cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical Aspects of Thermography

This chapter was written in 1976. Since then a national study has proved that thermography is not sufficiently sensitive as a screening procedure to detect small, particularly nonpalpable, breast carcinomas. Better discrimination among the various causes of venous heat asymmetry is needed. Asymmetry may be secondary to the depth of the vein under the skin or the size of the vein as well as due to a vein carrying blood of increased temperature. The latter group includes increased temperature secondary to inflammatory and neoplastic disease, which two causes might possibly be differentiated by circadian rhythm. Research efforts directed toward better discrimination of the thermographic signal, particularly quantitative discrimination, may well prove to be quite rewarding.
Genome-scale metabolic network modeling results in minimal interventions that cooperatively force carbon flux towards malonyl-CoA.

Malonyl-coenzyme A is an important precursor metabolite for the biosynthesis of polyketides, flavonoids and biofuels. However, malonyl-CoA naturally synthesized in microorganisms is consumed for the production of fatty acids and phospholipids leaving only a small amount available for the production of other metabolic targets in recombinant biosynthesis. Here we present an integrated computational and experimental approach aimed at improving the intracellular availability of malonylCoA in Escherichia coli. We used a customized version of the recently developed OptForce methodology to predict a minimal set of genetic interventions that guarantee a prespecified yield of malonyl-CoA in E. coli strain BL21 Star TM . In order to validate the model predictions, we have successfully constructed an E. coli recombinant strain that exhibits a 4-fold increase in the levels of intracellular malonyl-CoA compared to the wild type strain. Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential of this E. coli strain for the production of plant-specific secondary metabolites naringenin (474 mg/L) with the highest yield ever achieved in a lab-scale fermentation process. Combined effect of the genetic interventions was found to be synergistic based on a developed analysis method that correlates genetic modification to cell phenotype, specifically the identified knockout targets ( DfumC and DsucC) and overexpression targets (ACC, PGK, GAPD and PDH) can cooperatively force carbon flux towards malonyl-CoA. The presented strategy can also be readily expanded for the production of other malonyl-CoA-derived compounds like polyketides and biofuels.
A laser range scanner designed for minimum calibration complexity

Laser range scanners are a popular method for acquiring three-dimensional geometry due to their accuracy and robustness. Maximizing scanner accuracy while minimizing engineering costs is a key challenge to future scanner designs. Engineering costs arise from both expensive components and difficult calibration requirements. We propose a two camera range scanner design, specifically chosen to minimize calibration complexity and cost. This design eliminates all actuated components from the calibrated geometry. Since it is difficult to ensure absolute repeatability of moving parts, a design with only statically arranged components can dramatically reduce the costs associated with calibration.
On Optimal Embedded Schedules of JPEG-2000 Packets

The JPEG-2000 compression standard codes images into data units, referred to as packets, such that images can be successfully decoded, while incurring some distortion, with a subset of these packets. This paper examines how to optimally select subsets of packets (referred to as schedules) that minimize distortion subject to varying rate constraints. We solve for the optimal schedule at a single rate by solving the Precedence Constraint Knapsack problem (PCKP) via dynamic programming, and show that with modifications that consider the specific dependencies of JPEG-2000 packets, we can compute the optimal schedules for all rates through a single execution of our algorithm. We then analyze important properties of the optimal schedule. Using these properties, we look at a fused-greedy algorithm, similar to the recently proposed convex hull algorithm in [6], to generate embedded schedules of JPEG-2000 packets. These embedded schedules have the property that all the JPEG-2000 packets in lower rate schedules are included in higher rate schedules; embedded schedules enable low-complexity, adaptive streaming. We demonstrate the algorithm's near optional performance through comparisons to the optimal performance for JPEG-2000 coded data.
Variable-reluctance resolver design guidelines

The design of a variable-reluctance resolver structure which can be integrated into brushless motors is considered. The resolver is designed to provide absolute position information for motor phase commutation and incremental position information for position control. Basic resolver operation is reviewed, and critical resolver signal characteristics which determine resolver position accuracy are identified. Using a magnetic circuit approach, the inductance of a variable-reluctance structure was computed as a function of position. From this information the tooth parameters which minimize the maximum resolver position error were determined. In addition, design guidelines were formulated and the difficulty in achieving high position accuracy was assessed. >
Designing a portable architecture for intelligent particle accelerator control

We present a portable system for intelligent control of particle accelerators. This system is based on a hierarchical distributed architecture. At the lowest level, a physical access layer provides an object-oriented abstraction of the target system. A series of intermediate layers implement general algorithms for control, optimization, data interpretation, and diagnosis. Decision making and planning are organized by knowledge-based components that utilize knowledge acquired from human experts to appropriately direct and configure lower level services. The general nature of the representations and algorithms at lower levels gives this architecture a high degree of potential portability. The knowledge-based decision-making and planning at higher levels gives this system an adaptive capability as well as making it readily configurable to new environments.
Relationship of β-catenin and Bcl-2 expression to sulindac-induced regression of intestinal tumors in Min mice

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause regression of early intestinal tumors and although this is believed to involve cyclooxygenase-2 and apoptosis, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Cytoplasmic and nuclear beta-catenin are overexpressed in many of these lesions and Bcl-2, which inhibits apoptosis, may also be elevated during the course of intestinal tumorigenesis. We recently showed that sulindac causes regression of 70-80% of small intestinal tumors in Min/+ mice within 4 days, but does not have the same impact on colonic lesions; after 20 days of treatment the tumor load stabilizes at 10-20% of that in untreated animals. The aim of this study was to determine if NSAID-induced regression of intestinal adenomas might be associated with changes in beta-catenin or Bcl-2 expression. Intestinal tumors from Min/+ mice were harvested after treatment with sulindac for 2, 4 or 20 days and evaluated for expression of beta-catenin and Bcl-2 using immunohistochemistry. There was a > or = 50% decrease in beta-catenin (P = 0.001) and diminishing Bcl-2 (P = 0.019) in small intestinal tumors harvested between 2 and 4 days of treatment when compared with untreated controls. In contrast, small intestinal tumors from animals treated for 20 days were not significantly different from untreated controls. Colonic tumors expressed higher levels of Bcl-2 than those from the small intestine and did not show any significant changes in either Bcl-2 or beta-catenin expression after treatment. Results suggest that modulation of aberrant beta-catenin expression occurs during NSAID-induced regression of intestinal adenomas and that Bcl-2 may confer resistance to these effects.
Feasibility of Implementing a Comprehensive Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Service

Objective To determine the procedural feasibility of a pharmacist-led interdisciplinary service for providing genotype-guided warfarin dosing for hospitalized patients newly starting warfarin.
Efficient optimization of integrated aerodynamic–structural design

Techniques for reducing the computational complexity of multidisciplinary design optimization (DO) of aerodynamic structures are described and demonstrated. The basic principles of aerodynamic and structural DO are reviewed; the formulation of the combined DO problem is outlined; and particular attention is given to (1) the application of perturbation methods to cross-sensitivity computations and (2) numerical approximation procedures. Trial DOs of a simple sailplane design are presented in tables and graphs and discussed in detail. The IBM 3090 CPU time for the entire integrated DO was reduced from an estimated 10 h to about 6 min.
Numerical investigation of dynamic free-fall penetrometers in soft cohesive marine sediments using a finite difference approach

Various branches of offshore civil and petroleum engineering, as well as the Navy, have an expressed need for tools that allow for a rapid assessment of the surficial (top 2–3m) marine sediments. Undrained shear strength of soft cohesive (clayey) deposits is one of the central parameters required in these investigations. This information is critically important in evaluations of bearing capacity of sediment under the load of objects and structures placed on the sea sediment surface or embedded in it. It is also a primary parameter guiding the response of these types of sediments in resistance to dynamic penetration events, including anchors, probes, and various other bodies deployed in free fall through the water column. Dynamic free-fall penetrometers offer a potential for such rapid strength assessment and are used widely, but have typically been employed in conjunction with mostly empirical relationships to retrieve the undrained shear strength of sediments [1–5]. In this work, we analyze the behavior of a typical representative of these types of penetrometers, the STING (Sea Terminal Impact Naval Gauge). One of four available foot geometries is examined herein (50 mm), with probe configured to achieve up to 2m soil penetration. We develop an approach for modeling the velocity decay profile of the probe, as it's decelerating in the sediment after free-fall through the water column. We utilize a commercial finite-element code (ABAQUSTM) to develop a full dynamic solution of the penetrometer impact and burial into marine sediment, with undrained shear strength varying linearly with depth. We conduct a comprehensive study of convergence and solution accuracy, utilizing Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian dynamic remeshing schemes in a fully dynamic elasto-plastic model. We explore the conditions of fully-developed plastic flow around the foot of the penetrometer and compare our conclusions with those made utilizing other numerical approaches [6,7], primarily, due to the unavailability of laboratory controlled experimental data on the details of the plastic flow of cohesive materials around objects penetrating soft cohesive marine soils in the velocity regime of interest (O[10 m/s]). The numerical solution and prediction of the probe velocity decay, as it's penetrating the soil, is compared with the field-measured velocity time series from a STING deployment into soft marine clay.
A New Stringer for the LAMPF Radiation Effects Facility

New stringer design, allowing access to the spallation neutron flux at the Clinton P. Anderson Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) beam stop is described, together with information on the neutron spectrum.
Joint Channel and Echo Impulse Response Shortening for High-Speed Data Transmission

The unit-norm constraint optimization for joint shortening of channel and echo impulse response is presented in this paper. The optimization is performed in the mean square sense (MSE) and compared to unit-tap constraint joint shortening optimization. The proposed method could serve in performing joint echo cancellation and equalization for data transmission over Category cables for the next IEEE standard on short-range ultra high-speed copper interconnections used in data servers, high-performance computing centers, local area networks, etc. The main objective of the presented algorithm is to extensively reduce the power and implementation complexities of a 40GBASE-T system.
The long-term impact of restorative justice programming for juvenile offenders

While extant research generally supports restorative justice as an alternative to traditional juvenile court processing, much of this research is limited to short-term follow-up periods examining only prevalence of reoffense. In addition, recent meta-analyses point to several study design characteristics, the impacts of which are not well understood. This study compared long-term outcomes of youth referred to restorative justice and traditional juvenile court processing using multiple outcome measures. Specifically, the authors examined the impact of restorative justice referral on prevalence of reoffense, number of later official contacts, and seriousness of later offending behavior over several follow-up periods up to four years post-referral.
Seekable Compressed Traces

Program traces are commonly used for purposes such as profiling, processor simulation, and program slicing. Uncompressed, these traces are often too large to exist on disk. Although existing trace compression algorithms achieve high compression rates, they sacrifice the accessibility of uncompressed traces; typical compressed traces must be traversed linearly to reach a desired position in the stream. This paper describes seekable compressed traces that allow arbitrary positioning in the compressed data stream. Furthermore, we enhance existing value prediction based techniques to achieve higher compression rates, particularly for difficult-to-compress traces. Our base algorithm achieves a harmonic mean compression rate for SPEC2000 memory address traces that is 3.47 times better than existing methods. We introduce the concept of seekpoints that enable fast seeking to positions evenly distributed throughout a compressed trace. Adding seekpoints enables rapid sampling and backwards traversal of compressed traces. At a granularity of every 10 M instructions, seekpoints only increase trace sizes by an average factor of 2.65.
Angiotensin II induces interleukin-6 transcription in vascular smooth muscle cells through pleiotropic activation of nuclear factor-κB transcription factors

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine expressed by angiotensin II (Ang II)-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) that functions as an autocrine growth factor. In this study, we analyze the mechanism for Ang II-inducible IL-6 expression in quiescent rat VSMCs. Stimulation with the Ang II agonist Sar1 Ang II (100 nmol/L) induced transcriptional expression of IL-6 mRNA transcripts of 1.8 and 2.4 kb. In transient transfection assays of IL-6 promoter/luciferase reporter plasmids, Sar1 Ang II treatment induced IL-6 transcription in a manner completely dependent on the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) motif. Sar1 Ang II induced cytoplasmic-to-nuclear translocation of the NF-kappaB subunits Rel A and NF-kappaB1 with parallel changes in DNA-binding activity in a biphasic manner, which produced an early peak at 15 minutes followed by a nadir 1 to 6 hours later and a later peak at 24 hours. The early phase of NF-kappaB translocation was dependent on weak simultaneous proteolysis of the IkappaBalpha and beta inhibitors, whereas later translocation was associated with enhanced processing of the p105 precursor into the mature 50-kDa NF-kappaB1 form. Pretreatment with a potent inhibitor of IkappaBalpha proteolysis, TPCK, completely blocked Sar1 Ang IIAng II-induced NF-kappaB activation and induction of endogenous IL-6 gene expression, which indicated the essential role of NF-kappaB in mediating IL-6 expression. We conclude that Ang II is a pleiotropic regulator of the NF-kappaB transcription factor family and may be responsible for activating the expression of cytokine gene networks in VSMCs.
Highly Stable, Anion Conductive, Comb-Shaped Copolymers for Alkaline Fuel Cells

To produce an anion-conductive and durable polymer electrolyte for alkaline fuel cell applications, a series of quaternized poly(2,6-dimethyl phenylene oxide)s containing long alkyl side chains pendant to the nitrogen-centered cation were synthesized using a Menshutkin reaction to form comb-shaped structures. The pendant alkyl chains were responsible for the development of highly conductive ionic domains, as confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The comb-shaped polymers having one alkyl side chain showed higher hydroxide conductivities than those with benzyltrimethyl ammonium moieties or structures with more than one alkyl side chain per cationic site. The highest conductivity was observed for comb-shaped polymers with benzyldimethylhexadecyl ammonium cations. The chemical stabilities of the comb-shaped membranes were evaluated under severe, accelerated-aging conditions, and degradation was observed by measuring IEC and ion conductivity changes during aging. The comb-shaped membranes retained ...
Europe's Enron: Royal Ahold, N.V.

Royal Ahold, N.V., is a large multinational company based in The Netherlands that was founded in 1887 by Albert Heijn. Three generations of the Heijn family oversaw the company's retail grocery business. In 1989, the company hired a professional management team. The new management team expanded Royal Ahold's operations by purchasing grocery chains around the globe, resulting in the company becoming the third largest food retailer in the world. In 2000, the company diversified into the wholesaling segment of the huge food industry when it purchased U.S. Foodservice, a large food wholesaler based in Columbia, Maryland. Royal Ahold's professional management team established aggressive earnings and revenue goals for the company each year and pressured their subordinates to achieve those goals. An incentive compensation plan awarded large year‐end bonuses to managers of operating units that met or surpassed their financial goals. Royal Ahold's decentralized operations, when coupled with the strong incentives t...
Ventilation and Its Effect on “Infinite Pool” Exchangers

SYNOPSIS. Unlike internal exchange surfaces, the skin contacts an “infinite pool” of air or water with which exchange of gases, water, ions, and other solutes may occur. Even though the “infinite pool” may be well mixed, an unstirred diffusion boundary layer is always present about the skin and may constitute a significant resistance to exchange. The thickness of the diffusion boundary layer (as approximated by the fluid dynamic boundary layer) is related to the flow of the respiratory medium, viscosity and density of the medium, and the morphology of the exchange surface. Oxygen microelectrode studies suggest that, in most circumstances, the diffusion boundary layer in water is at least as thick as the blood-respiratory medium distance in amphibian skin. Accordingly, the movement of water about the skin { i.e ., skin ventilation) should have pronounced effects on cutaneous exchange, especially at low “free stream” velocities. Mounting physiological evidence suggests that: (1) skin ventilation can augment cutaneous gas exchange; and (2) some vertebrates actively ventilate their skins, especially in aquatic hypoxia. The ubiquity and significance of diffusion boundary layers are central to a general understanding of cutaneous exchange and all surface-mediated exchange processes.
Transitional behaviors of general AIMD rate control

Internet applications use rate control algorithms, such as the additive-increase/multiplicative-decrease (AIMD) mechanism of TCP, to adjust transmission rates dynamically. Previous analytical work of rate control algorithms mainly focuses on steady state behaviors, for instance, the steady state throughput. The goal of this paper is to analyze the General AIMD (GAIMD) rate control during transition periods, when traffic flows increase or decrease sending rates in response to changes in network conditions. We present mathematic characterizations of GAIMD flows in transition periods, verify our analytic results by simulation, and investigate the change responsiveness of GAIMD flows using our model. The results of this study show that our model is accurate unless under extremely adverse conditions. Moreover, such adverse conditions exist only for very short periods of time, and thus the errors of the proposed model are likely insignificant. Our results also reveal that previous estimation methods of change responsiveness consistently underestimate the lengths of transition periods. This research advances the understanding of how Internet traffic reacts to changes in network conditions. Such knowledge in turn are expected to help make informed design decisions of rate control algorithms.
Interevent relationships and judgment under uncertainty: structure determines strategy.

A fundamental empirical question regarding judgments about events is whether experienced absolute frequencies or relative frequencies are relied on when the likelihood of a particular occurrence is judged. The present research explicates the conditions under which people rely on remembered raw absolute frequencies versus on inferred relative frequencies or proportions when making predictions. Participants saw opinion poll results for candidates prior to an election and, on the basis of these, made judgments concerning the likelihood of each candidate’s winning this election. Certain candidates demonstrated a high absolute frequency of winning in the polls, whereas other candidates had high relative win frequencies. The results indicated that adults are cognitively flexible with regard to the inputs used in this judgment. Certain stimulus event configurations induced reasoning by way of absolute frequencies, whereas other configurations elicited judgments based on relative frequencies. More specifically, as the relational complexity of the event structure increased and more inferences were required to make predictions, the tendency to rely on absolute, as opposed to relative, frequencies also increased.
The role of wildlife science in wetland ecosystem restoration: Lessons from the Everglades

Abstract There has been little discussion of how and when to integrate wildlife science into ecological restoration projects. The recent emergence of wetland ecosystem restoration offers an opportunity to use wildlife science to increase the probability of a project being successful. This paper traces the evolution of wetland ecosystem restoration in North America and proposes three roles for wildlife science in wetland ecosystem restoration: (1) contribute to conceptual ecosystem models, (2) develop quantitative performance measures and restoration targets that track the progress of restoration, and (3) achieve social feasibility by sustaining long-term public support for a project. The extensive knowledge base for many species of wildlife makes them especially useful for contributing to conceptual ecosystem models. Wildlife species are often the subject of long-term monitoring and research because they have commercial value, are conspicuous, or have aesthetic appeal. Wildlife parameters can be good performance measures for large-scale restoration projects because some species integrate information over large spatial scales and are long-lived. Parameters associated with threatened or endangered wildlife species should get special consideration as performance measures because the information will meet multiple needs rather than just those of the conceptual ecosystem model. Finally, wetland ecosystem restoration projects need to sustain funding over decades to ensure the restored system is self-sustaining. Wildlife are a valued resource that can help achieve the social feasibility of a project by providing a way to communicate complex science in terms that society understands and values.
Cerebral Metabolic Changes During Treatment of Subacute Cerebral Infarction by Alpha and Beta Adrenergic Blockade With Phenoxybenzamine and Propranolol

Cerebral hemispheric blood flow (HBF) and metabolism were measured in 30 patients with acute and subacute cerebral infarction before and after intracarotid infusion of the alpha adrenergic blocking agent phenoxybenzamine (PBZ) or the beta adrenergic blocker propranolol (PPL) dissolved in saline. Following intracarotid injection of 7 µg per kilogram per minute PBZ, HBF showed no change but cerebral hemispheric oxygen consumption (HMIO2) and carbon dioxide production (HMICO2) decreased. Glucose consumption (HMIGl) was unchanged but the glucose to oxygen utilization ratio (HG:O) increased. Intracarotid injection of 1.45 µg per kilogram per minute PPL caused reduction of HBF, HMIO2, HMICO2, HMIGl and HG:O. After PBZ infusion, mean systemic arterial blood pressure (MABP) decreased slightly, intracranial venous pressure (ICVP) and CSF pressure (CSFP) increased, and central venous pressure (CVP) remained unchanged. PPL infusion had no effect on intracranial dynamics. Possible mechanisms whereby PBZ and PPL influence cerebral metabolism and function were discussed. Inhibition of uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation appeared to be the most likely explanation for the improvement in brain function and metabolic change associated with each of the drugs. These data support the concept that catecholamines released into brain tissue are a possible cause of uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation. Presently available evidence suggests that adrenergic blocking agents warrant clinical evaluation in the treatment of acute cerebral ischemia, infarction, hemorrhage, and anoxia.
New data-reusing LMS algorithms for improved convergence

A geometric framework is adopted which is used to clearly elucidate the operation of and relationships between the LMS, DR-LMS, and NLMS algorithms. This geometrical framework facilitates the proof of an analytical result which explains the superior convergence rate performance of the NLMS algorithm. A new class of computationally efficient data-reusing algorithms is then introduced which provides significant convergence rate improvement over the DR-LMS algorithm. The improved performance is verified with simulations. >
Prevention of alveolar osteitis with chlorhexidine: a meta-analytic review.

Objective The objective of this study was to assess if chlorhexidine (CHX) rinse decreases the occurrence of alveolar osteitis (AO) following third molar removal. Study design A literature search identified 7 randomized prospective clinical trials reporting incidence of AO following removal of mandibular third molars. Studies were combined into 2 groups and summary relative risks were calculated for each group. One group of studies evaluated rinsing on the day of surgery only and the second group of studies rinsed at least on the day of surgery and several days after surgery. Results The relative risk for the single rinse group was 1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80, 2.33), P > .05, whereas for the multiple rinse group, the relative risk was 1.90 (95% CI 1.46, 2.47), P Conclusion Rinsing with CHX on the day of surgery and several days after may reduce the incidence of AO.
Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return detected incidentally during port placement.

F Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) was diagnosed incidentally in an asymptomatic 56-year-old female patient as a result of a peculiar catheter tip malposition (which was subsequently redirected) during port placement (Fig 1) before chemotherapy for an ovarian malignancy. PAPVR, also known as partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, is a rare congenital vascular condition with an incidence of 0.4%–0.7% (1). Usually, a single pulmonary vein is anomalous. PAPVR arising from the right lung is more common than PAPVR from the left lung. The typical configuration is that of a right upper pulmonary vein draining into the superior vena cava (as seen in this case; Figs 2, 3; arrows) or nto the right atrium. Other configurations include right pulonary venous drainage into the inferior vena cava and left ulmonary venous drainage into the innominate vein, coronary
Exploiting user metadata for energy-aware node allocation in a cloud storage system

Cloud computing has gained popularity in recent years delivering various services as cost-effective platforms. However, the increasing energy consumption needs to be addressed in order to preserve the cost-effectiveness of these systems. In this work, we target the storage infrastructure in a cloud system and introduce several energy efficient storage node allocation methods by exploiting the metadata heterogeneity of cloud users. Our proposed methods preserve load balance on demand and switch inactive nodes into low-energy modes to save energy. We provide a mathematical model to estimate the outcome of proposed methods and conduct theoretical and simulative analyses using real-world workloads. Mechanisms to reduce cloud storage energy consumption by around 60%.Dynamic and static storage allocation methods based on user metadata.A mathematical model to estimate energy consumption, latency and load balance.Theoretical and experimental evaluations of the proposed methods.
Religious Groups as Interest Groups: The United States Catholic Bishops in the Welfare Reform Debate of 1995–1996 and the Health Care Reform Debate of 2009–20101

The United States has a long history of religious influence on public policy: the anti-slavery movement, progressivism, prohibition, civil rights, abortion, school vouchers, school prayer and nuclear disarmament are all issues that have involved religion and religious groups in policymaking. In recent decades, the number of religious interest groups (as well as interest groups in general) has greatly expanded, but the role that the religious organizations play as interest groups in the policy arena has received relatively little attention. How are they similar to and different from other interest groups? What tactics do they use? How successful are they? Under what conditions is success or failure more likely? This article examines Roman Catholic religious groups as interest groups in the congressional policymaking process. First, it places Catholic interest groups in the context of the interest group literature, and second, it examines Catholic interest groups’ activity in the passage of welfare reform in 1996 and in the passage of health care reform in 2010. In both cases, they played a greater role in context-setting than in actually changing provisions.
A parallel and adaptive hybridized discontinuous Galerkin method for anisotropic nonhomogeneous diffusion

Abstract The diffusion equation in anisotropic and nonhomogeneous media arises in the study of flow through porous media with sharp material interfaces. We discuss the solution of this problem by a hybrid discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) method. The method can be applied in three steps. First, we use a condensation technique to derive the scalar variable and the flux inside each element in terms of the numerical trace on the faces of that element. Then we form a global system of equations to solve for these numerical traces. We then solve the equation inside each element for the internal unknowns using the obtained numerical traces in the global solve step. Similar to other DG variants, HDG is a locally conservative method, and a noticeable share of calculations are performed independently within each element. In a mesh with p th order elements ( p ≥ 0 ), this method gives p + 1 order of accuracy for smooth solutions for both the scalar variable and the flux. Moreover, by using a simple post-processing technique, one can reach an accuracy of order p + 2 for the scalar variable. To be able to handle problems with sharp material discontinuities, we use an adaptive refinement strategy, with octree grid structure. Hence, we avoid a larger global system which would arise from a fine uniform grid. In this process, we refine those elements with highest gradient of flux, at two sides of their faces. We have also utilized shared and distributed memory parallelism to enhance the performance of the method. The method is implemented using different modules of deal.II (Bangerth and Kanschat, 1999), PETSc (Balay et al., 2015), p4est (Burstedde et al., 2011) and Hypre (Falgout and Yang, 2002). To demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and flexibility of the method, several two and three dimensional numerical experiments are studied.
High performance dual-gate ISFET with non-ideal effect reduction schemes in a SOI-CMOS bioelectrical SoC

A dual-gate ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (DGFET) with the back-side sensing structure implemented in a 0.18 μm SOI-CMOS SoC platform realizing high performance bioelectrical detection with non-ideal effect reduction is presented. Non-ideal effects of the conventional ISFET, such as time drift and hysteresis, are suppressed by the innovative scheme in DGFET using the bottom poly-gate (PG) transistor instead of the fluidic gate (FG) transistor for sensing. As a result, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is improved by 155x, time drift is reduced by 53x, and hysteresis is reduced by 3.7x. For certain applications which require high sensitivity, a pulse-modulated biasing technique can be adopted to effectively reduce time drift with high pH sensitivity of 453 mV/pH which is ∼7.5x enhancement over the Nernst limit in the proposed DGFET.
What type of political system is the US? Forthcoming in the Journal of Political Power

The conventional understanding of the contemporary US as a polyarchy, considered as rule by multiple minorities, is not now supportable. It relies upon the salience of pluralism over political inequality, but these conditions are now inverted. The current salience of political inequality is the chief characteristic of unequalocracy, a political system type intermediate between polyarchy and plutocracy. Contrary to Gilens and Bartels, the US has not been demonstrated to have enough representational inequality to be a plutocracy. Using an alternative conception of what constitutes preference differences between high- and low-income groups, and applying it to Gilens’ own data, I find too few preference differences to show plutocracy exits in the US.
The childless elderly in Tiriki, Kenya, and Irigwe, Nigeria: A comparative analysis of the relationship between beliefs about childlessness and the social status of the childless elderly.

Research in Tiriki, Western province, Kenya, in 1954–56, 1961, and 1982, and Irigwe, Plateau State, Nigeria, in 1963–5 and 1980, reveals that these two geographically and culturally disparate tribal groups both prescribe “parenthood” as a precondition for attainment of full adult status and thus as a prerequisite for true elderhood. In Irigwe anyone of sound mind can achieve “parenthood” and therefore acceptance as an elder of high status through foster-parenthood and ritual parenthood. In Tiriki, however, foster-parenthood does not suffice to affirm one's full adult and elder statuses, making the social position of the elder with no living offspring very difficult, indeed untenable, in traditional communities.
Popular Culture as Oppositional Culture: Rap as Resistance

Bonnie Mitchell and Joe Feagin (1995) build on the theory of oppositional culture, arguing that African Americans, American Indians, and Mexican Americans draw on their own cultural resources to re...
Whole lung lavage for lipoid pneumonia.

We evaluated a 49-year-old woman who had worsening shortness of breath, non-productive cough and recurrent low-grade fevers over 6 months despite several courses of antibiotics. Her medical history was remarkable for suspected immunodeficiency that had been treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and recurrent pneumonia, including methicillin-resistant S taphylococcus aureus empyema requiring left decortication 2 years earlier. Repeated CT scans of her lung showed progressive patchy ground-glass and consolidative opacities bilaterally with septal prominence (figure 1A). Figure 1 CT of the lung showing (white arrow) consolidation with (black triangle) patchy ground-glass opacities and (black arrows) septal thickening (A) before and (B) after whole lung lavage. We performed bronchoscopy. Bronchoalveolar lavage cultures and special stains for bacteria, acid-fast bacilli and fungi were negative. Transbronchial biopsies revealed clusters of alveolar macrophages with …
Indoor location estimation with optical-based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing communications

Visible light communication (VLC) using light-emitting diodes has been gaining increasing attention in recent years as it is appealing for a wide range of applications such as indoor positioning. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been applied to indoor wireless optical communications in order to mitigate the effect of multipath distortion of the optical channel as well as increasing the data rate. An OFDM VLC system is proposed, which can be utilized for both communications and indoor positioning. A positioning algorithm based on power attenuation is used to estimate the receiver coordinates. We further calculate the positioning errors in all the locations of a room and compare them with those using single-carrier modulation schemes, i.e., on–off keying modulation. We demonstrate that our proposed OFDM positioning system outperforms by 74% its conventional counterpart. Finally, we investigate the impact of different system parameters on the positioning accuracy of the proposed OFDM VLC system.
Voluntary undertaking rule and duty to warn.

Case Law, a regular AJHP section, is intended to provide pharmacists with timely information about recent court decisions that may affect pharmacy practice. Each installment includes pertinent background information, excerpts from the opinion of the court, and brief commentary. The contributing editor for the section is David B. Brushwood, J.D., Professor, Pharmacy Heath Care Administration, University of Florida, Box 100496, Health Science Center, Gainesville, FL 32610.
The weight of a portrait: Caricatura and industrial violence after the Charlie Hebdo attack

‘It’s vital’, Luz told his friend the publisher Alain David in mid-February 2015, when he called him. Luz’s book Catharsis, written in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, was completed in record time. The book revolves around an impossible drawing. It is the proper name of the event called ‘attack on Charlie Hebdo, January 7, 2015’. ‘The’ drawing, ‘le dessin’ is what Luz cannot draw and translate, cannot express and figure without re-engaging the very nature of figurability.Luz converses with ghostly visitations, and while doing so, he re-enacts a foundation of the figuration process that Georges Didi-Huberman calls the ‘dialectique du visuel’ (1992: 53–84). The image breaks down the usual distinction between watching and being watched. This powerful act of refiguring after a violent de-figuration, this artistic redemption, is a political response to a political assassination that targets a regime of visibility while raising central questions about what it means to create a portrait in the age of ...
Elementary quantum mechanics of the neutron with an electric dipole moment

Abstract The neutron, in addition to possibly having a permanent electric dipole moment as a consequence of violation of time-reversal invariance, develops an induced electric dipole moment in the presence of an external electric field. We present here a unified nonrelativistic description of these two phenomena, in which the dipole moment operator, D → D→, is not constrained to lie along the spin operator. Although the expectation value of D → D→ in the neutron is less than 10 − 13 10−13 of the neutron radius, r n rn, the expectation value of D → 2 D→ 2 is of order r n 2 rn2. We determine the spin motion in external electric and magnetic fields, as used in past and future searches for a permanent dipole moment, and show that the neutron electric polarizability, although entering the neutron energy in an external electric field, does not affect the spin motion. In a simple nonrelativistic model we show that the expectation value of the permanent dipole is, to lowest order, proportional to the product of the time-reversal-violating coupling strength and the electric polarizability of the neutron.
Effects of Ampt and/or Inescapable Shock on Complex Avoidance Responding

Forty Holtzman rats were used to investigate the effects of Alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine, (AMPT), a tryosine hydroxylase inhibitor, and inescapable shock on response deficits in a complex avoidance learning task. Animals received either (a) a 1-hr session of moderate intensity shock, (b) an injection of AMPT, or (c) both AMPT and inescapable shock. They were then trained on an over-back (FR-2) shuttle task. The interference produced by inescapable shock was mimicked by treatment with AMPT. However, contrary to expectation, rats receiving both AMPT and inescapable shock performed no differently than the control animals. The results are discussed in relation to a motor deficit neurochemical hypothesis of response interference.
Basic mechanisms of lymphocyte recirculation in Lewis rats.

Recirculating lymphocytes emigrate from the blood into lymph nodes by selectively crossing the walls of high endothelial venules (HEV) (1). This process depends upon the ability of lymphocytes to attach to endothelium via membrane receptors (2,3) and on the capacity of the lymphocytes to propel themselves across HEV. We studied the role of microfilaments and microtubules (4–10) in attachment and migration of recirculating lymphocytes by using the cytoskeletal probes cytochalasin-A (CA) and colchicine (Col). The results indicate that both CA and Col inhibit entry of lymphocytes into lymph nodes. However, CA interferes with locomotion more than it affects recognition, and Col blocks recognition without significantly affecting locomotion.
TCT-683 Bivalirudin versus Heparin in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Peripheral Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Bivalirudin may be an effective anticoagulation alternative to heparin as anticoagulant agent in percutaneous peripheral interventions (PPI). We aimed to compare safety and efficacy of bivalirudin versus heparin as the procedural anticoagulant agent in patients undergoing PPI. We conducted an
Earth and World – Roots and Routes

As has often been noted, things are falling apart in our time. This applies to the rupture of family relations, the gulf between the rich and the poor, and the rift between nation-states and between the global “West” and the “rest.” Seen as a mode of permanent revolution, (Western) modernity has unleashed a process of relentless innovation, while sidelining or even obliterating traditional ways of life. In response to this process, modernity has also triggered a longing for locally grounded stability and the retrieval of past memories. Thus, in both the West and much of the “rest,” modern human life is caught in the pull of seemingly infinite strivings and the counterpull of finite backgrounds and historically nurtured origins. In a concise manner, Indian anthropologist and social theorist Ananta Kumar Giri has captured the gist of this counterpoint in the formula “roots and routes.”
Tracheal paraganglioma presenting as stridor in a pediatric patient, case report and literature review.

Abstract Objective To review tracheal paragangliomas and describe the clinical presentation, radiologic findings, operative management, and histologic findings of a pediatric patient who presented with stridor refractory to traditional asthma therapy. Methods Chart review of an 8-year-old male who presented to a tertiary care pediatric hospital and literature review of tracheal paragangliomas. Results We present the case of an 8-year-old male who presented with new-onset of wheezing and dyspnea on exertion. He was given a new diagnosis of asthma and treated with bronchodilators that failed to improve his symptoms, which progressed over 3 months until he presented urgently with biphasic stridor. Bedside flexible laryngoscopy failed to reveal an etiology. Computed tomography (CT) imaging demonstrated 17 × 12 × 16 mm exophytic mass arising from the posterior membranous trachea with extension of the mass to the border of the thyroid gland and separate from the esophagus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography confirmed vascular supply from the right thyrocervical trunk and inferior thyroid artery. Rigid microlaryngoscopy revealed a friable vascular polypoid mass 2 cm distal to the vocal folds with 75% obstruction of the airway from which a small biopsy was taken. Pathology confirmed paraganglioma with neuroendocrine cells arranged in “zellballen” architecture and strong immunopositivity for chromogranin and synaptophysin in the neuroendocrine cells and S100 immunopositivity in the sustentacular cells. The patient underwent complete open resection of the tumor including three tracheal rings with primary anastomosis. Final pathology confirmed paraganglioma and negative margins. Genetic screening revealed a succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit C (SDHC) germline mutation, confirming hereditary paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma syndrome. He remains well at 3 month follow up without dyspnea or stridor. Conclusion Tracheal paragangliomas are exceptionally rare, with 12 reported cases. This is the only pediatric case reported. In pediatric patients with persistent airway complaints, subglottic and tracheal masses and obstruction should be considered. Due to the vascularity and endotracheal component of tracheal paragangliomas, a detailed surgical plan should consider embolization, endotracheal laser photocoagulation and electrocautery, and open surgical resection. Additionally, pediatric patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach including radiology, endocrinology, and genetic counseling.
Spherical Functions on a Semi-Simple Lie Group

Let G be a connected semi-simple Lie group with finite center, G = KA P N + an Iwasawa decomposition for G; let I 2 (G) be the space of K-biinvariant square integrable functions on G — then, according to well-known generalities, a given element f in I 2 (G) can be ‘expanded’ in terms of zonal spherical functions of positive type. More precisely, let I ∞ c (G) denote the space of K-biinvariant compactly supported C∞ functions on G; let P be the set of positive definite zonal spherical functions on G — then, by the spherical Fourier transform f of f (f ∊ I ∞ c (G)), we shall understand the function on P defined by the rule $${\overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\frown}$}}{f}}(\phi )=\int_{G} {f(x)\phi{d_{G}}(x)\quad(\phi\in P)}$$ This being so, the abstract Plancherel Theorem for I 2 (G) asserts that there exists on P a unique positive measure μ (the Plancherel measure for I 2 (G)) such that $$\int_{P} {{{\left| {f(x)} \right|}^{2}}{d_{G}}(x) = \int_{G} {{{\left| {\hat{f}(\phi )} \right|}^{2}}d} \mu (\phi )\quad (all\;f \in I_{c}^{\infty }(G))}$$ The problem is to compute μ explicitly, i.e. to relate μ in a satisfactory manner to the structure of G.