cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Few-Shot Keyword Spotting With Prototypical Networks

Recognizing a particular command or a keyword, keyword spotting has been widely used in many voice interfaces such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Home. In order to recognize a set of keywords, most of the recent deep learning based approaches use a neural network trained with a large number of samples to identify certain pre-defined keywords. This restricts the system from recognizing new, user-defined keywords. Therefore, we first formulate this problem as a few-shot keyword spotting and approach it using metric learning. To enable this research, we also synthesize and publish a Few-shot Google Speech Commands dataset. We then propose a solution to the few-shot keyword spotting problem using temporal and dilated convolutions on prototypical networks. Our comparative experimental results demonstrate keyword spotting of new keywords using just a small number of samples.
Implicit fast sweeping method for hyperbolic systems of conservation laws

Abstract Implicit time-accurate methods are often used to integrate stiff problems where explicit schemes impose severe time step restrictions. This paper presents an efficient numerical framework based on the fast sweeping method (FSM) for solving linear and nonlinear hyperbolic systems of conservation laws. The solution at each discrete location is computed by sweeping the numerical domain in several predetermined directions that follow the causality of the characteristic families. The use of a fractional step strategy eliminates the need for a solution selection criterion while one-sided stencils limit the number of sweeps to at most 2 d for d space dimensions. This work focuses on the first-order implicit upwind method since it constitutes the building block for high-order conservative schemes. For problems where the degree of stiffness evolves over time, implicit-explicit hybridization can be accomplished with the same algorithm by simply switching the stencil at each time level. As opposed to traditional implicit solvers, the sweeping method does not require a local time linearization of the fluxes thereby preserving the nonlinear stability properties of the original implicit scheme. It also avoids the large computational and memory requirements associated with solving large block-diagonal systems of equations. A series of one- and two-dimensional test cases are presented for the inviscid Burgers' equation and the reactive Euler equations. The results indicate that the implicit FSM can allow for a major reduction in the number of time steps even in the presence of discontinuous solution profiles.
The organization of volunteer battalions in Ukraine

When war broke out in Eastern Ukraine in 2014, the government of Ukraine failed to provide adequate defense to maintain its territorial integrity. In the wake of this government failure, several private volunteer efforts arose to meet popular demand for military action against Russian-backed Separatists. These volunteer battalions had to find alternative methods of aligning their incentives with the population wishing to be defended, and alternative methods of aligning the incentives of their leadership and their recruits. The success of these battalions depended on the potential for political careers and favors, the strength of reputation mechanisms in small communities, and the potential for loot and spoils. These factors shaped the size, characteristics, and activities of the volunteer battalions.
Model-Based Multi-input, Multi-output Supervisory Semi-active Nonlinear Fuzzy Controller

: The authors recently proposed a new multi-input, single-output (MISO) semi-active fuzzy controller for vibration control of seismically excited small-scale buildings. In this article, the previously proposed MISO control system is advanced to a multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) control system through integration of a set of model-based fuzzy controllers that are formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) such that the global asymptotical stability is guaranteed and the performance on transient responses is also satisfied. The set of model-based fuzzy controllers is divided into two groups: lower level controllers and a higher level coordinator. The lower level fuzzy controllers are designed using acceleration and drift responses; while velocity information is used for the higher level controller. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, an eight-story building structure employing magnetorheological (MR) dampers is studied. It is demonstrated from comparison of the uncontrolled and semi-active controlled responses that the proposed design framework is effective in vibration reduction of a building structure equipped with MR dampers.
High energy density laboratory astrophysics

High energy density (HED) physics refers broadly to the study of macroscopic collections of matter under extreme conditions of temperature and density. The experimental facilities most widely used for these studies are high-power lasers and magnetic-pinch generators. The HED physics pursued at these facilities is still in its infancy, yet new regimes of experimental science are emerging. Examples from astrophysics include work relevant to planetary interiors, supernovae, astrophysical jets and accreting compact objects (such as neutron stars and black holes). In this paper, we review a selection of recent results in this new field of HED laboratory astrophysics and provide a brief look ahead to the coming decade.
Reactions of alkyl amines and phosphines with tin(II) chloride

Abstract Vacuum line studies in the absence of any solvent show the formation of reaction products containing, per mole of tin(II) chloride, 2.5 and 1.5 mole of ethylamine, 2 mole of trimethylamine, and 1 mole of di- and triethylamine and of trimethyl- and triethylphosphine. The formation of dark colored and tarry reaction products in several of the systems indicate that more than simple adduct or complex formation is involved.
ASPE: attribute-based secure policy enforcement in vehicular ad hoc networks

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are usually operated among vehicles moving at high speeds, and thus their communication relations can be changed frequently. In such a highly dynamic environment, establishing trust among vehicles is difficult. To solve this problem, we propose a flexible, secure and decentralized attribute based secure key management framework for VANETs. Our solution is based on attribute based encryption (ABE) to construct an attribute based security policy enforcement (ASPE) framework. ASPE considers various road situations as attributes. These attributes are used as encryption keys to secure the transmitted data. ASPE is flexible in that it can dynamically change encryption keys depending on the VANET situations. At the same time, ASPE naturally incorporates data access control policies on the transmitted data. ASPE provides an integrated solution to involve data access control, key management, security policy enforcement, and secure group formation in highly dynamic vehicular communication environments. Our performance evaluations show that ASPE is efficient and it can handle large amount of data encryption/decryption flows in VANETs.
The Relation of Age to Certain Electrocardiographic Responses of Normal Adults to a Standardized Exercise

To demonstrate what may be expected in individuals who do not show clinical evidences of heart disease, the authors present a quantitative evaluation and physiologic interpretation of data obtained from 60 male subjects. Age differences are described. Decreases in S-T and in T occurred in most subjects. The S-T depression is not necessarily ascribable to injury, and no discontinuity of distribution is discovered to justify calling any of the observed responses "abnormal." The results emphasize the limitations to interpretation of information which is not highly specific, in subject material where no primary standard of diagnosis has been established.
Evolutionary dynamics of transposable elements in a small RNA world

Transposable elements (TEs) are selfish elements that cause harmful mutations, contribute to the structure of regulatory networks and shape the architecture of genomes. Natural selection against their harmful effects has long been considered the dominant force limiting their spread. It is now clear that a genome defense system of RNA-mediated silencing also plays a crucial role in limiting TE proliferation. A full understanding of TE evolutionary dynamics must consider how these forces jointly determine their proliferation within genomes. Here I consider these forces from two perspectives – dynamics within populations and evolutionary games within the germline. The analysis of TE dynamics from these two perspectives promises to provide new insight into their role in evolution.
The social influence model: A social psychological approach to counseling.

Social influence theory suggests that counseling is an interpersonal influence process. This article reviews the literature on the model and suggests future directions for research.
Uranium spectrum between 1. 8 and 5. 5 microns emitted from a hollow cathode

Abstract The emission spectrum of uranium has been observed in the infrared from 1.8 to 5.5 μm using the McMath Fourier transform spectrometer at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, and a water-cooled hollow cathode lamp. The wavenumber, wavelength, and relative intensity of 4418 lines between 1817 and 5598 cm −1 that can be classified as transitions between known levels of the first and second spectra of uranium have been tabulated. In addition, wavenumbers and intensities of 4744 lines that cannot be classified in this manner are listed. Most of these are believed to be uranium emission lines. Isotope shifts are reported for 196 lines.
Galaxies of the ants

The Lives of Ants, written for a popular audience, covers ant behavior, ecology and evolution in a lively way. Topics include ant diversity, the social organization of colonies, detailed accounts of species with interesting ecology, the evolution of eusociality through kin selection, some of Keller and colleagues’ recent work on ant genetics, and the use of ant models in robotics. There is also a section of wonderful photographs, taken mostly by Alex Wild. The book emphasizes the work of Europeans, a refreshing change for the small field of myrmecology, which has been so dominated by American researchers.
Milk Production in Laboratory Mice

Abstract Daily milk yield records of 635 females were used to characterize the shape of the lactation curve and to estimate milk yield in laboratory mice. Milk production from Day 6 through Day 21 of lactation was estimated by isolating the litters (size eight) from the dam for 6 hr daily, then weighing the litter before and after 1.5 hr of suckling. From regression of average daily milk yield on day of lactation second and third degree polynomial equations described lactation curves which accounted for 92.3 and 98.6% of observed variation in milk yield. Measurement of milk yield on Days 8, 10, 13, 15, 18, and 20 provided excellent prediction (R 2 = .86) of actual milk yield for the lactation.
Convergence of Solutions to the Classic Dual Cosine Equation

Dual orthogonal series are a primary tool in the analysis of mixed boundary value problems for the potential in geometries conforming to separability conditions for the Laplace operator. Different formal solutions to the classic dual cosine equation, in the form of multiple singular integrals, have been developed by many authors, especially in connection with the study of brittle cracks. Recently an algorithmic representation for these solutions was developed to facilitate the writing of computer software. On the basis of this representation a rigorous proof of convergence for input functions of bounded variation is established. The proof utilizes only classical results in the theory of orthogonal expansions. In the first equation of the dual pair there is ordinary convergence, and in the second there is Abel-Poisson convergence which is not, in general, reducible to ordinary convergence.
Faceting, tricriticality, and attractive interactions between steps in the orientational phase diagram of silicon surfaces between [113] and [55 12]

Abstract An X-ray scattering study is presented of the orientational phase diagram of Si surfaces misoriented by up to 5.2° from the cubic [113] direction towards [111], and for temperatures between 300 and 1500 K. At the highest temperatures (above 1200 K), the surface is uniformly stepped. In this region, the intensity of near-specularly scattered X-rays increases with decreasing temperature, suggesting a corresponding increase in the surface roughness as a result of a direct attractive interaction between steps. For temperatures below a tricritical point of T′t = 1200 K, there occurs a two-phase region in which (113) facets appear in coexistence with stepped phase regions. For temperatures below a triple point at T′3 = 1180 K, coexistence between (113) facets and (55 12) facets is found. These results pertain to the sample heating current directed towards [332]. For heating currents directed in the opposite direction, there occurs an electric-field-induced instability, which has a significant effect on the high-temperature morphology.
Transformations of cyclohexanol on a platinum-alumina catalyst: Effect of poisons

Vapor-phase dehydrogenation/dehydration of cyclohexanol has been investigated over a bifunctional platinum-alumina catalyst. The products of the reactions are cyclohexane, cyclohexene, benzene, cyclohexanone and phenol. Studies using the poisons CO, H2S and NH3 have been made in order to elucidate the nature of the sites responsible for the formation of the various products.
a Computerized Data Base for Flood Prediction Modeling

: A computerized geographic information system (GIS) was created in support of data requirements by a hydrologic model designed to predict the runoff hydrograph from ungaged basins. Some geomorphologic characteristics (i.e., channel lengths) were manually measured from topographic maps, while other parameters such as drainage area and number of channels of a specified order, land use, and soil type were digitized and manipulated through use of the GIS. The model required the generation of an integrated Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number for the entire basin. To this end, soil associations and land use (generated from analysis of Landsat satellite data) were merged in the GIS to acquire a map representing SCS runoff curve numbers. The volume of runoff obtained from the Watershed Hydrology Simulation (WAHS) Model using this map was compared to the volume computed by hydrograph separation and found to be accurate within 19 percent error. To quantify the effect of changing land use on basin hydrology, the GIS was used to vary percentages from the drainage area from forest to bare soil. By changing the basin runoff curve numbers, significant changes in peak discharge were noted; however, the time to peak discharge remained essentially independent of change in area of land use. The GIS capability eliminated many of the more traditional manual phases of data input arid manipulation, thereby allowing researchers to concentrate on the development and calibration of the model and the interpretation of presumably more accurate results.
The science of implementation: changing the practice of critical care.

Purpose of reviewFew would disagree that evidence from clinical research should be brought to the bedside in an efficient and equitable manner. Unfortunately, this common agreement does not result in practice change at the bedside where delayed and variable implementation is common. Recognition of t
Assistive browser for conducting web transactions

People with visual impairments use screen readers to browse the Web. Sequential processing of web pages by screen readers causes information overload, making web browsing time-consuming and strenuous. These problems are further exacerbated in web transactions (e.g.: online shopping), which involve multiple steps spanning several web pages. In this paper we present a lightweight approach for doing Web transactions using non-visual modalities. We describe how analysis of context surrounding the link coupled with a shallow knowledge-base with patterns and keywords can help identify various concepts (e.g.: "add to cart", "item description", etc.) that are important in web transactions. Our preliminary results show promise that presenting such concepts to the users can reduce information overload and improve their overall browsing experience.
Administration of Pastoral Development: Lessons From Three Projects in Africa

Administrative problems are a major cause of the poor performance of pastoral development projects in Africa. This study focused on two aspects of project administration: policy development and organizational structure. From the literature, 11 actions in these 2 areas were identified that were supposed to enhance project performance. These 11 propositions were tested against evidence from 3 pastoral development projects in Africa funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Eight of these actions were strongly associated with improved project performance. These results become the basis for guidelines to improve design and implementation. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decreased risk of prematurity after elective repeat cesarean delivery in Hispanics.

AbstractBackground: The current recommendation is to delay elective repeat cesarean deliveries (ERCD) until 39 weeks to decrease prematurity risks. Prior reports suggest accelerated maturity of fetuses according to race (African-Americans and Asians).Objective: To analyze the effect of the Hispanic ethnicity on the prematurity risk after ERCD. Methods: The US Natality Database from 2004 to 2008 was reviewed. Inclusion criteria were singleton delivery, no trial of labor, repeat cesarean. Exclusion criteria were fetal anomalies, history of diabetes/hypertension related disorders. Outcomes analyzed were Apgar score, assisted ventilation, intensive care admission, surfactant/antibiotic use and seizures. Two groups were identified: non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) and Hispanic Whites (HW). Regression analysis was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios. Deliveries at 36–40 weeks were studied with 40 weeks as the reference group.Results: A total of 930 421 ERCDs were identified, 396 823 NHW and 236 733 HW. For NHW...
Time and technological innovation: Implications for public policy

Abstract The speed with which modern technologies are innovated seems to be accelerating and there appears to be some consensus that faster technological change is likely to create substantial problems for public policy makers. But what is the empirical evidence for the impression of more rapid technological advancement? And what does this evidence imply for the future of policy making? Answering these questions involves assessing the empirical research based in four temporal models that form the bases for measuring innovation time (product cycle, barrier–breakthrough, technological discontinuity, and continuous change) according to four analytical approaches (product concentrations, expert opinion, sales growth and decline, and age of cited patents). Based on this assessment, multiple categories of policy-relevant temporal indicators are recommended.
Gene by smoking interaction: Evidence for effects on low-density lipoprotein size and plasma levels of triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

We seek to determine whether significant gene x smoking interaction effects exist on plasma triglyceride (TG) levels, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) level, and median LDL particle diameter (LDL-MPD) in Mexican American families enrolled in the San Antonio Family Heart Study. The sample consisted of 1,392 individuals distributed in 42 extended pedigrees, ranging in age from 16 years to 92 years. Separate quantitative genetic analyses were carried out for TG and HDL-C level and LDL-MPD using a maximum-likelihood-based variance decomposition approach while simultaneously adjusting for age and sex. Initial heritability estimates demonstrated significant (p < 0.001) additive genetic contributions to all three traits (h2 range 0.50 - 0.54). To test for a gene x smoking interaction, we included in the model additional smoking-status-specific variance terms and a genetic correlation term between smokers and nonsmokers. Comparisons of nested models revealed significant evidence (p < 0.01) for a gene X smoking interaction effect on TG level and LDL-MPD and possible evidence for an effect on HDL-C level. These results indicate that the gene or suite of genes regulating each of these phenotypes is likely the same in smokers and non-smokers but that smoking may alter the expression of genes, particularly those influencing TG level and LDL-MPD.
How the core and mantle may produce mantle plumes

A new picture of the dynamics at the base of the Earth's mantle is emerging from the integrated work of seismologists, geodynamicists, and geomagnetists. The structure at the core-mantle boundary (CMB) appears to be influencing convective motions both in the solid silicate mantle and in the liquid-iron outer core. Such processes are apparently at work at the CMB beneath eastern Indonesia, where very slow seismic velocities suggest an unusually hot region and could signal the birth of a mantle plume. In addition, geomagnetic modeling indicates that rising plumes could exist here in the core, which could represent dynamic coupling between the mantle and core.
Kinetics of radical polymerization of styrene at high concentration of diisopropyl dicarbonate

Abstract Styrene was polymerized at 20° at high concentration of diisopropyl dicarbonate (DIPDC). When [DIPDC] = 0.55 mol]−1, transfer to DIPDC predominates at almost all stages of conversion. The average chain length (≤ 90) of the polymers is less than 300, the value at which polymer molecules entangle in undiluted polymer solution. Thus, the termination rate can be treated by considering only the free volume theory. The value of γv ∗ (γ = overlap factor and v ∗ = critical free volume to permit a segment to jump ) is found to be 0.39, in good agreement with the value 0.37 estimated previously from data obtained under conditions such that the termination rate depends on both entanglement and free volume. These values may be reasonable, because they yield the magnitude of 10−5 cm2 sec−1 as the diffusion constant of monomer at low conversion. In spite of the absence of entanglement, the polymerization changes abruptly at about 70% conversion. Thus, the previous definition should be modified so that the onset of the gel effect is the point at which the termination rate changes abruptly as a result of the decrease of the free volume when the entanglement is absent, or at a critical chain length of polymers when entangling occurs.
Streamlining GPU applications on the fly: thread divergence elimination through runtime thread-data remapping

Because of their tremendous computing power and remarkable cost efficiency, GPUs (graphic processing unit) have quickly emerged as a kind of influential platform for high performance computing. However, as GPUs are designed for massive data-parallel computing, their performance is subject to the presence of condition statements in a GPU application. On a conditional branch where threads diverge in which path to take, the threads taking different paths have to run serially. Such divergences often cause serious performance degradations, impairing the adoption of GPU for many applications that contain non-trivial branches or certain types of loops.This paper presents a systematic investigation in the employment of runtime thread-data remapping for solving that problem. It introduces an abstract form of GPU applications, based on which, it describes the use of reference redirection and data layout transformation for remapping data and threads to minimize thread divergences. It discusses the major challenges for practical deployment of the remapping techniques, most notably, the conflict between the large remapping overhead and the need for the remapping to happen on the fly because of the dependence of thread divergences on runtime values. It offers a solution to the challenge by proposing a CPU-GPU pipelining scheme and a label-assign-move (LAM) algorithm to virtually hide all the remapping overhead. At the end, it reports significant performance improvement produced by the remapping for a set of GPU applications, demonstrating the potential of the techniques for streamlining GPU applications on the fly.
Millimeter Waves at 25 mw/cm2 have No Effect on Hydroxyl Radical-Dependent Lipid Peroxidation

The effect of millimeter waves on *OH-dependent lipid peroxidation was studied. Liposomes treated with *OH-generating systems such as ferrous sulfate plus hydrogen peroxide and EDTA-Fe3+ plus ascorbic acid showed a marked increase in the amount of lipid peroxides. When these systems were exposed to continuous millimeter waves of 53.6 GHz frequency and incident power density of 25 mW/cm2, no difference in the formation of lipid peroxides was observed between irradiated and unirradiated samples. Preirradiation of liposomes with millimeter waves at this frequency and intensity followed by 'OH-dependent lipid peroxidation did not exhibit any difference in the concentration of lipid peroxides between preirradiated and unirradiated samples. The present results indicate that reported beneficial effects of millimeter waves in reducing the toxic effect of chemotherapy do not result from the direct inhibition of *OH-dependent lipid peroxidation.
Potential management of young-growth stands for understory vegetation and wildlife habitat in southeastern Alaska

Abstract I review the current state of knowledge about dynamics of understory vegetation in postlogging succession and responses to silviculture treatments in southeastern Alaska, and I derive implications for future research and development. The classic Alaback [Ecology 63 (1982) 1932] model of postlogging succession has dominated ecological thinking in the region for the past two decades. Understory vegetation is believed to increase dramatically immediately after logging but decrease to near-zero levels as the young stands attain conifer canopy closure. Depauperate understories are believed to persist for >100 years. Early studies indicated that understory response to thinning of even-aged stands is mainly by dominant shrubs and is short-lived; response by herbs, especially forbs, is slight. Western hemlock ( Tsuga heterophylla ) was identified as a potential long-lived, second layer, understory dominant in stands thinned to wide spacing. Recent studies, however, indicate three important deviations from conventional wisdom: (1) Red alder ( Alnus rubra )–conifer, even-aged stands produce species-rich and high-biomass understories comparable to those of old-growth forests and much greater than similar-aged pure conifer stands. (2) “Commercial thinning” of older, even-aged stands may result in much greater understory biomass, including forbs, than previously thought, but time requirements might be longer than previously thought. (3) Extrapolation of data from small scales of research plots to large scales of timber-management stands tends to greatly overestimate stand homogeneity and underestimate understory biomass of even-aged conifer stands. The new findings provide a basis for renewed research into even-aged stand management in southeastern Alaska. I suggest a two-pronged approach emphasizing autecological studies of light and soil requirements of major understory species coupled with an “engineering” approach to designing optimal understory environments through silviculture. New silviculture prescriptions can be designed for specific understory objectives. Testing and application of new prescriptions is recommended at the scale of timber-management stands through adaptive management studies in collaboration between the Pacific Northwest Research Station and the Tongass National Forest.
Relationship of umbilical vein blood flow to growth parameters in the human fetus

Abstract Objective: Our purposes were to determine the relationship of the growth of umbilical blood flow to growth in body measurements of human fetuses in uncomplicated pregnancies. The study also aimed to assess the relative contributions of growth in umbilical vein diameter and of increased velocity to the increase in umbilical blood flow. Study Design: An animal study was conducted to assess the accuracy of umbilical vein blood flow measurements obtained by triplex mode ultrasonography. Seven pregnant ewes underwent triplex mode umbilical vein flow determination. These results were compared with historical flow data obtained by a steady-state diffusion technique in 34 ewes matched for gestational age and weight. In a separate study performed on human beings, reproducibility and precision of triplex mode flow determination were assessed, as were the relationships between umbilical vein flow and gestational age and head and abdominal circumferences. This cross-sectional study was performed with 70 healthy fetuses ranging from 20 weeks' gestation to term. Best-fit interpolating equations and confidence limits were calculated for blood flow measurements versus gestational age and head and abdominal circumferences. Results: In the validation study performed on sheep there were no significant differences between triplex mode and steady-state measurement groups with respect to gestational age or weight. The umbilical vein flows were similar between triplex mode and steady-state measurement groups ( P = .881). In the human study the intraobserver and interobserver coefficients of variation for the vein diameter, mean velocity, and absolute umbilical vein blood flow varied from 2.9% to 12.7%. The mean duration of examination was 3 ± 1 minutes. The umbilical vein diameter and mean velocity increased throughout pregnancy. The absolute umbilical vein flow increased exponentially from 97.3 mL/min at midgestation to 529.1 mL/min at 38 weeks' gestation, whereas umbilical vein flow per kilogram of fetal weight did not change significantly with gestational age. There was a strong correlation between absolute umbilical vein flow and the fetal head and abdominal circumferences. Conclusions: The triplex mode ultrasonographic technique can play an innovative role in obtaining quick and reproducible measurements of umbilical vein blood flow. The approach was validated with a sheep model. Umbilical vein blood normalized for fetal weight (milliliters per minute per kilogram of fetal weight) and absolute flow (in milliliters per minute) are consistent with previous human studies. We have established new reference values of umbilical vein blood flow relative to head and abdominal circumferences. The growth of umbilical venous diameter accounted for most of the growth in umbilical vein flow. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:174-9.)
Outcomes and survival with aortic valve replacement compared with medical therapy in patients with low-, moderate-, and severe-gradient severe aortic stenosis and normal left ventricular ejection fraction

Background: This study determined outcomes and survival with aortic valve replacement (AVR) versus medical therapy in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with severely reduced aortic valve areas (AVA) but nonsevere mean gradients. Methods: We identified 248 aortic stenosis (AS) patients with LVEF ≥ 50% and echocardiographic AVA 40 mm). Results: There were 94, 87, and 67 patients in groups 1, 2, and 3. Incidence of death in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 55%, 39%, and 39% (P not significant). Incidence of AVR in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 23%, 53%, and 49% (P < 0.0001 for group 1 vs. 2; P = 0.0003 for group 1 vs. group 3). Incidence of AVR or death was 71%, 77%, and 76% (P not significant). AVR (hazard ratio = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.18, 0.51; P < 0.0001) and mitral annular calcification (hazard ratio = 2.33; 95% CI, 1.40, 3.88; P = 0.001) were independently associated with time to mortality. Kaplan–Meier curves for time to death did not differ significantly among the three groups. Kaplan–Meier survival curves for patients with and without AVR showed patients in all three groups who underwent AVR had significantly greater survival. Conclusion: Among patients with normal LVEF and AVA < 1.0 cm2, overall survival does not differ among those with low-, moderate-, or severe-aortic valve gradients. Survival is significantly improved with AVR, regardless of gradient. (Echocardiography 2011;28:378-387)
On the use of a range trigger for the Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing

In 2012, during the Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) entry vehicle, a 21.5 m Viking-heritage, Disk-Gap-Band, supersonic parachute will be deployed at approximately Mach 2. The baseline algorithm for commanding this parachute deployment is a navigated planet-relative velocity trigger. This paper compares the performance of an alternative range-to-go trigger (sometimes referred to as “Smart Chute”), which can significantly reduce the landing footprint size. Numerical Monte Carlo results, predicted by the POST2 MSL POST End-to-End EDL simulation, are corroborated and explained by applying propagation of uncertainty methods to develop an analytic estimate for the standard deviation of Mach number. A negative correlation is shown to exist between the standard deviations of wind velocity and the planet-relative velocity at parachute deploy, which mitigates the Mach number rise in the case of the range trigger.
Orientation-space boundary layers in problems of rotational diffusion and convection at large rotary Péclet numbers

Abstract A rational, systematic procedure is developed for the asymptotic solution of Boeder's equation (governing the steady-state, orientational distribution function) at large rotary Peclet numbers. The latter state corresponds to situations in which rotary Brownian motion is small compared with rotary convection. In such circumstances the angular distribution of particle orientations is dominated by rotary convection except in a thin, rotary-diffusion boundary layer. Analogies between orientation-space and physical-space boundary layers are pointed out.
Diffusional reactions in composite synthesis

Abstract The thermal stability of advanced composites is dominated by the behavior of internal interfaces. In order to develop effective processing strategies and stable composite designs, it is essential to consider the relevant phase diagrams which are of ternary order or higher. In addition to phase diagram information, kinetic data such as the interdiffusion pathway and reaction rates are required to understand and control the possible interfacial chemical reactions. With this information, it may be possible to bias the reactions and to alter pathways. Often the initial nucleation stage of interfacial reactions has been neglected, but recent results indicate new kinetic behavior can develop during intermediate phase nucleation in a large concentration gradient. Multilayer thin film samples are well suited for probing the initial kinetic path and structural evolution during interdiffusion reaction and phase nucleation. In Al/Ni multilayer samples with compositional modulation wavelengths between 10 and 400 nm, thermal signal onsets due to phase nucleation have been examined to monitor the reaction kinetics and to probe the interdiffusion that precedes phase nucleation. The analysis of both bulk diffusion couple and multilayer sample behavior offers the basis for phase compatibility control that can be applied in developing stable composite structures by in situ reaction processing.
Corticosteroids Reduce Postoperative Morbidity After Third Molar Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this study was to apply meta-analytical methods to measure the effect of corticosteroids (CS) on edema, trismus, and pain at early and late postoperative periods after third molar (M3) removal. Materials and Methods A systematic search of the literature was carried out to identify eligible articles. The primary predictor variable was perioperative CS exposure (yes or no). The 3 outcome variables were edema, trismus, and pain assessed during the early (1-3 days) and late (>3 days) postoperative time periods. Standardized mean differences (SMD) for edema and weighted mean differences (WMD) for trismus and pain were pooled across studies. Differences between the 2 treatment groups were assessed using random effects models and metaregressions for both early and late postoperative assessments. Results Twelve trials met the inclusion criteria. Subjects receiving CS had significantly less edema during both early (SMD, 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6, 2.2; P P = .03) time periods after surgery and less trismus than controls during the early and late postoperative periods (early WMD, 4.1 mm; 95% CI, 2.8 mm, 5.5 mm; P P = .005). Average pain levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups (early WMD, 0.4 visual analog scale [VAS]; 95% CI, −0.04 VAS, 0.9 VAS; P = .07; late WMD, 0.5 VAS; 95% CI, −0.6 VAS, 1.5 VAS; P = .4). Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that perioperative administration of corticosteroids produces a mild to moderate reduction in edema and improvement in range of motion after M3 removal.
A PATH ANALYTIC EXPLORATION OF INCOME CLUSTERING AND LOCAL INEQUALITY

This article explores relationships among income status, economic resources, service needs, and taxing policies for municipalities and schools in 39 metropolitan suburbs of the Milwaukee SMSA. The results indicate some modest support for those who are concerned about the impact of class and income clustering, as well as government fragmentation, on inequalities regarding local tax policy. Use of path analysis to explore some of the possible alternative linkages that account for patterns of fiscal inequality among suburban municipalities shows that fiscal disparities resulting from income clustering by jurisdiction is only partially attributable to resourse and need inequities. It might also be that income status, reflecting differing service preferences, operates directly to generate inter municipal fiscal disparities.
BVRI Photometric Analysis and 73 year Period Study of the Totally Eclipsing Binary, DK Andromedae

DK And is a Sonneberg variable, first classified as an RR Lyrae type-C. It was reclassified in 2006 as a totally eclipsing W Ursae Majoris variable with a period of 0.49 d. We present complete BVRI are light curves, a period study, and a simultaneous BVRI light-curve solution. The period study, covering some 73 years, reveals a 4-sigma-level quadratic ephemeris. Our light curves shows a time of constant light in the secondary eclipse of 28 minutes making this a totally eclipsing, A-type W UMa system. The depths of eclipses are only about 0.5 mag in V due to the fairly extreme fill-out. The light curve solution reveals a component temperature difference of ~300 K, fairly high for such variables, and an inclination of 82.5°. Although the variable is near F2V type, it shows definite dark spot activity (31° radius spot). High fill-out binarity evidently induces the convective envelopes responsible for this activity.
Creating and managing XML with open source software

Purpose – To review a number of open source XML applications and systems including editors, validators, native XML databases, and publishing systems; to describe how some of these tools have been combined by the author to create a specific system, for a specific need.Design/methodology/approach – An overview of XML is provided, a number of open source XML applications/systems are reviewed, and a system created by the author using some of these tools is described.Findings – The open source tools for working with XML are maturing, and they provide the means for the library profession to easily publish library content on the internet, using open standards.Originality/value – XML provides an agreed upon way of turning data into information. The result is non‐proprietary and application independent. Open source software operates under similar principles. An understanding and combination of these technologies can assist the library profession in meeting its goals in this era of globally networked computers and ...
Salt induced transitions between multiple conformations of poly (rG-m5dC),poly (rG-m5dC)

Salt induced transitions between four conformations of the methylated ribo-deoxyribo co-polymer poly (rG-m5dC).poly (rG-m5dC) have been studied using phosphorous-NMR, Raman spectroscopy, and circular dichroism. A high salt A-Z transition is observed for the polymer. However, the methylated polymer does not enter the high salt Z form more readily than the analogous unmethylated polymer, unlike the effect of methylation on the fully deoxy polymer poly (dG-dC).poly (dG-dC). The methylated polymer fails to undergo a low salt A-Z transition in 5 mM Tris buffer, unlike the unmethylated poly (rG-dC).poly (rG-dC). However, if the counterion is changed to triethanolamine buffer, an A-Z transition does take place. In 5 mM Tris buffer the phosphorous-NMR spectrum of poly (rG-m5dC).poly (rG-m5dC) shows one resonance in the absence of NaCl that splits into two closely spaced resonances as the NaCl level is increased to 30 mM. The Raman spectrum of poly (rG-m5dC).poly (rG-m5dC) shows that it is in the A conformation at intermediate salt concentrations. From this we conclude that poly (rG-m5dC).poly (rG-m5dC) is in a regular A conformation in Tris buffer at low Na+ levels, shifting to an alternating A conformation with a dinucleotide repeat at intermediate salt concentrations.
Miocene Paleogeography of Southwestern California and Its Implications Regarding Basin Terminology

A new palinspastic reconstruction for the latest Oligocene of southwestern California is created by: (1) backsliding the eastern part of the western Transverse Ranges west of the curved San Gabriel...
Energy Conversion in Protocells with Natural Nanoconductors

While much nanotechnology leverages solid-state devices, here we present the analysis of designs for hybrid organic-inorganic biomimetic devices, “protocells,” based on assemblies of natural ion channels and ion pumps, “nanoconductors,” incorporated into synthetic supported lipid bilayer membranes. These protocells mimic the energy conversion scheme of natural cells and are able to directly output electricity. The electrogenic mechanisms have been analyzed and designs were optimized using numerical models. The parameters that affect the energy conversion are quantified, and limits for device performance have been found using numerical optimization. The electrogenic performance is compared to conventional and emerging technologies and plotted on Ragone charts to allow direct comparisons. The protocell technologies summarized here may be of use for energy conversion where large-scale ion concentration gradients are available (such as the intersection of fresh and salt water sources) or small-scale devices where low power density would be acceptable.
The design of cannulas for maintenance hemodialysis

Because the Silastic-Teflon cannulas used for maintenance dialysis are far from ideal, usually failing in less than 1 yr, the factors affecting pressure drop in the cannula system have been evaluated theoretically and confirmed by actual measurements in vitro. Total pressure drop results from fluid friction, boundary layer separation and wall damping, and these effects are related directly to cannula size, shape, and material. By appropriate attention to these factors in cannula design, pressure drop in the system can be minimized. Soft Silastic tips for cannulas have been developed but show disappointingly slow flows and early clotting. These results are readily explained in terms of increased wall damping with soft materials. Commercially available hard Silastic cannula tips may be more satisfactory. Optimal cannula design requires large diameter cannula bodies, suitably shaped cannula tips, and the use of stiff tip materials. Such cannulas should allow the achievement of high blood flows with a minimum of boundary layer separation at the tip-vessel junction and will be helpful in the prolongation of cannula life.
Optogenetic control of phosphoinositide metabolism

Phosphoinositides (PIs) are lipid components of cell membranes that regulate a wide variety of cellular functions. Here we exploited the blue light-induced dimerization between two plant proteins, cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) and the transcription factor CIBN, to control plasma membrane PI levels rapidly, locally, and reversibly. The inositol 5-phosphatase domain of OCRL (5-ptaseOCRL), which acts on PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3, was fused to the photolyase homology region domain of CRY2, and the CRY2-binding domain, CIBN, was fused to plasma membrane-targeting motifs. Blue-light illumination (458–488 nm) of mammalian cells expressing these constructs resulted in nearly instantaneous recruitment of 5-ptaseOCRL to the plasma membrane, where it caused rapid (within seconds) and reversible (within minutes) dephosphorylation of its targets as revealed by diverse cellular assays: dissociation of PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3 biosensors, disappearance of endocytic clathrin-coated pits, nearly complete inhibition of KCNQ2/3 channel currents, and loss of membrane ruffling. Focal illumination resulted in local and transient 5-ptaseOCRL recruitment and PI(4,5)P2 dephosphorylation, causing not only local collapse and retraction of the cell edge or process but also compensatory accumulation of the PI(4,5)P2 biosensor and membrane ruffling at the opposite side of the cells. Using the same approach for the recruitment of PI3K, local PI(3,4,5)P3 synthesis and membrane ruffling could be induced, with corresponding loss of ruffling distally to the illuminated region. This technique provides a powerful tool for dissecting with high spatial–temporal kinetics the cellular functions of various PIs and reversibly controlling the functions of downstream effectors of these signaling lipids.
The selection and training of primary health care workers in Ecuador: issues and alternatives for public policy.

Quantitative analysis was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the health care worker (CHW) training program used by the Ministry of Public Health in Ecuador. The study 1st assesses CHW knowledge in the areas of prevention maternal-child health 1st aid and treatment of common illnesses. CHWs retained 50% of what they learned 1 year after graduation. Demographic factors accounted for some variance in performance. Higher levels of community organization were associated with improved CHW knowledge. The presence of a health committee was also an important factor. The 2nd phase of the study was designed to assess the community impact of the program. Surprisingly neither the demographic characteristics of the health worker nor his or her level of competence affected the impact of the program on the community as measured by patient satisfaction utilization indices and adoption of preventive health behaviors. It was the characteristics of the beneficiaries themselves that accounted for the variance in community impact. With regard to the adoption of health behaviors it is clear that the primary health care (PHC) program has had only limited success in convincing villagers to adopt these practices. The mean index of adoption of these practices by the 7 families interviewed in each village was 15.61 of a total of 56 possible behavior changes. Clearly if the CHWs performance is not a major determinant of this phenomenon then other factors must be responsible. In some cases economic factors may intercede. For example in areas where wood is scarce peasants are unlikely to use it to build fires for boiling drinking water. Cultural or demograhic factors cannot be ignored when searching for the causes of the low level of adoption of these behaviors.