cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient formulation and model-order reduction for the transient simulation of three-dimensional VLSI interconnect

Accurately accounting for three-dimensional (3-D) geometry and distributed RC effects in on-chip interconnect is important for predicting crosstalk in memory cells, analog circuits, and regions of congested routing in digital circuits. In this paper we describe a multipole-accelerated, mixed surface-volume formulation, and a preconditioned model-order reduction algorithm for distributed RC, or electroquasistatic, simulation of 3-D integrated circuit interconnect. The difficulties arising from the ill conditioning inherent in the dynamic problem is effectively resolved by a combined surface-volume approach. Results are presented to demonstrate that the computational cost for extracting a complete reduced-order model is order N, where N is the number of surface unknowns. Finally, the multipole-accelerated code is used to investigate the accuracy of the one-dimensional diffusion equation for long RC lines.
Using multiple survey vendors to collect health outcomes information: How accurate are the data?

To measure and assess health outcomes and quality of life at the national level, large-scale surveys using multiple vendors to gather health information is becoming the norm. This study evaluates the ability of multiple survey vendors to gather and report data collected as part of the 1998 Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (HOS). Four hundred randomly sampled completed mailed surveys were chosen from each of six certified vendors (N = 2397) participating in the 1998 HOS. The accuracy of the data gathered from the vendors was measured by creating a "gold standard" record for each survey and comparing it to the final record submitted by the vendor. Overall rates of agreement were calculated, and ranged from 97.0% to 99.8% across the vendors. Researchers may be confident that using multiple vendors to gather health outcomes information will yield accurate data.
Manufacturing and Structural Feasibility of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymeric Structural Insulated Panels for Panelized Construction

Natural fibers are emerging in the fields of automobile and aerospace industries to replace the parts such as body panels, seats, and other parts subjected to higher bending strength. In the construction industries, they have the potential to replace the wood and oriented strand boards (OSB) laminates in the structural insulated panels (SIPs). They possess numerous advantages over traditional OSB SIPs such as being environmental friendly, recyclable, energy efficient, inherently flood resistant, and having higher strength and wind resistance. This paper mainly focuses on the manufacturing feasibility and structural characterization of natural fiber reinforced structural insulated panels (NSIPs) using natural fiber reinforced polymeric (NFRP) laminates as skin. To account for the use of natural fibers, the pretreatments are required on natural fibers prior to use in NFRP laminates, and, to address this issue properly, the natural fibers were given bleaching pretreatments. To this end, flexure test and low-velocity impact (LVI) tests were carried out on NSIPs in order to evaluate the response of NSIPs under sudden impact loading and uniform bending conditions typical of residential construction. The paper also includes a comparison of mechanical properties of NSIPs with OSB SIPs and G/PP SIPs. The results showed significant increase in the mechanical properties of resulting NSIP panels mainly a 53% increase in load-carrying capacity compared to OSB SIPs. The bending modulus of NSIPs is 190% higher than OSB SIPs and 70% weight reduction compared to OSB SIPs.
Early and sustained innate immune response defines pathology and death in nonhuman primates infected by highly pathogenic influenza virus

The mechanisms responsible for the virulence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and of the 1918 pandemic influenza virus in humans remain poorly understood. To identify crucial components of the early host response during these infections by using both conventional and functional genomics tools, we studied 34 cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) to compare a 2004 human H5N1 Vietnam isolate with 2 reassortant viruses possessing the 1918 hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) surface proteins, known conveyors of virulence. One of the reassortants also contained the 1918 nonstructural (NS1) protein, an inhibitor of the host interferon response. Among these viruses, HPAI H5N1 was the most virulent. Within 24 h, the H5N1 virus produced severe bronchiolar and alveolar lesions. Notably, the H5N1 virus targeted type II pneumocytes throughout the 7-day infection, and induced the most dramatic and sustained expression of type I interferons and inflammatory and innate immune genes, as measured by genomic and protein assays. The H5N1 infection also resulted in prolonged margination of circulating T lymphocytes and notable apoptosis of activated dendritic cells in the lungs and draining lymph nodes early during infection. While both 1918 reassortant viruses also were highly pathogenic, the H5N1 virus was exceptional for the extent of tissue damage, cytokinemia, and interference with immune regulatory mechanisms, which may help explain the extreme virulence of HPAI viruses in humans.
ORGANIZING THE MEXICAN‐AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN TEXAS: THE LEGACY OF SAUL ALINSKY

This paper examines the political activities of the Industrial Area's Foundation (IAF) network in Texas. Two major research questions are addressed. The first is whether or not the political program of the IAF can empower the Mexican-American community and influence the policy-making process. The second is whether or not their efforts can have a lasting impact on the social and economic problems that plague the Mexican-American population. The evidence put forth reveals that the IAF network has been successful in mobilizing the Mexican-American com- munity and has established a significant record of political vitories. Despite these gains, however, there is reason to doubt the network's ability to counter larger structural problems facing minority communities such as poverty and unemployment. Questions concerning the future of the IAF's style of neighborhood politics are raised in the context of their political ideology, goals, alliances and the difficulties encountered when organizing the poor.
Fourier transform electrospray ion mobility spectrometry

Abstract The analytical merit of Fourier transform electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometry (FT-ESI-IMS) was investigated. When compared with signal-averaged electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometry (SA-ESI-IMS) an increase in both signal/noise ratio ( S N ) and ion mobility resolving power was observed for the FT mode of operation. Using angiotensin II, glucosamine, n-tetradecylamine and gramicidin s as test compounds, electrospray ion mobility spectra were demonstrated in both modes under identical operating conditions. Both S N and IMS resolving power were measured as a function of gate pulse width. Although S N enhancement using FT was not as great as predicted from ideal conditions, a model was developed to explain this discrepancy. Not only did the FT operating mode enhance S N and IMS resolving power, it also served to evaluate the stability of the electrospray process.
Current Trends in Construction Site Layout Planning

Site personnel or construction workers will spend most of the construction time within construction sites. If construction workers be able to easily and quickly move within the site, it helps to save time and increase productivity as well as safety. Optimizing the cost, safety, and productivity of a project often relies on the optimal planning of the construction site layout. However, site layout planning, unique for each construction project, depends on many variables such as work areas and facility locations. To optimize work place usage and minimize construction conflicts, participants on a project must consider the constraints that each construction project entails. Currently, the concept of an optimized construction site layout has no clear definition, so practitioners do not have specified guidelines or policies that govern the construction site layout. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess current practices for site layout planning and highlight the need for a rule-based approach to evaluating construction site layouts. The results presented in this paper can provide construction firms with a better understanding of why a rule-based system is important in site layout planning.
A SCATTERED LIGHT PHOTOELASTIC METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF TEMPERED STRESSES IN AIRCRAFT WINDSHIELDS

Numerous attempts have been made in the past to determine nondestructively the stresses in tempered glass plates. This paper briefly reviews earlier methods, which only determine the surface stress or the stress at the middle plane, and describes a new scattered light photoelastic technique for determining the stress distribution across the thickness of tempered glass plates. The theory of this new method is developed, and experimental apparatus as well as techniques are described. Experiments were made with an aircraft windshield sample having a three-layer (glass-vinyl-glass) sandwich structure. Photographs of fringe patterns in scattered light are shown and the stress distribution across the thickness of the glass layer is determined.
Alignments and Comparative Profiles of Picornavirus Genera

Genome connoisseurs are always looking for new methods to tweak the data, especially in sequence regions where good fits are harder to achieve or recognize. The previous capsid alignments were based on superimposition of virion crystal structure hydrogen-bonding maps, then extended by multiple, reiterative pairwise comparisons to include similar related sequences. With the HMMER program suite full-length picornavirus genome hidden Markov model (HMM)-profiles (lengths of 8,000 to 9,000 bases) were calculated from the previous alignments. The alignments were checked for consistency, and then refined mathematically and heuristically to (i) maximize the number of matched bases and encoded amino acids, (ii) minimize the location and frequency of indels (insertions/deletions), and (iii) emphasize the conservation of homologous features such as catalytic sites and proteolytic cleavage sites. The current iterations now include genome-length alignments for the seven most populous picornaviral genera (Enterovirus, Rhinovirus, Cardiovirus, Aphthovirus, Hepatovirus, Parechovirus, and Teschovirus) and extend over 173 different strains, providing formats for about 1,000,000 bases. The correlate polyprotein alignments, derived by translation of the aligned RNAs, include about 291,000 amino acids. For eukaryotes, there is very little information about the specific pressures that might shape a given lineage. Certainly, the symmetrical methylation of CG dinucleotides has a unique structural significance in many higher DNA genomes, reducing the value and frequency of this sequence in coding regions.
A 100-MESFET planar grid oscillator

A 100-MESFET oscillator which gives 21 W of CW effective radiated power (ERP) with a 16-dB directivity and a 20% DC-to-RF conversion efficiency at 5 GHz is presented. The oscillator is a planar grid structure periodically loaded with transistors. The grid radiates and the devices combine quasi-optically and lock to each other. The oscillator can also be quasi-optically injection-locked to an external signal. The planar grid structure is very simple. All of the devices share the same bias, and they can be power and frequency tuned with a mirror behind the grid or dielectric slabs in front of it. An equivalent circuit for an infinite grid predicts the mirror frequency tuning. The planar property of the oscillator offers the possibility of a wafer-scale monolithically integrated source. Thousands of active solid-state devices can potentially be integrated in a high-power source for microwave or millimeter-wave applications. >
Browsing the underdeveloped Web: An experiment on the Arabic Medical Web Directory

While the Web has grown significantly in recent years, some portions of the Web remain largely underdeveloped, as shown in a lack of high-quality content and functionality. An example is the Arabic Web, in which a lack of well-structured Web directories limits users' ability to browse for Arabic resources. In this research, we proposed an approach to building Web directories for the underdeveloped Web and developed a proof-of-concept prototype called the Arabic Medical Web Directory (AMedDir) that supports browsing of over 5,000 Arabic medical Web sites and pages organized in a hierarchical structure. We conducted an experiment involving Arab participants and found that the AMedDir significantly outperformed two benchmark Arabic Web directories in terms of browsing effectiveness, efficiency, information quality, and user satisfaction. Participants expressed strong preference for the AMedDir and provided many positive comments. This research thus contributes to developing a useful Web directory for organizing the information in the Arabic medical domain and to a better understanding of how to support browsing on the underdeveloped Web. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impingement angle and scan direction influence on B-scan imaging in tissue classification

The potential critical influence of impingement angle and scan direction on B-scan imaging for tissue classification is explored in this work. The effects of variations of other system parameters on B-scan images are also investigated. Particular attention is paid to the influence of the direction of propagation of the interrogating wave within the tissue structure. This is done in order to explore the hypothesis that the detection of malignant areas embedded inside a host ordered tissue can be improved by exploiting the disordered structure of the diseased region. Results of preliminary experiments performed on a phantom give an indication that speckle pattern variations due to impingement angle and/or scan direction can occur that relates to the structural properties of the tissue from a scattering point of view. Sample problems are presented to differentiate the structural variations within a tissue by analyzing a phantom constructed of unidirectional fibers arranged in layers that are staggered with respect to each other. >
Anatomical co-factors in patellar instability in children and adolescents

Summary Different anatomical co-factors contribute to the course of a patellar instability. The trochlear groove stabilizes the patella as the most important static stabilizer. Therefore, a trochlear dysplasia is the most important bony abnormality impeding stability. Other rotational issues, i.e. deviations in the mechanical axis, rotational malalignment, patella alta, aggravate an instability. Also, soft tissue alterations, such as medial patella-femoral ligament (MPFL) ruptures, postero-lateral insufficiency or a general hyperlaxity should not be ignored in treating patients with patellar problems.
Robust adaptive beamforming in alpha-stable noise environments

We develop an new adaptive beamforming technique based on fractional lower-order moment theory. The proposed adaptive beamformer adjusts the array response to a desired signal while discriminating against impulsive interference modeled as a stable process. Simulation results show that the new technique performs better in localizing a target both in space and Doppler, and thus offers the potential for improved airborne radar performance in space-time adaptive processing (STAP) applications.
Modernization of large‐scale irrigation systems: is it an achievable objective or a lost cause

Despite the probability of a new food crisis, which was partly delayed by the explosive use of groundwater, not much attention has been given to improving performance of large-scale irrigation systems during the last two decades. Technologies exist and training materials are available. In most cases, the causes of poor performance and the solutions to improving performance are technical, managerial and policy reforms. This paper discusses the diversity of large schemes in developing countries and their historical background, the conditions favourable to the modernization in developed and emerging countries and the constraints to modernization in developing countries. The paper identifies the models of large-scale development which could be technically improved, those which have less potential or would mainly benefit from institutional reforms. The paper concludes with recommendations on how to remove the constraints to modernization of large schemes in developing countries. Otherwise, irrigation modernization may not take place at the pace required to meet food requirements in the future. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Malgre la probabilite d'une nouvelle crise alimentaire, qui a ete retardee en partie par l'exploitation massive des eaux souterraines, peu d'attention a ete accordee a l'amelioration de la performance des systemes d'irrigation de grande hydraulique au cours des deux dernieres decennies. Les nouvelles technologies existent et des outils de formation sont disponibles. Dans la plupart des cas, les causes de la mauvaise performance et les solutions a l'amelioration de la performance sont a la fois techniques, et liees a des aspects de gestion et de reformes institutionnelles. Cet article traite de la grande diversite des systemes de grande hydraulique dans les pays en developpement et leur historique, les conditions favorables a la modernisation dans les pays developpes et les pays emergents et les contraintes de la modernisation dans les pays en developpement. L'article identifie les modeles de grande hydraulique qui pourraient etre techniquement ameliores, ceux qui ont moins de potentiel ou ceux qui pourraient principalement beneficier de reformes institutionnelles. Il conclut avec des recommandations sur la facon de supprimer les obstacles a la modernisation de la grande hydraulique dans les pays en developpement. Sinon, la modernisation de l'irrigation pourrait ne pas avoir lieu au rythme necessaire pour satisfaire les besoins alimentaires dans l'avenir. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of Airborne Salmonella enteritidis in the Environment of Experimentally Infected Laying Hens by an Electrostatic Sampling Device

Bacteriologic culturing of environmental samples taken from sources such as manure pits and egg belts has been the principal screening tool in programs for identifying commercial laying flocks that have been exposed to Salmonella enteritidis and are thus at risk to produce contaminated eggs. Because airborne dust and aerosols can carry bacteria, air sampling offers a potentially efficient and inexpensive alternative for detecting S. enteritidis in poultry house environments. In the present study, an electrostatic air sampling device was applied to detect S. enteritidis in a room containing experimentally infected, caged laying hens. After oral inoculation of hens with a phage type 13a S. enteritidis strain, air samples were collected onto agar plates with the electrostatic sampling device, an impaction air sampler, and by passive exposure to the settling of aerosols and dust. Even though the floor of the room was cleaned once per week (removing most manure, dust, and feathers), air samples were positive for S. enteritidis for up to 4 wk postinoculation. On the basis of both the number of S. enteritidis colonies observed on incubated agar plates and the frequency of positive results, the efficiency of the electrostatic device was significantly greater than that of the passive exposure plates (especially at short collection intervals) and was similar to that of the far more expensive impaction sampler. The electrostatic device, used for a 3-hr sampling interval, detected airborne S. enteritidis on 75% of agar plates over the 4 wk of the study.
Taking the Cells Out of Cell Therapy

Regenerative therapy for myocardial infarction (MI) seeks to regrow healthy heart muscle that, once lost, has traditionally been assumed to be gone forever. After a decade of stuttering progress ([1][1]), we now have reason to believe that therapeutic regeneration is indeed possible in human beings
Concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN): A retrospective single institution analysis

16511 Background: Randomized clinical and meta-analysis data support the use of concurrent chemoradiation for treatment of locally advanced (SCCHN). IMRT is increasingly being used in treating SCCHN. We present outcome data from Emory University Winship Cancer Institute (WCI) with concurrent platinum based chemotherapy and IMRT, and analyze results according to primary site and nodal status. Methods: Between February 2003, and November 2005, 87 patients with locally advanced SCCHN underwent concurrent IMRT and platinum based chemotherapy. A total of 62 patients were treated with Cisplatin 100 mg/m2 d1,21,43, while 19 were treated with paclitaxel and carboplatin weekly for 7 weeks. Five patients were treated with other platinum based regimens. Follow up was documented in all cases with a median of 520 days (range 107 - 1269 days). Results: Patients were distributed among primary sites as follows: Hypopharynx (HP) 7 (8.0%), Larynx (L) 11(12.4%), Nasopharynx (NP) 13 (14.6%), and Oropharynx (OP) 56 (63.0%). T...
Multiple Pathways for Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation by RuV═O3+ and RuIV═O2+

Significant rate enhancements are found for benzyl alcohol oxidation by the RuV═O3+ form of the water oxidation catalyst [Ru(Mebimpy)(bpy)(OH2)]2+ [Mebimpy = 2,6-bis(1-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine] compared to RuIV═O2+ and for the RuIV═O2+ form with added bases due to a new pathway, concerted hydride proton transfer (HPT).
Far-infrared absorber based on standing-wave resonances in metal-dielectric-metal cavity

Thin-film resonant absorbers for the far-IR spectral range were fabricated, characterized, and modeled. The 3-μm-thick structure comprises a periodic surface array of metal squares, a dielectric spacer and a metallic ground plane. Up to 95% absorption for the fundamental band at ~53.5μm wavelength (5.6 THz) is achieved experimentally. Absorption bands are independent of the structure period and only weakly dependent on polarization and incident angle. The results are well explained in terms of standing-wave resonances within individual metal-dielectric-metal cavities. The structure has application as a wavelength selective coating for far-IR bolometers.
Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Structure, and Reactivity of Azapentadienyl-Rhodium-Phosphine and Azapentadienyl-Iridium-Phosphine Complexes1

We report the synthesis, spectroscopy, structure, and reactivity of (1,2,3-η3)-(5-tert-butylazapentadienyl)Rh(PMe3)x (1, x = 2; 4, x = 3) and (1,2,3-η3)-(5-tert-butylazapentadienyl)Ir(PEt3)x (7, x = 2; 12, x = 3), which are produced by reacting [(cyclooctene)2M(μ-Cl)]2 with the appropriate amount of phosphine, followed by potassium tert-butylazapentadienide. Each of these compounds reacts with 1 equivalent of triflic acid to produce a monoprotonation product. Rhodium compounds 1 and 4 react at nitrogen to produce 2 and 5, respectively. Iridium compound 7 reacts at the metal center, generating an iridium-hydride product, 8, in which the azapentadienyl ligand coordinates in an unusual η3, η1-fashion, while compound 12 reacts at nitrogen to produce 13. The monoprotonation products have been treated with additional acid, and in each case the secondary site of electrophilic addition has been determined. Rhodium compounds 2 and 5 both react with a second equivalent of triflic acid at the metal center to produce...
Blending Lecithin and Gelatin Improves the Formation of Thymol Nanodispersions

Delivery systems of lipophilic antimicrobials such as thymol prepared with generally recognized-as-safe ingredients are needed to enhance the microbiological safety of low-acid (pH > 4.6) foods. Nanodispersions with particle diameters below 100 nm are particularly demanded because of the low turbidity and physical stability. In this study, thymol dispersions were prepared by gelatin and soy lecithin on an individual basis or in combination. Dispersions prepared with the lecithin–gelatin blend were translucent and stable at pH 5.0–8.0, contrasting with turbid and unstable dispersions when the emulsifiers were used individually. The synergistic surface activity of gelatin and lecithin was due to complex formation that effectively prevented particle size change due to coalescence and Ostwald ripening. Electrostatic interactions were observed to be the colloidal force responsible for preventing particle aggregation. The studied generally recognized-as-safe nanodispersions have great potential to deliver lipop...
Why Vague Sentencing Guidelines Violate the Due Process Clause

The United States Sentencing Guidelines are the mandatory starting point and the lodestone for the sentences of 75,000 federal defendants each year. Though advisory after the 2005 Supreme Court decision in United States v. Booker, the Guidelines continue to exert tremendous influence over federal sentencing practice. Last term, in Johnson v. United States, the Supreme Court struck down as unconstitutionally vague a sentencing provision of the Armed Career Criminals Act. In the ensuing year, a circuit split developed regarding whether that decision dooms a textually identical provision of the Guidelines, with some courts holding advisory sentencing guidelines are completely immune from due process challenges. In this Article, I argue the Guidelines violate the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution if they are so vague they deny fair notice to defendants and invite arbitrary enforcement by judges.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Rubella in Guizhou Province

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of rubella in Guizhou province,and provide evidence for formulating control strategies and measures. Methods Data of rubella in Guizhou province during 2006 to 2012 were collected from National Notifiable Disease Reporting System( NNDRS)and were analyzed with descriptive epidemiology method. Results Rubella incidence in Guizhou province was on an upward trend from 2006 to 2009,and fluctuated greatly in 2010- 2012. The mean annual incidence was 3. 96 /105 in 2006- 2012,and the peak- incidence was April to July in a year. All cities /prefectures reported rubella cases every year,and the annual highest incidence was in Guiyang( 15. 41 /105). Children with age of 5- 9 years suffered from the highest incidence( 17. 65 /105). The rate of rubella cases diagnosed by laboratory was low through the whole province,with the highest as 32. 90% in a year. Conclusion To prevent rubella syndrome,the surveillance work should be strengthened and appropriate immunization strategies need to be established.
On the real significance of placing human being in central stage for moral education at university

Moral education is a quite important part for high education. It is also an important way to cultivate the personality of college students. In the long history of development, some relatively stable pattern, content, and target have been formed for the Chinese moral education at college level. This has influenced the moral education for college students in a moderate way. However, along with incessant development and change of the Chinese society, some concepts lasting for a rather long time in moral education of college level have made the moral education succeed little in fact. The most obvious facet is the insufficient enforcement of humanitarian concept of educational philosophy.
A split regimen of regular insulin at dinner and NPH insulin at bedtime reduced nocturnal hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes.

Source Citation Fanelli CG, Pampanelli S, Porcellati F, et al. Administration of neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin at bedtime versus with dinner in type 1 diabetes mellitus to avoid nocturnal hypo...
Behavioral Landscapes and Earth Mover's Distance: A New Approach for Studying Individual Differences in Density Distributions.

Abstract Contemporary views of personality highlight intraindividual variability. We forward a general method for quantifying individual differences in behavioral tendencies based on Earth Mover’s Distance. Using data from 150 individuals who reported on their and others’ interpersonal behavior in 64,112 social interactions, we illustrate how this new approach can advance notions of personality as density distributions. Results provide independent confirmation and establish validity of existing representations of individual differences in interpersonal behavior, and identify new dimensions and profiles of personality and well-being. Benefits of the EMD method include freedom from assumptions about the shape and form of density distributions, generality of application to n-dimensional behavior captured in experience sampling studies, and natural integration of personality structure and dynamics.
Reliability of a Gap Control Technique With the Tensor/balancer During PS-TKA

Introduction Reliability of a gap control technique with the tensor/balancer during PS-TKA was assessed by means of fluoroscopic images after TKA. Methods Thirty-one subjects were selected for assessment. The mean age of the subjects was 73.0 years old. During PS-TKA, a parapatellar approach was used. Cruciate ligaments were excised, and distal femoral and proximal tibial cuts were made. After all osteophytes were removed, the joint gap angle and distance were measured in full extension and at 90° flexion using a tensor/balancer. Medial soft tissue releases were performed and soft tissue balancing was obtained in full extension so that the joint gap angle was 3° or less than 3°. The joint gap angle and distance between femoral and tibial cut surfaces in full extension, and between a tangent to the posterior femoral condyles and tibial cut surface at 90° flexion were measured. The external rotation angle of the anterior and posterior cuts of the femur was decided based on the joint gap angle at 90° flexion. The size of the femoral component was decided based on the joint gap distance in full extension and at 90° flexion. Then only the trial femoral component was inserted. The joint gap angle and distance between the tangent to the condyles of the trial femoral component and tibial cut surface in full extension and at 90° flexion were measured. More than one month after TKA, the fluoroscopic images of the prostheses were taken during knee extension/flexion. Then, a torque of about 5 Nm was applied to the lower leg in order to assess the varus/valgus flexibility during flexion. The pattern matching method was used to measure the 3D movements of the prostheses from the fluoroscopic images. The joint gap angle was calculated in full extension and at 90° flexion. The varus/valgus flexibility at each flexion angle was also assessed. Results During TKA, the mean joint gap angle was 0.9° varus in full extension, and was 0.3° valgus at 90° flexion. The mean difference of the gap distance between extension and flexion was 2.3 mm. The results from fluoroscopic images showed that the mean joint gap angle was 0.1° valgus in extension, and was 0.6° varus at 90° flexion. The mean joint gap in full extension and at 90° flexion was less than 1° both during TKA and after TKA. The mean varus/valgus flexibility in the implanted knees was 1.6° in full extension, and was 3.9° at 90° flexion. Discussion The results showed that the joint gap was almost rectangular both in extension and flexion both during TKA and after TKA. The tensor/balancer, with a load of 30 inch-pounds, was reliable during PS-TKA. Muscles function had recovered and the implanted knees might be stable. However, the results of this study clearly showed the theoretical ground for the reliability of the tensor/balancer during TKA. Conclusion During PS-TKA by means of the gap control technique, the tensor/balancer with 30 inch-pounds can provide reliable joint gap angle and distance.
Sparse precision matrix estimation with calibration

We propose a semiparametric method for estimating sparse precision matrix of high dimensional elliptical distribution. The proposed method calibrates regularizations when estimating each column of the precision matrix. Thus it not only is asymptotically tuning free, but also achieves an improved finite sample performance. Theoretically, we prove that the proposed method achieves the parametric rates of convergence in both parameter estimation and model selection. We present numerical results on both simulated and real datasets to support our theory and illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed estimator.
Exploring Collaborative Civic Leadership Among Young Tunisians: Inviting Despair, Creating Hope

This article explores how civically engaged youth in Tunisia are approaching collaboration with noncivically engaged youth to promote greater levels of civic participation. This article is based on qualitative research conducted in Tunis, Tunisia during the summer of 2015 with 16 youth, all under the age of 35. This article will explore youth attitudes regarding civic engagement and barriers to participation in postauthoritarian Tunisia. This article also explores how civically engaged youth utilize informal social spaces such as coffee shops, universities, and social media sites to stir a sense of hope and pride in activism. This research provides a rich snapshot of civically and noncivically engaged youth who comprise 51% of Tunisia's population and led the 2011 revolution that burgeoned the so-called Arab Spring in North Africa and the Middle East. These findings bring into question labels such as “politically inactive” and “potential ISIS fighters” that are employed in the dominant narrative on Tunisian youth. Finally, this research suggests that Tunisian youth wield powerful leadership skills that will continue to play a critical role in the transformation of civic and social norms.
Faster growth and greater fiscal responsibility are possible

The growth in spending on entitlement programs has left the United States in a fiscally untenable position. Putting the country on more stable fiscal footing requires a two-pronged approach designed to constrain the growth in spending and to spur economic growth. There are ample opportunities to reduce spending while maintaining or improving current levels of government service by implementing progressive entitlement reform reducing regulatory burdens or improving efficiency in healthcare provision through market-based reform. Achieving higher economic growth is similarly possible, but will require real tax reform geared toward unlocking capital for investment, as well as immigration reform and greater support for work for low-income Americans.
Direct ink write fabrication of transparent ceramic gain media

Abstract Solid-state laser gain media based on the garnet structure with two spatially distinct but optically contiguous regions have been fabricated. Transparent gain media comprised of a central core of Y2.97Nd0.03Al5.00O12.00 (Nd:YAG) and an undoped cladding region of Y3Al5O12 (YAG) were fabricated by direct ink write and transparent ceramic processing. Direct ink write (DIW) was employed to form the green body, offering a general route to preparing functionally structured solid-state laser gain media. Fully-dense transparent optical ceramics in a “top hat” geometry with YAG/Nd:YAG have been fabricated by DIW methods with optical scatter at 1064 nm of
An engineering Company's approach to filling “CAPE gaps” in process simulation

Abstract Process simulators are important CAPE tools applied in the process engineering work flow for various purposes. Commercial process simulation software does often not match the user's actual needs. These gaps between available and required features on a technological, logistic and software engineering level are identified from an engineering company and process plant contractor's perspective. As these gaps may lead to several drawbacks, Linde Engineering is still developing its own process simulator OPTISIM ® and is thus no fully adopting actual mainstream strategies in process industry. An outline of the simulator's key features is presented. OPTISIM ® has been selected as the process simulation tool for a large scale engineering project where it proved its strength in process design and rating as well as in dynamic simulation.
Going with the Flow: The New Design with Nature

Good urbanism preserves the strengths of places and enhances what may be underperforming with minor adjustments. If it stopped there, it might be Celebrity Chef Urbanism, whipping up dishes from given ingredients. Instead, it may be more like Iron Chef Urbanism, judiciously adding new ingredients that “best express the unique qualities” of a featured theme ingredient (Iron Chef TV Program).
Practices Reflecting Functional Communication Training for Students with or at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Systematically Mapping the Literature.

Students with and at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) often have unidentified co-occurring language deficits, but few studies have evaluated communication-based interventions for t...
Odontoid screw fixation of a type II odontoid fracture in a patient with autofused C2–C3 vertebral bodies

Abstract Background Anterior odontoid screw fixation for the treatment of type II odontoid fractures, in contrast to posterior C1–2 fusion, allows for maintenance of cervical rotatory motion at C1–2. The approach requires an accessible C2–3 disc space from which a screw can be inserted into the vertebral body and odontoid process across the fracture. Less is known about the potential use of this technique in patients with inaccessible C2–3 disc spaces. Case description A 20 year-old female presented to the emergency department following a motor vehicle accident with diffuse neck pain in the absence of weakness or paresthesias. A CT of the patient's C-spine revealed a type II dens fracture with 3 mm of posterior displacement and congenital fusion of the C2 and C3 vertebral bodies. She was initially treated conservatively with a halo brace for 3 months, but experienced persistent neck pain and a CT of the C-spine at that time showed incomplete healing. The patient was counseled and elected to undergo anterior odontoid screw fixation. During the procedure, due to the autofusion of the C2–3 vertebral bodies, the C3–4 disc space was accessed and a screw was placed through the C2–C3 fusion block into the odontoid process. The patient tolerated the procedure well and postoperative imaging demonstrated healing of the fracture fragments. Conclusion This case demonstrates that patients with inaccessible C2–3 disc spaces can still undergo anterior fixation. In younger patients, this may be particularly valuable as the rotatory potential of their cervical spine is preserved.
Is Ad-Lib Behavior Killing Us?

In human feeding-behavior experiments, the free-living condition in which feeding is unrestricted and subjects (as in real life) are free to eat when they want and as much as they want, is called the ad-libitum (literally, the “at pleasure”) condition.
Benign Skin Lesions

Virtually every child has a number of benign growths on the skin. Parents of children who ask their pediatrician to look at a growth are usually concerned that the lesion may be cancerous or precancerous. Many papules and nodules that arise in children have very characteristic clinical features that allow a diagnosis to be made without the aid of histological or radiographic evaluation. However, some lesions may be very non-specific in appearance and require a biopsy to make a diagnosis. In some situations, obtaining an imaging study is desirable before a biopsy is performed. For example, lesions along the midline of the face, scalp, and back frequently have connections to the brain or spinal cord, and care must be taken to avoid biopsy of any midline lesion until such a communication is ruled out, usually by CT or MRI.
Micro-Tactile Sensors for In Vivo Measurements of Elasticity

In this chapter, a sensing approach for the measurement of both contact force and elasticity is introduced and discussed. By using the developed method, the elasticity of various objects (e.g., tissue) can be measured by simply touching the targeted object with the sensor. Each developed sensor consists of a pair of contact elements that have different values of stiffness. During contact, the relative deformation of the two sensing components can be used to calculate the Young’s modulus of elasticity. Several prototypes of tactile sensors have been fabricated through various MEMS processes. One of the prototypes developed through a polymer MEMS process has a favorable flexible structure, which enables the sensor to be integrated on end-effectors for robotic or biomedical applications. Finally, the tactile sensor has been attached on a touch probe and tested in a handheld mode. An estimation algorithm for this handheld device, which employs a recursive least squares method with adaptive forgetting factors, has also been developed. Experimental results show that this sensor can differentiate between a variety of rubber specimens and has the potential to provide reliable in vivo measurement of tissue elasticity.
The orientational effects in the two-dimensional superfluid 3He

Abstract The dipolar and magnetic orientational effects are investigated and the stable phases are found for the two-dimensional superfluid 3 He film. Both ABM and BW phases are of the ESP (equal spin pairing) type and exhibit the anisotropy in the spin space.
A mixed method study of rural Iowa Latino high school students to determine barriers to access

The purposes of this mixed method study were (a) to gain an understanding of how background and educational experiences affect the college decision-making process of rural high school students, and (b) to identify barriers rural Latinos encounter when formulating their post-high school plans. A survey was used to collect data concerning high school experiences. A purposive sample of rural Latino high-school graduates was interviewed to gather perceptions of their educational and background experiences. The researcher employed a hypothetical logic model based on the college choice literature. The hypothesized model was used to examine how selected variables: background (mothers’ educational attainment, residency, parents’ view of education), educational environment (rigorous curriculum, gpa, students’ perceptions of high school environment, engagement), and perceived barriers (work, financial aid information) affect students’ college aspirations and enrollments, in particular, if there is a difference between Whites and Latinos. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and narrative inquiry were used to analyze the data. The results of this study suggested several factors which influence rural Latinos’ aspirations and enrollments in college. Among the findings: (a) students’ command of English affects whether or not they enroll and complete a rigorous high school curriculum; (b) U.S. residency status influences Latinos’ decisions to enroll in college; and (c) teacher validation and encouragement has a positive affect on aspiration and college enrollment. The study should be replicated in other small rural communities with large ethnic growth. In addition, policy-making entities need to review legislative initiatives to make certain that they address the findings offered in this study.
The perception of coronals in Western Arrernte.

This study examined perception of multiple coronal places of articulation by native listeners of Western Arrernte. Three main findings emerged. 1) Coronal nasals and laterals are as perceptually robust as coronal stops. 2) Across manners of articulation, apical alveolars are less perceptually robust than other coronals. 3) Formant transitions from a preceding vowel are necessary to correctly identify apical alveolars and apical postalveolars. Acoustic analysis shows the importance of cues on the preceding vowel side for apical postalveolars, and on the following vowel side for laminal palatoalveolars. Laminal dentals have statistically distinguishable cues on both sides of the segment. Apical alveolars are hardest to characterize acoustically, and may be perceived by default. Low perceptibility of apical alveolars may be a reason for low functional load of the apical contrast. Result 3 corroborates Steriade’s idea that contrasts “must be licensed by the presence of their cues.” [4]
Monotone Networks; Kirchhoff Regimes

Through a different analysis based on some stronger assumptions than those used in the preceding chapter, it can be shown that Kirchhoff’s laws along with Ohm’s law determine an operating point for our transfinite networks. In fact, this can be done for quite general nonlinear networks without much more effort than that needed for linear networks, once certain results on nonlinear finite networks are established. So, we attack the nonlinear case directly, with linear networks encompassed as a special case.
Who Needs Urodynamics

Multichannel urodynamic evaluation of urinary incontinence involves the recording of urethrocystometry, sphincter EMG, urethral closure pressure profiles and voiding pressure studies. Integrating these tests and performing them at various states of bladder fullness as well as in different positions can allow the urodynamicist to obtain a great deal of useful information. However, this testing is costly and time consuming. Therefore, it is not appropriate for every patient who suffers from lower urinary tract dysfunction to undergo multichannel urodynamics. Various laboratories across the country have their exact criteria for who needs urodynamics and who does not. It is safe to say that most researchers would enjoy the opportunity to study all their patients if possible. Where to draw the line between who undergoes multichannel studies and who undergoes single channel standing cystometry, stress testing and other simple clinical tests is difficult. The performance of EMG testing with voiding pressure studies is essential in the patient who has urinary retention. However, it also provides useful information in those patients about to undergo incontinence surgery.
Efficacy and Safety of Vitamin B12 Fortification

Abstract Due to the low intake of animal source foods by many population groups, the global prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and depletion could be higher than that of any other nutrient. At the population level low intakes tend to result in subclinical deficiency rather than clinical symptoms such as megaloblastic anemia and neurological problems. However, there is substantial evidence that even marginal deficiency is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes such as neural tube defects, low amounts of the vitamin in breast milk and poor infant and child development, and reduced cognitive function in elderly. Assessment of status at the population level usually relies on measurement of serum or plasma vitamin B12, although three additional markers can be helpful, and a newer method of combining two to four measures (combined B12, or cB12) is promising to be a better diagnostic tool. Vitamin B12 status is directly related to intake although the efficiency of absorption falls greatly above usual dietary intakes. There is no known health risk from consuming very high intakes. In 2008, in an international consensus meeting, the recommendation was to add the vitamin at 40 µg/kg flour assuming consumption of 75 to 100 g flour/day, with lower levels of addition where more flour is consumed. A recent well-designed, well-monitored national flour fortification program that included B12 in Cameroon showed substantial increases in plasma and breast milk B12 at the end of 1 year, and suggests that the recommended levels of addition are probably higher than necessary. There are many potential health benefits from vitamin B12 fortification of depleted population groups, including allaying concerns about the potential for high folic acid intake to exacerbate B12 deficiency. Recommendations are made for outcomes that should be monitored in future national vitamin B12 fortification programs.