cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Secure Degrees of Freedom of Relaying With Half-Duplex Feedback

Secure communication protocols over a single-relay system in the presence of a multiple-antenna eavesdropper are investigated. When there is no direct link between the source and the destination, an amplify-and-forward (AF) protocol that allows both the destination and the source to jam the eavesdropper is shown to achieve secrecy rates that grow linearly with the transmit power in dB, even if all the legitimate nodes have strictly fewer antennas than the eavesdropper. The number of achievable secure degrees of freedom is quantified and shown to match an upper bound when the number of antennas at the destination is sufficiently large. However, in the presence of a direct link between source and destination, this scaling rule no longer applies. The bottleneck of the AF scheme in the presence of a direct source-destination link is identified, motivating the use of another AF scheme and a novel compress-and-forward protocol that can achieve a positive number of secure degrees of freedom using an insecure feedback link.
Two alternative ways for solving the coordination problem in multilevel optimization

Two techniques for formulating the coupling between levels in multilevel optimization by linear decomposition, proposed as improvements over the original formulation, now several years old, that relied on explicit equality constraints which were shown by application experience as occasionally causing numerical difficulties. The two new techniques represent the coupling without using explicit equality constraints, thus avoiding the above diffuculties and also reducing computational cost of the procedure. The old and new formulations are presented in detail and illustrated by an example of a structural optimization. A generic version of the improved algorithm is also developed for applications to multidisciplinary systems not limited to structures.
Simulation investigation of the stochastic behaviour of selected group technology similarity coefficients

Abstract Abstract. The problem of restructuring manufacturing facilities into a cellular format has been addressed using a variety of approaches, including block-diagonalization of the machine-component matrix, mathematical programming formulations and cluster analyses. This paper addresses the problem of assessing whether or not the machine-component mix of a particular facility is amenable to cellular restructuring. The focus is cluster analytic; specifically a number of recently developed similarity coefficients are applied to problems generated via Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that, in a number of cases, the quality of the original block diagonal structure had a significant effect on the shape (in particular, skewncss and kurtosis) of the distribution of similarity coefficient values.
Marine Cladocerans in the Chesapeake Bay Estuary1)

Marine Cladoceren (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) konnen wahrend der Saison reiche Planktonelemente in der Chesapeake Bay (U.S.A.) darstellen. Podon polyphemoides ist in der Bay weit verbreitet. Penilia avirostris und Evadne tergestina befinden sich gelegentlich im oberen Teil der Bay. Die letztgenannte Art ist noch nicht von dieser Gegend gemeldet worden, obwohl sie zusammen mit den beiden anderen Arten seit 1942 in der Chesapeake Bay lebt.
Reasoning with qualitative preferences to develop optimal component-based systems

To produce an optimal component-based software system for a given application, it is necessary to consider both the required functionality of the system and its stakeholders' preferences over various non-functional properties. We propose a new modular end-to-end framework for component-based system development that combines formal specification and verification of functional requirements with a novel method for representing and reasoning with stakeholders' qualitative preferences over properties of the system. This framework will facilitate the use of formal verification to ensure system correctness while making it easier to identify truly optimal component-based system designs.
Optimization of MPI collective operations on the IBM Blue Gene/Q supercomputer

The Blue Gene/Q (BG/Q) machine is the latest in the line of IBM massively parallel supercomputers, designed to scale to 262,144 nodes and 16 million threads. Each BG/Q node has 68 hardware threads. Hybrid programming paradigms, which use message passing among nodes and multi-threading within nodes, enable applications to achieve high throughput on BG/Q. In this paper, we present scalable algorithms to optimize MPI collective operations by taking advantage of the various features of the BG/Q torus and collective networks. We achieve an 8 byte double-sum MPI_Allreduce latency of 10.25 ms on 1,572,864 MPI ranks. We accelerate summing of network packets with local buffers by the use of the Quad Processing SIMD unit in the BG/Q cores and executing the sums on multiple communication threads supported by the optimized communication libraries. The achieved net gain is a peak throughput of 6.3 GB/s for double-sum allreduce. We also achieve over 90% of network peak for MPI_Alltoall with 65,536 MPI ranks.
Contemporary management of pediatric heart failure.

The spectrum of causes of pediatric heart failure is broad and differs significantly from that seen in most adult patients. Left-to-right shunts and outflow obstruction lesions are responsible for a large number of pediatric cases of heart failure. Most of these are now treated successfully with surgery or catheter intervention. Medical therapy is the mainstay of care for myocardial disorders with diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockade and cardiac glycosides. There are few prospective trials of these agents in a pediatric population, but extrapolated data support their use in children. In addition to medical therapy, interventions such as automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators and resynchronization therapy have become increasingly common in pediatric heart disease, as well as in adult patients with congenital heart disease.
An Exploratory Investigation of the Periodic Performance Evaluation Processes for Marketing Faculty: A Comparison of Doctoral-Granting and Non-Doctoral-Granting Universities

Whether a first entrant into the academic job market or a seasoned professional, career outcomes for marketing educators depend heavily on the evaluation process used at their institutions. This research explores the periodic performance evaluation process for marketing faculty members using data collected from a national sample of marketing department chairpersons. Several aspects of the evaluation and its potential outcomes are explored, including teaching and research expectations. The results indicate that regular and frequent performance evaluations are a routine part of life for marketing faculty, whatever their institutional affiliation. Furthermore, these evaluations tend to play a role in promotion, tenure, compensation, and retention decisions. Several interesting conclusions emerge when the results from doctoral-granting and non-doctoral-granting universities are compared, including that doctoral-granting universities tend to have a more restrictive view of what constitutes acceptable research....
25-Hydroxylation of vitamin D3: relation to circulating vitamin D3 under various input conditions

Background: Neither the efficiency of the 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D nor the steady state relation between vitamin D 3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] has been studied in humans. Objective: We aimed to examine the relation between serum vitamin D 3 and 25(OH)D in normal subjects after either oral administration of vitamin D 3 or ultraviolet-B radiation across a broad range of inputs. Design: Values for serum vitamin D 3 and (OH)D 3 were aggregated from 6 studies¯1 acute and 5 near-steady state-at various vitamin D 3 inputs. In 3 of the steady state studies, vitamin D 3 had been administered for 18-26 wk in doses of 0 to 11 000 IU/d; in 2 studies, subjects had received solar or ultraviolet-B irradiation. Results: In the acute study, subjects receiving a single 100 000-IU dose of vitamin D 3 had a rise in serum cholecalciferol to a mean of 521 nmol/L at 1 d and then a fall to near-baseline values by 7-14 d. Serum 25(OH)D peaked at 103 nmol/L on day 7 and fell slowly to baseline by day 112. In the 5 steady state studies, the relation of serum 25(OH)D to serum vitamin D 3 was biphasic and was well described by a combined exponential and linear function: Y = 0.433X + 87.81[1-exp (-0.468X)], with R 2 = 0.448. Conclusions: At physiologic inputs, there is rapid conversion of precursor to product at low vitamin D 3 concentrations and a much slower rate of conversion at higher concentrations. These data suggest that, at typical vitamin D 3 inputs and serum concentrations, there is very little native cholecalciferol in the body, and 25(OH)D constitutes the bulk of vitamin D reserves. However, at supraphysiologic inputs, large quantities of vitamin D 3 are stored as the native compound, presumably in body fat, and are slowly released to be converted to 25(OH)D.
Rayleigh-Taylor instability with a sheared flow boundary layer

S. Chandrasekhar, in his book, Hydrodynamic and Hydromagnetic Stability (New York: Dover, 1961), derives the stability criteria for a semi-infinite uniform density incompressible inviscid fluid with uniform horizontal velocity supported in a gravitational field by one of higher density and opposite velocity. A transitional layer of inviscid fluid with a density equal to the average of the upper and lower fluids, and a horizontal velocity that varies linearly with depth from that of the upper fluid at the top to that of the lower fluid at the bottom is assumed. This analysis of the Kevin-Helmholtz (K-H) instability may be transformed into a model of the effect of such a velocity sheared boundary layer on the Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) instability of modes with wave numbers in the direction of the sheared velocity by reversing the sign of the top-bottom density differential. Orthogonal modes are unaffected by the shear in the linear limit and are, therefore, R-T unstable unless an independent mechanism for their stabilization is present, such as a magnetic field orthogonal to the sheared velocity. The combined R-T/K-H stability analysis is, therefore, expected to be most applicable for magnetically accelerated media such as a Z pinch with an axial velocity sheared outer layer orthogonal to the outer azimuthal magnetic field which drives the implosion.
A Fin-type independent-double-gate NFET

We present, to our knowledge, the first published experimental integration of two independent gates on a FinFET. The devices have symmetric gate oxide physical thicknesses of 8.5 nm, gate lengths ranging from 0.25 /spl mu/m to 5 /spl mu/m, and designed fin thicknesses ranging from 10 nm to 100 nm. Independent-gate operation is demonstrated by modulating saturated drain current with both front and back gate voltages.
Regional changes in amino acid content in developing rat brain.

— The content of several amino acids was measured in five discrete regions of the central nervous system of the developing rat, using a [3H]dansylation assay procedure. Both regional differences in amino acid content and regional differences in rate of change of amino acids during maturation were found. Particularly prominent were the maturational changes and high adult contents of glutamic acid in the cerebral cortex, GABA in the hypothalamus, and aspartic acid in the medulla.
Structure of male cooperation networks at long-tailed manakin leks

Social networks arise from complex interactions among multiple individuals and affect the emergent properties of groups (e.g. cooperation, disease spread, information transfer, etc.). Cooperation among nonkin is generally predicted to be favoured in structured social networks where individuals primarily interact only with certain individuals. Long-tailed manakins, Chiroxiphia linearis, form lek groups of as many as 15 unrelated males, whose members can attend multiple leks. At each lek, several top-ranked males perform the majority of obligate cooperative courtship displays. We used exponential random graph (ERG) modelling to analyse manakin cooperation networks constructed from 2-year time intervals over a 14-year study period. ERG modelling evaluates how local processes contribute to formation of global social network structure. We found that four local processes of link formation largely explained the overall structure of male manakin cooperation networks: (1) the spatial proximity of birds: males were more likely to cooperate if they primarily displayed at the same or neighbouring leks; (2) social status of birds: males were more likely to cooperate as they moved up the social queue at leks; (3) triad closure: males were more likely to cooperate with a ‘friend of a friend’ than with males with which they did not share a mutual partner; and (4) link persistence: males were more likely to cooperate with males whom they had cooperated with in the past. Other plausible mechanisms, such as selective mixing (the tendency to interact with individuals of similar or dissimilar social status) and preferential attachment by degree (whereby individuals with many social links gain additional links) did not consistently explain the structure of male cooperation networks at leks. These local processes may facilitate cooperation among long-tailed manakins by creating structured social networks in which males interact with only a subset of the population.
Detecting differential binding of transcription factors with ChIP-seq

Summary: Increasing number of ChIP-seq experiments are investigating transcription factor binding under multiple experimental conditions, for example, various treatment conditions, several distinct time points and different treatment dosage levels. Hence, identifying differential binding sites across multiple conditions is of practical importance in biological and medical research. To this end, we have developed a powerful and flexible program, called DBChIP, to detect differentially bound sharp binding sites across multiple conditions, with or without matching control samples. By assigning uncertainty measure to the putative differential binding sites, DBChIP facilitates downstream analysis. DBChIP is implemented in R programming language and can work with a wide range of sequencing file formats. Availability: R package DBChIP is available at http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~kliang/DBChIP/ Contact: kliang@stat.wisc.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Colonial Peru and the Inquisition: Race‐Thinking, Torture, and the Making of the Modern World

The Spanish Inquisition in colonial Peru: Bureaucracy, Race-Thinking, and the Making of the Modern World Trying to understand how “civilized” people could embrace fascism, Hannah Arendt searched for a precedent in Western history. She found it in 19th century colonialism, with its mix of bureaucratic rule, “race-thinking,” and appeals to violent, “civilized” rationality. This article takes Arendt's insights about the barbaric underside of Western society and moves them back to the 17th century, when Spanish colonialism dominated the globe. From the 16th century through the mid-17th century, Spain was in the vanguard of Europe, putting in place cutting-edge bureaucracies, like the Inquisition, to administer and control colonial populations. The Inquisition was the premier bureaucracy to evaluate and install race-thinking designs and ideologies of “civilizing” that camouflaged the horrors of modern experience—including the use of torture.
Defect and Transient Fault-Tolerant System Design for Hybrid CMOS/Nanodevice Digital Memories

Targeting on the future fault-prone hybrid CMOS/nanodevice digital memories, this paper presents two fault-tolerance design approaches that integrally address the tolerance for defects and transient faults. These two approaches share several key features, including the use of a group of Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) codes for both defect tolerance and transient fault tolerance, and integration of BCH code selection and dynamic logical-to-physical address mapping. The first approach is straightforward and easy to implement but suffers from a rapid drop of achievable storage capacity as defect densities and/or transient fault rates increase, while the second approach can achieve much higher storage capacity under high defect densities and/or transient fault rates at the cost of higher implementation complexity and longer memory access latency. Based on extensive computer simulations and BCH decoder circuit design, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of the presented approaches under a wide range of defect densities and transient fault rates, while taking into account of the fault-tolerance storage overhead and BCH decoder implementation cost in CMOS domain
Compensation of Chromatic Aberration in a Single Period Lattice

The requirement of high periodicity (even periodicity two) in a storage-ring lattice imposes a strong restriction on the number and type of insertions that can be included. On the other hand, since the insertions are matched only at one momentum, the s-function error for an off-momentum orbit is generally greater In a one-period lattice. This large s-error has several undesirable effects. All of these undesirable effects can be compensated or greatly reduced by judicious arrangement of betatron phasing and by the use of trim sextupoles. The design procedure and the resultant performance will be demonstrated for a model one-period lattice.
Y2K Options and the Liquidity Premium in Treasury Markets

Financial institutions around the world expected the millennium date change (Y2K) to cause an aggregate liquidity shortage. Responding to the concern, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York auctioned Y2K options to primary dealers. The options gave the dealers the right to borrow from the Fed at a predetermined interest rate. Using the implied volatilities of Y2K options and the on/off-the-run spread, we demonstrate that the Fed's action eased the fears of bond dealers, contributing to a drop in the liquidity premium of Treasury securities. Our analysis shows the link between the microstructure of government debt markets and the central bank's provision of liquidity. We argue that Y2K options and their effects on liquidity premium broadly conform to the economic theory on public provision of private liquidity.
The Transition to Kindergarten for Children with and without Disabilities: An Investigation of Parent and Teacher Concerns and Involvement.

The transition to kindergarten is regarded as a critical early childhood developmental milestone with important implications for later school outcomes. Despite its importance, few empirical studies examine kindergarten transition and fewer examine transition from the perspective of multiple stakeholders. The goal of the current study was to explore family and teacher concerns and involvement in transition practices among both children who were typically developing (TD; n = 52) and children with developmental delays and disabilities (DD; n = 52). Data collection involved parent, preschool teacher, and kindergarten teacher reports of concerns and involvement in transition and parent and preschool teacher reports of child behavior. Results showed that involvement of families and preschool teachers, but not kindergarten teachers, was higher for children with DD than children who were TD. In addition, preschool teachers, but not kindergarten teachers or families, were found to have higher involvement for child...
The JIL-1 histone H3S10 kinase regulates dimethyl H3K9 modifications and heterochromatic spreading in Drosophila

In this study, we show that a reduction in the levels of the JIL-1 histone H3S10 kinase results in the spreading of the major heterochromatin markers dimethyl H3K9 and HP1 to ectopic locations on the chromosome arms, with the most pronounced increase on the X chromosomes. Genetic interaction assays demonstrated that JIL-1 functions in vivo in a pathway that includes Su(var)3-9, which is a major catalyst for dimethylation of the histone H3K9 residue, HP1 recruitment, and the formation of silenced heterochromatin. We further provide evidence that JIL-1 activity and localization are not affected by the absence of Su(var)3-9 activity, suggesting that JIL-1 is upstream of Su(var)3-9 in the pathway. Based on these findings, we propose a model where JIL-1 kinase activity functions to maintain euchromatic regions by antagonizing Su(var)3-9-mediated heterochromatization.
In vivo studies of sterol and squalene secretion by human skin

This work was aimed at studying the quantity and composition of sterols and squalene secreted by the human skin. Lipids secreted by the entire skin were recovered by Soxhlet ex- traction of the clothing worn by a patient for 24 hr with a chlo- roform-methanol azeotrope and by extracting the water of a shower taken by the patient at the end of the 24-hr period. Squalene and sterols were quantified by gas-liquid chromatog- raphy. Plant sterols were separated from total sterols by thin- layer chromatography. Free and esterified cholesterol were sepa- rated by digitonin precipitation. In eight adults, seven of them with hyperlipoproteinemia, the total skin secretion of cholesterol ranged from 59 to 108 mg/day, with a mean of 88 f 17 (SD) mg/day. There was no difference in cholesterol secretion be- tween the normocholesterolemic individual and the hypercholes- terolemic ones, nor were there any differences according to type of hyperlipoproteinemia. Free cholesterol amounted to 54 L- 5% of the total cholesterol. The secretion of squalene ranged from 125 to 475 mg/day in five patients. The secretion of both squalene and cholesterol was quite constant for any individual on a given diet. Cholesterol constituted 95.6 f 0.5% of the dig- itonin-precipitable total body surface sterols of eight patients, and lathosterol, the next largest fraction, 3.4 f 0.4%. Total plant sterols formed only 0.65 f 0.38% and p-sitosterol 0.35 3z 0.2370 of the skin surface sterols in six patients whose di- etary p-sitosterol intake ranged from 230 to 3400 mg/day. Human skin surface lipids contain 6-14% squalene and 2-20'70 sterols (1, 2), most of which is cholesterol. Skin surface sterols are synthesized locally by the epidermis and sebaceous glands (3) but are also derived from the plasma2 (4), whereas squalene on the skin originates mainly from the sebaceous glands (3). The quantity of cholesterol lost from the entire skin surface to the environ- ment is difficult to measure. Recently, Bhattacharyya, Connor, and Spector (4) approached this problem by sum- ming the sterols adhering to hospital pajamas worn by pa- tients plus those extractable with acetone from the total skin surface. Most of the sterol was cholesterol (83 mg/ day), but appreciable amounts of plant sterols (8% of all sterols), mainly @-sitosterol, were also found. The study to be reported here was designed to elucidate (a) normal composition of human skin surface sterols and the effect of dietary factors on it and (b) the rate of remov- al of squalene and sterols from the total body surface to the environment. The usual way in which lipid is removed from the skin surface is by absorption into clothing and by bathing with soap.and water. Methods of collection were designed to mimic these removal mechanisms as closely as possible.
Bayes und das Unmögliche: Unfälle mit Atombomben

Die militarischen Erfolge des Bayes-Theorems waren in der Zeit des Kalten Krieges naturlich immer noch geheim, als Jimmie Savage im Sommer 1957 die noble neue RAND Corporation besuchte und dort zwei junge Manner anregte, ein Problem durchzurechnen, bei dem es um Leben und Tod ging: die Wahrscheinlichkeit dafur, dass eine Wasserstoffbombe ungewollt explodiert.
Evaluation of metal oxides prepared by reactive sputtering as carrier-selective contacts for crystalline silicon solar cells

With high quality silicon wafers nowadays available at a low cost, further technology improvement relies on the development of inexpensive and highly efficient carrier-selective contacts (CSC). To this respect, evaporated MoOx hole-selective contacts recently brought some attention due to impressive transparency and carrier selectivity properties, and other materials are widely studied in other photovoltaics technologies (TiO2, WO3, V2O5, …). Compared to standard heterojunction devices using amorphous silicon as passivating layer and CSC, reported efficiencies for devices using evaporated MoOx layers still fall short due to carrier extraction or recombination issues. Whereas little room for maneuver is foreseen to tune the properties of evaporated metal oxide layers, reactive sputtering on the other hand is expected to allow manipulating the work-function of metal oxides. We will review in this presentation the potential of using reactively sputtered metal-oxides as CSC in c-Si solar cells. Preliminary results obtained with MoOx indicate that decreasing the oxidation state of the layer yields better transport properties but poorer selectivity. Also, though a drastic drop in lifetime was observed after sputtering a MoOx layer on a passivating a-Si layer, annealing enabled a recovery of most of the lifetime
Supplemental Nutrition Programs During Pregnancy and the Early Postnatal Period

Pregnancy has been recognized as a period of special nutritional needs across cultures and for many generations. Mothers who have adequate food and good quality nutritional intake generally have better birth outcomes. In cultures where food is scarce, pregnant women may be given extra servings­ of high quality protein items such as eggs or milk or other scarce but nutritious foods when there isn’t sufficient supply for everyone to consume them. However, formal programs to improve ­women’s nutrition during pregnancy as a strategy to improve birth outcomes are relatively recent. This is ­particularly the case in industrialized countries such as the United States where chronic undernutrition is not endemic. This chapter examines the evidence base for programs that seek to improve birth outcomes through improving pregnant women’s nutritional intake and nutrition ­education. It begins with a brief overview of the role of nutrition in pregnancy, followed by a discussion of the foundation for WIC, the major U.S. prenatal nutrition intervention. A critical evaluation is then presented of the evidence for WIC and selected other programs in reducing low birth weight (LBW) and in reducing racial/ethnic disparities in birth outcomes. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the relevance of the findings for practitioners along with suggestions for future research.
Short Communication: Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis in HIV-Related Immune Reconstitution Syndrome

Abstract Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is an immuno-pathologic reaction to quiescent opportunistic microbial pathogens upon restoration of underlying immune defects. Here we report a Honduran patient with HIV/AIDS who developed a facial rash worsening on antiretroviral therapy and increasing CD4 count. Culture and PCR analysis from the skin biopsy identified Leishmania panamensis, which was effectively treated with long-term liposomal amphotericin B. This is the first report of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL)-associated IRIS due to L. panamensis.
An Evaluation of Technology Integration in Teacher Education for Bilingual and English as a Second Language Education Majors

AbstractThis article describes the team-planning, delivery, and evaluation of two courses required for English as a second language (ESL) and bilingual education (BLE) majors: Computers in Education and Language Arts Methods. The study revealed that technology was embedded in the context of language arts and that beginning teachers gained confidence in their ability to integrate technology into ESL and BLE language arts classrooms. Although beginning teachers perceived the course objectives as valuable, they reported that they had not completely achieved the objectives. Recommended course changes are discussed.
Volume-Based Enteral Nutrition Support Regimen Improves Caloric Delivery but May Not Affect Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients.

Introduction: Meeting enteral nutrition goals is an ongoing challenge in the intensive care unit (ICU). Most hospitals use rate-based (RB) protocols for nutrient delivery. Previous studies have found that volume-based (VB) protocols improve delivery of prescribed calories. However, these studies did not assess clinical outcomes. We hypothesize that a VB method will improve the delivery of prescribed calories and lead to improved clinical outcomes. Methods: A before-and-after study was performed following implementation of a VB feeding protocol in an adult mixed medical-surgical ICU. Formal institutional review board approval was obtained. The effect of RB and VB protocols on percentage of goal calories received, ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, mortality, days on the ventilator, and rates of infection were investigated using the Kruskal-Wallis test of differences. Multivariate regression was used to identify independent predictors of outcome. Significance was defined as P < .05. Results: A total of...
STRESS-TENSOR COMMUTATION RELATIONS.

The general requirements on the equal-time commutation relations among the components of the stress-energy tensor imposed by the Poincare relations and the spectral expansion are shown not to hold for free fields of spin zero and one. These difficulties are only partially resolved by spreading the points in the definition of the stress tensor. In the presence of an external gravitational field, covariance relates the stress-tensor commutators and the metric dependence of the stress tensor. The classical metric dependence of the stress tensor is not sufficient to satisfy the general requirements on the stress-tensor commutation relations and various procedures for remedying this are discussed. In the presence of dynamical spin-two fields, spectral arguments imply nonvanishing commutation relations between the stress tensor and the spin-two field variables. The classical metric dependence of the stress-tensor is shown insufficient to satisfy these relations for the linearized gravitational field.
Delayed complications after anterior craniofacial resection of malignant skull base tumors.

Objective To report complications occurring at least 6 months after completion of treatment for patients with anterior skull base malignancy undergoing anterior craniofacial resection (CFR). Design Retrospective review of medical records of all patients undergoing traditional CFR for treatment of anterior skull base malignancy from 2002 through 2011. Setting Massachusetts General Hospital/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Cranial Base Center. Participants Thirty-one consecutive patients who had at least 18 months of follow-up for analysis were reviewed. All patients underwent traditional CFR. A total of 28 patients received postoperative proton beam radiation therapy. Eleven patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Main Outcome Measures A delayed complication was any complication occurring at least 6 months after the completion of treatment. Results Seventeen patients had delayed complications. Orbital complications were the most common type (13 patients) followed by issues with wound healing (6 patients). The most common orbital complication was epiphora (7 patients). The most common wound complication was a nasocutaneous fistula (5 patients). Conclusions Patients with anterior skull malignancy can develop complications months to years after the completion of treatment. Therefore, it is important to continue to follow and report complications for several years when deciding on the optimal approach for treatment of these patients.
Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and angioedema: anesthetic implications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Angioedema is a serious complication of renin-angiotensin system inhibitor therapy. The incidence is 0.1-0.7%. It consists of nonpitting edema and involves the face and lips. In severe cases, it extends to pharyngeal and laryngeal structures. RECENT FINDINGS: Decreased degradation of bradykinin and its metabolites is thought to be a culprit. When the angiotensin-converting enzyme is inhibited, bradykinin metabolism is dependent on degradation by neutral endopeptidase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, and aminopeptidase P. When these enzymes are inhibited, as in treatment of diabetes or in transplant recipients, the incidence of angioedema increases significantly. African-Americans, people over 65, women, and those with a history of smoking are especially at risk. A fiberoptic laryngeal examination should be performed in all patients. Patients with rapid progression of symptoms are at risk for airway compromise. Supportive treatment with steroids and antihistamines is not very effective. Recently, icatibant, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, has been used to successfully shorten the resolution of edema. SUMMARY: Trauma of the airway, especially during difficult intubation, may precipitate severe angioedema. In cases with laryngeal involvement, fiberoptic intubation may be necessary. After the episode of angioedema, lifetime discontinuation of all renin-angiotensin inhibitors may be warranted.
Application of Integrated Electronic Control on Gas Turbine Marine Direct Drive Propulsion

The use of digital controls in marine gas turbine propulsion has not been as widespread as in other applications. Although these controls have been used in marine applications such as gas turbine electric and water jet drive systems, digital controls have not been applied to a gas turbine direct drive application. This paper describes the use of digital control technology in a marine direct drive application.Copyright © 1999 by ASME
Elevated bulk-silica exposures and evidence for multiple aqueous alteration episodes in Nili Fossae, Mars

Abstract The Nili Fossae region of Mars contains some of the most mineralogically diverse bedrock on the planet. Previous studies have established three main stratigraphic units in the region: a phyllosilicate-bearing basement rock, a variably altered olivine-rich basalt, and a capping rock. Here, we present evidence for the localized alteration of the northeast Nili Fossae capping unit, previously considered to be unaltered. Both near-infrared and thermal-infrared spectral datasets were analyzed, including the application of a method for determining the relative abundance of bulk-silica (SiO 2 ) over surfaces using thermal emission imaging system (THEMIS) images. Elevated bulk-silica exposures are present on surfaces previously defined as unaltered capping rock. Given the lack of spectral evidence for phyllosilicate, hydrated silica, or quartz phases coincident with the newly detected exposures—the elevated bulk-silica may have formed under a number of aqueous scenarios, including as a product of the carbonation of the underlying olivine-rich basalt under moderate water: rock scenarios and temperatures. Regardless of formation mechanism, the detection of elevated bulk-silica exposures in the Nili Fossae capping unit extends the history of aqueous activity in the region to include all three of the main stratigraphic units.
Commitment and Time Consistency: A Game-Theoretic Discussion

The paper offers a game-theoretic framework for discussing commitment and time consistency. We show when a commitment (or just the appearance of one) is valuable, how valiable it is, and whether the commitment is time consistent. We formulate restrictions on the set of eligible commitments. These restrictions correspond to the open-loop programming format, and we call the restrictions policy formation. We give a game-theoretic depiction of Fisher's savings-taxation model of time consistency. This depiction shows in a game tree the essential lessons of the model. The emphasis is on definition, examples, and interpretation. The paper contains no formal propositions. Our goal is to show that the concepts developed are useful for understanding commitment and time consistency, for modeling situations with these characteristics, and for achieving general results.
Synthesis of 4,4′-dimethoxy-dibenzoylmethane

4,4′-Dimethoxy-dibenzoylmethane was synthesized starting from methyl p-hydroxybenzoate as raw material covering etherification and claisen condensation.Experiment based upon orthogonal design with four factors and three levels was carried out for optimization of conditions of the etherification.Conditions influencing the result of Claisen condensation were investigated by single factor tests.Experimental results showed the suitable conditions as follows:using DMSO and THF as the mixed solvent and sodium hydride as the catalyst for carrying out the Claisen condensation,n(p-methoxyacetophenone) ∶n(methyl-4-methoxybenzoate) ∶n(sodium hydride) = 1 ∶2 ∶4.reaction temperature 30 ℃,reaction time 90 min.The yield can reach 78.2%.The structures were characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectra.
Studies on Identification Methods for Alkaline Tolerance at Germination Period in Rice Varieties of Heilongjiang Province

In order to make sure alkaline tolerance situation of rice germplasm at germination period in cold region,123 rice varieties of Heilongjiang province were used as materials,concentgn of 0.2% Na2CO3+NaHCO3 mass ratio 1∶3 was used as medicament,the alkaline tolerance at germination period in rice was studied.The results showed that the more of grain transformed dry matter to germ,the stronger of alkaline tolerance under alkali-stress,and alkali-resistant varieties had well-developed root system.Radicle and germ had promoting growth function to each other.7 materials had the highest level of alkaline tolerance at germination period,such as Kendao 19,Suijing No.5,Xixuan No.1,Longjing 11,Longdao No.6,Changbai No.9 and Puxuan 18,and 10 materials were the most sensitive to alkaline tolerance at germination period,such as Longdao No.5,Longjing No.8,Suijing 12,Kendao 16,Hejiang 21,Cai,Mudanjiang 21,Kendao No.9,Hejiang 16,Hejiang No.6.
Conditions of the spine.

Sequelae of congenital, developmental, infectious, degenerative, and neoplastic processes present themselves throughout adolescence, a time of rapid growth and spinal development. The author outlines the elements of an accurate diagnostic physical examination, the signs and symptoms of various spinal deformities, and their diagnosis and treatment. The potential causes of back pain in children and adolescents are explored. The author cautions against dismissing complaints of back pain in the skeletally immature population as mere "growing pains."
On the contact behavior of micro-/nano-structured interface used in vertical-contact-mode triboelectric nanogenerators

Abstract The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has attracted enormous amount of attention in the research community in recent years because of its simple design, high energy conversion efficiency, broad application areas, a wide materials spectrum, and low-temperature easy fabrication. A key factor that dictates the performance of the TENGs is the surface charge density, which can be taken as a standard to characterize the matrix of performance of a material for a TENG. The triboelectric charge density can be improved by increasing the effective contact area, and in order to increase the contact area in a limited device size, micro-/nano-structures are often designed at the contact surfaces. Expert knowledge in contact mechanics, especially in adhesion and detachment mechanisms of the micro-/nano-structured interface, is thus becoming essential for a better understanding of the impact of interfacial design on the power generation of TENGs. Such an emerging field provides a platform for electrical engineers, chemical engineers, and mechanicians to share knowledge and build collaborations, which will enable the TENG researchers to pursue new design philosophies to achieve enhanced performance. In this paper, systematical numerical studies on the adhesive contact at the micro-/nano-structured interface are presented. We use a numerical simulation package in which the adhesive interactions are represented by an interaction potential and the surface deformations are coupled by using half-space Green's functions discretized on the surface. The results confirmed that the deformation of interfacial structures directly determines the pressure-voltage relationship of TENG, and it can be seen that our numerical results provided a better fit with the experimental data than the previous studies.
Informal Labor, Formal Politics, and Dignified Discontent in India: Communism's Resistance to Change

In sharp contrast to the informal workers’ movements in Tamil Nadu analyzed in Chapter 3, those in West Bengal have not succeeded in attaining material benefits from the state. Only one-third of the sixty informal workers interviewed in West Bengal from 2002 to 2004 received any type of material benefit (either work or welfare related) as a result of joining a union (as opposed to thirty of the forty interviewees in Tamil Nadu and more than half of the forty interviewees in Maharashtra). In addition, the type of benefit received in West Bengal differed from those received in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Of the twenty-one interviewees who received a benefit in West Bengal, nearly all received work-based benefits, as opposed to welfare benefits. These benefits were largely confined to members of the politically affiliated construction union. Moreover, the benefits (whether work or welfare related) received by workers in West Bengal were provided by unions, not by the state. Politicians in West Bengal have rarely been directly involved in improving the livelihoods of the state's informal workers. That benefits received in West Bengal were not consistent across organization type or industry and were largely confined to work-based benefits provided by a union indicates that the “new” informal workers’ movement outlined in Chapter 2 was less successful. By 2004, informal workers in West Bengal had failed to create a movement that could withstand the pressures of flexible production structures and simultaneously assure some justice to poor workers. This finding is surprising given West Bengal's history of revolutionary, class-based politics that, as detailed later, began in the early nineteenth century. From 1977 to 2011, West Bengal was ruled by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM). CPM won consecutive elections based on a promise of guaranteeing benefits for workers. Yet, informal workers have rarely been a CPM priority. Drawing from the state framework outlined in the Introduction, in this chapter I examine the evidence for the “low-success” case of West Bengal, arguing that CPM's unchallenged leadership, its entrenched organizational structure and social base, and its lack of interest in liberalization reforms (until recently) made it difficult for unions in West Bengal to frame informal workers’ demands in terms that appealed to CPM's interest in retaining power.
Siblings in Developmental and Clinical Research

The early years of the study of developmental and clinical psychology has traditionally focused on the maternal bond as the foundation of socialization. However, during the latter part of the twentieth century, numerous efforts have been made at expanding our understanding of the circle of childhood influences. This reexamination of socialization dynamics introduced several lines of research on the role of other support providers including fathers, grandparents, and siblings. As a result, a steady stream of research on the predictors and outcomes of sibling relationship quality emerged over the past several decades in developmental, clinical, and family literature.
The Journey from Illness to Wellness

Hanser continues describing the journey through additional case studies. Treatment is often accompanied by side effects, pain, and suffering, as told through Shula’s story. Accepting the diagnosis and understanding its ramifications can be a source of additional challenges. Recovery may be accompanied by rehabilitation and new lifestyles and habits, but it may also spawn a period of hibernation to prepare for re-entry into the world of the healthy. Garrison’s experience of being diagnosed with cancer is one of shock and acceptance. Arthur’s story exemplifies resilience after serious illness. Sometimes our companions have no treatment options or do not recover. In these cases, acceptance of a chronic condition or loss of functioning may be the focus of music therapy. Karl contemplates the final destination of his life. Music is a faithful accompaniment all along the way.
Application of Microfluidic Technique in Drug Delivery

Drug delivery as a strategy to improve the effect of therapeutic treatment is gaining tremendous interest in biomedical research. The recent advancement in microfluidic technique designed to precisely control the liquid at micro or nano liter level has shed some new lights on reshaping the ongoing drug delivery research. In this aspect, this present mini-review gives an overview on the potential applications of microfluidic technique in the area of drug delivery, which basically covers the fabrication of drug delivery carriers and the design of microfluidic-based smart systems for localized in vivo drug delivery.
The enzymatic conversion of major algal and cyanobacterial carbohydrates to bioethanol

The production of fuels from biomass is categorized as first-, second- or third-generation depending upon the source of raw materials, either food crops, lignocellulosic material, or algal biomass, respectively. Thus far, the emphasis has been on using food crops creating several environmental problems. To overcome these problems, there is a shift toward bioenergy production from non-food sources. Algae, which store high amounts of carbohydrates, are a potential producer of raw materials for sustainable production of bioethanol. Algae store their carbohydrates in the form of food storage sugars and structural material. In general, algal food storage polysaccharides are composed of glucose subunits, however they vary in the glycosidic bond that links the glucose molecules. In starch-type polysaccharides (starch, floridean starch, and glycogen), the glucose subunits are linked together by α-(1→4) and α-(1→6) glycosidic bonds. Laminarin-type polysaccharides (laminarin, chrysolaminarin, and paramylon) are made of glucose subunits that are linked together by β-(1→3) and β-(1→6) glycosidic bonds. In contrast to food storage polysaccharides, structural polysaccharides vary in composition and glycosidic bond. The industrial production of bioethanol from algae requires efficient hydrolysis and fermentation of different algal sugars. However, the hydrolysis of algal polysaccharides employs more enzymatic mixes in comparison to terrestrial plants. Similarly, algal fermentable sugars display more diversity than plants, and therefore more metabolic pathways are required to produce ethanol from these sugars. In general, the fermentation of glucose, galactose, and glucose isomers is carried out by wild type strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis. In these strains, glucose enters glycolysis, where is it converted to pyruvate through either Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway or Entner-Doudoroff pathway. Other monosaccharides must be converted to fermentable sugars before entering glycolysis. In contrast, microbial wild type strains are not capable of producing ethanol from alginate, and therefore the production of bioethanol from alginate was achieved by using genetically engineered microbial strains, which can simultaneously hydrolyze and ferment alginate to ethanol. In this review, we emphasize the enzymatic hydrolysis processes of different algal polysaccharides. Additionally, we highlight the major metabolic pathways that are employed to ferment different algal monosaccharides to ethanol.
Targeting the B Cell Lineage in IgG4-Related Disease

Despite the elevated serum concentration of IgG4 in many patients and the disproportionate number of IgG4+ plasma cells within the affected tissues that constitute essentially a sine qua non of IgG4-related disease, serum IgG4 itself appears to be a reactive phenomenon rather than the primary disease driver. Recent investigations have focused on the interactions between cells of the B cell lineage and a novel CD4+ cytotoxic T cell that is capable of promoting fibrosis.