cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dali: a gridded cell placement flow

Asynchronous Very-Large-Scale-Integration (VLSI) has several potential benefits over its synchronous counterparts, such as reduced power consumption, elastic pipelining, and robustness to variations. However, the lack of electronic design automation (EDA) support for asynchronous circuits, especially physical layout automation tools, largely limits their adoption. To tackle this challenge, we propose a gridded cell layout methodology for asynchronous circuits, in which the cell height and cell width can be any integer multiple of two grid values. The gridded cell approach combines the shape regularity of standard cells with the size flexibility of custom design, and thus achieves a better space utilization ratio and lower wire-length for asynchronous designs. We present the algorithms and our implementation of Dali, a gridded cell placer, that consists of an analytical global placer, a forward-backward legalizer, an N/P-well legalizer, and a power grid router. We show that the gridded cell placement approach reduces area by 15% without impacting the routability of the design. We have also used Dali to tape out a chip in a 65nm process technology, demonstrating that our placer generates design-rule clean placement.
Wave self-interactions in continuum phononic materials with periodic contact nonlinearity

Abstract The existence of nonlinearity within materials manifests richer wave propagation compared to their linear counterpart in the form of amplitude-dependent material response and energy transfer between frequencies. While these properties have been extensively studied in the case of continuous and discrete nonlinear phononic materials (PMs), individually, the behavior of continuum PMs with discrete nonlinearities, which could open new opportunities for wave propagation control via discrete–continuum coupling, is relatively unexplored. In this article, we investigate nonlinear wave propagation through one-dimensional continuum PMs with periodic contacts. Specifically, the periodicity is in the form of pre-compressed rough contacts resulting in nonlinearly coupled linear finite thickness elastic layers. We analyze the system using full-scale time-domain finite element simulations by treating the contacts as spring-equivalent nonlinear thin elastic layers. The model considers a power-law pressure-gap relationship at the rough contacts. The evolution of propagating nonlinear waves within the weakly nonlinear regime is illustrated, emphasizing the generation of zero (DC), self-demodulated low, and second harmonic frequencies for excitation in different zones of the dispersion relation. The continuum between discrete contact nonlinearities exhibits local DC reduction and second harmonic increment, not observed in discrete PMs such as granular phononic crystals. The intertwined effects of nonlinearity, periodicity, and finiteness on nonlinear wave propagation are also explored, which results in maximum DC amplitude at the finite boundaries of the PMs and mode-based second harmonic characteristics. Finally, we demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed nonlinear PMs by characterizing the dependence of nonlinear wave propagation on different arrangements of embedded contacts. The concept of discretely embedding nonlinear interfaces, such as rough contacts, within an elastic continuum, opens opportunities to control the global nonlinear response of the PMs through local microstructural nonlinearities.
Longitudinal associations between emotion malleability beliefs and avoidance in college students.

Emotion malleability beliefs, or beliefs that emotions are changeable versus fixed, may be an important and modifiable determinant of emotion regulation strategy employment and psychological distre...
Giant Frontotemporal Cavernous Malformation in a 2-Month-Old Infant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction Cavernous malformations in the pediatric population are exceedingly rare, especially in infants. Giant cavernous malformations (GCM) are even more rare and have a diameter >4 cm. The onset of symptoms predominantly occurs in adulthood, but the rate of hemorrhage is significantly higher in the pediatric population. Similar to non-GCM, GCM can be misidentified as tumors on imaging due to their tumefactive pattern with edema. Here, we present a rare case of a right frontotemporal GCM in a 2-month-old girl, the youngest recorded case in the existing literature. Case presentation A previously healthy 2-month-old girl presented to the emergency department following an increasing frequency of seizure-like activity that began 3 days prior to presentation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with and without contrast characterized a large (5.8 × 4.3 × 4.2 cm) heterogeneous lesion of the right temporal lobe with diffuse scattered blood products of various ages seen throughout the lesion. She underwent a right-sided craniotomy where a gross total excision was achieved. Pathology confirmed the diagnoses of a GCM. The patient's seizures subsequently resolved, and she continues to do well postoperatively. Discussion/conclusion GCM can be mistaken for tumors due to their large size, cystic nature, and surrounding edema, but a vascular lesion should always remain in the differential diagnosis before operating, even in infants. Surgery is generally recommended in patients that present with a symptomatic hemorrhage, recurrent hemorrhages, persistent seizures despite medical management, or progressively worsening neurological deficits if the GCM is in a safe location. It has been shown that 70-99% of patients undergoing surgery with successful removal of the GCM can achieve seizure freedom 2 years postoperatively. Complete surgical excision of this infant's GCM was successful in treating her neurologic symptoms; therefore, pathological confirmation of this lesion is critical and should prompt a complete surgical excision.
'Professor, how much work do you expect me to do?' - Setting Expectations for Class Preparation

The question, ("How much work . . . ?") arises at inopportune moments and carries shadings of complaint, rebuke, resistance, and negotiation from the student. You may be just launching the course. Or perhaps the course has entered a stretch of heavy lifting. Or the students need to extend their reach in order to grasp a great idea. You size up the student and see a novice who is clueless and thrashing about, or a gifted amateur-type who feigns indifference about making an effort, or an education theorist who argues that "less is more," or a night-school student who is juggling job, family, and education. Perhaps the student points to the supposedly low level of work required in the course next door (or the course last year or at another school) as a benchmark for how much one should prepare in your course now. You have made a reasonable effort to align the workload of the course with the course credit, but the question suggests you failed. You value education through self-learning, but the student seems to want to get it on the cheap. You remember the long lonely self-preparation of doctoral studies, or some take-no-prisoners experiences of professional life: negotiating for relief was not a possibility, and complaint would land you on the street. You want to remain in control of your own course, and resent the attempt to bargain for a revision in terms. You would love to at least ignore the question, but can't. How you respond has big implications since decent student preparation is the sine qua non of a successful class and course. This column offers some ideas, resources, and a hypothetical response.
Hybrid mid-IR OCT system for imaging and spectroscopy using new high power low-coherence quantum cascade superluminescent emitters

We have successfully constructed and tested a new mid-infrared optical coherence tomography imaging system capable of simultaneous imaging and spatial spectroscopy using new quantum cascade superluminescent emitters.
Towards future technology projection: a method for extracting capability phrases from documents

This paper deals with novel approaches for discovering phrases expressing technical capabilities in technical literature (such as patents), intended to support strategic consultants introducing new technologies and their capabilities to their clients. An extracted capability phrase is scored based on its expected business impact, which can also be considered as unexpectedness of the capability in a specified technology field. The proposed capability extraction method and unexpectedness estimation method are implemented in a "Future Technology Projection tool." The tool will be utilized by the consultants to provide lists of capability phrases related to a technology field of interest to the consultants.
Image De-noising using mean pixel algorithms corrupted with photocopier noise

A Set of Linear Mean Filtering Algorithms and Non-linear Mean Filtering algorithms are proposed and mathematically described in this paper. The performance of this proposed set of De-noising algorithms is evaluated under the presence of AWGN introduced by photocopier machine. It is observed that the Non-linear mean filtering preserve the edge better than the Linear mean filters. For text images, the need for thresholding based on the value of background pixel is implemented. Finally a set of sample images are filtered and the Mean square error, Peak Signal to Noise Ratio are calculated and tabulated for different levels of noise.
UV-DOAS for determination of NO x to HNO 3 /NO 3 - and SO 2 to H2SO 4 /SO 4 2- transformation rates

This research employs UV-DOAS to log ambient atmospheric measurements of criteria pollutants and to gather data specifically for determining transformation rates. Species of concern include oxides of nitrogen (NO + NO2 = NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Combustion sources such as coal fired power plants continuously emit NOx and SO2, which enter the atmosphere and become dispersed and transformed, resulting in the formation of (formula available in paper). The goal of this research is to determine the transformation rates from power plant plumes for (formula available in paper) in a coastal environment. Continuous emission rates are known and ambient primary pollutant concentrations are continuously monitored with UV-DOAS. Secondary pollutant concentration levels are estimated from integrated annular denuder system measurements. The results of this research will be used to estimate the impacts of the nitrogen emissions from local power plants on the atmospheric nutrient loading to Tampa Bay and to assess the validity of current SO2 to H2SO4/SO42- modeled transformation rates in the Tampa environment.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Trichomonas vaginalis (Donne 1836)

Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted flagellate. Members of both sexes are equally susceptible to this infection, but women tend to remain infected for longer periods (years) unless they are treated. Trichomoniasis in men has not been well studied, but subclinical infections are thought to be self-limited.1
Algebra II: Gatekeeper Course--An Examination of CST Proficiency Levels in California and the Bay Area.

This paper examines the Algebra II course and California Star Test (CST) proficiency levels in the San Francisco Bay Area and in the State of California. CST proficiency levels are examined by grade level for the State and nine counties of the San Francisco Bay Area region. Algebra II is shown to be one of the more complicated courses in the CSU and UC A-G eligibility courses for students in high school. This paper attempts to highlight the achievement gap of gender and socio-economic and race/ethnicity gaps in completion of the course. This paper examines completion rates by grade and discussions implications of these finding. Common Core standards and progression of math sequencing as well as CST standards are addressed and discussed in the context of their impact on successful curriculum outlines. Algebra II: Gatekeeper Course 5 Chapter
Increases in Oxygen Tension Evoke Arteriolar Constriction by Inhibiting Endothelial Prostaglandin Synthesis

Abstract In vivo and in vitro studies concerned with the role of oxygen in the regulation of blood flow have primarily investigated the response of blood vessels to decreases in oxygen tension. In this study, we examined the response of isolated rat cremaster skeletal muscle arterioles to increases in oxygen tensions. First-order arterioles with an average diameter of 90 μm were cannulated and pressurized to 65 mm Hg and studied under constant pressure in a no-flow state. Arterioles were equilibrated in a Krebs bicarbonate-buffered solution (ph 7.4) gassed with 21% O 2 , 5% CO 2 , 74% N 2 . Changes in arteriolar diameters were continuously measured and recorded in response to increases in bath P O 2 (20 to 660 mm Hg). Arterioles were studied before and after either the removal of the endothelium or the administration of indomethacin (IND, 10 -5 M ), to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. When the bath P O 2 was increased from 20 to 150 mm Hg, arteriolar diameters decreased by 37%; they then decreased an additional 14% when bath P O 2 was increased from 150 to 660 mm Hg. Removal of the endothelium or administration of IND completely eliminated the arteriolar constrictions in response to increases in P O 2 from 20 to 150 mm Hg, and from 150 to 660 mm Hg. These observations suggest that rat cremaster arterioles constrict to increases in oxygen tension by reduction in the synthesis of endothelium-derived dilator prostaglandins.
A case report of long-term survival of metastatic extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma treated with surgery and hypofractionated radiotherapy

We describe the case of a patient with a 10-year history of metastatic extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC), who underwent repeated surgical excision and ten courses of hypofractionated radiotherapy to locally recurrent or metastatic disease. We review the literature on EMC’s and propose that surgery and radiotherapy can be used to control disease progression and palliate symptoms for extended periods of time with acceptable toxicity profiles.
ANALYSIS OF CATHEPSIN D FORMS AND THEIR CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS IN HUMAN PROSTATE CANCER

AbstractPurpose: To assess cathepsin D (Cat.D) status in the prostate, we analyzed the different Cat.D forms in human prostate tissues using Western immunoblots.Materials and Methods: Cell extracts were prepared from prostate tissues (n = 42) obtained from radical prostatectomy, adopting the tissue homogenization method. Expression of the different Cat.D forms was analyzed using Western blots. The catalytic activity of Cat.D was assayed by acid treatment, in which cell extracts were incubated in acidic buffer (pH 3 to 4) at 37C for 1 hour.Results: Pathologically confirmed normal (NML), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and cancer (CAP) specimens all expressed Cat.D, but as two distinct forms. Both NML and BPH predominantly expressed an inactive procathepsin D (Pro.Cat.D), while CAP notably exhibited an active mature Cat.D. The assessment of Cat.D activity, using PSA (prostate specific antigen) as a physiological substrate, showed that such activity was consistently higher in CAP than in NML/BPH specimens...
Improved assessment of cartilage repair tissue using fluid-suppressed 23Na inversion recovery MRI at 7 Tesla: preliminary results

Objectives To evaluate cartilage repair and native tissue using a three-dimensional (3D), radial, ultra-short echo time (UTE) 23Na MR sequence without and with an inversion recovery (IR) preparation pulse for fluid suppression at 7 Tesla (T).
Drift and diffusion of paraexcitons in Cu 2 O: Deformation-potential scattering in the low-temperature regime

The diffusion constant and drift mobility of paraexcitons in ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$O have been determined by the use of time-resolved luminescence imaging. Extremely large diffusion constants (D\ensuremath{\approxeq}1000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/s) and drift mobilities (\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\approxeq}${10}^{7}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/eV s) are measured at 1.2 K. Both D and \ensuremath{\mu} exhibit very rapid and unusual temperature dependences which vary with applied stress. Calculations described here show that these properties can be attributed to the novel character of paraexcitons in ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$O. Under zero stress this exciton is expected to couple mainly to longitudinal-acoustic phonons, which have a rather large velocity (\ensuremath{\approxeq}4.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{5}$ cm/s). Due to the large excitonic mass (${m}^{\mathrm{*}}$\ensuremath{\simeq}3${m}_{0}$), the thermal ve- locity [(3${k}_{B}$T/${m}^{\mathrm{*}}$${)}^{1/2}$] of the paraexcitons at T\ensuremath{\lesssim}3 K is slower than this sound velocity, causing a freeze-out of the phonon-emission process. A rapid increase in scattering time is expected as the temperature is lowered further, which is in agreement with the data at zero or low stress. As stress is applied, the paraexciton wave function is altered, allowing a coupling to the transverse-acoustic phonons, which have a velocity (\ensuremath{\approxeq}1.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{5}$ cm/s) smaller than the exciton thermal velocity. Transverse-phonon emission thus reduces the exciton mobility and produces a more nearly ${T}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3/2}$ dependence, as predicted for deformation-potential scattering in the high-temperature limit. We believe that these are the first observations of the low-temperature regime of deformation-potential scattering.
Transparotid and transcervical approaches for removal of deep lobe parotid gland and parapharyngeal space tumors

Deep lobe parotid gland and ectopic minor salivary gland tumors are the most common primary lesions found in the parapharyngeal space. Most deep lobe parotid tumors are pleomorphic adenomas; they are usually contained within the parotid gland space but may expand into the prestyloid parapharyngeal space compartment. A transparotid approach is the preferred surgical method of extirpation of deep parotid lobe tumors, though it involves dissecting and transposing branches of the facial nerve to gain adequate access. In most cases of ectopic minor salivary gland tumors contained within the prestyloid parapharyngeal space, a transcervical approach is safe and offers excellent direct visualization of the tumor and all critical neurovascular structures. For large tumors involving the deep parotid lobe and extending into the prestyloid parapharyngeal space, a combined transparotid-transcervical approach is usually warranted, both to gain adequate access and to perform the surgery safely with limited morbidity.
RESPONSE OF THIN DYKE TO OSCILLATING DIPOLE

A dyke of sulfide ore may be geophysically prospected by observing its response to a slowly oscillating magnetic dipole source. To a first approximation the field produced by a thin dyke is given by a dyke of infinite conductivity and vanishing thickness in a vacuum (Wesley, 1958, Geophysics, v. 23, p. 128). In order to identify the ore and to estimate the size of the deposit, it is necessary to consider further approximations involving the conductivity and thickness of the dyke. By a type of analytical continuation an approximation is found which agrees both with the exact solution for a dyke of infinite conductivity and vanishing thickness and with the exact solution (approximated only for ωσ large and also for σ small) for an infinite slab of finite conductivity and nonvanishing thickness, the dyke appearing as an infinite slab when both source and observer are near the dyke but far removed from the edge. The solution is very good provided the dyke is geometrically thin.
Electromagnetic scattering of tubular cylindrical structure--double series formulation and some results

Depending on its length-to-diameter ratio, the tubular cylindrical structure can represent either a tubular cylinder or a strip loop. The problem of electromagnetic scattering from such a structure is studied. Chebyshev polynomials are used to represent the axial dependence of the surface current distribution. Formulation is derived for solving the expansion coefficients of the current distribution. Since the double series expansion coefficients of the Green's function over such a basis are known, no numerical integration is required under this formalism. The theory is applied to compute the backscattering cross section of a tubular cylinder over a range of frequencies. The theoretical results agree with experimental data.
Low-dose hydrochlorothiazide and preservation of bone mineral density in older adults. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

In healthy older adults, low-dose hydrochlorothiazide preserves bone mineral density at the hip and spine. If the modest effects observed over 3 years are accumulated over 10 to 20 years, they may ...
Bioterrorism and pediatric emergency medicine

Abstract Bioterrorism as a national threat poses enormous challenges to emergency department staff and emergency medical services personnel, and requires thoughtful planning and preparations. Several issues are special or unique in contemplating this threat as it applies to pediatric victims and the pediatric emergency medicine community. This report reviews some of the general principles of medical preparedness for bioterrorism, focuses on management issues for several of the most feared threats, such as bioweapon threats, and attempts to highlight pediatric issues as applicable.
Managing large systems innovations

Successful management of complex system innovations requires extensive collaboration of people and organizations in multiple disciplines with strong political and economical implications. It also requires long periods of definition, development and sustained operation. This paper summarizes the leadership lessons learned from a six-year field study of complex infrastructure programs. The findings provide an insight into the critical success factors which influence stakeholder commitment and program performance in highly complex organizational environments. The paper offers a framework for assessing program leadership style and managerial effectiveness.
Reduction of strain and dislocation defects in GaN layers grown on Si substrate by MOCVD using a substrate defect engineering technique

We report on the application of a new scheme of substrate engineering in Si (111) substrate to obtain high quality GaN layers on Si substrates. An ion implanted defective layer is formed in the Si substrate that partially, crystallographically and mechanically isolates the III-Nitride layer and Si substrate which results in reduction of strain in the Nitride film. Nitrogen ion implantation energies of 60-75 keV and ion doses of 1×1016 cm–2-2×1016 cm–2 were applied to AlN buffer layers of 55 nm thick grown on Si (111). The experimental results show an increase in the crack separation of over 1 mm for 2 µm thick GaN film grown on implanted 55 nm AlN/Si complex substrate as seen under optical microscope. Moreover the GaN films grown on implanted AlN/Si substrate showed smoother surface morphology (RMS roughness of 0.41 nm) as compared to that grown on non-implanted AlN/Si substrates (RMS roughness of 1.50 nm). Results of etch pit density and XRD measurements show significant reduction in dislocations in III-Nitride layers. Our data shows a strong dependence of GaN quality on the implantation conditions. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pakistan: In India's shadow?

Pakistan has dragged its heels in developing an Africa strategy, preferring to focus on its more traditional alliances and partners. And now, as it seeks a new relationship with the continent, particularly in strategic countries such as South Africa, it finds it is lagging its giant neighbour, India. The paper examines the relationships both between Pakistan and Africa, as well as India and Pakistan in their pursuit of their respective international ambitions.
Alcohol inhibition of suckling-induced prolactin release in lactating rats: threshold evaluation.

Prolactin release in response to suckling was examined in primiparous lactating rats two hours after alcohol administration. Litters were adjusted to eight pups on lactation day 2 and dams were implanted with an atrial catheter on day 6. On day 10, pups were separated from the mother at 0800 h. An extension was attached to the catheter at 1100 h. Following removal of a baseline blood sample an hour later, rats were infused with alcohol doses of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 or 2.5 g/kg body weight. Two hours later, pups were returned to dams. Subsequent blood samples were obtained 10, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after the onset of suckling. Following 10 min of suckling, plasma prolactin for groups of rats infused with alcohol at 2.0 and 2.5 g/kg body weight were lower than control, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg groups. The blood alcohol level (BAL) for the 2.0 g/kg group was 94 ± 8 mg% and for the 2.5 g/kg group was 162 ± 4 mg%. After 30 min, the BAL for the 2.5 g/kg group was 134 ± 5 mg% and plasma prolactin was suppressed in this group compared to control, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg groups. The BAL for the 2.0 g/kg group after 30 min of suckling was 74 ± 9 mg% but prolactin was not significantly lower than controls. We conclude that in rats, alcohol inhibition of suckling-induced prolactin release is directly correlated to the BAL. The threshold BAL which effectively inhibits this prolactin release is lower than the human legal intoxication level.
Poor survival of patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy considered too well for transplantation

Although the success of cardiac transplantation has encouraged earlier referral of potential candidates, those with mild symptoms of heart failure are frequently considered "too well" for transplantation. Outcome was investigated for 28 patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and ejection fraction of 25 percent or less who were denied transplantation due to lack of severe symptoms. One-year survival without transplantation was 46 percent. Low stroke volume and history of ventricular arrhythmias were independent predictors of early mortality. High risk, defined as either stroke volume of 40 ml or less or history of ventricular arrhythmia, identified 13 of 14 patients who did not survive one year and only one of 12 one-year survivors (p less than 0.001). Low stroke volume predicted hemodynamic failure (p less than 0.05) whereas arrhythmic history predicted sudden death (p less than 0.001). Clinical status improved in only six patients, all of whom had symptom duration of seven or less months at initial evaluation (p less than 0.001). Thus, patients referred to transplantation for dilated cardiomyopathy with an ejection fraction of 25 percent or less have a poor prognosis even if symptoms are mild. Patients with high hemodynamic risk may require early transplantation, whereas those with high arrhythmia risk may require other aggressive therapy in order to avoid transplantation until symptoms become severe.
SEM imaging of bacteria and nannobacteria in carbonate sediments and rocks

ABSTRACT Bacteria and nannobacteria (0.1 µm dwarfed forms) are abundant in both non-etched and gently etched travertines deposited by hot springs in Viterbo, Italy. They are also plainly visible in Bahama ooids and hardgrounds, and in Great Salt Lake aragonite ooids and cements. In addition, nannobacteria are found in Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks. Because of their extraordinary abundance in some specimens, they probably play a prominent role in catalyzing the precipitation of carbonate materials.
Aeschylus’ geographic imagination

After reviewing various scholars’ accounts of geographical references in Aeschylus’ plays, some seeing exoticism, some serious geographic knowledge reflecting Ionian science, some focused exclusively on the opposition of Greek and barbarian, I argue that regardless of what one might posit as Aeschylus’ intentions, the sheer quantity of geographic allusions are best understood as contributing to the formation of an imperialist consciousness by representing the non-Athenian Mediterranean world, some of it already under the control of Athens, as inherently fascinating.
Methods and Frameworks for Crosscultural Measurement

There is little agreement regarding best practices for constructing and assessing the quality of crosscultural measures. This paper discusses several topics that are relevant to further progress in this area: 1) a lack of consensus regarding conceptualizations of equivalence; 2) emphasis on shared methods versus shared meaning; and 3) the application of cultural theories to measurement problems. Future progress in crosscultural measurement will benefit from continued exploration of these issues.
Managing Tunnel Malposition and Widening in Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery

Tunnel malposition has been identified as the single most common technical error leading to failure of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Revision of malpositioned or widened tunnels remains a challenging procedure that requires thorough preoperative planning. This article will discuss the management of tunnel complications during revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Understanding the City Brand in the Regional Tourism Market Among College Students

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the regional tourism market around Buffalo, NY to investigate the relative importance of city brand and other city attributes in tourists' decision making about where to visit for a short weekend trip. A content analysis was used to identify the four competitor cities of Buffalo and the key attributes that the cities possess to attract tourists in the regional driving tourism market. Within the context of destination choice-sets model, the relative importance of the key attributes including city brands was investigated through a choice-based conjoint analysis. Shopping opportunities was found as the most important attribute, followed by restaurant/food, culture/festivals, sports, nature-based attractions, and city brand. Based on the relative importance of the attributes at an individual level, three distinctive tourist segments—Food and Shopping Lovers, City-Driven Do-It-All Tourists, and Cultural Tourists—were generated from a K-means cluster analysis. Different city attri...
The Rédei function of a relation

Abstract The critical problem of matroid theory can be posed in the more general context of finite relations. Given a relation R between the finite sets S and T, the critical problem is to determine the smallest number n such that there exists an n-tuple (u1,…, un) of elements from T such that for every x in S, there exists a u1 such that xRui. All the enumerative results, in particular, the Tutte decomposition and Mobius function formula, can be rephrased so that they still hold. In this way, we obtain a uniform approach to all the classical critical problems.
P01.17: Transposition of great vessels—a single centre review in an Asian population

Three underwent termination of pregnancy; multiple congenital abnormalities (14 + 1 weeks), recipient of twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) (17 weeks), and maternal choice (23 + 1 weeks). All showed tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with AREDF DV in the two older fetuses. Of the 11 continuing pregnancies, 10 had a reasonable RV at presentation, one with a large RV to coronary fistula, and 4 had tricuspid valve Z scores of > -3 at delivery, 2 with normal DV. TR was absent in 3: all had normal DV, unrestrictive oval foramen (OF) and TV stenosis (Z score < -3). Six of the 8 with TR showed intermittent AREDF DV, (2 were monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies without TTTS), 4 had associated TV stenosis and 2 restrictive OF. Conclusions: Waveform analysis of DV should be interpreted with caution in PA/IVS because it may imply increased right atrial pressure due to tricuspid regurgitation or restriction to right atrial emptying and not necessarily fetal hypoxaemia or acidosis.
Temperature Dependence of Damage Coefficient in Electron Irradiated Solar Cells

Measurements of light-generated current versus cell temperature on electron-irradiated n/p silicon solar cells show the temperature coefficient of this current to increase with increasing fluence for both 10?-cm and 2?-cm cells. A relationship between minority-carrier diffusion length and light-generated current was derived by combining measurements of these two parameters: 1) versus fluence at room temperature, and 2) versus cell temperature in cells irradiated to a fluence of 1 × 1015e/cm2. This relationship was used, together with the light-generated current data, to calculate the temperature dependence of the diffusion-length damage coefficient. The results show a strong decrease in the damage coefficient with increasing temperature in the range experienced by solar panels in synchronous earth orbit; i.e., 200 to 330°K, and a significant temperature dependence of the ratio of the damage coefficient for 2?-cm cells to that for 10?-cm cells.
Indoor infrared wireless communications using spot diffusing and fly-eye receivers

A new configuration is proposed for indoor optical wireless communication systems. The main features are the use of spot diffusing, multiple lines of sight and fly-eye receivers. Design issues such as the power budget, ambient-light interference and farsighted-eye designs for the receivers are discussed using simple models. An experimental set-up demonstrating the feasibility of the spot-diffusing concept is also described.
Fast Proton Damage Effects on the Luminescence Properties of High-Quality GaN

High-quality GaN layers grown by hydride-vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) and homoepitaxial layers grown thereon by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) are studied after fast proton irradiation. A radiation-induced decrease of the band edge luminescence is observed. Time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) reveals a significant reduction of the carrier lifetime. A lifetime degradation constant of Kt = 4×10-15cm2/ns is reported for very thick HVPE GaN, and large variations are observed for the different layers. Partial recovery of the carrier lifetime and PL intensity with annealing is observed for thin HVPE GaN but not for the MBE overgrowth layer.
A Lightweight Workbench for Database Benchmarking, Experimentation, and Implementation

We have developed a platform, called Cyclone Database Implementation Workbench (CyDIW), that can be used to implement new database prototypes, use existing command-based systems, and conduct experiments. The workbench allows seamless integration of multiple systems and provides useful services. To support database implementation page-based storage and buffer managers are built-in. A scripting language for batches of commands is included. Experiments are encapsulated as batches of commands on multiple systems. A simple and easy to use GUI is available that acts as an editor and a launchpad for execution of batches of commands. Emphasis in CyDIW is on simplifying the logistics surrounding setting up experiments that are comprehensive and self-contained. The benchmarking services in CyDIW can be used for lightweight benchmarking, where a benchmark consisting of a data set and a suite of commands is given. A benchmarking experiment collects performance statistics from multiple systems based on varying parameters and plots benchmarking results without leaving the GUI. Setup for the system is easy. All configuration settings are recorded in XML documents that are highly portable and readily visible. Once installed, batches representing experiments can be exchanged as text files and executed on CyDIW on any computer.
A Metropolis Monte Carlo Implementation of Bayesian Time-Domain Parameter Estimation: Application to Coupling Constant Estimation from Antiphase Multiplets☆

Abstract The Bayesian perspective on statistics asserts that it makes sense to speak of a probability of an unknown parameter having a particular value. Given a model for an observed, noise-corrupted signal, we may use Bayesian methods to estimate not only the most probable value for each parameter but also their distributions. We present an implementation of the Bayesian parameter estimation formalism developed by G. L. Bretthorst (1990, J. Magn. Reson. 88, 533) using the Metropolis Monte Carlo sampling algorithm to perform the parameter and error estimation. This allows us to make very few assumptions about the shape of the posterior distribution, and allows the easy introduction of prior knowledge about constraints among the model parameters. We present evidence that the error estimates obtained in this manner are realistic, and that the Monte Carlo approach can be used to accurately estimate coupling constants from antiphase doublets in synthetic and experimental data.
Comparability of data obtained from migrant farmworkers and their spouses on occupational history.

Background Epidemiologic studies, particularly case-control studies, often rely on proxy respondents to provide information about subjects' occupational histories. The quality of proxy-reported information in occupational histories has never been evaluated for migrant farmworkers. Methods We compared occupational histories self-reported by 31 farmworkers with those reported by their wives. The work histories were obtained using an icon/calendar-based questionnaire that was designed to facilitate recall for migrant farmworkers, who typically have complex work histories. Results The work histories provided by proxy respondents contained 32% fewer jobs and accounted for 24% fewer years than the self-reported histories. Correlations for lifetime duration of employment in different types of jobs were moderate to good for general agricultural jobs in Washington (0.70) and apple-related jobs (0.65), which were held by virtually all of the farmworkers; correlations were moderate to poor for less common jobs and for specific types of tasks. Agreement was better after marriage than before, and for jobs held in the current year compared to other time frames. Overall, the ability of the spouses to provide occupational histories for farmworkers was within the range observed in studies involving other occupations and industries. Conclusions In studies involving farmworkers, when study subjects cannot be interviewed, spouses can provide useful information on occupational histories. However, the information should be used only for more generalized exposure assessments; it is most appropriate for estimating cumulative duration of agricultural work, or recent work, by place or for common crops. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:523–530, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The risk in early design method

Risk assessments are necessary to anticipate and prevent accidents from occurring or repeating. Current probabilistic risk assessment methods require mature design proposals to analyse. Since product safety and reliability are affected the most by decisions made during the early design phases, a risk assessment that can be performed with less mature data during these design phases is needed. This study focuses specifically on the relationship between function and risk in early design by presenting a mathematical mapping from product function to risk assessments that can be used in the conceptual design phase. An investigation of a spacecraft orientation subsystem is used to demonstrate the mappings. The results from the study and its spacecraft application yield a preliminary risk assessment method that can be used to identify and assess risks as early as the conceptual phase of design. The preliminary risk assessment presented in this paper is a tool that will aid designers by identifying risks as well a...
Monitoring the Mt. Pinatubo aerosol layer with NOAA/11 AVHRR data

The NOAA/NESDIS operational aerosol optical thickness product has provided an exceptional view of the development of the Mt. Pinatubo stratospheric aerosol layer. The product is derived from reflected solar radiation measurements of the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer onboard the NOAA/11 polar orbiting environmental satellite. The greater the optical thickness, the greater the amount of reflected solar radiation. Daily and weekly composites of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) at a wavelength of 0.5 micrometers have been analyzed to monitor the spatial and temporal variability of the aerosol layer and its optical thickness since the major eruption of Mt. Pinatubo on June 15, 1991. These analyses show that: the volcanic aerosol layer circled the Earth in 21 days; there are inhomogeneities in the layer that seem to remain after over two months of circling the Earth; using an AOT of 0.1 to define the layer, it covered about 42% of the Earth's surface area after two months, over twice the area covered by the El Chichon aerosol layer two months after its eruption; the layer is confined to the latitude zone 20S to 30N, with occasional patches seen at somewhat higher latitudes; the largest mean optical thickness of the layer was 0.31, occurring on August 23rd; the mass of SO2 required to produce this aerosol optical thickness is 13.6 megatons; and, the globally averaged net radiation at the top of the atmosphere may be reduced by about 2.5 Wm−2 (cooling effect of at least 0.5°C) once the aerosol is distributed globally over the next two to four years.
Interchangeable Domains in the Kdo Transferases of Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae

Kdo(2)-lipid A, a conserved substructure of lipopolysaccharide, plays critical roles in Gram-negative bacterial survival and interaction with host organisms. Inhibition of Kdo biosynthesis in Escherichia coli results in cell death and accumulation of the tetra-acylated precursor lipid IV(A). E. coli KdtA (EcKdtA) is a bifunctional enzyme that transfers two Kdo units from two CMP-Kdo molecules to lipid IV(A). In contrast, Haemophilus influenzae KdtA (HiKdtA) transfers only one Kdo unit. E. coli CMR300, which lacks Kdo transferase because of a deletion in kdtA, can be rescued to grow in broth at 37 degrees C if multiple copies of msbA are provided in trans. MsbA, the inner membrane transporter for nascent lipopolysaccharide, prefers hexa-acylated to tetra-acylated lipid A, but with the excess MsbA present in CMR300, lipid IV(A) is efficiently exported to the outer membrane. CMR300 is hypersensitive to hydrophobic antibiotics and bile salts and does not grow at 42 degrees C. Expressing HiKdtA in CMR300 results in the accumulation of Kdo-lipid IV(A) in place of lipid IV(A) without suppression of its growth phenotypes at 30 degrees C. EcKdtA restores intact lipopolysaccharide, together with normal antibiotic resistance, detergent resistance, and growth at 42 degrees C. To determine which residues are important for the mono- or bifunctional character of KdtA, protein chimeras were constructed using EcKdtA and HiKdtA. These chimeras, which are catalytically active, were characterized by in vitro assays and in vivo complementation. The N-terminal half of KdtA, especially the first 30 amino acid residues, specifies whether one or two Kdo units are transferred to lipid IV(A).
Equatorial F-layer irregularity patches at anomaly latitudes

Abstract Recent studies of the physics of F-layer irregularities in the equatorial ionosphere have been concerned with the development of plumes or patches. A series of observations in the equatorial anomaly region in a year of high solar flux has been analyzed for the radio propagation effect of scintillations. The observations were made on patches in the developing, mature and decay phases. Although irregularities develop on the west wall of the patches, the intensity of scintillation does not appear to diminish within the patch; the patches contain bursts of high level activity. Patch characteristics at microwave wavelengths match airglow depletion images when two considerations are introduced, i.e. the westward tilt of the patch as shown by optical and radar observations and the effective path length of the irregularities affecting the radio propagation path. Using optical images of depletions the effective thickness of the layer of irregularities above the peak of the F2-layer can be estimated; it is relatively short, i.e. of the order of 70 km for the gigaHertz frequencies and 150 km for the 257 MHz transmissions. The total path length is 110 km for the microwave frequencies and 220 km for the lower levels of scintillation at 257 MHz. The decrease in microwave scintillations compared to meter wavelength observations in the midnight and post-midnight time period in these anomaly observations is due to the combination of decay of electron density as well as the relatively rapid decay of smaller scale irregularities, as has previously been noted in observations at the magnetic equator.
Multifrequency Passive Microwave Observations of First-Year Sea Ice Grown in a Tank

Microwave brightness temperatures of new, young, and optically opaque sea ice grown in a large tank were obtained in the course of a joint microwave experiment at CRREL in Hanover, New Hampshire, during the winters of 1983-1984 and 1984-1985. Dual-polarized observations were taken at frequencies of 10, 18, 37, and 90 GHz over a range of incidence angles, and the concurrent temperature and ice thickness were obtained. Bulk salinities as well as radar and dielectric properties were also measured concurrently by other investigators. Emissivity and degree of polarization were observed in detail during the early stages of ice growth and variations were found indicating that the ice became optically opaque at 10 GHz for ice thickness between 30 and 50 mm. The addition of a snow cover reduced the brightness temperature at the higher frequencies with little effect at 10 GHz. Artificial roughening of the surface reduced the degree of polarization considerably but changed the emissivity at vertical polarization only slightly. Cluster plots of the data shown six distinguishable surface types: optically opaque bare ice, thin ice (less than 15 mm), roughened ice, ridged ice, rotting wet ice, and open water.
The natural synovial joint: Properties of cartilage:

AbstractArticular cartilage is the bearing material that lines the ends of the bones of synovial joints. Its primary function is to reduce friction and wear at the articulations of the musculoskele...
On the nature of interaction between proflavine and DNA.

Abstract— The fluorescence decay of the mutagenic drug proflavine (PF) bound to DNA at a phosphate-to-drug ratio of 420 is found to be a non-exponential function of time. The deviation from exponentiality is shown to increase with increasing GC content of DNA. Thus, heterogeneity in the high affinity binding sites is clearly demonstrated. The nucleotides guanosine-5‘-monophosphate (GMP) and cyti-dine-5’-monophosphate (CMP) are shown to form complexes with PF in 10-3M sodium cacodylate buffer at pH 6.6. In addition, GMP quenches substantially the fluorescence of PF while CMP enhances it slightly. The fluorescence decay curves for 5 × I0-6M PF in the presence of GMP concentrations greater than 10-2M exhibit a deviation from exponentiality which parallels that exhibited by the fluorescence decay curves for PF bound to DNA of increasing GC content. It is inferred that (a) guanine is responsible for the quenching of the fluorescence of PF on binding to DNA; and (b) the forces involved in the interaction between PF and DNA are specific in nature. The implications of these findings concerning the mutagenic properties of acridine derivatives are discussed. Nanosecond depolarization studies reveal a quite fast depolarization of the fluorescence of bound PF; for the PF-Cl. perfringens DNA complex the rotational correlation time is about 26 ns. Time-resolved emission spectroscopy in the nanosecond scale demonstrates that, despite the change in the orientation of the drug, the electronic structure of the PF-DNA complex is not substantially altered during the lifetime of the excited singlet electronic state of the drug.