cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inaudible Attack on Smart Speakers With Intentional Electromagnetic Interference

This article demonstrates an inaudible attack on smart speakers using electromagnetic interference (EMI). The EMI induces voltages on the order of a few millivolts on conductors, which are then converted into baseband signals by exploiting the inherent nonlinearity of microphones. The EMI signal is specially preprocessed to minimize the useless harmonics generation at the microphone output signals, which significantly improves the recognition rate as well as nullify the previous countermeasures based on the harmonics detection. The sensitive carrier frequency found by our proposed method can improve the attack distance as well. A measurement-based methodology is applied to locate the sensitive regions for noise coupling without knowing the layout of the printed circuit board (PCB), and the transfer function is also obtained to insure the main coupling location. Our experiments show that in open space, intentional EMI under 2.5 W can inject commands at distances up to 2.5 m on smart speakers.
Weighted limits in an $$(\infty ,1)$$ ( ∞ , 1 ) -category

We introduce the notion of weighted limit in an arbitrary quasi-category, suitably generalizing ordinary limits in a quasi-category, and classical weighted limits in an ordinary category. This is accomplished by generalizing Joyal’s approach: we identify a meaningful construction for the quasi-category of weighted cones over a diagram in a quasi-category, whose terminal object is the weighted limit of the considered diagram. We then show that each weighted limit can be expressed as an ordinary limit. When the quasi-category arises as the homotopy coherent nerve of a category enriched over Kan complexes, we generalize an argument by Riehl-Verity to show that the weighted limit agrees with the homotopy weighted limit in the sense of enriched category theory, for which explicit constructions are available. When the quasi-category is complete, tensored and cotensored over the quasi-category of spaces, we discuss a possible comparison of our definition of weighted limit with the approach by Gepner-Haugseng-Nikolaus.
Tightrope and Clavicular Hook Plate Technique: A Commentary.

Although acromioclavicular joint dislocations are relatively common as the sequelae from trauma or sports related injuries, more severe injuries requiring surgical treatment often remain scarce [1]...
Premature cognitive decline in specific domains found in young veterans with mTBI coincide with elder normative scores and advanced-age subjects with early-stage Parkinson’s disease

Importance Epidemiologists report a 56% increased risk of veterans with (+) mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) within 12-years post-injury. The most relevant contributors to this high risk of PD in veterans (+) mTBI is unknown. As cognitive problems often precede PD diagnosis, identifying specific domains most involved with mTBI-related PD onset is critical. Objectives To discern which cognitive domains underlie the mTBI-PD risk relationship proposed in epidemiology studies. Design and setting This exploratory match-controlled, cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical school laboratory from 2017–2020. Participants Age- and IQ-matched veterans with (+) and without mTBI, non-veteran healthy controls, and IQ-matched non-demented early-stage PD were compared. Chronic neurological, unremitted/debilitating diseases, disorders, dementia, and substance use among others were excluded. Exposure Veterans were or were not exposed to non-penetrating combat-related mTBI occurring within the past 7-years. No other groups had recent military service or mTBI. Main outcomes / measures Cognitive flexibility, attention, memory, visuospatial ability, and verbal fluency were examined with well-known standardized neuropsychological assessments. Results Out of 200 volunteers, 114 provided evaluable data. Groups significantly differed on cognitive tests [F (21,299) = 3.09, p<0.0001]. Post hoc tests showed veterans (+) mTBI performed significantly worse than matched-control groups on four out of eight cognitive tests (range: p = .009 to .049), and more often than not performed comparably to early-stage PD (range: p = .749 to .140). Conclusions and relevance We found subtle, premature cognitive decline occurring in very specific cognitive domains in veterans (+) mTBI that would typically be overlooked in a clinic setting, This result potentially puts them at-risk for continual cognitive decline that may portend to the eventual onset of PD or some other neurodegenerative disease.
evSeq: Cost-Effective Amplicon Sequencing of Every Variant in a Protein Library

Widespread availability of protein sequence-fitness data would revolutionize both our biochemical understanding of proteins and our ability to engineer them. Unfortunately, even though thousands of protein variants are generated and evaluated for fitness during a typical protein engineering campaign, most are never sequenced, leaving a wealth of potential sequence-fitness information untapped. This largely stems from the fact that sequencing is unnecessary for many protein engineering strategies; the added cost and effort of sequencing is thus unjustified. Here, we present every variant sequencing (evSeq), an efficient protocol for sequencing a variable region within every variant gene produced during a protein engineering campaign at a cost of cents per variant. Execution of evSeq is simple, requires no sequencing experience to perform, relies only on resources and services typically available to biology labs, and slots neatly into existing protein engineering workflows. Analysis of evSeq data is likewise made simple by its accompanying software (found at github.com/fhalab/evSeq, documentation at fhalab.github.io/evSeq), which can be run on a personal laptop and was designed to be accessible to users with no computational experience. Low-cost and easy to use, evSeq makes collection of extensive protein variant sequence-fitness data practical.
Dispersion Strengthening by Phase Transformation and Heat Treatment

In this chapter, we further discuss dispersion strengthening as we describe a variety of solid-state transformation processes, including age hardening and the eutectoid reaction. We also examine how nonequilibrium phase transformations — in particular, the martensitic reaction — provide strengthening. Each of these dispersion-strengthening techniques requires a heat treatment.
The influence of charge and magnetic order on polaron and acoustic phonon dynamics in LuFe2O4

Femtosecond optical pump-probe spectroscopy is used to reveal the influence of charge and magnetic order on polaron dynamics and coherent acoustic phonon oscillations in single crystals of charge-ordered, ferrimagnetic LuFe2O4. We experimentally observed the influence of magnetic order on polaron dynamics. We also observed a correlation between charge order and the amplitude of the acoustic phonon oscillations, due to photoinduced changes in the lattice constant that originate from the photoexcited electrons. This provides insight into the general behavior of coherent acoustic phonon oscillations in charge-ordered materials.
Gross tumour volume variations in primary non-small-cell lung cancer during the course of treatment with stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Introduction We aim to quantify the variations in the gross tumour volume (GTV) during a course of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and determine its impact on dosimetric coverage of the GTV. Methods The GTVs and dose coverage for 14 patients with 16 primary non-small-cell lung tumours treated with SBRT were investigated. Initial GTVs were calculated from treatment planning CT scans. The prescribed doses ranged from 48 to 60 Gy in three to five fractions. Before each treatment, patients underwent a CBCT scan. For each CBCT scan, the GTV and the dose received by the GTV were determined and followed during the course of therapy. Results There was considerable variation in the measured GTVs during the course of therapy. Increases of up to 63.3% of volume measured by initial CBCT were detected during the first few fractions, after which GTV tended to decrease. Dose coverage (V95) for any given fraction deviated no more than 5% from optimised coverage obtained in the initial treatment plan. In the long term, all patients with follow-up scans demonstrated tumour shrinkage with no radiographic evidence of tumour recurrence. Conclusion GTV, as evaluated in this study, demonstrates an initial increase in volume followed by a subsequent decrease. This volume change needs to be considered in the design of treatment plans and assignment of treatment margins.
Islamic-ness in the life of a commodity: veiling-fashion in Turkey

What makes a commodity ‘Islamic’? By focusing on the question of ‘Islamic-ness’ as it traverses both material and symbolic production, this paper aims to contribute to recent research in geography on the lives of commodities. Our study demonstrates the instability of Islamic-ness in the veiling-fashion industry in Turkey and draws out the implications of this finding for our understanding of the socio-spatial work of the commodity. The veiling-fashion (or tesettur) sector has become a conspicuous part of the Turkish apparel industry in the past 30 years. Firms producing veiling-fashion engage in the design, production, marketing and sale of distinctive commodities stylised to signify Islamic-ness. We begin by situating veiling-fashion within the broader contours of the Turkish apparel industry, economic restructuring and the rise of an Islamic habitus in Turkey. Based on our 2008 survey of 174 veiling-fashion firms in Turkey and our case studies of three such firms, we seek to understand how and to what extent the commodity is inscribed as an Islamic commodity in the course of its life, from financing to marketing. We use survey data to explore the role of Islamic banking practices, Islamic trading practices and Islamic workplace ethics in the itinerary of veiling-fashion. Drawing on our case studies of three veiling-fashion firms (Tekbir, Boutique Dayi and Armine), we show how these companies represent their ambivalent relationships to Islamic-ness, both as a set of values and as a particular milieu in Turkey. Through this analysis, we find that the Islamic-ness of the commodity cannot in fact be located or fixed; it is instead best understood as a mode of insertion into socio-spatial networks. Veiling-fashion as a commodity thus enters into and becomes constitutive of the wider material and symbolic networks that enact Islamic-ness in Turkey today.
Estimating DPPM during the prototype to product ramp phase [IC example]

A process allowing one to estimate the early failure rate and subsequent defective PPM for a product's use is presented. Keys points for early technology implementation are a limited sample size, identifying and assessing the impact of a failure distribution, determining a defect Pareto, de-rating to product use, test screen modifications or process iterations needed for further improvements and any applicable burn in duration.
Use of Garnet Crystals as Laser Hosts

Garnets are a very numerous and versatile family of crystals, yet until recently only a few compositions (YIG, YAG, GGG) have been used extensively in lasers and opto-electronics. With the recent experience of Huber and Shcherbakov [1] in sensitizing Nd by co-doping with Cr in the garnet GSGG, greatly improving laser efficiency, interest has begun to develop to explore other garnets as hosts for new monovalent, divalent and trivalent laser-active ions for tunable solid state lasers and more efficient phosphors.
Rousseau on Freedom in Commercial Society

Rousseau consistently declares that commercial society prevents us from being free because it makes us dependent on others and on endless desires in ways we cannot control. Yet, in Emile, Rousseau makes the surprising claim that it is possible for an elite to be free in commercial society. This possibility reveals a third way between the model of man and of citizen, that is, the model of natural man in society. I argue that it provides an original way of resisting dependence through a combination of distance from corrupt values and adaptation to the mechanisms of the economic market. Emile’s ultimate function, however, is critical in addition to being practical and pedagogical. By following Emile's experiences, the reader learns the unbearably high cost of commercial society: Freedom within it is impoverished and available only to the few.
Changes in Performance of Shared and Unshared Songs Within and Between Years in the White‐crowned Sparrow

Song of passerine birds is one of the few animal signals that is learned and that improves with practice. Vocal practice is crucial early in life to perfect a song imitation, but it also occurs throughout life and may continue to improve aspects of song performance. Differences in song performance among males that share song types, that is sing structurally similar songs may be particularly salient to receivers. We here test the hypothesis that aspects of song performance improve in a songbird species that deletes song types from its repertoire early in the first breeding season to share their final single song type with territorial neighbours. Over 3 yrs, we recorded songs in a population of Puget Sound white-crowned sparrows Zonotrichia leucophrys pugetensis and measured percentage peak performance and consistency thereof in all of the song types in each male's repertoire. We found that within the first year on territory, percentage peak performance was higher in shared than unshared songs but did not change from first to second recording. Contrary to the hypothesis that song performance improves with age, song performance declined from the first to the second year. Our results support the hypothesis that high-performance singers share songs. We did not find support for song performance improving within or between years, like it does in some other songbird species.
Sortase-tag expressed protein ligation: combining protein purification and site-specific bioconjugation into a single step.

Efficient labeling of protein-based targeting ligands with various cargos (drugs, imaging agents, nanoparticles, etc.) is essential to the fields of molecular imaging and targeted therapeutics. Many common bioconjugation techniques, however, are inefficient, nonstoichiometric, not site-specific, and/or incompatible with certain classes of protein scaffolds. Additionally, these techniques can result in a mixture of conjugated and unconjugated products, which are often difficult to separate. In this study, a bacterial sortase enzyme was utilized to condense targeting ligand purification and site-specific conjugation at the C-terminus into a single step. A model was produced to determine optimal reaction conditions for high conjugate purity and efficient utilization of cargo. As proof-of-principle, the sortase-tag expressed protein ligation (STEPL) technique was used to generate tumor-specific affinity ligands with fluorescent labels and/or azide modifications at high purity (>95%) such that it was not neces...
Poster: BrainTrek - An immersive environment for investigating neuronal tissue

The high degree of complexity in cellular and circuit structure of the brain poses challenges for understanding tissue organization, extrapolated from large serial sections electron microscopy (ssEM) image data. We advocate the use of 3D immersive virtual reality (IVR) to facilitate the human analysis of such data. We have developed and evaluated the BrainTrek system - a CAVE-based IVR environment with a dedicated and intuitive user interface tailored to the investigation of neural tissue by scientists and educators.
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing: Our Evaluation Suggests that CDC-Recommended Approaches for Confirmatory Testing Are Ill-Advised

We evaluated three CDC-suggested approaches for confirming positive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for Chlamydia trachomatis: (i) repeat the original test on the original specimen, (ii) retest the original specimen with a different test, and (iii) perform a different test on a duplicate specimen. For approach 1, specimens (genital swabs or first-catch urine [FCU]) initially positive by the Abbott LCx Probe System Chlamydia trachomatis Assay (LCx; Abbott Laboratories), the APTIMA Combo 2 Assay (AC2; Gen-Probe Inc.), the Amplicor CT/NG Assay (PCR; Roche Diagnostics Corp.), or the BD ProbeTec ET System C. trachomatis amplified-DNA assay (SDA; Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Systems) were retested by the same NAAT. In several evaluations, multiple efforts were made to confirm the original positive result. For approach 2, specimens initially positive by SDA and the Hybrid Capture 2 CT-ID DNA Test (HC2; Digene Corp.) were retested by different NAATs (SDA, PCR, AC2, and the APTIMA assay for C. trachomatis [ACT]). For approach 3, duplicate male urethral or cervical swabs were tested by SDA or by both AC2 and ACT. FCU specimens were tested by all three tests. We found that 84 to 98% of SDA, LCx, PCR, and AC2 positive results were confirmed by a repeat test and that 89 to 99% of SDA and AC2 and 93% of HC2 positive results were confirmed by different NAATs, but that some NAATs cannot be used to confirm other NAATs. The use of repeat testing did not confirm 11% of C. trachomatis SDA positive results that could be confirmed by more extensive testing. Doing more testing confirms more positive results; >90% of all positive NAATs could be confirmed.
A 28 GHz 200 kW generation and launching system for ECH/EBW on Proto-MPEX at ORNL

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is developing advanced material-plasma exposure capabilities to test plasma-facing materials for fusion reactors in a realistic edge plasma environment1. A novel RF heating system is being developed for the Prototype Material-Plasma Exposure Exposure eXperiment (Proto-MPEX). Both ion and electron heating with RF power of magnetically confined linear plasma will be utilized. Microwave power generated by a 200 kW cw 28 GHz gyrotron is used for electron cyclotron heating and RF power at 7–13 MHZ provides plasma formation with helicon waves and ion cyclotron heating. The gyrotron and associated HVDC power supply are from an earlier experiment and have been setup with a new waveguide system and launcher. A TE02 to TE01 to HE11 mode converter system launches power from the gyrotron into 15 m long 88.9 mm corrugated waveguide with 2 miter bends and a mirror launcher in a central plasma chamber on Proto-MPEX. The power is beamed toward a resonance zone at the center of the plasma. At higher density above cutoff at 28 GHz (9×1018 m3), it is expected that Electron Bernstein mode conversion will take place and the power will be able to propagate to the center and be absorbed. Several plasma diagnostics are being developed to diagnose the plasma conditions at samples and also be useful in optimizing the EBW launch angle and optimization of the density profile. Details of measurements on the waveguide and launching system and initial high power tests will be presented.
Interface stress for nonequilibrium microstructures in the phase field approach: Exact analytical results

An exact expression for the temperature-dependent interface stress tensor (tension) and energy is derived within a phase field approach. The key problem, of which part of the thermal energy should contribute to the surface tension, is resolved with the help of an analytical solution for a nonequilibrium interface. Thus, for a propagating interface at any temperature, the interface stress tensor represents biaxial tension with magnitude equal to the temperature-dependent interface energy. Explicit expressions for the distributions of interface stresses are obtained for a nonequilibrium interface and a critical nucleus. The results obtained are applicable for various phase transformations (solid-solid, melting-solidification, sublimation, etc.) and structural changes (twinning, grain evolution), and can be generalized for anisotropic interface energy, for dislocations, fracture, and diffusive phase transformations described by Cahn-Hilliard theory.
Metastatic endometrial endometrioid carcinoma with clear cell changes to the breast: a case report

Metastasis to breast from extramammary tissue is rare, and endometrial cancer has rarely been reported to metastasize to the breast. An extensive search in the medical literature reveals only 2 cases. They can be easily mistaken for primary breast carcinoma both clinically and radiologically, even with known history of endometrial carcinoma. This report presents a case of a 64-year-old woman who had endometrial carcinoma treated with total hysterectomy and adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy. Three years after the diagnosis, she had evidence of a solitary breast metastasis. To our knowledge, this is the third described case of endometrial cancer metastatic to the breast and the first in which the endometrial carcinoma demonstrates significant clear cell changes. This report is a reminder that although rare, endometrial carcinoma has the potential to metastasize to breast and illustrates how metastatic lesions in the breast can masquerade clinically as a primary carcinoma. Furthermore, essential guidelines necessary to distinguish primary from metastatic lesions in the breast are presented.
Interactive effects of temperature and concentration of the flavonol rutin on growth, molt and food utilization of Manduca sexta caterpillars

A factorial experiment tested the effects of varying concentrations of the flavonol rutin and daytime temperatures of 20 and 30 °C on growth, molting and food utilization efficiencies of third instar tobacco hornworms (Manduca sexta (L.)). Cool temperature prolonged both the growth (= feeding) and non-feeding periods and consequently the relative consumption rates (RCR) and relative growth rates (RGR). Temperature had no impact on the amount of food consumed and the utilization indices of efficiency of conversion of ingested food and efficiency of conversion of digested food to larval biomass. But rutin was more concentrated in the frass of the larvae at the warm temperature. With increasing levels of rutin in the diet, the efficiency of conversion of ingested food tended to decline. Rutin reduced RCR and RGR. At the cool temperature, rutin increased the time spent in the first portion of the non-feeding period disproportionately. Analysis of growth rate intervals within the growth period indicated that at the cool temperature rutin had no discernible impact over the first half of the growth period, during which developmental competence to molt is likely achieved. Overall, these results indicate an overlap in the growth and molting phases and suggest that rutin interferes with physiological processes at the time of molt initiation, with these effects magnified at a cool temperature.
Detection and Quantitation of Circulating Tumor Cell Dynamics by Bioluminescence Imaging in an Orthotopic Mammary Carcinoma Model

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been detected in the bloodstream of both early-stage and advanced cancer patients. However, very little is know about the dynamics of CTCs during cancer progression and the clinical relevance of longitudinal CTC enumeration. To address this, we developed a simple bioluminescence imaging assay to detect CTCs in mouse models of metastasis. In a 4T1 orthotopic metastatic mammary carcinoma mouse model, we demonstrated that this quantitative method offers sensitivity down to 2 CTCs in 0.1–1mL blood samples and high specificity for CTCs originating from the primary tumor, independently of their epithelial status. In this model, we simultaneously monitored blood CTC dynamics, primary tumor growth, and lung metastasis progression over the course of 24 days. Early in tumor development, we observed low numbers of CTCs in blood samples (10–15 cells/100 µL) and demonstrated that CTC dynamics correlate with viable primary tumor growth. To our knowledge, these data represent the first reported use of bioluminescence imaging to detect CTCs and quantify their dynamics in any cancer mouse model. This new assay is opening the door to the study of CTC dynamics in a variety of animal models. These studies may inform clinical decision on the appropriate timing of blood sampling and value of longitudinal CTC enumeration in cancer patients.
Differential thermal analysis of polyethylene in tetrachlorethylene II—Structural effects on solution and crystallization temperatures

Abstract A commercially available differential thermal analyser has been adapted for studying the dilute solution behaviour of polyethylene in tetrachlorethylene. Crystal suspensions were made from polyethylenes of different chain structure and molecular weight. Molecular weight studies showed differences in morphological habits and solution temperatures for molecular weight fractions crystallized by slow cooling. Increased chain branching led to solution occurring over a broader and lower temperature range.
A new group of essential fatty acids and their comparison with other polyenoic fatty acids.

Abstract 1. 1. Polyenoic C 17 , acids, mainly 9,12-heptadecadienoic and6,9,12-heptadecatrienoic with some 6,9,12,15-heptadecatetraenoic; polyenoic C 16 acids, mainly 9,12-hexadecadienoic and 6,9,12-hexadecatrienoic; and 10,13-nonadecadienoic acid were fed as methyl esters for 50 days to fat-deficient rats and their effects on fat deficiency symptoms were compared with those of linoleic acid and of fat-free diet. 2. 2. The polyenoic C 17 , acids cured the external symptoms nearly as well as linoleic acid. Weight gain and food efficiencies were equal with both acids. Accordingly, fatty acids derived from 9,12-heptadecadienoic acid have essentiality similar to those derived from linoleic acid. The triene/tetraene ratio in liver lipids is applicable as index of essential fatty acid nutrition when modified from 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic/ arachidonic to 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic/5,8,11,14-nonadecatetraenoic acids. 3. 3. Deficiency symptoms increased with polyenoic C 16 and 10,13-nonadecadienoic acids as with the fat-free diet. 4. 4. Fatty acids of the liver were analyzed. 9,12-Heptadecadienoic acid is converted up to 4,7,10,13,16-heneicosapentaenoic acid with 5,8,11,14-nonadecatetraenoic being prominent. Similarly, 6,9,12,15-heptadecatetraenoic acid is converted up to 4,7,10,13,16,19-heneicosahexaenoic acid. Conversion products from other unusual dietary acids were identified but are very minor in amount. 5. 5. Acids which converted readily were also essential and acids which converted only to a minor extent were not essential. Conversion and essentiality may require the same double-bond structure and both properties may be functionally correlated. However, such hypothesis can still be disputed since the essentiality of isomers of arachidonic and similar acids is not yet known.
Solid-state photochemistry of crystalline pyrazolines: reliable generation and reactivity control of 1,3-biradicals and their potential for the green chemistry synthesis of substituted cyclopropanes

To expand on the limited number of examples that exist in the literature for the solid-state photodenitrogenation of azoalkanes, a series of crystalline 7-alkyl-2,3,7-triazabicyclo[3.3.0]oct-2-ene-6,8-diones with varying 4,4-substituents were prepared. Their photochemical behavior in solution and in the solid state was dependent on the 4,4-substitution of the 1-pyrazoline ring, with unsubstituted pyrazoline 12 giving a mixture of products both in solution and in the solid state. Diphenyl substituted pyrazolines 13 denitrogenate spontaneously in solution but require light exposure to react quantitatively in the solid state. t-Butyl-phenyl substituted pyrazolines 14 were shown to denitrogenate both chemo- and diastereoselectively in solution and in the solid state to yield a single product in quantitative yield.
Sulfido-Persulfido Equilibria in Sulfur-Rich Metal Clusters: The Case of (C(5)Me(5))(3)RhRu(2)S(4)(2+).

The reaction of [(C(5)Me(5))M(MeCN)(3)](PF(6))(2) with (C(5)Me(5))(2)Ru(2)S(4) gives the cluster compounds [(C(5)Me(5))(3)MRu(2)S(4)(MeCN)](PF(6))(2), 1(PF(6))(2) (M = Rh) and 3(PF(6))(2) (M = Ir). Crystallographic studies of 1(PF(6))(2) show that the dication consists of an asymmetric RhRu(2)S(4) core containing an isosceles triangle of metal atoms with a Ru-Ru bond of 2.88 A. The three metal atoms are joined by two m(3)-eta(1):eta(2):eta(1-)S(2) units, each persulfide being monodentate toward Rh. NMR studies show that 1(2+) is stereochemically nonrigid such that the two Ru(C(5)Me(5)) resonances coalesce at higher temperatures. The dynamic processes involving 1(2+) are unaffected by added (C(5)Me(5))Rh(MeCN)(3)(2+), ruling out dissociation of the (C(5)Me(5))Rh center. Exchange of the (C(5)Me(5))Ru sites in [(C(5)Me(5))(2)(C(5)Me(4)Et)RhRu(2)S(4)(MeCN)](PF(6))(2), 2(PF(6))(2), is associated with coalescence of the pairs of C(5)Me(4)Et resonances, suggesting that the dynamics in 1(2+) involve racemization. It is proposed that these dynamics proceed via the "base-free" intermediate [(C(5)Me(5))(3)RhRu(2)S(4)](2+), wherein one S-S bond has been cleaved. Solutions of 1(2+) react with acetone to give the S-acetonyl derivative [(C(5)Me(5))(3)RhRu(2)S(3)(SCH(2)COCH(3))]PF(6), 4(PF(6)). This species, which is not fluxional on the NMR time scale, is a rare example of a metal sulfido cluster with a trigonal prismatic M(3)S(3) core. There is one metal-metal bond of 2.75 A between the two Ru atoms, spanned by the acetonylthio ligand. The M-S distances are nearly equivalent at 2.33 A while the S-S bonding distance is 2.12 A. This reaction is reversed by acid to give 1(2+) and acetone.
Radiation damping in microcoil NMR probes

Abstract Radiation damping arises from the field induced in the receiver coil by large bulk magnetization and tends to selectively drive this magnetization back to equilibrium much faster than relaxation processes. The demand for increased sensitivity in mass-limited samples has led to the development of microcoil NMR probes that are capable of obtaining high quality NMR spectra with small sample volumes (nL–μL). Microcoil probes are optimized to increase sensitivity by increasing either the sample-to-coil ratio (filling factor) of the probe or quality factor of the detection coil. Though radiation damping effects have been studied in standard NMR probes, these effects have not been measured in the microcoil probes. Here a systematic evaluation of radiation damping effects in a microcoil NMR probe is presented and the results are compared with similar measurements in conventional large volume samples. These results show that radiation-damping effects in microcoil probe is much more pronounced than in 5 mm probes, and that it is critically important to optimize NMR experiments to minimize these effects. As microcoil probes provide better control of the bulk magnetization, with good RF and B 0 inhomogeneity, in addition to negligible dipolar field effects due to nearly spherical sample volumes, these probes can be used exclusively to study the complex behavior of radiation damping.
Biologische Osteosynthesen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen

Die Besonderheiten des kindlichen Skeletts eignen sich bei Frakturen ausgesprochen gut fur den Einsatz von minimal-invasiven, resp. biologischen Osteosyntheseverfahren. Das durch das Wachstum bedingte Korrekturpotential von Fehlstellungen sowie die kurze Zeit bis zur knochernen Konsolidation sind sehr vorteilhaft bei der Behandlung von kindlichen Frakturen. Bei dislozierten Frakturen die eine Reposition in Narkose erfordern, durfen die Wachstumsfugen durch die Osteosynthesetechniken nicht gestort werden. Als die drei klassischen biologischen Osteosyntheseverfahren bei Kindern und Jugendlichen gelten die Kirschnerdraht-Osteosynthese, die elastische Markraumschienung mit Titan-Nageln und die Behandlung mit Fixateur externe. Mit oder ohne Kombination dieser Verfahren mit einer auseren Gipsfixation kann das Osteosynthesematerial je nach Alter des Kindes meist nach wenigen Wochen wieder entfernt werden.
Chronic hepatitis: Disease factors at diagnosis predictive of mortality

Purpose Chronic hepatitis is known to be a disease with substantial mortality. The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors in a large group of patients with chronic hepatitis. We also wanted to determine whether the aminopyrine breath test (ABT) is of additional prognostic value in evaluation of this disease. Patients and methods We studied 94 patients who had had a biopsy-proven diagnosis and an ABT between June 1, 1977, and June 30, 1981. Clinical features and biochemical test results at the time of diagnosis were retrieved from medical records, and histologic severity was assessed by reviewing all liver biopsy specimens under code. Survival was determined at a mean of 60 months. Data were studied with a Cox proportional hazards model to identify predictors of mortality and to control for confounding variables. Results Cumulative mortality as of December 31, 1985, was 5 percent in chronic persistent hepatitis, 6 percent in chronic active hepatitis, 29 percent in chronic active hepatitis with bridging necrosis, and 53 percent in chronic active hepatitis with cirrhosis. Histologic severity was a predictor of death (p Conclusion The results suggest that patients with chronic hepatitis with one or more of these risk factors have an increased mortality and should be followed closely for liver failure, which may necessitate medical therapy or surgical intervention.
Serum Triiodothyronine Concentrations in Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence and Pediatric Thyroid Disorders

ABSTRACT Measurements of serum total triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations were performed in infants, children, and in adolescent subjects from 3 days to 18 years of age, and in pediatric patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Mean serum T3 concentrations were 140 ± 16.2 ng/100 ml (mean ± 1 se of the mean) in 3-day-old infants and 124 ± 8.3 ng/100 ml in 1–2-yr-old infants. Mean T3 levels in children were 138 ± 2.6 ng/100 ml at ages 3–4 yr, 142 ± 4.7 ng/100 ml at 5–7 yr, and 132 ± 4.4 ng/100 ml at 8–10 yr. In adolescence, mean serum T3 concentrations were 129 ± 4.6 ng/100 ml at 11–13 yr and 134 db 5.9 ng/100 ml at 14–18 yr. No significant differences in serum T3 concentrations were found with puberty, and male and female children and adolescents had similar T3 levels. Patients with hyperthyroidism had serum T3 concentrations from 240–1200 ng/100 ml while hypothyroid subjects had serum T3 concentrations from 66–82 ng/100 ml.
Immunological and psychosocial predictors of disease recurrence in patients with early-stage breast cancer.

Ninety women with recently diagnosed stage I or stage II breast cancer who had been admitted to the NIH Clinical Center and were participating in a randomized trial were entered onto this behavioral immunology protocol. Patients were immunologically and psychosocially assessed at baseline (approximately 5 days after surgery) and again at 3 and 15 months post surgery. All of the patients were followed up for a minimum of 5 years, and 60% of the patients were followed for 7 years or longer. Twenty-nine women in the study group reported disease recurrences over the entire follow-up period. Causal path modeling statistical techniques showed that natural killer (NK) cell activity was a strong predictor of disease outcome when the outcome variable was defined as recurrence v nonrecurrence of disease (chi 2 = 6.9, p less than .001). Higher NK cell activity at follow-up predicted disease-free survival over the follow-up period. When the disease outcome variable was operationally defined as time to recurrent disease, the psychosocial factors were more strongly predictive of the rate of disease progression for those who had a recurrence (chi 2 = -4.1, p less than .01), but NK cell activity was seemingly less relevant in this latter case. Overall, these findings suggest that including mood and potentially relevant immunological variables, along with important biological prognostic variables, in multivariate and prospective models such as those examined in this study, potentially contributes more to the explanation of greater outcome variance of early-stage breast cancer than has been believed in the past.
Urinary solute transport by gastricmucosa: A comparison with ileum using a rat model

Abstract Objectives This study was conducted to quantitate and compare urinary solute transport by stomach and ileum using an in vivo rat model. Methods An artificial urine solution was perfused through isolated gastric and ilealsegments in the anesthetized rat. Concentrations of solutes and a volume marker were periodically determined in the perfusate and net solute flux was calculated. Results The stomach secretes less sodium and very little bicarbonate in comparisonwith ileum. Hydrogen ion and chloride are absorbed by ileum but secreted in large quantities by the stomach. Ammonium, potassium, and urea are absorbed by both segments but to a much lesser degree in the stomach. Overall, there was a net osmolar absorption by ileum, and a net secretion by the stomach. Both segments secrete water to a similar degree. Conclusions These findings both suggest the mechanism of the hypochloremic metabolicalkalosis seen after urinary reconstruction with the stomach and provide insight into potential therapeutic approaches. Solute fluxes in both the stomach and the ileum are consistent with the known physiology of these segments.
Inhibition of human low-density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro by Maharishi Ayur-Veda herbal mixtures.

In this study, we examined the effect of the Maharishi Ayur-Veda herbal mixtures (MAHMs) Maharishi Amrit Kalash-4 and -5 (M-4 and M-5), MA-631, and Maharishi Coffee Substitute (MCS) on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and compared the potency of these mixtures to ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and probucol. LDL was incubated in 95% air and 5% CO2, with or without 3 μM Cu+2, in the presence or absence of MAHMs, for 6 or 24 h. In a separate experiment, LDL was incubated as above except MAHMs were added at 0, 1.5, and 3.5 h after incubation started to assess their effect on initiation and propagation of LDL oxidation. Our results demonstrate that MAHMs caused concentration-dependent inhibition of LDL oxidation as assessed by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and electrophoretic mobility. The MAHM showed more antioxidant potency in preventing LDL oxidation than ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, or probucol. Also, MAHMs inhibited both initiation and propagation of cupric ion-catalyzed LDL oxidation. These results suggest the importance of further research on these herbal mixtures in the investigation of atherosclerosis and free radical-induced injury.
Sociolinguistic diversity in mainstream media: Authenticity, authority and processes of mediation and mediatization

This article explores the attribution of authority and authenticity to speakers of “accented” or dialectal speech portrayed in the American documentary on dialectal diversity, “Do You Speak American?”. The focus is on the role of mediation and mediatization in this fundamentally political and ideological process: that is, the extent to which particular sequences of the documentary foreground the work of representation being done by media producers. The central claim made in the analysis is that speakers’ authenticity is produced through the backgrounding of this work of representation, but that speakers are attributed greater authority when they are depicted as having some control over how their images and speech are mediated and mediatized. Speakers who have both authority and authenticity benefit, it is argued, from media verisimilitudes: they are understood by media audiences as having control over the believable rather than the “real”.
The functional morphology of the primate shoulder as revealed by comparative anatomical, osteometric and discriminant function techniques

A background to assessments of the ecological adaptations of fossil primates is the relationship of the detailed shape of bones in living forms to their known locomotor patterns, and this has been here attempted for the shoulder. Within the locomotion of the primates the function of the shoulder varies according to the extent to which the trunk is suspended by the arms. An analysis of the differences in the shoulder muscles has shown that much of their quantitative variation is mechanically in phase with these functional differences. A series of features of the shoulder bones, chosen because of their association with the mechanically meaningful features of the musculature, have been found to vary (a) in association with the known contrasts in locomotion and (b) in such a way as to render more efficient mechanically the associated muscular structure. Investigation of bony dimensions “residual” to such a study has shown that they are not highly correlated with primate locomotion but are, in contrast, associated with the commonly accepted taxonomic grouping of the order. The combination by discriminant functions of such sets of “locomotor” and “residual” dimensions reveals unsuspected information for living primates and might well allow more precise definition of the functional and taxonomic status of a fossil. The experimental testing of functional inferences from morphology is a necessary part of such studies, and preliminary reports of experimental stress analysis utilising the photoelastic technique confirm and reinforce their validity.
Surface and Bulk Diffusion of H218O on Single-Crystal H216O Ice Multilayers

The surface and bulk diffusion of H218O on single-crystal H216O ice multilayers grown epitaxially on Ru(001) were measured using laser-induced thermal desorption (LITD) techniques. Low-energy electron diffraction studies confirmed that the ice multilayers on Ru(001) were crystalline to thicknesses of at least 105 bilayers (i.e., ∼385 A). Measurements of H218O surface diffusion on the crystalline ice multilayers were performed using a scanning LITD method with mass spectrometric detection. Using a mask, one bilayer of isotopically-labeled H218O was deposited on half of a crystalline H216O ice multilayer. LITD measurements were then used to scan the coverage profile as a function of diffusion time at 140 K. No H218O LITD signals were observed on the masked half of the crystal for diffusion times as long as 60 min. These measurements were consistent with an upper limit for H218O surface diffusion of DS ≤ 5 × 10-9 cm2/s at 140 K. The lack of measurable surface diffusion may indicate that H218O is diffusing in...
Evaluating agricultural price policy under dual market regimes and institutional constraints

Abstract A recursive, multi-region, multi-commodity model emphasizing interaction between official and private markets is proposed to evaluate agricultural policy reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa. Supply is estimatd by linear programming representative farm models incorporating private and official market incentives, and official procurement and input rations. Demand is represented by a modified linear expenditure system incorporating rationed official supplies. A linear complementarity problem calculates the private market equilibrium subject to official market outcomes and institutional constraints. Results from a case study of Burkina Faso show that reforms improve agricultural performance, but depend on cotton exports to pay for fertilizer. Relaxing institutional constraints, such as foreign exchange allocations for fertilizer imports and capacity of official marketing systems, will be crucial for meeting reform objectives.
A Monte Carlo study of estimators of stochastic frontier production functions

1. Introduction In recent papers which appeared almost simultaneously, Aigner, Love11 and Schmidt (ALS) (1977) and Meeusen and van den Broeck (1977) proposed a new error specification for frontier production function models. The specification is that the error term is the sum of two components ~ one normal with zero mean, and the other non-positive. ALS refer to a model with this error specification as a ‘stochastic frontier’, since the non-positive component of the disturbance represents the shortfall of actual output from the frontier, while the frontier contains the normal component of the disturbance, and is therefore stochastic. This specification avoids the serious statistical difficulties [discussed by Schmidt (1976) and Greene (1980)] which are encountered in the estimation of full frontiers - that is, in the presence of a purely non-positive error term. Any number of one-sided distributions exist which could plausibly be assumed to represent the distribution of the shortfall of output from the frontier. ALS consider (negative) half-normal and exponential distributions, while Meeusen and van den Broeck consider exponential only. Other possibilities include Gamma [Richmond (1974)] and lognormal [Greene (1980)]. ALS find very little difference in the fit of half-normal and exponential, in two empirical applications. In this paper we will restrict our attention to the half-normal case, which is the case considered in most detail by ALS.
Dissolution and assay of neptunium oxide

A case study for dissolution and assay of neptunium oxide is presented in this paper. A simple analytical method for completely dissolving neptunium oxide is described. Addition of 12 M HNO3 is sufficient to dissolve neptunium oxide without precipitate formation. Various analytical chemistry methods were evaluated for neptunium assay including controlled potential coulometry, gas proportional counting/alpha spectrometry, gamma spectrometry using a high purity germanium detector, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and isotope dilution-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The precision and uncertainty of each analytical method is discussed.
Experimental Investigation on the Stick-Slip Phenomenon in Granular Collision Lubrication

An investigation on the nature of stick-slip associated with granular materials sheared between two parallel disks within the context of granular lubrication is presented. Experiments are carried out in an annular shear cell apparatus to demonstrate the effect of the stick-slip on the friction coefficient. Results are presented for the friction coefficient and the displacement as a function of the rotational speed and the applied load. The results reveal the occurrence of stick-slip at low speed and provided further evidence for the formation of granular lift between two disks undergoing sliding motion.
Fungistatic Compounds in Broiler Production. 3. Effect on Intestinal Microflora

Abstract Five experiments (3 floor-pen and 2 battery) were conducted with broiler strain chickens to determine the effects of calcium propionate, gentian violet, and sorbic acid when administered in the diet. There appeared to be a linear reduction in total numbers of yeasts and molds in the ceca and crop when sorbic acid was administered at .02% and .04% of the diet in two floor pen studies. This observation was not made with any of the other compounds examined nor was any difference in yeast and mold count observed in any of the other experiments when sorbic acid was incorporated into the diet. Moisture content of the diet (12 to 14.5%), condition of litter (new vs. used), geographical location (Florida/Mississippi), or growing environment (floor pen vs. battery brooders) had no significant effect on total plate counts of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, Lactobacillus sp., or coliforms. Generally, the ceca contained higher numbers of yeasts, molds, and bacteria than were found in the crop or duodenum. No interaction was observed between the dietary or experimental variables (controlled and uncontrolled) used in the five experiments.
Time-domain measurement and modeling techniques for wideband communication components and systems

The measurement and characterization of RF and microwave components and systems has been dominated by a tone-based frequency-domain paradigm because of its simplicity and accuracy. This review article describes new and accurate time-domain techniques that are superior for application to wideband and nonlinear contexts. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 13: 5–31, 2003.