cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analog auto-correlation based receiver architecture for radar systems

Analog signal processing based radar systems enable reduction in total system power consumption, over conventional digital signal processing based radar systems. In this paper, detection performance degradation of a previously proposed system, based on analog cross-correlation, due to time synchronization is addressed and analog auto-correlation based radar architecture is proposed. By adopting the digital radio frequency memory technique, accurate and tunable delays for autocorrelation process are realized. The probability of detection performance degradation of the previously proposed system, due to mismatch, is evaluated by simulations while varying signal to noise ratios and mismatches at the matched filter. The proposed system's probability of detection performance will also be simulated versus varying signal to noise ratios, compared to the results of the previously proposed system and analysis of conditions when the proposed system is more beneficial than the previously proposed system will be made.
Commensality and Labor in Terminal Ubaid Northern Mesopotamia

In der neueren anthropologischen Forschung zu Kommensalitat wird betont, dass der Verzehr von Nahrungsmitteln soziale Beziehungen und soziale Identitaten kreiert und vermittelt. Ziel dieses Beitrages ist es, die haufig vernachlassigten Bereiche Produktion und Arbeit in die Forschung zu Kommensalitat einzubeziehen. Ich erortere kommensale Beziehungen, die durch den Verzehr von Lebensmitteln im Rahmen von Gemeinschaftsarbeit entstanden, anhand dreier nordmesopotamischer Fundorte der ausgehenden Ubaid-Zeit. Ich schlage vor, dass „flint-scraped bowls“ dafur benutzt wurden, zusatzliche Arbeitskrafte zu versorgen, die von einem Haushalt in Zeiten von Arbeitskraftemangel aus anderen Haushalten mit gleichem sozialen Status angeworben wurden. Dagegen wurde bemalte Keramik fur den taglichen Gebrauch genutzt. In diesem Szenario werden „flint-scraped bowls“ in unterschiedlichen Kontexten von Leuten mit gleichem sozialem Rang benutzt. Vorderasiatische Archaologie; Ubaid-Zeit; Arbeitsorganisation; Arbeitsfeste; Nahrungsmittelproduktion; Gebrauchsspuren an Keramik
Si Implantation and Annealing of GaN for n-Type Layer Formation

High dose Si has been implanted into MOCVD grown high resistivity and n-type GaN in the 26–500°C temperature range. The implant activation varies widely (30 -> 100%) depending on, what energy level is assigned to the Si, the implantation and annealing temperatures, and the quality of the substrate. The usable maximum temperature for activation is limited by the severe decomposition of the GaN. After l050°C 15s RTA Ga liquid droplet formation has been observed by SEM. This decomposition changes the surface morphology but did not introduce measurable change in the electrical properties up to 1150°C /120s RTA.
The universality of LDPC codes on correlated fading channels with decision feedback based receiver

This paper proves that low density parity check (LDPC) codes are universal codes on correlated fading channels if a successive decoding receiver is used. A universal LDPC code is defined as a code with the same performance over a class of channels, in which the performance is measured by the threshold of the code in terms of mutual information (in bits/sec/Hz). The receiver proposed in this paper decomposes the fading channel into a bank of memoryless sub-channels. Each sub-channel is encoded with a LDPC code. An MMSE estimator followed by a LDPC decoder is used to successively decodes the channel code. With this scheme, we show that LDPC codes have the universal performance on fading channels with variant fading rates. We also prove that the LDPC code design is unified. Hence, the optimal LDPC codes for the perfect CSI receiver is also optimal for correlated fading channels without CSI.
The impact of statistical choices on neonatal intensive care unit quality ratings based on nosocomial infection rates.

Objective To examine the extent to which performance assessment methods affect the percentage of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants included in performance assessments, the distribution of NICU performance ratings, and the level of agreement in those ratings. Design Cross-sectional study based on risk-adjusted nosocomial infection rates. Setting NICUs belonging to the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative 2007-2008. Participants One hundred twenty-six California NICUs and 10 487 VLBW infants. Main Exposures Three performance assessment choices: (1) excluding “low-volume” NICUs (those caring for Main Outcome Measures Proportion of NICUs and patients included in quality assessment, distribution of ratings for NICUs, and agreement between methods using the κ statistic. Results Depending on the methods applied, 51% to 85% of NICUs and 72% to 96% of VLBW infants were included in performance assessments, 76% to 87% of NICUs were considered “average,” and the level of agreement between NICU ratings ranged from 0.23 to 0.89. Conclusions The percentage of NICUs included in performance assessments and their ratings can shift dramatically depending on performance measurement method. Physicians, payers, and policymakers should continue to closely examine which existing performance assessment methods are most appropriate for evaluating pediatric care quality.
Ideal tetrafunctional amphiphilic PEG/PDMS conetworks by a dual‐purpose extender/crosslinker. II. Characterization and properties of water‐swollen membranes

Select characteristics and properties of a series of ideal tetrafunctional amphiphilic conetworks consisting of random poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) segments crosslinked by a novel dual-purpose crosslinker/ extender were determined. The overall composition of the conetworks was varied in the 16-40% PEG range, and membranes were prepared by polymerizing/crosslinking charges in molds. Membranes were characterized by equilibrium swelling (both in water and n-heptane) and by determining their oxygen permeabilities and select mechanical properties. Swelling in water increases, whereas in heptane it decreases with increasing PEG content. Significant swelling in both solvents indicates bicontinuous (bipercolating) PEG and PDMS phases. Bicontinuity is reached with ∼13% PEG in the conetworks. The oxygen permeabilities of optically clear water-swollen membranes containing 24, 32, and 40 wt % PEG are ∼350, ∼245 and ∼185 barrers, respectively, i.e., oxygen permeability decreases by increasing the hydrophilic constituent. These oxygen permeabilities are far superior to those of contemporary soft contact lenses. The tensile strengths and moduli of water-swollen membranes decrease, while elongations increase, with increasing PEG content. Dry membranes exhibit first order transitions at -52 and ∼46 °C indicating phase-separated crystalline PDMS and PEG domains, respectively. Both dry and water-swollen membranes are optically clear, indicating the presence of PEG and PDMS domains with dimensions well below the wavelength of visible light.
Synthesis and Structures of New Copper-Indium Thiolate Cluster Complexes†

Two new copper indium thiolate complexes were obtained from the reactions of InCl3 and HSnBu with a combination of [Cu(NCMe)4][PF6] and 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe). In a mixture of methanol and MeCN solvent the complex [In2SnBu2(μ-SnBu)2Cu2(μ-dppe)2] (3) was formed. When this reaction was performed in a mixture of MeOH and CH2Cl2 solvent, a higher nuclearity species, [Cu(dppe)2][In4Cl4(μ-SnBu)12Cu4(μ4-Cl)] (4) was formed. The monoanion in 4 consists of a central tetrahedral chloride ion coordinated to four copper atoms. The copper atoms are linked to four outer InCl groups by three bridging butylthiolato ligands. Overall, this ion has approximate T-symmetry and is chiral.
Collective responsibility for freeway rear-ending accidents?: An application of probabilistic causal models

Determining whether or not an event was a cause of a road accident often involves determining the truth of a counterfactual conditional, where what happened is compared to what would have happened had the supposed cause been absent. Using structural causal models, Pearl and his associates have recently developed a rigorous method for posing and answering causal questions, and this approach is especially well suited to the reconstruction and analysis of road accidents. Here, we applied these methods to three freeway rear-end collisions. Starting with video recordings of the accidents, trajectory information for a platoon of vehicles involved in and preceding the collision was extracted from the video record, and this information was used to estimate each driver's initial speed, following distance, reaction time, and braking rate. Using Brill's model of rear-end accidents, it was then possible to simulate what would have happened, other things being equal, had certain driver actions been other than they were. In each of the three accidents we found evidence that: (1) short following headways by the colliding drivers were probable causal factors for the collisions, (2) for each collision, at least one driver ahead of the colliding vehicles probably had a reaction time that was longer than his or her following headway, and (3) had that driver's reaction time been equal to his or her following headway, the rear-end collision probably would not have happened.
A TDC-Less 7 mW 2.5 Gb/s Digital CDR With Linear Loop Dynamics and Offset-Free Data Recovery

A digital clock and data recovery circuit (CDR) employs hybrid analog/digital phase detection to achieve linear loop dynamics and to eliminate the nonlinearity and quantization error of a bang-bang phase detector. The proposed architecture achieves constant jitter transfer bandwidth independent of input data jitter and reduces the sensitivity to digitally-controlled oscillator's frequency quantization error and consecutive identical digits. The hybrid phase detection scheme also helps decouple jitter generation from jitter transfer characteristics of the CDR. The proto-type digital CDR fabricated in 0.13 μm CMOS technology achieves error-free operation (BER <; 10-12) for PRBS data sequences ranging from 27 - 1 to 231-1 sequence lengths over 0.5 Gb/s to 3.2 Gb/s data rates. At 2.5 Gb/s, the CDR consumes 7 mW power from a single 1.2 V supply and the recovered clock jitter is 5.7 ps rms.
Understanding of self and maternal warmth predict later self-regulation in toddlers

Research on the development of self-regulation has focused primarily on the roles of maternal behavior and attention, but cognitive understanding of the self is also likely to contribute, as is exposure to maternal depression. In this study toddlers' understanding of self-as-object and understanding of agency were assessed behaviorally at both 20 and 27 months (N = 100). Maternal warmth during interactions was also observed at both ages. Half of the toddlers had been exposed to maternal depression. At 34 months toddlers' self-regulation was assessed behaviorally. As expected, toddlers' early understanding of the self (both self-as-object and agency) as well as maternal warmth predicted self-regulation later in toddlerhood. Maternal depression, however, was not associated with self-regulation. These findings provide empirical support for the theoretical construct of the self-system and suggest that early cognitive understanding of the self enables toddlers to better regulate their behavior.
Dissolved humic substances of vascular plant origin in a coastal marine environment

Bacterial decomposition of vascular plant detritus in coastal wetlands results in the conversion of particulate organic matter to dissolved form and causes the release of humic substances into the bulk dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pool. WC found that 34% of the DOC accumulating during degradation of salt marsh grass (Spartina alternif7oru) from coastal wetlands of the southeastern U.S. fits the definition of humic substances and that lignin is the primary source of the dissolved humic substances (66% of the total). Although marine bacterioplankton used the lignin-rich humic substances more slowly and less efficiently than other components of the DOC pool, a significant fraction (24%) of these substances was mineralized within 7 weeks. Concentrations of vascular plant biomarkers (lignin phenols) indicate that 1 l-75% of the dissolved humic substances on the southeastern U.S. continental shelf is from vascular plant-dominated environments. Calculations indicate that about half this material is contributed by the coastal salt marshes and half by river export. Vascular plant influence was lower in the bulk DOC pool (2-38%), indicating that terrestrially derived material is harbored preferentially in the humic substances subcomponent of marine DOC.
13C content of ecosystem respiration is linked to precipitation and vapor pressure deficit

Variation in the carbon isotopic composition of ecosystem respiration (δ 13 C R ) was studied for 3 years along a precipitation gradient in western Oregon, USA, using the Keeling plot approach. Study sites included six coniferous forests, dominated by Picea sitchensis, Tsuga heterophylla, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus ponderosa, and Juniperus occidentalis, and ranged in location from the Pacific coast to the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains (a 250-km transect). Mean annual precipita- tion across these sites ranged from 227 to 2,760 mm. Overall δ 13 C R varied from -23.1 to -33.1‰, and within a single forest, it varied in magnitude by 3.5-8.5‰. Mean annual δ 13 CR differed significantly in the forests and was strongly correlated with mean annual precipitation. The carbon isotope ratio of carbon stocks (leaves, fine roots, litter, and soil organic matter) varied similarly with mean precipitation (more positive at the drier sites). There was a strong link between δ13C R and the vapor saturation deficit of air ( vpd) 5-10 days earlier, both across and within sites. This relationship is consistent with stomatal regulation of gas exchange and associated changes in photosynthetic carbon isotope discrimination. Recent freeze events caused significant deviation from the δ13C R versus vpd relationship, resulting in higher than expected δ 13 CR values.
Detrital Opaque Oxides as Provenance Indicators in River Nile Sediments

ABSTRACT Heavy-mineral assemblages from the rivers and wadis in the River Nile drainage basin reflect their origins in three petrologically and tectonically distinct source terranes that supply sediment to the River Nile and delta. The White Nile carries heavy-mineral assemblages dominated by calcic amphibole, epidote, garnet, staurolite, aluminosilicates, and opaques (ilmenite and titanomagnetite) derived from amphibolite- and granulite-grade metamorphic rocks of the Central African Province. The Blue Nile and Atbara Rivers carry assemblages dominated by calcic amphibole, clinopyroxene, and opaques derived from alkali and tholeiitic basalts of the Ethiopian Highlands. Wadis (dry river beds) draining the Red Sea Hills contribute predominantly clinopyroxene, epidote, calcic amphibole, and opaqu s eroded from ophiolite complexes, calc-alkaline volcanics, and granitoids as well as minor metamorphic minerals from amphibolite-grade metapelites. Detrital ilmenite grains from the three sources are distinguished on the basis of TiO2, Al2O3, Cr2O3, MgO, ZnO, and V2O3 but not MnO contents determined by electron microprobe analysis. These data corroborate findings of earlier workers with respect to Al2O3, MgO, V2O3 and MnO in detrital ilmenite. Submicroscopic inclusions of quartz and sphene recognized on the basis of elevated SiO2 and CaO contents in ilmenite also distinguish different sources. Statistical and graphical analyses of the compositional data lea to the same conclusions about ilmenite chemistry and source areas. Opaque oxide (ilmenite and titanomagnetite) grains also have textural features unique to their sources. Though most grains are texturally homogeneous, ilmenite from the Central African Province contains exsolution lamellae in one crystallographic direction (0001) and titanomagnetite from the Red Sea Hills showing exsolution textures has octahedral {111} inter-growths. Taken together, compositions and textures of detrital opaque oxide grains from Nile River sediment sources can be used as provenance indicators of Nile delta sediments. This study also provides ties between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary petrology that are relevant for provenance studies of ancient river systems.
An improved hybrid clustering algorithm for natural scenes

A new hybrid method for automatic clustering of satellite-observed natural scenes is presented. It uses a partitional clustering algorithm augmented by a hierarchical split-and-merge step at each iteration. The method also dynamically computes image-specific split-and-merge thresholds and can accommodate arbitrary information vectors. Better partitioning of the data and improved computational efficiency are achieved. The sensitivity of the method to the clustering parameters is presented, and the results show that the method is relatively insensitive to the choice of clustering parameters. Comparisons with the often used ISODATA algorithm show the effectiveness of the new approach.
Oral Sedation of Pediatric Patients for Noninvasive Radiological Procedures: Chloral Hydrate Versus Midazolam

Abstract To compare the effectiveness of chloral hydrate and midazolam, the charts and the imaging studies of pediatric outpatients who underwent oral sedation for a noninvasive radiographic procedure were reviewed. A total of 326 oral sedations were attempted: 310 patients received chloral hydrate and 16, midazolam. The rate of failure in the chloral hydrate group was significantly lower than that in the midazolam group, 6.45% versus 43.75%, respectively ( p
The Present State of Korean Traditional Medicine and Alternative Medicine in Nasal Disease

Background and ObjectivesZZAlternative medicine is becoming increasingly popular and is frequently used for treating patients with nasal diseases. While western medicine and operative treatment are proven treatments, herbal medicine and alternative medicine are widely used without any supporting evidence for treating cases of allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and hypertrophic rhinitis. So, we have tried to assess the present state of Korean traditional medicine (KTM) and alternative medicine for treating nasal cavity diseases. Materials and MethodZZWe surveyed 204 patients who visited our department and were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated septum and/or hypertrophic rhinitis. The questionnaire included questions about whether or not the patients had tried KTM or alternative medicine, the reason for using KTM or alternative medicine, the frequency, kind, duration, effectiveness, cost and satisfaction and side effects. ResultsZZAmong 204 patients, 14% of the patients had used KTM and 18% of the patients had used alternative medicine. The percent of those who had used KTM or alternative medicine in each of the allergic rhinitis patient, the sinusitis patient and the deviated septum with hypertrophic rhinitis patient groups were 46, 41, and 24%, respectively. The satisfaction rate for KTM was 47% and that for alternative medicine was 40%. The satisfaction rate for western medicine was higher than that for KTM and alternative medicine.
A new methodology for board-level harmonic analysis of multi-level packages

Design of multi-level packages for better reliability life under drop impact is often conducted through board-level drop testing. Among many failure modes associated with the board-level drop impact test, PCB pad cratering and solder joint disconnection are of particular interests. Because of the complexity and rigor in modeling and simulations, most of the present work is completed through design of experiments under a variety of board-mounting layouts and drop criteria, in order to acquire information specific to a design of interest. A new methodology is proposed to model complicated boardlevel drop impact by using the receptance theory. Receptance is defined as the ratio of a displacement response at a place to a harmonic load which is applied at the same or different place. This modeling technique enables systematically dynamic coupling and spatial coupling of the mounting board and packages. The first part of this paper is on the formulation of board-mounted multi-level packages at various locations of the mounting board, together with a solution process for the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the integrated system. Then numerical results are presented to predict the response of the assembly, and emphasis is placed on (1) the force (deformation) in the interconnections at each level between the PCB pad and packages, (2) the effect of the package's mounting location on the stresses in the solder interconnects at each level, and (3) the size effect of packages and interconnects on the deformation of interconnections at each level. The technique to be demonstrated can facilitate selection of design parameters such as the solder materials, package's mounting locations, as well as the dimensions of the mounting board, before rigorous experiments and detailed simulations.
Offset stream technology - comparison of results from UCI and GRC Experiments

Experime ntal results obtained in the UCI and GRC facilities, on noise reduction due to flow deflectors applied in the fan stream of a separate -flow nozzle , are compared. The nozzles involved in the former facility are geometrically similar but about 8 times smalle r than those in the latter . In general, there is good agreement in the effect of the deflectors observed in the two facilities. For a bypass ratio 8 nozzle, the changes in the noise spectral characteristics effected by two pairs of vanes are found to be es sentially identical. The overall noise attenuation (in terms of effective perceived noise level) is up to 0.4 EPNdB for this nozzle. For a lower bypass ratio nozzle, on the other hand, significant ly more attenuation is observed , however, the attenuation in the GRC facility (1.8 EPNdB) is not as pronounced as observed in the UCI facility (3.1 EPNdB) . Possible reasons for the dis crepancy are discussed.
The Effect of Medical Marijuana Laws on Body Weight

This study is the first to examine the effects of medical marijuana laws (MMLs) on body weight, physical wellness, and exercise. Using data from the 1990 to 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and a difference-in-difference approach, we find that the enforcement of MMLs is associated with a 2% to 6% decline in the probability of obesity. We find some evidence of age-specific heterogeneity in mechanisms. For older individuals, MML-induced increases in physical mobility may be a relatively important channel, while for younger individuals, a reduction in consumption of alcohol, a substitute for marijuana, appears more important. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that MMLs may be more likely to induce marijuana use for health-related reasons among older individuals, and cause substitution toward lower-calorie recreational 'highs' among younger individuals. Our estimates suggest that MMLs induce a $58 to $115 per-person annual reduction in obesity-related medical costs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What Went Wrong with Home Hemodialysis in the United States and What Can Be Done Now

In 1973, almost 40% of the more than 10 000 dialysis patients were treated by home hemodialysis. Today, with more than a quarter of a million dialysis patients in the United States, fewer than 2000 are on home hemodialysis. A number of factors have contributed to this change. First, many nephrologists and administrators who were developing new dialysis units had little or no practical experience with dialysis for chronic renal failure. Second, more elderly and diabetic patients were admitted to treatment. Home hemodialysis was more difficult for such patients, and often their helpers were themselves were elderly. Third, hemodialysis machines were difficult to learn and operate. Fourth, following publication of the results of the National Cooperative Dialysis Study, there developed the erroneous concept that a Kt/V equal to 1.0 was "adequate dialysis." As bigger dialyzers became available, there was a widespread shortening of dialysis time. This decrease in time was embraced by for-profit dialysis facilities and inadequately educated patients, and assembly-line dialysis became generally accepted. Finally, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, with its simplicity and short training time, began to fill the need of many patients for home dialysis and independence, at least temporarily. Fortunately, the trend is now reversing. Two developments clearly have benefits for home hemodialysis. The first is an increasing interest in the use of more frequent dialysis. The second is the development of new equipment designed specifically for use by the patient, and requiring a minimum of effort on the patient's part.
An Instructional Design Process for Undergraduate Mathematics Curriculum Online

Abstract This paper presents an instructional development analysis for a lesson of an intended Calculus course at a state-supported multi-campus institution of higher learning in the southeastern United States. The lesson chosen addresses the topic of continuity of functions at a point. The development of the lesson is made by conducting a learner and needs analysis as well as a task analysis specific to the lesson chosen. Performance objectives and learning outcomes are discussed in detail as well as their alignment with each other and the overall instructional goals. Detailed events of instruction are also presented, and plans for formative and summative evaluation of both learner performance and the lesson developed are being discussed.
Accurate measurement with photogrammetry at large sites

Abstract Photogrammetry has become increasingly popular as a low-cost method for documenting cultural heritage and archaeological excavations. However, we have yet to establish best practices for its implementation at the site, or methods for assessing the accuracy of the resulting 3D measurements. This article presents a recent study of the Temple of Hera at Olympia, where a 25 × 55 m area was recorded at 1 mm resolution using photogrammetry both for survey and 3D reconstruction. Coded targets were set up throughout the site, which was then photographed in two phases. First, a site-wide survey established the locations of the network of targets. Second, sets of close-up photographs for detailed 3D reconstruction of the site were registered to the global survey via the targets. This technique developed at Olympia improves measurement accuracy by an order of magnitude compared to previous implementations, with a precision of at least 1 part in 50,000, and 95% of the surfaces located accurately within 2–3 mm.
Fragment-based exploration of binding site flexibility in Mycobacterium tuberculosis BioA.

The PLP-dependent transaminase (BioA) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogens that catalyzes the second step of biotin biosynthesis is a now well-validated target for antibacterial development. Fragment screening by differential scanning fluorimetry has been performed to discover new chemical scaffolds and promote optimization of existing inhibitors. Calorimetry confirms binding of six molecules with high ligand efficiency. Thermodynamic data identifies which molecules bind with the enthalpy driven stabilization preferred in compounds that represent attractive starting points for future optimization. Crystallographic characterization of complexes with these molecules reveals the dynamic nature of the BioA active site. Different side chain conformational states are stabilized in response to binding by different molecules. A detailed analysis of conformational diversity in available BioA structures is presented, resulting in the identification of two states that might be targeted with molecular sc...
A Comparison of the Relative Impacts of Role Perceptions of Ambiguity and Conflict by Role

Relative strengths of relationships between both role conflict and role ambiguity and various personal outcomes were compared using an empirical sample representing five organizational roles. The r...
Ion Implantation and Misfit Dislocation Formation in P/P+Silicon

We determined that self implantation of pseudomorphically strained silicon epitaxial layers greatly attenuates strain relaxation. We employed highly boron doped 150 mm diameter silicon with a nominally un-doped, 2.5 μm thick epitaxial layer (p/p+). The compressively strained layer (mismatch ≈ 1.5 × 10-4) showed inhomogeneous relaxation after epitaxial growth, with misfits forming only near the wafer periphery. High temperature rapid thermal annealing was employed after ion implantation to study misfit dislocation nucleation and glide. Our results suggest that low dose ion implantation has a potential to reduce misfit dislocation propagation and nucleation in epitaxial thin films.
Chernoff Dimensionality Reduction-Where Fisher Meets FKT.

Well known linear discriminant analysis (LDA) based on the Fisher criterion is incapable of dealing with heteroscedasticity in data. However, in many practical applications we often encounter heteroscedastic data, i.e., within-class scatter matrices can not be expected to be equal. A technique based on the Chernoff criterion for linear dimensionality reduction has been proposed recently. The technique extends well-known Fisher’s LDA and is capable of exploiting information about heteroscedasticity in the data. While the Chernoff criterion has been shown to outperform the Fisher’s, a clear understanding of its exact behavior is lacking. In addition, the criterion, as introduced, is rather complex, making it difficult to clearly state its relationship to other linear dimensionality reduction techniques. In this paper, we show precisely what can be expected from the Chernoff criterion and its relations to the Fisher criterion and Fukunaga-Koontz transform. Furthermore, we show that a recently proposed decomposition of the data space into four subspaces is incomplete. We provide arguments on how to best enrich the decomposition of the data space in order to account for heteroscedasticity in the data. Finally, we provide experimental results validating our theoretical analysis.
Regulatory Experience with In Vivo In Vitro Correlations (IVIVC) in New Drug Applications

In the past two decades, in vitro in vivo correlation (IVIVC) has been considered an important tool for supporting biowaivers, setting dissolution acceptance criteria, and more recently in the Quality by Design (QbD) framework promoting the establishment of clinically meaningful drug product specifications using dissolution as the endpoint. Based on our review experience at the FDA, for the purposes of this article, we analyzed the current state of regulatory submissions containing IVIVC approaches and discussed the successes and failures from the perspectives of study design to methodology. In the past decade, the overall acceptance rate of the IVIVC submissions is about 40%. Moreover, the number of IVIVC studies seen in the submissions per year is not increasing. Establishing clinically meaningful drug product specifications through the linkages between the identified critical quality attributes and in vivo performance is key for developing a quality drug product. To achieve this goal, there is an imminent need for addressing the issues behind a low success rate in IVIVC development. The results from the current analysis revealed that special considerations should be taken in areas such as (1) selection of appropriate number/kind of formulations for IVIVC development/validation, (2) construction of exploratory plots to guide model building and selection, (3) investigation of the reasons of inconclusive predictability, (4) improvement on the quality and richness of the data, and (5) avoidance of over parameterization. The development and incorporation of biopredictive dissolution methods and the use of non-conventional approaches, including mechanistic/physiologically based approaches, should be explored to increase the likelihood of IVIVC success.
Comparative Rates of Serious Infections Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Receiving Immunosuppressive Medications.

Objective While infection burden is high among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there is uncertainty about whether infection rates differ by immunosuppressive drug regimens. We undertook this study to compare infection rates among SLE patients newly initiating immunosuppressive therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), azathioprine (AZA), or cyclophosphamide (CYC). Methods Within the Medicaid Analytic eXtract database (2000–2010; 29 most populated US states), we identified adults with SLE starting MMF, AZA, or CYC treatment. We estimated propensity scores for receipt of MMF versus AZA and MMF versus CYC based on sociodemographic, comorbidity, and medication use information. After 1:1 propensity score matching, we estimated incidence rates of serious infections up to 6 and 12 months after drug initiation and used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of first infection and death, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). We performed primary intent-to-treat (ITT) and secondary as-treated analyses. Results We studied 1,350 propensity score–matched pairs of MMF and AZA initiators and 674 propensity score–matched pairs of MMF and CYC initiators. In 6-month ITT analyses, the incidence rate per 100 person-years for first serious hospitalized infection was 14.6 in MMF users and 15.2 in AZA users (HR of MMF versus AZA 0.99 [95% CI 0.74–1.32]). Comparing MMF to CYC, the incidence rate per 100 person-years for first serious infection was 24.1 in MMF users and 24.6 in CYC users (HR 0.95 [95% CI 0.69–1.32]). There were no differences in mortality in either comparison. As-treated analyses yielded similar results. Conclusion In a nationwide longitudinal study of Medicaid SLE patients at high risk of infection, rates of serious infection and mortality did not differ among new users of MMF, AZA, or CYC.
Stability of large maxillary advancements using a combination of prebent and conventional plates for fixation.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the stability of one and two jaw maxillary advancements fixed with prebent plates and “L”-shaped plates. Study Design Twenty-six patients met the inclusion criteria (group 1: one jaw [14]; group 2: two jaws [12]). Radiographs were digitized before surgery (T1), immediately after surgery (T2), at 6 weeks (T3), and at 6 months (T4). Stability was assessed comparing A-point movement and change in palatal plane. t tests were used for comparisons between groups, and linear regression analysis was used to assess the stability of A-point T2-T4 versus A-point movement T1-T2 and changes in the palatal plane T1-T2. Results Initial A-point movement between the two groups was significant (group 1 = 7.61 ± 1.73; group 2 = 5.22 ± 1.67) (P = .0002). Both showed relapse (group 1 = 0.78 ± 0.95; group 2 = 0.04 ± 0.49). Although there was no significant relationship between initial A-point movement and relapse, there was a significant negative relationship between change in palatal plane and relapse in group 1. When initial A-point movement and change in palatal plane were combined, as both increased, relapse also increase (P = .007; R2 = 0.41). Conclusions Prebent plates used with “L” plates are a stable fixation technique. Relapse increases with large advancements and change in palatal plane (posterior impaction).
Delivery of Abortion Care in the United States

Shortly after the United States Supreme Court in 1973 legalized abortion nationwide, Christopher Tietze collaborated with The Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI) in developing and fielding a survey of abortion providers to ascertain the number of abortions and the extent of service accessibility across the country. The AGI Abortion Provider Survey was conducted annually covering the periods 1973-1978 and biannually for years 1979-1982. The 1984-1985 Survey is currently in progress.
The Role of Marketing in Ritual Evolution

Thanksgiving in the U.S. is a ritual with shared meanings. This research evaluates the meanings of symbolic representations in advertising to understand the role of the media in the construction, maintenance, and evolution of ritual celebration. Thanksgiving advertisements published over a 99-year period are analyzed using a methodological mixture of semiotic analysis, historical analysis and context-driven periodization. The result is a multi-layered understanding of inter-related aspects of advertising history and the role of the media in the evolution of consumption ritual-making. Media are seen as agents for creating and legitimizing cultural norms, adding to our appreciation of normative and cultural-cognitive practices in supporting evolving social institutions. Findings show that marketers create and maintain the norms associated with Thanksgiving celebrations, while reflecting and gradually shifting them, moving us to the next stage in the evolutionary process. This research also highlights how cu...
Dysferlinopathy Promotes an Intramuscle Expansion of Macrophages with a Cyto-Destructive Phenotype.

Dysferlinopathies are a group of muscular dystrophies resulting from a genetic deficiency in Dysf . Macrophages, highly plastic cells that mediate tissue repair and destruction, are prominent within dystrophic skeletal muscles of dysferlinopathy patients. We hypothesized that Dysf -deficient muscle promotes recruitment, proliferation, and skewing of macrophages toward a cyto-destructive phenotype in dysferlinopathy. To track macrophage dynamics in dysferlinopathy, we adoptively transferred enhanced green fluorescent protein–labeled monocytes into Dysf -deficient BLA/J mice with age-related (2 to 10 months) muscle disease and Dysf -intact (C57BL/6 [B6]) mice. We detected an age- and disease-related increase in monocyte recruitment into Dysf -deficient muscles. Moreover, macrophages recruited into muscle proliferated locally and were skewed toward a cyto-destructive phenotype. By comparing Dysf -deficient and -intact monocytes, our data showed that Dysf in muscle, but not in macrophages, mediate intramuscle macrophage recruitment and proliferation. To further elucidate macrophage mechanisms related to dysferlinopathy, we investigated in vitro macrophage-myogenic cell interactions and found that Dysf -deficient muscle i) promotes macrophage proliferation, ii) skews macrophages toward a cyto-destructive phenotype, and iii) is more vulnerable to macrophage-mediated apoptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that the loss of Dysf expression in muscle, not macrophages, promotes the intramuscle expansion of cyto-destructive macrophages likely to contribute to dysferlinopathy. Identifying pathways within the Dysf -deficient muscle milieu that regulate cyto-destructive macrophages will potentially uncover therapeutic strategies for dysferlinopathies.
Quantum electrodynamics in the dark

Perhaps they're just shy, but heavy atoms seem very embarrassed when most of their electrons are stripped off. In order to cover their nakedness as quickly as possible, they aggressively try to steal electrons from any source they encounter. Indeed, their electron-capture rates can be orders of magnitude higher than those of ordinary ions. Stripped ions are not just embarrassed, they are literally "charged up" about the situation. As a result, they offer interesting opportunities to study the influence of extreme electric fields on a variety of physical processes.
Community-Based CKD Screening in Black Americans.

> The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much—it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little. > > Franklin D. Roosevelt (1937) CKD, including ESKD, is a growing national public health problem that has become widely recognized as an
Variation in ant-mediated seed dispersal along elevation gradients

Ant-mediated seed dispersal, also known as myrmecochory, is a widespread and important mutualism that structures both plant and ant communities. However, the extent to which ant functional types (e.g., granivorous generalists vs. myrmecochorous ants) across environmental gradients affect seed removal rates is not fully understood. We used a replicated, standardized seed removal experiment along elevation gradients in four mountain ranges in the southwestern United States to test predictions that: (1) seed removal rates would be greater at lower elevations, and (2) seed species identity influences seed removal rates (i.e., seeds from their native elevation range would be removed at higher rates than seeds outside of their native elevation range). Both predictions were supported. Seed removal rates were ∼25% higher at lower elevation sites than at higher elevation sites. The low elevation Datura and high elevation Iris were removed at higher rates in their respective native ranges. We attribute observed differences in dispersal rates to changes in ant community composition, functional diversity, and abundance. We also suggest that temperature variation along the elevation gradient may explain these differences in seed removal rates.
Murine Salivary Functional Assessment via Pilocarpine Stimulation Following Fractionated Radiation

Hyposalivation is commonly observed in the autoimmune reaction of Sjogren's syndrome or following radiation injury to the major salivary glands. In these cases, questions remain regarding disease pathogenesis and effective interventions. An optimized technique that allows functional assessment of the salivary glands is invaluable for investigating exocrine gland biology, dysfunction, and therapeutics. Here, we present a step by step approach to performing pilocarpine stimulated saliva secretion, including tracheostomy and the dissection of the three major murine salivary glands. We also detail the appropriate murine head and neck anatomy accessed during these techniques. This approach is scalable, allowing for multiple mice to be processed simultaneously, thus improving the efficiency of the work flow. We aim to improve the reproducibility of these methods, each of which has further applications within the field. In addition to saliva collection, we discuss metrics for quantifying and normalizing functional capacity of these tissues. Representative data are included from submandibular glands with depressed salivary gland function 2 weeks following fractionated radiation (4 doses of 6.85 Gy).
Hybrid Bandpass-Absorptive-Bandstop Magnetically Coupled Acoustic-Wave-Lumped-Element-Resonator Filters

This letter presents a novel advancement in acoustic-wave-lumped-element-resonator (AWLR) filters, which improves transmission zero isolation by over 40 dB without adding any additional components. By spacing and orienting the AWLR-lumped inductors for intentional magnetic coupling, a hybrid bandpass-absorptive-bandstop filter is generated. The filter is demonstrated in three configurations using aluminum nitride contour-mode resonators and off-the-shelf lumped elements. Measured performance of as low as 3.2-dB insertion loss, bandwidth of 0.87%, and transmission zero notch depth greater than 60 dB is shown.
Distance Metrics for Instance-Bsed Learning

Instance-based learning techniques use a set of stored training instances to classify new examples. The most common such learning technique is the nearest neighbor method, in which new instances are classified according to the closest training instance. A critical element of any such method is the metric used to determine distance between instances. Euclidean distance is by far the most commonly used metric; no one, however, has systematically considered whether a different metric, such as Manhattan distance, might perform equally well on naturally occurring data sets. Some evidence from psychological research indicates that Manhattan distance might be preferable in some circumstances. This paper examines three different distance metrics and presents experimental comparisons using data from three domains: malignant cancer classification, heart disease diagnosis, and diabetes prediction. The results of these studies indicate that the Manhattan distance metric works works quite well, although not better than the Euclidean metric that has become a standard for machine learning experiments. Because the nearest neighbor technique provides a good benchmark for comparisons with other learning algorithms, the results below include a number of such comparisons, which show that nearest neighbor, using any distance metric, compares quite well to other machine learning techniques.
Electronic Influence on Lattice Dynamics

In a vibrating lattice, the effective force between two ions consists of (i) the direct ion-ion interaction and (ii) the interaction via mediating electrons. The electronic contribution to the lattice dynamics is very important in many classes of crystals spanning from metals to insulators. The electronic contribution in simple metals has been fairly satisfactorily treated by the method of pseudopotentials, essentially treating the electrons as nearly free. However, there remains an enormous class of transition metals, their compounds, covalent and ionic crystals, in which there are important electrons which are not nearly free nor yet so tightly bound so as to be moving rigidly with the ion. In section 2 we shall describe a method which takes into account the effects of these electrons on the lattice dynamics.
Fluoroscopic Techniques for the Interrogation of IBD Patients

Fluoroscopic imaging of the gut has provided critical information for the care of inflammatory bowel disease patients since the days of Dr. Burrill Crohn. With the advent of new optical and cross-sectional imaging techniques, biologic and immunologic therapies, and surgical techniques, the role of fluoroscopy in inflammatory bowel disease management has evolved. This chapter reviews different types of fluoroscopic exams, their strengths and weaknesses, with an emphasis on highlighting unique information they provide compared to cross-sectional alternatives. Radiographic signs indicating active, penetrating, and obstructive disease are reviewed, with diagnostic pitfalls in cross-sectional imaging that can be addressed with fluoroscopic exams highlighted. The complementary role of fluoroscopy to optical and cross-sectional imaging techniques is discussed throughout.
Trapezoidal Keratotomy: A Vector Analysis

Abstract Twenty-three eyes in 23 patients ranging from 61 to 83 years of age underwent trapezoidal astigmatic (Ruiz) keratotomy. Preoperative regular astigmatism ranged from 3.13 to 13.00 diopters by keratometry. Fourteen of the eyes had high regular astigmatism following penetrating keratoplasty, eight following cataract extraction, and one eye had no history of surgery. Patient followup ranged from 1 to 15 months with a mean of five months. Trigonometric vector analysis of the keratometric readings demonstrated that the magnitude of surgically induced change in corneal curvature was inversely proportional to the size of the optical zone and ranged from 1.28 to 14.21 diopters. Frequently, due to the axis of surgically induced change, the magnitude of change in corneal curvature failed to be reflected by an equal magnitude of reduction in the residual corneal astigmatic error, and in many cases a residual error was created in a meridian differing significantly from that of the preoperative astigmatic error. There is no statistically significant difference in the slopes of the linear regression lines relating change in corneal curvature to optical zone size between this series and our previously reported cadaver study.