cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxygen Production and Demand

Biological processes regulate the dissolved oxygen concentration in water through oxygen production in photosynthesis and oxygen demand in respiration. In this chapter, a way of measuring photosynthesis and respiration in the water column will be discussed, and the significance of the resulting data will be explained. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) also are time-honored procedures used in water quality evaluation. These two methods of estimating oxygen demand in natural waters and effluents will be discussed.
Faculty Perceived Functionality of Learning Management System: Development and Validation of a Scale

The learning management system (LMS) has played a crucial role in digital learning environments and has been impacted by both users’ perceptions of its utility and evolving technologies. Knowing the functionalities that faculty utilize in the LMS can inform the decision-making process when selecting and transitioning to a newer platform or LMS. This study, which was grounded in Diffusion of Innovations theory and examined Malikowski et al. (J Educ Comput Res 36(2):149–173, 2007) model for research into learning management systems, has proposed a 3-construct 14-item instrument based on a review of literature and applied research. After a face validity test, the Faculty LMS Functionality Instrument (FLFI) was initially validated with 243 response sets. Principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed for testing the initial validation of the instrument, based on the Cronbach alpha of .88 and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of .87 (Kaiser HF, Educ Psychol Meas 20(1):141–151, 1960). The results initially validated the three-construct instrument. We also provide an instrument reuse and data sharing form to further validate this instrument.
Transcription factor autoregulation is required for acquisition and maintenance of neuronal identity

The expression of transcription factors that initiate the specification of a unique cellular identity in multicellular organisms is often maintained throughout the life of the respective cell type via an autoregulatory mechanism. It is generally assumed that such autoregulation serves to maintain the differentiated state of a cell. To experimentally test this assumption, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering to delete a transcriptional autoregulatory, cis-acting motif in the che-1 zinc-finger transcription factor locus, a terminal selector required to specify the identity of the ASE neuron pair during embryonic development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that che-1 autoregulation is indeed required to maintain the differentiated state of the ASE neurons but that it is also required to amplify che-1 expression during embryonic development to reach an apparent minimal threshold to initiate the ASE differentiation program. We conclude that transcriptional autoregulation fulfills two intrinsically linked purposes: one in proper initiation, the other in proper maintenance of terminal differentiation programs.This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
Electrokinetics at calcite-rich limestone surface: Understanding the role of ions in modified salinity waterflooding

Abstract Despite recent efforts to understand the wettability alteration process in limestone rocks during low salinity waterflooding, the findings related to wettability alteration due to changes in salinity and in the presence of a thin water film are still inconclusive. In this work, the effect of ions, temperature and solution pH on the rock and oil surface charges were explored by measuring zeta potential and predicting it using double layer surface complexation modelling (SCM). SCM fitted the trends of the measured zeta potential for both rock-brine and oil-brine interfaces by varying the surface equilibrium constants, particularly the equilibrium constant for the Ca2+ binding site. The SCM was used to predict 32 zeta potential values either measured experimentally or extracted from the literature. Zeta potential and isoelectric potential of rock-brine interface is dependent on brine salinity, sulfate concentrations and solution pH. The isoelectric point (IEP) for rock-brine interface decreased from pH of 8.5 for formation water to 7.8 for low salinity brine. Increasing the sulfate concentration in the seawater brine resulted in shifting the IEP to a lower pH value, indicating that sulfate ion shifts the zeta potential of rock-brine interface to negative over a wide pH range, due to the increased site density of >CaSO4− and the simultaneous reduction in the site densities of both CaOH2+ and CO3− as sulfate concentration increases. Bond product sum (BPS), together with total disjoining pressure calculations were used to predict wettability trends, supported by contact angle measurement, where the total BPS was observed to be the lowest and repulsive disjoining pressure generated at the COBR for LSW brines. This was observed to be significantly influenced by [COOCa+][CO3−] and [COOMg+][CO3−] bond linkages at low pH (below 8) whiles the bond linkages of [COOCa+][CaCO3−] and [COOMg+][CaCO3−] dominated the COBR interface at higher pH (above 8).
Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Posterior Partial Fundoplication

Achalasia is a rare primary esophageal motility disorder that causes mostly progressive dysphagia and regurgitation. The goal of therapy for achalasia is to provide symptom relief by reducing esophageal outflow resistance by disrupting the muscles at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to allow emptying by gravity. Although there are several options to achieve this goal, surgical myotomy with partial fundoplication has been shown to be very effective and able to strike a balance between relief of symptoms and control of abnormal GER. Since reflux of gastric contents into the aperistaltic esophagus may cause esophagitis, peptic strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, and even esophageal cancer, the addition of a partial fundoplication is very important. In this chapter, we will discuss the pros and cons of the different types of fundoplication.
Contingent Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for Collision Imminent Steering in Uncertain Environments

Abstract A novel uncertainty based contingent model predictive control algorithm is presented for autonomous vehicles operating in uncertain environments. Nominal model predictive control relies on a model to predict future states over a horizon and hence requires accurate models and parameterization. In application, environmental conditions and parameters may be unknown or varying, posing robustness issues for model predictive control. This work presents a new selectively robust adaptive model predictive control algorithm that is applied to collision imminent steering controllers for automotive safety. In this context, uncertainties in the road coefficient of friction are estimated using unscented Kalman filtering and the controller is updated based upon the estimated uncertainties. The utility of the uncertainty based controller is demonstrated in a collision imminent steering scenario and compared to nominal deterministic model predictive control, as well as a baseline adaptive scheme. The results suggest the uncertainty based controller can improve the robustness of model predictive control by nearly 50% for deterministic model predictive control and over 10% for the baseline adaptive scheme.
Adjacent-segment effects of lumbar cortical screw-rod fixation versus pedicle screw-rod fixation with and without interbody support.

OBJECTIVE: Cortical screw-rod (CSR) fixation has emerged as an alternative to the traditional pedicle screw-rod (PSR) fixation for posterior lumbar fixation. Previous studies have concluded that CSR provides the same stability in cadaveric specimens as PSR and is comparable in clinical outcomes. However, recent clinical studies reported a lower incidence of radiographic and symptomatic adjacent-segment degeneration with CSR. No biomechanical study to date has focused on how the adjacent-segment mobility of these two constructs compares. This study aimed to investigate adjacent-segment mobility of CSR and PSR fixation, with and without interbody support (lateral lumbar interbody fusion [LLIF] or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion [TLIF]). METHODS: A retroactive analysis was done using normalized range of motion (ROM) data at levels adjacent to single-level (L3-4) bilateral screw-rod fixation using pedicle or cortical screws, with and without LLIF or TLIF. Intact and instrumented specimens (n = 28, all L2-5) were tested using pure moment loads (7.5 Nm) in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Adjacent-segment ROM data were normalized to intact ROM data. Statistical comparisons of adjacent-segment normalized ROM between two of the groups (PSR followed by PSR+TLIF [n = 7] and CSR followed by CSR+TLIF [n = 7]) were performed using 2-way ANOVA with replication. Statistical comparisons among four of the groups (PSR+TLIF [n = 7], PSR+LLIF [n = 7], CSR+TLIF [n = 7], and CSR+LLIF [n = 7]) were made using 2-way ANOVA without replication. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Proximal adjacent-segment normalized ROM was significantly larger with PSR than CSR during flexion-extension regardless of TLIF (p = 0.02), or with either TLIF or LLIF (p = 0.04). During lateral bending with TLIF, the distal adjacent-segment normalized ROM was significantly larger with PSR than CSR (p < 0.001). Moreover, regardless of the types of screw-rod fixations (CSR or PSR), TLIF had a significantly larger normalized ROM than LLIF in all directions at both proximal and distal adjacent segments (p ≤ 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The use of PSR versus CSR during single-level lumbar fusion can significantly affect mobility at the adjacent segment, regardless of the presence of TLIF or with either TLIF or LLIF. Moreover, the type of interbody support also had a significant effect on adjacent-segment mobility.
Analysis of Alternative Baseplate-to-Heatsink Grounding Schemes in 10 kV SiC MOSFET Modules with Series-Connected Devices

In this work, baseplate-to-heatsink electrical connection schemes are analyzed for the Wolfspeed 10 kV XHV-9 SiC MOSFET half bridge power module in series-connected configuration for use as an equivalent "20 kV switch". Although the breakdown voltage rating of the two devices in the module can together support dc input voltages up to 20 kV, the electric field inside the module needs further consideration to reduce package electric field stress. With improper baseplate connection, the module substrate can potentially see bipolar PWM voltages with a peak to peak value up to the dc bus voltage with fast polarity reversal due to the high dv/dt switching speeds of the SiC MOSFET (> 50 V/ns). The module package is studied using finite-element analysis for two baseplate connection schemes with assumed internal defects in the module package. Experimental results show that a bipolar excitation across the substrate results in partial insulation breakdowns while a unipolar excitation of the same peak value yields reliable operation at the rated conditions. Further, a test coupon with an internal void is used to investigate the effect of bipolar voltage excitation on the partial discharge signature and the findings are reported.
The potential impact of triage protocols on racial disparities in clinical outcomes among COVID-positive patients in a large academic healthcare system.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact in the United States, particularly for Black populations, and has heavily burdened the healthcare system. Hospitals have created protocols to allocate limited resources, but there is concern that these protocols will exacerbate disparities. The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score is a tool often used in triage protocols. In these protocols, patients with higher SOFA scores are denied resources based on the assumption that they have worse clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess whether using SOFA score as a triage tool among COVID-positive patients would exacerbate racial disparities in clinical outcomes. Methods We analyzed data from a retrospective cohort of hospitalized COVID-positive patients in the Yale-New Haven Health System. We examined associations between race/ethnicity and peak overall/24-hour SOFA score, in-hospital mortality, and ICU admission. Other predictors of interest were age, sex, primary language, and insurance status. We used one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests to assess differences in SOFA score across racial/ethnic groups and linear and logistic regression to assess differences in clinical outcomes by sociodemographic characteristics. Results Our final sample included 2,554 patients. Black patients had higher SOFA scores compared to patients of other races. However, Black patients did not have significantly greater in-hospital mortality or ICU admission compared to patients of other races. Conclusion While Black patients in this sample of hospitalized COVID-positive patients had higher SOFA scores compared to patients of other races, this did not translate to higher in-hospital mortality or ICU admission. Results demonstrate that if SOFA score had been used to allocate care, Black COVID patients would have been denied care despite having similar clinical outcomes to white patients. Therefore, using SOFA score to allocate resources has the potential to exacerbate racial inequities by disproportionately denying care to Black patients and should not be used to determine access to care. Healthcare systems must develop and use COVID-19 triage protocols that prioritize equity.
Loans and Leaving: Migration and the Expansion of Microcredit in Cambodia

Over the last decade, the expansion of microfinance institutions (MFIs) has dramatically shifted the availability of credit across the developing world. This recent development provides an opportunity to examine the relationship between household labor migration and access to and use of formal credit. Both theories of migration and the expectations of formal credit providers have suggested that labor migration and credit are substitute solutions to the demand for capital in the developing world, with the implication that greater access to formal financial services may stem migration out of rural places. Using household survey data from Cambodia, an MFI-saturated country, we find that households using formal credit and households with greater access to formal credit are more likely to have labor migrants than households without access. This association persists across size of loan, purpose of loan, remittances behavior, and for domestic migrations. These findings complicate our understanding of the relationship between credit and migration, and call for a greater recognition of the importance of context in framing migration behavior.
Assessments of Mechanical and Life Limiting Properties of Two Candidate Silicon Nitrides for Stirling Convertor Heater Head Applications

NASA Glenn Research Center is developing advanced technology for Stirling convertors with a target of significantly improving the specific power and efficiency of the convertor and overall generator for Mars rovers and deep space missions. One specific approach to the target has been recognized as the use of appropriate high-temperature materials. As a series of ceramic material approaches in Advanced Stirling Convertor Development Program in fiscal year 2005, two commercial, structural silicon nitrides AS800 (Honeywell, Torrence, California) and SN282 (Kyocera, Vancouver, Washington) were selected and their mechanical and life limiting properties were characterized at 1050 C in air. AS800 exhibited both strength and Weibull modulus greater than SN282. A life limiting phenomenon was apparent in AS800 with a low slow crack growth parameter n = 15; whereas, a much increased resistance to slow crack growth was found in SN282 with n greater than 100. Difference in elastic modulus and thermal conductivity was negligible up to 1200 C between the two silicon nitrides. The same was true for the coefficient of thermal expansion up to 1400 C.
Diffusion of Information Technology Innovations

Diffusion may be described as the process through which a new innovation spreads across a population of individuals over time. As individuals typically adopt an innovation at different points in time, the diffusion process may extend for a considerable period of time. Diffusion is shaped by the attributes of: the information technology (IT) innovation; the individuals; the social network in which individuals are embedded; and the environment. Research on diffusion has yielded descriptive, econometric, and causal models that provide useful insights for practitioners. Descriptive models show how the diffusion pattern may conform to an S-shaped curve. Econometric models provide estimates of when and how fast innovations are likely to spread within a population. Causal models document contagion mechanisms such as critical mass, opinion leaders, homophily, and proximity that promote diffusion. This article reviews prior research in IT diffusion, including data collection and analysis methods, measurement and methodological issues, and implications for managers. Keywords: information technology; information systems; innovation; diffusion; contagion
Image Registration by Hierarchical Matching of Local Spatial Intensity Histograms

We previously presented a HAMMER image registration algorithm that demonstrated high accuracy in superposition of images from different individual brains. However, the HAMMER registration algorithm requires pre-segmentation of brain tissues, since the attribute vectors used to hierarchically match the corresponding pairs of points are defined from the segmented images. In many applications, the segmentation of tissues might be difficult, unreliable or even impossible to complete, which potentially limits the use of the HAMMER algorithm in more generalized applications. To overcome this limitation, we use local spatial intensity histograms to design a new type of attribute vector for each point in an intensity image. The histogram-based attribute vector is rotationally invariant, and more importantly it captures spatial information by integrating a number of local histograms that are calculated from multi-resolution images. The new attribute vectors are able to determine corresponding points across individual images. Therefore, by hierarchically matching new attribute vectors, the proposed registration method performs as successfully as the previous HAMMER algorithm did in registering MR brain images, while providing more general applications in registering images of other organs. Experimental results show good performance of the proposed method in registering MR brain images and CT pelvis images.
Chemical genomics: massively parallel technologies for rapid lead identification and target validation

Chemical genomics is a new research paradigm with importantapplications in drug discovery. It links genomic targets withsmall-molecule chemistries thereby allowing for efficient targetvalidation and lead compound identification. ACADIA'schemical-genomics platform consists of a large and diverse small-moleculelibrary (800,000), a reference drug library (2,000), druggablegenomic targets (>300) and a cell-based functional assaytechnology (R-SATTM; Receptor Selection and AmplificationTechnology) that allows for ultra-high throughput screening(>500,000 data points/week) as well as high throughputpharmacology and profiling over a wide range of targets. Twoexamples are presented that illustrate the success of ourchemical-genomics approach: (i) The validation of inverse agonismat serotonin 5-HT2A receptors as an antipsychotic mechanismand the subsequent discovery of potent and selectively acting 5-HT2A inverse agonists, currently in preclinical development,and (ii) the discovery of the first ectopically binding subtype-selective muscarinic m1 agonist.
Chapter 10 – Thermodynamic and mechanical properties of HMX from atomistic simulations

The goal of studies to understand the physical response of plastic-bonded high explosives (PBXs) is to identify and characterize the essential dissipative processes that must be captured to provide reliable, physically based subgrid physics models for use in predictive, macroscale engineering codes. The high explosive octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) is the energetic material in a number of high performance military explosive and propellant formulations. HMX exhibits three crystal polymorphs at ambient pressure denoted β-, α-, and ∂-HMX and listed in terms of stability with increasing temperature. At temperature T∼550 K the crystalline structure becomes unstable and HMX begins to melt. The liquid phase of HMX is unstable and, therefore, no direct measurements of hermophysical properties of liquid HMX have been conducted. Nevertheless, melt properties as well as mechanical and thermodynamic properties of crystalline HMX are crucial for a complete modeling of HMX decomposition under external stimuli. Judicious application of molecular simulation tools for the calculation of thermophysical and mechanical properties is a viable strategy for obtaining some of the information required as input to mesoscale equations of state. Given a validated potential-energy surface, simulations can serve as a complement to experimental data by extending intervals in pressure and temperature for which information is available. This chapter also details force field—general philosophy, quantum chemistry, and force field parameterization and validation. There are descriptions of simulations of liquid HMX—its viscosity and self-diffusion coefficient, and thermal conductivity—crystalline HMX—the structural properties, enthalpy of sublimation, and hydrostatic compression. There are notes on the properties of melt curve, the specific heat and Gruneisen coefficient, and solid–solid phase transitions. β-∂ transition involves conformational rearrangement of the molecular structure and is accompanied by damage that arises of in-commensurate structures.
UNDERSTANDING VELIC MOTOR CONTROL: STUDIES OF SEGMENTAL CONTEXT

Publisher Summary Linguistically, that is, phonologically, the velopharyngeal mechanism is required only to provide a binary distinction between nasal and oral segments. However, physiologically, the velopharyngeal mechanism system is required to function in such a way as to provide sufficient closure of the velic port to prevent acoustic and aerodynamic coupling of the nasal and oral tracts for the production of oral segments and to enhance acoustic coupling for nasal segments. That is, the velopharyngeal port must be effectively closed for oral phonemes and effectively open for nasal phonemes, and this may require more than two velic position values. Researchers from a number of fields have been concerned with describing the nature of oral/nasal articulatory behaviors, motivated by questions of linguistic intent and by the need for clinical tools for evaluating and treating persons with anomalous or otherwise malfunctioning articulatory mechanisms. The basic unit of speech organization is segmental. The gestures for segment sequences are realized sequentially, with overlapping of gesture onsets and offsets. The carryover coarticulation is more pervasive and important in determining the time course of articulatory movements than is anticipatory coarticulation.
(Un)Translatability and the Autobiographical Subject in Maryse Condé's La vie sans fards

Maryse Conde's second autobiographical narrative, La vie sans fards, depicts the author's experience living in West Africa as a “doomed affair,” a story of dashed expectations. The text, however, can also be read as an example of untranslatability, of a self-definition finding no dynamic equivalence in a different cultural context or linguistic framework.La segunda narrativa autobiografica de Maryse Conde, La vie sans fards, describe la experiencia del autora de vivir en el oeste de Africa como una “aventura condenada,” y expectativas descontinuadas. De todas formas, el texto puede ser tomado como un ejemplo de “intraducibilidad,” de una auto-definicion al no encontrar una dinamica equivalente en un contexto cultural o marco linguistico diferente.
GPUs for data processing in the MWA

The MWA is a next-generation radio interferometer under construction in remote Western Australia. The data rate from the correlator makes storing the raw data infeasible, so the data must be processed in real-time. The processing task is of order ~10 TFLOPS. The remote location of the MWA limits the power that can be allocated to computing. We describe the design and implementation of elements of the MWA real-time data processing system which leverage the computing abilities of modern graphics processing units (GPUs). The matrix algebra and texture mapping capabilities of GPUs are well suited to the majority of tasks involved in real-time calibration and imaging. Considerable performance advantages over a conventional CPU-based reference implementation are obtained.
Coronal Axis Measurement of the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Using a Linear Transducer

Objectives The true optic nerve sheath diameter cutoff value for detecting elevated intracranial pressure is variable. The variability may stem from the technique used to acquire sonographic measurements of the optic nerve sheath diameter as well as sonographic artifacts inherent to the technique. The purpose of this study was to compare the traditional visual axis technique to an infraorbital coronal axis technique for assessing the optic nerve sheath diameter using a high-frequency linear array transducer. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at an academic medical center. Timed optic nerve sheath diameter measurements were obtained on both eyes of healthy adult volunteers with a 10-5-MHz broadband linear array transducer using both traditional visual axis and coronal axis techniques. Optic nerve sheath diameter measurements were obtained by 2 sonologists who graded the difficulty of each technique and were blinded to each other's measurements for each participant. Results A total of 42 volunteers were enrolled, yielding 84 optic nerve sheath diameter measurements. There were no significant differences in the measurements between the techniques on either eye (P = .23 [right]; P = .99 [left]). Additionally, there was no difference in the degree of difficulty obtaining the measurements between the techniques (P = .16). There was a statistically significant difference in the time required to obtain the measurements between the traditional and coronal techniques (P Conclusions Infraorbital coronal axis measurements are similar to measurements obtained in the traditional visual axis. The infraorbital coronal axis technique is slightly faster to perform and is not technically challenging.
BIOSYNTHESIS OF GRAMICIDIN AND TYROCIDINE IN THE DUBOS STRAIN OF BACILLUS BREVIS I. Experiments with Growing Cultures

Okuda, Kiyoshi (Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Hawaii, Honolulu), Gordon C. Edwards, and Theodore Winnick. Biosynthesis of gramicidin and tyrocidine in the Dubos strain of Bacillus brevis. I. Experiments with growing cultures. J. Bacteriol. 85:329–338. 1963.—A simple chromatographic method was developed for the isolation of gramicidin and tyrocidine from tyrothricin of Bacillus brevis. A Tryptone-yeast extract-glucose medium containing mineral salts gave the best yields of peptides in a stationary culture of the organism. The incorporation of suitable C14-labeled amino acids into gramicidin and tyrocidine was studied Several analogues of tyrocidine amino acids (β-hydroxyglutamic acid, pipecolic acid, β-2-thienylalanine, p-fluorophenylalanine, and phenyl glycine) selectively reduced tyrocidine synthesis, when added to the nutrient medium. At the same time, the production of gramicidin was augmented. Growth and protein synthesis were not affected. Two analogues in isotopic form, β-2-thienylalanine and isoleucine, were shown to give rise to high degrees of labeling in tyrocidine.
A Review of “Arts, Inc.: How Greed and Neglect Have Destroyed our Cultural Rights”

In Arts, Inc.: How Greed and Neglect Have Destroyed our Cultural Rights, Bill Ivey, Director of the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University and former NEA Chair,...
The expression of TGFβ signal transducers in the hypodermis regulates body size in C. elegans

In C. elegans, a TGFbeta-related signaling pathway regulates body size. Loss of function of the signaling ligand (dbl-1), receptors (daf-4 and sma-6) or Smads (sma-2, sma-3 and sma-4) results in viable, but smaller animals because of a reduction in postembryonic growth. We have investigated the tissue specificity of this pathway in body size regulation. We show that different tissues are reduced in size by different proportions, with hypodermal blast cell size most closely proportional to body size. We show that SMA-3 Smad is expressed in pharynx, intestine and hypodermis, as has been previously reported for the type I receptor SMA-6. Furthermore, we find that SMA-3::GFP is nuclear localized in all of these tissues, and that nuclear localization is enhanced by SMA-6 activity. Interestingly, SMA-3 protein accumulation was found to be negatively regulated by the level of Sma/Mab pathway activity. Using genetic mosaic analysis and directed expression of SMA-3, we find that SMA-3 activity in the hypodermis is necessary and sufficient for normal body size. As dbl-1 is expressed primarily in the nervous system, these results suggest a model in which postembryonic growth of hypodermal cells is regulated by TGFbeta-related signaling from the nervous system to the hypodermis.
Determination of flood characteristics using systematic, historical and paleoflood data

Flood frequency analysis has been typically undertaken based on systematic records alone. However, in the past two decades, the value of using historical data and paleoflood data in flood frequency analysis has been recognized. In this chapter, the basis and applications of historical and paleoflood data to increase the flood data base are reviewed along with a description of the methods of flood frequency analysis where systematic, historical, and paleoflood data are available.
Optical inspection of EUV and SCALPEL reticles

Next Generation Lithography (NGL) reticle inspection poses some difficult problems. The masks dictate that reflection images, rather than the more usual transmission images, be used for inspection. The smaller linewidths and feature sizes of NGL will require the optical inspection images to have better resolution than has been needed for conventional masks. In this paper we present inspection images and inspection results for EUV and EPL programmed defect test reticles using both UV and DUV reticle inspection systems. Our emphasis has been on providing feedback to the mask manufacturing process to help optimize the inspectability of NGL masks, as well as determining whether the required sensitivity for the 100 nm and 70 nm nodes can be met with optical inspection. Simulated and actual images of NGL masks have proven useful in identifying the important factors in optimizing image contrast. We have found that image contrast varies markedly with inspection wavelength, and that the inspection wavelength must be considered in the design of NGL masks if optimum defect sensitivity is to be obtained. This research was sponsored in part by NIST-ATP and KLA-Tencor Cooperative Agreement #70NANB8H44024.
Effects of High Shearing Stress Combined with High Hydrostatic Pressure

Mean hydrostatic pressures up to 50,000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ combined with shearing stresses up to the plastic flow point are produced in thin disks confined between hardened steel parts so mounted that they may be subjected to normal pressure and torque simultaneously. Qualitative and quantitative studies are made of the effects of such stresses. Among the qualitative effects it is found that many substances normally stable become unstable and may detonate, and conversely combinations of substances normally inert to each other may be made to combine explosively. Quantitatively, the shearing stress at the plastic flow point may be measured as a function of pressure. The shearing stress at plastic flow may rise to the order of 10 or more times greater at 50,000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ than it is normally at atmospheric pressure; this is contrary to the usually accepted results in a narrower range of pressure. If the substance undergoes a polymorphic transition under these conditions of stress, there may be a break in the curve of shearing stress vs. pressure. This gives a very convenient tool for the detection of transitions. 57 elements have been explored in this way, and a number of new polymorphic transitions found.
Combining capillary electrophoresis matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and stable isotopic labeling techniques for comparative crustacean peptidomics

Herein we describe a sensitive and straightforward off-line capillary electrophoresis (CE) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) interface in conjunction with stable isotopic labeling (SIL) technique for comparative neuropeptidomic analysis in crustacean model organisms. Two SIL schemes, including a binary H/D formaldehyde labeling technique and novel, laboratory-developed multiplexed dimethylated leucine-based isobaric tagging reagents, have been evaluated in these proof-of-concept experiments. We employ these isotopic labeling techniques in conjunction with CE-MALDI-MS for quantitative peptidomic analyses of the pericardial organs isolated from two crustacean species, the European green crab Carcinus maenas and the blue crab Callinectes sapidus. Isotopically labeled peptide pairs are found to co-migrate in CE fractions and quantitative changes in relative abundances of peptide pairs are obtained by comparing peak intensities of respective peptide pairs. Several neuropeptide families exhibit changes in response to salinity stress, suggesting potential physiological functions of these signaling peptides.
Will the real error floor please stand up

In this paper we continue our study of the influence of message saturation and quantization on the error-rate performance of iterative, message-passing decoders for low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. We extend our previous analytical results for the min-sum algorithm (MSA) and its variants to the sum-product algorithm (SPA), demonstrating the significant impact of message saturation on the appearance and location of error floors. Simulation results for selected LDPC codes on the binary symmetric channel (BSC) and the additive white Gaussian noise channel (AWGNC) confirm that the benefits of a quasiuniform quantization scheme, already observed in the context of MSA decoding, apply also to SPA-based decoding.
Interpersonal Competence Configurations, Attachment to Community, and Residential Aspirations of Rural Adolescents.

Adolescents who grow-up in rural areas often experience a tension between their attachment to the rural lifestyle afforded by their home community and a competing desire to gain educational, social, and occupational experiences that are only available in metropolitan areas. While these diverging pressures are well-documented, there is little information about linkages between rural high school students’ views of their communities, their postsecondary aspirations, and their school adjustment. To address this issue, this study examined perceptions of community and residential aspirations in an ethnically diverse sample of 8,754 rural adolescents (51.5% female) in relationship to their competence and risk status in high school. Participants were from 73 rural high schools across 34 states. In addition, ratings on participants’ school adjustment were provided by teachers (n = 667). High competence students (i.e., those in configurations of high positive and low negative teacher-rated characteristics) expressed positive perceptions of their rural lifestyle and many, particularly girls, indicated an interest in staying in or returning to their home community. Low competence youth (i.e., those in configurations of low positive and high negative teacher-rated characteristics) appeared to be less connected to their community and were more likely to express their intent to leave and not return. These results appear to qualify current concerns about “rural brain drain” and also suggest that the lack of attachment to the community may be a compounding risk factor for rural adolescents who have significant school adjustment problems.
Stereoselective synthesis of 2-deoxy-beta-galactosides via 2-deoxy-2-bromo- and 2-deoxy-2-iodo-galactopyranosyl donors.

A series of 2-bromo- and 2-iodo-galactopyranosyl acetates and trichloroacetimidates were evaluated as glycosyl donors for the synthesis of 2-deoxygalactopyranosides. The best selectivity for the β-glycosidic linkage was achieved by using 6-deoxy-3,4-carbonate-protected galactosyl donors.
Generators and relations for the affine rings of the classical groups

(1992). Generators and relations for the affine rings of the classical groups. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 20, No. 10, pp. 2877-2902.
SU-E-I-54: Volumetric Breast Density: Comparison of Estimates From Tomosynthesis Reconstructions with Mammography

Purpose: To measure the volumetric breast density (VBD) from digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) reconstructions and compare with estimates from mammography. Methods: A kernel-based fuzzy c-means algorithm developed to segment DBT reconstructed slices to provide anatomic priors for near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in a multimodality NIRS/DBT clinical-prototype imaging system was used to quantitate VBD. The VBD was determined from 17 DBT reconstructions of 11 breasts from 9 subjects (6 subjects—unilateral 2-view, 1 subject—unilateral craniocaudal (CC) view, 2 subjects—bilateral CC view) who underwent multimodality NIRS/DBT imaging. VBD from mammography (Quantra, Hologic Inc.) matched for subject, breast laterality and view was used for comparison. To account for differences in compressed breast thickness (T) between the modalities, the metric normalized VBD (nVBD = VBD/T) was considered. Results: All data satisfied normality assumption (Shapiro-Wilks, p>0.06). Pearson's correlation (r) and paired t-tests were used for analysis. The normalized VBD (nVBD) was statistically correlated (r=0.66, p<0.01) between the two modalities, but the VBD was not (r=0.47, p=0.06), as the compressed breast thickness (p=0.01, difference=6.6+/−9.8 mm) and the total breast volume (p<0.01, difference=183+/−169 cc) were higher with mammography than with clinical-prototype NIRS-coupled DBT system, while the fibroglandular volume was not different (p=0.21). The intra-modality nVBD assessed between 2-views of the same breast (n=6) were better correlated (r=0.86, p=0.03) in DBT than in mammography (r=0.57, p=0.24). Conclusion: Normalized VBD (nVBD) could be a better metric when compressed breast thickness differs between the modalities. nVBD estimated from DBT is better correlated between 2-views of the same breast than mammography and could improve the consistency in the estimate. The algorithm, in addition to providing anatomic priors for NIRS reconstruction, may also be suitable for breast density estimation. Ability to use DBT reconstructions could facilitate widespread adaptation. Future studies will investigate VBD from images acquired on a combined mammography/DBT system. This work was supported in parts by National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants R01CA139449 and R21CA176470. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official views of the NIH or the National Cancer Institute.
The waiting time for a second mutation: An alternative to the Moran model

Abstract The appearance of cancer in a tissue is thought to be the result of two or more successive mutations. We propose a stochastic model that allows for an exact computation of the distribution of the waiting time for a second mutation. This models the time of appearance of the first cancerous cell in a tissue. Our model is an alternative to the Moran model with mutations.
Clinician identification of chronically ill patients who have problems paying for prescription medications.

Abstract Purpose Little is known about whether health care providers are effectively identifying patients who have difficulty covering the costs of out-of-pocket prescription medications. We examined whether and how providers are identifying chronically ill adults who have potential problems paying for prescription medications. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a national sample of 4050 adults aged 50 years or older who use prescription medications for at least one of five chronic health conditions. The primary outcome measure was patient report of being asked by a doctor or nurse in the prior 12 months whether the patient could afford the prescribed medication. The measures of prescription cost burden were cost-related underuse of medications, cutting back on other necessities to pay for medications, and worries about medication costs. We adjusted for patient income, education, race/ethnicity, age, sex, health status, number of prescribed medications, pharmacy benefits, frequency of outpatient visits, having a regular health care provider, and sampling weights. Results In the weighted analyses, 16% (547/4050) of respondents reported that they had been asked about potential problems paying for a prescribed medication. Only 360 (24%) of the 1499 respondents who reported one or more burdens from out-of-pocket medication costs reported being asked this question. After adjusting for potential confounders, patients who had cut back on medication use or other necessities to cover payments were no more likely than other patients to be asked about the ability to pay for prescription medications. Concerns about medication costs, being a racial/ethnic minority, taking seven or more prescription medications, and having no prescription coverage were independently associated with a greater likelihood of being asked about possible problems with prescription costs. Conclusion Few chronically ill patients who are at risk of or experiencing problems related to prescription medication costs report that their clinicians had asked them about possible medication payment difficulties.
Increasing physician comfort level in screening and counseling patients for intimate partner violence: hands-on practice

Abstract A paucity of literature exists on implementing and evaluating residency curriculum addressing intimate partner violence. We used unknown simulated patients in a university-based family practice clinic following a pilot curriculum intervention. The curriculum focused on physician comfort with screening, counseling, and referral of patients, using standard conferences as well as a role-play session. Subsequently, unknown simulated patients were inserted into residents’ clinic schedules during videotaped sessions. Evaluation included skills checklists from simulated patients, review of videotapes, and post-study resident interviews. Use of unknown simulated patients encouraged residents to consider and screen for intimate partner violence. Using simulated patients is logistically complex but provides a powerful residency training tool. Residents reported attitude changes favoring a more comprehensive role and reported greater comfort and confidence with screening and counseling.
EVOLUTION OF EXINE STRUCTURE IN THE POLLEN OF PRIMITIVE ANGIOSPERMS

Diversity in the structure of the exine in 35 families of the ranalean complex is compared through a series of representative scanning electronmicrographs, and evolutionary trends in exine structure of primitive angiosperms are outlined, along with discussion of the significance of these data for understanding the evolution of exine structure in flowering plants as a whole. In order to reduce ambiguity in the palynological literature, it is suggested that persons undertaking light microscope studies of unstained, acetolyzed pollen grains adopt the morphological terms sexine-nexine in describing pollen wall layers while restricting their use of the chemically defined terms ektexine-endexine largely to pollen studies carried out with the transmission electron microscope. This study emphasizes that a clear understanding of the palynological concept of structure versus sculpturing is a necessary prerequisite for the taxonomic/ phylogenetic use of pollen wall morphology. Finally, data from investigation of a number of ranalean families of primitive angiosperms support the conclusion that the direction of a recurrent and major evolutionary trend in exine structure of flowering plants proceeds from pollen that is tectate-imperforate to tectate-perforate pollen to semitectate pollen, and more rarely, to pollen grains that are intectate.
Reproductive ecology and the endometrium: Physiology, variation, and new directions

Endometrial function is often overlooked in the study of fertility in reproductive ecology, but it is crucial to implantation and the support of a successful pregnancy. Human female reproductive physiology can handle substantial energy demands that include the production of fecund cycles, ovulation, fertilization, placentation, a 9-month gestation, and often several years of lactation. The particular morphology of the human endometrium as well as our relative copiousness of menstruation and large neonatal size suggests that endometrial function has more resources allocated to it than many other primates. The human endometrium has a particularly invasive kind of hemochorial placentation and trophoblast that maximizes surface area and maternal-fetal contact, yet these processes are actually less efficient than the placentation of some of our primate relatives. The human endometrium and its associated processes appear to prioritize maximizing the transmission of oxygen and glucose to the fetus over efficiency and protection of maternal resources. Ovarian function controls many aspects of endometrial function and thus variation in the endometrium is often a reflection of ecological factors that impact the ovaries. However, preliminary evidence and literature from populations of different reproductive states, ages and pathologies also suggests that ecological stress plays a role in endometrial variation, different from or even independent of ovarian function. Immune stress and psychosocial stress appear to play some role in the endometrium's ability to carry a fetus through the mechanism of inflammation. Thus, within reproductive ecology we should move towards a model of women's fecundity and fertility that includes many components of ecological stress and their effects not only on the ovaries, but on processes related to endometrial function. Greater attention on the endometrium may aid in unraveling several issues in hominoid and specifically human evolutionary biology: a low implantation rate, high rates of early pregnancy loss, prenatal investment in singletons but postnatal support of several dependent offspring at once, and higher rate of reproductive and pregnancy-related pathology compared to other primates, ranging from endometriosis to preeclampsia. The study of the endometrium may also complicate some of these issues, as it raises the question of why humans have a maximally invasive placentation method and yet slow fetal growth rates. In this review, I will describe endometrial physiology, methods of measurement, variation, and some of the ecological variables that likely produce variation and pregnancy losses to demonstrate the necessity of further study. I propose several basic avenues of study that leave room for testable hypotheses in the field of reproductive ecology. And finally, I describe the potential of this work not just in reproductive ecology, but in the resolution of broader women's health issues.