foreign policy? To answer these questions, I develop a formal model motivated by recent literature on the informational effects of security institutions. The formal model depicts information transmission between a domestic audience, an international institution, and a foreign policy maker. Statements issued by member states through the institution serve to inform the audience about the likely outcomes of its leader’s actions. The model demonstrates that leaders have incentives to consult relatively conservative institutions, because their support convinces audiences that they should also support proposed policies. Leaders face incentives to avoid the disapproval of more revisionis...
Self-consistent solutions for allowed interconnect current density. II. Application to design guidelines

We apply the newly developed approach for obtaining self-consistent solutions of the maximum allowed interconnect peak current density as a function of duty cycle, which simultaneously comprehends both electromigration and Joule heating. We demonstrate how to generalize this approach for arbitrary time-varying current density waveforms by introducing an effective duty cycle. We find that bipolar stressing is not always more optimistic than unipolar stressing, depending on the duty cycle. We illustrate worst-case intralevel interactions for multiple leads in a single-level metal system, and show that an effective duty cycle which depends on individual width ratios and duty cycles can be used to determine these worst-case solutions. We also study interlevel interactions in a multilevel metal system. Intralevel and interlevel interactions can cause marked reduction in the maximum allowed peak current density in a lead compared to an equivalent isolated lead, most strongly when its duty cycle is large and the duty cycles of the other interacting leads are small. Complexities due to waveshapes and interactions as described here, coupled with the complexities of real circuit layout and operation, motivate the need for sophisticated circuit simulators which can accurately determine electromigration reliability while self-consistently comprehending Joule heating.
Changing Alienations as Consequences of Imprisonment

Concentrating on inmates in a medium security institution, kinds and degrees of alienation were related to the duration of incarceration as well as to the extra-prison variables of race and marital status. In contrast to our a priori expectations, the results indicated that the amount of time in prison was inversely related, at statistically significant levels, to our measures of meaninglessness, powerlessness, normlessness, and social isolation. The implications of race and marital status for differentiating inmate alienations were explored in conjunction with the duration of imprisonment.
Common pediatric and adolescent skin conditions

Skin lesions are encountered in all areas of medicine, and it is therefore important for physicians to understand the fundamentals of explaining and diagnosing common skin conditions. This article begins with a discussion of description and documentation of skin lesions based on color, size, morphology, and distribution. Pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo are depicted. Cutaneous growths that are found in the pediatric and adolescent population include acrochordons, dermatofibromas, keloids, milia, neurofibromas, and pyogenic granulomas. Treatment of these growths usually involves observation or curettage with electrodessication.Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, poison ivy, and eczema are comprised of scaling patches and plaques; poison ivy and atopic dermatitis may also present with bullous and vesicular changes. Therapy typically consists of topical emollients and corticosteroids; phototherapy is reserved for refractory cases. Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease of the pediatric and adolescent population. This condition can be psychologically debilitating and, therefore, proper treatment is of paramount importance. Therapeutic options include topical as well as oral antibiotics and retinoids. Extreme caution must be used when prescribing retinoids to post-pubescent females, as these agents are teratogenic. Vascular anomalies are most commonly exemplified as port wine stains and hemangiomas. Port wine stains may be treated with pulsed dye laser or may be observed if they are not of concern to the patient or physician. Hemangiomas typically spontaneously regress by age ten; however, there has been recent concern that certain cases may need to be treated. Dermal rashes may be localized or generalized. Treatment of generalized drug eruptions involves elimination of the inciting agent, topical antipruritics, and systemic corticosteroids for severe reactions. Infectious etiologic agents of skin disease include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Many sexually transmitted diseases are bacterial or viral in origin and present as a rash or ulcer. Impetigo is a bacterial infection which may present as a bullous eruption or as an erosion with a honey colored crust. Other bacterial infections include erythema chronicum migrans, folliculitis, and cellulitis. Fungal infections include the various forms of tinea and are usually treated with topical antifungals; if the infection is located in a hair-bearing area, systemic antifungals are necessary. Viral infections include warts, varicella, molluscum contagiosum, and herpes. Treatment varies from observation or antivirals for varicella to cryosurgery and topical imiquimod for warts. Finally, scabies and lice are infectious agents that can be treated with permethrin and pyrethrin solutions.
Coaxial tips for infrared NSOM

We propose to use infrared light coupled with a near field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) to probe organic materials. The initial emphasis will be on the 2.8 – 3.25 µm range, which contains bands from both C - H and O - H stretching vibrations. This provides great sensitivity to specific chemical alterations as induced, e.g., in a photoresist by exposure and/or development. We have attempted to make IR NSOM probes by the fabrication of versatile coaxial nanostructures for their distinct use as waveguides supporting TEM modes free of frequency cut-off. We have modeled a conical coaxial structure for its losses at target areas with 2.8µm wavelength. Preliminary results indicate their potential as efficient and reproducible probes.
16-term error model and calibration procedure for on wafer network analysis measurements (MMICs)

Vector network measurements are enhanced by calibrating the measurement system over the entire band of interest. This is done using a 12-term error correction model. Many measurement systems, including open air devices such as MMIC wafer probes, contain leakage and coupling error terms not modeled in current calibration systems. All error terms in such a system are included in a new 16-term error model and calibration procedure. Corrected measurements using the 16-term calibration procedure are compared with thru-reflect-line (TRL) and 12-term calibration measurements, and excellent agreement is observed for a nonleaky system. For a leaky system, the 12-term model is shown to break down, while the 16-term model retains its accuracy. The results validate the accuracy and viability of the calibration procedure for MMIC wafer probe measurements and other measurement systems containing leakage. >
Post-ERCP pancreatitis: patient and technique-related risk factors.

Reported rates of pancreatitis after ERCP and sphincterotomy range from less than one percent to 40 percent, but rates of 5 percent or more are typical [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23]. Variations in reported rates of pancreatitis relate to many factors including the definition used, the thoroughness of follow up [24], and to patient and technique-related risk factors. In the consensus classification [1], pancreatitis is defined as clinical syndrome consistent with pancreatitis (i.e. new or worsened abdominal pain) with an amylase at least three times normal at more than 24 hours after the procedure, and requiring more than one night of hospitalization (Table 1). Some events are difficult to classify in the consensus definition, such as for patients with post-procedural abdominal pain and elevation of amylase to just under 3 times normal, or those with dramatic amylase elevations but minimal symptoms that are not clearly suggestive of clinical pancreatitis. There are many potential mechanisms of injury to the pancreas during ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy: mechanical, chemical, hydrostatic, enzymatic, microbiologic, and thermal. Although the relative contribution of these mechanisms to post-ERCP is not known, recent studies have used multivariate analyses to identify the clinical patient and procedure-related factors that are independently associated with pancreatitis [3, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22]. However, even multivariate analyses can sometimes be misleading if key variables are not assessed, thereby making surrogate associated markers appear significant instead [25].
Chemical signaling from colonic smooth muscle cells to DRG neurons in culture.

Transduction mechanisms between target cells within the intestinal wall and peripheral terminals of extrinsic primary afferent neurons are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to charac...
Abstract 002: Blinded Head-to-Head Comparison of Intracoronary Allogeneic Cardiosphere-Derived Cells (icCDCs) Versus Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells (icMSCs) in Swine with Hibernating Myocardium

Background: Autologous icCDCs and icMSCs each improve myocardial function by stimulating endogenous myocyte proliferation. Since few myocytes arise directly from the injected cells, we evaluated the feasibility and comparative efficacy of allogeneic icCDCs vs. icMSCs. Methods: Studies were conducted in a blinded fashion. Immunosuppressed swine (cyclosporine 200 mg/day, N=26) with hibernating myocardium from a chronic LAD stenosis were randomized to receive vehicle, ~35 x 106 icMSCs, or ~35 x 106 icCDCs. Cells were infused into the 3 major coronary arteries at ~106 cells/min under continuous flow conditions. LAD function and pathologic indices of myocyte regeneration and proliferation were assessed 1 month later. Results: Baseline LAD wall thickening (%WT) was reduced in all animals (LAD 38 ± 2% vs. 83 ± 5% in remote, p<0.01) but not different between treatment groups. One month later, LAD %WT remained depressed in vehicle-treated animals but increased to a similar extent following icCDCs and icMSCs (Table...
Interdisciplinary Projects in the Academic Studio

We define and describe the academic studio model for interdisciplinary, undergraduate, project-oriented education. This model brings faculty, students, and community partners together to investigate an open-ended academic question, and their collaboration yields an original product that represents their inquiry. The academic studio integrates agile software development practice, project-oriented pedagogy, and sociocultural cognition theories. Scrum provides the framework in which self-organizing, cross-functional teams define their methodology, and Scrum practices facilitate assessment of student learning outcomes.This model emerged from design-based research across six studio instances, each of which investigated the relationship of fun, games, and learning through the development of educational video games. Formal and informal analysis of these instances gives rise to several themes, including the importance of a formalized process to encourage learning and productivity, the critical role of an expert faculty mentor, the need to combine academic and industrial practice to manage the inherent challenges of collaborative software development, and the unique characteristics of learning outcomes arising from this model. We conclude that the academic studio model is beneficial to student learning and faculty development, and we encourage the adoption, adaptation, and evaluation of the model.
Cecidomyiidae of Helianthus: Taxonomy, Hosts and Distribution

Cecidomyiid midges of the genera Asphondylia, Contarinia, Lestodiplosis, Mayetiola, Neolasioptera, Olpodiplosis, and Pilodiplosis from 35 species of Helianthus are reported. The synonymy, host records, distributions, and effects on hosts are given for 13 species of midges.
Some Fallacies of an Angle Trisector

(1895). Some Fallacies of an Angle Trisector. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 71-72.
Digitoxinlike and digoxinlike immunoreactivities in sera of patients with uremia and liver disease as measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassays: Poor correlation between digitoxinlike and digoxinlike immunoreactivities

Digoxinlike immunoreactive substances (DLIS) cross-react with antidigoxin antibodies and falsely elevante total digoxin levels. Cross-reactivity of DLIS with various immunoassays for digoxin has been extensively studied in the past. The digitoxin molecule differs from digoxin by having one extra hydroxyl group in the aglycone ring. Therefore, DLIS may also falsely elevate total digitoxin concentrations. However, in the past, limited studies have shown the presence of digitoxinlike immunoreactive substances (DTLIS) in cord blood and sera of neonates. We compared DLIS and DTLIS concentrations in sera of patients with uremia, liver disease, and hypoalbuminemia. We found measurable DLIS concentrations in 11 of 45 patients by the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for digoxin (range, 0.20-0.89 ng/ml digoxin equivalent). These patients did not receive any digoxin or digitoxin. Using the FPIA, we also found elevated DTLIS concentrations in 10 of these 45 patients (range, 2.88-21.24 ng/ml digitoxin equivalent). Given the narrow therapeutic range of digitoxin (15-30 ng/ml), this cross-reactivity is significant. Elevated concentrations of DTLIS in sera falsely elevated the measured concentrations of digitoxin (positive interference) when known amounts of digitoxin were added to such sera. Interestingly, we found a poor correlation between DLIS and DTLIS concentrations in sera of patients with liver disease and uremia (r = 0.58), with some patients having no measurable DLIS activity but measurable DTLIS activity and vice versa. Digoxin showed only 4-8% cross-reactivity against digitoxin antibody with a wide range of concentration. Some proposed DLIS compounds (nonesterified fatty acids, cholic acid, lysophospholipid, and DHEA-sulfate) did not show any cross-reactivity with the digitoxin assay at a concentrations much higher than the physiologic range. We conclude that DTLIS activity is present in patients with liver disease and uremia, and the correlation between DLIS activity and DTLIS activity is poor. Moreover, some proposed DLIS do not explain the DTLIS activity detected in serum.
Effect of various metals on mineralization in vitro.

ConclusionThe inhibitory effect of various metals on mineralization in vitro and on apatite crystal formation per se have been determined. Zinc, cadmium, manganese and cobalt inhibited mineralization of rachitic cartilage matrix when present at concentrations of 0.10 mM or less. Cobalt was unique in preventing apatite crystal formation at concentrations inhibiting mineralization of matrix. These observations indicate that the possible inhibitory effect of certain metals must be considered in any study of mineralization involving use of biological fluids.
Subspecific Variation in Life-History Traits of Hispid Cotton Rats (Sigmodon hispidus)

I investigated postnatal growth and sexual maturation, food processing, and reproduction in four subspecies of the hispid cotton rat ( Sigmodon hispidus ). These traits were compared among subspecies and with previously published data. Subspecific differences in postnatal growth rate, energy digestion and assimilation rates, thyroxin use rate, and mass of neonates were determined in laboratory-reared cotton rats. Sizes of field- and laboratory-conceived litters also were measured. Variability in size of adults and in postnatal growth rate was low among subspecies. The body mass of neonates and mass at vaginal opening and at first estrus differed significantly, however, among most subspecies. Significant differences in sizes of field-conceived litters existed among subspecies, but no significant differences persisted under a single set of laboratory conditions. No significant subspecific differences in energy digestion or assimilation occurred. These results indicate that much of the reported subspecific variation in size of adults, growth, and size of litters that occurs among populations in the field is due to environmental factors.
Research of Stress Structure and Stress-alleviating Strategy for Medical Staffs

Working stress of medical staffs is a severe problem in modern society.This article reviewed stress structure and stress-alleviating strategy of medical staffs in order to promote the relationship between medical staffs and patients,enhance medical quality,and improve physical and psychological health of medical staffs.
Parameters of Response to Clomiphene Citrate in Oligospermic Men

AbstractTwenty oligosperaiic young men have undergone a 6-month trial of Intermittent low dose clomiphene therapy. Three-fourths of the patients enjoyed an increase in semen quality and 8 patients Impregnated their wives. Plasma luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone levels increased in all patients on clomiphene. Development of stringent criteria for the use of clomiphene citrate should result in a conception rate of more than 50 per cent in selected patients. Hypotheses concerning the mechanism of therapeutic response to clomiphene Included the induction of higher levels of testosterone locally around the germinal epithelium and the Induction of Increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels.
Pre-existing liver disease in the trauma patient.

Although liver disease has a prevalence of only 0.5% in the trauma population, it appears to be one of the most important pre-existing diseases influencing length of hospital stay and mortality. Despite the lack of specific studies on patients with pre-existing liver disease and their hemodynamic and metabolic response to trauma, some pathophysiologic and clinical considerations are presented that may be helpful in the management of these patients.