cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dominant vs. codominant genetic markers in the estimation of male mating success

Although a major component of fitness, male reproductive success is generally extremely difficult to estimate. As a result, genetic methods and maximum likelihood models have been developed to estimate male parentage, but all are limited in practice by the degree of genetic variation observable. Scoring individuals phenotypically at a large number of random loci exhibiting dominance (e.g. RAPD markers) may provide a means of detecting sufficient genetic variation. Dominance, however, represents a loss of information and therefore greater variation in the estimate of paternity. A mixture model describing mating in a population is presented to quantify the trade-off between marker types when estimates of male fertility are sought. A sample size 1.5-2.0 times greater is required for dominant markers under some conditions to obtain the same confidence in fertility estimates as for codominant markers, although with large sample sizes the fertility estimates are similar for either marker type. Since the number of dominant DN A markers is not limited in the same manner as is the number of codominant protein markers, one's confidence in the estimates can be increased above that possible from proteins by surveying additional loci. However, for a fixed sample size a trade-off exists between the number of progeny assayed per female and the number of loci surveyed. In many cases more progeny per female provide better estimates of fertility than more loci.
Photodissociation of Nitroso Dimers

MOST C-nitroso compounds in the crystalline state exist as colourless dimers, though the monomers, often formed by dissociation in solution, are green or blue1–3. Heating solutions of the nitroso compounds also shifts the equilibrium so that formation of monomers is enhanced.
Quantitative measurement of voids formed during liquid impregnation of nonwoven multifilament glass networks using an optical visualization technique

A technique based on matching the refractive index of an invading liquid to that of a fiber mat has been used to study entrapment of air (“voids”) that occurs during forced in-plane radial flow into nonwoven multifilament glass networks. The usefulness of this technique is demonstrated in quantifying and mapping the air pockets. Experiments with a series of fluids, with surface tensions varying from 28 × 10−3 to 36 × 10−3 N/m, viscosities from 45 × 10−3 to 80 × 10−3 Pa · s, and inlet flow rates from 0.15 × 10−6 to 0.75 × 10−6 m3/s, have shown that void content is a function of the capillary number characterizing the flow process. A critical value of capillary number Ca = 2.5 × 10−3 identifies a zone below which void content increases exponentially with decreasing capillary number. Above this critical value, negligible entrapment of voids is observed.
Unresectable or medically inoperable non-small cell lung cancer: The use of established clinical prognostic factors in making radiatior-related treatment decisions

Many physicians consider the prognosis exceptionally poor for patients with localized non-small cell lung cancer who are not eligible for surgery, either because of the extent of their disease or because a coexisting medical condition precludes surgery. Thus, these patients frequently are not offered aggressive curative therapy. However, the disease of many of these patients is potentially curable and should be cosidered for curative treatment. Although pathologic data from surgic specimens are useful in predicting prognosis, many prognostic factors have also been identified for medically inoperable and locally advanced, unresectable disease. Several of these prognostic factors can and should be used clinically to estimate the risk of lymph node involvement within the clinically uninvolved mediastinum, thereby aiding in the design of radiation therapy fields, and to estimate prognosis, thereby helping to determine which patients should be offered aggressive therapy with curative intent.
Reproductive cycles in Tarsius bancanus

The reproductive condition of three pairs of Bornean tarsiers (Tarsius bancanus) was documented for 16 months. Each pair was housed separately under a constant photoperiod (L:D = 11.5:12.5) similar to that in their native habitat. Reproductive cycles of females were monitored visually for 6 months and were then monitored with vaginal smears and measurements of external genitalia for an additional 10 months. Progressive proliferation and cornification of vaginal epithelial cells during proestrus and estrus was accompanied by an enlargement of the external genitalia. Cycle lengths averaged 24.0 ± 3.2 days. The external genitalia were swollen each cycle for a period of 6-9 days. Copulations occurred on the 1st day of estrus, which lasted 1-3 days. No menstruation was observed. There was no evidence of seasonality of estrous cycles with this photoperiod. Testicular measurements of males showed no overt seasonal changes. There was variation in testicular size, and one male copulated at a range of testicular sizes. The data indicate that T. bancanus has estrous cycles similar to those of prosimian primates and some New World monkeys and that these cycles occur throughout the year under constant photoperiodic conditions.
Far infrared absorption in NaCl:OH− at low temperatures

Abstract Below 25 cm −1 the rich absorption spectrum of OH − impurities in NaCl changes rapidly with temperature between 0.6°K and 4.2°K. A model which permits both tunneling and resonant mode transitions is consistent with the experimental results.
Recovery dynamics of skeletal muscle oxygen uptake during the exercise off-transient

Abstract The time course of muscle V ˙ O 2 recovery from contractions (i.e., muscle V ˙ O 2 off-kinetics), measured directly at the site of O2 exchange, i.e., in the microcirculation, is unknown. Whereas biochemical models based upon creatine kinase flux rates predict slower V ˙ O 2 off- than on-transients [Kushmerick, M.J., 1998. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B: Biochem. Mol. Biol.] whole muscle V ˙ O 2 data [Krustrup, et al. J. Physiol.] suggest on–off symmetry. Purpose We tested the hypothesis that the slowed recovery blood flow (Qm) kinetics profile in the spinotrapezius muscle [Ferreira et al., 2006. J. Physiol.] was associated with a slowed muscle V ˙ O 2 recovery compared with that seen at the onset of contractions (time constant, τ ∼ 23 s, Behnke et al., 2002. Resp. Physiol.), i.e., on–off asymmetry. Methods Measurements of capillary red blood cell flux and microvascular pressure of O2 ( P O 2 mv ) were combined to resolve the temporal profile of muscle V ˙ O 2 across the moderate intensity contractions-to-rest transition. Results Muscle V ˙ O 2 decreased from an end-contracting value of 7.7 ± 0.2 ml/100 g/min to 1.7 ± 0.1 ml/100 g/min at the end of the 3 min recovery period, which was not different from pre-stimulation V ˙ O 2 . Contrary to our hypothesis, muscle V ˙ O 2 in recovery began to decrease immediately (i.e., time delay P O 2 during the recovery from contractions. Conclusions The slowed Qm kinetics in recovery serves to elevate the Qm / V ˙ O 2 ratio and thus microvascular P O 2 . Whether this Qm response is obligatory to the rapid muscle V ˙ O 2 kinetics and hence speeds the repletion of high-energy phosphates by maximizing conductive and diffusive O2 flux is an important question that awaits resolution.
System and subsystem: The Te exchange cycle among the Mae Enga

One component of a complex system operating so as to maintain the Mae Enga people of the New Guinea highlands in equilibrium with their limited resources is the Te, an elaborate cycle of ceremonial exhanges of valuables. It may be viewed as one in a series of material or substantive systems (including cycles) of varying extent, each affecting the others in an intelligible and predictable fashion.
Semipermeable hollow fiber phantoms for development and validation of perfusion‐sensitive mr methods and signal models

Two semipermeable, hollow fiber phantoms for the validation of perfusion-sensitive magnetic resonance methods and signal models are described. Semipermeable hollow fibers harvested from a standard commercial hemodialysis cartridge serve to mimic tissue capillary function. Flow of aqueous media through the fiber lumen is achieved with a laboratory-grade peristaltic pump. Diffusion of water and solute species (e.g., Gd-based contrast agent) occurs across the fiber wall, allowing exchange between the lumen and the extralumenal space. Phantom design attributes include: i) small physical size, ii) easy and low-cost construction, iii) definable compartment volumes, and iv) experimental control over media content and flow rate.
Polymeric Hollow Fiber Heat Exchangers (PHFHEs): A New Type of Compact Heat Exchanger for Lower Temperature Applications

Plastic heat exchangers are characterized by an inferior thermal performance compared to their metal counterparts. Therefore, their usage is mainly limited to handling corrosive media or when ultra high purity is required, e.g., pharmaceutical industry. Polymeric Hollow Fiber Heat Exchangers (PHFHEs) have recently been proposed [1] as a new type of heat exchanger that can overcome these constraints and offer the same or better thermal performance than metallic shell and tube or plate heat exchangers while occupying a much smaller volume. In this paper we report our results for heat transfer in PHFHEs with both parallel and cross flow in the shell side of the device. Fibers made of polypropylene (PP) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) were tested. In addition, steam condensation studies in PHFHEs are reported for the first time. The overall heat transfer coefficients achieved for water-water and water-brine systems are as high as 1400 Wm−2 K−1 . These values are higher than any value reported for plastic heat exchangers and comparable with commonly acceptable design values for metal shell and tube heat exchangers. Similar coefficients were obtained for steam condensation. Polymeric hollow fiber heat exchangers can also achieve high thermal effectiveness, large number of transfer units (NTU) and very small height of a transfer unit (HTU), if properly rated. If designed like commercial membrane contactors, they can achieve up to 12 transfer units in a single device, not longer than 60–70 cm! In addition, the conductance per unit volume PHFHEs achieved was up to one order of magnitude higher compared to metal heat transfer equipment. This superior thermal performance is also accompanied by considerably lower pressure drops. Therefore, the operation of PHFHEs will be characterized by a low operating cost. Combined with the much lower cost, lower weight and elimination of metal contamination polymer materials offer, it is obvious that PHFHEs constitute a potential substitute for metal heat exchangers on both thermal performance and economical grounds. Possible application fields include the food, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries as well as applications where corrosion resistant, light and very efficient devices are required, i.e., desalination, solar and offshore heat transfer applications.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Adaptive time optimal control for ship steering

Proposition d'un algorithme optimal de commande adaptative pour la manœuvre de navires au cours de changement d'itineraires. La dynamique du navire est presentee par un modele d'equation differentielle du 3eme ordre. Le schema de commande propose est evalue par simulation numerique
Neoliberal common sense in education Part Two

This is the second of a special double issue that seeks to chart the intricate relationship between education, power and culture in the context of neoliberalism, analysing both the effects that neo...
Thermal Performance of Advanced Heat Exchangers for Ammonia Refrigeration Systems

Abstract Current practice in the ammonia industry is to use plain tubes. This article demonstrates that the coefficient of performance (COP) can be increased by about 11% using tubes with ammonia-side enhancement and by about 26% using tubes with ammonia-side and water-side enhancement. Further improvements with respect to energy and cost are possible with the compact heat exchanger types—plate-frame and plate-fin—because they can be optimized for the system conditions for each application. These findings are based on experimentally determined overall heat transfer coefficients that were obtained for candidate heat exchangers for the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) program.
Clinicopathologic correlation of epidemiologic and histopathologic features of pediatric bacterial lymphadenitis.

Context.—Infection is a common cause of lymphadenopathy in children and has numerous microbial etiologies. Lymph node biopsy is considered a keystone in arriving at a definite diagnosis. An accurate differential diagnosis from a lymph node biopsy can expedite diagnosis and minimize ancillary testing. Objective.—To assess and compare the histopathologic and epidemiologic features of common and uncommon pediatric bacterial lymphadenitis. Design.—We searched our database for surgical specimens that had a positive identification of bacteria during an 8-year period. The chart was reviewed to assess the pathogen identified and epidemiologic data. The archival tissue sections were reviewed and the histopathologic findings described for each pathogen. Results.—The review of 368 pediatric lymph node biopsies identified 33 cases with a bacterial infection. These comprised 21 cases of Mycobacterium avium complex (60%), 1 of Mycobacterium fortuitum (3%), 7 of Bartonella henselae (20%), 2 of Yersinia enterocolitica (7...
Chamber techniques to study the microvasculature

Transparent chamber techniques have proven useful for long-term observation of the microvascular system and surrounding tissues under many types of experimental conditions. Once the chambers are inserted, there is no need to anesthetize the animal under study. Since the tissue under observation is thin, these chamber techniques permit study under various magnifications. Indeed, in some types of chambers magnification of 1000× is feasible. Various types have been in use since 1924. This paper describes the main types used through the years with discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Tree rebalancing in optimal time and space

A simple algorithm is given which takes an arbitrary binary search tree and rebalances it to form another of optimal shape, using time linear in the number of nodes and only a constant amount of space (beyond that used to store the initial tree). This algorithm is therefore optimal in its use of both time and space. Previous algorithms were optimal in at most one of these two measures, or were not applicable to all binary search trees. When the nodes of the tree are stored in an array, a simple addition to this algorithm results in the nodes being stored in sorted order in the initial portion of the array, again using linear time and constant space.
Perspectives on Chinese Society: Anthropological Views from Japan

Perspectives on Chinese Society: Anthropological Views from Japan. SUENARI MICHIO, J. S. EADES, and CHRISTINA DANIELS, eds. Canterbury: Center for Social Anthropology and Computing. University of Kent at Canterbury, xv + 373 pp., notes, bibliography, glossary, index.
The role of density in the accumulation of basaltic melts at mid‐ocean ridges

It is commonly assumed that magma ponds at a level of neutral buoyancy in the shallow crust where melt densities are equal to the bulk density of the surrounding crust. At the East Pacific Rise this neutral buoyancy level lies only 100–400 m below the sea floor, significantly shallower than the depths (> 1–2 km) of the magma bodies imaged in multichannel reflection data, suggesting that other factors must control the collection of melt in these reservoirs. The apparent inverse relationship between magma chamber depth and spreading rate at intermediate and fast spreading ridges suggests that the thermal structure of the rise axis, not the buoyancy of melt, is the primary factor that controls the depth at which melt ponds in crustal magma chambers beneath mid-ocean ridges.
Charge quantum yield and transient transport properties of anthracene and amorphous selenium

Abstract Transient photoconductivity studies in both anthracene and a-Se reveal short lived large transient photocurrent response which decays into a longer lived tail. The carrier quantum yield is relatively high and temperature independent, in disagreement with the predictions of the Onsager geminate recombination theory, which has been extensively applied to these systems. We suggest a carrier photogeneration mechanism that is dominated by the enhanced mobility of hot carriers.
Aerodynamics of a Successful Perching Maneuver

An experimental study of a perching maneuver performed by a flat plate at Re – 35,000 is presented in this paper. The autonomous perching maneuver of a UAV that consists of a pitch-up motion at moderate pitching rate is used in the study. Experiments were conducted at the University of Michigan’s low-turbulence water channel facility in two different phases. The first phase was flow visualization by dye injection. The second phase was flow field calculation using 2D phase-averaged particle image velocimetry (PIV). The behavior of the flow field was studied at 50% and 75% span-wise locations during each phase. The formation of a separation bubble followed by the shedding of the trailing edge vortex (TEV) is observed. Vorticity is introduced at the leading edge of the flat plate, and can be traced downstream and observed in the recirculation zone.
A staphylococcal enterotoxin B magnetoelastic immunosensor.

Abstract A magnetoelastic immunosensor for detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is described. The magnetoelastic sensor is a newly developed mass/elasticity-based transducer of high sensitivity having a material cost of approximately $0.001/sensor. Affinity-purified rabbit anti-SEB antibody was covalently immobilized on magnetoelastic sensors, of dimensions 6 mm ×2 mm ×28 μm . The affinity reaction of biotin–avidin and biocatalytic precipitation are used to amplify antigen–antibody binding events on the sensor surface. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and alkaline phosphatase were examined as the labeled enzymes to induce biocatalytic precipitation. The alkaline phosphatase substrate, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate (BCIP) produces a dimer, which binds tightly to the sensor surface, inducing a change in sensor resonance frequency. The biosensor demonstrates a linear shift in resonance frequency with staphylococcal enterotoxin B concentration between 0.5 and 5 ng/ml, with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/ml.
The structure and photophysics of clusters of immiscible liquids: C6H6(H2O)n

Abstract Mixed clusters of C 6 H 6 and H 2 O type of C 6 H 6 (H 2 O) n where n = 1–5 have been studied using one-color resonance-enhanced two-photon ionization coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometric detection. The 1:1 complex is seen to have an electronically forbidden origin with intensity at least 1000 times less than that at 6 1 0 . The H 2 O molecule thus lies on the sixfold axis of benzene and is undergoing free radical rotation about this axis. The blue-shift and high-efficiency of fragmentation of the 1:1 complex argue for hydrogen bonding of the H 2 O molecule to the benzene π cloud. The 1:2 complex induces a strong origin with intensity 14% of that at 6 1 0 . The rotational band contour yields a geometry in which the two water molecules bind to benzene on one side of the benzene ring, with a H 2 OH 2 O separation close to that in the water dimer. Higher 1: n clusters show spectra which suggest structures involving a network of hydrogen bonded water molecules building up away from the benzene ring, consistent with a microscopic immiscibility of C 6 H 6 and H 2 O.
Basic fibroblastic growth factor as a potential meningeal angiogenic factor.

Abstract Vascular supply plays a significant role in the management of skull base tumors. The diagnosis is aided by contrast-enhanced imaging and angiographic techniques, and embolization procedures are used to devascularize certain lesions. The degree of surgical technical difficulty is strongly influenced by the degree of tumor vascularity. Although the importance of this blood supply is clearly understood, the mechanism involved in developing a system of tumor-perfusing vessels is yet to be defined. The development of a vascular network, or angiogenesis, is an important event in allowing tumor proliferation to progress beyond small clusters of cells. Basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) is an especially attractive candidate as an angiogenic growth factor because of its ability to stimulate processes that are characteristic of angiogenesis in vitro. Tumors that involve the meninges may have the ability to liberate normally stored bFGF, which may, in turn, induce new vessel formation for continued tumor proliferation. An immunohistochemical analysis of rodent and bovine meninges to study this phenomenon is described. The dura, arachnoid, and their associated vessels are shown clearly to contain this growth factor. Ultimately, an adjuvant therapy based on the inhibition of angiogenesis may provide a reasonable alternative to aggressive surgical approaches in skull base tumors that are incompletely resectable.
Multifaceted freezing injury in human polymorphonuclear cells at high subfreezing temperatures

Extracellular freezing injury at high subzero temperatures in human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) was studied with a cryomicroscope, electron microscope, and functional assays (phagocytosis, microbicidal activity, and chemotaxis). There are at least four major factors in freezing injury: osmotic stress, chilling, cold shock, and dilution shock. Extracellularly frozen PMNs lose functions when cooled to -2 degrees C without a cryoprotectant. Cells lose volume on freezing to the same degree as in hypertonic exposure. PMNs have a minimum volume to which they can shrink without injury. Greater dehydration produces irreversible injury to cellular functions, and cells eventually collapse under high osmotic stress. Chilling sensitivity is seen in slowly chilled, supercooled PMNs below -5 degrees C; at -7 degrees C, functions are lost in 1 h. This injury can be prevented by the addition of Me2SO but not glycerol. Me2SO does not, however, prevent cold shock (injury due to rapid cooling), which is seen during cooling at 10 degrees C/min to -14 degrees C, but not during slow cooling at 0.5 degrees C/min. One of the problems of using glycerol as a cryoprotectant stems from the high sensitivity of PMNs to dilution shock during the dilution or removal of glycerol.
Hp -Vector Finite Element Method for the Full-Wave Analysis of Waveguides with No Spurious Modes

A new stable variational formulation for full-wave analysis of waveguides is presented. Reported theoretical results apply to a wide class of vector finite elements, including two families of Nedelec (1980, 1986) and their generalization, hp-edge elements (Demkowicz & Vardapetyan, 1998; Vardapetyan & Demkowicz, 1999a). Numerical experiments show that the method remains stable at very low frequencies.
Synthesis of a key precursor for orienticin C and model study on ruthenium-mediated macrocyclization.

A tripeptido−arene−ruthenium complex was prepared as a key precursor for the projected synthesis of orienticin C, demonstrating that the cyclopentadienylruthenium moiety can be attached to a chloroarene in the presence of multiple functionality. The ruthenium-mediated intramolecular SNAr reaction for formation of the required diaryl ether linkage was successfully tested on a model system.
Treatment Adherence in Family Therapy With Youth as a Predictor of Time to Arrest

Objectives: (1) identify risk factors associated with premature treatment drop-out (2) examine the relationship between number of sessions and time to arrest. Methods: Our sample consisted of 187 adolescents who were arrested during or following participation in FFT treatment. Results: The number of sessions correlated with the number of days that elapsed after intake to the first post-intake arrest. Conclusions: In an urban minority sample with many risk factors, clinicians need to be especially sensitive to adolescent cannabis use, other substance use, and association with deviant peers, adherence, and the Engagement/Motivation phase of FFT therapy.
Characterization and Anisotropic Lattice Expansion/Contraction of Polymorphs of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor that is used to treat HIV/AIDS. According to the literature, TDF is known to have three polymorphic forms: I, A, and B. Crystals of all three polymorphs were grown following literature procedures and characterized in the solid state using optical microscopy, single crystal X-ray crystallography, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman, solid-state NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and organic vapor sorption isotherms. In the course of the analysis, we found that (1) the stoichiometric composition of TDF form A (TD/FA = 2:1) is different from that of TDF forms B and I (TD/FA = 1:1), and therefore TDF form A should not be regarded as a polymorph of TDF form I or TDF form B, (2) TDF forms B and I are actually desolvated forms, (3) anisotropic lattice contraction/expansion occurs between (i) hemimethanolate of TDF form B (TDF form B-MeOH) at low temperature and...
Statistical Pruning for Near-Maximum Likelihood Decoding

In many communications problems, maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding reduces to finding the closest (skewed) lattice point in N-dimensions to a given point xisin CN. In its full generality, this problem is known to be NP-complete. Recently, the expected complexity of the sphere decoder, a particular algorithm that solves the ML problem exactly, has been computed. An asymptotic analysis of this complexity has also been done where it is shown that the required computations grow exponentially in N for any fixed SNR. At the same time, numerical computations of the expected complexity show that there are certain ranges of rates, SNRs and dimensions N for which the expected computation (counted as the number of scalar multiplications) involves no more than N3 computations. However, when the dimension of the problem grows too large, the required computations become prohibitively large, as expected from the asymptotic exponential complexity. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that, for large N, offers substantial computational savings over the sphere decoder, while maintaining performance arbitrarily close to ML. We statistically prune the search space to a subset that, with high probability, contains the optimal solution, thereby reducing the complexity of the search. Bounds on the error performance of the new method are proposed. The complexity of the new algorithm is analyzed through an upper bound. The asymptotic behavior of the upper bound for large N is also analyzed which shows that the upper bound is also exponential but much lower than the sphere decoder. Simulation results show that the algorithm is much more efficient than the original sphere decoder for smaller dimensions as well, and does not sacrifice much in terms of performance
EVOLUTION OF POROSITY DISTRIBUTION FOR ONE-DIMENSIONAL PROBLEM OF VISCOUS SINTERING

SUMMARY Viscous sintering of a porous ball with various initial distributions of porosity versus radius is considered. For the solution of the corresponding boundary-value problems of the evolution of porosity and flow velocity fields during sintering, the numerical algorithms based on the diAerential quadrature method (DQM) and an arbitrary Eulerian‐Lagrangian version of the finite element method (FEM) (the permeable element method) are elaborated. A comparative analysis of the calculation results is carried out. The question of the influence of non-uniformity of porosity distribution on the localization of densification is discussed. #1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Commun. numer. meth. engng., 13, 355‐372 (1997). No. of Figures: 9 No. of Tables: 1 No. of References: 15
Role of dopamine D1 receptors in the prefrontal dorsal agranular insular cortex in mediating cocaine self-administration in rats.

Rationale Orbital/insular areas of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are implicated in cocaine addiction. However, the role of dopamine D1 receptors in mediating cocaine self-administration in these sub-regions remains unknown.
SENTENCES, BELIEF AND LOGICAL OMNISCIENCE, OR WHAT DOES DEDUCTION TELL US?

We propose a model for belief which is free of presuppositions. Current models for belief suffer from two difficulties. One is the well known problem of logical omniscience which tends to follow from most models. But a more important one is the fact that most models do not even attempt to answer the question what it means for someone to believe something, and just what it is that is believed. We provide a flexible model which allows us to give meaning to beliefs in general contexts, including the context of animal belief (where action is usually our only clue to a belief), and of human belief which is expressed in language.
Mechanical reliability modeling and characterization for Package-on-Package

POP (package-on-package) integration is achieved by stacking laminate substrate packages in vertical direction and interconnecting them with solder balls. Some mechanical reliability issues were addressed through POP development. In particular, package warpage and Si delamination were dominate issue. Package warpage was characterized with FEM-modeling, Shadow Moire and viscoelastic property measurement. Substrate and mold compound optimization techniques are explained in this paper. Also, Si delamination was characterized with FEM-modeling, a digital image tool (DIT), a scratch tester and a stress senor TEG. Si surface strength was measured with the scratch tester. Si stress and displacement in the package were measured with DIT and stress senor TEG. Design optimization for Si delamination is also explained in this paper. Board level thermal cycling is also critical issue for POP. The effects of underfill material properties on thermal cyclic life performance was studied. Optimum underfill properties are presented. This paper describes POP mechanical reliability characterization with some tools.
Money and the C-CAPM

We consider asset pricing in a monetary economy where liquid assets are held to lower transaction costs. The ensuing model extends the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the consumption CAPM by deriving real money growth as an additional factor determining returns. Empirically, the two model versions compare favorably to other theoretical asset pricing models along several dimensions, supporting the traditional intertemporal asset pricing perspective. A value premium arises because value firms are sensitive to liquidity shocks but growth firms are not. Although no alternative factor drives out the money growth factor, the conditioning CAY factors of Lettau and Ludvigson (2001b) add explanatory power.
Seasonally variable riverine production in the Venezuelan llanos

AbstractWe examined primary production, respiration, and nutrient dynamics in littoral areas of the mainstem and lagoons of the Cinaruco, a nutrient-poor river in the Venezuelan llanos. Gross primary productivity (GPP) was relatively high, given the poor nutrient conditions in this river. Seasonal variability in net ecosystem production (NEP) was also high, with highest values occurring in the dry season (March–April) when fish biomass and chlorophyll a (both water-column and benthic) levels were greatest (dry-season NEP = 542 mg C m−2 d−1, wet-season NEP = 303 mg C m−2 d−1). NEP and algal biomass (measured as chlorophyll a) were higher in lagoons than at river sites, with more pronounced differences between these 2 habitats during the dry season. Strong N limitation was evident. Dissolved inorganic N (DIN) concentrations always were <2 μM and typically were <0.5 μM. Molar ratios of DIN:SRP (soluble reactive P) varied little seasonally and were always <8. As in other Neotropical aquatic systems, water-col...
Laboratory demonstration of electronic polarization basis rotation

A hardware and software technique for rotation of the polarization basis of a dual orthogonal linearly polarized radiometer is discussed. The technique requires precise measurement of the two orthogonal-mode antenna temperatures along with cross-correlation of the two mode amplitudes (the first three Stokes parameters). An innovative polarized blackbody load was developed for accurate calibration of the cross-correlating channel. Using 90-GHz near-Brewster angle observations of a polarizing water surface, rotation of the antenna's polarization basis by a matrix transformation was performed. The experimental results demonstrate the viability of electronic polarization basis rotation (EPBR) and suggest practical calibration schemes for full-polarization radiometers. Applications of EBPR include mechanically scanned polarization-sensitive imaging radiometers. >
Monitoring and diagnosis of plasma etch processes

Plasma etching removes material from a silicon wafer by applying power and gases in a chamber. As material is removed from a wafer, the amount of particular chemicals given off can be measured; this technique is called emission spectroscopy and the measurements are called endpoint traces. An expert system that automatically interprets the traces has been designed and built. The system combines signal-to-symbol transformations for data abstraction and rule-based reasoning for diagnosis. The system detects problems as soon as they occur and also determines their causes. >
Polyamine-like actions of aminoglycosides and aminoglycoside derivatives at NMDA receptors

Abstract Recent pharmacological studies indicate that aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss may be an excitotoxic process modulated by a polyamine-like activation of cochlear NMDA receptors. Aminoglycoside antibiotics are constituted by a series of glycosidically linked aminocyclitols and aminosugars. We report here on the actions of these individual aminocyclitols and aminosugars on wild type NMDA receptors from rat brain. Compared to the parent molecules, neither aminocyclitols (e.g., 2-deoxystreptamine, streptamine, and streptidine) nor aminosugars (e.g., d -glucosamine and kanosamine) were effective at enhancing [3H]dizocilpine ([3H]MK-801) binding or inhibiting [3H]ifenprodil at NMDA receptors. Moreover, the appropriate combinations of aminosugars and aminocyclitols did not reconstitute the activity of the parent aminoglycoside at NMDA receptors. These data indicate that the polyamine-like actions of aminoglycosides are attributable to the conformation of the parent molecule rather than a particular amine containing constituent. Thus, it may be possible to synthesize or isolate aminoglycoside antibiotics devoid of ototoxicity.
Seasonal Changes in the Levels of Free and Bound Abscisic Acid in Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) Buds and Beech (Fagus sylvatica) Buds

Free and bound abscisic acid (ABA) levels in blackcurrant and beech buds have been determined by an extraction procedure involving several thin-layer chromatography purification stages and final bioassay in the wheat coleoptile straight-growth test. In both species the highest level of free ABA occurs in the autumn at about the time of onset of winter dormancy. The free ABA content then declines throughout the winter months reaching its lowest value just before bud burst. These results strengthen the view that free ABA plays an important role in the induction and maintenance of winter dormancy. The bound ABA level increases in both species throughout the autumn and winter until halfway through the bud swelling phase and then declines. It is proposed that the bound ABA accumulates in the buds because it cannot be translocated or further metabolized during the winter months. The ratios of free to bound ABA were plotted and the resulting curves show a distinctive annual cycle with the highest free ABA/ bound ABA ratio (F/B) occurring in the autumn and the highest bound ABA/ free ABA ratio (B/F) coinciding with bud burst. A gradual increase in the B/F ratio during bud swelling may indicate a feed-back reaction between free and bound ABA which maintains the free ABA at a sufficiently high level to put a gentle brake on growth. At bud burst the B/F ratio falls very sharply and a period of very rapid growth ensues.
Predictors of Recurrent Pulmonary Metastases and Survival After Pulmonary Metastasectomy for Colorectal Cancer

Background Resection of pulmonary colorectal carcinoma metastases may provide long-term benefit, but patient selection remains controversial. The objective of this study was to identify preoperative predictors of survival and lung recurrence for patients undergoing resection of such lesions. Methods A prospectively collected database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent their first colorectal carcinoma pulmonary metastasectomy. Two multivariate logistic analyses were performed to identify preoperative predictors of survival and lung recurrence. Preoperative factors, pathologic colorectal carcinoma stage, additional sites of metastases, timing of metastatic occurrence, and premetastasectomy disease-free interval were included in the univariate analyses. Results From January 2000 to December 2010, 229 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 60 years, and 100 patients (43.7%) were women. The overall median time and 5-year survival rate were 70.1 months and 55.4%, respectively, after the first pulmonary metastasectomy. Median follow-up was 37.2 months. Age older than 60 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.005 to 1.052; p = 0.016), male sex (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.089 to 3.094; p = 0.023), and more than three lung metastases (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.024 to 1.282; p = 0.018) predicted survival at 5 years in one multivariate analysis. In the second, more than three lung metastases present at first metastasectomy (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.071 to 1.321; p = 0.001) and the preoperative disease-free interval of less than 3 years (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.973 to 0.997; p = 0.013) predicted lung recurrence. Conclusions Older age, male sex, and more lung metastases predict poorer survival after resection of pulmonary colorectal cancer metastases. The number of lung metastases present at the first metastasectomy and the preoperative disease-free interval predicted recurrence in the lung.
Emigration from China in Comparative Perspective

Comparative research on international migration has increasingly focused on immigrant integration rather than the process of emigration. By investigating the different streams of Chinese migration to the United States and Europe, as well as the different stages of Chinese migration to the U.S., this study examines the way in which both receiving and sending contexts combine to shape the process of emigration. Using data from a 2002-2003 survey of emigration from China's Fujian Province, we demonstrate that under restrictive exit and entry policies and high barriers to migration (i.e., clandestine migration from Fuzhou to the U.S.), resources such as migrant social capital, political capital (cadre resources), and human capital all play a crucial role in the emigration process. However, the roles of these resources in the migration process are limited when migration barriers are sufficiently low and when local governments adopt proactive policies promoting emigration (i.e., legal migration from Mingxi to Europe). Comparisons over time suggest that the importance of migrant social capital, political capital, and human capital has strongly persisted for Fuzhou-US emigration, as a result of tightening exit and entry policies. Despite these marked differences between Fuzhou and Mingxi emigration, the results also point to two general processes that are highly consistent across settings and over time-the cumulative causation of migration and the advantage conferred by traditional positional power (cadre status).
Key dependent message security: recent results and applications

An encryption scheme is Key Dependent Message (KDM) secure if it is secure even against an attacker who has access to encryptions of messages which depend on the secret key. Recent studies have revealed that this strong security notion is important both theoretically and practically. In this paper we review the defnition, and survey recent results and applications of KDM security.
Platinum Coil Coatings to Increase Thrombogenicity: A Preliminary Study in Rabbits

The authors investigate a modification of the Gugliemi detachable coil. They have developed a rabbit model and coating technique to test differences in thrombogenicity of platinum coils with a variety of polyurethanes.
IDENTIFICATION OF SYSTEMS

Abstract : The paper is a tutorial discussion of identification problems. The basic principles of one method of identification are discussed. The method of quasilinearization has been developed by Richard Bellman and Robert Kalaba and others. This method is discussed in some detail with emphasis on programming strategies. These strategies are intended to improve the utility of a general quasilinearization program. Specific strategies are concerned with expansion of convergence space, super-position of particular solutions, and convergence criteria.
Hemodynamic changes induced by low blood oxygen affinity in dogs.

Increased tissue oxygen delivery may play a role in the increased vascular resistance that develops in volume-expanded hypertension. This hypothesis was tested by decreasing the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen in dogs to increase unloading of oxygen to the tissues. Six chronically instrumented dogs were studied before and for 7 days after partial exchange transfusion with red blood cells modified by incorporation of inositol hexaphosphate, which, 1 h after exchange, increased the PO2 value at which hemoglobin is half-saturated with oxygen (P50) to 38.8 +/- 2.1 mmHg from a control value of 31 +/- 1.5 mmHg. Cardiac output (electromagnetic flowmeter) fell to 92.5 +/- 7.4 ml.kg-1.min-1 after 2-4 h from control values between 120.2 +/- 5.7 and 125.8 +/- 4.6 ml.kg-1.min-1. One day later, cardiac output was still significantly decreased to 104.0 +/- 5.9 ml.kg-1.min-1. As P50 returned to control over the next few days, so did cardiac output. Two to four hours after exchange, total peripheral resistance was increased to 1,144 +/- 73 mmHg.l-1.kg.min from control values between 762 +/- 26 and 790 +/- 32 mmHg.l-1.kg.min. It was still increased to 993 +/- 51 mmHg.l-1.kg.min after 1 day. Oxygen consumption did not change significantly. Cardiac output and peripheral resistance changes were significantly different from those measured in a control group of six dogs receiving exchange transfusion with sham-shifted red blood cells without significant P50 changes. These results suggest that an increase in tissue oxygen delivery can raise total peripheral resistance in dogs in the absence of primary changes in fluid volumes, blood flow, or blood pressure.
IRF4 Regulates the Ratio of T-Bet to Eomesodermin in CD8 + T Cells Responding to Persistent LCMV Infection

CD8+ T cell exhaustion commonly occurs in chronic infections and cancers. During T cell exhaustion there is a progressive and hierarchical loss of effector cytokine production, up-regulation of inhibitory co-stimulatory molecules, and eventual deletion of antigen specific cells by apoptosis. A key factor that regulates T cell exhaustion is persistent TCR stimulation. Loss of this interaction results in restoration of CD8+ T cell effector functions in previously exhausted CD8+ T cells. TCR stimulation is also important for the differentiation of Eomeshi anti-viral CD8+ effector T cells from T-bethi precursors, both of which are required for optimal viral control. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating the differentiation of these two cell subsets and the relative ratios required for viral clearance have not been described. We show that TCR signal strength regulates the relative expression of T-bet and Eomes in antigen-specific CD8+ T cells by modulating levels of IRF4. Reduced IRF4 expression results in skewing of this ratio in the favor of Eomes, leading to lower proportions and numbers of T-bet+ Eomes- precursors and poor control of LCMV-clone 13 infection. Manipulation of this ratio in the favor of T-bet restores the differentiation of T-bet+ Eomes- precursors and the protective balance of T-bet to Eomes required for efficient viral control. These data highlight a critical role for IRF4 in regulating protective anti-viral CD8+ T cell responses by ensuring a balanced ratio of T-bet to Eomes, leading to the ultimate control of this chronic viral infection.
Dimensions of the Rings of Invariant Differential Operators on Bounded Homogeneous Domains

Let D be a bounded homogeneous domain in ℂ n , and suppose G(D) is the identity component of the analytic automorphism group of D. By a famous theorem of H. Cartan, G(D) is a real Lie group. We might as well assume that 0 ∈ D. From a well-known result in function theory of several complex variables the isotropy group G o (D) of G(D) at 0 ∈ D has the following representation: $$\omega =zA+o(z),$$ (6.1) where , \(z=\left( {{z}_{1}},\ldots ,{{z}_{r}} \right),\omega =\left( {{\omega }_{1}}\ldots ,{{\omega }_{n}} \right),\),and A is an n × n complex matrix constituting the linear parts {A}of G o (D), which form a compact subgroup of the unitary group U(n) denoted by K.
And the Impact Is ... First-Quarter Results from Adopting Fin 48

The authors explain that the July 2006 issuance of FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, dramatically changed the measurement, documentation, and disclosure requirements most companies must follow regarding individually identified income tax exposures. This report examines the disclosures provided on adoption of FIN 48 by calendar year-end Fortune 200 companies in their March 31, 2007, Forms 10-Q. In addition to finding improved consistency of disclosure across firms, the authors find that the adoption of FIN 48 resulted in substantial changes in the measurement of unrecognized tax benefits for many firms.
Photolysis of Nitric Acid at 308 nm in the Absence and in the Presence of Water Vapor

We have re-examined the NOx channels from the 308 nm gas-phase photolysis of nitric acid (HNO3) by using excimer laser photolysis combined with cavity ring-down spectroscopy. The photolysis products were monitored in the 552–560 and 640–648 nm regions. Direct comparison of the photolysis product spectrum in the 640–648 nm region with literature vibronic band origins and line intensities in electronically excited NO2 (NO2*) suggests that NO2* is not formed from HNO3 photolysis at 308 nm. A comparison of the photolysis product spectrum in the 552–560 nm region with a standard NO2 spectrum indicates that ground-state NO2 is a photolysis product. We have determined the NO2 quantum yield from the 308 nm HNO3 photolysis. We also investigated HNO3 photolysis in the presence of water vapor. For equilibrated HNO3/H2O mixtures, we did not observe significant variation of product absorption around 552 nm with delay times between the firing of the photolysis and the probe lasers. Transient product absorption measurem...