cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Androgen deprivation for prostate cancer: the case for "first, do no harm".

cancer. 2-4 Increasing recognition of these adverse effects has occurred for several reasons. There has been a substantial change in ADT use over the last 15 years. Use of ADT doubled over the course of the 1990s, mainly in the form of gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) agonists (an injectable form of medical androgen deprivation), which are far more palatable for patients than orchiectomy, coupled with an overall broadening of the indications for ADT. 5,6 Instead of being limited to just palliation, ADT started being used as an adjuvant treatment with radiation and surgery in some settings, as well as a primary treatment even in nonmetastatic cases. Particularly when used as primary treatment for localized tumors, the period of exposure is potentially long, even decades. The net result was that many more men were exposed to ADT (a prevalence of more than 500,000 men by 2000 in the United States alone), and for much longer durations, thus increasing the likelihood of side effects. 7 In addition, the availability of databases that included large cohorts of men with prostate cancer enabled the detection of these effects. The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, which has been particularly useful for this purpose, 8 consists of a collection of data from mostly state-based cancer registries, linked to Medicare claims of the patients. Many of the relative risks of side effects associated with ADT have been relatively modest, requiring large sample sizes in order to detect them with precision. These risks may nevertheless be important given high underlying rates of some of the adverse outcomes in elderly men, such as fracture and cardiovascular disease. In this issue of Cancer, Ehdaie et al. 9 add yet another potential consequence of ADT use, with a SEER-Medicare based analysis demonstrating an increased risk of thromboembolic events (TEs). After applying standard exclusions such as those patients enrolled in managed care plans, the resulting analytic cohort consisted of 154,611 men with incident prostate cancers diagnosed from 1999 through 2005. The median study follow-up available was 52 months. The primary outcome was a TE, defined as a deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or arterial embolism, based on the presence of the relevant International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis codes in the claims data. The exposure of interest was ADT, defined either by bilateral orchiectomy or use of GnRH agonists. The main modeling approach was a Cox proportional hazards regression, with ADT entered as a time-dependent variable along with other covariates such as demographics, tumor characteristics, other cancer treatments, and comorbidity. Of the study cohort, 38% received ADT. The primary outcome developed in 15% of men in the ADT group versus 7% in the group who did not receive ADT. About half of the TEs were deep venous thromboses, and a quarter overall were associated with a hospitalization. In the Cox model, the adjusted relative risk of a TE associated with ADT was 1.54 (95% confidence interval,
Initial Testing Reduces Eyewitness Suggestibility for Faces

Past research has demonstrated that verbally recalling the appearance of a perpetrator after witnessing a crime can hinder one’s ability to identify that perpetrator in a subsequent lineup (verbal overshadowing; Schooler & Engstler-Schooler, 1990). A recent study by Chan, Thomas, and Bulevich (2009) revealed that taking an initial memory test for an event increases one’s susceptibility to later misleading information. These findings contradict those from the testing effect literature, which indicate that initial testing should enhance memory performance (Roediger & Karpicke, 2006). In the current study I investigated the effects of verbally describing a face on eyewitness suggestibility to later misinformation. Subjects witnessed a simulated crime and then either took a test over their memory for the perpetrator of the crime or performed a distractor task. Following a short delay, subjects heard misleading information about the perpetrator or only correct information. All subjects then took a final test over their memory for the perpetrator. Experiment 1 examined memory for the perpetrator using a free recall and a cued recall test. Experiments 2a and 2b examined witness identification performance with a target-present and a target-absent lineup, respectively. Three major findings emerged. First, initial testing increased correct recall probabilities and decreased misinformation recall probabilities in Experiment 1. Second, initial testing increased the likelihood of making a correct identification in the target-present lineup. Third, testing reduced identifications of individuals who matched the description of the misinformation when subjects were forced to make an identification (i.e., a biased lineup procedure). Implications for eyewitness testimony are discussed.
Occupational Aspirations of a Longitudinal Sample from Second to Sixth Grade

A number of elementary school student career development investigations have been conducted over the years. Perhaps the most thoroughly studied issues are those of children's occupational preferences (Gottfredson, 1981, 1996; Mac Kay & Miller, 1982; Siegel, 1973; Stockard & McGee, 1990), occupational aspirations and expectations (Hageman & Gladding, 1983; Looft, 1971; McNulty & Borgen, 1988), sex-role stereotyping (Archer, 1984; Hageman & Gladding, 1983; Stockard & McGee, 1990), and parental influence on children's career choice (Lavine, 1982; Morrow, 1995; Santrock, 1993; Trice, Hughes, Odom, Woods & McClellan, 1995). These and other issues such as career self-efficacy (Betz, 1992; Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994; 1996; Niles & Sowa, 1992) have also been studied with high school students and adults. Several theories have attempted to explain career development and include the developmental approach of Super (1957; 1980) and the needs-based explanation of Roe (1956). More recently, a broader attempt to explain career development was presented by Vondracek and Schulenberg (1986) who argued for the multicausality of influences. Farmer's model (1985; 1987) is multidimensional and includes background, personal, and environmental influences to explain career behavior and achievement motivation. In her theory of circumscription and compromise, Gottfredson (1981; 1996) presents a stage development approach beginning with children as young as 3 years. In this process, children in Stage 1, ages 3-5, orient to issues of size and power presumably because they have
Patient selection and trial methods for intraspinal drug delivery for chronic pain: a national survey.

Objectives Intraspinal drug delivery via indwelling pump is an effective means of treating refractory pain. Before a patient is selected for pump implantation, an intraspinal drug delivery trial must be performed to establish side-effects and efficacy profiles. No consensus protocol currently exists for such trials. As a preliminary step in this process, we surveyed a group of interventional pain physicians to explore attitudes on patient selection criteria, drug choice, trial techniques, and efficacy assessment. Methods The questionnaire was sent for self-administration to 1500 interventional pain physicians, each of whom had implanted one or more Medtronic® implantable infusion pumps. Results We received 205 completed surveys. Among the respondents, most were anesthesiologists (76%) and in private practice (82%). Nearly half (45%) of the respondents use the continuous intrathecal infusion technique to select patients for permanent implants. Conclusions Trial practices vary widely in terms of patient selection, medication choice, technique, and efficacy evaluation. We hope that our findings will encourage a concerted effort to evaluate existing trial protocols in order to establish a reliable standard of care.
Multiwavelength Opportunities for GeV and TeV Telescopes

With AGILE and Fermi now in orbit and TeV telescopes continuing to improve their performance, a variety of multiwavelength opportunities is increasingly available. One goal of such programs is to take advantage of the complementary capabilities of the two types of telescopes: the wide field surveys of the satellite detectors and the high sensitivity and resolution of the ground‐based telescopes. Some aspects of these multiwavelength efforts will be carried out in near‐real‐time but must be anticipated with advance preparation. These include gamma‐ray burst follow‐ups and flare campaigns. Other projects such as long‐term variability studies and gamma‐ray source identification require deep observations and cooperative work with astrophysicists at longer wavelengths, along with the theoretical studies that tie the observations together.
A generalization of binary minimum shift keying and staggered quadriphase shift keying modulation

A generalized modulation scheme, which includes minimum shift keying (MSK) and staggered quadriphase shift keying (SQPSK) as special cases, is analyzed. The general modulator is realized as a one-input, two-output sequence transducer whose outputs select the carrier signal for each band. This form of the modulator has the practical advantage of not requiring any RF filtering since there is no actual mixing of the carriers with the modulating signals. It is shown that the optimum demodulator (whether hard-decision or soft-decision) always can make its decisions from the received waveform over two bands when the interference is additive white Gaussian noise, thus generalizing a well-known result for hard decision demodulation of MSK and SQPSK signals. The power spectra of MSK and SQPSK signals are derived to isolate the role played by coherency between the modulating signals and the carriers.
A comparison of some basic monetary policy regimes for open economies

The Henderson-McKibbin (1993) study analyzes models of two large countries which produce goods that are imperfect substitutes (apples and oranges). The two countries are interrelated by trade in commodities and by interest-rate arbitrage as private agents construct portfolios that include bonds issued in both countries. It is impossible to give full and appropriate recognition to the amount of work that is involved in the construction of these analyses. There are three models x three sources of shocks x two types of shocks (symmetric and asymmetric) x four policy rules xn variants of each policy rule (from full instrument adjustment (FIA) to varying degrees of partial instrument adjustment (PIA)). G iven the range of the analysis, I will not give much attention to the discussion of the specific results which is the subject of the many tables and charts accompanying the paper, but rather concentrate on the structure of the models and the analysis. The authors should be commended for their ambitious undertaking. As presented, the analysis requires a considerable amount of care to fully grasp exactly what is going on. Nevertheless, there are a number of ways in which things could be clarified. First, equations (8) in Table 1 are defined as excess-demand functions for goods (page 227), where log-linearization has been applied. In a paper with 77 equations, I would forgive the authors if they added a couple more equations showing the explicit derivation of equations (8) in order to show the reader that foreign country demands for domestic output are properly measured in domestic output units and that there is no problem of adding apples and oranges in these equations. The only information that I can find
Ultrastructural characteristics of peptidergic neurons using pre‐embedding immunocytochemical methods

The immunocytochemical staining technique represents a valuable method for electron microscopic analysis with which to elucidate the ultrastructural characteristics, synaptology, and potential interactions of selectively labeled neuronal systems. The unlabeled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique is one of the most widely used immunocytochemical methods and has been applied to both pre-embedding and postembedding EM procedures. This review provides a detailed protocol for the former method and discusses advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of both approaches. A descriptive fine structural analysis of peptidergic neurons localized in the hypothalamus of brain illustrates the applicability and specificity of utilizing this method for the localization of cellular antigens of other systems.
Dietary methionine imbalance, endothelial cell dysfunction and atherosclerosis

Abstract Dietary factors can play a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis. High fat, high calorie diets are well known risk factors for this disease. In addition, there is strong evidence that dietary animal proteins also can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Atherogenic effects of animal proteins are related, at least in part, to high levels of methionine in these proteins. An excess of dietary methionine may induce atherosclerosis by increasing plasma lipid levels and/or by contributing to endothelial cell injury or dysfunction. In addition, methionine imbalance elevates plasma/tissue homocysteine which may induce oxidative stress and injury to endothelial cells. Methionine and homocysteine metabolism is regulated by the cellular content of vitamins B 6 , B 12 , riboflavin and folic acid. Therefore, deficiencies of these vitamins may significantly influence methionine and homocysteine levels and their effects on the development of atherosclerosis.
An inexpensive heated thermistor anemometer

Abstract The inexpensive direct current heated thermistor anemometer described shows high sensitivity for low speeds such as found in plant canopies; errors due to turbulence are slight, but temperature corrections are required. Calibration data for 16 instruments show good agreement with that predicted by heat transfer theory.
The role of pre-birth parent characteristics in early family development☆

In designing early intervention studies, it is important to consider how the nature of pre-birth parent personality and marital characteristics influence family and child development. Descriptions of the development of three families show the specific impact of these pre-birth characteristics on the quality of the parent-infant transaction of infant soothability-responsiveness to need. Further focus is provided by linking the parent's responsiveness to the infant's need to the emergence and resolution of ambivalent feelings about caring for the infant. The variations in the resolution of ambivalent feelings and the parental personality and marital context of that resolution are explored. Three such configurations are illustrated: a competent mother whose ambivalence appeared in the context of difficulty with intimacy; a mother who struggled with intensely loving and hostile feelings generally; and the description of the emergence of maternal ambivalence in the context of difficulty in achieving psychological separation from her child. Finally, quantitative indices are used to compare these three instances of difficulty in resolving ambivalence with two families whose resolution of the ambivalence was optimal.
Fundamental research needs in organic electronic materials

Abstract The workshop, Fundamental Research Needs in Organic Electronic Materials, jointly sponsored by DOE Basic Energy Sciences (BES) and EERE/BT was held on May 23–25, 2003 at the University of Utah Campus in Salt Lake City, Utah for the purpose of identifying key scientific issues enabling the technological success of these materials. Approximately 30 key experts and world leaders in organic materials chemistry, transport physics, time-resolved and steady-stated optical processes, organic spintronics, and device technology, gathered to stimulate new and revolutionary sciences.
A feedback particle filter-based approach to optimal control with partial observations

In a recent work it is shown that importance sampling can be avoided in the particle filter through an innovation structure inspired by traditional nonlinear filtering combined with Mean-Field Game formalisms. In this paper, the resulting feedback particle filter is used for the purposes of optimal control of a partially observed diffusion process. The feedback particle filter is used to convert the partially observed problem into the fully observed case, and the dynamic programming equations for the same derived. The approach is illustrated by obtaining the HJB equation for the infinite-horizon discounted cost optimal control problem. Two examples are presented. Future applications of the approach to approximate dynamic programming are briefly discussed.
Staff auditor reporting decisions under time deadline pressure

Purpose – The objective of this study is to examine the effects of superior preference and information source on staff auditor reporting decisions in the presence of time deadline pressure (TDP).Design/methodology/approach – A total of 67 graduate and upper‐level undergraduate accounting students, serving as proxies for staff auditors, participated in a between‐subjects experiment.Findings – The majority of participants reported information concerning a subjective materiality issue regardless of senior preference, information source, and TDP. The results suggest that staff auditors are motivated both by desires to avoid responsibility for decisions concerning subjective audit issues and by concerns about audit quality.Originality/value – This study extends prior research that has examined senior and manager reactions to manager and partner preferences by investigating staff auditor reactions to senior preferences.
Macular pigment and the edge hypothesis of flicker photometry.

Heterochromatic flicker photometry is commonly used to measure macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in the human retina. It has been proposed, and accepted by many, that the MPOD so measured represents the value at a retinal location corresponding to the edge of the flickering, circular stimulus. We have investigated this proposal by using a series of annular stimuli to determine the MPOD distribution in the central 1.5° of the retina for both eyes of 10 subjects. The MPOD obtained using a 1.5° circular stimulus matched the MPOD distribution at a retinal eccentricity that was always less than the stimulus radius, and averaged, for the 10 subjects, 51% of the stimulus radius. Similar results were obtained using a 1° stimulus. Thus the edge hypothesis is inconsistent with our data. We suggest that involuntary eye movements may be responsible for an apparent edge effect.
Molecular Gastronomy: Overview of a Controversial Food Science Discipline

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the origins of the food science discipline, molecular gastronomy. Molecular gastronomists explore the physical changes that occur as food is prepared for human consumption and attempt to identify optimum methods of creating a dish for pleasurable flavor and texture. Molecular gastronomy was founded by Herve This and Nicholas Kurti as an academic discipline; however, the phrase “molecular gastronomy” is often misused in the media to refer to chefs who apply techniques developed by scientists to their own style of cooking. Although a confusion of terminology, the association of molecular gastronomy with the practice of cooking follows the natural progression of bench research to practical application that Kurti and This foresaw when they proposed this new field of research.
Vulnerability of an industrial corridor in Texas to storm surge

A conceptual framework for evaluating the vulnerability of industrialized coastal regions to storm surge was developed and implemented to evaluate the vulnerability of the Houston Ship Channel Industrial Corridor (HSC-IC) in Texas to storm surge. In the study, Hurricane Ike scenarios were modeled with SWAN + ADCIRC that involved changing the landfall location of the hurricane along the coast and incorporating the effect of increased wind speed. The storm surge data from the various landfall scenarios were cross-linked with geospatial and environmental data associated with facilities within the industrial region. This work uniquely combines the potential releases from storage tanks, records of past historical releases, and risk management planning to characterize environmental vulnerabilities using storage information and geospatial data. The resulting framework for vulnerability implemented within the HSC-IC found a relationship between storm surge and the total area inundated at a given storm surge level and between storm surge and the total number of storage tanks. Using the developed framework, it was possible to combine releases from storage tanks, records of past historical releases, and risk management planning to characterize environmental vulnerabilities on a facility by facility basis and for the modeled surge levels.
Treating Intimate Partner Violence Among Substance-Abusing Dyads: The Effect of Couples Therapy

This study examined whether participation in couples therapy, compared with individual therapy, had a differential effect on the day-to-day relationship between substance use and occurrences of intimate partner violence (IPV) among married or cohabiting substance-abusing men. Patients (N = 207) were randomly assigned to either partner-involved behavioral couples therapy (BCT; included non-substance-abusing female partners in conjoint sessions) or individual-based treatment (IBT; male partners only). Couples in BCT reported lower levels of lPV and substance use at a 12-month posttreatment follow-up compared with couples with male partners in IBT. Moreover, treatment assignment was a significant moderator of the day-to-day relationship between substance use and IPV. Likelihood of nonsevere and severe male-to-female partner violence on days of male partners, substance use was lower among couples who received BCT compared with IBT. These findings indicate couples therapy may play an important role in the treatment of IPV among substance-abusing couples.
Statistical mechanics of kinks in 1+1 dimensions: Numerical simulations and double-Gaussian approximation.

We investigate the thermal equilibrium properties of kinks in a classical [Phi][sup 4] field theory in 1+1 dimensions. From large-scale Langevin simulations we identify the temperature below which a dilute-gas description of kinks is valid. The standard dilute-gas or WKB description is shown to be remarkably accurate below this temperature. At higher intermediate'' temperatures, where kinks still exist, this description breaks down. By introducing a double-Gaussian variational ansatz for the eigenfunctions of the statistical transfer operator for the system, we are able to study this region analytically. In particular, our predictions for the number of kinks and the correlation length are in agreement with the simulations. The double Gaussian prediction for the characteristic temperature at which the kink description ultimately breaks down is also in accord with the simulations. We also analytically calculate the internal energy and demonstrate that the peak in the specific heat near the kink characteristic temperature is indeed due to kinks. In the neighborhood of this temperautre there appears to be an intricate energy-sharing mechanism operating between nonlinear phonons and kinks.
Nuclear Proliferation beyond Rogues

What specific concerns could lead a state to reconsider nuclear abstinence? Of the ten dynamics listed here, the author concludes that the most worrisome single dimension associated with potential proliferation is the new and pervasive extent of U.S. influence.
A systems and control theory approach to dynamic neurotransmitter balance in narcotic addiction and narcotic antagonism

Abstract We have formulated a pharmacological-physiological systems analysis and control theory based on interactive neuronal feedback loops (the effects of endogenous neurochemical diseases and exogenous CNS drugs on neurotransmitter synthesis and release, reuptake and metabolism) for normal, abnormal and catastrophic situations. We set up the systems diagrams for neurotransmitter systems and in that single framework were able to describe endogenous neurochemical disorders, the effect that their drug treatment modalities had on the dynamic neurochemical balance and the effect other CNS drugs such as narcotics and narcotic antagonists had on neurochemical balance. This led to a hypothesis that narcotic addiction is caused by negative feedback induced increase in synthesis and release of certain neurotransmitters, tolerance arises in a related manner, narcotic withdrawal symptoms are caused by out-of-phase feedback and a major mechanism of antagonist action of narcotic antagonists is not merely competitive displacement of a narcotic from its “receptor site” but rather is due to an increase in the concentration of catecholamines in the synaptic cleft.
Quantitative speciation of lead in selected mine tailings from Leadville, CO

The authors have characterized Pb speciation in selected tailings from the Leadville, CO, area using a variety of analytical techniques, including X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. Samples from three locations were analyzed, including two chemically distinct tailings piles located within the city limits and tailings material deposited as overbank sediments along the Arkansas River approximately 13 km downstream from Leadville. Extended XAFS (EXAFS) spectra of these multicomponent samples were fit using linear combinations of model compound spectra. In accordance with pH differences among the samples, adsorbed Pb accounts for {approximately}50% of total Pb (Pb{sub T}) in fine fractions of the near-neutral pH Hamms tailings, whereas Pb-bearing jarosites account for the majority of Pb{sub T} in the fine fractions of the low pH Apache and Arkansas River tailings. EXAFS analyses following sequential extraction by MgCl{sub 2} and EDTA show evidence of significant redistribution (readsorption) of Pb during the MgCl{sub 2} extraction and for removal of adsorbed Pb and dissolution of Pb-carbonates during the EDTA extraction. Changes in Pb speciation with water extraction are observed in one sample of Arkansas River tailings. These molecular-scale results show that Pb speciation varies dramatically among environments in the Leadville area and that Pb occursmore » in a number of phases not amenable to definitive characterization by conventional microanalytical and/or chemical extraction techniques.« less
Bicyclic Phosphite Esters from Pentaerythritol and Dipentaerythritol: New Bridging Ligands in Organometallic and Inorganic Chemistry

Transesterification reactions yield bicyclic (caged) phosphite esters P(OCH2)3CCH2OH (1) and (P(OCH2)3CCH2)2O (2), and P(OCH2)3CCH2O2CR (R = Ph, 3; 4-tBuC6H4, 4; 4-O2NC6H4, 5; 3-pyridyl, 6; 4-pyrid...
Quantum well infrared photodetectors for low-background applications

Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors (QWIPs) afford greater flexibility than the usual extrinsically doped semiconductor IR detectors. The wavelength of the peak response and cutoff can be continuously tailored over any wavelength range between 6-20micrometers . The spectral band width of these detectors can be tuned from narrow ((Delta) (lambda) /(lambda) ~10%) to wide ((Delta) (lambda) /(lambda) ~40%) allowing various applications. Also, QWIP device parameters can be optimized to achieve extremely high performances at high background at lower operating temperatures (~30 K). However, for low- background irradiance levels at low operating temperatures, high resistivity of the active region could lead to non- linear responsivity behavior. A new structure with a photosensitive superlattice and a thick blocking barrier has been tested, and is expected to avoid anomalous behavior under low backgrounds at low temperatures.
Loss of signal transducer and activator of transduction 4 or 6 signaling contributes to immune cell morbidity and mortality in sepsis.

The role of signal transducer and activator of transduction (STAT) 4 vs. 6 has been assessed thus far only in a model of high mortality strongly driven by proinflammation alone. Their role in a low-mortality (LD25) model of sepsis remains unclear. Prospective controlled animal study in a research laboratory. STAT4 and STAT6 knockout mice. We induced sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham CLP in three groups of mice: (a) STAT4−/−, (b) STAT6−/−, (c) BALB/c. Splenic T cells or macrophages were then harvested 24 h after CLP, and their ability to produce cytokines was assessed. Following CLP T-cells from BALB/c mice were suppressed in the ability to release the Th1 cytokines interleukin (IL) 2 and interferon γ. The release of Th2 cytokine IL-10 was increased. The Th1 response of STAT4-deficient animals was not only markedly lower in shams but was further suppressed by CLP. The Th2 cytokine response was elevated even more than that of the septic BALB/c. This was associated with lower survival than in the BALB/c. STAT6 deficiency resulted in a stronger Th1 response and a suppressed Th2 response to CLP. A similar difference between IL-12 and IL-10 release was seen in macrophages from these mice. Interestingly, while this resulted in improved survival, compared to STAT4−/− mice, the STAT6−/− animals still had a higher mortality than the BALB/c. These data suggest that contributions from both STAT4 driven processes as well as STAT6 responses are needed in a balanced fashion to maximize the animals’ ability to survive septic challenge.
Sparse Distributed Memory for Conscious Software Agents

In this work we are reporting a case study on the use of SDM as the associative memory for a software agent, CMattie, whose architecture is modeled on human cognition. Sparse distributed memory (SDM) is a content-addressable memory technique that relies on close memory items tending to be clustered together. In this work, we used an enhanced version of SDM augmented with the use of genetic algorithms as an associative memory in our 'conscious' software agent, CMattie, who is responsible for emailing seminar announcements in an academic department. Interacting with seminar organizers via email in natural language, CMattie can replace the secretary who normally handles such announcements. SDM is a key ingredient in a complex agent architecture that implements global workspace theory, a psychological theory of consciousness and cognition. In this architecture, SDM, as the primary memory for the agent, provides associations with incoming percepts. These include disambiguation of the percept by removing noise, correcting misspellings, and adding missing pieces of information. It also retrieves behaviors and emotions associated with the percept. These associations are based on previous similar percepts, and their consequences, that have been recorded earlier. SDM also possesses several key psychological features. Some enhancements to SDM including multiple writes of important items, use of error detection and correction, and the use of hashing to map the original information into fixed size keys were used. Test results indicate that SDM can be used successfully as an associative memory in such complex agent architectures. The results show that SDM is capable of recovering a percept based on a part of that percept, and finding defaults for empty perception registers. The evaluation of suggested actions and emotional states is satisfactory. We think that this work opens the door to more scientific and empirical uses for SDM.
A sliding mode speed and rotor position estimator for PMSM

The paper discusses the problem of state estimation for the non-salient permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and presents a method for estimation of speed and rotor position based on a sliding mode (SM) EMF observer. The observer is developed based on the full order PMSM model in the stationary reference frame. The motor speed is a required input in the proposed observer and a speed estimate obtained from the output rotor position is used. The SM observer is analysed using Lyapunov’s theory of non-linear stability and is validated by simulations and experimental tests. The proposed method is applicable in a sensorless PMSM drive; the estimator uses only the measured motor voltages and currents and produces estimates of the speed and rotor position. The influence of the feedback gains of the SM observer is discussed. The method is relatively simple to implement, involves a reduced number of design gains, does not require correction of the rotor position and has excellent accuracy for a wide speed range and at low speed.
Modeling and Characterization of Thermally Oxidized 6H Silicon Carbide

Wet oxidation and computer simulation of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) structures were studied on n-type (Si-face and C-face) and p-type (Si-face) 6H-SiC. The effects of thermal oxidation conditions at temperatures between 1100 and 1250 o C on the electrical properties of MOS capacitors were studied. Oxidation model parameters for SSUPREM3 are presented, and simulation results are compared to laboratory studies with good agreement. The C-V characteristics of the MOS capacitors were measured at high frequency in the dark and under illumination at room temperature. Samples prepared by wet oxidation showed accumulation, depletion, and inversion regions, but they did not show inversion regions under dark conditions. The interface trap densities and emission time constants of fast states were determined by ac conductance measurements. The electrical properties of n- and p-type 6H-SiC were compared. It was found that oxidation rate of C-face was five to seven times faster than that of Si-face on n-type SiC. The electrical properties of Si-face and C-face of n-type 6H-SiC showed that the quality of oxide on the Si-face was superior to the oxide on the C-face
Flux growth in the Bi2O3-MoO3 system

Abstract Crystal growth of bismuth molybdate based dielectric materials is reported. Stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric composition in the binary system MoO 3 -Bi 2 O 3 produced crystals of 3 Bi 2 O 3 · 2 MoO 3 and Bi 2 O 3 · 3 MoO 3 . Bi 2 MoO 6 and Bi 2 O 3 · 2 MoO 3 never formed. Attempts to stabilize Bi 2 MoO 6 by flux additions were unsuccessful. Conditions of crystal growth for the binary and pseudoternary systems are given. 3 Bi 2 O 3 · 2 MoO 3 (6 x 3 x 2 mm) and NaBi(MoO 4 ) 2 (2 x 2 x 1 cm) grew readily. The results are discussed with respect to phase diagram information and potential future applications.
Coping with the build-to-forecast environment

Abstract High-value-added manufacturing companies today confront a competitive trend toward greater product customization in the face of reduced response times. This scenario is encountered most often in industries like machine tools, heavy construction equipment, heavy manufacturing in general and computer software and hardware. The product is highly customized, yet competition requires manufacturers to deliver it with lead times significantly shorter than the manufacturing lead time. Generally, the scheduling practice here is to release the manufacturing order before the customer order is released and subsequently match incoming customer orders to units in progress. This is referred to as the “build-to-forecast” (BTF) approach. This study investigated the coping mechanisms used by manufacturing firms to alleviate this dilemma. The tactics vary with the firm's business strategy, its operating environment, and its capabilities. We report on three case studies from firms building heavy machinery. The firms are similar in terms of the range of final product values, build times, customer delivery times and the very large number of components. Also, their operations require the use of a variety of flexible and dedicated resources. Flexibility in manufacturing processes, modular bills of materials, subcontracting and expediting are some of the approaches that these firms use to help resolve the double bind of short lead times and high levels of customization. We review some of the operational problems peculiar to the build-to-forecast environment and suggest alternative approaches for dealing with them. The coping mechanisms are grouped according to the manner by which they help relieve the BTF problem's severity. One set of mechanisms makes the problem less complex by simplifying products or the production process. Another set reduces the risks due to uncertainty in demand or supply. The third set provides engineering and manufacturing slack. While some or all of the mechanisms are used by the manufacturing firms studied, the predominance of particular mechanisms in each firm is explained by a contingency model developed in this paper. The case studies provide useful insights into the nature of the problem and how the firm's organizational environment often dictates the choice of mechanisms used to alleviate it. For example, these firms minimized their scheduling dilemmas with modular product designs, flexible processes, informal organization structures, or formal control mechanisms for limiting customization. We conclude by framing a number of research questions whose solutions would help such firms better manage their operations.
Percutaneous transfacial direct embolization of an intraosseous dural arteriovenous fistula.

Background and importance An intraosseous dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a rare cerebrovascular disease. The fistulous connection occurs within intraosseous diploic or transosseous emissary veins causing dilated intraosseous vascular pouches. To the authors' knowledge, this report describes the first percutaneous transfacial direct embolization of an intraosseous DAVF. Clinical presentation A man in his 50s with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome presented with headaches, imbalance, decreased visual acuity bilaterally, and left eye proptosis and chemosis. Imaging demonstrated an extensive intraosseous DAVF with dilated intraosseous vascular pouches throughout his cranial base and intraorbital venous congestion. He underwent staged endovascular treatment with the goal to improve his ocular symptoms. Transarterial and transvenous approaches failed to provide adequate access to the intraosseous vascular pouches. A direct, percutaneous transfacial approach was used to access the pouches for embolization with coils and liquid embolic material. Postoperative angiography demonstrated successful embolization of the pouch within the left pterygoid wing, reduced opacification of the intraosseous fistula, and elimination of intraorbital venous congestion. At 9-month follow-up, the patient's headaches had resolved, and his ocular symptomatology had improved. Conclusion Endovascular access to an intraosseous DAVF is limited by the size and location of the intraosseous vascular pouches. In this case, a direct transfacial approach under image guidance facilitated access and embolization, which led to an improvement in the patient's symptoms. This technique is a novel approach for DAVF management.
Monitoring systems for water quality

Water‐quality monitoring is viewed as a system which can be defined following the flow of information through its various tasks: (1) sampling, (2) laboratory analysis, (3) data handling, (4) data analysis, (5) reporting, and (6) information utilization. To design a successful water‐quality “information” system, a designer must: (1) identify what information is sought; (2) establish a statistical basis for the design; (3) determine where samples will be taken, what will be measured, and how frequently to sample; (4) specify operating procedures for the entire system; and, in particular, (5) define the final information product (e.g., reports) to be produced. The connection between information expectations and the statistical data analysis methods employed to meet these expectations is an area receiving increasing attention in the design of water‐quality monitoring networks and is a major factor in the successful development and implementation of a complete information system.
Comparison of systolic and diastolic criteria for isolated left ventricular noncompaction in cardiac MRI

Background Interest in left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) as a distinct clinical form of cardiomyopathy is supported by recent publications. Echocardiographic and select cardiac MRI criteria have been established which are used to facilitate the diagnosis and have led to concerns of diagnostic accuracy. We used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) to assess standard criteria for LVNC.
On the stretch factor of Delaunay triangulations of points in convex position

Let S be a finite set of points in the Euclidean plane. Let G be a geometric graph in the plane whose point set is S. The stretch factor of G is the maximum ratio, among all points p and q in S, of the length of the shortest path from p to q in G over the Euclidean distance |pq|. Keil and Gutwin in 1989 [11] proved that the stretch factor of the Delaunay triangulation of a set of points S in the plane is at most 2@p/(3cos(@p/6))~2.42. Improving on this upper bound remains an intriguing open problem in computational geometry. In this paper we consider the special case when the points in S are in convex position. We prove that in this case the stretch factor of the Delaunay triangulation of S is at most @r=2.33.
TPD of NO2− and NO3− from Na-Y: The relative stabilities of nitrates and nitrites in low temperature DeNOx catalysis

Abstract Temperature programmed depletion (TPD) was performed for both surface nitrates (H + –NO 3 − ) and surface nitrites (H + –NO 2 − ) on Na-Y. The depletion curves are each adequately described with a pre-exponential of 10 13 and activation energies that vary as a function of coverage from ∼100 to 200 kJ mol −1 . Multiple adsorption sites could lead to the observed variation in activation energies. NO 2 − is more kinetically stable than NO 3 − on Na-Y. The effect that the method of preparation of NO 3 − and NO 2 − could have on the relative stabilities of the nitrates and nitrites is discussed. The trends for the relative stabilities of different nitrates and nitrites on Na-Y and BaNa-Y are examined as a function of the cationic adsorption site and the counter-ion (e.g., H + and NO + ). The possible roles of the stabilities of nitrates and nitrites in low temperature DeNOx catalysis are considered.
A Kinetic Monte Carlo Model for Helium Diffusion and Clustering in Fusion Environments

Structural materials in fusion reactors will operate in harsh radiation conditions including high displacement rates from 14 MeV neutrons with accompanying high levels of hydrogen and helium production and will experience severe property degradation. Predicting their in-service performance requires a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of defect accumulation and microstructure evolution. The physical processes involved in radiation damage are inherently multiscale, spanning more than 15 orders of magnitude in length and 24 orders of magnitude in time. Here, we describe a kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) model to simulate the migration and clustering of transmutant helium gas atoms and ultimately determine the role of helium in mediating the long term aging of primary defects (vacancies, self-interstitial atoms and their clusters) produced in displacement cascades. The results illustrate the mechanisms responsible for the formation of vacancy-He clusters, in particular the high mobility of small vacancy-He clusters, which often lead to cluster growth through cluster–cluster coalescence events.
0.5 W 2-21 GHz monolithic GaAs distributed amplifier

A novel circuit concept to reduce the gate loss using series capacitors on the gate feeding lines has been implemented for a distributed amplifier design. It has significantly increased the gate width of the amplifier with a resultant increase of the broadband output power and efficiency. A monolithic GaAs distributed amplifier using 6 x 300-micron FETs has achieved a record output power of 0.5 W over the 2 to 21 GHz frequency band with at least 4 dB gain. The power-added efficiency was 14 percent. The linear gain was 5 plus or minus 1 dB over the same frequency band.
Evaluation of a Novel Medication Aid, the Calendar Blister-Pak, and its Effect on Drug Compliance in a Geriatric Outpatient Clinic

A prospective, controlled, crossover study on drug compliance was initiated in 22 elderly patients from a geriatric clinic. Half of the patients received their pills from a commercially prepared calendar mealtime blister-pak; the remaining patients received their medication from standard pill bottles. At the end of three months the two groups were crossed over. Pill count and issuance of a new drug supply were done monthly to assess compliance. It was found that the average noncompliance index was significantly decreased (9.17 to 2.04) with the blister-pak packaging system. The relationship of age, Folstein mini-mental status, over compliance, frequency of dosing interval, and living situation were also explored.
The Ownership of Religious Texts by Academic Libraries

This study examined the ownership of religious texts within academic libraries that were members of the Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania (ACLCP). Texts from the Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, Morman, Ba’hai, Christian Scientist, Scientology, and Satanic faiths were included. The ACLCP Union Catalog was searched to find ownership of the specific texts in both English and their original languages. The results showed that most of the texts in English were indeed owned by the libraries included in the study, whereas the texts in their original languages were generally not owned. Due to the growing religious diversity of the students, faculty, staff, and community users of these libraries, ownership of religious texts has become more important in order to serve these individuals more fully.
Little Galloo Island, Lake Ontario: Two decades of studies on the diet, fish consumption, and management of double-crested cormorants

The double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) colony at Little Galloo Island, Lake Ontario has been a Great Lakes focal point of controversy regarding cormorant–fish interactions for over two decades. We examined cormorant diet and fish consumption at the colony from 1992 to 2013. During this time period, two events, management actions and round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) invasion, occurred that affected the number of fish consumed by cormorants and their diet composition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of round goby on the feeding ecology of cormorants and evaluate the efficacy of management actions on meeting cormorant population targets at the colony. Round goby first appeared in the diet in 2004 (0.8%) and within one year were the primary prey (29.3%). The presence of round goby in the diet of cormorants: (1) eliminated seasonal variability in diet composition, (2) reversed seasonal trends in the number of fish consumed daily, (3) increased daily fish consumption, and (4) significantly reduced the consumption of other species including yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Management actions, such as egg oiling and culling, were also effective in reducing nesting activity and the number of cormorant feeding days at the Little Galloo Island colony. There is evidence that the combination of management actions and round goby may have allowed some population recovery of yellow perch and smallmouth bass in eastern Lake Ontario.