cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative characterization of multiscale carbon fiber composite with long and short MWCNTs at higher weight fractions

There are documented advantages to using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in composites for various property enhancements. However, to date, only limited studies have been conducted on using of longer CNTs over 1mm in length. This study used long multiwalled carbon nanotubes (LMWCNTs) and their longer extended networks to test multiple properties in thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and modulus and then compared these properties to those of shorter multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SMWCNTs). For carbon fiber-reinforced composites, the longer graphite paths from LMWCNTs in the matrix were expected to improve all properties. The longer networks were expected to allow for more undisturbed phonon transportation to improve thermal conductivity. This in turn relates to improved electrical conductivity and better mechanical properties. However, results have shown that the LMWCNTs do not improve or decrease thermal conductivity, whereas the shorter MWCNTs provide mixed results. LMWCNTs did show improvements in electrical, mechanical, and physical properties, but compared to shorter MWCNTs, the results in other certain properties varied. This perplexing outcome resides in the functioning of the networks made by both the LMWCNTs and shorter MWCNTs.
Failed dental implants: Diagnosis, removal and survival of reimplantations

ABSTRACT Background Over time, the percentage of dental implants that fail increases because of biological and technical issues. Inevitably, clinicians will dedicate more time to dealing with ailing and failing dental implants. Methods The authors searched the literature for articles that addressed diagnostic manifestations of failed implants and reasons for their demise, as well as survival rates of dental implant reimplantations. Results The authors found that there is no precise cut point (besides 100 percent) with regard to the amount of bone loss in the absence of mobility that indicates an implant has failed. The decision to treat or explant an ailing implant is a judgment call by the treating clinician. Survival rates found in the literature after first and second reimplantations ranged from 71 percent to 100 percent and 50 percent to 100 percent, respectively. The 100 percent findings were based on small groups of implants, and there were scant data addressing implant survival after second reimplantations. Conclusions The decision to remove an implant needs to be based on clinical assessments, radiographic evaluations or both. If the implant is deemed hopeless, there are devices that facilitate their removal. Furthermore, reimplantations can be performed successfully, but their survival rate appears to be lower than that of implants placed at sites from which they were not lost formerly. Practical Implications Ailing dental implants should not be condemned prematurely, because patients often respond to treatment of peri-implantitis. Many patients desire reimplantations in sites in which implants have failed. This procedure is valuable, especially if it makes possible the fabrication of an implant-supported fixed or removable prosthesis.
Template-assisted synthesis of shape-controlled Rh2P nanocrystals.

When reacted with trioctylphosphine at ∼360 °C, rhodium nanocrystals convert to rhodium phosphide (Rh2P) nanocrystals. Careful control over synthetic variables, such as temperature, stabilizing ligands, and cosolvents, can result in Rh2P nanocrystals with shapes that reflect the Rh nanocrystal templates. Accordingly, Rh nanocrystals with multipod, cube- and triangle-derived shapes convert to Rh2P nanocrystals that maintain the shape of their Rh precursors. Both dense and hollow Rh2P nanocrystals can be generated using a single unified chemical conversion strategy. These empirical guidelines for generating a morphologically diverse library of Rh2P nanocrystals provide important insights into shape conservation using nanocrystal templates and will likely be portable to other multielement systems for which rigorous shape-controlled synthesis remains challenging.
Is small indel bias a determinant of genome size

Variation in eukaryotic genome sizes has remained an unsolved puzzle for more than half a century. Most traditional approaches have ignored the mechanisms of genome size change as an important component of the puzzle, or have posited forces capable only of increasing DNA content. In an important recent addition, it has been suggested that DNA loss caused by biases in small insertions and deletions (indels) can be a determinant of genome size. Although genome shrinkage has probably been important in many groups, the data upon which this specific mechanistic theory is based are limited, and must be interpreted with caution.
The interaction between deformation, fracture initiation and fracture propagation in two phase Co-CoAl alloys

Fracture initiation and propagation in two phase alloys containing fairly large volume fractions of nonplastically deforming inclusions have been analyzed. The Argon, Im and Safoglu treatment of fracture initiation of elastic inclusions as a result of back stresses resulting from strain accommodation of the phases has been extended to relatively large volume fractions of second phase. This allows calculation of the distribution of fractured particles as a function of alloy strain provided the fracture stress of the elastically deforming phase is known. The analysis has been applied to the Co-CoAl two phase alloy for volume fractions of CoAl ranging from about two to twenty-five pct. Quantitative metallographic analysis of fractured specimens indicates very good agreement between the measured fraction of fractured particles and those predicted from the theory without recourse to any adjustable parameters. Critical crack propagation in alloys of this type can also be analyzed on the basis of a fracture mechanics approach of Rice which was modified to consider that the crack spacing decreases with increasing strain due to cumulative hard phase cracking. The tensile strengths of the alloys can then be predicted with recourse to one adjustable parameter which varies with hard phase volume fraction. The deduced variation of this parameter with hard phase volume fraction, however, is as expected.
Acute and long-term outcome of failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty treated by directional coronary atherectomy

Abstract Since its initial performance, balloon percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has been limited by a small but finite incidence of acute coronary dissection. This can result in abrupt vessel closure, usually managed with urgent coronary artery bypass grafting. Despite improvements in equipment, technique, and operator experience, the need for urgent bypass after PTCA has remained relatively stable at 2% to 5%, due in part to the expanding indications of the procedure and its use in patients with more complicated conditions and lesions. 1 Techniques that have been used to stabilize acute coronary dissections and avoid emergency coronary bypass surgery include repeat FTCA balloon inflations, prolonged balloon inflations with perfusion balloons, 2,3 laser balloons, 4 and permanent and temporary stenting. 5,6 The recent availability of directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) has made possible an additional technique for the acute treatment of coronary dissection. 7 The purpose of this report is to assess both the acute and long-term efficacy of directional coronary atherectomy for the treatment of failed PTCA due to refractory abrupt closure.
Children's solutions for figural matrices: Developmental differences in strategies and effects of matrix characteristics☆☆☆

Abstract Two experiments investigated children's strategies for solving geometric matrices which were correctly or incorrectly completed and varied in number of elements (1 to 3) and number of transformations (0 to 2). Experiment 1 tested ninety 7-, 10-, and 13-year-old boys and girls on working memory, spatial reasoning, and the Raven's and geometric matrices. The 7-year-olds were less accurate than the older children and 10-year-olds were slower than 13-year-olds. That the older children increased latency to solution with increased item complexity, while the youngest did so only up to three “feature” matrices suggests developmental differences in exhaustiveness of strategies. However, on certain matrices all subjects demonstrated premature self-termination. Experiment 2 was conducted with thirty 10-year-olds and focused on such matrix characteristics as nature of falseness and whether the transformation was addition, expansion, or circular motion. Premature self-termination was especially evident in expansion matrices with an incorrect nontransforming element. Inadequacy of encoding appeared to explain relatively slow response latencies and poor accuracy on circular motion matrices. Individual differences in perceptual abilities of disembedding and spatial reasoning were also seen to play a role in matrix performance.
Atmospheric-pressure air plasams and air plasma ramparts

Weakly ionized, low-temperature, sea-level air plasmas are of significant importance because of the many basic science aspect that can be studied and because of their many practical applications including electrostatic precipitation, ozone generation, microwave reflection and absorption, aerodynamic applications, plasma-aided combustion, surface treatment, chemical and biological decontamination, and medical applications. Common for most of these applications is the unique ability of non-equilibrium air plasmas to generate high concentrations of reactive species, without the need for elevated gas temperatures.
The structure of dimethylbis(quinuclidine)beryllium

Abstract The structure of (CH3)2Be·2NC7H13 has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Four monomeric molecules crystallize in a monoclinic unit cell of dimensions a = 11.82±0.02, b = 12.71±0.02, c = 12.00±0.02 A, and β = 113.1°±0.3°. The space group is P21/c. Least-squares refinement resulted in a final R value of 13.2% for the 671 visually observed reflections. A distorted tetrahedral coordination is found about the beryllium atom. The average beryllium-carbon bond distance is 1.83 A, and the beryllium-nitrogen bond distance is 1.91 A. The nitrogen-beryllium-nitrogen bond angle is 110.8° compared to the methyl carbon-beryllium-methyl carbon angle of 118.3°.
Neuroglial response to sciatic neurectomy. II. Electron microscopy.

The response of oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, multipotential glia (MPG), and pericytes to sciatic neurectomy in young adult rats was studied by electron microscopy. Animals were perfused with aldehyde fixative at 2, 4, 7, and 14 days postoperative (dpo). Neuronal changes were slight and there was no apparent response in either oligodendrocytes or pericytes. Typical reactive changes observed in the astrocytes included an increase in glial filament bundles and microtubles. At 2 dpo mitotic cells were observed and by 4 dpo many MPG were located around affected neuron cell bodies apparently isolating them. The MPG processes formed overlapping sheets of processes between neurons and the elements of the neuropil. Hence synaptic boutons were displaced from the surfaces of the ensheathed neurons, but phagocytosis of synaptic boutons was rarely observed. The role and origin of the MPG and their similarity to microglia are discussed.
Relationship of Acoustic Parameters and Perceptual Ratings of Esophageal Speech

For 10 male and 10 female esophageal speakers selected acoustic and perceptual dimensions of esophageal speech were investigated to determine the intercorrelations of the following measures: intelligibility, articulation, rate, fundamental frequency, mean relative intensity, and effectiveness. Results indicate that only articulation and effectiveness were significantly correlated with intelligibility, whereas measures of intelligibility, articulation, rate, fundamental frequency, and mean relative intensity were all significantly correlated with effectiveness ratings.
Mycorrhizal associations of dominant trees influence nitrate leaching responses to N deposition

Temperate forests receive some of the highest rates of nitrogen (N) deposition in the world. While numerous studies have investigated the effects of N enrichment on forests, there is little consensus on why some forests become N saturated while others do not. To investigate this, we used a multi-factor meta-analysis to simultaneously estimate the relative importance of several environmental, experimental, and anthropogenic variables on nitrate (NO3−) leaching in response to experimental N addition. Given that overstory tree species composition and soil C:N ratio influence forest responses to N, we hypothesized that forests dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees would respond differently than forests dominated by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) trees in the context of forest susceptibility to NO3− leaching. We found that mycorrhizal association is an important predictor of NO3− leaching, and AM-dominated forests leach more NO3− in response to N deposition than ECM forests. Additionally, we found that the amount of total N added, ambient N deposition rates, and the form of N added influenced the magnitude of the NO3− leaching response. Given that the mycorrhizal associations of most temperate trees are known, our results suggest that this functional grouping may be useful in identifying forests that are most susceptible to NO3− leaching.
Gains In Vertical Acquisitions and Market Power: Theory and Evidence

This study investigated the factors that can explain the gains resulting from vertical mergers. The findings suggest that acquiring firms gain the most when they come from concentrated markets and ...
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 7, a regulator of hormone-dependent estrogen receptor destruction.

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) degradation is regulated by ubiquitination, but the signaling pathways that modulate ERα turnover are unknown. We found that extracellular signal-regulated kinase 7 (ERK7) preferentially enhances the destruction of ERα but not the related androgen receptor. Loss of ERK7 was correlated with breast cancer progression, and all ERα-positive breast tumors had decreased ERK7 expression compared to that found in normal breast tissue. In human breast cells, a dominant-negative ERK7 mutant decreased the rate of endogenous ERα degradation >4-fold in the presence of hormone and potentiated estrogen responsiveness. ERK7 targets the ERα ligand-binding domain for destruction by enhancing its ubiquitination. Thus, ERK7 is a novel regulator of estrogen responsiveness through its control of ERα turnover.
P-251L: Late-News Poster: Miniature Wide-Throw-Angle Scanning Fiber Projection Display

Advances in mobile devices have enabled internet access and viewing of images and video, but small screens constrain the experience. We have developed a novel scanning fiber optical projector that is 1.07 mm in diameter and 13 mm long, and can project images at up to a 100° throw angle.
Hyponatremia associated with unilateral hand weakness and numbness: a case report.

Context: The key clinical features in this case are to make the diagnosis apical lung cancer (Pancoast tumor) in a patient with brachial plexopathy and to recognize the association between syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) as a paraneoplastic syndrome and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Case Report: We herein describe a rare case of NSCLC presented as pancoast tumor complicated by brachial plexopathy and associated with SIADH as a paraneoplastic phenomena. There were no renal insufficiency, congestive cardiac failure, liver insufficiency, volume depletion, diuretic use, hypoadrenalism, and hypothyroidism in our patient. Furthermore, the findings of serum hyponatraemia and hypo-osmolality associated with an inappropriate high urinary osmolality indicate that the SIADH was present in our patient due to the NSCLC. Conclusion: Our case also emphasizes that early recognition and appropriate applied management may significantly improve symptoms and prevent complications of hyponatremia which may enhance quality of life in patients with paraneoplastic SIADH.
Bloom development and transport of toxic Alexandrium fundyense populations within a coastal plume in the Gulf of Maine

Toxic Alexandrium fundyense blooms in the western Gulf of Maine (GOM) are a common occurrence, causing paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) each spring. In contrast, high A. fundyense abundances and PSP toxicity commonly occur later in the summer in the eastern GOM and the Bay of Fundy. The objective of this study was to determine if the bloom dynamics of the two areas are linked early in the bloom season when initial outbreaks of toxicity are reported. A. fundyense cell abundance and hydrographic data were acquired during three cruises in May and June, 2001 spanning areas of the western and eastern GOM. Surface drifters also were released into the nearshore coastal flow of the eastern GOM. These data provide a coherent view of the springtime evolution of toxic A. fundyense blooms in the GOM and the influence of both small- and large-scale circulation. Early in the bloom season (May), the bulk of the A. fundyense population was consistently observed in an alongshore band of cells in the eastern GOM associated with relatively low-salinity water (o32) that likely originated from inputs further upstream in the coastal flow, predominantly the St. John River in the Bay of Fundy. At that time, the western GOM was virtually devoid of cells. In June, the population was bifurcated, with one branch extending alongshore into the western GOM and the other into the offshore waters of the interior GOM. This pattern was consistent with circulation models of the coastal GOM that unambiguously revealed a bifurcated flow with the branch nearest the coast directed alongshore to the western GOM. The most significant finding of this study is that A. fundyense populations along the eastern Maine coast were delivered along an ‘‘inside track’’ relative to the core of the eastern segment of the Maine Coastal Current. The transport pathway carried cells across the mouth of Penobscot Bay and into the western GOM coincident with outbreaks of nearshore PSP toxicity. The transport is influenced by wind. In particular, some of the cells within the nearshore flow may be lost to the interior GOM when upwelling-favorable winds transport them offshore and into the large-scale circulation dominated by the cyclonic flow of the Jordan Basin Gyre. Downwelling-favorable winds keep the cells close to the coast and rapidly transport them into the western GOM. This study unequivocally demonstrates the linkage between early season A. fundyense bloom formation in the eastern GOM and blooms in the western GOM. It also indicates that the lack of toxicity along the mid-Maine coast commonly referred to as the ‘‘PSP sandwich’’ may be an artifact of the lack of shellfish sampling along the outer remote islands of Penobscot Bay, as populations sufficient to cause toxicity can be found adjacent to the coastline. The association of the A. fundyense
Influence of Nonplastic Fines on Shear Wave Velocity-Based Assessment of Liquefaction

Many false positives (no liquefaction detected when the normalized shear wave velocity-cyclic stress ratio ( Vs1 -CSR) combination indicated that it should have been) are observed in the database used in the simplified liquefaction assessment procedure based on shear wave velocity. Two possible reasons for false positives are the presence of a thick surface layer of nonliquefiable soil and the effects of fines on cyclic shear resistance (CRR) and Vs1 . About 67% of the false positives that could not have been caused by an overlying thick surface layer are associated with silty sands with less than 35% fines. The effects of fines on the liquefaction resistance of silty sands and on the shear wave velocity are analyzed. Theoretical CRRfield versus Vs1 curves for silty sands containing 0 to 15% nonplastic fines are established. They show that the theoretical CRR- Vs1 correlations for silty sands with 5 to 15% nonplastic fines are all located to the far left of the semi-empirical curves that separate liquefac...
An Adaptive Control Strategy for DSTATCOM Applications in an Electric Ship Power System

Distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) is a shunt compensation device that is generally used to solve power quality problems in distribution systems. In an all-electric ship power system, power quality issues arise due to high-energy demand loads such as pulse loads. This paper presents the application of a DSTATCOM to improve the power quality in a ship power system during and after pulse loads. The control strategy of the DSTATCOM plays an important role in maintaining the voltage at the point of common coupling. A novel adaptive control strategy for the DSTATCOM based on artificial immune system (AIS) is presented in this paper. The optimal parameters of the controller are first obtained by using the particle swarm optimization algorithm. This provides a sort of innate immunity (robustness) to common system disturbances. For unknown and random system disturbances, the controller parameters are modified online, thus providing adaptive immunity to the control system. The performance of the DSTATCOM and the AIS-based adaptive control strategy is first investigated in MATLAB-/Simulink-based simulation platform. It is verified through a real-time ship power system implementation on a real-time digital simulator and the control algorithm on a digital signal processor.
Anesthetic management of patients with tracheal T-tubes.

Summary Aims: To better inform the preoperative anesthesia assessment, we review the rationale of tracheal T-tubes and the maintenance they require. We then describe specific intraoperative techniques to administer inhalational agents and maintain respiration in patients with tracheal T-tubes. Background: Tracheal T-tubes maintain airway patency in the healing phases of laryngotracheal reconstruction or in the setting of extrinsic or intrinsic airway collapse. The T-tube comprises a superior limb, an inferior limb, and an anterior limb projecting from a tracheotomy site. Negotiating tracheal T-tubes may present significant anesthetic challenges in both elective and emergent circumstances. Methods: The intraoperative ventilation techniques in patients with tracheal T-tubes are reviewed as well as pre and postoperative T-tube maintenance strategies. Results: Twelve techniques to connect anesthetic circuitry to tracheal T-tubes in different perioperative clinical scenarios are detailed. Conclusions: T-tubes are a well-established method for supporting the airway in both adults and children. However, the very design of the T-tube poses unique anesthetic management issues before, during, and after the operation. Anesthetic administration and gas exchange may be effectively achieved through a variety of methods, which we describe in detail.
Creating a Surgical Dashboard for Quality

It has been estimated that 234 million operations are performed worldwide every year, a rate higher than childbirth. Since the Institute of Medicine’s report “To Err is Human”, there has been a sharp increase in interest in programs to decrease medical errors, especially in surgical care. Complications from operative care result in 11% of total disease burden, of which nearly half is estimated to be preventable. Despite numerous efforts to improve patient safety, rates of errors, and complications continue to rise nationwide.
Canonical Transient Receptor Potential 6 (TRPC6), a Redox-regulated Cation Channel

This study examined the effect of H2O2 on the TRPC6 channel and its underlying mechanisms using a TRPC6 heterologous expression system. In TRPC6-expressing HEK293T cells, H2O2 significantly stimulated Ca2+ entry in a dose-dependent manner. Electrophysiological experiments showed that H2O2 significantly increased TRPC6 channel open probability and whole-cell currents. H2O2 also evoked a robust inward current in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells, which was nearly abolished by knockdown of TRPC6 using a small interfering RNA. Catalase substantially attenuated arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced Ca2+ entry in cells co-transfected with TRPC6 and AVP V1 receptor. N-Ethylmaleimide and thimerosal were able to simulate the H2O2 response. Dithiothreitol or glutathione-reduced ethyl ester significantly antagonized the response. Furthermore, both N-ethylmaleimide- and H2O2-induced TRPC6 activations were only observed in the cell-attached patches but not in the inside-out patches. Moreover, 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol effect on TRPC6 was significantly greater in the presence of H2O2. Biotinylation assays revealed a significant increase in cell surface TRPC6 in response to H2O2. Similarly, in cells transfected with TRPC6-EGFP, confocal microscopy showed a significant increase in fluorescence intensity in the region of the cell membrane and adjacent to the membrane. AVP also increased the fluorescence intensity on the surface of the cells co-transfected with TRPC6-EGFP and V1 receptor, and this response was inhibited by catalase. These data indicate that H2O2 activates TRPC6 channels via modification of thiol groups of intracellular proteins. This cysteine oxidation-dependent pathway not only stimulates the TRPC6 channel by itself but also sensitizes the channels to diacylglycerol and promotes TRPC6 trafficking to the cell surface.
Collaboration and Community Grids

We study Grid architectures and relate them to the ideas of collaboration and community networks. We discuss services and architectural principles that support both synchronous and asynchronous collaboration and the integration with community networks and peer-to-peer systems. We identify 18 core features and services that characterize Grid systems. We conclude with a proposed Semantic Scholars Grid integrating these concepts to support information discovery and sharing in communities of users.
Partitioning Ada programs for distributed platforms

Few work has been done in the past which has dealt with programming for loosely coupled distributed systems. However, distributed execution is becoming increasingly important for real time systems, since most of them are implemented with distributed processors. Programming multiprocessors through a single program approach offers many advantages from a software engineering point of view like, abstract data types, separate compilation etc. However, few systems currently exist which allow programmers to develop software for distributed platforms through a single program, in a transparent fashion. In this context, Ada assumes great importance as, the Ada Language Reference Manual indicates that distributed execution was one of the goals of the designers. One of the most important attempts towards a distributed Ada system has been that of D. Cornhill (1984), in defining an Ada Program Partitioning Language (APPL). This system facilitates a distributed execution of Ada programs among a set of processors with a wide range of granularity. However in specific the distributable units of an Ada program using the constructs of APPL in an automatic fashion no attempt has been done in the past. Our goal has been towards developing a Ada Program Partitioning Tool to generate a distribution specification in a completely automated manner. A high level design of the tool is shown. We describe the techniques developed and the results obtained in subsequent sections. >
The Chief Diversity Officer: An Examination of CDO Models and Strategies

The Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) position has emerged as an executive-level role that provides strategic guidance for diversity planning and implementation efforts. The growing number of CDO appointments has raised the expectations regarding the contributions of this officer. Williams and Wade-Golden (2007) identified three CDO models or archetypes of vertical authority (i.e., collaborative officer, unit-based, and portfolio divisional) that serve as templates for colleges and universities to design the CDO role. In higher education, these models range from simple one-person office configurations to more developed multiunit reporting structures. Drawing upon this structural framework, the researcher conducted a qualitative examination of three CDOs representing each of the three organizational models. Using a multisite case study methodology, the researcher interviewed three CDOs and 25 administrators working in three large public research institutions in the Midwest region of the United States. This study explored two central questions: (a) What strategies are used by each CDO to develop, manage, and maximize diversity resources? and (b) Can the CDO configuration facilitate or constrain the work of the CDO? This study's findings reveal that all CDOs included in this study were engaged with a number of tasks to fulfill their role. However, their configuration does impact how these diversity leaders carry out their work. This article highlights the collaborative nature of the CDO position and key considerations when comparing and contrasting CDO models at large institutions.
Azathioprine: a guide for the management of dermatology patients.

: Azathioprine, a prodrug of 6-mercaptopurine, was developed over four decades ago. Since its development, azathioprine has been shown to have antileukemic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive properties. Hence, the reason azathioprine is used in multiple medical specialties. In the dermatology field, it is used as an immunosuppressant and corticosteroid-sparing agent for the treatment of several cutaneous diseases. In this article, the present authors review the following aspects relating to azathioprine: history, pharmacokinetics, significance of thiopurine methyltransferase, side effects, contraindications, therapeutic uses, and recommended evaluation and monitoring for patients initiating azathioprine.
International theory in a post-paradigmatic era: From substantive wagers to scientific ontologies

Concerns about the end of International Relations theory pivot around at least three different issues: the fading of the ‘paradigm wars’ associated with the 1990s and early 2000s; the general lack of any sort of ‘great debate’ sufficient to occupy the attention of large portions of the field; and claims about the vibrancy of middle-range theorizing. None of these are terribly helpful when it comes to assessing the health of International Relations theory. We argue that international theory involves scientific ontologies of world politics: topographies of entities, processes, mechanisms, and how they relate to one another. Understood this way, the state of International Relations theory looks strong: there is arguably more out there than ever before. Ironically, this cornucopia helps explain concerns regarding the end of International Relations theory. In the absence of a ‘great debate,’ let alone ways of organizing contemporary International Relations theory, this diversity descends into cacophony. We sub...
Modulation and Detection for Simple Receivers in Rapidly Time-Varying Channels

We investigate the performance degradation of basic modulation schemes in a rapidly time-varying channel using a first-order autoregressive channel model. Various performance metrics are used to indicate the relative advantages of each modulation scheme. We find that noncoherent frequency-shift keying (FSK) is suitable for operating at very high mobility and high signal-to-noise ratio, ideal for some military applications. We then propose a partially coherent detector for FSK and differential phase-shift keying that exploits partial channel knowledge to enable the receiver to operate effectively in both fast and slow fading. The maximum-likelihood rule obtained for the partially coherent FSK turns out to be a linear combination of coherent and noncoherent detection rules. Results demonstrate that significant performance improvement can be achieved over the best of coherent and noncoherent FSK detection. The detector is robust to estimation errors present in the channel statistics. We also propose a few adaptive schemes that employ various combinations of modulation schemes to increase the robustness of the system in fast fading
A MUTATION ALLOWING EXPRESSION OF NORMALLY SILENT a MATING-TYPE INFORMATION IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

Mating type in haploid cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is determined by a pair of alleles MATa and MATα . Under various conditions haploid mating types can be interconverted. It has been proposed that transpositions of silent cassettes of mating-type information from HML or HMR to MAT are the source of mating type conversions. A mutation described in this work, designated AON1, has the following properties. (1) MATα cells carring AON1 are defective in mating. (2) AON1 allows MATα/MATα but not MATa/MATa diploids to sporulate; thus, AON1 mimics the MATa requirement for sporulation. (3) mata-1 cells that carry AON1 are MATa phenocopies, i.e., MATα/mata- 1 AON1 diploids behave as standard MATα/MATa cells; therefore, AON1 suppresses the defect of mata- 1. (4) AON1 maps at or near HMRa. (5) Same-site revertants from AON1 lose the ability to convert mating type to MATa, indicating that reversion is associated with the loss of a functional HMRa locus. In addition, AON1 is a dominant mutation. We conclude that AON1 is a regulatory mutation, probably cis-acting, that leads to the constitutive expression of silent a mating-type information located at HMRa.
Influence of atmospherically induced random wave fronts on diffraction imagery : a computer simulation model for testing image reconstruction algorithms

This paper is devoted to the development of a two-dimensional computer-simulation model that is based on the rigid constraints of optical diffraction theory with careful attention paid to the generation of sample realizations of Gaussian-distributed, spatially random, isotropic wave fronts that have zero-mean and prescribed-covariance functions. Given a sample realization of the wave front, the corresponding centered point-spread function and optical-transfer function are evaluated. A detailed study is made of the statistics of random wave-front tilt, point-spread function, modulus squared of transfer function, and phase of transfer function.
Mesh Location in Open Ventral Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

There is no consensus on the ideal location for mesh placement in open ventral hernia repair (OVHR). We aim to identify the mesh location associated with the lowest rate of recurrence following OVHR using a systematic review and meta-analysis. A search was performed for studies comparing at least two of four locations for mesh placement during OVHR (onlay, inlay, sublay, and underlay). Outcomes assessed were hernia recurrence and surgical site infection (SSI). Pairwise meta-analysis was performed to compare all direct treatment of mesh locations. A multiple treatment meta-analysis was performed to compare all mesh locations in the Bayesian framework. Sensitivity analyses were planned for the following: studies with a low risk of bias, incisional hernias, by hernia size, and by mesh type (synthetic or biologic). Twenty-one studies were identified (n = 5,891). Sublay placement of mesh was associated with the lowest risk for recurrence [OR 0.218 (95% CI 0.06-0.47)] and was the best of the four treatment modalities assessed [Prob (best) = 94.2%]. Sublay was also associated with the lowest risk for SSI [OR 0.449 (95% CI 0.12-1.16)] and was the best of the 4 treatment modalities assessed [Prob (best) = 77.3%]. When only assessing studies at low risk of bias, of incisional hernias, and using synthetic mesh, the probability that sublay had the lowest rate of recurrence and SSI was high. Sublay mesh location has lower complication rates than other mesh locations. While additional randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings, this network meta-analysis suggests the probability of sublay being the best location for mesh placement is high.
Biomedical device design discovery team approach to teaching physiology to undergraduate bioengineering students.

Teaching effectiveness is enhanced by generating student enthusiasm, by using active learning techniques, and by convincing students of the value of acquiring knowledge in the area of study. We hav...
Approaching a universal scaling relationship between fracture stiffness and fluid flow

A goal of subsurface geophysical monitoring is the detection and characterization of fracture alterations that affect the hydraulic integrity of a site. Achievement of this goal requires a link between the mechanical and hydraulic properties of a fracture. Here we present a scaling relationship between fluid flow and fracture-specific stiffness that approaches universality. Fracture-specific stiffness is a mechanical property dependent on fracture geometry that can be monitored remotely using seismic techniques. A Monte Carlo numerical approach demonstrates that a scaling relationship exists between flow and stiffness for fractures with strongly correlated aperture distributions, and continues to hold for fractures deformed by applied stress and by chemical erosion as well. This new scaling relationship provides a foundation for simulating changes in fracture behaviour as a function of stress or depth in the Earth and will aid risk assessment of the hydraulic integrity of subsurface sites.
DPC Materials and Corrosion Environments

After an exposition of the materials used in DPCs and the factors controlling material corrosion in disposal environments, a survey is given of the corrosion rates, mechanisms, and products for commonly used stainless steels. Research needs are then identified for predicting stability of DPC materials in disposal environments. Stainless steel corrosion rates may be low enough to sustain DPC basket structural integrity for performance periods of as long as 10,000 years, especially in reducing conditions. Uncertainties include basket component design, disposal environment conditions, and the in-package chemical environment including any localized effects from radiolysis. Prospective disposal overpack materials exist for most disposal environments, including both corrosion allowance and corrosion resistant materials. Whereas the behavior of corrosion allowance materials is understood for a wide range of corrosion environments, demonstrating corrosion resistance could be more technically challenging and require environment-specific testing. A preliminary screening of the existing inventory of DPCs and other types of canisters is described, according to the type of closure, whether they can be readily transported, and what types of materials are used in basket construction.
The Costs of 'Discernible and Manageable Standards' in Vieth and Beyond

This Note argues against the use of the prudential political question doctrine (PPQD), as exemplified by the Vieth v. Jubelirer plurality opinion. In Vieth, the Supreme Court avoided formulating a standard for adjudicating the constitutionality of partisan gerrymandering due to a claimed lack of a “discernible and manageable standard.” This meant, according to the plurality, that no proposed doctrinal test was both concrete enough to be workably deployed by lower courts and discernible enough in the constitutional text, history, and structure, inter alia. Although the Vieth plurality opinion presents itself as based on universally applicable metadoctrine determining what is and is not a discernible and manageable doctrinal test, this Note argues the Court’s use of the PPQD is ultimately based on a gestalt prudential judgment about the wisdom of intervention in the particular area of partisan gerrymandering. This Note then argues that the PPQD leads to negative consequences for future litigants and judicial legitimacy. The PPQD sends litigants on a wild goose chase for a perfect doctrinal standard, when it seems clear that no standard will satisfy the Vieth plurality. It also invites litigants to argue about what a discernible and manageable doctrinal test is in the abstract, rather than to address the particular legal issue at hand. These diversions insulate the judiciary from legitimate criticism of the grounds of its decisions. This Note then compares the PPQD to another option for judicial avoidance: a merits standard that is almost impossible for plaintiffs to meet in practice, such as rational basis review. This Note concludes that a stringent merits standard is a superior mechanism for judicial avoidance because it does not carry the same high costs for litigants and judicial legitimacy as the PPQD. Additionally, it allows the Court to exit from active adjudication of an issue while still preserving its ability to intervene in egregious cases.
Qnantitation of Femoral Bone Marrow Cellularity of Rats with Acute Chloroleukemia

Procedures of bone marrow quantitation have been applied to the study of the pathogenesis of a leukemia in rats. Mature Long-Evans rats developed an acute form of the Shay Chloroleukemia after intravenous administration of leukemic cells. Assessment of total nucleated cell numbers (normal and leukemic) per mg. of femoral bone marrow was made during the course of the pathogenesis (20 days). Reductions in the numbers of normal marrow elements were observed prior to significant increases in chloroleukemic cells. A progressive decrease in total marrow cellularity was noted in all subsequent stages. In animals surviving 17-20 days, the total number of hemic cells in the femoral marrow was found to be approximately 40 per cent of that seen in normal animals. The leukemia developed more rapidly in young than in adult animals. Using total and differential bone marrow cellularity as a criterion for the stage of pathogenesis, standardized leukemic rats can be prepared for experimentation.
Regulation of New Drug Approval in Taiwan

Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) was established in 2010 as the nation’s principal consumer product protection agency of food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics. By integrating 4 agencies (the Bureau of Food Safety, Bureau of Pharmaceutical Affairs, Bureau of Food and Drug Analysis, and Bureau of Controlled Drugs), TFDA holds the mission of protecting and promoting the public health through regulation modernization to enhance the availability of safe medical products and foods. To address the unmet medical needs and public health, TFDA has utilized regulatory science to evaluate review principles and risk management to properly oversee the overall life cycle of medicinal products. A lot of measures have been accomplished to build an efficient, transparent, and internationally harmonized regulatory system. With the first-in-the-world new drug afatinib approved in Taiwan, TFDA has successfully built up capacity and capability in the review and approval of new drugs. This article summarizes the efforts TFDA has been making in the domain of medicinal product management, highlighting policies and strategies for the future.
Long-acting three-drug combination anti-HIV nanoparticles enhance drug exposure in primate plasma and cells within lymph nodes and blood

Insufficient HIV drug levels in lymph nodes have been linked to viral persistence. To overcome lymphatic drug insufficiency, we developed and evaluated in primates a lipid-drug nanoparticle containing lopinavir, ritonavir, and tenofovir. These nanoparticles produced over 50-fold higher intracellular lopinavir, ritonavir and tenofovir concentrations in lymph nodes compared to free drug. Plasma and intracellular drug levels in blood were enhanced and sustained for 7 days after a single subcutaneous dose, exceeding that achievable with current oral therapy.
Pearl millet injury by five grasshopper species (Orthoptera : Acrididae) in Mali

Spike injury rates of pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. (nonbristled Souna variety), were compared for five grasshopper species that occur in the Sahel zone of Mali, West Africa. Immature females of the species Kraussaria angulifera (Krauss), Oedaleus senegalensis (Krauss), Hieroglyphus daganensis Krauss, Cataloipus cymbiferus (Krauss), and Kraussella amabile (Krauss) were confined in sleeve cages over spikes. Cages built around millet hills were used to test the influence of millet foliage and the weed Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koel. on spike and foliar injury by K. angulifera . Feeding injury in sleeve cages (square centimeters of millet surface area per day per grasshopper), averaged over all spike stages, was higher for the larger C. cymbiferus (9.5 cm2/d) and K. angulifera (8.0 cm2/d) than for the smaller H. daganensis (3.4 cm2/d), K. amabile (2.5 cm2/d), and O. senegalensis (2.3 cm2/d). Mean injury to millet from all grasshopper species was higher for early milk, early /lower, and late /lower stages (7.9, 6.5, and 6.4 cm2/d) than for late milk and dough stages (3.3 and 1.9 cm2/d). The mean grain weight/grain surface area ratio was 0.26 ± 0.01 g/cm2 (mean ± SE). Dry weights of all grasshopper species were correlated with injury rates for each spike stage except the dough stage. The rate of milk stage spike injury by K. angulifera held in whole-plant cages with foliage and ground vegetation removed did not differ from that in sleeve cages. Spike injury was decreased by 55% when millet foliage was present, which indicated some preference for foliage during grain filling. Defoliation in large cages averaged 56 ± 4.8%. Although the weed did not affect spike injury and was not readily eaten by the grasshopper, millet defoliation was reduced by 38%, indicating it had some influence on feeding behavior. Artificial (100%) and partial (mean, 47%) grasshopper-induced defoliation caused grain weight reductions of 54 and 25%, respectively, compared with controls. Therefore, both direct spike feeding and defoliation effects should be considered in crop loss assessments and in estimating economic thresholds.
Full-bridge phase-shift PWM ZVZCS converter

An improved circuit topology is proposed to realize ZVZCS(Zero-Voltage-Zero-Current Switching) in wide load range and a novel full-bridge phase-shift PWM ZVZCS converter is designed,in which,an auxiliary circuit is added before the leading-leg switches to realize zero-voltage-switching at light load while the passive clamp circuit is applied at the secondary side of high-frequency transformer to realize zero-current-switching at full load,and a clamp diode is added between the capacitor of auxiliary circuit and that of converter output filter to restrain the secondary voltage of transformer.Its working principle and working mode of different stages are analyzed.The correctness of theoretical analysis is verified with a prototype of 48 V /20 A phase-shift PWM ZVZCS converter.
Matrix Multiplication Parallel Simulation Based on TMS320C80

Using TMS320C80,two problems must be solved which are memory access collision and data double cache.The way of matrix multiplication has been described in this paper.
A computer-based obstetric data retrieval system

A computer-based obstetric patient data retrieval system is described which permits physicians with no prior computer knowledge or experience to access a patient data base. The advantages are minimal physician instruction, opportunity to examine maternal and neonatal outcome of defined diagnostic or therapeutic subsets of the data base, and rapid recall of individual patients' data, without need for continuous assistance from computer specialists. Disadvantages are the costs and our inability to interface our medical information with hospital business office data. Two brief examples of use of the system are provided.