cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Material properties and related topics

In this chapter, we demonstrate how inclusion problems are applied to estimate macroscopic mechanical properties of aggregates, i.e. particle bearing materials and polycrystalline materials. In these materials, internal stresses usually develop as a result of plastic deformation which is inherently heterogeneous due to the heterogeneity of the constituent medium. These internal stresses can be calculated in a straightforward manner by using the methods of Chapters 2 and 3. If one finds a way to connect these internal stresses with the applied stress needed to produce the plastic deformation, one can eventually predict the macroscopic plastic properties.
Definitions for the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention III: The International Hydrographic Organization ECDIS Glossary

This article is the third of a four-part series reporting research of the International Law Association (American Branch) Law of the Sea Committee, of which the author is chair, on terms that the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea does not define. The Convention and the 1994 Agreement Relating to Implementation of Part XI of the Convention were reported to the U.S. Senate floor in 2004 with over 25 understandings, statements and declarations but returned to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at the end of the Congressional session. The article begins with revised definitions for genuine link and other rules of international law, terms debated within the Committee since the project began in 2001. Genuine link refers to the quality of connections between a vessel and the registry country. Other rules of international law has traditionally meant that the law of the sea is subject to the law of armed conflict in war situations, but the Committee concluded that, under the 1982 Convention, the phrase may have other meanings when used with certain articles of the Convention, the authority being the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). The article then publishes 53 proposed definitions related to the Convention and high seas navigation and transportation, taking as its benchmark the International Hydrographic Organization's Glossary of ECDIS-Related Terms, Spec. Pub. No. 52, App. 3 (3d ed. Dec. 1997), i.e., a dictionary of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), only available on line, relating them to Convention terms and noting that under the law of armed conflict at sea or in matters governed by the U.N. Charter, different meanings may apply. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is a nongovernmental organization with 62 members, including the United States, that is headquartered in Monaco. The IHO coordinates activities of national hydrographic offices to achieve uniformity in nautical charts and documents, to adopt reliable, efficient methods of carrying out and exploiting surveys, and to develop sciences involved in hydrography. Another set of IHO definitions, also published in the U.S. Commander's Handbook on the Law of Naval Operations, Annex A1-5 (1999), was the centerpiece of the second article in this series. A goal of these two articles is to integrate IHO terms into a published document that will apply standard definitions to terms in or related to the 1982 Convention for which the treat does not supply a meaning.
Technical considerations, outcomes, and durability of inferior vena cava stenting.

Objective Inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis is an uncommon condition but can cause devastating complications to those affected. Historically, this has been treated with an open surgical approach (with high morbidity) and with angioplasty in more recent years. Herein we describe technical aspects of stenting of the IVC in patients with recalcitrant chronic occlusive disease and evaluate its outcomes. Methods We reviewed all the patients treated in an endovascular fashion for venous disease at our institution from 2005 to 2014 to identify and to include those with IVC stent placement in this study. Clinical characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes data were collected from medical records. Primary end points were technical success, symptom resolution, freedom from reintervention, and patency rate at follow-up. Results Twenty-eight patients (15 men) with a mean age of 48 ± 2.7 years underwent IVC stent placement for 16 occlusions (4 congenital) and 12 high-grade stenoses. Hypercoagulable state was noted in 14 patients, 7 of whom had malignant disease. A previously placed IVC filter was present in 13 patients. Median time from onset of symptoms to presentation was 81 months (3-480 months). Lytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (Alteplase) was performed in 12 patients for a median of 2 days (range, 1-3 days). Self-expanding stents (Wallstent; Boston Scientific, Natick, Mass) were used most commonly in the IVC (n = 22) with or without adjunctive use of balloon-expandable stents (Palmaz stent; Cordis, New Brunswick, NJ). Technical success was 100%. At median follow-up of 10 months (range, 0-56 months), thrombotic complications requiring reintervention occurred in four patients at 1, 4, 8, and 37 months. One patient died at 2 weeks secondary to underlying malignant disease. Freedom from reintervention, patency rate, and symptom-free survival rate at 2 years were 84%, 90%, and 80%. Conclusions Endovascular stenting for chronic occlusive disease of the IVC is safe and effective in the midterm follow-up, with minimal morbidity. Reintervention rate is low, with excellent functional outcomes.
Sub-1-volt Piezoelectric Nanoelectromechanical Relays With Millivolt Switching Capability

The design, fabrication, and characterization of the first piezoelectric nanoelectromechanical relays with sub-1-volt actuation (520 mV) are presented. The low actuation voltage is enabled by employing ultrathin piezoelectric aluminum nitride films (10 nm) with high $c$ -axis orientation and controlled residual stress in a stress-compensating geometry. Two different actuation methods based on optimized four-layer unimorph actuators are used to synthesize normally closed relays with high mechanical restoring forces. The first experimental demonstration of few millivolts switching (10 mV) using the realized relays is also presented. The relays exhibit a very low energy dissipation per switching cycle (23 aJ), an extremely small subthreshold slope (0.013 mV/decade), and a low on-state resistance (2.3 ${\rm k}\Omega$ ).
On a new extension of Wilcox's method

In this paper we extend Wilcox’s classical results to the case of subregions of R2. This generalization enables us to construct many promising new waveforms with desired ambiguity profiles in the regions being considered. Key-Words: Radar waveform design, Ambiguity function, Non-linear optimization, Hermite waveform.
Sorting large records on a cell broadband engine

We consider the sorting of a large number of multifield records on the Cell Broadband engine. We show that our method, which generates runs using a 2-way merge and then merges these runs using a 4-way merge, outperforms previously proposed sort methods that use either comb sort or bitonic sort for run generation followed by a 2-way odd-even merging of runs. Interestingly, best performance is achieved by using scalar memory copy instructions rather than vector instructions.
Performance analysis of an integrated eye gaze tracking / electromyogram cursor control system

Eye Gaze Tracking (EGT) systems allow individuals with motor disabilities to quickly move a screen cursor on a PC. However, there are limitations in the steadiness and the accuracy of cursor control and clicking capabilities they provide. On the other hand, a cursor control system to step the cursor up, down, left or right in response to voluntary contractions of specific facial muscles, developed by our group, provides steady and precise, albeit slow, cursor control, along with a reliable clicking mechanism. This system identifies muscle contractions by performing digital processing of the Electromyogram (EMG) signals generated by the facial muscles. Based on the complementary nature of the strengths of these two cursor control modalities we have developed an integrated EGT/EMG system in an attempt to consolidate the advantages of both input modalities. We have compared the selection accuracy and speed of an EGT-only cursor control implementation, our integrated EGT/EMG cursor control system and a standard handheld mouse in point-and click trials.
Surveillance for meningococcal disease and strategies for use of conjugate meningococcal vaccines in the United States.

Abstract Background: Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in US; new capsular type-specific conjugate vaccines offer an opportunity for improved control of meningococcal disease. We evaluated the relative burdens of invasive meningococcal disease in US and examined the projected impact of various meningococcal conjugate vaccination strategies on rates of meningococcal disease. Methods: meningococcal disease incidence rates were determined from active, population-based surveillance in selected US areas. Models were created to determine impact of vaccination of infants, toddlers, adolescents or college students with meningococcal conjugate vaccines, with assumptions for vaccine coverage, efficacy and duration of protection. Although we examined possible conjugate vaccine formulations including serogroups A, C, Y and W-135, the final vaccine impact analysis excluded serogroups A and W-135. Outcome measures were cumulative meningococcal disease incidence, and incidence 10 years after initiating vaccination among 0–22-year-olds. Results: in models of serogroup C+Y meningococcal conjugate vaccination of infants, toddlers and adolescents, the cumulative incidence of meningococcal disease was reduced by 54, 48 and 25%, respectively; the toddler strategy had the greatest impact per dose. After 10 years of routine meningococcal conjugate vaccination, meningococcal disease could be reduced by 50% and deaths by 64%. Conclusions: use of meningococcal conjugate vaccine could markedly reduce meningococcal disease incidence. Our data, along with vaccine formulation and vaccination program considerations, will be important in determining the optimal choice of vaccination strategy.
Families of planar sets having starlike union

Let $$\mathcal{F}$$ be a finite family of compact sets in the plane, and letk be a fixed natural number. If every three (not necessarily distinct) members of $$\mathcal{F}$$ have a union which is simply connected and starshaped viak-paths, then $$ \cap \{ F:F in \mathcal{F}\} \ne 0 /$$ and $$ \cup \{ F:F in \mathcal{F}\}$$ is starshaped viak-paths. Analogous results hold for paths of length at most α,α > 0, and for staircase paths, although not for staircasek-paths.
Experimental Study of Impulse Resuspension with Laser Doppler Vibrometry

Particle resuspension due to mechanical impulse was studied for spherical polymethylmethacrylate (pmma) particles ranging from 1.7 to 14.4 μm in diameter on titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) wafers. Dry powders were dispersed, electrostatically neutralized, and allowed to deposit under the influence of gravity. Contaminated surfaces were then mechanically excited with a 5 MHz piezoelectric transducer where surface accelerations (∼106 m/s2) and resuspension ratios were quantified with laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) and digital microscopy, respectively. For TiO2, experiments were performed over a broad range of relative humidity (25 to 95%) to assess the effects of capillary condensation. Resuspension was a monotonically decreasing function of relative humidity. Existing theories were used to separate data into two adhesion regimes based on capillary bridge formation: van der Waals (vdW) and capillary dominated adhesion. For relative humidity above 60%, resuspension forces were nondimension...
Deformation and velocity measurements at elevated temperature in a fractured 0.5 M block of tuff

This paper presents preliminary results of laboratory tests conducted on small block samples of Topopah Spring tuff, in support of the Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project. The overall objective of these tests is to investigate the thermal-mechanical, thermal-hydrological, and thermal-chemical response of the rock to conditions similar to the near-field environment (NFE) of a potential nuclear waste repository. We present preliminary results of deformation and elastic wave velocity measurements on a 0.5-m-scale block of Topopah Spring tuff tested in uniaxial compression to 8.5 MPa and at temperatures to 85{degree}C. The Young`s modulus was found to be about 7 to 31 GPa for vertical measurements parallel to the stress direction across parts of the block containing no fractures or a few fractures, and 0.5 to 0.9 GPA for measurements across individual fractures, at ambient temperature and 8.5 MPa maximum stress. During stress cycles between 5 and 8.5 MPa, the deformation modulus values for the matrix with fractures were near 15-20 GPa at ambient temperature but dropped to about 10 GPa at 85{degree}C. Compressional wave velocities were found to be about 3.6 to 4.7 km/s at ambient temperature and stress. After the stress was cycled, velocities dropped to values as low as 2.6 km/s in the south end of the block where vertical cracks developed. Heating the block to about 85{degree}C raised velocities to as much as 5.6 km/s in the upper third of the block.
The effect of glucose anomers upon insulin and glucagon secretion

The precise mechanism of insulin release is unknown, though the presence of a beta cell surface receptor has been postulated. As D-glucose exists in at least two anomeric forms, α andβ, these were employed to study insulin release in three animal models. After rapid dissolution, each anomer was rapidly injected into intact rats, dogs, and a rat pancreatic perfusion system. There was a trend toward greater insulin secretion and greater suppression of glucagon by the α. anomer.
Progressivity and the Tax Reform Act of 1986: A Reexamination and Additional

Abstract The Tax Reform Act of 1986 combined a variety ofbase-broadeningandbase-reducingreforms with reductions in the number and levels of marginal income tax rates. An important feature of this legislation is its effect on vertical tax equity. After examining individual income tax returns filed in 1983 and 1988, this article concludes that the progressivity of the federal income tax was increased by tax reform.
The parametrix method approach to diffusions in a turbulent Gaussian environment

Abstract In this paper we deal with the solutions of Ito stochastic differential equation d X e (t)= 1 e V t e 2 , X e (t) e α d t+ 2 d B (t), for a small parameter e . We prove that for 0⩽ α V a divergence-free, Gaussian random field, sufficiently strongly mixing in t variable the family of processes { X e ( t )} t ⩾0 , e >0 converges weakly to a Brownian motion. The entries of the covariance matrix of the limiting Brownian motion are given by a i,j =2δ i,j +∫ +∞ −∞ R i,j (t,0) d t , i , j =1,…, d , where [ R i , j ( t , x )] is the covariance matrix of the field V . To obtain this result we apply a version of the parametrix method for a linear parabolic PDE (see Friedman, 1963 ).
Domain swapping between Na,K- and H,K-ATpase identifies regions that specify Na,K-ATpase activity

We have used expression of chimeras between the structurally related Na,K- and H,K-ATPase alpha subunits to localize regions that determine Na,K-ATPase activity. Segments of the rat Na,K-ATPase alpha1 subunit were replaced by the corresponding portions of the rat gastric H,K-ATPase alpha subunit, and the constructs were transfected into ouabain-sensitive human HEK 293 cells. Using the ability to transfer ouabain resistance as a measure of sodium pump activity, we identified segments within the sodium pump that could be replaced with proton pump sequences without the loss of biological activity. These functionally interchangeable segments encompassed approximately 75% of the amino acid differences between the two transporters. Segments that could not be exchanged mapped to three discrete regions. One region spans residues 63-117 and includes the first transmembrane (TM) segment and a portion of the amino-terminal cytoplasmic domain. The second, from residue 320 to residue 413, encompasses TM 4 and a portion of the third cytoplasmic domain, while the third region (encompassing residues 735-861 and 898-953) includes several TM domains in the carboxyl-terminal portion of the ATPase. Our results suggest that functional differences between Na,K- and H,K-ATPase, including differences in ion transport specificity, are likely to reside within these noninterchangeable segments.
Regulation and roles for claudin-family tight junction proteins

Transmembrane proteins known as claudins play a critical role in tight junctions by regulating paracellular barrier permeability. The control of claudin assembly into tight junctions requires a complex interplay between several classes of claudins, other transmembrane proteins and scaffold proteins. Claudins are also subject to regulation by post-translational modifications including phosphorylation and palmitoylation. Several human diseases have been linked to claudin mutations, underscoring the physiologic function of these proteins. Roles for claudins in regulating cell phenotype and growth control also are beginning to emerge, suggesting a multifaceted role for claudins in regulation of cells beyond serving as a simple structural element of tight junctions.
Ordered sums of group elements

The following theorem is proved. If a1, … ak are distinct elements of a group, written additively, though not necessarily Abelian, and the sums ai1 + … + aim, 1 ⩽ i1 < … < im ⩽ k do not represent 0, then they represent at least 2k − 1 distinct elements, and this bound 2k − 1 is attained only when k ⩽ 3 or when the elements a1, …, ak generate a dihedral group.
Discrimination in the Post-Civil Rights Era: Beyond Market Interactions

This comment argues that discrimination against blacks remains important, especially in labor markets, but that its extent is modest both by historical standards and in relation to supply-side racial disparities. It contends that the racial skills gap is endogenous, reflecting the effects of historical and ongoing discrimination; and that the moral obligation to reduce disparities in skills between the races is no less than the obligation to fight market discrimination. Finally, it suggests that imperfect information may be a more pervasive and intractable cause of racial discrimination today than is behavior based on agents' purported distaste for associating with blacks.
The coordinate group symmetries of general relativity

The symmetry group of special relativistic theories, the Poincar6 group, was imposed on physical theories to mirror the symmetries of the laws of nature under point mappings of the presumed Minkowskian space-time, thought to be the arena of physics. With the advent of the general theory of relativity the equations of the gravitational field were constructed so as to be invariant under arbitrary curvilinear point transformations of the spacetime, now taken to be a four-dimensional pseudo-Riemannian manifold. Although the dynamical laws of all general relativistic theories are taken to have this enlarged symmetry group, the geometry of any particular spacetime on which all the fields are defined no longer has this symmetry. In fact, in order to facilitate handling &the field equations of general relativity, it is often convenient to exploit the lack of symmetry of generic space-times to impose coordinate conditions upon the field variables, the metric tensor of the space-time. The coordinate transformations leading to the preferred frames of reference in which the coordinate conditions are satisfied, or which preserve those conditions, in so far as they involve specific reference to the metric of the space-time, are best understood, not so much as point mappings within a given four dimensional space-time, but rather as mappings within the function space of the field variables of the theory, guv(x~). (Greek indices are taken to range from 0 to 3, while Latin indices range from 1 to 3.) The general theory of relativity is thus seen to have a much larger natural symmetry group than was initially contemplated, namely transformations of the form 2 ~ = f~(x~, gm(x~))
Ultrasound: its role in the courtship of the arctiid moth,Cycnia tenera

MaleCycnia tenera (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) were shown to produce ultrasonic clicks during courtship. The ultrasound enhances male courtship success, but only in the absence of male-produced pheromonal cues.
Bleaching and reef community change in Jamaica: 1951-1991

Coral reefs have deteriorated at an accelerating pace during 40 years of ecological study at 11 sites around Jamaica. This is due to a variety of causes, whose effects are analyzed by comparing sites with known and divergent histories of environmental change. Degradative factors include overgrowth by algae, sponges, and soft corals, eutrophication by sewage nutrients, reduced herbivory due to overfishing and natural causes, hurricanes, sedimentation, diver and boat damage, and coral bleaching. These stresses have very different histories and gradients at different sites, allowing separation of their effects. Mass coral bleaching is apparently a novel phenomenon of the past decade. Non-parametric statistical analysis of relative stresses at the 11 sites shows that its pattern in space and time is unrelated to previously existing stresses
Osmotic pressures of charged colloidal species

Considerations, par exemple, sur l'importance du role de la pression osmotique des especes colloidales chargees a l'interface membrane/dispersion dans un processus de microfiltration ou d'ultrafiltration
Chemical composition and thermal stability of 2 butyl, 5 chloro, benzimidazole film

The stability of a 2 butyl, 5 chloro, benzimidazole film (BCB) before and after a thermal treatment, which simulated the annealing of a typical soldering process, was the main motivation of the present work. The chemical bonds inside the BCB film and between this film and the copper substrate were investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The thickness of that film was measured by optical ellipsometry. Protection of the film vs oxidation and its physical modification during the thermal treatment were also investigated. The XPS valence data showed that a part of the chlorine was linked to the benzene ring while the other part formed either copper chloride or another chloride linked to the nitrogen of the BCB molecule. The passivation film hardened and became an electric insulator during the thermal treatment, so that any successive electrical test was impaired.
American Indian Perceptions of Paternal Responsibility

Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, this study examined the issue of American Indian nonresident father rights and obligations. Findings revealed that both American Indian mothers and fathers supported visitation rights, but decision-making rights were not highly supported unless the father was paying child support. Both American Indian parents were similar in their views regarding paternal responsibilities. Therefore, while general father involvement intervention strategies may work for American Indians, it is important for practitioners to explore how American Indians define paternal involvement and to what extent they are willing to allow the nonresident father to participate in all aspects of the child's life.
Diagnosis, incidence, and clinical significance of early postoperative ischemia after transmyocardial laser revascularization

Abstract Background Clinical improvement after transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) is typically delayed, and patients therefore remain at risk for ischemic events after the procedure. The purpose of this study was to define the range of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and CPK-MB enzyme elevation after TMR and to assess the incidence of early postoperative ischemic events. Methods Twenty-one patients undergoing isolated TMR were evaluated for 48 hours after surgery with serial CPK and CPK-MB enzymes and 12-lead electrocardiograms for evidence of myocardial ischemia or injury. Clinically evident postoperative ischemic events including angina pectoris, myocardial infarction (MI), and cardiac death were recorded as well. Results Eleven patients (52.4%) had ischemic electrocardiographic changes in the first 48 hours after TMR. Ischemia was clinically silent in 7 (63.6%) of these 11 patients. Cardiac death occurred in 1 patient (4.8%) as a result of acute MI. Nonfatal MI occurred in an additional 4 patients (19.0%). Of the 5 patients with MI, 4 had angina pectoris versus no angina in the 16 patients without MI ( P = .02). All patients had elevated CPK and CPK-MB levels after TMR: however, peak CPK ( P = .02) and CPK-MB ( P = .005) levels were significantly higher for patients suffering postoperative MI compared with those without MI. Conclusions Transient ischemia occurs frequently after TMR and is clinically silent in the majority of patients. Patients with postoperative MI are more likely to have symptomatic ischemia as well as significant cardiac enzyme elevation. The combination of 12-lead electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes appears to have significant merit for the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia and infarction after TMR. These studies should be obtained in all patients undergoing TMR for the first 48 hours after surgery. (Am Heart J 1999;137:1163-8.)
Adrenal influences on the aversive threshold and CER acquisition

Abstract Aversive thresholds were determined by the use of an operant test situation in which rats could control the intensity of an avoidable grid shock. ACTH, dexamethasone, and adrenalin lowered the threshold whereas adrenal demedullation plus dibenzyline raised the threshold. In a second experiment adrenal demedullated rats were deficient in the acquisition of a conditioned emotional response. Results were interpreted to indicate that adrenal activity influenced sensitivity to shock stimulation thereby affecting acquisition of a shock-motivated learning task.
End-of-cure sensing using ultrasonics for autoclave fabrication of composites

End-of-Cure Sensing using Ultrasonics for Autoclave Fabrication of CompositesPaul J. Biermann and Joan H. CranmerJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics LaboratoryJohns Hopkins RoadLaurel, MD 20723-6099Carol A. Lebowitz*Edison Welding Institute1250 Arthur E. Adams Dr.Columbus, OH 43210Lawrence M. BrownCarderock Division Naval Surface Warfare CenterBethesda, MD 20084ABSTRACTThe objective of this work was to demonstrate the use of ultrasonics todetermine the end-of-cure for autoclave cured, graphite/epoxy compositelaminates. The fundamental benefit of this work will be understanding when tocomplete the temperature hold and cool down the autoclave and, therefore,consistently produce composite laminates with the desired material properties.An additional benefit is the ability to follow the changing viscosity of the resinduring the initial part ofthe cure.The general approach to this program involved using pulse-echo ultrasonicsto measure the transit time for longitudinal ultrasonic waves to pass through agraphite/epoxy composite laminate during cure. Sixteen, 32 and 64 ply [0/90]sgraphite/Fiberite 934 epoxy panels were fabricated and cured to various end-of-cure conditions. Additionally, panels with various starting conditions were run.Sound speed was calculated using the panel thickness (number of pliesmultiplied by the manufacturer specified thickness of each ply) divided by themeasured transit time.
Late Paleocene Arctic coastal climate inferred from molluscan stable and radiogenic isotope ratios

Abstract Characterizing polar climates during past warm intervals is important for understanding ‘greenhouse’ climate dynamics because high-latitude surface temperatures and precipitation patterns are extremely sensitive to global climatic conditions. Model-data comparisons of high-latitude climates during past warm intervals (Cretaceous–Eocene, Pliocene) are currently at odds. Specifically, simulations of past warm climates produce polar regions characterized by sub-freezing temperatures and significant seasonality, whereas limited fossil proxy data indicate higher mean annual temperatures and low seasonality (i.e. an equable climate). We have constructed a data set to infer northern hemisphere polar marine temperatures during the late Paleocene. Seasonal and mean annual temperature and the oxygen isotopic composition of precipitation are reconstructed for an Arctic coastal setting during the Thanetian (57–58 Ma) using fossil shell stable isotope profiles. We estimate that coastal water temperatures varied between 10 and 15°C during the seasons of growth, presumably spring, summer and fall. These findings support paleontological evidence, implying Northern Hemisphere polar climates were seasonally warm during the late Paleocene. In addition, estuarine fossil oxygen isotope profiles show periodic excursions to low values (as low as −19‰ VPDB), which indicate seasonal pulses of isotopically-depleted freshwater.
Treatment of dermatofibroma with a 600 nm pulsed dye laser.

BACKGROUND Dermatofibroma (DF) is one of the most basic and common dermatologic diseases treated by practicing dermatologists on a daily basis. Although benign, it can be pruritic or tender. Furthermore, it is difficult to treat effectively with optimal cosmetic outcomes. OBJECTIVE We report a safe, effective, and cosmetically superior method of treating DF with the 600 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL). METHODS We used a 600 nm PDL to treat 20 lesions from 18 Caucasian patients. The laser parameter was set at a fluence of 7 J/cm2, a spot size of 7 mm and a pulse duration of 1.5 ms. Each lesion was treated three times at a 6- to 8-week interval. For each treatment, the lesion was double pulsed with a 20 to 30% overlap. Clinical improvement was graded by a single examiner in evaluating three clinical parameters: color, size/volume, and symptoms. For each parameter, improvement was ranked as no improvement, partial improvement, and complete response. RESULTS All 18 patients (17 women) completed the study. For the volume/size parameter, 15 of 20 lesions (75%) showed complete response. For improvement in color, 12 of 20 patients (60%) showed complete response. Only six lesions were symptomatic (i.e., tender and irritating), and all six lesions showed complete resolution of symptoms after the PDL treatments. After each treatment, all patients experienced blistering, crusting, and purpura that usually resolved after 10 days. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated for the first time that PDL (600 nm and 1.5 ms pulse duration) is an effective and safe treatment of DF. It may provide superior cosmetic outcomes compared with other modalities such as surgical excision.
Technology-enhanced fiber optic education

Personal computers and the Internet have revolutionized the modern classroom in several ways. Many classes are now taught in technology-enhanced classrooms where computers are available to aid the instructor's presentation. Availability of the Internet further increases the instructor's options by providing convenient access to an abundance of outside material and by providing an effective means of distance delivery. Applications of these technologies to courses in optical fiber communications are described.
Treatment of Traumatic Rupture of the Thoracic Aorta: A 15-Year Experience

• Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta is increasing in incidence and remains a highly lethal injury. The morbidity associated with this injury also remains high. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients admitted to our emergency department with ruptured thoracic aortas during a 15-year period to determine the reason for this persistently high morbidity and mortality and to identify any factors that might improve the outcome. We found that patients who are in unstable condition on arrival in the emergency department or who become unstable before reaching the operating room are not likely to survive. Patients who are injured in automobile accidents have a greater chance of survival than do those injured in motorcycle accidents or car-pedestrian accidents. Patients who are in hemodynamically stable condition after aortic injury survive only if diagnosis and treatment are prompt. Major complications of repair following thoracic aortic injury relate primarily to the length of cross-clamp time, and every effort should be devoted to keeping the cross-clamp time less than 30 minutes. ( Arch Surg. 1990;125:1351-1356)
Characterization of Microsporidia-Induced Developmental Arrest and a Transmembrane Leucine-Rich Repeat Protein in Caenorhabditis elegans

Microsporidia comprise a highly diverged phylum of intracellular, eukaryotic pathogens, with some species able to cause life-threatening illnesses in immunocompromised patients. To better understand microsporidian infection in animals, we study infection of the genetic model organism Caenorhabditis elegans and a species of microsporidia, Nematocida parisii, which infects Caenorhabditis nematodes in the wild. We conducted a targeted RNAi screen for host C. elegans genes important for infection and growth of N. parisii, using nematode larval arrest as an assay for infection. Here, we present the results of this RNAi screen, and our analyses on one of the RNAi hits from the screen that was ultimately not corroborated by loss of function mutants. This hit was an RNAi clone against F56A8.3, a conserved gene that encodes a transmembrane protein containing leucine-rich repeats (LRRs), a domain found in numerous pathogen receptors from other systems. This RNAi clone caused C. elegans to be resistant to infection by N. parisii, leading to reduced larval arrest and lower pathogen load. Characterization of the endogenous F56A8.3 protein revealed that it is expressed in the intestine, localized to the membrane around lysosome-related organelles (LROs), and exists in two different protein isoforms in C. elegans. We used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to edit the F56A8.3 locus and created both a frameshift mutant resulting in a truncated protein and a complete knockout mutant. Neither of these mutants was able to recapitulate the infection phenotypes of the RNAi clone, indicating that the RNAi-mediated phenotypes are due to an off-target effect of the RNAi clone. Nevertheless, this study describes microsporidia-induced developmental arrest in C. elegans, presents results from an RNAi screen for host genes important for microsporidian infection, and characterizes aspects of the conserved F56A8.3 gene and its protein product.
Balancing Aspects in Retrieved Search Results

Many queries contain explicit aspects which must be balanced in any retrieved result in order to meet a user's information need: if aspects of the query are missing or disproportionately represented in documents, the results will be of lower quality than desired. This balancing thus needs to occur both within the retrieved documents individually and across the entire set. We introduce the concept of query-aspect balance and describe a new evaluation measure, β-NDCG, that allows the evaluation of query-aspect balance on multivalued query-aspect judgments. We apply β-NDCG to a small test collection and explore its utility. We show that β-NDCG-NDCG captures problems of query aspect balance within and across documents in the ranked list.
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF SURFACTANT THERAPY ON SURVIVAL IN THE EXTREMELY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANT: A WHITE MALE ADVANTAGE? 1656

Comparisons between 1 year survival rates among extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW, <1000 g) at a large tertiary perinatal center, in 1984(n=81) and 1994 (n=100), showed a global improvement for females, 46% vs. 68%(p <.05) and males, 39% vs. 68% (p <.01). Race comparisons revealed significant improvement for white ELBW infants, 50% vs. 78% (p <.01) but not for non-whites (42% vs. 52%). Race and gender comparisons revealed a significant improvement for white males, 41% vs. 80% (p <.01) but improvements were not significant for white females, nor non-white females or males. For the subgroup of smallest infants (<751 g) significant improvement occurred for females overall, 31% vs.61% (p <.01), white infants, 19% vs. 67% (p <.01), and white males, 11% vs. 67%, (p <.05) but was not significantly improved for males overall, non-white males or females or white females. The major change in care was uniform use of surfactant therapy in all ELBW infants in 1994 and no surfactant use in 1984. Race and gender comparisons among 1994 infants only revealed a significant survival difference between males based on race. 80% of white males <1000 g vs.41% of non-white males survived (p <.01) while 67% of white males<751 g survived vs.11% of non-white males, (p <.05). Other 1994 race and gender comparisons revealed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: While survival rates of ELBW infants generally improved over a 10 year period with the routine use of surfactant therapy, it appears preferentially beneficial to white male infants whose survival rates at our institution have gone from lowest to highest in these weight groups.
HEAT CAPACITIES OF Fe(HCOO)2.2H2O AND Ni(HCOO)2.2H2O BETWEEN 1/4 AND 20K.

The heat capacities of Fe ${(\mathrm{HCOO})}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}2${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O and Ni${(\mathrm{HCOO})}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}2${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O have been measured between 1.4 and 20 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Peaks associated with long-range spin ordering are found at 3.74 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for Fe${(\mathrm{HCOO})}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}2${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O and at 14.5 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for Ni${(\mathrm{HCOO})}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}2${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O. An additional Schottky-like maximum occurs at 3 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K in the heat capacity of the nickel salt. These anomalies can be correlated with corresponding features of the observed magnetic susceptibilities. A unit cell of these salts contains two each of two inequivalent metal ions, types $A$ and $B$. Formate groups form $\mathrm{AA}$ and $\mathrm{AB}$ bridges and are thought to mediate the dominant superexchange interactions. The thermal data show that the $\mathrm{AB}$ interaction is much weaker than the $\mathrm{AA}$ interaction in Ni${(\mathrm{HCOO})}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}2${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O; for Fe${(\mathrm{HCOO})}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}2${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O their relative strengths could not be determined.
A comparative study of the cis-disubstituted bis(β-diketonato) titanium(IV) complexes

Abstract A comparison of the far and near IR and 13C-NMR spectra show that the acetyacetonate(acac) rings undergo rapid sterochemical rearrangements and that the methyl carbons and the carbonyl carbons of each complex have a different coalesence temperature (Tc). The exchange rate, kc, and activation free energy, ΔG‡ , for the exchange process is calculated. The assignment of the bands in the IR spectra in these complexes can be used as a support for these configurational changes.
It Depends on What You Pay

What is the cost of better security? Who pays for it, and how can we incentivize it in the industry?
A neutron powder diffraction study of Ba2YCu3O7

Abstract The structure of an orthorhombic sample of Ba2YCu3O7 with a superconducting transition at 89 K has been determined by Rietveld profile analysis of neutron powder diffraction data. The space group chosen was Pmmm (a = 3.817 A , b = 3.882 A and c = 11.671 A ) . The structure may be viewed as a heavily-distorted oxygen-defective ordered derivative of a perovskite-type structure. Two-thirds of the Cu atoms have four near-neighbor oxygens and one more distant neighbor in a tetragonal pyramidal arrangement, and form a two-dimensional network in the ab planes linked through corner shared oxygens about 0.3 A out of the planes. The remaining one-third of the Cu atoms have fourfold planar coordination in the bc planes and form chains linked through corner-shared oxygens along the b axis.
IDEOLOGY AND PRIMARY GROUP MEMBERSHIP INFLUENCES ON VOTING BEHAVIOR: A REPLY TO GOLDBERG

Goldberg (1967) implies in the title of his critique that Zippel and Norman (1966) were postulating that primary group membership rather than ideology determines political choices. This is noc quire correct. The argument presented by Zippel and Norman was thar most voters make their decisions according to the influence of their social environment but that some voters, a small minority, do place ideological considerations above past primary group memberships and that these Ss score higher on F and D scales than other Ss. The data on which these statements were made came from a sample of 381 students chosen from a wide range of college groups and courses at the University of New Mexico. The Goldberg and Scark (1965) sample consisted of 34 female psychology students in Connecticut who were preselected because they ind~cated a moderate to high degree of intensity of attitude (ego involvement?) for and against the presidential candidates. In the present Goldberg (1967) critique, data are based on recontacting 30 of these Ss. It would be instructive to know the number of Ss that were rejected by Goldberg and Stark in their initial study because they failed to demonstrate a high degree of ego involvement with the candidates, so that an index of the proportion of Ss who could be classified as ego involved could be determined. Similarly, it would be helpful in this brief dispute had Zippel and Norman obtained some measure of ego involvement from their Ss comparable ro that obtained by Goldberg and Stark. The failure of Goldberg to replicate the finding of Zippel and Norman that those Ss who voted contrary to their stated party affiliacions scored higher on F and D scales mighr nor be a contradiction at all but is most probably related to the nature of the samples. Analysis of the data from the smdies in question makes it clear that much important information is lacking that would enable the abstraction of definitive conclusions. Barring regional sampling differences (which may affect results), data are needed from high and low ego-involvement Ss preferring each candidate along with sufficient numbers of switchers and non-switchers for each of these groups. In other words, that a more elaborate design is required seems clear from both Goldberg's and our findings. Over-all, we agree with Goldberg that the 1968 elections should provide Opportunity for a more definitive test. Whereas both studies found more Republicans switching in 1964, if present (March, 1966) polls augur anything, we should expect more Dernocrats switching in 1968!
Low cost control flow protection using abstract control signatures

The continual trend of shrinking feature sizes and reducing voltage levels makes transistors faster and more efficient. However, it also makes them more susceptible to transient hardware faults. Transient faults due to high energy particle strikes or circuit crosstalk can corrupt the output of a program or cause it to crash. Previous studies have reported that as much as 70% of the transient faults disturb program control flow, making it critical to protect control flow. Traditional approaches employ signatures to check that every control flow transfer in a program is valid. While having high fault coverage, large performance overheads are introduced by such detailed checking. We propose a coarse-grain control flow checking method to detect transient faults in a cost effective way. Our software-only approach is centered on the principle of abstraction: control flow that exhibits simple run-time properties (e.g., proper path length) is almost always completely correct. Our solution targets off-the-shelf commodity embedded systems to provide a low cost protection against transient faults. The proposed technique achieves its efficiency by simplifying signature calculations in each basic block and by performing checking at a coarse-grain level. The coarse-grain signature comparison points are obtained by the use of a region based analysis. In addition, we propose a technique to protect control flow transfers via call and return instructions to ensure all control flow is covered by our technique. Overall, our proposed technique has an average of 11% performance overhead in comparison to 75% performance overhead of previously proposed signature based techniques while maintaining approximately the same degree of fault coverage.
The External TEA Binding Site and C-Type Inactivation in Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels

The location of the tetraethylammonium (TEA) binding site in the outer vestibule of K+ channels, and the mechanism by which external TEA slows C-type inactivation, have been considered well-understood. The prevailing model has been that TEA is coordinated by four amino acid side chains at the position equivalent to Shaker T449, and that TEA prevents a constriction that underlies inactivation via a foot-in-the-door mechanism at this same position. However, a growing body of evidence has suggested that this picture may not be entirely correct. In this study, we reexamined these two issues, using both the Kv2.1 and Shaker potassium channels. In contrast to results previously obtained with Shaker, substitution of the tyrosine at Kv2.1 position 380 (equivalent to Shaker 449) with a threonine or cysteine had a relatively minor effect on TEA potency. In both Kv2.1 and Shaker, modification of cysteines at position 380/449 by 2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl methanethiosulfonate (MTSET) proceeded at identical rates in the absence and presence of TEA. Additional experiments in Shaker demonstrated that TEA bound well to C-type inactivated channels, but did not interfere with MTSET modification of C449 in inactivated channels. Together, these findings rule out the possibility that TEA binding involves an intimate interaction with the four side chains at the position equivalent to Shaker 449. Moreover, these results argue against the model whereby TEA slows inactivation via a foot-in-the-door mechanism at position 449, and also argue against the hypothesis that the position 449 side chains move toward the center of the conduction pathway during inactivation. Occupancy by TEA completely prevented MTSET modification of a cysteine in the outer-vestibule turret (Kv2.1 position 356/Shaker position 425), which has been shown to interfere with both TEA binding and the interaction of K+ with an external binding site. Together, these data suggest that TEA is stabilized in a more external position in the outer vestibule, and does not bind via direct coordination with any specific outer-vestibule residues.
STIMULUS-RESPONSE IN THE MIXED LYMPHOCYTE REACTION

Mixed lymphocyte reactions occur when mouse spleen cell populations depleted of thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes are cultured with allogeneic target cells inactivated by mitomycin C or X irradiation, and when F1 hybrid responder cells are cultured with inactivated parental target cells. These responses might be interpreted as indicating that T lymphocytes are not required for responsiveness and that F1 lymphocytes recognize parental alloantigens. Data reported here indicate that the more likely explanation for these surprising results is that inactivated target cells recognize the "responding" cells and this recognition leads to the response observed.
Image-space constraints for controlling camera interpolation

Camera keyframing is an integral part of the animation making process. The animator places the camera in a sequence of "key" positions, and the computer produces a set of intermediate camera locations that interpolates between these keyframes. Camera keyframing traditionally treats the camera as just another 3D object in the scene, with intermediate frames produced by interpolating the position and focal point of the camera in space. Unlike a 3D object, however, the camera's role is to project the 3D scene into 2D. The animator indirectly controls the projection --- how objects in the scene are placed in the 2D image --- by adjusting the camera parameters for each keyframe. Automatic 3D camera interpolation adds yet another layer of indirection. The net effect is that the animator must solve a complicated inverse problem in order to move objects across the 2D scene in the desired manner.