cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-Bit Quantizer Design for Continuous-Time Sigma-Delta Modulators with Reduced Device Matching Requirements

Future wireless devices will require extensive connectivity to accommodate several services, which means that the receivers must cover broader frequency bands. Therefore, on-chip analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) in multi-standard receivers not only demand increased signal-to-quantization-noise-ratio, but also more bandwidth for the conversion of the analog signals into the digital domain. This chapter briefly introduces a lowpass continuous-time ΣΔ ADC architecture that was developed for next generation broadband receiver applications. Rather than using multiple signal levels, a multi-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) realization based on a feedback signal with time-varying pulse duration was employed. This approach alleviates nonlinearity problems associated with typical multi-bit DACs. The chapter also contains an in-depth description of the corresponding 3-bit quantizer architecture with multi-phase clocking. The reference levels for this quantizer are adjustable to compensate for process variations after fabrication if the application necessitates fine resolution.
Conversion of Anilinothiazolinone to Phenylthiohydantoin Derivatives and Their Separation by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography

In the isothiocyanate degradation of proteins/peptides, the end product is a very unstable derivative called 2-anilino-5-thiazolinone (ATZ). This thiazolinone is then converted to its isomer and more stable 3-phenyl-2-thiohydantoin (PTH) derivative. The conventional techniques for conversion involve heating (50°–80°C) the ATZ derivative under nitrogen in acidic conditions [1–4]. In the newest commercial sequencers this step has been automated. Two alternative procedures have also been proposed to simplify the conversion step. Guyer and Todd [5] have proposed thermal conversion, while Inman and Apella [6] suggested conversion to phenylthiocarboxyl amino-acid alkylamides.
The Male Germ Unit of Zea mays: Quantitative Ultrastructure and Three-Dimensional Analysis

Since the concept of the male genu unit was introduced (Dumas et al 1984) a physical association among the elements of the male genu unit has been observed in mature tricellular pollen grains of dicots, in the pollen tubes of dicots with bicellular pollen and in a IIDnocot with bicellular pollen (see Rusche 1988 for references). In IIDnocots with tricellular pollen, a physical association has not been observed in mature pollen.
Social Cognitive Theory for Personal and Social Change by Enabling Media

Albert Bandura is a leading proponent of social cognitive theory, and his work has directly inﬂuenced the development of the entertainmenteducation strategy. After receiving his doctoral degree from the University of Iowa in 1953, he joined the faculty at Stanford University where he has spent his entire career. His initial research centered on the prominent role of social modeling in human thought, affect, and action. The extraordinary advances in the technology of communications have made modeling a key vehicle in the diffusion of ideas, values, and styles of behavior. Another major focus of Bandura’s work concerns the human capacity for self-directedness, which added to our understanding of how people exercise inﬂuence over their own motivation and behavior through self-regulative mechanisms. His most recent research is adding new insights on howpeople’s beliefs in their efﬁcacy to exercise control over events that affect their lives contribute importantly to their attainments, resilience in the face of adversity, and psychological well-being. These different lines of research address fundamental issues concerning the nature of human agency.
What Works with Sex Offenders

Although sex offenders comprise a relatively small proportion of all offenders, they invoke fear and a strong emotional response. The research indicates that treatment for sex offenders can be effective in reducing recidivism provided that programs adhere to the principles of effective intervention—risk, need, responsivity, and fidelity. Although general risk assessment tools have been found to predict outcomes for sex offenders, a number of sex offender-specific tools have been developed and are widely used. Research has also indicated that the most effective treatment approaches for sex offenders are cognitive behavioral models. Recently, there has been a new movement called the Good Lives Model, but as critics point out, there is little empirical support for this approach.
Safe Autonomous Overtaking with Intention Estimation

This paper investigates the problem of overtaking a lead car by an autonomous ego car on a two-lane road in the presence of an oncoming car. We propose an intention-aware overtaking controller for the ego car. The intention of the lead car is estimated via a combination of active model discrimination and model selection algorithms. Then, a safe overtaking controller is designed based on vector fields that take into account the estimated intent, and ensure safety of the overtaking maneuver. Simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Recent Legal Developments: Criminal Justice Decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court, 2018 Term:

In this article, we review and analyze the criminal justice–related decisions of the 2018 term of the U.S. Supreme Court. We also provide a summary of the Court’s voting patterns and opinion author...
Preliminary Results of Caregiver Speaks: A Storytelling Intervention for Bereaved Family Caregivers.

When bereaved cancer caregivers have the opportunity to tell stories about their caregiving and bereavement journey, they are better able to make meaning of these experiences. Creating a space wher...
When to speak up at work: a review of employee voice and silence behavior using a prospect approach

Communication is ubiquitous in organizations. Employees cooperate to accomplish job tasks through communication and thus need to continuously make decisions of whether they should speak up or withh...
A Data Science Major: Building Skills and Confidence

Data science is a growing field at the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and domain expertise. Like many universities that are building data science degree programs for undergraduates, our small, liberal-arts university saw increasing opportunities in the region and decided to build a data science degree from the ground up, without a pre-existing computer science (CS) department to leverage for courses or culture. We designed and implemented an academically-demanding curriculum that combined mathematics, information systems, and new data science courses, and that also encouraged and supported student success. Each introductory course included active learning design to engage students. To increase retention, all major courses included assignments designed to build skills but also student confidence in their ability to learn challenging technical topics. Outside of the classroom, we created opportunities for professional advancement and developed a technical culture at the university. We will share our approach, course highlights, and lessons learned from building such a curriculum at an institution without a CS department.
Proximal Biceps Tenodesis Incorporated into Supraspinatus Repair: A Case Series and Technical Description:

Background:Biceps tendon pathology is commonly associated with rotator cuff tears. A multitude of different biceps tenodesis techniques have been studied, with limited clinical data on arthroscopic...
Current Advances in Immunotherapy for Glioblastoma

This review seeks to inform oncology clinicians and researchers about the development of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of glioblastoma. An enumeration of ongoing and recently completed clinical trials will be discussed with special attention given to current technologies implemented to overcome central nervous system–specific challenges including barriers to the peripheral immune system, impaired antigen presentation, and T cell dysfunction. The success of immunotherapy in other solid cancers has served as a catalyst to explore its application in glioblastoma, which has limited response to other treatments. Recent developments include multi-antigen vaccines that seek to overcome the heterogeneity of glioblastoma, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors, which could amplify the adaptive immune response and may have promise in combinatorial approaches. Additionally, oncolytic and retroviruses have opened the door to a plethora of combinatorial approaches aiming to leverage their immunogenicity and/or ability to carry therapeutic transgenes. Treatment of glioblastoma remains a serious challenge both with regard to immune-based as well as other therapeutic strategies. The disease has proven to be highly resistant to treatment due to a combination of tumor heterogeneity, adaptive expansion of resistant cellular subclones, evasion of immune surveillance, and manipulation of various signaling pathways involved in tumor progression and immune response. Immunotherapeutics that are efficacious in other cancer types have unfortunately not enjoyed the same success in glioblastoma, illustrating the challenging and complex nature of this disease and demonstrating the need for development of multimodal treatment regimens utilizing the synergistic qualities of immune-mediated therapies.
P61 Relationship Between Adults' Dietary Habits and Food Security Status Amid COVID-19

Background COVID-19 rapidly spread throughout the United States (US) early in 2020. In March, the US federal government mandated that all residents and citizens remain in quarantine to reduce the spread and ease the burden on the healthcare system, which unwillingly impacted the rise in unemployment. Even though these preventative measures were necessary, it may have unwillingly shifted dietary habits based on food security status. Objective To identify adults’ demographics, dietary habits, and its relationship with food security status amid COVID-19. Study Design, Setting, Participants An online cross-sectional study was conducted between April – June 2020 throughout the United States. Participants (n = 3,133) completed a demographic questionnaire, the modified Dana-Farber's Cancer Institute Eating Habits Questionnaire and USDA Food Security Module once during the study period. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Frequency counts and percentages were tabulated for demographics, dietary habits, and food security scores. One-way ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate relationships between dietary habits and food security status and correlations among demographics using STATA v14 at a statistical significance level of P Results Participants were White (84.5%), female (79.4%), and between the ages of 30 to 49 years old (30.2%). Participants increased their consumption of sweets (43.8%) and salty snacks (37.4%) and decreased their consumption of fruit (33.4%), poultry products (31%) and non-starchy vegetables (28.2%). Average scores for food security were 0.69 ± 1.77. Per each month, there was a relationship between dietary habits and food security status; April (P Conclusion COVID-19 continues to affect individuals, which influences the relationship between dietary habits and food security status. Future population studies are recommended in the US to help public health authorities frame actions to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 has on dietary habits and food security to minimize the risk factors today and in future inevitable pandemics.
Creating an Infrastructure for Innovation

Purpose Innovation is an integral part to the practice of medicine. It has traditionally been led by industry creating products and selling to physicians/medical providers. However, as end-users physicians have the ability to be natural innovators who can spur advancements to the care they provide through partnership with and without industry. Creating an infrastructure for these …
Dynamic Tagging for Enterprise Knowledge Sharing and Representation

The development of Web 2.0 technology provides an easy way for people to transfer and share knowledge. As a collaborative tagging tool, folksonomy is an efficient indexing method in Web 2.0 environments. After analyzing the pros and cons of current knowledge management systems, this research proposes a dynamic Tagging system that combines folksonomy technologies with other approaches including automatic schema enrichment and training. The proposed system improves access to a large, growing collection by supporting users collaboratively contribute to the building of tags. In addition, the proposed system provides an efficient way for firms to represent knowledge and share knowledge with customers and other firms.
A Study of Spatial Clustering techniques

This paper proposes a new interleaving-based method for spatial clustering developed by combining gray codes with a new ordering technique called nu-ordering. This method is compared with two existing interleaving-based techniques and another technique called hilbert-ordering. The performance comparison is done by means of a simulation study. The results show that the choice of the technique affects the clustering performance dramatically. Among the four techniques considered, both nu-ordering and hilbert method outperformed the other two methods by more than 35%; however, with minor exceptions, the hilbert technique was the best among the four techniques evaluated.
Bayesian Probabilistic Vehicle Lane Matching for Link-Level In-Vehicle Navigation

Today's typical in-vehicle navigation systems that use the Global Positioning System (GPS) to measure longitudinal and latitudinal position of a vehicle do not have sufficient lane-positioning accuracy for detailed navigational tasks such as vehicle maneuvers and safety. This paper presents a unique estimation methodology that can determine a vehicle's lane position in real time by mapping the spatial position measurements onto the specific lane the vehicle is running on with reference to a lane-enhanced digital map. This vehicle lane positioning system is described, comprising a low-cost real-time differential GPS system, a high accuracy digital map, and a lane-determination algorithm. Further, the developed low-cost system has been tested on a number of roadways and has performed very well when used with accurately surveyed map data. Lane-level positioning opens up the door to a number of new applications such as link-level ma neuvering and vehicle safety applications.
Instability and the growth of exports

Abstract This paper points out the methodological weaknesses in N.V. Lam's article and with the employment of appropriate measures demonstrates the tautological nature of Lam's findings on the relationship between export growth and instability. In addition it provides certain general guidelines regarding the selection of export instability indices.
An Embedded Error Recovery and Debugging Mechanism for Scripting Language Extensions

In recent years, scripting languages such as Perl, Python, and Tcl have become popular development tools for the creation of sophisticated application software. One of the most useful features of these languages is their ability to easily interact with compiled languages such as C and C++. Although this mixed language approach has many benefits, one of the greatest drawbacks is the complexity of debugging that results from using interpreted and compiled code in the same application. In part, this is due to the fact that scripting language interpreters are unable to recover from catastrophic errors in compiled extension code. Moreover, traditional C/C++ debuggers do not provide a satisfactory degree of integration with interpreted languages. This paper describes an experimental system in which fatal extension errors such as segmentation faults, bus errors, and failed assertions are handled as scripting language exceptions. This system, which has been implemented as a general purpose shared library, requires no modifications to the target scripting language, introduces no performance penalty, and simplifies the debugging of mixed interpreted-compiled application software.
Verification-Based Model Tuning

Abstract : All numerical models (e.g., Numerical Weather Prediction models) have certain parameters within model algorithms which effect forecasts to a different degree, depending on the forecast quantity. The specific values of these model parameters are determined either theoretically using fundamental physics laws but incorporating necessary approximations to reduce computational cost, or empirically using observations from field experiments where observational error introduces uncertainty. In either case, the exact value of the parameter is often unknown a priori, and so their values are usually set to improve forecast quality through some form of forecast verification. Such an approach to model tuning, however, requires knowledge of the observations to which the forecasts must be compared, and therefore, a multitude of highly detailed experimental cases in order to fully resolve parameter values, a data set very difficult to obtain. A knowledge of the relationship between model parameters and forecast quantities, without reference to observations, can not only aid in such an observation-based approach to model tuning, it can also aid in tuning the model parameters according to other criteria that may not be based on observations directly, e.g., a desire to affect the forecasts according to some long-term experience of a forecaster. The main goal of our work has been to develop a framework for representing the complex relationship between model parameters and forecast quantities, without any reference to observations.
Influence of aerobic cycle exercise training on patellar tendon cross‐sectional area in older women

Nine to 12 weeks of resistance exercise training in young individuals induces quadriceps muscle (∼6%) and region-specific patellar tendon (4-6%) hypertrophy. However, 12 weeks of resistance exercise training (∼1 h total exercise time) in older individuals (60-78 years) induces quadriceps muscle hypertrophy (9%) without impacting patellar tendon size. The current study examined if a different loading paradigm using cycle exercise would promote patellar tendon hypertrophy or alter the internal tendon properties, measured with magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity, in older individuals. Nine women (70 ± 2 years) completed 12 weeks of aerobic upright cycle exercise training (∼28 h total exercise time). Aerobic exercise training increased (P 0.05) over the 12 weeks of training. Region-specific CSA was unchanged (P > 0.05) at the proximal (-1 ± 3%) and mid regions (2 ± 2%) of the tendon but tended (P = 0.069) to increase at the distal region (5 ± 3%). Region-specific signal intensity differed along the tendon but was unchanged (P > 0.05) with training. Although more studies are needed, exercise-induced patellar tendon hypertrophy, compared with skeletal muscle, appears to be attenuated in older individuals, while the loading pattern associated with aerobic exercise seems to have more impact than resistance exercise in promoting patellar tendon hypertrophy.
Lactate MRSI and DCE MRI as surrogate markers of prostate tumor aggressiveness.

Longitudinal studies of lactate MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI) were performed at 4.7 T in two prostate tumor models grown in rats, the Dunning R3327-AT (AT) and Dunning H (H), to determine the potential of lactate and the perfusion/permeability parameter Akep as markers of tumor aggressiveness. Subcutaneous AT (n = 12) and H (n = 6) tumors were studied at different volumes between 100 and 2900 mm3 (Groups 1 to 5). Lactate concentration was determined from Selective Multiple Quantum Coherence (Sel-MQC) MRSI using phantom substitution method. Tumor enhancement after administration of Gd-DTPA was analyzed using the Brix-Hoffmann model and the Akep parameter was used as a measure of tumor perfusion/permeability. Lactate was not detected in the smallest AT tumors (Group 1; 100–270 mm3). In larger AT tumors, lactate concentration increased from 2.8 ± 1.0 mM (Group 2; 290–700 mm3) to 8.4 ± 2.9 mM (Group 3; 1000–1340 mm3), 8.2 ± 2.2 mM (Group 4; 1380–1750 mm3), and then decreased to 5.0 ± 1.7 mM (Group 5; 1900–2500 mm3) and was consistently higher in the tumor core than in the rim. Lactate was not detected in any of the Dunning H tumors. The mean tumor Akep values decreased with increasing volume in both tumor types, but were significantly higher in H tumors. In AT tumors, the Akep values were significantly higher in the rim than in the core. Histological hypoxic and necrotic fractions in AT tumors increased with volume from 0% in Group 1 to about 20% and 30%, respectively, in Group 5. Minimal amounts of hypoxia and necrosis were found in H tumors of all sizes. Thus the presence of lactate and heterogeneous perfusion/permeability are signatures of aggressive, metabolically deprived Dunning R3327-AT tumor, but not the slow-growing Dunning H tumor.
Patterns of sunscreen use on the face and other exposed skin among US adults

Background Sunscreen is a common form of sun protection, but little is known about patterns of use. Objective We sought to assess patterns of sunscreen use on the face and other exposed skin among US adults. Methods Using cross-sectional data from the 2013 Summer ConsumerStyles survey (N = 4033), we calculated descriptive statistics and adjusted risk ratios to identify characteristics associated with regular sunscreen use ( always/most of the time when outside on a warm sunny day for ≥1 hour). Results Few adults regularly used sunscreen on the face (men: 18.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.8-20.6; women: 42.6%, 95% CI 39.5-46.7), other exposed skin (men: 19.9%, 95% CI 17.5-22.6; women: 34.4%, 95% CI 31.5-37.5), or both the face and other exposed skin (men: 14.3%, 95% CI 12.3-16.6; women: 29.9%, 95% CI 27.2-32.8). Regular use was associated with sun-sensitive skin, an annual household income ≥$60,000, and meeting aerobic activity guidelines ( P s Limitations Reliance on self-report and lack of information on sunscreen reapplication or other sun-safety practices are limitations. Conclusion Sunscreen use is low, especially among certain demographic groups. These findings can inform sun-safety interventions and the interpretation of surveillance data on sunscreen use.
Review of cetacean biopsy techniques: Factors contributing to successful sample collection and physiological and behavioral impacts

Biopsy techniques have been developed to collect skin and blubber samples through non-lethal methods. One sample can provide data on genetics, prey preferences, foraging ecology, contaminant loads, and physiological processes. The limited data available suggest that biopsy wounds heal quickly and that there are usually no discernable adverse health effects. Published accounts on factors contributing to the success of collecting biopsy samples and the behavioral impacts to cetaceans following biopsy sampling were standardized to permit statistical analysis. Several factors contribute to the success of acquiring samples; however, sampling rates do not differ significantly between delivery devices. Behavioral responses to biopsy sampling vary by species and other factors. The most predominant response for odontocetes is low, while low and moderate responses are equally prevalent for mysticetes. The use of retrieval lines may increase the occurrence of moderate and strong responses by mysticetes. These findings suggest that biopsy sampling is relatively benign, causing only minor and short-lived responses. However, most researchers do not report sufficient data to assess short- and long-term physiological and behavioral impacts. Finally, limited data suggest that biopsy sampling does not impact cetacean habitat use or distribution patterns. Yet these impacts are rarely investigated, so additional data are needed.
Early onset of hindlimb paw-shake responses in spinal kittens: new perspective in motor development.

Abstract Normal kittens and kittens spinalized (T12) at 14 days of age were tested for onset of paw-shake responses (PSR) in fore and hindlimbs. In normals, onset followed a cephalocaudal pattern that was coincident with the development of stable posture, 21–28 days of age. In spinals, onset of hindlimb PSRs preceded that of the forelimb and occurred soon after cordotomy, independent of posture development. These findings suggest that in the neonate, spinal networks responsible for coordinating PSRs are normally inhibited until the response can be supported by stable posture.
Expression of Feelings in Group Counseling

70 high school students in 9 counseling groups were administered outcome instruments for self-evaluation and evaluation by peers. Interaction in counseling was classified according to underlying feeling early and late in the series of 12 sessions. Tests of 6 hypotheses relating feeling changes occurring during counseling to counseling outcomes showed 2 results significant at the .05 level. Change in feeling seemed to correlate more with evaluation by peers than with self-evaluation. The 9 groups were found to differ widely in type and amount of affective interaction. Methodological problems were considered. Discussion focused on implications for counseling practice and on relationships to published research.
The Capelli Operator and the Centroid of Rectangular Matrices

Abstract In 1974, Razmyslov exhibited a central polynomial for M n (R) using properties of the Capelli polynomial. We extend his basic result to an associative pair V = (V +, V −). In this context the Capelli polynomial must be replaced by an operator, and we must consider centroidal pairs of maps. We will use the Capelli polynomial to construct centroidal operators for the associative pair (M p×q (R), M q×p (R)) by applying Rowen's techniques. These operators have an especially simple form for (M n×1(R), M 1×n (R)): they reduce to a scalar multiple of the identity operator involving the traditional trace and determinant on square matrices.
SU-E-I-57: CT Dose Metrics: What Are We Tracking.

Purpose: Recent guidance by The Joint Commission and CRCPD recommendations require establishing CT reference dose levels (RDLs) for clinical protocols and recording CTdose metrics in the patient's medical record. This presentation addresses which dose values in the CT report should be recorded for the purposes of monitoring patient dose and determining RDLs effectively. Methods:CTdose reports are commonly recorded in the PACS as screen captures, although structured reporting is becoming available on current CT scanners and PACS systems. The goal is to obtain data that correctly reflects the patient's dose, but the dose information captured is not standardized across vendors and can be difficult to compare. Multi‐phase studies, deviations from established protocols and dynamic scanning present problems when recording numbers to establish RDLs because of the lack of information on the anatomy scanned. The cumulative DLP and CTDIvol manually entered by radiologic technologists into the electronic medical record were compared with more detailed dose metrics compiled from PACS images.Results:Analysis of this data showed that simple cumulative metrics are a poor indicator of patient dose. Major problems are 1) the inclusion of dynamic scan doses associated with bolus tracking, which can skew protocol CTDIvol values by a factor of up to 20, and 2) add‐on scans of non‐overlapping anatomy which can inaccurately increase apparent patient dose.Conclusions: Recording CTDIvol to monitor patient doses is not straightforward, since details of the actual anatomy scanned are lacking without image‐based review. More granular dose reporting which identifies individual acquisitions is required; however, current RIS systems do not provide the flexibility necessary to capture all this information.
Violation of the Equivalence Principle in Modified Theories of Gravity

We show that the metric in $f(R)$ theories of gravity in Palatini formalism can be solved as the product of a rank-two tensor times a scalar function which is very sensitive to the local energy-momentum densities. This local dependence of the metric generates new gravitationally-induced microscopic interactions, which eventually would lead to self-accelerated test body trajectories. These facts make very unlikely the viability of Palatini $f(R)$ models designed to change the late-time cosmic evolution.
Moving planes, moving spheres, and a priori estimates

Abstract In this paper, we use the method of moving planes and the method of moving spheres to obtain a priori estimates for the solutions of semi-linear elliptic equations. Using the ‘method of moving planes’, we establish a sharper estimate on the solutions for prescribing scalar curvature equations with indefinite curvature functions and thus generalized a resent result of Lin. Applying ‘the method of moving spheres’, we give a different proof for a well-known sup+inf inequality established by Brezis, Li and Shafrir.
High-Temperature Corrosion Studies in an Oil-Fired Laboratory Combustor

Interaction of sulfur oxides in the combustion gas with furnace elements has been recognized as the major contributor to corrosion and deposits in boilers and gas turbines. These interactions are of two kinds: (a) Catalysis, whereby furnace elements serve as catalytic surfaces to speed the formation of SO3 from SO2 and molecular oxygen, and (b) chemical reaction, whereby the sulfur oxides react chemically with the furnace elements or with deposits on the furnace elements. Catalysis was studied under boiler furnace conditions and the effects of metal composition, temperature, and various coating materials were examined. Some information was also obtained on chemical reactions of sulfur with bare and coated specimens.
Efficiency in broadband service provision: A spatial analysis

With the 2008 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order amending both the definition of broadband and its data collection practices, the problems associated with data integrity and ZIP code aggregations in the United States will soon be forgotten. However, between 1999 and 2007, FCC Form 477 data remain the only viable, nationwide database of broadband provision in the United States. While broadband data from 1999-2004 and 2005-2007 are not directly comparable due to a modification in collection procedure, there is an absence of objective empirical analysis for the latter time period. Interestingly, although the FCC made the 2005-2007 data publically available on the Internet, password protected files largely prevented analysts from accessing, manipulating and analyzing these data. The purpose of this paper is three-fold. First, the process utilized for liberating these data from their protected format and integrating them into a geographic information system (GIS) is outlined. Second, the spatial distribution of broadband provision in the United States for 2005-2007 is explored. A mathematical programming approach is also utilized for comparing the relative efficiencies of ZIP code areas in acquiring broadband service given their demand-side socio-economic and demographic determinants. Finally, implications for public policy, particularly those associated with developing local and regional benchmarks for broadband provision, competition and access, are addressed.
Adaptive evolution in single species bacterial biofilms

Little is known about the dynamics of cellular growth, death, and evolution within bacterial biofilms. Here we show evidence of evolution within single-species biofilms in real time. Escherichia coli harvested from 22-day-old biofilms express a competitive advantage over cells incubated in biofilms for shorter periods of time. This advantage is manifested as the ability of aged cells to outcompete younger cells in the presence of a pre-existing biofilm, even though cells from older biofilms do not express an increased ability to form initial biofilms on a fresh, unoccupied surface. This phenomenon is similar to the growth advantage in stationary phase, or GASP, phenotype exhibited by planktonically grown cells when incubated under competitive conditions. The ability of bacteria in biofilms to show rapid heritable change has implications for our understanding of the adaptive abilities of biofilms in a wide variety of natural and man-made environments.
Safety and liveness of w -context-free languages

We show several sufficient conditions for w-context free languages to have w-context free live sets, but fail to produce a necessary and sufficient condition.
Serum free light chain analysis may miss monoclonal light chains that urine immunofixation electrophoreses would detect.

Abstract Background A nephelometric assay for identifying free light chains (FLC) of immunoglobulin in serum is commercially available. Although this assay is not specific for monoclonal FLC, an abnormal κ/λ ratio is thought to presumptively identify monoclonal FLCs. It has been proposed that serum FLC assays can replace urine immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) for routine detection. This proposal seems to be based upon testing of samples retrospectively drawn from patients mostly with myeloma or known primary amyloidosis—conditions that are less frequently observed in general laboratory practice. Methods Prospective analysis of 5 patient samples by standard care techniques with serum/urine IFE compared with serum FLC nephelometric assay. Rather than classical myeloma, cases were selected on the basis of unusual or equivocal atypical serum protein electrophoresis patterns. Results In all 5 cases, the nephelometric method for free light chains was negative by virtue of serum FLC κ/λ ratio being within the reference range, contrasting with monoclonal proteins or free light chains detected by serum/urine IFE. Conclusions Since peculiar or unusual patterns are more commonly observed in general practice, these cases illustrate the pitfalls of relying solely on the serum free light chain analysis method in order to establish the presence of monoclonal FLC.
Design of a mechatronic bearing through sensor integration

Increasing demands for product safety and reliability requires the development and implementation of innovative condition monitoring mechanisms that are an integral part of the system to be monitored. Since an advanced condition monitoring system often consists of a variety of sensing, controlling, and actuating components, their effective and efficient integration requires the application of mechatronic design principles to achieve the desired synergy. This paper presents several aspects related to the design and implementation of a sensor-embedded mechatronic bearing, which can be used for the condition monitoring of various critical machine systems.
From Neo-Francoist Memory to Political Feeling in Narratives of Unearthing: Sánchez Dragó's Muertes Paralelas (2006) and Andrés Trapiello's Ayer no más (2012)

This article analyzes the novels Muertes paralelas and Ayer no mas as representatives of two clearly defined perspectives within the Spanish twenty-first century narrative production on unearthing the past of Francoism. The symbolic construction of unearthing permits an investigation of the remnants of a neo-Francoist vision of the legacy of the civil war, while opening the view of a political feeling by which personal memory inserts itself most profoundly as a commitment to a more comprehensive and lasting closure of the past.
Core Work Evaluation: The Viability of a Higher-order Work Attitude Construct

Abstract A great deal of research examining work attitudes has shown that they are related to important employee behaviors. Most of this research has parsed attitudes into ever more refined assessments of specific features of the work environment. Although this research has yielded valuable insights, for practical, theoretical, and empirical reasons we argue that an examination of a more global evaluative summary of the work environment is needed. In the present study we develop, conceptualize, and provide empirical evidence for a global work attitude construct called Core Work Evaluation (CWE). The conceptual foundation for CWE is drawn from classic and modern theory on attitudes and attitude formation. To test our theoretical assertions we follow recent recommendations for the development of higher order constructs in a series of three empirical studies. The results found that CWE: (1) explains meaningful shared variance across the more specific indicators (job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and work engagement) that is not merely the result of common method variance, (2) is distinguishable from nonevaluative features of the work environment and stable individual differences, and (3) predicts important work-related outcomes above and beyond its constituent indicators. Overall the results provided evidence of the viability of the CWE construct.
Promoting Peace in Engineering Education: Modifying the ABET Criteria

Modifications to the ABET Criterion 3 are suggested in support of the effort to promote the pursuit of peace in engineering education. The proposed modifications are the result of integrating the United Nations’ sponsored “Integral Model of Education for Peace, Democracy and Sustainable Development” into the modern engineering curriculum. The key elements of the model are being at peace with oneself, being at peace with others, and being at peace with the planet. In addition to proposing modifications, specific classroom activities are described and implemented, and students’ reactions and the effectiveness of the various exercises are discussed.
Particle deposition and optical response of ITER Motional Stark Effect diagnostic first mirrors

Particle deposition and erosion can affect mirrors used in plasma diagnostics and this is a major concern for future fusion reactors. This subject is analysed for the first and second mirrors of the proposed motional Stark effect edge plasma current diagnostic for ITER. Particle fluxes to the diagnostic module aperture are given by edge plasma/impurity-transport solutions for convective plasma flow for full-power fusion conditions. The MC-Mirror code with input of TRIM-SP results is used to compute in-module direct, reflected and sputtered particle transport. Particles analysed are D–T and He atoms/ions from the plasma, and Fe, Be and W from first wall sputtering and/or in-module sputtering. Many of the results are encouraging for optical diagnostic use in ITER and possibly for post-ITER high duty-factor reactors. The LLNL-4B module design analysed works well in minimizing particle flux to the mirrors, with a factor of ~200–400 reduction in aperture-to-first-mirror flux. Sputtering erosion/degradation of Mo or Rh coated mirrors by incident D, T and He is negligible. IMD optical effects code analysis shows probably tolerable changes in light reflection and polarization due to mirror beryllium deposition. Tungsten flux to the mirrors is very low. Based on available but limited data, however, there is major concern about the effect of the predicted helium flux on mirror optical properties.
Models of the Spectral Energy Distributions of FU Orionis Stars

Observed spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of FU Orionis, V1057 Cygni, and V1515 Cygni are fitted by theoretical spectra, which are calculated from models consisting of outbursting accretion disks together with flattened envelopes. Temperature in the envelopes is determined by approximate radiative equilibrium with a central source. The disk models are two-dimensional and include reprocessing of disk radiation by the disk. The theoretical spectra are calculated using a radiative transfer code and frequency-dependent opacities, at a spectral resolution of λ/Δλ = 14. Excellent matches to the data are obtained for all three objects with reasonable model parameters. Radiative transfer is also used to calculate a time series of images showing the progress of an outburst as imaged through a B-band filter.
Permanent hemodialysis vascular access survival in children and adolescents with end-stage renal disease.

Permanent hemodialysis vascular access survival in children and adolescents with end-stage renal disease. Background Transplantation is the optimal therapy for pediatric end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, but in a subset of patients with peritoneal membrane failure, failed transplants or poor social situations, chronic hemodialysis (HD) remains the only option. Long-term survival of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) in pediatric patients has not been well described. Methods We studied the survival of permanent vascular access in 34 pediatric ESRD patients treated with chronic HD at our institution between 1/1/89 and 12/1/95 and followed to 12/31/2000. Results Twenty-four AVFs and 28 AVGs were created in 19 and 23 patients, respectively. Mean age and weight at insertion were 15.1 years (range 7.1 to 20.9) and 46kg (18 to 81) for AVFs and 13.3 years (3.8 to 21.1) and 41.5kg (10.5 to 145) for AVGs. Fifteen patients weighed P P = 0.02). Conclusions Both AVF and AVG function well even in small pediatric patients and have survival rates equivalent to adult series and longer than cuffed venous catheters in pediatric patients. Both AVFs and AVGs are preferable for long-term HD access in pediatrics.
Synthesis, receptor binding and functional studies of mesoridazine stereoisomers.

The four stereoisomers of mesoridazine were synthesized and evaluated in D2, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C ,D 1, and D3 receptor binding and functional assays. Two isomers demonstrated potent D2 receptor binding (Ki < 3 nM) and functional antago- nism (IC50 6 10 nM) activities. These two isomers also showed moderate affinity for the 5-HT2A and D3 receptors. A third isomer was devoid of significant D2 receptor binding, but did have moderate affinity for the 5-HT2A and D3 receptors. The fourth isomer demonstrated poor affinity for all the receptors tested. Most significantly, the stereochemistry of the sulfoxide moiety played a
Toll-like receptor 4 differentially regulates epidermal growth factor-related growth factors in response to intestinal mucosal injury

Epiregulin (EPI) and amphiregulin (AR) are epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands implicated in mucosal repair and tumorigenesis. We have shown that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) induces intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) proliferation by activating EGFR through AR expression. We examined whether TLR4 differentially regulates expression of EGFR ligands in response to mucosal injury. The human IEC line SW480 was examined expression of EGFR ligands, EGFR phosphorylation, and proliferation in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Small-interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to block TLR4. Neutralizing antibodies to EGFR ligands were used to examine inhibition of LPS-dependent EGFR activation. Acute colitis and recovery were examined in the mice given 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Colonic secretion of EPI and AR was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. LPS selectively induces EPI and AR but not other EGFR ligands. LPS induced early EPI mRNA expression between 30 min and 24 h. The neutralizing antibodies to EPI and AR prevented activation of EGFR by LPS. LPS induces IEC proliferation (200%, P=0.01) in 24 h but blocking EPI and AR significantly decreased proliferation. In vivo, mucosal EPI and AR expression are significantly decreased in TLR4(-/-) mice (P=0.02) compared to wild-type mice during acute colitis. EPI and AR exhibit different kinetics in response to mucosal damage: EPI expression is upregulated acutely at day 7 of DSS, but falls during recovery at day 14. By contrast, a sustained upregulation of AR expression is seen during mucosal injury and repair. We show that TLR4 regulates EPI and AR expression and that both these EGFR ligands are necessary for optimal proliferation of IEC. The diverse kinetics of EPI and AR expression suggest that they function in distinct roles with respect to acute injury vs repair. Our results highlight the role of bacterial sensing for IEC homeostasis and may lead to targeted therapy for mucosal healing and prevention of tumorigenesis.
Characterization of microsatellite multiplexes for population genetic studies of bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum, Pisces: Labridae)

Bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum) are common coral reef fish found throughout the Caribbean. Larval duration in the plankton is relatively long for this species, which raises the possibility of long-distance transport by ocean currents. Several nongenetic studies suggest, however, that most recruits were spawned locally. Determination of the relative importance of local recruitment vs. immigration for recruitment is needed for the effective management of populations and establishment of marine reserves. We characterized seven new polymorphic microsatellite loci for bluehead wrasse and optimized them into PCR multiplexes with three previously published loci to determine the level of dispersal between populations.
Quasi-Phasematched Nonlinear Optics: History and Prospects. Article not available

Microstructured ferroelectrics and semiconductors have enabled quasi-phasematching as a practical technique in nonlinear devices ranging from femtosecond chirped pulse parametric amplifiers to single-photon frequency convertors. Development of materials and device applications will be reviewed, and future prospects discussed. Article not available.
How Expensive is Norway? New International Relative Price Measures

In this paper, we derive two new measures of international relative prices for Norway. Developments in these new measures follow rather closely movements in the CPI-based real effective exchange rate through the 1990s, but diverge after 2000 - suggesting that the costs of living in Norway relative to its trading partners have risen in the recent years more than the real effective exchange rate would indicate.
Performance characteristics of improved antiscatter grids

The performance characteristics of prototype grids constructed with 0.1‐mm‐thick Ta strips were investigated. Significant improvement in scatter cleanup was noted in comparison to commercially manufactured grids, which are constructed with 0.04–0.05‐mm‐thick Pb strips. Highly efficient scatter rejection, approaching that of slit radiography techniques, may be possible using crossed grids constructed with 0.1‐mm Ta strips. By constructing a grid from a crossed pair of linear grids and moving these grids at right angles to each other, grid lines can be eliminated from crossed grid images.
Neutron and X-ray diffraction study of the Ti84Si16 metallic glass☆

Abstract The total structure factors of amorphous Ti 84 Si 16 have been evaluated by X-ray diffraction as well as by neutron diffraction. From the combined X-ray and neutron data the TiTi and TiSi atomic pair correlation functions and the corresponding distances and coordination numbers have been derived. The results show that the short-range order is characterized by chemical bonding between the Ti and the Si atoms. On the basic assumption that in metal-metalloid glasses there is no metalloid-metalloid nearest-neighbour contact, the density-concentration correlation functions are discussed, and it is shown that besides the chemical ordering effect there is a marked size effect in amorphous Ti 84 Ti 16 . The results of this study are compared with those of other metal-metalloid glasses, and common features of this type of amorphous alloys are shown.