cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Existence and Uniqueness of Stationary Distributions for Stochastic Delay Differential Equations with Positivity Constraints

Deterministic dynamic models with delayed feedback and state constraints arise in a variety of applications in science and engineering. There is interest in understanding what effect noise has on the behavior of such models. Here we consider a multidimensional stochastic delay differential equation with normal reflection as a noisy analogue of a deterministic system with delayed feedback and positivity constraints. We obtain sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of stationary distributions for such equations. The results are applied to an example from Internet rate control and a simple biochemical reaction system.
Generalized BICM for Block Fading Channels

In this paper, we propose a novel form of bit interleaved coded modulation (BICM) that we call generalized BICM (GBICM) for block fading channels. The achievable diversity order on block fading channels is limited by the channel itself and not by the code used. Conventional BICM attempts to maximize the Hamming free distance of the underlying convolutional code. Although this maximizes diversity on independently fading channels with ideal interleaving, its effect on block fading channels is not clear. In this paper, we analyze code performance on block fading channels and seek to optimize it by suitably modifying the BICM paradigm. The resulting GBICM system is just as simple and as flexible as BICM is when coding for different modulations and different kinds of channels. In fact, the same decoder can be used to decode both BICM and GBICM.We show code design principles and analysis techniques with examples. Simulation results supporting the arguments are shown.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Aneurysm Detection and Management (ADAM) Study.

Aortic aneurysm is the 13th leading cause of death in the US, and most of these deaths are due to rupture or elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Because AAA diameter is the strongest known predictor of AAA rupture, a principal question in AAA management is the appropriate AAA diameter at which to offer elective repair to both prevent rupture and minimize deaths from elective surgery. The Society for Vascular Surgery has recommended elective surgery for AAA ≥ 4.0 cm. More than three fourths of AAA ≥ 4.0 cm are …
A middle-insertion algorithm for Markov chain simulation of soil layering

Layering is a typical feature of alluvial soils in flooding plains. Simulation of soil layering is crucial to accurately quantifying soil subsurface physical and chemical processes. This paper introduces a middle-insertion (MI) Markov chain algorithm for vertical two-dimensional simulation of soil layering from borehole data based on the Markov chain random field theory. The MI algorithm requires the current pixel being estimated always be located at the middle of two nearest known pixels in a lattice row and thus performs a two-dimensional simulation row by row from top to bottom. The algorithm achieves effective symmetry in the lateral direction through this way, compared with the quasi-symmetry of the recognized alternate advancing (AA) algorithm, which was suggested to avoid pattern inclination in two-dimensional Markov chain simulation. A vertical soil transect is used as a simulation case study to demonstrate the feasibility of the new algorithm. Simulated results show that this fixed-path algorithm can work effectively and when boreholes are relatively sparse it generates relatively better layer continuity in realizations than the AA algorithm does. Therefore, the MI algorithm is suitable for simulation of soil layering.
Stochastic power control for cellular radio systems

For wireless communication systems, iterative power control algorithms have been proposed to minimize the transmitter power while maintaining reliable communication between mobiles and base stations. To derive deterministic convergence results, these algorithms require perfect measurements of one or more of the following parameters: (1) the mobile's signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) at the receiver; (2) the interference experienced by the mobile; and (3) the bit-error rate. However, these quantities are often difficult to measure and deterministic convergence results neglect the effect of stochastic measurements. We develop distributed iterative power control algorithms that use readily available measurements. Two classes of power control algorithms are proposed. Since the measurements are random, the proposed algorithms evolve stochastically and we define the convergence in terms of the mean-squared error (MSE) of the power vector from the optimal power vector that is the solution of a feasible deterministic power control problem. For the first class of power control algorithms using fixed step size sequences, we obtain finite lower and upper bounds for the MSE by appropriate selection of the step size. We also show that these bounds go to zero, implying convergence in the MSE sense, as the step size goes to zero. For the second class of power control algorithms, which are based on the stochastic approximations method and use time-varying step size sequences, we prove that the MSE goes to zero. Both classes of algorithms are distributed in the sense that each user needs only to know its own channel gain to its assigned base station and its own matched filter output at its assigned base station to update its power.
A 55-year-old man with hypogammaglobulinemia, lymphopenia, and unrelenting cutaneous warts

A 55-year-old white man with a history of hypertension, fibromyalgia, and colonic polyps presented with unrelenting plantar warts on his hands and feet for the past 4 years. He was otherwise healthy and without a history of recurrent infections. Physical examination was unremarkable except for extensive warts on his hands and feet. Pertinent laboratory findings included hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and lymphopenia most severely affecting CD4(+) T cells. Testing for HIV infection was negative. This clinical and laboratory presentation suggested a combined humoral and cellular immunodeficiency syndrome that could be best explained by loss of lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and other serum proteins. Additional immunologic testing revealed a marked reduction in peripheral blood naive (CD4(+)CD45RA(+)) T cells. A 24-hour stool collection showed a markedly elevated alpha(1)-antitrypsin level. These findings were most consistent with the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia, a type of protein-losing enteropathy associated with hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and lymphopenia, characterized by a preferential loss of naive CD4(+) T cells into the gastrointestinal tract. This case illustrates the importance of considering intestinal loss of immunoglobulins and lymphocytes in the differential diagnosis of the adult patient who presents with laboratory evidence of a combined humoral and cellular immunodeficiency. It also underscores the diagnostic utility of the clinical immunology laboratory and how flow cytometry, in particular, can contribute to an understanding of pathogenic mechanisms.
One hundred fifty years without Darwin are enough

Charles Darwin (1809–1882) was born two centuries ago. The Origin of Species was published in 1859, 150 yr ago. The theory of biological evolution by natural selection, as first proposed by Darwin, is the central organizing principle of biology. Indeed, as the great evolutionist Theodosius Dobzhansky asserted in 1973 in an address to the American Association of Biology Teachers, ‘‘Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution’’ (Dobzhansky 1973). Yet, in the United States, evolution is not generally accepted by the public. According to a Gallup poll of 1016 U.S. adults, taken in November 2004, 45% of those surveyed favored the statement that ‘‘God created human beings in their present form within the last 10,000 years,’’ 38% favored that ‘‘Man developed over millions of years, but God guided the process,’’ and 13% that ‘‘Man developed over millions of years from less advanced life forms.’’ Teaching creationism rather than evolution in the schools is favored by a large number of American citizens. In a CNN/USA Today Gallup poll of 1001 adults conducted in March 2005, 76% would not ‘‘be upset if public schools in [their] community taught creationism,’’ but only 63% would not ‘‘be upset if the schools taught evolution.’’ Only 22% would be upset if creationism would be taught, while 34% would be upset if evolution would be taught. Other polls yield similar statistics. In 1959, at a symposium celebrating the 100th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of Species, the eminent geneticist and Nobel Laureate H.J. Muller proclaimed ‘‘One Hundred Years without Darwin Are Enough!’’ (Muller 1959). Fifty years later, Darwin’s theory of evolution is far from universally accepted by the American public and activists throughout the country are advancing creationist or ‘‘intelligent design’’ alternatives to explain the origin, diversity, and adaptation of organisms, seeking that these ‘‘theories’’ be taught in the schools. Our educational system and society as a whole are best served when we teach science,not religious faithmasqueradingas science, in theclassrooms. It is pathetic that at this point in history we need to proclaim that 150 years without Darwin’s Origin of Species are enough.
Advanced interferometric techniques for monitoring urban areas

This paper addresses techniques for the imaging and monitoring of urban areas via advanced interferometric analysis. We discuss the multidimensional SAR imaging techniques and an approach for the generation of long term time series from multisensor data. Results of the application to real ERS and Envisat data are presented.
Mechanisms of corrosion inhibition of AA2024-T3 by vanadates

Abstract The mechanisms of corrosion inhibition of AA2024-T3 by vanadates were studied using chronoamperometry, polarization curves and adsorption isotherms. The electrochemical behaviour of clear solutions containing metavanadates and orange solutions containing decavanadates was clearly distinctive. Metavanadates reduced the kinetics of oxygen reduction to an extent similar to chromates. Corrosion inhibition of AA2024-T3 by metavanadates was very rapid and it might occur by the formation of an adsorbed layer. Reduction of clear metavanadate solution was very slow. Approximately 35 min were required to develop a monolayer of a reduced vanadate species. The adsorption of the inhibitor likely blocked reactive sites on intermetallic particles, discouraging the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Adsorption of the inhibitor on the Al matrix could also displace Cl− ions, increasing the stability of the passive film and reducing the breakdown of S-phase particles. In contrast, decavanadates were shown to be poor inhibitors of the ORR. A sharp current spike was observed after injection of decavanadates for both Cu and AA2024-T3 at various applied cathodic potentials. Integration of the current peaks suggested the formation of several monolayers of a reduced vanadate species. The formation of several monolayers was in line with the poor performance of decavanadates as inhibitors of AA2024-T3 corrosion.
Novel approach to inhibiting chemokine function

CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) or monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) is an important chemoattractant for monocytes and macrophages (Deshmane et al, 2009). CCL2 is the main ligand for the chemokine receptor CCR2, which mediates CCL2's biological activity. CCR2 is a seven transmembrane spanning Gαi protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) constitutively expressed at high levels on monocytes and macrophages. CCL2 expression is induced in a variety of tissue resident cells ( e.g . endothelial cells) and immune cells ( e.g . macrophages) by inflammatory mediators ( e.g . TNF, LPS and IFNγ). CCL2 mobilizes monocytes out of the bone marrow and recruits circulating monocytes into sites of infection and inflammation. Perhaps more than any other chemokine system, CCL2 and CCR2 have been shown to play important pathological roles in vivo in murine models of disease. For example, in murine models of atherosclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and obesity‐induced diabetes, mice deficient in CCL2 and/or CCR2 have markedly reduced monocyte accumulation in diseased tissue and are protected from disease (Charo & Ransohoff, 2006). Murine studies have also demonstrated the importance of CCL2 in malignancy and metastasis, including a recent study demonstrating a role for CCL2 in recruiting inflammatory monocytes into tumours, which facilitated breast cancer metastasis (Qian et al, 2011). Inhibiting CCL2 and CCR2 activity has thus been thought to be a promising new approach for treating inflammatory diseases. Antibody or small molecule chemical blockade of CCL2–CCR2 signalling is one strategy for therapeutic intervention that has shown promise in animal models of inflammatory diseases. However, this approach has not yet translated to effective human therapies. The reasons for the lack of efficacy in the clinic are not known and may relate to inappropriate disease indication, inherent limitations of the drug being tested or the timing of drug administration (Schall & Proudfoot, 2011). For example, anti‐CCR2 antibodies were …
Verification of the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry using a surgeon's database

Purpose. To assess the completeness of registration and any discrepancies between the senior author’s database and the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOA NJRR). Methods. From 2002 to 2005, the senior author performed 231 primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) on 217 patients using the Corail femoral stem and one of the 3 types of the acetabular component: Pinnacle, ASR, or Duraloc/Option. The name of each patient was forwarded to the AOA NJRR for matching and verification. Results. The AOA NJRR recorded 230 of the 231 primary THAs; all but one was matched with the senior author’s database. Nine (3.9%) of them were revised by the same (n=7) or another (n=2) surgeon. Three (43%) of the 7 revision surgeries were not recorded on the AOA NJRR. One patient revised for a ceramic liner fracture was incorrectly recorded as ‘wear acetabulum’ in the AOA NJRR. Conclusion. Although the AOA NJRR achieved high registration completeness for primary THA, accuracy for revision THA was much lower.
Tidal oscillation of sediment between a river and a bay: A conceptual model

A conceptual model of fine sediment transport between a river and a bay is proposed, based on observations at two rivers feeding the same bay. The conceptual model consists of river, transitional, and bay regimes. Within the transitional regime, resuspension, advection, and deposition create a mass of sediment that oscillates landward and seaward. While suspended, this sediment mass forms an estuarine turbidity maximum. At slack tides this sediment mass temporarily deposits on the bed, creating landward and seaward deposits. Tidal excursion and slack tide deposition limit the range of the sediment mass. To verify this conceptual model, data from two small tributary rivers of San Pablo Bay are presented. Tidal variability of suspended-sediment concentration markedly differs between the landward and seaward deposits, allowing interpretation of the intratidal movement of the oscillating sediment mass. Application of this model in suitable estuaries will assist in numerical model calibration as well as in data interpretation. A similar model has been applied to some larger-scale European estuaries, which bear a geometric resemblance to the systems analyzed in this study. 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Deadly Transfers, National Hypocrisy, and Global Chaos

This study provides an integrated explanatory analysis of ominous covert transnational flows and their implications for international security. After delineating their scope and discussing their general causes and consequences, brief overviews of the four most important types of these transactions-clandestine conventional arms, illegal human migration, illicit psychoactive drugs, and unsanctioned hazardous waste-serve to illuminate the specific recent patterns of this activity. The article concludes with a probing exploration of how these flows highlight hypocrisy in national policy and dysfunction in global rules of the game, challenging the security of the existing world order.
From Pittsburgh to Cleveland: NHBD controversies and bioethics.

In March 1997, 60 Minutes, a nationally syndicated news magazine program, featured a story in which it was claimed that The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) had in place a non-heart-beating donor (NHBD) protocol that involved killing patients for their organs. These charges were brought by a philosopher from a local university. A student who worked at LifeBanc, the northeastern Ohio organ procurement agency where the organ donation protocol originated, was given the protocol by LifeBanc with the understanding that it was to be used in class; the student and professor charged that the protocol involved killing patients for their organs. These claims were advanced without noting that the protocol was a draft that was being reviewed and revised and had not been implemented.
QRS morphology representation and noise estimation using the Karhunen-Loeve transform

The authors describe robust methods for deriving Karhunen-Loeve (KL) basis functions, which can be used to represent the QRS complex. Using a five-term KL expansion of a 200-ms interval, which includes the QRS complex and part of the ST segment, one can represent morphology on two simultaneous ECG (electrocardiographic) leads with sufficient fidelity for beat classification. The residual error of the representation is an ideal estimate of the instantaneous noise content of the signal and permits identification of events for which the morphologic information is unreliable. The authors have compared the performance of the current KL-based arrhythmia analysis program with its predecessor (which uses a set of time-domain features for morphology representation but is otherwise identical to the newer program). In evaluations using the MIT-BIH and AHA (American Heart Association) databases, and a newly developed database containing approximately 2.5 million annotated beats (including over 80000 premature ventricular contractions) from 27 long-term ECG recordings, it was found that beat classification errors using the KL transform were as little as one-fourth of those for the older program. >
Experience induces structural and biochemical changes in the adult primate brain

Primates exhibit complex social and cognitive behavior in the wild. In the laboratory, however, the expression of their behavior is usually limited. A large body of literature shows that living in an enriched environment alters dendrites and synapses in the brains of adult rodents. To date, no studies have investigated the influence of living in a complex environment on brain structure in adult primates. We assessed dendritic architecture, dendritic spines, and synaptic proteins in adult marmosets housed in either a standard laboratory cage or in one of two differentially complex habitats. A month-long stay in either complex environment enhanced the length and complexity of the dendritic tree and increased dendritic spine density and synaptic protein levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. No differences were detected between the brains of marmosets living in the two differentially complex environments. Our results show that the structure of the adult primate brain remains highly sensitive even to modest levels of experiential complexity. For adult primates, living in standard laboratory housing may induce reversible dendritic spine and synapse decreases in brain regions important for cognition.
Radiation Doses to Structures Within and Adjacent to the Larynx are Correlated With Long-Term Diet- and Speech-Related Quality of Life

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that radiation dose to key sites in the upper aerodigestive tract is associated with long-term functional outcome after (chemo)radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancers. Methods and Materials: This study examined the outcome for 27 patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy for definitive management of their head-and-neck cancer who were disease free for at least 1 year after treatment. Head-and-neck cancer-specific quality of life (QoL) was assessed before treatment and at 1 year after treatment. Type of diet tolerated, presence of a feeding tube, and degree of weight loss 1 year after treatment were also used as outcome measures. Radiation doses delivered to various points along the upper aerodigestive tract, including base of tongue, lateral pharyngeal walls, and laryngeal structures, were determined from each treatment plan. Radiation doses for each of these points were tested for correlation with outcome measures. Results: Higher doses delivered to the aryepiglottic folds, false vocal cords, and lateral pharyngeal walls near the false cords correlated with a more restrictive diet, and higher doses to the aryepiglottic folds correlated with greater weight loss ( p Conclusion: Our data show an inverse relationship between radiation dose delivered to laryngeal structures and speech and diet and QoL outcomes after definitive (chemo)radiation treatment. These findings suggest that efforts to deliver lower doses to laryngeal structures may improve outcomes after definitive (chemo)radiation therapy.
Quality and sensory characteristics of hard red wheat after residential storage for up to 32 y

Samples of hard red wheat packaged for long-term storage, ranging in age from 0 to 32 y, were obtained from donors in residential households. All samples had been stored under nonabusive conditions (7% to 10% moisture, 13 to 27 °C). Selected quality parameters of the wheat (moisture, thiamin, free fatty acids, flour extraction rate, bread loaf volume, and bread firmness) and sensory properties of bread made from the stored wheat (aroma, appearance, texture, flavor, overall liking, acceptance for use as part of the regular diet, and acceptance for use in emergency situations) were evaluated. Free fatty acids increased significantly from 0.897 to 11.8 μmol/g, and flour extraction rate decreased significantly from 76.5% to 69.9% over time. None of the other quality parameters measured (moisture, thiamin, bread loaf volume, and bread firmness) were significantly correlated with wheat storage time. Panelists who frequently or occasionally consume whole wheat bread rated all breads made from the stored wheat with hedonic scores (9-point scale) of at least 6.4 (like slightly to moderately). Consumer ratings of bread texture, flavor, and overall acceptability were negatively correlated with storage time (P < 0.001); however, at least 70% of panelists indicated that they would consume the bread as part of their regular diet even after 32 y of wheat storage, while over 97% would do so in an emergency. These data indicate that wheat maintains nutritional quality and makes acceptable bread when stored up to 32 y at 13 to 27 °C and 7% to 10% moisture. Practical Application: Wheat stored for the purposes of disaster relief has the potential of being stored for extremely long periods of time, which may result in undesirable changes in milling and baking quality. Therefore, we tested wheat that had been stored under residential conditions for up to 32 y to determine its functional quality and consumer acceptability. Our results indicate that wheat of low moisture (7% to 10%) packaged in sealed cans and stored for up to 32 y at or below typical room temperature retains quality and can be made into bread that is well accepted by consumers. Thus, whole wheat has good long-term storage stability and can be recommended for emergency food supplies.
Management of misangulated implants for a maxillary overdenture with spherical abutments: A clinical report

Misangulated and malpositioned implants pose a significant challenge for the prosthodontic treatment of edentulous patients. Most reports of maxillary overdenture patients have described the use of a bar to splint malaligned implants, followed by successful fabrication of the prosthesis. Few reports have discussed the use of individual abutments in such situations. This clinical report describes the successful use of spherical/ball abutments for the management of 4 malaligned implants in the edentulous maxilla for an overdenture. The rationale and technique for the use of spherical abutments for overdenture fabrication in such situations are described.
A transgenic mouse with vascular endothelial over-expression of the non-muscle myosin light chain kinase-2 isoform is susceptible to inflammatory lung injury: role of sexual dimorphism and age

We have generated genetically engineered mice that are uniquely susceptible to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced and mechanical ventilation-induced lung injury in a sex-specific and age-specific manner. These mice express a nonmuscle isoform of the myosin light chain kinase gene (nmMLCK2) targeted to the endothelium. Homozygous mice have significantly reduced fecundity and litter survival until weaning, and they are initially growth delayed but eventually exceed the size of wild-type littermates. Mice at all ages show increased protein transport across the lung barrier; however, the phenotype is most discernible in 8-12-week-old male mice. When subjected to a clinically relevant LPS-induced lung injury model, 8-12-week-old young females and 30-36-week-old males seem to be the most significantly injured group. In contrast, 30-36-week-old males remain the most significantly injured group when mechanically ventilated at high tidal volumes, which is a clinically relevant model of mechanical stress lung injury. These data reveal that nmMLCK2 overexpression in the endothelium exacerbates lung injury in vivo in a sexually dimorphic and age-dependent manner.
Angiotensin II-dependent superoxide: effects on hypertension and vascular dysfunction.

Angiotensin (Ang) II generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) by activation of Ang II type 1 receptors (AT1Rs). The resulting ROS mediates many of the actions of Ang II, including constriction of vascular smooth muscles, increased systemic blood pressure (BP), endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling, and sodium retention. Ang II has its greatest effect on superoxide anion (O2−), which may be an important signaling element of the hypertensive rats and other deleterious actions of Ang II. The mechanisms of ROS actions are not fully understood, yet effective antioxidant therapy often attenuates hypertension and other vascular effects of Ang II. Currently many studies use Ang II–infused animal models to investigate the role of ROS and interacting systems, not only on hypertension, but endothelial dysfunction, renal disease, heart disease, and other pathologies. This review focuses on the recent reports of Ang II–generated ROS and how it impacts hypertension and its vascular consequences. Superoxides are formed by several oxidases and oxygenases and incomplete mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. The major source of O2− that impacts the vasculature and systemic BP is reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, which is abundantly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells. Five isoforms of NADPH oxidase (Nox) have been identified in animals: Nox1 to Nox5, with Nox1, Nox2, and Nox4 expressed in vascular cells. Nox isoforms are composed of 2 to 5 subunits: 2 membrane-bound subunits, gp91phox and p22phox, and cytosolic subunits p47phox, p67phox, and Rac-1 (reviewed in Mehta and Griendling1). Ang II upregulates several subunits of NADPH oxidase; however, most evidence suggests that assembly of NADPH oxidase onto cell membranes is initiated by Rac-1, which is activated by Ang II binding to AT1R. However, alternate pathways continue to be explored. O2− generated by …
The Effect of Boron on the Microstructure of Ni2 AITi.

Ingots with a nominal composition of Ni–34a/o Al–15a/o Ti + O.Ow/o B, 0.05w/o B, 0.1w/o B or 0.3w/o B were prepared and compression tested at a strain rate of 1.7 x 10–7/s at room temperature, 650°C, 870°C, and 1000°C in air. Alloys were single-phase Ni2 AITi and borides were contained in all compositions containing boron. The compressive yield strength and the ultimate compressive strength of NA2AITi containing boron is strongly affected by the type and distribution of borides. The formation of TiB2 at 0.3w/o B increased the strength at room teperature, 650°C, 870°C, ang 1000°C, while formation of a TiB-Ni2 AITi eutectic at 0.05w/o and 0.lw/o B decreased strength at all temperatures. Crack deflection by TiB2 is an important strengthening mechanism at room temperature and 650°C. However, at 1000°C, dispersion strengthening may be an important strengthening factor.
A stochastic multirate signal processing approach to high-resolution signal reconstruction

This paper addresses the problem of reconstructing a signal at some high sampling rate from a set of signals sampled at a lower rate and subject to additive noise and distortion. A set of periodically time-varying filters are employed in reconstructing the underlying signal. Results are presented for a one-dimensional case involving simulated data, as well as for a two-dimensional case involving real image data where the image is processed by rows. In both cases, considerable improvement is evident after the processing.
Novel Liquid Phase Sintered Sn-In Solders with Tailorable Properties for Thermal Interface Material and Interconnect Applications

At present, there is significant interest in low-temperature, indium-based materials for both thermal interface material (TIM) applications as well as interconnect applications for packaging thermally sensitive next-generation devices. The attractive properties of these solders include: (i) high shear compliance under low strain rate conditions, and (ii) high electrical/thermal conductivity, both of which are critical for TIMs and interconnects. However, currently used indium-based solders suffer from 2 serious shortcomings: (i) high cost due to high indium content, and (ii) very low compressive strength and creep resistance which may lead to structural instability following heat-sink attachment. In order to circumvent these problems, and also introduce a built-in melting point hierarchy following initial reflow, a radically different approach for producing microelectronic solder joints based on liquid phase sintering (LPS) is being developed. In this paper, we report on the processing and characterization of LPS Sn-In solders, the microstructure of which consists predominantly of particles of the high melting Sn and a smaller amount of particles of low melting In. By optimizing the In content, highly compliant LPS solders with flow stresses close to that of pure In were obtained. The electrical and thermal conductivity of the LPS solder was found to be about half that of pure In. Following LPS, the melting point of the solder was found to have increased by 30-40degC, thereby enabling this material to be resistant to melting during subsequent high temperature packaging steps. Finally, it is demonstrated that metallurgically good joints can be produced between this new solder and Cu substrates during a single step which combined LPS with joining.
Sobre la imaginación pornográfica de Víctor J. Krebs.

Una resena critica del mas reciente libro del filosofo limeno Victor J. Krebs, en el que se procura de poner de manifiesto como el texto se inserta en la tradicion filosofica a partir de una critica de la nocion de responsabilidad anexa a nuestras ideas a proposito del mundo y su representacion.
External Search: The Role of Consumer Beliefs:

A survey of 164 recent purchasers of color television sets shows that consumer beliefs about the marketplace and about their capabilities as consumers accounted for 50% of the variance in extent of...
Survival, Growth, and Reproduction of Progeny Isolated from High and Low Density Populations of Microtus montanus

The demographic consequences of lactational deficiency, which has been hypothesized to occur during periods of physiological stress in mammals, were assessed in Microtus montanus populations under field conditions. Comparisons are made among progeny of animals in an expanding population (= U cohort), juvenile progeny removed from high-density populations and introduced with (= M cohort) and without (= I cohort) previously crowded adults, and offspring (= F1 cohort) of voles of the I cohort. Survival rate of the I cohort was higher than the M cohort. Furthermore, males of the I cohort had a significantly higher instantaneous growth rate than the M cohort. The growth rates of females in the M and I cohorts were uniformly low. Sexual maturity was delayed in males of the M and I cohorts, though the delays were not sufficient to reduce the reproductive output. There was no significant difference in the proportions of either pregnant females or reproductive activity among cohorts. Early juvenile survival was high in the populations in which the U and I cohorts resided, whereas no juveniles survived in the M cohort's population. The observed changes in demographic parameters among the cohorts do not conform to the predictions of the lactational deficiency hypothesis. Survival and age at sexual maturity were primarily affected by seasonality, whereas individual growth, early juvenile survival, and population growth were primarily affected by adult-progeny social interactions.
Use of a Fluorescent Brightener to Improve Pseudoplusia includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus Activity in the Laboratory and Field

A fluorescent brightener, Calcofluor white M2R, was studied for enhancement of Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), soybean looper, nuclear polyhedrosis virus (PiNPV) activity against P. includens larvae on semisynthetic diet, cotton, and soybean leaves and in field tests on soybean. Addition of 0.1% brightener to the PiNPV suspension on semisynthetic diet reduced the LC50 from 970 polyhedral inclusion bodies (PIB)/mm2 to 0.0625 PIB/mm2 for 2nd instars. The brightener (0.08%) reduced the LT50 of PiNPV from 15.9 to 6.4 d. In a spray table test, percentage mortality from virus of 2nd instars fed cotton leaves sprayed with 1 X 106 PIB/ml of PiNPV alone was significantly increased with the addition of 0.1% (soybean leaves only) and 1% brightener (cotton and soybean leaves). In a field test on artificially infested soybean plants, mortality from virus of 2nd to 4th instars was significantly increased by addition of 0.1% and 1.0% brightener. A field test on a natural population of P includens larvae of mixed ages showed that 0.3% and 1.0% brightener significantly enhanced mortality from virus of PiNPV-treated larvae. All tests demonstrated that a fluorescent brightener enhanced activity of PiNPV.
Factors Affecting the Production of Carotene by Choanephora Cucurbitarum

Goodwin (1952, 1954, 1955, and 1958) has reviewed the literature on the synthesis of carotene by fungi. Relatively few species have been used for intensive study of carotenogenesis: Phycomyces blakesleeanus, Neurospora crassa, Mucor hiemalis, and Blakeslca trispora. Barnett et al. (1956) found that mixed + and cultures of Choanephora cucurbitarum produced much more carotene than cultures of either sex singly. An increase in carotenogenesis also occurs with mixed + and cultures of other species of Choanephoraceae (Hesseltine and Anderson, 1957; Anderson et al., 1958). Wolf (1917) found numerous yellow oil droplets in immature zygospores and Barnett et al. (1956) showed that the principal pigment was beta-carotene. The effects of nutritional and environmental factors on growth, glucose utilization, pH values, and the synthesis of carotene are reported in this paper.
The synthetic color sense of Pipilotti Rist, or, Deleuzian color theory for electronic media art:

Electronic artist Pipilotti Rist’s colorful and sensuous video installations enliven the new media landscape and offer a fresh paradigm for conceptualizing color in electronic media art. This artic...
Heat Transfer From Separating and Non-Separating Suddenly Expanding Viscoplastic Flows

Heat transfer from Bingham viscoplastic non-Newtonian flows through axisymmetric 1:5 and 1:2 sudden expansions has been studied numerically by solving the mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations. The non-dimensional yield stress, i.e. yield number, is found to have a significant impact on the flow and heat transfer behavior. Two distinct viscoplastic flow regimes are observed. For a given Reynolds number, increasing the yield number, results in transitioning from a recirculating to a non-recirculating viscoplastic flow regime. Substantial heat transfer enhancement exists downstream the expansion plane in the form of a peak heat transfer rate that is up to twice the downstream, fully developed, value. A single peak is observed for Newtonian and non-separating viscoplastic flows as opposed to two peaks in the case of separating viscoplastic flows. Peak heat transfer rates were found to substantially increase with the yield number and, to a lesser extent, with the expansion ratio.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Great changes on the Lower Yellow River channel since 2000 and future prospective

With the construction of large hydropower projects on the upper and middle reaches,the development of soilwater conservation and irrigation projects,the probability that a big flood event will occur and flood peak discharges have been greatly reduced. It is unnecessary to widen the lower-reach river to allow floodplain inundation for flood peaks reduction. In recent years,there is a major breakthrough in the understandings of the mechanism and capacity of the sediment transport in the narrow and deep channel of the Yellow River. Lower-reach channel has huge flood discharge and sediment transport capacity,which points out the future direction of harnessing the river. After the reconstruction of Sanmenxia Reservoir and the operational mode of "storing clear water and releasing muddy water"to reduce deposition, non-siltation has already been achieved for the channel upstream of Huayuankou. After the operation of Xiaolangdi Reservoir for 13 years,great changes have taken place in the lower-reach channel with maximum longitudinal water surface elevation reduction of 1. 0- 2. 2 meters,and the bankfull discharge has been increased dramatically. But the wandering reaches are still wide,shallow,scatter and ill-conditioned,and they need to be regulated at both banks to form a stable, deep and narrow channel. Through multi-year sediment regulation of valley type of reservoirs like Xiaolangdi,the combinations of flow and sediment entering the lower-reach can be optimized,and the reservoir can be used for a long time. Sediment should be managed to be released when discharge is greater than 3 000 m3/ s,and it should be transported through the regulated new channel to sea. By using this approach,the river bed will not be elevated by deposition,and the beneficial use of the reservoir will be significantly increased too.
SnapToReality: Aligning Augmented Reality to the Real World

Augmented Reality (AR) applications may require the precise alignment of virtual objects to the real world. We propose automatic alignment of virtual objects to physical constraints calculated from the real world in real time ("snapping to reality"). We demonstrate SnapToReality alignment techniques that allow users to position, rotate, and scale virtual content to dynamic, real world scenes. Our proof-of-concept prototype extracts 3D edge and planar surface constraints. We furthermore discuss the unique design challenges of snapping in AR, including the user's limited field of view, noise in constraint extraction, issues with changing the view in AR, visualizing constraints, and more. We also report the results of a user study evaluating SnapToReality, confirming that aligning objects to the real world is significantly faster when assisted by snapping to dynamically extracted constraints. Perhaps more importantly, we also found that snapping in AR enables a fresh and expressive form of AR content creation.
Systemic bacillus-Calmette Guerin infection after transurethral administration for superficial bladder carcinoma.

AbstractIt is well known that intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy is a safe and effective treatment for superficial bladder carcinoma with few serious complications. However, we report a case of pneumonitis, hepatitis, azotemia, fever and pancytopenia in a patient after transurethral administration of bacillus Calmette-Guerin. Even though severe systemic complications are rare, patients who have high fevers or signs of other systemic manifestations require documentation of the extent of the infection. Also, we address the use of prophylactic antituberculous drugs, not only to prevent these symptoms but also to raise the questions of diminishing the immunological effect of the treatment.
The resurgence of tuberculosis: risk in health care settings.

After many years of steady decline in reported cases, TB is resurging in the U.S. as a clinical problem and a public health problem. TB continues to be an occupational hazard for health care workers and others in work environments where spaces are enclosed, ventilation is poor, and personnel are crowded. Transmission occurs by inhaling droplet nuclei generated by persons with active TB. Education, active surveillance, reporting, and an expanded role in community action are appropriate roles for the occupational health nurse.
Crystal structure of 4-hy­droxy­pyridin-1-ium 3,5-di­carb­oxy­benzoate

The structure of the title salt, C5H6NO(+)·C9H5O6 (-), (I), shows that 4-hy-droxy-pyridine has abstracted an H atom from benzene-1,3,5-tri-carb-oxy-lic acid, yielding a pyridinium cation and carboxyl-ate anion. The two ions form an extensive three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network throughout the crystal. The hydrogen bonds that comprise the core of the network are considered strong, with O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O donor-to-acceptor distances ranging from 2.533 (2) to 2.700 (2) A. Packing is further enhanced by π-stacking of the cations and anions with like species [centroid-centroid distance = 3.6206 (13) A].
With a Little Help from the Law

We can do a lot to create and protect social capital. Treating social capital as a moral principle will do an enormous amount to override our inclination toward self-interest, address the free-rider problem that exists with some social capital and, in the end, build our social capital reservoir. The moral requirement to act impartially will counter the tendency toward homophily, diminish social capital’s dark side and contribute substantially to our reservoir of global social capital. But we can also use the law to bolster social capital. Doing so would constitute more than a mere nudge, since the penalties associated with violating the law would reduce people’s options. Nonetheless, given the value of social capital and the harms associated with its deprivation, we need to take seriously the potential role that law can play in creating and preserving social capital. In this chapter and the next, I look at the impact of the law on social capital. Law affects trust, generalized reciprocity and social capital. It can do so either positively or negatively.
Cerebral Cortical Dysgenesis and Epilepsy in Adults

The clinical, EEG and neuroimaging features in 100 adult patients with cerebral cortical dysgenesis (CD) were reviewed at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, St Mary’s Hospital, London, and the National Society for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, UK.
Ultimate CMOS ULSI performance

Ultra-Large-Scale Integration (ULSI) CMOS technology is advancing beyond the realm of conventional scaling theory, requiring a new approach to the problem of scale reduction. Limits on active power are pushing the power supply voltage, V/sub DD/, downward, while increased MOSFET count is creating pressure to increase threshold-voltage, V/sub T/, to keep passive power (sub-threshold leakage) from growing. A conflict between the needs for lower V/sub DD/ and higher V/sub T/ thus arises. Power constraints alone, independent of other potential limitations, will lead to maximum performance at the 100-nm lithographic scale of approximately two to three times that of 0.5-/spl mu/m, 3.3 V CMOS technology. >
A new detector at RHIC, sPHENIX goals and status

The study of heavy-ion collisions, which can create a new form matter, a nearly ideal strongly interacting fluid where quarks and gluons are no longer confined into nucleons, called Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP), is on the frontier of QCD studies. The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Lab (BNL) has had a long and successful program of QGP study since 2000, with many upgrades that have increased the delivered luminosity considerably in the last decade. The sPHENIX proposal is for a second generation experiment at RHIC, which will take advantage of the increased luminosity, and allow measurements of jets, jet correlations and Upsilons (s), with a kinematic reach that will overlap with measurements made at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Complementary measurements at RHIC and at the LHC probe the QGP at different temperatures and densities, which are necessary to determine the temperature dependence of transport coefficients of the QGP. The sPHENIX detector will have large acceptance electromagnetic and hadronic calorimetry, as well as precision tracking, and high rate capability which are necessary for precision jet and observables. The experiment will enable a program of systematic measurements at RHIC, with a detector capable of acquiring a large sample of events in p+p, p+A, and A+A collisions. This proceedings outlines the key measurements enabled by the new detector, and status of the project itself.
Social challenges faced by queer Latino college men: Navigating negative responses to coming out in a double minority sample of emerging adults.

OBJECTIVES: In this paper, we qualitatively examine the social challenges experienced by queer, Latino college men in the coming out process. Using an intersectional perspective informed by the double jeopardy hypothesis, intersectional invisibility, and Latino/a cultural norms, we asked 22 queer Latino college men to describe the major challenges they experienced with their sexual identities. METHOD: To examine the subjective experiences of participants' multiple minority identities, we conducted semistructured interviews. Our sample consisted of 22 college student men who identified as Latino, queer, and cisgender. Participant ages ranged from 18 to 29 (M = 21.50, SD = 3.70). For race/ethnicity, all participants identified with the broad category Latino. For sexual orientation, 18 participants self-identified as gay or homosexual, 3 identified as "other," and 1 identified as bisexual. RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of participants (15/22) described encountering negative social responses to their sexual identity disclosure, including Loss of Relationships, Aggression, Pathologizing, and Self-Serving Responses. Additionally, 55% spontaneously reinterpreted or Cognitively Reframed their negative experiences (12/22), including the subthemes of It's never happened to me, Minimizing, and Victim Blame. CONCLUSIONS: We relate each subtheme to potentially influential social and cultural norms among queer, Latino college men, such as collectivistic values and familismo. Suggestions for research and practice with individuals at this identity intersection are described. (PsycINFO Database Record(c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en