cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wave steering in YADDs: a novel non-iterative synthesis and layout technique

In this paper we present a new synthesis and layout approach that avoids the normal iterations between synthesis, technology mapping and layout, and increases routing by abutment. It produces shorter and more predictable delays, and sometimes even layouts with reduced areas. This scheme equalizes delays along different paths, which makes low granularity pipelining a reality, and hence we can clock these circuits at much higher frequencies, compared to what is possible in a conventionally designed circuit. Since any circuit can be clocked at a fixed rate, this method does not require timing-driven synthesis. We propose the logic and layout synthesis schemes and algorithms, discuss the physical layout part of the process, and support our methodology with simulation results.
Further Limiting Bisphenol A In Food Uses Could Provide Health And Economic Benefits

There is mounting evidence that bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and the linings of aluminum cans, may have adverse health consequences. The Food and Drug Administration has banned BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups but has deferred further action on other food uses—that is, uses in metal-based food and beverage containers. This article quantifies the potential social costs of childhood obesity and adult coronary heart disease attributable to BPA exposure in the United States in 2008 and models the potential health and economic benefits associated with replacing BPA in all food uses. BPA exposure was estimated to be associated with 12,404 cases of childhood obesity and 33,863 cases of newly incident coronary heart disease, with estimated social costs of $2.98 billion in 2008. Removing BPA from food uses might prevent 6,236 cases of childhood obesity and 22,350 cases of newly incident coronary heart disease per year, with potential annual economic benefits of...
Holding Power of Orthopedic Screws in Equine Third Metacarpal and Metatarsal Bones: Part II. Adult Horse Bone

Comparison was made of the holding power of 5.5 and 4.5 mm cortical orthopedic screws inserted into third metacarpal and metatarsal cadaver bones from 3- and 8-year-old horses. The tensile strength of these screws was tested mechanically. In nine comparative trials of these screws, 5.5 mm screws pulled out of bone in five trials at an average of 116.0 kg tensile force and broke in four trials at an average of 1383.2 kg. A 4.5 mm screw pulled out of bone at 834.5 kg in one trial, and screws broke at an average of 849.2 kg in eight trials. The larger 5.5 mm screw required a significantly greater (p = 0.022) pullout force than the mean force at 4.5 mm screw breakage. Fixation failure was due to screw breakage or bone shear, with 5.5 mm screws occasionally creating bone fragmentation during pullout. The average tensile breaking strengths of the 5.5 mm screws (1391.4 kg) and 4.5 mm screws (832.7 kg) determined mechanically were similar to forces at screw breakage during pullout testing in bone. Since the 5.5 mm screws have greater holding power and tensile strength than 4.5 mm screws, the use of the 5.5 mm screw in fracture repair in adult horses is recommended.
Personal radio systems and applications

This paper is a discussion of the system aspects of radio systems designed to use the new types of Personal Radio Equipments which have been, and are being, introduced to the market in increasing numbers and types. Several actual applications are discussed. These examples cover the two basic types of equipment now in use, which are two-way non-selective call units, and one-way selective calling paging units. The basic capabilities of the personal equipment are examined insofar as they pertain to Personal Radio System Design. The limitation and advantage of this equipment as well as the new uses and applications of this equipment are treated.
Transient buoyancy-induced three-dimensional flows in slender enclosures with coaxial heated cylinder

Abstract The mechanisms of temperature-driven flows inside a non-uniform finite annulus of horizontal or vertical orientation have been numerically investigated. The system is actually a streamlined, water- or air-filled latex balloon with a coaxial cylindrical heating element with variable heat shield temperature distributions. It can be applied as a local hyperthermia treatment device for the removal of undesirable tissues; for example, as an endometrial ablator. An experimentally validated control volume-based method has been employed to solve the coupled transient three-dimensional (3-D) transport equations for laminar free convection. Of interest are the effects of working fluid, device orientation and heat shield temperature distribution on the fluid flow fields which greatly determine the system's efficiency.
Existence of localized excitations in nonlinear Hamiltonian lattices.

We consider time-periodic nonlinear localized excitations (NLE's) on one-dimensional translationally invariant Hamiltonian lattices with an arbitrary finite interaction range and an arbitrary finite number of degrees of freedom per unit cell. We analyze a mapping of the Fourier coefficients of the NLE solution. NLE's correspond to homoclinic points in the phase space of this map. Using dimensionality properties of separatrix manifolds of mapping we show the persistence of NLE solutions under perturbations of the system, provided that the NLE's exist for the given system. For a class of nonintegrable Fermi-Pasta-Ulam chains, we rigorously prove the existence of NLE solutions.
The implementation and evaluation of KEEP SLS: an eportfolio system supporting social constructive learning

Traditional ePortfolio systems are usually used as an individual learning unit, or an assessment tool in education. However, these systems' often lack social constructive learning features such as sharing, peer review, and group collaboration. This paper describes a new ePortfolio system that supports both personal and social constructive learning, and reports on its implementation and evaluation in a Management Information Systems course. Student surveys and interviews showed that students found the software easy to use and beneficial to learning and knowledge sharing. This paper also discusses design problems in current e-learning systems and reasons for promoting both personal and social constructive learning supports in e-learning systems.
A Dyadic Study of Interpersonal Information Search

Although interpersonal word-of-mouth communication, by definition, takes place between two people, rarely has the phenomenon of word of mouth been studied using both members of the dyad. Building on the literature, this article offers a model of active interpersonal information search that is tested by using a method in which information seeker and source perceptions were obtained. Source characteristics were important determinants of interpersonal influence, but seeker characteristics also played an important role. Interestingly, it proved useful to distinguish between demographic and attitudinal homophily of seeker and source as the former was inversely and the latter directly related to interpersonal influence.
Effects of intravenous lidocaine overdose on cardiac electrical activity and blood pressure in the horse.

This study aimed to identify blood serum lidocaine concentrations in the horse which resulted in clinical signs of intoxication, and to document the effects of toxic levels on the cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary systems. Nineteen clinically normal mature horses of mixed breed, age and sex were observed. Lidocaine administration was initiated in each subject with an i.v. loading dose of 1.5 mg/kg bwt and followed by continuous infusion of 0.3 mg/kg bwt/min until clinical signs of intoxication were observed. Intoxication was defined as the development of skeletal muscle tremors. Prior to administration of lidocaine, blood samples for lidocaine analysis, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate and electrocardiographic (ECG) data were collected. After recording baseline data, repeat data were collected at 5 min intervals until signs of intoxication were observed. The range of serum lidocaine concentrations at which the clinical signs of intoxication were observed was 1.85-4.53 microg/ml (mean +/- s.d. 3.24 +/- 0.74 microg/ml). Statistically significant changes in P wave duration, P-R interval, R-R interval and Q-T interval were observed in comparison to control values, as a result of lidocaine administration. These changes in ECG values did not fall outside published normal values and were not clinically significant. Heart rate, blood pressures and respiratory rates were unchanged from control values. This study establishes toxic serum lidocaine levels in the horse, and demonstrates that there were no clinically significant cardiovascular effects with serum lidocaine concentrations less than those required to produce signs of toxicity.
Understanding subsistence marketplaces: Toward sustainable consumption and commerce for a better world

Abstract This article provides the background and the events leading up to this special issue, and the composition of articles that follow. This special issue includes articles that take a bottom-up approach in understanding and explaining subsistence marketplaces, focusing on individual, communal, and cultural factors that influence consumers and entrepreneurs who live at or near subsistence, and who comprise a majority of the world's population. This bottom-up focus is distinct and complementary to the macro-level economic development and mid-level business strategy (e.g., base of the pyramid) approaches to the role of business in poverty alleviation. This special issue consists largely of papers based on presentations at the second subsistence marketplace conference held in Chicago in 2008, with articles and essays reflecting a healthy commingling of disciplinary perspectives that cuts across social and commercial enterprises.
Control of arm movement using population of neurons

Movements of the human arm in a horizontal plane are very stereotyped in the sense that the corresponding paths are mainly straight lines and the velocity profiles are ''bell-shaped like'' functions. A dynamics of two link model of the human arm has been studied with the goal of synthesizing the torques which accomplish the desired transfer. The parameters of the desired trajectory, as well as the system variables, are encoded using populations of a different number of neurons. The driving torques are generated from the corresponding activities using an optimal decoding rule.
Parent interest in a school-based, school nurse-led weight management program.

Because one in three children is already overweight or obese, school-based interventions targeting secondary obesity prevention merit consideration. This study assessed parent interest in participa...
Gradient modeling: A new approach to fire modeling and wilderness resource management

Managers of wilderness resources must maintain, preserve, and sometimes restore pristine ecosystems while providing for public use and enjoyment of these areas. These managers require a resource information system that can store, retrieve and integrate basic data, synthesize components to solve particular problems, and provide simulations and predictions of natural processes and management actions. Traditional information systems based on land classification and type-mapping do not provide these capabilities. Gradient modeling, a new approach to resource management and forest fire simulation, has been developed to meet these needs in Glacier National Park. The method links four major components: (1) a terrestrial site inventory coded from aerial photographs that offers 10-m resolution; (2) gradient models of vegetation and fuel that derive quantitative stand compositional data from the parameters stored in the coded inventory; (3) a fuel moisture and microclimate model that extrapolates basestation weather data to remote sites using the parameters stored in the inventory; and (4) fire behavior and fire ecology models that integrate the data from the inventory and models to calculate real-time fire behavior and ecological succession following a fire.
All KLH preparations are not created equal

Abstract Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) preparations used for dermal testing in human volunteers may contain factors which elicit false positive reactions. These factors can be associated with the hemolymph collection procedure and possibly to a change in collection beds by the limpet supplier. Rapid collection of hemolymph from animals obtained from specified limpet beds resulted in KLH which produced negligible dermal reactivity in normal individuals.
Comment and Reply on ‘Mesozoic evolution, hinterland of the Sevier orogenic belt’COMMENT

Allmendinger and Jordan (1981) have attempted to relate plutonism, metamorphism, and thrusting in the Cordillera by interpreting selected features of the Sevier hinterland. Although the pros and cons of their large-scale speculations have been previously discussed (Burchfiel and Davis, 1975; Hamilton, 1978), the specifics of their Jurassic and Cretaceous scenario behind the thrust belt invite comment.
The use of capillary electrophoresis to monitor Maillard reaction products (MRP) by glyceraldehyde and the epsilon amino group of lysine

Abstract Capillary electrophoresis (CE) was used to monitor the formation of Maillard reaction products (MRP) from the reaction of glyceraldehyde (GA) with the epsilon amino group of lysine using N -α-acetyl- l -lysine (20 mM) at 37°C. Major components were separated by capillary CE using a bare capillary and detected by UV spectroscopy, at 214 nm. CE electropherograms demonstrated formation of different MRP species when conditions were varied. CE analysis was simple, rapid and needed no sample preparation.
Modulation of tight junction morphology and permeability by an epithelial factor.

We report evidence of a factor secreted at the apical side of epithelial monolayers which modulates tight junction structure and permeability. This activity was detected within 4–7 days of conditioning of the apical medium by MDCK, A6 or Caco-2 epithelial cell lines cultured on permeable membranes in bipartite chambers. Apical conditioned medium (ACM), applied to the basolateral surface of a confluent monolayer, increased the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), progressively reaching values 12–22% higher than the baseline within 5–10 min. After 40–60 min, the TER returned slowly to the basal value. This phenomenon was not observed either when using preheated ACM or the ACM filtrate obtained through a 30,000 MW cutoff membrane. The ACM maintained its activity even when applied to cell lines from different organs and species, as demonstrated when ACM from MDCK monolayers promoted an increase of 22% in the TER of Caco-2 cells. The increase of TER induced by the ACM treatment is accompanied by a change in the distribution of the number of tight junction strands, from an initial pattern, dominated mostly by junctions with one or two strands, to a new pattern after treatment dominated by junctions with two or three strands. Our results suggest the existence of a mechanism in epithelial cells that could signal leakage of apically secreted components to the basolateral side, thereby modulating the junction structure and permeability.
661 CORRECTION OF BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID DEFICIENCY WITH INTRAVENOUS FAT IN SICK PREMATURE INFANTS

In order to determine whether biochemical indices of essential fatty acid deficiency could be corrected in the first week of life, six premature infants with ventilator-dependent RDS were infused with Intralipid at doses increasing from 0.5 to 2.0 g/kg/d for 18/24 hours on days 2-7 of life. Oxygenatlon was continuously monitored. Serum triglycerides (TG) and multiple measure of bilirubin binding were also monitored prior to and 6 hrs after the initiation of the lipid infusion. Total plasma lipid fatty acid (FA) composition was assessed daily 4-6 hrs after stopping the previous day's infusion. A linear model can be used to predict the plasma level of 18:2 based on the preceding two days' intake of 18:2; a curvilinear model describes the dependence on cummulative intake. We conclude that this dosage schedule closely approximates the FA pattern observed in enterally fed infants during the first week of life.
Proton-nucleus scattering at intermediate energies

Abstract A survey is presented of recent (1977–79) results, both experimental and theoretical, in the study of proton-nucleus scattering at intermediate energies. Studies of proton elastic and inelastic scattering, the (p, d) reaction, and other proton-nucleus reactions will be discussed; and emphasis will be placed on the extraction of nuclear structure information from the data.
Irregular microspore formation inDatura innoxia and its relevance to anther culture

Meiotic irregularities in pollen mother cells ofDatura innoxia lead to the formation of diploid (uninucleate) spores, and to multinucleate spores containing 2, 3 or 4 haploid nuclei. At the free microspore stage, irregular spores form three distinct size-classes having mean diameters of 46 (class II), 52 (III) and 64 (IV) ⧎m, compared with 36 Μm (I) for regular haploid spores. At the beginning of flowering, irregular spores account for about 0.8% (400–450) of the total pollen per anther, but the frequency increases with plant age, and towards the end of flowering, it may be as high as 8%. Irregular spores give rise either to non-haploid pollen grains (2 n, 3 n, 4 n) consisting of one generative and one vegetative nucleus, or to multinucleate pollen grains containing several generative and vegetative nuclei which may be of the same or of different ploidy.
Theoretical Justification of Wavelength Selection in PLS Calibration : Development of a New Algorithm

The mathematical basis of improved calibration through selection of informative variables for partial least-squares calibration has been identified. A theoretical investigation of calibration slopes indicates that including uninformative wavelengths negatively affect calibrations by producing both large relative bias toward zero and small additive bias away from the origin. These theoretical results are found regardless of the noise distribution in the data. Studies are performed to confirm this result using a previously used selection method compared to a new method, which is designed to perform more appropriately when dealing with data having large outlying points by including estimates of spectral residuals. Three different data sets are tested with varying noise distributions. In the first data set, Gaussian and log-normal noise was added to simulated data which included a single peak. Second, near-infrared spectra of glucose in cell culture media taken with an FT-IR spectrometer were analyzed. Finally, dispersive Raman Stokes spectra of glucose dissolved in water were assessed. In every case considered here, improved prediction is produced through selection, but data with different noise characteristics showed varying degrees of improvement depending on the selection method used. The practical results showed that, indeed, including residuals into ranking criteria improves selection for data with noise distributions resulting in large outliers. It was concluded that careful design of a selection algorithm should include consideration of spectral noise distributions in the input data to increase the likelihood of successful and appropriate selection.
Mass-spectrometric study of a pseudo-“polywater”

Abstract Material resembling “anomalous water” was prepared in fused silica capillaries by the Derjaguin method. A mass-spectrometric study showed this material to be mainly polydimethylsiloxane, which is commonly found in silicone compounds.
Absence and retention of small bowel gas in infants with midgut volvulus: Mechanisms and significance

The radiographic pattern ofhigh intestinal obstruction — gastric and duodenal distension with absence of small bowel gas (ASBG) or a completely gasless abdomen — may be present in infants with midgut volvulus. In most instances, ASBG is associated with viable small bowel. However, when associated with abdominal distension and tenderness ASBG usually reflectsstrangulated midgut volvulus and bowel necrosis.
Propagation of local decohering action in distributed quantum systems

We study propagation of the decohering influence caused by a local measurement performed on a distributed quantum system. As an example, the gas of bosons forming a Bose-Einstein condensate is considered. We demonstrate that the local decohering perturbation exerted on the measured region propagates over the system in the form of a decoherence wave, whose dynamics is governed by elementary excitations of the system. We argue that the post-measurement evolution of the system (determined by elementary excitations) is of importance for transfer of decoherence, while the initial collapse of the wave function has negligible impact on the regions that are not directly affected by the measurement. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
A Binary Tree Classifier for Ship Targets

This paper describes the design of a binary tree classifier for ship targets. The design methodology is general enough so that it can be utilized for other classification problems. A hierarchical clustering procedure is employed to i) discover the underlying structure of data, and ii) construct the binary tree skeleton. The best feature subset, at each nonterminal node of the tree skeleton, is selected through a multivariate stepwise procedure which attempts to maximize the class separability. Further, this stepwise approach continues, until the probability of error at each nonterminal node with respect to a quadratic discriminant function is minimized. The proposed tree classifier has been evaluated against 1300 samples and classification accuracy of 85% versus 62% for the single stage classifier is achieved.
Effect of Z-164D on Grinding Efficiency of Oolitic Hematite and its Mechanism

The effect of Z-164D dispersant on the grinding efficiency of oolitic hematite was studied. The content of-0.074 mm in the ground product was increased by 30.15% by using Z-164D dispersant which weight was 2% of oolitic hematite compared without using any dispersant under the optimal technological conditions of the grinding aid experiment. It was considered that the content of-0.074 mm in the ground product was increased by 26.52% by using Z-164D dispersant which weight was 1%, so it was confirmed that the weight of Z-164D dispersant was 1% of oolitic hematite from the perspective of economic benefit finally. On this basis, the absorption characteristics of the Z-164D on the oolitic hematite surface which could change the pulp viscosity and the surface experience of particles were studied and the mechanism how Z-164D dispersant improved the grinding efficiency of oolitic hematite was revealed.
Existential(ist) Echos: Bad Faith Poetics in Pascual Duarte and his Family

This article studies the existentialist quality of Camilo Jose Cela’s La familia de Pascual Duarte (1942). Through a close textual reading, I argue that Cela’s novel produces a bad faith discourse which showcases man’s sovereignty. Although earlier critical studies have debated the novel’s existential, tremendismo and/or naturalist qualities, they have unanimously overlooked how Pascual Duarte’s bad faith readdresses humanity’s tragic absurdity. My analysis contends that the hyper-brutality of Cela’s novel, far from substantiating neonaturalist rationalizations about the protagonist’s sociopathic behavior, instead uncovers Pascual’s le neant. Moreover, this negativity on the part of the Galician’s novel redefines 1940s social realism, as man is revealed to be the sum of his conscious actions.
Distribution of instances of disfluency in consecutive readings of different passages by nonstutterers.

Fourteen adult male nonstutterers read five passages. The order in which the passages were read was randomly determined for each subject. The mean number of instances of disfluency during each of t...
All in due time: The development of trust in computer-mediated and face-to-face teams

This study examines the development of trust and cooperation in computer-mediated and face-to-face teams. Fifty-two, three-person teams worked on a mixed-motive task over a 3-week period using computer-mediated or face-to-face interaction. Results showed that trust started lower in computer-mediated teams but increased to levels comparable to those in face-to-face teams over time. Furthermore, this pattern of results also held for teams that switched from face-to-face to electronic media and vice versa. Content analysis showed that high levels of inflammatory remarks were associated with slow trust development in computer-mediated teams. The results challenge prevailing assumptions about how trust develops in distributed teams and suggest modifications to established theories of computer-mediated communication.
High-resolution structure of human D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

GAPDH (d-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) is a multifunctional protein that is a target for the design of antitrypanosomatid and anti-apoptosis drugs. Here, the first high-resolution (1.75 A) structure of a human GAPDH is reported. The structure shows that the intersubunit selectivity cleft that has been leveraged in the design of antitrypanosomatid compounds is closed in human GAPDH. Modeling of an anti-trypanosomatid GAPDH inhibitor in the human GAPDH active site provides insights into the basis for the observed selectivity of this class of inhibitor. Moreover, the high-resolution data reveal a new feature of the cleft: water-mediated intersubunit hydrogen bonds that assist closure of the cleft in the human enzyme. The structure is used in a computational ligand-docking study of the small-molecule compound CGP-3466, which inhibits apoptosis by preventing nuclear accumulation of GAPDH. Plausible binding sites are identified in the adenosine pocket of the NAD+-binding site and in a hydrophobic channel located in the center of the tetramer near the intersection of the three molecular twofold axes. The structure is also used to build a qualitative model of the complex between GAPDH and the E3 ubiquitin ligase Siah1. The model suggests that the convex surface near GAPDH Lys227 interacts with a large shallow groove of the Siah1 dimer. These results are discussed in the context of the recently discovered NO–S-nitrosylation–GAPDH–Siah1 apoptosis cascade.
The acoustic–perceptual salience of nasal place contrasts

Abstract This study examined the perception of the typologically frequent /m/-/n/ contrast and the less common /n/-/ŋ/ contrast in syllable-onset position. In an acoustic study of [ma], [na], and [ŋa] tokens as spoken by three native speakers of Filipino (Experiment 1), both static (F2 and F3 values measured at the nasal–vowel juncture) and dynamic (rms energy change from murmur to vowel onset) measures showed that [na] tokens are more similar to [ŋa] than to [ma]. To test whether the acoustic similarity led to corresponding perceptual effects, native English and Filipino listeners were presented Filipino [ma]-[na] and [na]-[ŋa] pairs in a discrimination test (Experiment 2). English listeners showed a non-native effect, accurately discriminating the [ma]-[na] distinction while performing at chance on [na]-[ŋa]. Interestingly, Filipino listeners showed the same pattern of performance, albeit at a more moderate level. The performance of Filipino listeners in Experiment 2 was interpreted as originating from the acoustic similarity between /na/ and /ŋa/. To draw out the effects of the varying perceptual salience of the two contrasts, in Experiments 3 and 4 Filipino listeners were presented with the same contrasts (with the addition of [ma]-[ŋa] in Experiment 4) for discrimination in three listening conditions: no additive noise, 0 and −5 dB SNR. Listeners’ discriminations of the [ma]-[na] and [ma]-[ŋa] contrasts remained near ceiling levels across the three conditions, while performance on [na]-[ŋa] fell to near chance in the noisiest condition. Taken together, these results are suggestive of a role for acoustic–perceptual salience in the distribution of nasal place contrasts in the world's languages, reflecting acoustically robust and perceptually distinct contrasts over those that are acoustically similar and perceptually confusable.
Male gamete output of asexuals and the dynamics of populations polymorphic for reproductive mode

Most asexual plants retain male sexual function, albeit at levels much lower than their sexual counterparts. This phenomenon has not typically received full representation in mathematical models of the cost of sex. We formulate and analyze a genetic model of reproductive mode in order to study the evolutionary dynamics of populations consisting of both sexual and asexual individuals. Our model incorporates levels of production and fertility of male gametes produced by individuals that are asexual in their female function, that vary from zero to a level equal to that in a sexual individual. This encompasses a range of naturally occurring situations that has been beyond the scope of most previous theoretical studies. We show that the cost of sex is frequency-dependent in many biologically relevant situations. Consequently, the fitness advantage needed for sexuals to resist invasion by asexuals may frequently be much less than twofold. However, the fitness advantage required for sexuals successfully to invade an asexual population may be much higher. Moreover, the viability/fertility advantage required by sexuals to equal the fitness of asexuals is not necessarily equal to the intrinsic cost of sex, but may be greater when asexual individuals produce fertile male gametes. We also show that panmictic populations cannot be stably polymorphic for reproductive mode when fitnesses are constant, and that the conditions for the fixation of sexual or asexual genotypes are not affected by the degree of dominance at the locus determining reproductive mode. With frequency-dependence, and no possibility of stable polymorphism, the reproductive mode that finally evolves will, in many cases, depend upon the initial frequencies of asexual and sexual individuals.
Dural arteriovenous fistula: diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the sensitivity of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) compared to the gold standard, conventional carotid angiography, in the diagnosis of a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). Further objectives include identifying outcomes of treatment and complications as a function of pretreatment radiologic classification. Study Design: This is a retrospective review of adults diagnosed with a DAVF between 1990 and 2006. Methods: Data collected included age, gender, presenting clinical symptoms, diagnostic imaging modalities (conventional angiography, CTA, and/or MRA), interventions (self-compression of artery, embolization, craniotomy, or a combination of these), results (symptoms resolved, improved, or same), and complications (embolic or surgical). All DAVFs were classified according to the Cognard classification. Results: There were a total of 46 patients with 51 fistulas, of whom 42 patients (46 fistulas) had complete follow-up data. Using conventional angiography as the gold standard, CTA had a sensitivity of 15.4%, whereas MRA had a sensitivity of 50%. Embolization (either single or multiple treatments) was the most common treatment, being done in 36/46 (78%) fistulas. Presenting symptoms were resolved or improved in 45/46 fistulas (97.8%) regardless of treatment or Cognard classification. There were complications in 12/46 (26%) patients, most of which were transient and resolved without permanent sequelae. Conclusions: A DAVF is a vascular lesion that is best diagnosed with conventional angiography, but can often be found with MRA. Treatment with endovascular embolization is effective and has few significant complications. Laryngoscope, 119:293–297, 2009
Energetic Polymer Salts from 1-Vinyl-1,2,4-triazole Derivatives

Energetic polymers salts from 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole derivatives have been synthesized via free radical polymerization of 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazolium monomer salts or by protonation of poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) with inorganic or organic acids. Standard enthalpies of formation of the new monomer salts were calculated using the computationally feasible DFT(B3LYP) and MP2 methods in conjunction with an empirical approach based on densities of salts. Compared with the monomer salts, the polymer salts have good thermal properties with high densities > 1.5 g cm -3 .
Improved ant colony optimization algorithms for determining project critical paths

In project management, a project can be represented as a network in two ways; namely, activity-on-arc (AoA) and activity-on-node (AoN). Two recent papers have shown that ant colony optimization (ACO) could find critical path(s) in projects represented as AoA networks. This paper points out that the number and placement of logical dummy activities associated with AoA-based networks can pose serious problems. To get around the problems, an ACO technique based on AoN networks is then proposed. For comparison, the two existing AoA-based ACO algorithms were reproduced and modified into AoN-based algorithms. Moreover, the proposed ACO algorithm was applied to AoA networks as well. All six algorithms were tested with several benchmark problems. The test results strongly indicate that AoN-based ACO algorithms are more effective and efficient in finding critical paths than AoA-based algorithms.
Addition of lithiated 5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dithiane to benzaldehyde: HMPA-controlled trans stereoselectivity.

Addition of 5-substituted dithianyl anions to carbonyl compounds normally produces trans adducts. The presence of a nucleophilic hydroxymethyl group in position 5 dramatically decreases the trans stereoselectivity of the reaction in THF. The trans/cis ratio shows a bell curve dependence on HMPA, fitted to a quantitative model involving a series of equilibrated ion pairs, of which an intermediate contact ion pair possessing three (effective) HMPA molecules yields the trans adduct with much higher stereoselectivity.
APPLICATIONS OF MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES IN BIOMEDICINE

The physical principles underlying some current biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles are reviewed. Starting from well-known basic concepts, and drawing on examples from biology and biomedicine, the relevant physics of magnetic materials and their responses to applied magnetic fields are surveyed. The way these properties are controlled and used is illustrated with reference to (i) magnetic separation of labelled cells and other biological entities; (ii) therapeutic drug, gene and radionuclide delivery; (iii) radio frequency methods for the catabolism of tumours via hyperthermia; and (iv) contrast enhancement agents for magnetic resonance imaging applications. Future prospects are also discussed.
INFERENCE FOR STEP-STRESS ACCELERATED LIFE TESTS

Abstract In this paper we consider the more realistic aspect of accelerated life testing wherein the stress on an unfailed item is allowed to increase at a preassigned test time. Such tests are known as step-stress tests. Our approach is nonparametric in that we do not make any assumptions about the underlying distribution of life lengths. We introduce a model for step-stress testing which is based on the ideas of shock models and of wear processes. This model unifies and generalizes two previously proposed models for step-stress testing. We propose an estimator for the life distribution under use conditions stress and show that this estimator is strongly consistent.
Influence of cuticular structure on the appearance of artificially waxed ‘Delicious’ apple fruit☆

Abstract Irregularities in cuticle structure were studied in relation to finish quality of cultivar ‘Delicious’ apple fruit ( Malus domestica Borkh.). The undisturbed cuticle surface was covered by wax platelets visible with scanning electron microscopy as a film on the fruit surface. Polishing this surface disrupted the wax and revealed the contour of the underlying structure. A reticulate pattern of cracks that deeply penetrated the cuticle often occurred near the calyx end of the fruit. This irregular nature of the cuticle appeared to be related to the poor appearance of some artificially waxed fruit. The cuticle on the equatorial and pedicel regions of the fruit had less cracking and appeared smooth and planar after polishing in spite of minor scratches. Cuticular cracks occasionally extended over the entire fruit surface. Application of a commercial wax filled in the scratches caused by polishing and improved fruit finish. The wax, however, did not always completely fill in the cracks and other irregularities that caused poor finish quality, therefore the commercial problem was not completely solved.
Zooplankton community composition and copepod grazing on the West Florida Shelf in relation to blooms of Karenia brevis

Abstract Blooms of the toxin producing dinoflagellate Karenia brevis occur routinely on the West Florida Shelf of the Gulf of Mexico. Nutrient supplies are thought to play a large role in the formation and maintenance of these blooms. The role of top-down control has been less well studied, but grazing, or the lack thereof, on these toxic species may also enhance the formation of large biomass blooms in this region. Zooplankton community structure and copepod species composition were analyzed from samples collected on the West Florida Shelf (WFS) during a NOAA funded ECOHAB regional Karenia Nutrient Dynamics project during October 2007–2010. In 2008 there was no statistical difference in the abundance of zooplankton at bloom and non-bloom stations, however in 2009 there was a statistically significant difference (p
Tetracycline-inducible gene expression in Trichomonas vaginalis

Abstract Transient and stable gene delivery systems are available for Trichomonas vaginalis , however, they do not allow regulated expression of target genes. To study essential genes or proteins that are toxic to the cells when over expressed, we have developed an inducible/repressible gene expression system in this parasite, which is driven by the tet-operator ( tetO ) and regulated tetracycline-responsive Tet repressor (TetR). Inducible chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene expression is observed using a concentration of tetracycline (Tc) as low as 0.1 μg ml −1 . Expression increases with drug dose with a maximum level of CAT induction achieved in stable transfectants using 5 μg ml −1 Tc. CAT protein expression is detectable within 12 h and reaches a maximum level at 48 h, demonstrating that inducible expression is time and dose-dependent. In an inverse experiment, parasites previously cultivated with 1 μg ml −1 of Tc for 48 h, were grown in the absence of drug to determine the kinetics of repression. A significant decrease in protein concentration is detected after 48 h, and no detectable protein is observed after 72 h. Experiments replacing the CAT gene with the puromycin N -acetyltransferase (PAC) gene in the Tet regulated expression construct have demonstrated the use of this system for testing putative toxic and essential genes. The establishment of regulated gene expression of exogenous genes in T. vaginalis represents a crucial step towards determining the function of proteins in this divergent parasite.
High-resolution structures of the ligand binding domain of the wild-type bacterial aspartate receptor.

The high-resolution structures of the wild-type periplasmic domain of the bacterial aspartate receptor have been determined in the absence and presence of bound aspartate to 1.85 and 2.2 A resolution, respectively. As we reported earlier, in the refined structure of the complexed form of the crosslinked cysteine mutant receptor, the binding of the aspartate at the first site was mediated through four bridging water molecules while the second site showed an occupant electron density that best fit a sulfate group, which was present in the crystallization solution at high concentration. In the wild-type periplasmic domain structure two aspartate residues are bound per dimer, but with different occupancies. There exists a “strong” aspartate-binding site whose binding is again mediated by four water molecules while the second site contains aspartate whoseB-factor is about 10% higher, signifying weaker binding. The interaction between the second, “weaker” aspartate with the three ligand-binding arginine side-chains is slightly different from the first site. The major difference is that there are three water molecules mediating the binding of aspartate at the second site, whereas in the first site there are four bridging water molecules. The fact that aspartate-complexed crystals of the wild-type were grown with a large excess aspartate while the cross-linked crystals were grown with equal molar aspartate may explain the difference in the stoichiometry observed. The conservation of the four bridging water molecules in the strong aspartate site of both the cross-linked and wild-type periplasmic domain may reflect an important binding motif. The periplasmic domain in the apo form is a symmetrical dimer, in which each of the subunits is equivalent, and the two aspartate binding sites are identical. Upon the binding of aspartate, the subunits are no longer symmetrical. The main difference between the aspartate-bound and unbound forms is in a small, rigid-body rotation between the subunits within a dimer. The rotation is similar in both direction and magnitude in the crosslinked and wild-type periplasmic domains. The presence of the second aspartate in the wild-type structure does not make any additional rotation compared to the single-site binding. The conservation of the small angular changein vitrosuggests that the inter-subunit rotation may have relevance to the understanding of the mechanism of transmembrane signal transductionin vivo.
Competence to Stand Trial: A Neuropsychological Inquiry

How might the deconstruction of the legal theory of competence be related to modern neuropsychological models of cognition? To address this question, we examined retrospectively the relationship between clinical judgments of competence of defendants committed to a maximum security psychiatric facility and their neuropsychological test scores on measures of intelligence, memory, attention, academics, and executive function. In addition, based on both neuropsychological and legal theory, we examined whether subtypes of memory, namely episodic and semantic, and intelligence, specifically social intelligence, would have special relevance to these clinical judgments of competence. Results indicated that in relation to the defendants recommended as incompetent to stand trial (IST), defendants recommended as competent to stand trial (CST) scored significantly higher on summary indexes of psychometric intelligence, attention, and memory, especially verbal memory, but not significantly higher on tests of academics or executive function. Moreover, CST defendants scored significantly higher than did IST defendants on selective tests of episodic memory and social intelligence, but not on measures of semantic memory. Partial correlation also revealed a significant relationship between the likelihood of an IST recommendation and lower scores on tests of episodic memory and social intelligence, but not on measures of semantic memory. These findings illustrate the theoretical import of neuropsychological methods and concepts to the burgeoning nomological net known as competence.
Carotid stenting with embolic protection: evolutionary advances.

Stroke is one of the most significant causes of death and morbidity worldwide. Atherosclerotic stenosis of the extracranial internal carotid artery has been invoked as a common causative factor for stroke in over 20% of patients. Although medical therapy can help to prevent the onset and progression of carotid arteriosclerosis, open surgical carotid endarterectomy has been the gold standard for treating severe blockage. Carotid artery stenting has recently demonstrated efficacy in stroke prevention from atherosclerosis, and in high-risk surgical subgroups, has been shown to be associated with a reduction in the risk of myocardial infarction. The controversy for carotid stenting surrounds the incidence of periprocedural stroke. Will embolic protection devices (EPDs) decrease this risk? EPDs continue to evolve with various engineering strategies directed at increasing the efficiency of protection. There are two major categories of EPDs: distal occlusion, either with balloons (e.g., Percusurge, Medtronic Cor...
A bandwidth unlimited fast frequency sweep algorithm for electromagnetic analysis

Existing fast frequency sweep techniques involve approximations, the application of which is limited to either a finite band width or lossless problems. A new fast frequency sweep algorithm is proposed in this work. This algorithm has no limitation in effective bandwidth. In addition, it is applicable to general electromagnetic problems that involve both lossless and lossy inhomogeneous materials and arbitrarily shaped 3-D structures. Numerical experiments have demonstrated its validity.
A monolithic integrated 4-GHz amplifier

Monolithic GaAs MESFET integrated voltage amplifier stages with 7dB gain from dc to 4GHz, and 12dB gain from dc to 2.5GHz will be reported. A three-stage amplifier with variable frequency peaking shows a maximum of 28dB gain at 2GHz.
Demonstration of the antimyoclonic effect of 1-hydroxy-3-amino-pyrrolidone-2 (HA-966) using a new animal model

Abstract Comparatively high doses of muscimol induces myoclonic jerks in a particular strain of mice. 1-Hydroxy-3-amino-pyrrolidone-2 (HA-966) in doses of 1–10 mg/kg caused a dose-dependent blockade of this response of muscimol. Our earlier studies showed that the muscimol-induced myoclinic jerks fulfill certain criteria necessary to be considered as a valid animal model for postanoxic action myoclonus. On this basis it was concluded that HA-966 might prove to be of value in the management of this disorder.
Online Reactions to the Muhammad Cartoons: YouTube and the Virtual Ummah

The publication of 12 cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad by the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten on September 30, 2005, created a great deal of controversy over self-censorship, freedom of speech, and accusations of religious incitement. Muslim activists organized protests, and later hundreds of people were killed and hundreds of others were injured due to violent reactions to the cartoons. This article focuses on how people used YouTube to react to these cartoons by analyzing 261 video clips and 4,153 comments. Results show that the majority of the video clips and comments were moderate and positive in tone toward Islam and Muhammad; however, a small percentage either called for jihad against the West or made lethal threats against the artist. Other comments carried curses or insults against Denmark, while a few others were anti-Islamic. The fact that these online reactions were highly varied in tone suggests that the online public sphere is very much divided.
A novel linearization technique for linear/pseudo-linear RF CMOS power amplifiers

A novel linearization technique for linear and pseudo-linear CMOS power amplifiers (PAs) is presented. The proposed technique uses the third-order harmonic of the PA output to generate a signal, which compensates the nonlinear component at the fundamental frequency of the PA output. The reconstructed signal is then subtracted from the output of the PA to cancel out its nonlinear component. A class-AB CMOS power amplifier, incorporating this technique, is designed and fabricated in a standard 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process. Experimental results of this class-AB PA at 900 MHz are presented. A two-tone test with frequency spacing of 1 MHz shows a 12-dB reduction of the IMD3 component.