cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The temperature dependence of absolute gas phase acidities

Abstract Using both ab initio and semiempirical calculations, the temperature dependence of the thermochemical cycle relating gas phase enthalpies of acidity to electron affinities and bond dissociation energies is examined. In almost all cases, the effect of temperature is less than the uncertainties in the thermochemical quantities themselves.
The Jurisprudence of Denigration

In his opinion for the Court in United States v. Windsor, Justice Anthony Kennedy asserted that section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional because it was enacted from “a bare congressional desire to harm a politically unpopular group,” or from a “purpose...to demean,” “to injure,” and “to disparage.” Kennedy and the Court thereby in essence accused Congress – and, by implication, millions of Americans – of acting from pure malevolence. Why might distinguished Justices put their names to such an extraordinary accusation? This article explores deficiencies, first, in contemporary constitutional discourse and, second, in contemporary moral discourse. These deficiencies have resulted in a situation in which, in some contexts, the only kind of admissible and potentially persuasive argument is one that attacks the character or motives of one’s opponents. Windsor is a recent and egregious instance of this discursive pattern, or of what we may call the discourse of denigration.
Evidence for H2D2 isotope effects on fischer-tropsch synthesis over supported ruthenium catalysts

The effects of using D2 rather than H2 during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis were investigated using alumina- and silica-supported Ru catalysts. For the alumina-supported catalysts, the rate of CD4 formation was 1.4 to 1.6 times faster than the formation of CH4. A noticeable isotope effect was also observed for higher molecular weight products. The magnitude of the isotope effects observed using the silica-supported catalyst was much smaller than that found using the alumina-supported catalysts. The formation of olefins relative to paraffins was found to be higher when H2 rather than D2 was used, independent of the catalyst support. The observed isotope effects are explained in terms of a mechanism for CO hydrogenation and are shown to arise from a complex combination of the kinetic and equilibrium isotope effects associated with elementary processes occurring on the catalyst surface.
A scheme for robust distributed sensor fusion based on average consensus

We consider a network of distributed sensors, where where each sensor takes a linear measurement of some unknown parameters, corrupted by independent Gaussian noises. We propose a simple distributed iterative scheme, based on distributed average consensus in the network, to compute the maximum-likelihood estimate of the parameters. This scheme doesn't involve explicit point-to-point message passing or routing; instead, it diffuses information across the network by updating each node's data with a weighted average of its neighbors' data (they maintain the same data structure). At each step, every node can compute a local weighted least-squares estimate, which converges to the global maximum-likelihood solution. This scheme is robust to unreliable communication links. We show that it works in a network with dynamically changing topology, provided that the infinitely occurring communication graphs are jointly connected.
A cost/performance study of video servers with hierarchical storage

A cost/performance analysis of a video server with hierarchical storage is presented. Three different storage elements are considered for the video files, namely, RAM (Main memory or Expanded Storage), DASD (Direct Access Storage Device) and Tape Library. Each storage element has different cost, storage and bandwidth characteristics. Video files are assumed to have a certain demand and a duration distribution which are defined by the customer profile. A high level model is developed to size the storage requirements and to allocate the video files to different storage elements. >
Design, Simulation, and Characterization of High-Voltage SiC p-IGBTs

We have designed, simulated, fabricated, and characterized high-voltage 4H-SiC p-channel DMOS-IGBTs on 20 kV blocking layers for use as the next generation of power switching devices. These p-IGBTs exhibit significant conductivity modulation in the drift layer. The maximum currents of the experimental p-channel IGBTs are 1.2x and 2.1x higher than the ideal 20 kV n-channel DMOSFETs at room temperature and 175°C, respectively.
On “Weather and Human Mortality'’by Kalkstein and Davis

The author critically examines an article by L. S. Kalkstein and R. E. Davis concerning the effects of weather on human mortality. He contends that they have failed to take note of many related earlier studies. A reply by Kalkstein and Davis is included (pp. 297-9). (ANNOTATION)
Simple and Effective Adaptive Routing Algorithms in Multi-Layer Wormhole Networks

Interconnection networks have been widely adopted in multicomputer systems, clusters, or chip multiprocessors (CMPs) for high performance and low latency. Among various routing algorithms in interconnection networks, adaptive routing shows the best performance with most traffic types. In this paper, we propose two practical adaptive routing algorithms, called adaptive injection (AI) and adaptive layer selection (AL), which utilize the pipelined architecture and multi-layer networks. In AI, a node adaptively selects a layer to which it injects a packet according to the current network status. After injection, the packet uses deterministic routing. In AL, a packet can change the layers during its delivery. AI is especially good when the network size is small, while AL shows better performance in general. In addition, these adaptive decisions are made only when the remaining hops are less than some threshold value, or oblivious routing is selected in other cases. The simulation results show that considering the remaining hops successfully decreases the number of adaptive decisions and two proposed routing schemes show better performance than previous adaptive algorithms. On the average, AI outperforms existing routing algorithms in terms of throughput by 7.1% ~ 65.2%. AL with AI shows better performance especially when the network size is large. Its throughput is improved by 12.5% ~73.8% in an (8 times 8) mesh network.
Structural Aspects of Nucleic Acid Analogs and Antisense Oligonucleotides

Hybridization of complementary oligonucleotides is essential to highly valuable research tools in many fields including genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. For example, an antisense molecule for a particular segment of sense messenger RNA allows gene expression to be selectively turned off, and the polymerase chain reaction requires complementary primers in order to proceed. It is hoped that the antisense approach may lead to therapeutics for treatment of various diseases including cancer. Areas of active research in the antisense field focus on the mechanisms of cellular uptake of antisense molecules and their delivery to specific cell sites, an improved understanding of how these molecules inhibit the production of proteins. as well as the optimization of the chemical stability of antisense molecules and the thermodynamic stability of the duplexes they form with the mRNA targets. The last two issues in particular have prompted chemists to launch an extensive search for oligonucleotide analogs with improved binding properties for hybridization with RNA and higher resistance toward nuclease degradation. During the last years this research has resulted in a flurry of new chemical analogs of DNA and RNA with modifications in the sugar-phosphate backbone as well as in the nucleobase sites. However, to date little effort has been directed toward uncovering the exact origins of the gain or loss in stability when nucleic acid analogs bind to RNA. Although large amounts of thermodynamic data have been collected, the structural perturbations induced by the modifications in hybrid duplexes are only poorly understood. For many modified oligonucleotides the compatibility of protection, coupling, and deprotection chemistry with standard DNA and RNA synthesis protocols makes it now possible to generate modified nucleic acid fragments or mixed oligonucleotides containing modifications at selected sites in quantities suitable for three-dimensional structure investigations. Such studies should reveal the structural origins of the observed changes in affinity and specificity of binding for particular modifications and may guide the development of secondand third-generation antisense molecules. In addition, the availability of a previously unimaginable variety of modified building blocks and the investigation of their structures provides the basis for a deeper understanding of the native DNA and RNA structures. This contribution will summarize the results of X-ray crystallographic structure determinations of modified nucleic acid fragments conducted in our laboratory during the last three years and the insights gained from them.
Using Hypermedia to Educate Preservice Teachers About Gender-Equity Issues in Elementary School Classrooms

This study highlights what preservice teachers learned from interacting with a HyperStudio stack about gender-equity issues. Teachers gained background information from the stack and then used this knowledge to resolve inequities presented in various interactive scenarios. Qualitative and quantitative evidence shows how interaction with this stack positively affected preservice teachers’ interests in, attitudes about, and awareness and knowledge of genderequity issues. By confronting gender issues in a hypermedia environment that details inequities in classroom interaction patterns, language, role models, gender expectations, and curriculum, preservice teachers will be better prepared to face these issues in their elementary school classrooms.
Software Radio Development and Integration with a Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with high performance software radio relays will offer dramatic improvements to Situational Awareness and Command and Control for future warfighters. A key to this advancement is assured, reliable communications among all ground and air assets. This paper will describe the development of a compact, low power, high performance communications system for UAVs to enable high data rates in difficult environments, low probability of intercept/detection, and anti-jam capability. The radio is software programmable for compatibility with legacy waveforms and functions over 20 MHz to 3 GHz with both wide- and narrowband networking waveforms. The development of this system within the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Future Combat System framework, and integration with a small UAV is detailed.
QTL mapping of internal heat necrosis in tetraploid potato.

Internal heat necrosis (IHN) is a physiological disorder of potato tubers. We developed a linkage map of tetraploid potato using AFLP and SSR markers, and mapped QTL for mean severity and percent incidence of IHN. Phenotypic data indicated that the distribution of IHN is skewed toward resistance. Late foliage maturity was slightly but significantly correlated with increased IHN symptoms. The linkage map for ‘Atlantic’, the IHN-susceptible parent, covered 1034.4 cM and included 13 linkage groups, and the map for B1829-5, the IHN-resistant parent, covered 940.2 cM and contained 14 linkage groups. QTL for increased resistance to IHN were located on chromosomes IV, V, and groups VII and X of ‘Atlantic’, and on group VII of B1829-5 in at least 2 of 3 years. The QTL explained between 4.5 and 29.4% of the variation for mean severity, and from 3.7 to 14.5% of the variation for percent incidence. Most QTL detected were dominant, and associated with decreased IHN symptoms. One SSR and 13 AFLP markers that were linked to IHN were tested in a second population. One AFLP marker was associated with decreased symptoms in both populations. The SSR marker was not associated with IHN in the second population, but was closely linked in repulsion to another marker that was associated with IHN, and had the same (negative) effect on the trait as the SSR marker did in the first population. The correlation between maturity and IHN may be partially explained by the presence of markers on chromosome V that are linked to both traits. This research represents the first molecular genetic research of IHN in potato.
The effects of universal pre-K on cognitive development.

In this study of Oklahoma’s universal pre-K program, the authors relied on a strict birthday eligibility criterion to compare “young” kindergarten children who just completed pre-K to “old” pre-K children just beginning pre-K. This regression-discontinuity design reduces the threat of selection bias. Their sample consisted of 1,567 pre-K children and 1,461 kindergarten children who had just completed pre-K. The authors estimated the impact of the pre-K treatment on Woodcock–Johnson Achievement test scores. The authors found test impacts of 3.00 points (0.79 of the standard deviation for the control group) for the Letter–Word Identification score, 1.86 points (0.64 of the standard deviation of the control group) for the Spelling score, and 1.94 points (0.38 of the standard deviation of the control group) for the Applied Problems score. Hispanic, Black, White, and Native American children all benefit from the program, as do children in diverse income brackets, as measured by school lunch eligibility status. The authors conclude that Oklahoma’s universal pre-K program has succeeded in enhancing the school readiness of a diverse group of children.
Regulation of Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis by Histidine and Methionine During Recovery of Escherichia coli from Magnesium Starvation

During magnesium starvation of Escherichia coli B, most of the ribosomes break down to low-molecular-weight components. When magnesium is restored to the medium, the cells recover. The rate of recovery can be increased greatly by supplementing the growth medium with a mixture of 21 amino acids. This increased rate of recovery is shown to be due to the effect of only two amino acids, histidine and methionine, which initially stimulate accumulation of cellular ribonucleic acid without increasing the rate of protein synthesis. In contrast, histidine and methionine supplementation to logarithmically growing E. coli B is not as effective in stimulating growth as is the complete amino acid mixture. Since cells recovering from magnesium starvation preferentially synthesize ribosomes, it is possible that histidine and methionine play a special role(s) in ribosomal ribonucleic acid synthesis or stability.
Directional denoising of aerial images by splitting-signals

Aerial imagery is a very important data source used in underwater oceanographic studies. These images are usually corrupted by clutters caused by surface water waves. Removal of the wave clutters from these images is an important preprocessing step for accurate assessment of information since the clutters interfere with useful information over the surface. In this work we propose a novel method combining the tensor transform by wavelet transform and denoising these images. Surface waves are classified in two categories: ripple waves and spark waves. Both types of clutters are directional and can be detected by the tensor representation of the image. To remove the long-waves, the subband-filtering technique is used, but it is reduced to 1-D filtering by means of the splitting-signals in the tensor representation. To remove the short-waves, the well-known SMEME (spectral spatial maximum exclusive mean) filter is used with the tensor transform as a pre-step of the filter.
Mouse models of human TB pathology: roles in the analysis of necrosis and the development of host-directed therapies

A key aspect of TB pathogenesis that maintains Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the human population is the ability to cause necrosis in pulmonary lesions. As co-evolution shaped M. tuberculosis (M.tb) and human responses, the complete TB disease profile and lesion manifestation are not fully reproduced by any animal model. However, animal models are absolutely critical to understand how infection with virulent M.tb generates outcomes necessary for the pathogen transmission and evolutionary success. In humans, a wide spectrum of TB outcomes has been recognized based on clinical and epidemiological data. In mice, there is clear genetic basis for susceptibility. Although the spectra of human and mouse TB do not completely overlap, comparison of human TB with mouse lesions across genetically diverse strains firmly establishes points of convergence. By embracing the genetic heterogeneity of the mouse population, we gain tremendous advantage in the quest for suitable in vivo models. Below, we review genetically defined mouse models that recapitulate a key element of M.tb pathogenesis—induction of necrotic TB lesions in the lungs—and discuss how these models may reflect TB stratification and pathogenesis in humans. The approach ensures that roles that mouse models play in basic and translational TB research will continue to increase allowing researchers to address fundamental questions of TB pathogenesis and bacterial physiology in vivo using this well-defined, reproducible, and cost-efficient system. Combination of the new generation mouse models with advanced imaging technologies will also allow rapid and inexpensive assessment of experimental vaccines and therapies prior to testing in larger animals and clinical trials.
Function-Structure Studies and Identification of Three Enzyme Domains Involved in the Catalytic Activity in Rat Hepatic Squalene Synthase *

Rat hepatic squalene synthase (RSS, EC 2.5.1.21) contains three conserved sections, A, B, and C, that were proposed to be involved in catalysis (McKenzie, T. L., Jiang, G., Straubhaar, J. R., Conrad, D., and Shechter, I. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 21368-21374). Here we use the high expression vector pTrxRSS and site-directed mutagenesis to determine the specific residues in these sections that are essential for the two reactions catalyzed by RSS. Section C mutants F288Y, F288L, F286Y, F286W, F286L, Q293N, and Q283E accumulate presqualene diphosphate (PSPP) from trans-farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) with reduced production of squalene. F288L, which retains approximately 50% first step activity, displays only residual activity (0.2%) in the production of squalene from either FPP or PSPP. Substitution of either Phe288 or Phe286 with charged residues completely abolishes the enzyme activity. Thus, F288W, F288D, F288R, F286D, and F286R cannot produce squalene from either FPP or PSPP. All single residue mutants in Section A, except Tyr171, retain most of the RSS activity, with no detectable accumulation of PSPP in an assay mixture complete with NADPH. Y171F, Y171S, and Y171W are all inactive. Section B, which binds the diphosphate moieties of the allylic diphosphate subtrates, contains four negatively charged residues: Glu222, Glu226, Asp219, and Asp223. The two Glu residues can be replaced with neutral or with positively charged residues without signficantly affecting enzyme activity. However, replacement of either Asp residues with Asn eliminates all but a residual level of activity, and substitution with Glu abolishes all activity. These results indicate that 1) Section C, in particular Phe288, may be involved in the second step of catalysis, 2) Tyr171 of Section A is essential for catalysis, most likely for the first reaction, 3) the two Asp residues in Section B are essential for the activity and most likely bind the substrate via magnesium salt bridges. Based on these results, a mechanism for the first reaction is proposed.
Energetic carrying capacity of actively and passively managed wetlands for migrating ducks in Ohio

Abstract Habitat conservation strategies of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) are guided by current understanding of factors that limit growth of waterfowl populations. The 1998 implementation plan of the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture (UMR and GLRJV) assumed that availability of foraging resources during autumn in wetlands actively managed for waterfowl was the primary limiting factor for duck populations during the nonbreeding season. We used multistage sampling during autumn and spring 2001–2004 to estimate energetic carrying capacity (ECC) of actively and passively managed wetlands in Ohio, USA, and examine this assumption. Energetic carrying capacity during autumn was similar between actively and passively managed wetlands each year. Averaged across years, energetic carrying capacity was 3,446 and 2,047 duck energy-days (DED)/ha for actively and passively managed wetlands, respectively. These estimates exceeded the UMR and GLRJV assumption that 1,236 D...
Dose escalation during the first year of long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain.

Objective To identify patient factors and health care utilization patterns associated with dose escalation during the first year of long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain. Design Retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data. Setting University health system. Subjects Opioid naive adults with musculoskeletal pain who received a new outpatient opioid prescription between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012 and stayed on opioids for 1 year. Methods Mixed-effects regression was used to estimate patients' rate of opioid dose escalation. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and health care utilization for patients with and without dose escalation were compared. Results Twenty-three (9%) of 246 patients in the final cohort experienced dose escalation (defined as an increase in mean daily opioid dose of ≥30-mg morphine equivalents over 1 year). Compared with patients without dose escalation, patients with escalation had higher rates of substance use diagnoses (17% vs 1%, P = 0.01) and more total outpatient encounters (51 vs 35, P = 0.002) over 1 year. Differences in outpatient encounters were largely due to more non face-to-face encounters (e.g., telephone calls, emails) among patients with dose escalation. Differences in age, race, concurrent benzodiazepine use, and mental health diagnoses between patients with and without dose escalation were not statistically significant. Primary care clinicians prescribed 89% of opioid prescriptions. Conclusions Dose escalation during the first year of long-term opioid therapy is associated with higher rates of substance use disorders and more frequent outpatient encounters, especially non face-to-face encounters.
Low resistive tungsten dual polymetal gate process for high speed and high density memory devices

We developed ultra-low resistive tungsten dual polymetal gate memory device by using Ti-based diffusion barrier and a unique tungsten chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process with B2H6-based nucleation layer. The low resistive CVD-W (LRW) polymetal gate process not only reveals good gate oxide reliability comparable to PVD-W process, but also highly improved transistor performances such as signal delay characteristics.
Modern Diagnosis and Treatment of Gaucher's Disease

Most physicians regard Gaucher's disease as a rare disorder, vaguely remembered among other esoteric diseases that they were forced to memorize as medical students. In point of fact, Gaucher's disease is the most common of the glycolipid storage disorders. The frequency of the disease genotype is about 1:1000 in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, the ethnic group in which it is most commonly found. The importance of understanding this disorder has been increased by recent developments that have simplified the diagnosis, made possible population-based screening, and provided an effective therapy for those patients who need it. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS Clinically, Gaucher's disease has been divided into three types. 1 Type 1 is the most common form and is characterized by sparing of the central nervous system from the primary effects of glycolipid accumulation. The rare type 2 Gaucher's disease, in contrast, is an acute form with
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: how to diagnose a rare but highly fatal disease.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a multisystem autoimmune condition characterized by vascular thromboses and/or pregnancy loss associated with persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Catastrophic APS (CAPS) is the most severe form of APS with multiple organ involvement developing over a short period of time, usually associated with microthrombosis. ‘Definite’ and ‘probable’ CAPS have been defined based on the preliminary classification criteria; however, in a real-world setting, aPL-positive patients with multiple organ thromboses and/or thrombotic microangiopathies exist who do not fulfill these criteria. Previous APS diagnosis and/or persistent clinically significant aPL positivity is of great importance for the CAPS diagnosis; however, almost half of the patients who develop CAPS do not have a history of aPL positivity. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the diagnostic challenges and the recently updated diagnostic algorithms for CAPS providing a ‘step-by-step’ approach for clinicians (and researchers) in the assessment of patients with multiple organ thromboses.
X-ray backlighting imaging of mixed imploded targets

The X-ray image of a compressed shell (enhanced by high-Z doping) was used in recent experiments to diagnose the effect of shell-fuel mixing. The emission ring (due to the limb effect) moves toward smaller radii due to mixing. We show here that using backlighting imaging can greatly enhance future imaging experiments. In addition to the emission ring, a backlighting absorption ring can appear around it. The absorption ring is virtually unaffected by mixing. Thus, the relative position of the two rings constitutes a mixing signature. In other words, the absorption ring delineates the colder part of the shell and is a true signature of the compression, whereas the emission ring reflects the shell material motion due to mixing.
A hazard-based duration model of shopping activity with nonparametric baseline specification and nonparametric control for unobserved heterogeneity

Activity duration is an important component of the activity participation behavior of individuals, and therefore, an important determinant of individual travel behavior. In this paper, we examine the factors affecting shopping activity duration during the return home from work and develop a comprehensive methodological framework to estimate a stochastic hazard-based duration model from grouped (interval-level) failure data. The framework accommodates a nonparametric baseline hazard distribution and allows for nonparametric control of unobserved heterogeneity, while incorporating the effects of covariates. The framework also facilitates statistical testing of alternative parametric assumptions on the baseline hazard distribution and on the unobserved heterogeneity distribution. Our empirical results indicate significant effects of unobserved heterogeneity on shopping activity duration of individuals. Further, we find that parametric forms for the baseline hazard and unobserved heterogeneity distributions are inadequate, and are likely to lead to substantial biases in covariate effects and hazard dynamics. The empirical results also provide insights into the determinants of shopping activity duration during the commute trip.
Comparison of entrainment in overflows simulated by z-coordinate, isopycnal and non-hydrostatic models☆

Abstract A series of idealised numerical simulations of dense water flowing down a broad uniform slope are presented, employing both a z-coordinate model (the MIT general circulation model) and an isopycnal coordinate model (the Hallberg Isopycnal Model). Calculations are carried out at several different horizontal and vertical resolutions, and for a range of physical parameters. A subset of calculations are carried out at very high resolution using the non-hydrostatic variant of the MITgcm. In all calculations dense water descends the slope while entraining and mixing with ambient fluid. The dependence of entrainment, mixing and down-slope descent on resolution and vertical coordinate are assessed. At very coarse resolutions the z-coordinate model generates excessive spurious mixing, and dense water has difficulty descending the slope. However, at intermediate resolutions the mixing in the z-coordinate model is less than found in the high-resolution non-hydrostatic simulations, and dense water descends further down the slope. Isopycnal calculations show less resolution dependence, although entrainment and mixing are both reduced slightly at coarser resolution. At intermediate resolutions the z-coordinate and isopycnal models produce similar levels of mixing and entrainment. These results provide a benchmark against which future developments in overflow entrainment parameterizations in both z-coordinate and isopycnal models may be compared.
Effective scaling factor for transient infiltration in heterogeneous soils

Effective hydraulic properties at large grid resolution are viable alternatives to heterogeneous soil medium in large-scale hydrologic and global circulation models. In this study, we investigate the effective hydraulic parameters for transient infiltration under ponding conditions in terms of the optimal averaging schemes for the input hydraulic and environmental parameter fields. The main idea of effective parameters is whether the interested process behavior in heterogeneous soils can be captured by a process that assumes only one set of soil parameters, such that the heterogeneous system is replaced by an equivalent homogeneous system. The 'effective' hydraulic parameters of the heterogeneous soil formation are derived by conceptualizing that the 'effective' homogeneous soil will approximately discharge the ensemble-mean surface flux and cumulative infiltration. The derived optimal effective powers for the random (input) parameters define an optimal averaging scheme for the random input fields, which can be used in large-scale hydrologic and global circulation models. Specifically, we discuss the effects of microtopography (as reflected in surface ponding depth), and hydraulic parameter correlation on the ensemble-mean behavior as well as on the optimal effective powers. For a large range of hydraulic properties from silty clay to sand with large uncertainties in the Miller-Miller scaling factor, the saturated water content, and the surface ponding depth, relatively small range of optimal effective power values has been found. Among the three, variability of the Miller-Miller scaling factor has the most significant effect on the ensemble flux behavior. The correlation among the Miller-Miller scaling factor, the saturated water content and the surface ponding depth increases the effects of soil heterogeneity. However, the ensemble-mean flux behavior can be more precisely mimicked through the idea of optimal effective powers when the random fields are better correlated.
Maximising power-transfer efficiency in low-power DC─DC converters

Wireless microsensors can add energy- and life-saving intelligence to remote and inaccessible places like factories, hospitals and so on. For this, they normally house sensors, data converters, digital processors, memory, transmitters, and power supplies. Although some of these functions can demand milliwatts at a time, the events monitored are typically so sporadic and sparse in time that average consumption is in microwatts. Still, tiny batteries cannot supply power for long, so power supplies cannot afford to burn much power. This is why reducing the power that switched-inductor supplies lose when delivering microwatts is critical. For these power levels, balancing switches to deliver fixed energy packets in discontinuous-conduction mode and adjusting their frequency to modify power level is the most efficient means of managing a DC–DC converter. In other words, fixing the inductor's peak current and adjusting frequency is more efficient than fixing frequency and adjusting peak current. In fact, experimental measurements show that fixing peak current to 6 mA and adjusting frequency to supply up to 250 µW is 2–10% more efficient than fixing frequencies at 40, 80, and 120 kHz and 1.4–7% more efficient than fixing currents at 5 and 10 mA.
Protocol for the Examination of Specimens From Patients With Carcinomas of the Endometrium

T protocol is intended to assist pathologists in providing clinically useful and relevant information as a result of the examination of surgical specimens. Use of this protocol is intended to be entirely voluntary. If equally valid protocols or similar documents are applicable, the pathologist is, of course, free to follow those authorities. Indeed, the ultimate judgment regarding the propriety of any specific procedure must be made by the physician in light of the individual circumstances presented by a specific patient or specimen. It should be understood that adherence to this protocol will not guarantee a successful result. Nevertheless, pathologists are urged to familiarize themselves with this document. Should a physician choose to deviate from the protocol owing to the circumstances of a particular patient or specimen, the physician is advised to make a contemporaneous written notation of the reason for the procedure followed. The College recognizes that this document may be used by hospitals, attorneys, managed care organizations, insurance carriers, and other payers. However, the document was developed solely as a tool to assist pathologists in the diagnostic process by providing information that reflects the state of relevant medical knowledge at the time the protocol was first published. It was not developed for credentialing, litigation, or reimbursement purposes. The College cautions that any uses of the protocol for these purposes involve considerations that are beyond the scope of this document.
Capsaicin attenuates suppression of sham feeding induced by intestinal nutrients

The ability of intraintestinal nutrient infusions to suppress sham feeding was examined in intact rats and in rats with total subdiaphragmatic vagal transections. Vagotomy abolished the suppression of sham feeding by intraintestinal infusion of maltose or oleate. Suppression of sham feeding by intraintestinal L-phenylalanine was reduced but not abolished by vagotomy. The results of this examination indicate that the vagus nerve mediates suppression of the sham feeding by intraintestinal maltose and oleate but is only partially responsible for suppression of food intake produced by L-phenylalanine. Taken together with previously published data these results suggest that effects on feeding by specific nutrients may be mediated by anatomically distinct populations of visceral afferent neurons.
FPIN's Clinical Inquiries. Methylphenidate for management of fatigue in the palliative care setting.

No recent evidence demonstrates that methylphenidate improves fatigue in patients receiving palliative care. Methylphenidate can be used to minimally improve fatigue symptom scores in patients with cancer-related fatigue.
Immigration, Endogenous Technology Choice and Welfare Analysis

This paper analyzes the long run welfare effects of immigration in a model with endogenous technological change. Existing theoretical models predict that immigration would depress the wages while empirical findings show insignificant wage effects of immigration. In order to match the theory with empirical findings, I embed endogenous technological change in a model similar to Auerbauch and Kotlikoff (1987) and compare it with a baseline model where firms have constant production technology. First, I find that 2% increase in high-skilled immigrants in a model without endogenous technology choice high-skilled native wages would decrease by 10.4% while low-skilled native wages would go up by 7.4%. On the contrary, in a model with endogenous technology choice, high-skilled native wages will decline only by 1.3% and low-skilled native wages will increase only by 0.2%. Second, the model without endogenous technology choice would predict a negative welfare effect of high-skilled immigration on the high-skilled natives and a positive and bigger (74% higher) effect on the low-skilled natives. On the contrary, the model with endogenous technology choice predicts that high-skilled immigration will increase the welfare of both high-skilled and low skilled natives. Specifically, welfare effect of high-skilled immigration on skilled natives are 109% higher when endogenous technology is allowed as compared to the baseline model without endogenous technology choice. These results imply that if endogenous technology choice is not taken into account, the long run analysis of immigration on the welfare and the economy will be incomplete and even misleading.
English as a Second Language - or Why Lawyers Can't Write

I have spent thirty-five years reading the writing of law students, and much of it is bad. Students will take with them for tomorrow the skills they possess today, and those skills are poor. Why the ineptness, and can anything be done about it?
COMPUTATION OF THE FINE VORTEX STRUCTURES OF FLUIDS

We will review some of the new fluid fine structures now being seen through the use of the latest computational resources. These will include both the steady and unsteady full Navier-Stokes equations, and new results including transient off-wall eddies, Rayleigh-Moffatt corner sequences by multigrid, and recirculation structure near a separation point. Other features recently found include vortex fission after collision with a wall, sublayer bursting, multiple vortex fission and fusion sequences, and persistent (Hopf) wavyness in a deep cavity at higher Reynolds number.
Seasonal habitat use of alligator gar in a river–floodplain ecosystem at multiple spatial scales

Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) populations are declining throughout their range in the United States, even where considered stable. Similar declines in other riverine species are occurring worldwide due to alteration of habitat in river–floodplain systems. Most rivers in the world are highly regulated, resulting in departures from historic hydrology that provides connection to the floodplain habitats used by riverine fishes. Knowledge of the seasonal habitat requirements of alligator gar and similar riverine fishes at a watershed scale is limited, hindering management practices. We used radiotelemetry to monitor movements and habitat use of adult alligator gar (N = 32; 25.0–84.5 kg; 149–224 cm) at macro- and microhabitat scales during 2 years of varying hydrology. Fish showed seasonal differences in their use of main channel and floodplain macrohabitats. Floodplain tributaries and their upper reaches were especially important to reproductive ecology. Minimum distance travelled per day varied seasonally. While using the main channel Fourche LaFave River, gar selected low velocity, shallow depth and complex structure along channel margins. The Fourche LaFave River is unique in its connection to floodplain habitats on a relatively predictable basis, with frequent flooding during the spring and summer reproductive period. Our study emphasises the importance of connectivity between the main river channel and floodplain habitats to a floodplain-obligate riverine species. An intact, heterogeneous riparian zone creates essential microhabitat for the species. Understanding habitat requirements of alligator gar at multiple spatial scales in a river–floodplain system is crucial to management of many other species and river systems.
Family Size of College Students in Maine

T HIS is a study of the classes of 1940 when they were freshmen at Colby College, Bowdoin College, and at the University of Maine. The data were secured on schedules filled out in class in the fall of 1936 through the cooperation of various instructors. After editing we had 475 usable cases from Maine, 153 from Colby, and 140 from Bowdoin. Our primary interest was in determining the size of the student and parent generations in relation to education of parents, occupation of father, religious affiliation of family, and size of community. Students were asked to state the number of brothers and sisters living and dead in their own generation and in that of their mothers and their fathers. It is assumed that the figures secured in this manner are underestimates. W. S. Thompson in a similar study found that, in checking with parents, students underestimated the parent generation size on the average by onehalf a child and their own generation by one-tenth of a child.' In our study no attempt has been made to correct for this error, the figures being summaries of the statements of the students. These families are of course all fertile. In all three colleges the largest number of cases in the student generation occurred at the two-child level. In the mothers' generation the largest number fell at the three-child size in the Colby and Maine series, but for Bowdoin it was at the five-child level. In the families of the fathers the mode occurred for Colby and Bowdoin at three children, and for Maine at four. Based upon the average number of children per family as shown in Table 1 the students at Maine come from the largest families with 3.67, then comes Colby with 3.28, and finally Bowdoin with 3.04. Stating this in another manner, for every hundred families in the Maine series there are 367 offspring, for Colby 328, and for Bowdoin 304. In the parent generation (secured by combining the mothers' and the fathers' generation figures) the average number of siblings for the Maine families is 4.95, for Colby 4.88, and for Bowdoin 4.59 per family. Comparing the average size of the parent and student generations we find that for the University of Maine there is a decrease of 1.28 children per family, for Colby 1.6, and for Bowdoin 1.55. On a percentage basis there is a decline from parent to student generation for the Maine series of slightly more than twenty-five per cent (25.8). In the Colby and Bowdoin cases the drop is roughly one-third (32.8 percent and 33.8 percent respectively). The corresponding decline in the Thompson study was 33.6 percent.2 Holmes found for a California series a decline of 29.8 percent.3 Baber and Ross discovered for native families a drop of 38.4 percent.4 A study made at
Comparison of Ilizarov external fixator and elastic nails's methods in the treatment of distal tibial and fibula fracture

Objective:To compare the therapeutic efficacy of Ilizarovs external fixator and elastic nails in the treatment of distal children's tibial and fibula fracture.Methods:The data of 102 children with distal tibial and fibula fracture was analyzed retrospectively,group Ilizarov was 26 cases with Ilizarov external fixator,group elastic nails was 76 cases.Results:The average hospitalized days,fracture type were not remarkable difference(P0.05);fracture average cured time,activing on the ground and bearing a heavy time on fracture leg.The numbers of incised fracture position,the average operational time,after the operations,phenomenon of a nail infection and bad articular activity,elastic nails group surpasses Ilizarov group(all P0.05).Conclusion:Ilizarov external fixator and the elastic nails which treat children's distal tibial are fibula fracture are two effective methods,but from the therapeutic efficacy,the author think effects of Ilizarov external fixator which treated children's dital tibial and fibula fracture surpassed elastic nails.
Evidence for posttranslational control of Hb C synthesis in an individual with Hb C trait and alpha-thalassemia.

The level of Hb C in the erythrocytes of individuals with Hb C trait decreases significantly in the presence of coexisting alpha- thalassemia. This relationship may result from the higher affinity of beta A than beta C for limiting amounts of alpha-globin during hemoglobin assembly. This mechanism would predict that the beta A and beta C synthetic capacity in alpha-thalassemic individuals with Hb C trait should be balanced despite the low levels of Hb C in their circulating erythrocytes. To directly test this prediction, we have measured the beta A and beta C synthetic capacity of reticulocyte RNA isolated from two individuals with Hb C trait, one with a normal alpha- globin genotype and one with alpha-thalassemia. The balanced expression of beta A and beta C in both cases supports the proposed posttranslational control over Hb C expression.
Improving Processes of Care

This is the 10th in a series of articles from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston describing one general medical unit's experiences with Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB). An initiative begun by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, TCAB was developed as a way to improve care on medical-surgical units, patients' and family members' experience of care, and teamwork among care team members and to increase nurse satisfaction and retention. Mass General is one of 68 hospitals participating in a two-year TCAB initiative led by the American Organization of Nurse Executives and funded with a grant from the RWJF. For more information on TCAB, go to www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=31512.
Paratesticular Rhabdomyosarcomas and Leiomyosarcomas: A Clinicopathological Review

One case of embryonal paratesticular sarcoma and 2 cases of leiomyosarcomas are reported. The 13-year-old boy with embryonal sarcoma is well after an orchiectomy and high ligation of the spermatic cord followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A 66-year-old man has been doing well after orchiectomy and hemiscrotectomy for a paratesticular leiomyosarcoma. The third patient had a highly pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma and died 2 months postoperatively. The clinical and histological diagnosis of paratesticular rhabdomyosarcomas and leiomyosarcomas is reviewed and the various therapeutic approaches to these neoplasms are discussed. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are important adjuncts to orchiectomy in the management of rhabdomyosarcomas. On the contrary, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and radiotherapy are not indicated in leiomyosarcomas, since these neoplasms tend to metastasize by the hematogenous route and are radioresistant. At the present time we are unable to evaluate chemotherapy in the management of paratesticular leiomyosarcomas.
Forget me not: an ambient display to increase communication between partners by enabling feeling expression and increasing awareness

Scientists have long noted an association between social relationships and health. Geographic separation poses a challenge for relational partners as it is associated with increased distress and depression. Remote relationships can affect mainly couples' communication. Enabling feeling expression and increasing communication between couples can maintain their health and the health of their relationships. This paper aims to provide possible solutions that can bridge the gap between couples in remote relationships. Forget Me Not is an ambient display project to support the communication and emotion expression to maintain healthy long distance relationships.