cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Empirical dry-friction modeling in a forced oscillator using chaos

The coefficient of friction is measured during relative oscillation between sliding surfaces. Measurements are made during regular oscillations in which the excitation has a modulated amplitude, and during chaotic oscillations in which the excitation amplitude is fixed. The friction force is measured for paper on paper, and titanium on titanium. A friction law is derived based on observations from the measurements. This friction law is applied to a simulation model of an experimental forced oscillator. The simulated and experimental oscillators have similar qualitative dynamical features in the phase space.
Infection of a human leukemia K-562 cell line with Semliki Forest virus.

Infection of the human leukemia hematopoietic stem cell line, K-562, with Semliki Forest virus (SFV) can be characterized by three stages: (1) an early virus-proliferating stage lasting 1 to 4 days post-infection (pi) in which infectious virus is produced in high titers (103 pfu/cell) but in which there is minimal cytopathic effect. All cells appear viable by trypan blue dye exclusion, although they do not proliferate, and DNA and cell protein synthesis decrease to less than 3% of uninfected controls within 24 hours; (2) an intermediate stage extending from day 5 to about day 24–30 pi in which the amount of infectious virus declines to low levels. During this stage, viral protein synthesis decreases to undetectable levels, although viral gylcoproteins are readily demonstrated by immunofluorescence and by immunoblot; however, capsid protein appears to degrade within 21 days pi. Cell numbers remain constant but the viability of the non-proliferating cells determined by trypan blue exclusion could not be determined with confidence; (3) a final long-term stage in which viral glycoproteins, E1 and E2, are detectable by immunoblots and immunofluorescence for many months but the cells are metabolically inactive and do not synthesize viral proteins. These non-viable cells do not lyse for as long as 2 years.
On Three Non‐Ideological Consequences of Specialisation among Economists

With the process of continuous specialisation within economics and with its incessant subdivision into different schools, the practitioners of the discipline are becoming more and more alienated from each other. The need and opportunity to communicate are disappearing. When a dialogue takes place, one side is often unable to hear the other. And even when the other side is heard, it is simply not understood. No attempt is made to explain the causes of such compartmentalisation among economists. Rather, the aim is to underline the three non‐ideological consequences of specialisation within the economics profession. The effects of a mutual misunderstanding are: (1) various names are used to define the same concept; (2) the same name is employed to describe different notions; and (3) the relative character of a given approach is not recognised. Several examples are utilised to underscore the major points. It is concluded that, unless generalisation supersedes fragmentation, no coherent picture of the economic...
Electron avalanche injection on 10-nm dielectric films

Uniform electron avalanche injection has been successfully performed on 10‐nm SiO2 and on composite 8‐nm SiO2+4‐nm Si3N4 gate dielectrics. The films were grown on boron‐implanted substrates to obtain the optimum surface impurity concentration for uniform injection. The electrical properties indicated high‐quality and low‐defect density dielectrics with no deleterious effects introduced by the ion implantation. A voltage flat‐band Vfb shift and trap analysis were performed on both structures with and without post oxidation anneal, using metal or n‐polysilicon gate. The results obtained have confirmed the trends found in thicker oxides and pointed out the presence of deep water‐related centers. The composite structure, SiO2+Si3N4, showed high electron trapping due to two Coulombic centers normally invoked for Poole–Frenkel conduction in Si3N4. These centers are usually undetected by high‐field injection experiments.
Natural resource damage assessments in the United States: rules and procedures for compensation from spills of hazardous substances and oil in waterways under US jurisdiction

Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) procedures in the US involve the use of uniform federally approved rules and procedures to assess economic losses and/or address restoration of injured resources that result from spills of hazardous substances and/or oil and petroleum substances in waterways under US jurisdiction. This effort started in the 1980s and involves two federal agencies that have developed separate federally approved procedures and rules, the US Department of Interior (US DOI) and the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (US DOC, NOAA). This paper provides a brief overview of the federal laws applicable to resource damage assessments in the US, review of NRDA rules and procedures, and progress to date regarding US cases.
Population-Based Resequencing of LIPG and ZNF202 Genes in Subjects with Extreme HDL Levels.

Endothelial lipase (LIPG) and zinc finger protein 202 (ZNF202) are two pivotal genes in HDL metabolism, and therefore, it is important to understand the impact their sequence variants may have on HDL cholesterol levels. We resequenced the entire both genes in White and Hispanic individuals having high ( =75.90 mg/dl, n=114) or low ( =31.24 mg/dl, n=121) HDL cholesterol levels, and identified a total of 185 and 122 sequence variants in LIPG and ZNF202, respectively. We found only two missense variants in LIPG (T111I and N396S) and two in ZNF202 (A154V and K259E). In both genes, there were several rare variants unique to either the low or high HDL group. For LIPG, the proportion of unique variants differed between the high and low HDL groups in both Whites (p=0.022) and Hispanics (p=0.017), but for ZNF202 this difference was observed only in Hispanics (p=0.021). We also identified a common haplotype in ZNF202 among Whites that was significantly associated with high HDL group (p=0.0133). These findings provide insights into the genetics of LIPG and ZNF202, and suggest that sequence variants occurring with high frequency in non-exonic regions may play a prominent role in modulating HDL-C levels in the general population.
Soft-Mode Damping and Ultrasonic Attenuation at a Structural Phase Transition

The soft-mode damping and the ultrasonic attenuation at a displacive phase transition has been calculated with the help of a model Hamiltonian. The soft-mode damping parameter $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ is finite at the transition temperature, whereas the ultrasonic attenuation $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is singular. For sound frequencies $\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\ll}\ensuremath{\Gamma}$, the ultrasonic attenuation is proportional to the sound frequency squared with critical exponents $\ensuremath{\eta}=0.5 \mathrm{and} 1.5$, respectively, for weakly damped and strongly overdamped soft-mode frequencies. A comparison is made with previous calculations based on the Silvermann model.
Hydrothermal flow systems in the Midcontinent Rift: oxygen and hydrogen isotopic studies of the North Shore Volcanic Group and related hypabyssal sills, Minnesota

Abstract Rift-related lavas of the North Shore Volcanic Group (NSVG) are intruded by plutonic rocks of the Duluth Complex along the unconformity between the NSVG and the underlying Proterozoic metasedimentary rocks (Animikie Group) and Archean volcano-sedimentary and plutonic rocks. Heat associated with the emplacement of the mafic intrusions generated fluid flow in the overlying plateau lavas. δ18O values for whole rocks from the NSVG and hypabyssal sills range from 5.5 to 17.7‰ and 5.3 to 11.5‰, respectively, and most values are higher than those considered “normal” for basaltic rocks (5.4 to 6.0‰). In general, there is a positive correlation between whole rock δ18O and water content, which suggests that elevated δ18O values are related primarily to secondary mineral growth and isotopic exchange during hydrothermal alteration and metamorphism. δ18OH2O values computed from amygdule-filling minerals such as smectite, chlorite, and epidote found in low- to high-temperature metamorphic zones range from ∼−1 to 6‰ with an average value of ∼3‰. Smectite in the lower-grade zones gives computed δDH2O values between −26 and −83‰, whereas epidote in the higher-grade zones gives δDH2O values of −15 to 6‰. Fluid isotopic compositions computed from epidote and smectite values are suggestive of the involvement of at least two fluids during the early stages of amygdule filling. Fluid δD and δ18O values determined from epidote at the higher metamorphic grades indicate that seawater dominated the deeper portions of the system where greenschist facies assemblages and elevated δ18O values were produced in flow interiors, as well as margins. Smectite isotopic compositions suggest that meteoric water was predominant in the shallower portions of the system. The increase in δ18O values of massive flow interiors with depth is interpreted as a result of rock interaction with a fluid of constant oxygen isotopic composition with increasing temperature. The stable isotopic data are supportive of previous suggestions that seawater was involved in the hydrothermal system associated with the Midcontinent Rift. Although the origin of the seawater remains problematic, it appears that marine incursions may have occurred during the late stages of Portage Lake volcanism, and periodically thereafter.
Coordinated Predictive Control of a Wind/Battery Microgrid System

This paper presents the operation and controller design of a microgrid consisting of a direct drive wind generator and a battery storage system. A model predictive control strategy for the ac-dc-ac converter of wind system is derived and implemented to capture the maximum wind energy as well as provide desired reactive power. A novel supervisory controller is presented and employed to coordinate the operation of wind farm and battery system in the microgrid for grid-connected and islanded operations. The proposed coordinated controller can mitigate both active and reactive power disturbances that are caused by the intermittency of wind speed and load change. Moreover, the control strategy ensures the maximum power extraction capability of wind turbine while regulating the point of common coupling bus voltage within acceptable range in both grid-connected and islanded operations. The designed concept is verified through various simulation studies in EMTDC/PSCAD, and the results are presented and discussed.
Characterization of the fluorodihydrouracil substituent in 5-fluorouracil-containing Escherichia coli transfer RNA

The fluorodihydrouridine derivative previously detected in one of two isoaccepting forms of FUra-substituted Escherichia coli tRNAMetf has been further characterized. This substituent is responsible for the 19F resonance observed 15 ppm upfield from free FUra (= 0 ppm) in the high resolution 19F-NMR spectra of FUra-substituted tRNA purified by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, at pH 8.9, to remove normal tRNA. Similar highfield 19F signals have now been observed in the spectra of two other purified fluorinated E. coli tRNAs, tRNAMetm and tRNAVal1, as well as in unfractionated tRNA, indicating the widespread occurrence of the constituent. Comparison with 19F spectrum of the model compound 5'-deoxy-5-fluoro-5,6-dihydrouridine (dH56FUrd) (delta FUra = -31.4 ppm; JHF = 48 Hz) indicates that the substituent does not contain an intact fluorodihydrouridine ring. dH56FUrd is considerably more alkali labile than 5,6-dihydrouridine (H56Urd). At pH 8.9, where H56Urd is stable, dH56FUrd is degraded to a derivative, presumably a fluoroureidopropionic acid, with a 19F resonance at - 15.7 ppm that nearly coincides with the upfield peak in the spectrum of pH 8.9-treated tRNA. The 19F-NMR spectrum of fluorinated tRNA, not exposed to pH 8.9, exhibits two peaks 31 and 32 ppm upfield of FUra, in place of the 19F signal at - 15 ppm. Hydrolysis of this tRNA with RNAase T2 produces a sharp doublet 33 ppm upfield (JHF = 45 Hz). Similarities of the 19F chemical shift and coupling constant to those of dH56FUrd, allows assignment of the peak at -33 ppm to an intact fluorodihydrouridine residue in the tRNA. Our results demonstrate that FUra residues incorporated into E. coli tRNA at sites normally occupied by dihydrouridine can be recognized by tRNA-modifying enzymes and reduced to fluorodihydrouridine. This substituent is labile at moderately alkaline pH values and undergoes ring-opening during purification of the tRNA.
ESTIMATING PLASMA TEMPERATURES FROM TRANSMISSION SPECTRA

Abstract Recent laser-produced plasma experiments have relied on spectroscopic comparisons with models to infer plasma temperatures. The models use an experimentally determined value for the matter density as input and treat the temperature as an adjustable parameter to obtain a best fit to the experimental absorption spectrum. However, uncertainties in the ionization balance theories lead to inferred temperatures that are model dependent. We report results of a new approach which combines high-quality atomic data with an ionization balance obtained from systematic expansions of the grand canonical ensemble. The latter avoids the ad hoc cutoffs required in free energy minimization schemes and includes Coulomb corrections usually neglected in other models. Comparisons to experimental spectra show excellent agreement.
An introduction to headache classification

Health care providers spend a lot of time with headache patients, where there is worry over secondary causes for headache. But the great majority of time is spent managing patients with primary headache; that, is dysfunction of the pain system in the head itself, such as migraine, and all its presentations. The release of the International Classification of Headache Disorders in 1988 (updated in 2004) was a major advance in headache medicine and neurology, fostering an enormous increase in clinical study, from which treatment decisions are now made and patients benefit. It is worthwhile for pain medicine practitioners to have some familiarity with headache classification and in particular with the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of various primary headache disorders. It must be appreciated that the criteria being more suited for research purposes are relatively strict and the license of clinical practice is less so.
Differential stimulation of IgE production, STAT activation and cytokine and CD86 expression by 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene and trimellitic anhydride

It has been reported that dermal exposure to trimellitic anhydride (TMA, 50%), a respiratory allergen, induced greater production of serum IgE and expression of Th2 cytokines than 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB, 1%), a potent contact sensitizer, in female BALB/C mice. To determine if there is any strain difference, four strains (B6C3F1, C57BL/6, BDF1 and BALB/C) of female mice were employed in this study to compare the differential effects of these chemicals on the hypersensitivity responses. Serum IgE levels were increased in TMA-treated B6C3F1, C57BL/6 and BDF1 mice when compared with the DNCB treatment and vehicle controls; in contrast, no difference was observed between TMA- and DNCB-treated BALB/C mice, although both chemicals induced greater IgE production than vehicle controls. In vitro expression of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13 mRNA by overnight concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated draining lymph node cells was enhanced following in vivo treatment with TMA but not with DNCB in the B6C3F1, C57BL/6 and BDF1 mice. In contrast, TMA and DNCB induced similar levels of IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA in the BALB/C mice. The IL-4 protein levels in the supernatants of overnight ConA-treated draining lymph node cells were also increased in TMA-treated B6C3F1 and C57BL/6 mice when compared with the DNCB treatment and vehicle controls. Further mechanistic evaluation in the B6C3F1 mice indicated that the activation of STAT6 but not STAT4 by ConA plus IL-2-treated draining lymph node cells was increased in TMA- but not DNCB-treated mice when compared with the vehicle controls. Furthermore, surface expression of B7.2 (CD86) by B cells was increased in both TMA- and DNCB-treated B6C3F1 mice when compared with the vehicles; however, greater B7.2 expression was observed in TMA-treated compared with DNCB-treated. Overall, these results demonstrate that a similar pattern of IgE and cytokine production was observed in these strains of mice except for BALB/C. Furthermore, differential activation of STAT6 and expression of CD86 following exposure to TMA and DNCB may contribute to the differential production of IgE and cytokines.
Relation of Single‐Crystal Elastic Constants to Polycrystalline Isotropic Elastic Moduli of MgO

The three elastic compliance coefficients of synthetic periclase were determined in the kilocycles per second frequency range by a resonance method. Polycrystalline elastic moduli on dense-formed MgO were measured. The calculated isotropic elastic moduli for polycrystalline MgO obtained from the single-crystal constants are in good agreement with experimental values measured on the dense MgO at the theoretical density point. The measured Young's modulus and the shear modulus of polycrystalline MgO are found to be 30.50 and 12.90 × 1011 dynes per cm2 respectively. The results of the present investigation are compared with the earlier work in the megacycles per second frequency range. A theoretical analysis is made to establish the validity of the present values. Schemes of averaging the single crystalline elastic constants for polycrystalline behavior are reviewed for crystals of cubic symmetry.
Modification of experimental atherosclerosis by calcium-channel blockers

The process of atherosclerosis, although not completely understood, is being clarified. A unifying hypothesis holds that the initial event is endothelial injury, followed by platelet aggregation and release reactions. This leads to smooth muscle cell migration into the intima and replication, with subsequent secretion of elastin, collagen and glycosaminoglycans (which binds lipids). Several animal studies have shown that calcium plays an important role in this process. Many drugs with diverse properties can inhibit experimental atherosclerosis. These drugs appear to reduce intracellular calcium. The calcium-channel blockers nifedipine, diltiazem and verapamil, which decrease intracellular calcium, also protect animals from experimental atherosclerosis. The relevance of these animal models to human atherosclerosis is uncertain, and there are very few studies concerning regression of atherosclerosis by interfering with calcium fluxes. Further studies will be needed to clarify these points.
Rawls on pluralism and stability

Abstract Rawls ‘s political liberalism abandons the traditional political‐theory objective of providing a philosophical account of liberal democracy. However, Rawls also aims for a liberal political order endorsed by citizens on grounds deeper than what he calls a “modus vivendi” compromise; he contends that a liberal political order based upon a modus vivendi is unstable. The aspiration for a pluralist and “freestanding” liberalism is at odds with the goal of a liberalism endorsed as something deeper than a modus vivendi compromise among competing comprehensive doctrines. A liberalism that is supported “for its own sake” rather than as a compromise must necessarily be based on some conception of the good, of the sort that political liberalism eschews.
A Randomized Pilot Study of Monthly Cycled Testosterone Replacement or Continuous Testosterone Replacement Versus Placebo in Older Men

Context: Cycling androgens has been reported by athletes to improve physical performance by enhancing muscle mass and strength, a paradigm that has not been studied, and may have clinical value in older men being treated with testosterone. Objective: We investigated the efficacy of a monthly cycled testosterone regimen that uses half the testosterone dose as the current standard of care continuous therapy on body composition and muscle strength in older men. Design, Setting, and Patients: Twenty-four community-dwelling older men 70 ± 2 yr of age with total testosterone levels below 500 ng/dl were randomized at the Institute for Translational Sciences-Clinical Research Center into a 5-month double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Intervention: Subjects were dosed weekly for 5 months, receiving continuous testosterone (TE, n = 8; 100 mg testosterone enanthate, im injection), monthly cycled testosterone (MO, n = 8; alternating months of testosterone and placebo), or placebo (PL, n = 8). Main Outcome Measures:...
Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults without underlying lung disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether antibiotic and bronchodilator treatment of acute bronchitis in patients without lung disease is efficacious.
Production and Interior Performances of Tropical Ornamental Foliage Plants Grown in Container Substrates Amended with Composts

Three representative Florida composts were mixed by volume with sphagnum peat and pine bark to formulate 12 container substrates. After physical and chemical characterization, the substrates, along with a control, were used to grow containerized Cordyline terminalis ‘Baby Doll’, Dieffenbachia maculata ‘Camille’, and Dracaena fragans ‘Massangeana’ cane. All substrates were able to produce marketable plants, but only five or seven, depending on plant genus, of the 12 compost-formulated substrates resulted in plants comparable or superior to those of the control substrate. The five also had substrate shrinkage equal to or less than the control. Plants were then moved to an interior evaluation site to determine the suitability of compost-formulated substrates in sustaining foliage plant growth under an interior environment. During a six-month interior evaluation, the plants maintained their aesthetic appearances. Based on plant growth parameters and quality ratings as well as substrate shrinkage both in produ...
Integration of biological parts toward the synthesis of a minimal cell.

Various approaches are taken to construct synthetic cells in the laboratory, a challenging goal that became experimentally imaginable over the past two decades. The construction of protocells, which explores scenarios of the origin of life, has been the original motivations for such projects. With the advent of the synthetic biology era, bottom-up engineering approaches to synthetic cells are now conceivable. The modular design emerges as the most robust framework to construct a minimal cell from natural molecular components. Although significant advances have been made for each piece making this complex puzzle, the integration of the three fundamental parts, information–metabolism–self-organization, into cell-sized liposomes capable of sustained reproduction has failed so far. Our inability to connect these three elements is also a major limitation in this research area. New methods, such as machine learning coupled to high-throughput techniques, should be exploited to accelerate the cell-free synthesis of complex biochemical systems.
Targeting glutamate synapses in schizophrenia.

Although early clinical observations implicated dopamine dysfunction in the neuropathology of schizophrenia, accumulating evidence suggests that multiple neurotransmitter pathways are dysregulated. The psychotomimetic actions of NMDA receptor antagonists point to an imbalance of glutamatergic signaling. Encouragingly, numerous preclinical and clinical studies have elucidated several potential targets for increasing NMDA receptor function and equilibrating glutamatergic tone, including the metabotropic glutamate receptors 2, 3 and 5, the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors M 1 and M 4 , and the glycine transporter GlyT1. Highly specific allosteric and orthosteric ligands have been developed that modify the activity of these novel target proteins, and in this review we summarize both the glutamatergic mechanisms and the novel compounds that are increasing the promise for a multifaceted pharmacological approach to treat schizophrenia.
Mechanical enhancement of LWIR materials via coatings

Thin films were deposited onto ZnS as a means of strengthening and toughening. Fracture strength increases of up to 40% have been observed. These mechanical property enhancements were found to be related to the compressive stress in the deposited films. Rain erosion resistance is also enhanced through the application of compressively stressed thin film coatings.
Effectiveness of radiation for prevention of mastectomy in older breast cancer patients treated with conservative surgery.

BACKGROUND: A recent clinical trial concluded that radiation therapy (RT) does not lower the risk of mastectomy and, thus, may be omitted in older women with stage I, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer who undergo conservative surgery (CS). However, it is not known whether this finding applies to patients outside of clinical trials. Accordingly, we used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare observational cohort to determine the effect of RT on the risk of mastectomy among older women with stage I, ER-positive breast cancer. METHODS: The authors identified 7403 women ages 70 to 79 years who underwent CS between 1992 and 2002. Claims were used to determine RT status and to identify women who underwent mastectomy subsequent to initial treatment. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the risk of subsequent mastectomy, and Cox regression analysis was used to determine the effect of RT adjusted for clinical-pathologic covariates. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 7.3 years, the risk of subsequent mastectomy within 10 years of diagnosis was 3.2% for patients who received RT versus 6.3% for patients who did not receive RT (P < .001). In adjusted analyses, RT was associated with a lower risk of mastectomy (hazard ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.48; P < .001). RT provided no benefit for patients ages 75 to 79 years without high-grade tumors who had a pathologic lymph node assessment (P = .80); however, for all other subgroups, RT was associated with an absolute reduction in risk of mastectomy that ranged from 4.3% to 9.8% at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Outside of a clinical trial, the receipt of RT after CS was associated with a greater likelihood of ultimate breast preservation for most older women with early breast cancer. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Characterization of electrodeposited metals using continuous-wave optical second-harmonic generation†

The optical polarization properties of second-harmonic generation at normal incidence have been used to characterize the symmetry of electrodeposited monolayers of zinc and thallium on Ag(111) while the sample was under electrochemical control. Our technique involves a non-conventional-wave method with standard weak optical signal detection. The overlayers exhibit a strongly bound monolayer phase that can be experimentally separated from the multilayer growth condition. Both metals grow with a C3v symmetry that is aligned with the substrate at low coverage. This is maintained for higher coverages in the case of Tl but changes for Zn. These results are consistent with an epitaxial 8.6% expanded hexagonal monolayer for Zn, followed by a return to the Zn lattice constant at higher coverage. However, we propose that Tl grows with a coincidence lattice that is (6 × 6)–25 Tl for all coverages studied in this experiment (up to five layers).
The effect of obstetric resident gender on forceps delivery rate.

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to examine the effect of obstetric resident physician gender on the forceps delivery rate. Study Design: Analysis was based on >350,000 deliveries performed by >800 residents in obstetrics and gynecology throughout the United States from 1994 to 1998. A χ 2 analysis was performed on resident statistics from residency review committee report forms. Results: The percentage of total deliveries performed with forceps during residency was significantly higher among male residents ( P P P Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that resident gender affects performance of forceps delivery. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:1050-1.)
Light scattering by asymmetric particles: the nonlinear dynamics perspective

Deformation of a dielectric particle away from symmetric shape leads to the transition of the corresponding ray dynamics from integrability to chaos. This results in dramatic changes (by orders of magnitude) in the lifetimes and emission patters corresponding to the resonance states in the particle. We study the effect of this transition on the elastic light scattering by dielectric particles.
How electrical contractors choose distributors

Abstract The literature pertaining to channels of distribution is reviewed and some general conclusions are drawn about its applicability to managing actual industrial channels. The role of price management is discussed and several important aspects are illustrated. The dimensions of customer power and choice are shown to be critical issues in channel management. Empirical evidence is presented from the electrical distribution equipment industry.
The Ecology of Language Maintenance Data from Nine U.S. Metropolitan Areas

Three factors have been identified as affecting one's ability to maintain his/her minority mother-tongue in a metropolitan area: proportion the minority mother-tongue group forms of the total metropolitan population, its degree of residential segregation, and the absolute number of people in the minority mother-tongue group. Each factor is an indicator of a model of the urban ecology of minority language maintenance. Data on people of six minority mother-tongues in nine U.S. metropolitan areas are used. The absolute number of minority language people in a metropolitan area has a large positive effect on minority language maintenance. Residential segregation also has a positive effect.
Polymeric Ionic Liquids as CO2 Selective Sorbent Coatings for Solid-Phase Microextraction

Two polymeric ionic liquids (PIL) were synthesized and employed as sorbent coatings in solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for the selective extraction of CO2. The two coatings, poly(1-vinyl-3-hexylimidazolium) bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide [poly(VHIM-NTf2)] and poly(1-vinyl-3-hexylimidazolium) taurate [poly(VHIM-taurate)], exhibited varied selectivity toward CO2 due to functional groups within in the PIL that imparted different mechanisms of CO2 capture. Extraction efficiencies were compared to those of two commercial SPME fibers [poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and Carboxen−PDMS]. The poly(VHIM-NTf2) PIL fiber exhibited comparable extraction efficiency at high CO2 pressure compared to the Carboxen−PDMS fiber, even though the PIL-based fibers possessed much smaller film thicknesses. Calibration curves generated in pure CO2 showed that the sensitivity of the poly(VHIM-NTf2) coating was comparable to that of the Carboxen−PDMS fiber with both PIL-based fibers exhibiting larger linear ranges and higher ex...
Scaling laws and dispersion equations for Lévy particles in one-dimensional fractal porous media.

Over some range of scales natural porous media often display a fractal Eulerian velocity or conductivity field. If one assumes the fractal conductivity gives rise to fractal drift velocities, then particle paths may be studied in the framework of stochastic differential equations (SODEs). On the microscale, trajectories are modeled as solutions to a SODE with Markovian, stationary, ergodic drift subject to a fluctuating L\'evy force. The L\'evy force allows for self-motile particles such as flagellated microbes. On the mesoscale the trajectories are modeled as solutions to a SODE with L\'evy (fractal) drift and diffusion arising from the microscale asymptotics. On the macroscale the process is driven by the asymptotics of the mesoscale drift without diffusion. Asymptotic scaling laws and dispersion equations are presented.
Primary visual experience and secondary cognitive elaboration in stage REM: a modest confirmation and an extension.

The finding by Molinari and Foulkes (1969) that REM-burst sleep mentation is more sensory and less conceptual than that occurring during episodes of ocular quiescence within EEG stage REM was confirmed, but at a reduced level of absolute discriminability and only when spontaneous portions of S's dream interview were considered. Evidence was gathered to suggest that bursts of EEG sawtooth waves which often precede REMs are phasic events with mentation correlates comparable to those of REM bursts themselves and that sawtooth activity may, in fact, mark the point at which the most discontinuity is experienced in S's train of sleep thought. Implications of these findings for tonic-phasic and scanning-hypothesis models are discussed, and the possibility is presented of extending them to studies of non-REM sleep mentation.
Probing the relative orientation of molecules bound to DNA through controlled interference using second-harmonic generation

A method is described in which the interference of radiated second-harmonic electric fields generated by a pair of oriented molecules intercalated into double-stranded DNA is controlled and measured. The results show that the relative molecular orientation of the two molecules significantly changes the magnitude of the observed second-harmonic generation intensity, which is described by a simple model that accounts for the interferences of the radiated fields. The technique presented shows promise for future experiments investigating structural changes induced by the formation of a DNA–biomolecule complex.
FLUORESCEINATED PHOSPHOETHANOLAMINE FOR FLOW-CYTOMETRIC MEASUREMENT OF LIPID PEROXIDATION

A new lipophilic fluorescein probe (fluor-DHPE) has been identified that can assay lipid peroxidation in mammalian cells on a cell-by-cell or selected-cell-subpopulation basis by flow cytometry. Application of this approach requires that the fluorescent probe be nonexchangeable among cells. Fluorescein is an appropriate fluorophore, since its fluorescence matches the specifications of common flow cytometers and the compound loses its fluorescence upon reaction with peroxyl radicals. Upon examination of four lipophilic derivatives of fluorescein, fluor-DHPE was found to be the only probe that was nonexchangeable among labeled and unlabeled rat RBC for at least 24 h. The exposure of fluor-DHPE-labeled RBC to benzoyl peroxide followed by mixing the sample with RBC unexposed to peroxide led to a decrease in fluorescence. Furthermore, the flow cytometer could clearly select the subpopulation of cells undergoing lipid peroxidation from those cells that were not. Fluor-DHPE-labeled-RBC obtained from rats and exposed to cumene hydroperoxide also displayed a gradual decrease in fluorescence. This decrease was preventable by either regulation of the vitamin E content in the animal diet or in vitro supplementation of cells with vitamin E. We conclude that fluor-DHPE is a stable and nonexchangeable probe for monitoring lipid peroxidation in cell subpopulations by flow cytometry.
Milestones and Monitoring in Patients with CML Treated with Imatinib

Imatinib is the therapeutic standard for newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Recent updates of the IRIS trial, a study of standard-dose imatinib in newly diagnosed chronic-phase patients treated with 400 mg imatinib daily, suggest a stabilization of progression-free survival curves at a high level, implying that the majority of patients will do well on standard therapy. However, some 20% to 30% of patients will fail on imatinib and require alternative therapies. Identification of those patients likely to fail would be desirable to allow for more intensive therapy up front. After a brief overview of the history of CML, this paper will review current recommendations for staging of CML patients at diagnosis. Next, the various tests used to monitor their response to imatinib will be discussed in the context of the currently accepted criteria for imatinib failure and suboptimal response. Last, approaches to identify high-risk patients at diagnosis will be addressed.
Letter to the editor from the American Board of Nuclear Medicine.

Dear Dr Baum: TheAmericanBoard ofNuclearMedicine (ABNM)would like to comment on the article by Oates and Guiberteau ‘‘Adoption of the 16-Month American Board of Radiology Pathway to Dual Board Certifications in Nuclear Radiology and/or Nuclear Medicine for Diagnostic Radiology Residents,’’ in Acad Radiol 2014; 21:1348–1356. The ABNM also supports combined training in diagnostic radiology (DR) and nuclear medicine (NM) or nuclear radiology (NR), as well as existing 4-year and 5-year pathways, which give training programs maximum flexibility to develop these pathways and the most opportunities for individual physicians who may be interested in them (1). The authors state, ‘‘Clearly, one of the most problematic barriers to more widespread implementation is the practical scheduling challenge (often unsolvable) imposed by the requirement for 10 consecutive months in the R4 year.’’ The ABNM made it easier last year for programs to develop a 16-month pathway leading to certification in DR and NM, by eliminating a requirement for consecutive months of NM training, allowing up to 2 months of elective rotations and/or dedicated research time in any specialty or location acceptable to the DR program director, and permitting leave (vacation, illness, or family leave) to be taken at any time in accordance with the policies of the training program. The authors state that physicians with dual-training in DR andNMhave the option of being subspecialty certified inNR by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or specialty certified in NM by the ABNM. This statement is correct, except that the program requirements for NM and NR are not equal, and residents in NR programs who want to be certified in NM must have additional experience in supervision of cardiac stress tests and radioiodine therapy during their training. Regarding the relative numbers of NM versus NR certificates, the authors state, ‘‘The survey did not reveal a clear preference for certification by ABR in NR versus ABNM in NM (Table 4).’’ In Table 1, the authors compare 13-year trends in NR and NM, but present the data as
Locality-aware request distribution in cluster-based network servers

We consider cluster-based network servers in which a front-end directs incoming requests to one of a number of back-ends. Specifically, we consider content-based request distribution: the front-end uses the content requested, in addition to information about the load on the back-end nodes, to choose which back-end will handle this request. Content-based request distribution can improve locality in the back-ends' main memory caches, increase secondary storage scalability by partitioning the server's database, and provide the ability to employ back-end nodes that are specialized for certain types of requests.As a specific policy for content-based request distribution, we introduce a simple, practical strategy for locality-aware request distribution (LARD). With LARD, the front-end distributes incoming requests in a manner that achieves high locality in the back-ends' main memory caches as well as load balancing. Locality is increased by dynamically subdividing the server's working set over the back-ends. Trace-based simulation results and measurements on a prototype implementation demonstrate substantial performance improvements over state-of-the-art approaches that use only load information to distribute requests. On workloads with working sets that do not fit in a single server node's main memory cache, the achieved throughput exceeds that of the state-of-the-art approach by a factor of two to four.With content-based distribution, incoming requests must be handed off to a back-end in a manner transparent to the client, after the front-end has inspected the content of the request. To this end, we introduce an efficient TCP handoflprotocol that can hand off an established TCP connection in a client-transparent manner.
Modeling spatial and temporal behavior of Internet traffic anomalies

A new approach based on graph wavelets for analyzing the spatial and temporal behavior of Internet traffic anomalies is presented. This approach is applied to Internet2 traffic measurements to evaluate the time duration and spatial spread (number of links affected) of anomalies. Based on the empirical results, a node model is proposed that captures the behavior of anomalies at individual network nodes. The model considers various aspects of anomalies, such as its origin, termination, propagation, duration and volume changes. The derivation of the model parameters requires only local node information, but the model is capable of producing network-wide anomalies whose behavior mimics network wide anomalies. Model is verified by using Internet2 traffic data. Since the proposed model can be specified using only a few parameters, it can be used in place of large anomaly traces with a great data reduction. As extensions, the model is applied over a path and an aggregated model that applies to a neighborhood in the network is also presented. A method to use the graph wavelet components found during the analysis to implement a real-time anomaly monitoring system is also discussed.
Anticoagulant response to activated protein C: method validation and assay comparison.

Poor anticoagulant response to activated protein C (APC), present in 20–60% of thrombophilic patients, is most often caused by abnormal factor Va due to the mutation of Arg506 to Gln, and DNA sequencing confirms this finding. At Scripps Reference Laboratory (SRL), we have validated an in-house assay to detect APC resistance. A study of 80 normal subjects (40 males and 40 females, 21–60 years old) showed that adult males and females have statistically significant differences in their anticoagulant response to APC. Furthermore, APC response is increased in older individuals. APC responses of the same 80 normal samples determined using the SRL assay were compared to a commercial kit (Chromogenix®, Coatest). Although both procedures are similar, the SRL assay gave a greater difference between male and female normal ranges. Eight of 18 (44%) thrombophilic patients were identified as APC-resistant. Samples from individuals having the factor V Arg506Gln mutation yielded low responses to APC in both assays. Determination of APC resistance assists physicians in determining the cause of thrombotic disorders and may eventually help in predicting the risk of familial thrombosis.
Model predictive control of film porosity in thin film deposition

A model predictive controller is developed to regulate film porosity and minimize its fluctuation in thin film deposition. The deposition process is modeled via kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulation on a triangular lattice. The microscopic events involve atom adsorption and migration and allow for vacancies and overhangs to develop. Appropriate definitions of film site occupancy ratio (SOR), i.e., fraction of film sites occupied by particles over total number of film sites, and its fluctuation are introduced to describe film porosity. Deterministic and stochastic ordinary differential equation (ODE) models are also constructed to describe the time evolution of film SOR and its fluctuation. The coefficients of the ODE models are estimated on the basis of data obtained from the kMC simulator of the deposition process using least-square methods. The developed ODE models are used as the basis for the design of model predictive control (MPC) algorithms that include penalty on the film SOR and its variance to regulate the expected value of film SOR at a desired level and reduce run-to-run fluctuations. Simulation results demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed film porosity control method in the context of the deposition process under consideration.
WinSURE: a new Windows interface to the SURE program

WinSURE is new interface to the Semi-Markov Range Evaluator (SURE) program, a reliability analysis program used for calculating upper and lower bounds on the operational and death state probabilities for a large class of semi-Markov models. The SURE program was developed in the late 1980s for the Unix environment and has been distributed free-of-charge for over a decade. The WinSURE program is a port of the SURE program to the Windows 98 operating system, providing the same functionality as the original program, but with a Windows-based graphical user interface. The program provides a rapid computational capability for semi-Markov models useful in describing the fault-handling behavior of fault-tolerant computer systems. The only modeling restriction imposed by the program is that the nonexponential recovery transitions must be fast in comparison to the mission time-a desirable attribute of all fault-tolerant reconfigurable systems. The WinSURE reliability analysis method utilizes a fast bounding theorem based on means and variances that enables the calculation of upper and lower bounds on system reliability. This paper presents an overview of the functionality of the WinSURE program, describe the graphical user interface, and illustrate the use of the program on some simple example problems.
“Use words. Not your body”: The hunger that has no name

This essay examines the competing readings of food refusal that emerged from a student hunger strike held at Columbia University in fall 2007. The invisibility of the act of food refusal forces hunger strikers to adopt performance strategies that make their (non)action visible as protest. To make the politics of their food refusal legible, advocates for the hunger strike promoted their actions as part of a 40 year tradition of student protest. However, that same invisibility allowed the protest's detractors to deride the hunger strikers as anorexic. At the center of the protest and the commentary about it was a wasting female body that confused for spectators the line between the political and the pathological. Attention to this body raises questions of how community is created and disciplined through performative acts, how easily female protest is evacuated of political meaning and the uneasy role of whiteness in popular attention to anorexia.