cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activating computer architecture with classroom presenter

In this paper we discuss our experiences using a Tablet PC-based presentation system in an undergraduate computer architecture class. The system allowed us to integrate PowerPoint slides with high quality pen-based writing and to separate the instructor's view of the materials from the students' view. This allowed a more natural and interactive development of class concepts and content.The system that we used was Classroom Presenter which was developed at University of Washington and Microsoft Research. The system has received substantial use at University of Washington, being used in approximately 15 large courses since Autumn 2002. The successful deployment at the University of San Diego in a small undergraduate course is interesting since the developers of the system viewed Classroom Presenter as most appropriate for large lectures and for distance courses. The deployment at the University of San Diego explored new ground in usage of the system. In this work we present an overview of the system and discuss particular uses and advantages of the system in an undergraduate architecture class setting.
On the scribing and subsequent fracturing of silicon semiconductor wafers

The integrated circuits deposited on silicon wafers are often separated by scribing with a diamond tool followed by bending to produce fracture. Using a commercial scribing tool we find permanent deformation and three types of crack. The median crack which propagates downwards is the objective of the scribing process. Lateral cracks which form, apparently following plastic deformation, may lead to chipping on either side of the scribing tool. These cracks and also the chevron cracks which form on the surface are very similar to cracks observed in scratching glass. However, in silicon, because of its anisotropy, the chevron cracks may be a serious problem since they can guide the median crack out of the scribing direction onto a preferred cleavage plane. This aspect leads to a brief discussion of the crystallography of silicon and recommendations for scribing configurations which should minimize undesired fracture. Finally, it is shown that the established methods of linear elastic fracture mechanics may be used to predict the maximum radius of curvature required to fracture a wafer containing a prescribed series of median cracks.
Theoretical studies of biological nitrogen fixation. Part II. Hydrogen bonded networks as possible reactant and product channels

Detailed molecular graphical analyses of the X-ray structure of the Mo-nitrogenase from Azotobacter vinelandii were carried out in order to describe the FeMo-cofactor and protein interactions in terms of intermolecular close contacts. Two major hydrogen bonded networks were found connecting the FeMo-co with the protein surface through cavities. The longer one starts from the homocitrate ligand attached to the Mo-site of the FeMo-co and ends at the center of the inner protein surface, while the shorter one connects the central six-Fe prism of the FeMo-co with the outer protein surface. We propose these networks as possible reactant and product channels of the substrate fixation and reduction processes, based on their possible mechanistic relevance. PM3 semi-empirical, HF and B3LYP density functional calculations were carried out to study various protonation forms of the homocitrate ligand. The homocitrate ligand along with its first layer of water molecules was modeled systematically. It was found that the X-ray structure can be only reproduced if the hydroxy group of the homocitrate is protonated, otherwise drastic rearrangement of water molecules and conformational changes of the shorter leg carboxyl group occurred. The origin of this extra proton was assumed to be the imidazolato ring of the histidine residue attached to the Mo-site of the FeMo-co.
Simplification of symbolic polynomials on non-commutative variables

Abstract We address the issue of simplifying symbolic polynomials on non-commutative variables. The problem is motivated by applications in optimization and various problems in systems and control. We develop theory for polynomials which are linear in a subset of the variables and develop algorithms to produce representations which have the minimal possible number of terms. The results can handle polynomial matrices as well as block-matrix variables.
Differentiating Teachers‘ Salaries

Most United States public school teachers arc paid in accordance with a salary policy which recognizes two dimensions—level of educational attainment and years of experience. Attempts to introduce a “merit” dimension have usually been abandoned. Proponents of this system have frequently justified their position on the theme of “improvement of instruction”, but it is difficult to accept the claim that there is a unique relationship between the differential and motivation regardless of the amount of the differential. Thorough evaluation and supervision programs are carried out by schools regardless of their salary programs. Yet, considerable interest exists in increasing maximum salary levels on a differential basis, if only to attract to teaching the most capable university graduates. One possible solution is the adoption of additional payments for positions of responsibility, preferably with the teachers’ organizations having a voice in the determination of the rank and pay of their colleagues.
Initial Presentation of an Accessory Left Ventricle in a Patient With Syncope

A 39-year-old woman was referred for a transthoracic echocardiogram after presenting to her primary care provider following an episode of unexplained loss of consciousness. Her past medical history was notable for fibromyalgia and migraine headaches. She had a normal cardiac and neurological physical examination with no extra heart sounds or murmurs. Her transthoracic echocardiogram (Movie I of the online-only Data Supplement) revealed a large outpouching of the lateral wall of the left ventricle (LV) that contracted in synchrony with the ventricle (Figure 1A and 1B). The initial differential for this finding included an LV diverticulum or an accessory ventricle. An LV pseudoaneurysm was considered unlikely because of the synchronous contraction of the outpouching with the rest of the ventricle. Figure 1. Transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrating the apical 4-chamber view of the LV. The outpouching (arrow) originating from the lateral aspect of the midventricular wall is shown in both diastole (A) and systole (B). The outpouching contracted synchronously with the LV. To further evaluate this …
Breaking recent global temperature records

Global surface temperature was a record in 1988. What is the probability that this record will be surpassed in the next few years? Answers are provided given a variety of simple statistical models for temperature. The answers illustrate how record breaking is influenced by alternative model specifications. Estimates for the probability of a record are shown to range widely. If annual temperature is independent and identically distributed then a new record is unlikely. But probabilities increase rapidly if there is a trend or autocorrelation. Estimates of the probability of a record using data on global temperature suggest that another record in the next few years would not be a rare event.
Accelerating urban fast response Lagrangian dispersion simulations using inexpensive graphics processor parallelism

Owing to the potential consequences associated with accidental or deliberate releases of chemical or biological agents in urban areas, fast response urban dispersion models must rapidly provide solutions that can be easily analyzed by researchers and emergency responders. In this paper, we describe a novel application of an existing Lagrangian dispersion modeling system to achieve real-time simulation and visualization of an urban plume that a user can interact with in a virtual environment (VE) through the utilization of commodity graphics hardware, utilizing the highly parallel computational capabilities available on graphics processing units (GPU). GPUs have quickly developed from video game technology to open up new avenues for enhancing simulation performance and visualization of engineering and science applications. For computer graphics applications, GPUs provide highly parallel and inexpensive data paths for processing geometry and pixels, but for simulation these parallel paths are exploited for solving general problems. In this paper, a newly developed dispersion model (GPU Plume) is tested against an analytical solution, a CPU implementation of the Lagrangian dispersion model and wind tunnel data for dispersion around a single building. GPU Plume is shown to provide results that are similar in accuracy to the CPU model, but with computation times that are up to two orders magnitude smaller. In addition, challenges associated with the implementation of Lagrangian dispersion models onto the GPU architecture are discussed in this paper.
The transport of chorionic gonadotropin through the reproductive tract.

Abstract In order to demonstrate the ability of HCG to cross the uterine wall prior to placental vascularization, inert implants impregnated with HCG were placed into the uterine cavity of the rabbit. HCG was able to pass through the uterine wall into the circulation in a dose-response relationship and was detected in the blood within 30 min. In the human, HCG applied topically on post-ovulatory endometrium could be detected in the peripheral circulation within 6 h. These results indicate that HCG molecules can cross the reproductive tract in the rabbit and human without vascular connections.
Simultaneous development of velocity and concentration profiles in reverse osmosis systems

Abstract A mathematical analysis for the simultaneous development of the velocity and concentration profiles in a reverse osmosis system consisting of two parallel flat membranes is presented. This analysis, based on boundary layer theory, takes into account the nonlinear effects created by the fact that the water flux produced varies in the longitudinal direction. The initial velocity and concentration profiles are assumed to be uniform and the analysis is resctricted to two dimensional, steady state laminar flows with constant physical properties. The momentum and diffusion equations, coupled through both the boundary conditions and the convective terms in the differential equations, are solved simultaneously using the approximate integral method. The analysis is applicable to both the entrance region and the fully developed region at large distances from the conduit inlet. Data are presented on the concentration build-up at the wall for a wide range of parameters and typical results for the water flux produced and productive capacity are given. Since the concentration profile at any value of x + is given as a simple polynomial, the results can be used conveniently to study the relaxation or attenuation, of concentration polarization as a Graetz type problem. Reasonable agreement is observed between the results of the present work and the limited experimental results available in the literature. However, it is shown that some of the reported experimental data were probably significantly influenced by natural convection. It is shown that the extent of concentration polarization may be significantly different depending on whether the velocity profile in the stream entering the membrane section is parabolic or flat. An explanation is offered for the somewhat surprising fact that the water flux is greater and the polarization is less in fully developed flow than when the velocity profile is flat at the system entrance . This effect will be most pronounced in the highly productive membranes which probably will be developed in the future.
Diversity in periodic pattern of firing in human hippocampal neurons.

Abstract Firing periodicity was examined in human hippocampal neurons using autocorrelation analysis. Extracellular single-unit activities were recorded from the anterior hippocampus through fine platinum microelectrodes, and the typical firing pattern in an entire recording period was reconstructed statistically in autocorrelograms (average number of firings analyzed: 5639.0 ± 968.1 SE, range: 1158 to 31,203; number of single-unit trains was 57). Three types of periodic firing were identified as highly consistent. The first pattern consisted of a random recurrence of high-frequency action potentials (100 to 300 Hz) and was observed as an intermittent burst. In this burst, the first 10 to 30 ms after the onset of the burst was the patterned firing of several action potentials, suggesting that the generation of this stereotyped portion of the burst is primarily due to intrinsic membrane characteristics. The second pattern was the continuous rhythmical firing with a lower frequency ranging from 1 to 30 Hz. The third pattern was a clustered rhythmical firing in which a series of short rhythmical firings recurred with regular intervals; the frequency of short rhythmical firing varied from 6.7 to 17 Hz between neurons, and the interval of the regular recurrence of these rhythmical firings ranged from 0.5 to 10 s among neurons. These firing periodicities not only cover a cellular rhythm in the theta frequency reported in the lower mammalian hippocampus but also appear to be more diverse than those previously reported for hippocampal neurons in the animal literature.
Short-term glucocorticoid administration decreases both hypothalamic and pituitary galanin synthesis in the adult male rat

Galanin (GAL) is a peptide that has been implicated in the regulation of the growth axis. It is generally accepted that GAL can increase serum growth hormone (GH) levels, although the underlying mechanism for this increase is unknown. It is well known that long-term glucocorticoid treatment alters in vivo GH secretion, since there is a decrease in serum GH in response to stimuli. It has previously been shown in our laboratory that administration of GAL can overcome the effects of glucocorticoid administration on GH secretion. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of long-term glucocorticoid administration on the regulation of hypothalamic and pituitary GAL mRNA levels. Adult male rats were treated for 72 hours with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone ([DEX] 40 microg/kg/d intraperitoneal injections). RNase protection assays were performed on both the hypothalamus and pituitary for the presence of GAL mRNA. As expected, DEX significantly decreased somatic growth, as evidenced by a decrease (50%) in the weight gain of glucocorticoid-treated versus control animals. It was also demonstrated that in both the hypothalamus and pituitary, glucocorticoid treatment reduced the level of GAL mRNA (to 11% and 6.5%, respectively) compared with the control condition. We conclude that the decrease in GAL mRNA may lead to a decrease in GAL secretion, which in turn may be involved in the glucocorticoid-induced inhibition of GH secretion.
The postmodern heroine(s) of Lardo Weeping

Written and performed by Terry Galloway, Lardo Weeping features a day in the life of Dinah LaFarge—a large, outspoken, unemployed, middle‐aged, agoraphobe. This essay explores the myriad ways that recent productions of Lardo Weeping worked theatrically to bridge and challenge current feminist theories of identity. After summarizing the tensions inherent in liberal feminist and postmodern feminist theories of identity, the essay explores the respective “identities” of the co‐producers of Lardo Weeping's recent New York run: the Women's Project and P.S. 122. Then the essay documents the ways that recent productions of Lardo Weeping affirmed the existence of Dinah LaFarge's individual identity (her marginalized voice) dramatized her multiple, fragmented and socially‐constituted identities; and underscored the complex and often concurrent identities of Dinah LaFarge and her creator, Terry Galloway.
Polish workers and the post‐communist transition, 1989–93

(1995). Polish workers and the post‐communist transition, 1989–93. Europe-Asia Studies: Vol. 47, No. 4, pp. 669-712.
Bing, the fastest growing image search engine

Since the launch of Bing (www.bing.com) in June 2009, we have seen Bing web search market share in the US more than doubled and Bing image search query share quadrupled. In this talk, I will share our experience building Bing image search as the fastest growing image search engine, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in image search. Specifically, I will talk about how we have significantly improved image search quality, and built differentiated image search user experience using NLP, entity, big data, machine learning and computer vision technologies. By leveraging big data from billions of search queries, billions of images on the web and from the social networks, and billions of user clicks, we have designed massive machine learning systems to continuously improve image search quality. With the focus on natural language and entity understanding, for instance, we have improved Bing's ability to understand the user intent beyond queries and keywords. I will demonstrate with many examples how Bing has delivered a superior image search user experience, quantitatively, qualitatively and aesthetically, by utilizing computer vision techniques.
A neural mechanism for adjustment to optimal conditions, with possible reference to visual accommodation

A general mechanism is studied which adapts the value of some biological parameter so as to maximize or to minimize the value of another parameter. In the process of visual accommodation, the thickness of the lens is determined by the maximum sharpness of the image on the retina. A neural mechanism which provides for such an optimum adjustment is described. A similar mechanism may play a role in such phenomena as hedonistic behavior where activity is adjusted to a maximum of satisfaction. The mechanism discussed here does not provide for an absolutely sharp retinal image, but leads to a conclusion that the sharpness of that image fluctuates within narrow limits which are determined by the parameters of the systems.
Progress on the National Project CARISMA: Crack Arrest Testing of Irradiated Materials

The German national project CARISMA [1] deals with testing of fracture toughness values for initiation and arrest of original RPV materials in the irradiated condition. After all basic testing, crack arrest specimens have been manufactured out of large pre-irradiated 100 mm thick fracture toughness specimens. Their dimensions are according to the crack arrest testing standard. Ferritic base material as well as ferritic weld material has been investigated. The results are evaluated and correlations to Charpy results (like the 4 kN criterion) are introduced. In addition a Master Curve like trend curve is adjusted.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Anti-hormone anti-idiotypes are probes for receptor structure and function.

Abstract A class of anti-idiotypes raised against antibodies specific for hormones or drugs would be anticipated to interact with their respective receptors. We have raised anti-TSH anti-idiotypic antibodies and found these to interact with the high affinity binding site for TSH on thyroid membranes, to induce adenylate cyclase activation and iodide transport into dispersed thyroid cells as well as to promote their organization into follicular structures. The anti-TSH anti-idiotypic antibody interacted with an M r ∼ 200,000 holoreceptor on protein blots of thyroid membranes resolved on SDS-PAGE in the absence of reductant. In another set of experiments we raised anti-idiotypic antibodies against monoclonal antibodies specific for the α and β subunits of TSH, respectively. Neither the α nor β monoclonal anti-body-specific anti-idiotypic antibodies interacted with the TSH holoreceptor. The combinations of the two anti-idiotypic antibodies, however, did so and increased basal cyclase activity compared to normal IgG and individual anti-idiotypes as well as mediating TSH-specific cAMP dependent physiologic changes. As a result of the second set of experiments, we propose that the interaction of TSH with its receptor involves two cooperative signals delivered by the two subunits rather than a single signal requiring their combination. Anti-idiotypic antibodies raised against highly purified hormones can be obtained in large amounts. They facilitate simple isolation of hormone receptors and are useful as probes for hormone-receptor interactions.
Parents in Groups: Problem Solving Versus Behavioral Skills Training

This study sought to determine which of two forms of group parent training was more effective for parents of children having problems with aggressive or noncompliant behavior. Fifty-six parents recruited from the community were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: group training in behavioral skills, group training in problem solving, or a waiting-list control group. Outcomes were evaluated using a pretest/posttest experimental design with an added 3-month follow-up. The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences between the two experimental conditions and the control condition in parent's perceptions of child behavior. Individualized measures of change, using goal attainment scaling, indicated that most trained subjects made progress toward goals. Group process measures demonstrated that parents in the problem-solving groups completed significantly less homework and had significantly worse attendance when compared to parents in the behavioral skills trai...
Problems associated with the development of a power system for a manufacturing plant

GENERAL ground rules relative to the design of a power system for a manufacturing operation have been accepted and applied throughout industry. Each application must, of course, be examined with respect to its individual requirements and considerations. This is exemplified in the development of the power system for the new plant of the General Electric Company at Bloomington, Ill.
Interaction of β-lactoglobulin and cytochrome c: Complex formation and iron reduction

Abstract β-Lactoglobulin forms a soluble complex with cytochrome c in mildly alkaline solutions of low ionic strength. Sedimentation velocity experiments suggest that the complex (maximum s 20 = 3.7) consists of one cytochrome c molecule per β-lactoglobulin monomer unit. At pH 8 or higher, the presence of β-lactoglobulin causes reduction of ferri- to ferrocytochrome c . The initial rate of reduction at a single temperature depends primarily on the concentration of β-lactoglobulin, although the final percentage ferrocytochrome c obtained is constant at molar ratios of three or more β-lactoglobulin monomers to one cytochrome c molecule. The temperature dependence of the initial rate of iron reduction resembles that for alkaline denaturation of β-lactoglobulin. The displacement of N -dansylaziridine, a sulfhydryl specific dye, from bovine β-lactoglobulin during iron reduction, and the formation of nonreducing complexes between the analogous swine protein (no sulfhydryls) and cytochrome c suggest that the sulfhydryl group of β-lactoglobulin is the electron donor.
Microbial-derived butyrate: An oncometabolite or tumor-suppressive metabolite?

Dietary factors, microbial composition, and metabolism are intimately intertwined into a complex network whose activities influence important intestinal functions. In a recent issue of Cell, Belcheva et al. (2014) show that microbial-derived butyrate promotes proliferation of cancer-initiated intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting that it can act as an oncometabolite.
Computational model of single-photon near-field emission

Modeling the spontaneous emission of a single-photon emitted from a quantum dot is important for several proposed solid-state quantum computers and quantum networks. In this study we seek to model the fully quantized excitation and spontaneous decay of a quantum dot state through the optical emission of a photon in the non-Markovian limit of the photon bath. We propose the use of discretized central-difference approximations of space and time partial derivatives to describe the interaction between single photon and quantum dot states.
Taylor dispersion measurement of the diffusivities of polymethylenes in dilute solutions

Abstract Experimental conditions are presented under which the Taylor dispersion technique is capable of generating accurate translational diffusion coefficients for polymers in dilute solutions across a wide temperature range. With the Monte Carlo results on polymethylene conformation, the Kirkwood-Riseman theory is found to predict quite well the diffusivities of a series of normal alkane solutes, from n -hexane to n -hexacosane, in carbon tetrachloride, toluene and chlorobenzene from 293 to 373 K.
Mechanical Resonance Dispersion in Metals at Audio-Frequencies

Measurements of the complex shear compliance (${\mathrm{J}}^{*}={J}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{-}i{J}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$) of pure, polycrystalline lead, indium, and aluminum at closely spaced frequencies in the audio-frequency range have resulted in the discovery of multiple frequency dispersions of the resonance type. Values of the loss compliance (${J}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$) are found to have sharply defined maxima in the range from 100 to 5000 cps; values of the storage compliance (${J}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) rise to a maximum and then drop to pass through a minimum as a narrow (50 to 100 cps wide) dispersion region is traversed in the direction of increasing frequency. The shapes of the complex compliance vs frequency curves are thus similar to those found for the variation of the complex index of refraction with frequency (in absorption bands) at infrared and optical frequencies. The results indicate the presence of a dispersion mechanism different from those leading to the relaxation dispersions previously observed in connection with the mechanical properties of metals. Results on lead indicate that some of the resonances can be eliminated by high-temperature annealing of the sample material. The possibility that dislocation vibrations are responsible for the observed phenomena is considered, but no specific mechanism is found to explain the results. A number of dislocation theories are examined but these fail to predict any mechanical resonance dispersion at audio-frequencies. In addition to their theoretical implications, the results are believed to be of considerable practical importance since they indicate that certain materials when subject to mechanical vibrations of relatively low frequencies may undergo large changes in modulus at a particular frequency or frequencies.
Electrocardiographic notching in rats deficient in essential fatty acids.

A notch has been seen in the electrocardiograms of rats who were fed diets deficient in essential fatty acids. This notching occurs consistently at a point 37 percent through the QRS- complex. It can be prevented by the addition of small amounts of linoleate, linolenate, or arachidonate to the diet of these rats.
Dissolvable-tipped, drug-reservoir integrated microneedle array for transdermal drug delivery

This paper presents a dissolvable-tipped, drug-reservoir integrated microneedle array for transdermal drug delivery. The hydrogel-based dissolvable tips are formed in a reusable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold, and then contact-transferred onto a microtube array with drug-surrogate pre-filled reservoirs incorporated into each microneedle. The microtube array is fabricated by a single photolithography process using a gray-tone mask. After insertion into an agarose gel, the water-soluble tips effectively dissolve within a minute to expose each reservoir, and the pre-filled drug-surrogate successfully diffuses. A preliminary tissue penetration test shows mechanical stability of the dissolvable tipped microneedle and feasibility of drug delivery as well as safe prevention of the proposed microneedle from possible reuse.
Magnetic micelles for DNA delivery to rat brains after mild traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes significant mortality, long term disability and psychological symptoms. Gene therapy is a promising approach for treatment of different pathological conditions. Here we tested chitosan and polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated magnetic micelles (CP-mag micelles or CPMMs), a potential MRI contrast agent, to deliver a reporter DNA to the brain after mild TBI (mTBI). CPMM-tomato plasmid (ptd) conjugate expressing a red-fluorescent protein (RFP) was administered intranasally immediately after mTBI or sham surgery in male SD rats. Evans blue extravasation following mTBI suggested CPMM-ptd entry into the brain via the compromised blood-brain barrier. Magnetofection increased the concentration of CPMMs in the brain. RFP expression was observed in the brain (cortex and hippocampus), lung and liver 48 h after mTBI. CPMM did not evoke any inflammatory response by themselves and were excreted from the body. These results indicate the possibility of using intranasally administered CPMM as a theranostic vehicle for mTBI. From the Clinical Editor In this study, chitosan and PEI-coated magnetic micelles (CPMM) were demonstrated as potentially useful vehicles in traumatic brain injury in a rodent model. Magnetofection increased the concentration of CPMMs in the brain and, after intranasal delivery, CPMM did not evoke any inflammatory response and were excreted from the body.
Cuticular hydrocarbons of geographically isolated populations of Rhopalicus pulchripennis (hymenoptera : pteromalidae) : evidence for two species

Abstract 1. 1. Cuticular hydrocarbons of adult Rhopalicus pulchripennis (Crawford) from Georgia and California, in the United States, were isolated and characterized by combined gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry. 2. 2. Most of the same hydrocarbons were found in the cuticles of the parasitoids from both regions, but the respective proportions that several components comprised differed greatly and a few hydrocarbons found in Rhopalicus from one region were absent in those isolated from the other region. 3. 3. The results indicate that the parasitoids from Georgia and California may be different species.
Blood Sugar Response to Intravenous Insulin in Normals and in Diabetics.

ConclusionsEquivalent doses of insulin on the basis of body weight when administered intravenously, produce a much greater depression in the blood sugar level in diabetics than in normals. This seems to indicate the absence of any substance in the blood of diabetics which might inhibit insulin action.
Effects of tannins on the decomposition of Chinese tallow leaves by terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates.

The hypothesis of this study was that tannins from Chinese tallow leaves have a negative effect upon terrestrial and aquatic reducer organisms and thereby may affect the overall rate of tallow litter decomposition. Species diversity and population size of aquatic reducers was lower in forest than adjacent grassland ponds; litter bags showed no difference in weight loss between bags which excluded reducers and those which did not. Differences in physical factors between habitats did not explain the paucity of reducers although rainfall permitted emigration of grassland organisms to forest ponds, yielding a temporary decrease in diversity.
Rapid Onset of Massive Subdural Anesthesia

Objective This case report describes the accidental placement of a lumbar labor epidural catheter into the subdural space resulting in the rapid onset of massive subdural anesthesia. Case Report A single-orifice open-ended catheter was accidentally placed in the lumbar subdural space. After a test dose of 3 mL 1.5% lidocaine with 15 μg of epinephrine and 2 minutes after a bolus of 5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine, there was a rapid onset of massive subdural anesthesia with a loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest, and absent pulses. The subdural catheter placement was confirmed by injection of a contrast agent under fluoroscopy. Conclusion Massive subdural anesthesia is a complication of epidural catheter placement and may have a rapid onset causing a loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest, and absent pulses.
Refractive index and dielectric constant evolution of ultra-thin gold from clusters to films

Using high-speed picometrology, the complete cluster-to-film dielectric trajectories of ultra-thin gold films on silica are measured at 488 nm and 532 nm wavelengths for increasing mass-equivalent thickness from 0.2 nm to 10 nm. The trajectories are parametric curves on the complex dielectric plane that consist of three distinct regimes with two turning points. The thinnest regime (0.2 nm – 0.6 nm) exhibits increasing dipole density up to the turning point for the real part of the dielectric function at which the clusters begin to acquire metallic character. The mid-thickness regime (0.6 nm ~2 nm) shows a linear trajectory approaching the turning point for the imaginary part of the dielectric function. The third regime, from 2 nm to 10 nm, clearly displays the Drude circle, with no observable feature at the geometric percolation transition.
Efficacy of oil treatments of legume seeds for control of Aspergillus and Zabrotes

Five oils (i.e. an Ecuadorian vegetable oil, which is a mixture of soybean and corn oils; mineral oil; and three soybean oils differing in degree of saturation) were applied at the rate of 5 ml kg−1 of garden pea, Pisum sativum L., seeds to evaluate their effectiveness in decreasing physiological ageing and infection by the storage fungus, Aspergillus ruber (Konig, Spieckermann and Bremer) Thom and Church. Dry beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L., were treated with the same oils to determine the effect of the oils on oviposition and survival of the Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman). The oil treatments had no effect on seed viability, vigour, field emergence, or adsorption of moisture from humid air. Both mineral oil and the highly saturated soybean oil reduced by 50% the levels of seed infection by A. ruber. All oils reduced weevil oviposition and decreased embryo and/or larval survival in comparison with the untreated seeds. The highly saturated soybean oil was most detrimental to both oviposition and insect survival. The oils protected seeds even after storage: < 50% as many insects emerged from eggs oviposited on treated than from untreated seeds when exposed to insects 6 weeks after treatment.
Footprints on water: the genetic wake of dispersal among reefs

Analysis of genetic data can reveal past and ongoing demographic connections between reef populations. The history, extent, and geography of isolation and exchange help to determine which populations are evolutionarily distinct and how to manage threatened reefs. Here the genetic approaches undertaken to understand connectivity among reefs are reviewed, ranging from early allozyme studies on genetic subdivision, through the use of sequence data to infer population histories, to emerging analyses that pull the influences of the past connections away from the effects of ongoing dispersal. Critically, some of these new approaches can infer migration and isolation over recent generations, thus offering the opportunity to answer many questions about reef connectivity and to better collaborate with ecologists and oceanographers to address problems that remain.
Decreased CD10 expression in grade III and in interfollicular infiltrates of follicular lymphomas

CD10 expression in various grades and interfollicular infiltrates of follicular lymphoma (FL) has not been well documented. Immunohistochemical staining for CD10 (clone 56C6) was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue from 26 cases of classic FL. Negative or weak expression of CD10 was more frequent in grade III (5/6 [83%]) than in grade I FLs (3/15 [20%]). CD10+ interfollicular infiltrates were present in 16 cases. Six (38%) of 16 cases showed that CD10 expression was strong or moderate in follicular areas but weak or negative in interfollicular infiltrates. Our results suggest that CD10 expression is frequently weak to negative in grade III and in interfollicular infiltrates of FLs. Therefore, lack of CD10 expression on small specimens, such as from needle core biopsy or fine-needle aspiration, does not preclude the possibility of a diagnosis of FL. Furthermore, lack of CD10 expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma does not exclude the possibility that the neoplastic lymphocytes are of follicle center cell origin.
Implementation of an enhanced safety-engineered sharp device oversight and bloodborne pathogen protection program at a large academic medical center.

Objective. Exposure of healthcare personnel to bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) can be prevented in part by using safety-engineered sharp devices (SESDs) and other safe practices, such as double gloving. In some instances, however, safer devices and practices cannot be utilized because of procedural factors or the lack of a manufactured safety device for the specific clinical use. In these situations, a standardized system to examine requests for waiver from expected practices is necessary Design. Before-after program analysis. Setting. Large academic medical center. Interventions. Vanderbilt University Medical Center developed a formalized system for an improved waiver process, including an online submission and tracking site, and standards surrounding implementation of core safe practices. The program’s impact on sharp device injuries and utilization of double gloving and blunt sutures was examined. Results. Following implementation of the enhanced program, there was an increase in the amount of undergloves and blunt sutures purchased for surgical procedures, suggesting larger utilization of these practices. The rate of sharp device injuries of all at-risk employees decreased from 2.32% to 2.12%, but this decline was not statistically significant ( P = .14). The proportion of reported injuries that were deemed preventable significantly decreased from 72.7% (386/531) before implementation to 63.9% (334/523; P = .002) after implementation of the enhanced program. Conclusions. An enhanced BBP protection program was successful at providing guidance to increase safe practices and at improving the management of SESD waiver requests and was associated with a reduction in preventable sharp device injuries.
Murine γ-Herpesvirus 68 Limits Naturally Occurring CD4+CD25+ T Regulatory Cell Activity following Infection

During microbial infections, naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells can suppress protective host responses or they can limit pathogen-induced inflammatory responses. The particular role played by these cells seems to depend upon the infectious agent being investigated. Gamma-herpesviruses are efficacious pathogens which are well-known for their ability to induce lymphoproliferative disease and to establish latency in the host. However, no studies have investigated the importance of naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells during infection with these viruses. Using the murine model of gamma-herpesvirus infection, murine gamma-herpesvirus 68 (gammaHV-68), we were surprised to find that levels of the CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cell transcript, FoxP3, continued to decrease as viral latency increased and as the leukocytosis phase of the disease progressed. Consistent with these results, the decrease in FoxP3 protein expression followed similar kinetics. Along with the reduced expression of this regulatory T cell marker, we also observed diminished CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cell activity in these cells isolated from gammaHV-68-infected animals. Dendritic cells infected in vitro with gammaHV-68 did not alter the ability of normal CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells to limit the proliferation of CD4+ Th cells following stimulation. Taken together, these studies demonstrate a decreased presence and activity of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells during the mononucleosis-like phase of this viral infection. These alterations in naturally occurring T regulatory cell function may help to explain the dysregulation of the host's immune response which allows the uncontrolled expansion of leukocytes as viral latency is established.
Functional connectivity in apathy of late-life depression: A preliminary study

Background: Apathy is common in late-life depression and is associated with disability and poor antidepressant response. This study examined whether resting functional connectivity (FC) of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and the dorsal anterior cingulate (dACC) with other structures can distinguish apathetic depressed older patients from non-apathetic depressed patients and normal subjects. Methods: Twenty-six non-demented, non-MCI older adults were studied. Of these, 16 had major depression (7 also had apathy) and 10 had no psychopathology. Resting state fMRI was performed prior to treatment in subjects who were psychotropic-free for at least two weeks. FC was determined by placing seeds in the NAcc and the dACC bilaterally. Results: Apathetic depressed patients had lower FC of the NAcc with the amygdala, caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and thalamus and increased FC with the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, the superior frontal cortex, and the insula than non-apathetic patients. Further, apathetic patients had lower FC of the dACC with dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortices and higher FC with the insula and the orbitofrontal cortex than non-apathetic patients. Limitations: Small number of subjects, lack of random sampling, use of a 1.5T MRI scanner. Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that FC between the NAcc and the dACC and structures related to reward and related behavioral responses constitute the functional topography of abnormalities characterizing apathy of late life depression. However, replication is needed.
Measurements of longitudinal phase space in the SLC linac

The electron and positron bunch distributions in the Stanford Linear Collider (SLC) linac have been measured using a Hamamatsu, model N3373-02, 500-femtosecond streak camera. The distributions were measured at the end of the SLC linac versus the bunch compressor RF voltage. The energy spread at the end of the linac was also measured using a wire scanner. The effects of the bunch compressor on the shape of the bunch distribution are also presented.
On fixed points of strictly causal functions

We ask whether strictly causal components form well defined systems when arranged in feedback configurations. The standard interpretation for such configurations induces a fixed-point constraint on the function modelling the component involved. We define strictly causal functions formally, and show that the corresponding fixed-point problem does not always have a well defined solution. We examine the relationship between these functions and the functions that are strictly contracting with respect to a generalized distance function on signals, and argue that these strictly contracting functions are actually the functions that one ought to be interested in. We prove a constructive fixed-point theorem for these functions, and introduce a corresponding induction principle.
Chronic Family Adversity and Early Child Behavior Problems: A Longitudinal Study of Low Income Families

Abstract— A beginning step in the prevention of child psychopathology is the identification of conditions associated with a disproportionately high incidence of behavior problems. Rutter and colleagues (British Journal of Psychiatry, 1975, 126, 493-509) have reported a dramatic increase in the probability of child adjustment difficulties as a function of multiple family stressors. However, few investigators have tested this association beginning in infancy. The present investigation examines this relationship at the ages of 1 and 2 with behavioral adjustment at age 3 among 100 low-income families. Broad support was found for the family adversity hypothesis, though sex differences were evident regarding individual correlates of problem behavior.
Opportunities and challenges in building silicon products in 65nm and beyond

The demand for cheaper, faster and more integrated semiconductor products is expected to drive the scaling of silicon technology, enabling continuance of Moore's law at least for another decade. However, technology scaling presents several manufacturing and design technology challenges that must be overcome to build semiconductor products in a cost effective manner. While some of the existing challenges that we face today such as power, process variations are expected to become worse at smaller geometries requiring innovations, new problems may arise in integrating heterogeneous technologies such as RF, MEMS on the same die/package. A myriad of design technology challenges starting from functional validation to timing validation and design for test to manufacturability must be addressed to successfully build products. The paper will highlight challenges and identify some of the opportunities in driving design technologies forward.
Sympathy and Approbation in Hume and Smith: A Solution to the Other Rational Species Problem

David Hume's sympathetic principle applies to physical equals. In his account, we sympathize with those like us. By contrast, Adam Smith's sympathetic principle induces equality. We consider Hume's “other rational species” problem to see whether Smith's wider sympathetic principle would alter Hume's conclusion that “superior” beings will enslave “inferior” beings. We show that Smith introduces the notion of “generosity,” which functions as if it were Hume's justice even when there is no possibility of contract.
Auditor Fees and Auditor Independence: Evidence from Going Concern Reporting Decisions

In this study we examine the association between audit service fees and non-audit service (NAS) fees and the auditor’s final decision regarding the type of opinion to render to a financially distressed client. Along with examining current fee levels and reporting decisions we also test the DeAngelo (1981) auditor independence model by examining the association between future fee receipts and current reporting decisions. Using data from the post-SOX reporting period of 2004-2006 and a stringent control sample, we find that the magnitude of NAS fees received in the current year is negatively related to the likelihood of the auditor modifying the audit opinion for going-concern uncertainty. We also find that current going-concern modification decisions are negatively related to total fees received by auditors in subsequent years. Our findings suggest that concerns over the relation between auditor fees and the possible impairment of auditor independence, as reflected in going-concern modification decisions, are supported in the more recent years for highly distressed clients.
Synthesis of (Si2Ge)Cx and Related Ge1-xCx Phases in The Si-Ge-C System

The synthesis and characterization of binary and ternary semiconductor alloys and ordered phases based on C, Si and Ge are described. Thin films of these materials were synthesized using molecular precursors such as (SiH3)4C and (GeH3)4C in which the Si4C and Ge4C tetrahedra are incorporated as building blocks during deposition. Materials systems prepared include a new ordered structure (Si2Ge)1-xCx (x=5%), and Ge1-xCx hybrids of Ge and C-diamond. The (Si2Ge)Cx phase has a P 3¯ml structure formed by ordering of the [111] lattice planes in a Ge-Si-Si sequence. The Ge-C materials display unusual morphologies ranging from coherent heterostructures to carbide nanorods and quantum dots which are formed by CVD reactions utilizing a new family of (GeH3)4-xCHx (x=0-2) precursors. The morphology and microstructure in the samples is dependent upon the molecular design of the precursor and the carbon concentration.