cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nd-YAG Laser Damage to Metal and Silicone Endobronchial Stents: Delineation of Margins of Safety Using an In Vitro Experimental Model

Abstract Study objective To identify margins of safety within which bronchoscopic Nd-YAG laser resection can be performed without damaging indwelling tracheobronchial stents. Design Experimental in vitro study simulating a patient-care environment. Methods Uncovered and covered metal Wallstent (Schneider; Zurich, Switzerland) and Dumon (Bryan Corporation; Woburn, MA) silicone stents were deployed in the tracheobronchial tree of a ventilated and oxygenated (fraction of inspired oxygen, 40%) heart-lung block of a dead canine. Rigid bronchoscopic Nd-YAG (1,064 nm) laser procedures were performed in order to deliver laser energy using fiber-to-target distances of 10 mm and 20 mm, and noncontact, continuous-mode, 1-s pulses at power settings of 10 W, 30 W, and 40 W. The major outcome measure was laser-induced stent damage, defined as discoloration, ignition, or breakage. This was assessed using six power densities: 75 W/cm 2 , 172 W/cm 2 , 225 W/cm 2 , 300 W/cm 2 , 518 W/cm 2 , and 690 W/cm 2 . Results The uncovered Wallstent and the silicone stent remained intact at power densities of 75 W/cm 2 (10 W, 20 mm) and 172 W/cm 2 (10 W, 10 mm), but were damaged at power densities > 225 W/cm 2 (30 W, 20 mm). The covered Wallstent was damaged at all power densities tested. Conclusion Uncovered Wallstent and silicone stents are not damaged when Nd-YAG laser energy is delivered using power densities ≤ 172 W/cm 2 (10 W, 10 mm). Covered Wallstents, however, had a high likelihood of ignition at all power densities studied.
Authority, Performance, and Interpretation in Religious Reading: Critical Issues of Intercultural Communication and Multiple Literacies

This paper addresses two critical issues related to language and literacy. The first is the need to better appreciate how literacy practices and values, whether shared, complementary or disparate, mediate intercultural contact, communication, and conflict. The second issue is how to theorize using new models of what literacy is in an age of multiple literacies and increasingly global communication. From a multiple literacies and new genre perspective, readers give meaning to texts in culturally and historical embedded literacy practices. Focusing on the under-researched area of religious literacy practices, I seek to show how the oral performance of texts and their interpretation by textual communities constitute enactments of textual authority. Using the related frameworks of activity, genre, and critical discourse theories, I examine literacy practices in their sociohistorical contexts. Examples of religious reading practices and stances are drawn primarily from Orthodox Jewish reading practices, which ...
Bistatic RCS Calculations From Cylindrical Near-Field Measurements—Part II: Experiments

Bistatic radar cross section (RCS) is computed from cylindrical near-field measurements obtained in a radio anechoic chamber with the target illuminated by a compact-range reflector. Near-field measurement is convenient where the RCS of complex targets is not amenable to computation or where computational results require experimental confirmation. A companion paper addresses the theory of cylindrical near-field scanning with reference to our experimental system. RCS of canonical targets derived from near-field measurement are in good agreement with theory. This paper compares the far fields computed from the near-field measurements with numerical solutions. Separating the target-scattered fields from incident and background fields presents a major challenge in an indoor bistatic radar configuration. We discuss the errors introduced by a residue of the incident field that is not canceled by the background subtraction method currently in use. A slow drift in system parameters and probe column oscillations are among the contributing factors
Synthesis of specific IgG idiotypes by rheumatoid synovium

Synovial tissue samples from 6 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were cultured, and the IgG antibodies isolated from the synovial culture supernatants were used to immunize rabbits to make 6 antiidiotypic (anti-Id) antibody preparations. After extensive adsorption, the rabbit anti-Id were tested in a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Each anti-Id reacted predominantly with the immunizing synovial IgG and showed almost no reactivity with either pooled normal human serum IgG or with IgG from 50 normal donors. When identical amounts of matched rheumatoid arthritis serum IgG and synovial culture supernatant IgG were probed simultaneously with the corresponding rabbit anti-Id in an ELISA, 3 of 6 pairs demonstrated an increased concentration of specific idiotypes in the synovial culture supernatant IgG. Furthermore, when these 6 matched samples were subsequently analyzed by isoelectric focusing, individual IgG antibodies in 5 of 6 synovial IgG samples revealed enhanced reactivity with the corresponding rabbit anti-Id preparations, when compared with matched serum IgG. This increased synovial concentration of specific idiotypes detected by both the ELISA and isoelectric focusing was compatible with enhanced synovial tissue synthesis of the antibodies involved. These specific Id/anti-Id reactivities were not blocked by excess normal human Fc, Fab, or F(ab')2 fragments, indicating a lack of association of the stimulating synovial antibodies with rheumatoid factors or antibodies against other IgG fragments (pepsin agglutinators).
GUS: A graphical system for capturing structural knowledge about communications networks

A graphical user interface for structural knowledge, GUS, which provides an interactive mouse and menu-driven interface for capturing the structural knowledge for a specific application domain is presented. This domain is a large-scale communications network system. GUS is implemented on a Symbolics 3670 Lisp machine in Zetalisp. A combination of the mouse, menus, window system, and object-oriented flavors package provide the necessary tools for building GUS. User interaction is primarily by manipulation of a mouse-controlled cursor. Components are selected with the mouse for addition from a library of component icons and then positioned on the drawing area. A critical evaluation and comparison with other similar tools is also presented. >
1: Studies of Problem Solving, Judgment, and Decision Making: Implications for Educational Research

Bruner (1971) quotes an aphorism he attributes to the English Platonist Weldon. It is apt as a prolegomenon to this chapter: ". . . there are three kinds of things in the world: there are troubles which we do not know quite how to handle; then there are puzzles with their clear conditions and unique solutions, marvelously elegant; and then there are problems-and these we invent by finding an appropriate puzzle form to impose upon a trouble" (p. 104). Educational researchers attack problems for which convenient puzzle forms exist. As evidence for this assertion, witness the continuing preoccupation with studies of paired-associate learning, adjunct questions, learning hierarchies, and social-class differences in intelligence and achievement. Research typically slights the problem of how teachers think about their pupils and instructional problems; it concentrates instead on how teachers act or perform in the classroom. It is our hope that by providing a number of "puzzle forms" for the study of individual judgment and problem solving, we can make it possible for more of our colleagues to pursue educational research in these areas. In this chapter we shall review representative studies and theoretical proposals on thinking, human judgment, and decision making. Since "judgment," "decision making," and "problem solving" are used in so many ways, the scope of our treatment will be outlined here. First, the focus will be mostly
Moving towards rational pharmacological management of pain with an improved classification system of pain

Recognition that untreated pain can have serious deleterious effects has lead to significant resources being devoted towards understanding physiology, controlling nociception and implementing standards that promise to improve treatment of pain. Recently, improved knowledge and the appreciation of the need for a polypharmaceutical approach has lead to an appreciation that the classification of pain syndromes is the best approach towards rationalising treatment approaches. Older classification approaches such as acute and chronic, neuropathic, or nociceptive have not been universally useful for the clinician [1]. These classification schemes do not recognise that patients with pain often have mixed pain syndromes and do not fall neatly into these schemes. In addition, these classification schemes cannot represent newer advances in the understanding of pain and its physiology. Due to the growing variety of treatment approaches, classification of pain syndromes is often the best first step towards understanding a patient's pathophysiological process, initiating appropriate treatment and improving patient outcomes.
How do annuloplasty rings affect mitral leaflet dynamic motion

Objectives: To define the effects of annuloplasty rings (ARs) on the dynamic motion of anterior mitral leaflet (AML) and posterior mitral leaflet (PML).Methods:Fifty-eightadult,Dorsett-hybrid,malesheep(49 5 kg)hadradiopaquemarkersinserted:eightaroundthemitralannulus,four along the central meridian (from edge to annulus) of the AML (#A1—#A4) and one on the PML edge (#P1). True-sized Edwards Cosgrove (COS, n = 12), St Jude RSAR (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) (n = 12), Carpentier—Edwards Physio (PHYSIO, n = 12), Edwards IMR ETlogix (ETL, n = 10) or Edwards GeoForm (GEO,n = 12) ARs were implanted in a releasable fashion. Under acute open-chest conditions, 4D marker coordinates were obtained using biplane videofluoroscopy with the respective AR inserted (COS, RSAR, PHYSIO, ETL and GEO) and after release (COS-Control, RSAR-Control, PHYSIO-Control, ETL-Control and GEO-Control). AML and PML excursions were calculated as the difference between minimum and maximum angles between the central mitral annular septal-lateral chord and the AML edge markers (a1exc—a4exc) and PML edge marker (b1exc) during the cardiac cycle. Results: Relative to Control, (1) RSAR, PHYSIO, ETL and GEO increased excursion of the AML annular (a4exc :1 3 68 vs 16 78*, 16 78 vs 23 108*, 12 48 vs 18 98*, 15 18 vs 20 98*, respectively) and belly region (a2exc :4 1 108 vs 45 108*, 42 88 vs 45 68, n.s., 33 138 vs 42 148*, 39 68 vs 44 68*, respectively, a3exc :2 4 98 vs 29 118*, 28 108 vs 33 108*, 16 98 vs 21 128*, 25 78 vs 29 98*, respectively), but not of the AML edge (a1exc :4 2 88 vs 44 88 ,4 3 88 vs 41 68 ,4 2 11 vs 46 108 ,3 9 98 vs 38 88, respectively, all n.s.). COS did not affect AML excursion (a1exc :4 0 88 vs 37 88, a2exc :4 3 98 vs 41 98, a3exc :2 7 118 vs 27 108, a4exc: 18 88 vs 17 78, all n.s.). (2) PML excursion (b1exc) was reduced with GEO (53 58 vs 43 68*), but unchanged with COS, RSAR, PHYSIO or ETL (53 138 vs 52 158 ,5 0 138 vs 49 108 ,5 5 58 vs 55 78 ,5 2 88 vs 58 68, respectively, all n.s); * = p < 0.05. Conclusions:RSAR, PHYSIO, ETL and GEO rings, but not COS, increase AML excursion of the AML annular and belly region, suggesting higher anterior mitral leaflet bending stresses with rigid rings, which potentially could be deleterious with respect to repair durability. The decreased PML excursion observed with GEO could impair left ventricular filling. Clinical studies are needed to validate these findings in patients. # 2010 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Guided waves in bounded media with random gross inhomogeneities

A formalism to deal with propagation in waveguides containing media with statistically inhomogeneous, random, gross inhomogeneities over a finite axial range is proposed. Statistics of the propagating fields are obtained in terms of those of the medium through an iterative perturbation technique which does not use expansion in a small parameter. A modal expansion, with a nonlinear phase progression term in the exponent of the axial dependence of the incident mode, is utilized and permits the direct calculation of all desired field statistics from the formal perturbation expressions for the modal amplitudes and phase progression. Examples are presented to show that many quantities of interest, involving mode coupling and transmission and reflection parameter., may straightforwardly be determined through this procedure. Some prevalent notions concerning the significance of the mean wave are discussed.
Atropine-lnduced cardioacceleration and myocardial blood flow in subjects with and without coronary artery disease

Abstract Thirty-five patients being studied by coronary cineangiography for diagnosis or evaluation of coronary atherosclerotic occlusive disease had myocardial blood flow determinations at rest and after intravenous administration of atropine sulfate, 1.0 mg. Myocardial blood flow was determined by a coincidence counting system and a single bolus injection of 84 rubidium chloride. In 10 patients without coronary occlusive disease, heart rate increased by 52 percent and myocardial blood flow by 48 percent ( P r = 0.888). In 14 patients with single vessel disease or partial occlusion of two vessels, myocardial blood flow increased by 44 percent and heart rate by 37 percent ( P r = 0.553). In 11 patients with two or three vessel occlusive disease, heart rate increased by 30 percent whereas myocardial blood flow increased by only 15 percent ( r = −0.172). We conclude that patients with two and three vessel involvement by atherosclerotic occlusive disease are unable to increase nutrient myocardial blood flow in response to atropine-induced Cardioacceleration to the same degree as patients without coronary disease or with less extensive disease. The observation may be of therapeutic importance because of the potential that administration of atropine may have for inducing myocardial ischemia in such patients.
Tailoring Oils to Engines

A communications network between the engine builders, additive suppliers, petroleum companies, and consumers is essential in the continuous tailoring of engine oils to meet new engine requirements. The sae/astm/api tripartite engine oil performance and engine service classification system is recognized worldwide as a base for adding further requirements for various geographic areas. Attempts to develop one worldwide specification system have been thwarted by lack of unified agreement within, as well as between, the pertinent geographic areas of the world. In addition, worldwide specifications would not provide cost/performance optimization for areas not requiring each of the included engine oil parameters, and oil formulation compromises required to meet total world requirements could weaken oil performance in a specific area. As new engine designs place additional burdens on engine oils, the role of chemical additives to meet these demands increases. Revised engine oil evaluation tests are an associated need. Continued efforts toward elusive worldwide engine oil specifications will provide benefits by consolidating the number of expensive laboratory engine tests required to define engine oil performance. (TRRL)
Running the Web backwards: appliance data services

Abstract `Appliance' digital devices such as handheld cameras, scanners, and microphones generate data that people want to put on Web pages. Unfortunately, numerous complex steps are required. Contrast this with Web output: handheld Web browsers enjoy increasing infrastructural support such as user-transparent transformation proxies, allowing unmodified Web pages to be conveniently viewed on devices not originally designed for the task. We hypothesize that the utility of input appliances will be greatly increased if they too were `infrastructure enabled'. Appliance Data Services attempts to systematically describe the task domain of providing seamless and graceful interoperability between input appliances and the Web. We offer an application architecture and a validating prototype that we hope will `open up the playing field' and motivate further work. Our initial efforts have identified two main design challenges: dealing with device heterogeneity, and providing a `no-futz' out-of-the-box user experience for novices without sacrificing expressive power for advanced users. We address heterogeneity by isolating device and protocol heterogeneity considerations into a single extensible architectural component, allowing most of the application logic to deal exclusively with Web-friendly protocols and formats. We address the user interface issue in two ways: first, by specifying how to tag input with commands that specify how data are to be manipulated once injected into the infrastructure; second, by describing a late-binding mechanism for these command-tags, which allows `natural' extensions of the device's UI for application selection and minimizes the amount of configuration required before end-users benefit from Appliance Data Services. Finally, we describe how to leverage existing services in the infrastructure; our prototype is based on HTTP and Java but our architecture could also leverage services connected via Jini or CORBA. We also describe an implemented prototype of parts of the architecture and a specific application.
Measuring and improving patient safety through health information technology: The Health IT Safety Framework

Health information technology (health IT) has potential to improve patient safety but its implementation and use has led to unintended consequences and new safety concerns. A key challenge to improving safety in health IT-enabled healthcare systems is to develop valid, feasible strategies to measure safety concerns at the intersection of health IT and patient safety. In response to the fundamental conceptual and methodological gaps related to both defining and measuring health IT-related patient safety, we propose a new framework, the Health IT Safety (HITS) measurement framework, to provide a conceptual foundation for health IT-related patient safety measurement, monitoring, and improvement. The HITS framework follows both Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and sociotechnical approaches and calls for new measures and measurement activities to address safety concerns in three related domains: 1) concerns that are unique and specific to technology (e.g., to address unsafe health IT related to unavailable or malfunctioning hardware or software); 2) concerns created by the failure to use health IT appropriately or by misuse of health IT (e.g. to reduce nuisance alerts in the electronic health record (EHR)), and 3) the use of health IT to monitor risks, health care processes and outcomes and identify potential safety concerns before they can harm patients (e.g. use EHR-based algorithms to identify patients at risk for medication errors or care delays). The framework proposes to integrate both retrospective and prospective measurement of HIT safety with an organization's existing clinical risk management and safety programs. It aims to facilitate organizational learning, comprehensive 360 degree assessment of HIT safety that includes vendor involvement, refinement of measurement tools and strategies, and shared responsibility to identify problems and implement solutions. A long term framework goal is to enable rigorous measurement that helps achieve the safety benefits of health IT in real-world clinical settings.
The Alexander … Zweig Rules and What is Wrong with Pseudoscalar Mesons

The rule forbidding φ → ρπ and other stuff has been credited to a number of physicists in various combinations. To avoid arguments about credit, this paper refers to the A … Z rule and allows the reader to insert the names of all desired friends from Alexander1 to Zweig.2 Unfortunately the wide distribution of credit has introduced a fuzziness in the definition of the rule. All formulations forbid φ → ρπ, f′ → ππ and J/ ψ → ordinary hadrons. But other predictions are not universal and depend upon whose formulation is used.
Raising a red flag on dating violence: evaluation of a low-resource, college-based bystander behavior intervention program

Encouraging bystanders to intervene safely and effectively in situations that could escalate to violence-known as bystander behavior programs-is a growing yet largely untested strategy to prevent dating violence. Using a quasi-experimental design, we evaluate a low-resource, low-intensity intervention aimed at preventing dating violence among college students. The integrated behavioral model (IBM) was used to guide the evaluation. We also assess which IBM variables were most strongly associated with bystander behaviors. Participants were drawn from two Virginia colleges that predominantly train females in the health profession sciences. The intervention group ( n = 329) participated in a university-wide bystander behavior intervention consisting of a 30-min presentation on dating violence at new-student orientation and a week-long "red flag" social marketing campaign on campus to raise awareness of dating violence. Controlling for changes at the comparison university, results showed an increase in bystander behaviors, such as encouraging a friend who may be in an abusive relationship to get help, after the intervention and adjusting for potential confounders (increase of 1.41 bystander behaviors, p = .04). However, no significant changes were found for bystander intentions, self-efficacy, social norms, or attitudes related to dating violence from pre- to post-intervention. Self-efficacy had a direct relationship with bystander behaviors. Results suggest that low-resource interventions have a modest effect on increasing bystander behaviors. However, higher resource interventions likely are needed for a larger impact, especially among students who already demonstrate strong baseline intentions to intervene and prevent dating violence.
Expanding the printable design space for lithography processes utilizing a cut mask

The utilization of a cut-mask in semiconductor patterning processes has been in practice for logic devices since the inception of 32nm-node devices, notably with unidirectional gate level printing. However, the microprocessor applications where cut-mask patterning methods are used are expanding as Self-Aligned Double Patterning (SADP) processes become mainstream for 22/14nm fin diffusion, and sub-14nm metal levels. One common weakness for these types of lithography processes is that the initial pattern requiring the follow-up cut-mask typically uses an extreme off-axis imaging source such as dipole to enhance the resolution and line-width roughness (LWR) for critical dense patterns. This source condition suffers from poor process margin in the semi-dense (forbidden pitch) realm and wrong-way directional design spaces. Common pattern failures in these limited design regions include bridging and extra-printing defects that are difficult to resolve with traditional mask improvement means. This forces the device maker to limit the allowable geometries that a designer may use on a device layer. This paper will demonstrate methods to expand the usable design space on dipole-like processes such as unidirectional gate and SADP processes by utilizing the follow-up cut mask to improve the process window. Traditional mask enhancement means for improving the process window in this design realm will be compared to this new cut-mask approach. The unique advantages and disadvantages of the cut-mask solution will be discussed in contrast to those customary methods.
PROXIMATE MECHANISMS OF SEXUAL SELECTION IN WOOD FROGS.

Observations and several types of field experiments on the mating behavior of wood frogs have revealed the proximate mechanisms for a size-related reproductive ad- vantage in both males and females. For females, larger individuals produce larger clutches; for males, larger individuals can better remain clasped to females when contested by rival males and can better depose males clasped to other females. No results obtained support of the existence of mate choice in either males or females. Males were estimated to be 4.74 times as variable as females in the number of zygotes produced per individual per season; however, much of the variation in male RS resulted from a male-biased sex ratio at the breeding site rather than from sexual selection. After taking sex ratio effects into consideration, males were estimated to be only 1.63 times as variable as females. Patterns of variation in RS in males and females are associated with numerous sex-specific differences in life history and morphology. Life history differences include differential growth rates, ages at sexual maturity, and rates of mortality. Interpretation of how the body size dimorphism (females larger than males) in this species relates to sexual selection is consistent with information on how similar variations in body size influence RS for each sex, and how males and females differ in the functional relationship between body size and RS. Average RS increases more with body size in females than in males. Although body size directly influences RS for females, the possibility exists that, for males, other anatomical features correlated with body size more directly affect RS. Preliminary evidence suggests that sexual selection influences male arm length and that the male body size: RS relationship results as an incidental correlation.
Row Rank Equals Column Rank

1 Hence a butterfly inscribed in a quadrilateral satisfies the same relation (1) as a butterfly inscribed in a circle. Equivalently, the conclusion of the theorem indicates that the ratio of the ratios, (AM/IM)/(CN/IN), is the same as the ratio IA/IC, or that the harmonic mean of IC and IM equals the harmonic mean of IA and IN. In either case, if IC = IA, we have IM = IN thereby the analog of the usual butterfly theorem for quadrilaterals.
Health status and mobility limitations are associated with residential and employment status in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Abstract Introduction Schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BP) are linked to multiple impairments in everyday functioning which share cognitive and symptom risk factors. Other risk factors for critical aspects of every day functioning (e.g., gainful employment; residential independence) such as physical health have not been evaluated, despite poor health in SCZ and BP. Methods We analyzed 20-year follow-up data from the Suffolk County Mental Health Project cohort of consecutive first admissions with a psychotic disorder to 12 psychiatric facilities in Suffolk County, NY, between September 1989 and December 1995. Both 20-year symptom, health, and cognition data, and the 20-year course of weight gain were included as predictors of employment and residence status. Results The analysis sample consisted of 122 participants with SCZ ad BP, with SCZ participants less likely to work or live independently. Correlational analyses showed symptoms and cognition predicted vocational outcomes in both samples. The effect of diagnosis was significant for both gainful employment and independence in residence. After consideration of diagnosis, mobility and negative symptoms predicted gainful employment in both samples, but there were no additional predictors of residential independence. Prospective analysis of BMI found that baseline BMI, but not changes during the 20-year follow up, predicted labor force participation. Discussion Health status limitations were associated with residential and, particularly, employment status independent from other, previously established predictors of everyday outcomes, including cognition and symptoms. The importance of health status limitations for predicting outcome was confirmed in both SCZ and BP, with schizophrenia representing the more impaired group.
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of adult spinal deformities

Abstract Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect spinal alignment. We review the clinical evaluation and radiographic assessment of ASD. Evaluation begins with a thorough patient history and a global and spine-specific physical examination. Thorough radiographic evaluation is essential for diagnosis, evaluation of deformity, planning of surgical procedures, and monitoring of outcomes. Spinopelvic parameters can be used to evaluate deformities; they are associated with quality of life, and they help characterize sagittal malalignment and pelvic compensation. Newly described radiographic parameters, including T1 pelvic angle and deformity angular ratio, assist surgeons in the evaluation of ASD.
Performance evaluation of ternary computation in SRAM design using graphene nanoribbon field effect transistors

Recently, Graphene Nanoribbon (GNR) based Field Effect Transistors (FET) have been extensively investigated as a promising device to address problems in MOSFET while the gate oxide thickness is reduced. In architecture level, ternary computation or Multiple Valued Logic (MVL) circuits have been proposed for reduced power consumption and improved performance. Therefore, an analytical evaluation of design and performance with a compatible GNRFET SPICE model is proposed. This study provides an insight into the design and performance evaluation of ternary computation in 10T SRAM using Graphene Nanoribbon Field Effect Transistors (GNRFET). Therefore, initially, the ternary designs of basic logic gates such as Inverter, NAND and NOR are studied and implemented. Based on most the efficient inverter design, a ternary 10T SRAM module is designed and implemented. A SPICE compatible GNRFET model is used for the study which includes MOS-GNRFET and Schottky Barrier (SB-GNRFET) models. The performance evaluation of the basic ternary logic gates and ternary 10T SRAM is calculated in terms of power, delay, Power Delay Product (PDP) and Energy Delay Product (EDP) using HSPICE for MOS-GNRFET and SB-GNRFET models. This performance is compared to ternary computation of all the modules in Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistors (CNTFET). For the same supply voltage and for a channel length of 32nm, ternary computation in GNRFET shows significant improvement in performance over CNTFET.
Correction to: Removal of Tin from Extreme Ultraviolet Collector Optics by In - Situ Hydrogen Plasma Etching

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in the “Deposition of Stannane (DOS) Chamber” section.
A 10 kV DC transformer (DCX) based on current fed SRC and 15 kV SiC MOSFETs

In this paper, a two level 10 kV DC transformer (DCX) based on 15 kV SiC MOSFETs is presented for medium voltage application. Current fed series resonant converter is proposed as the main circuit for two purposes: 1) realize ZVS on MV MOSFETs and ZCS on LV MOSFETs across entire load range. 2) minimize total required system capacitance, allowing film capacitors to replace electrolytic capacitors for longer lifetime performance. 15 kV device is utilized to reach its full voltage, frequency and power potential of 10 kV, 100 kHz and 30 kW, respectively. Inherent cycle by cycle over load current limiting capability is achieved by paralleling diodes on LV resonant capacitors. The operation principle under normal load and short circuit conditions, as well as ZVS design are provided in this paper. An all film capacitor 20 kW DC-DC prototype that converts 10 kV to 340 V is built to verify the theoretical analysis, which achieves operation frequency of 37 kHz and peak efficiency over 98%. 10 kV constant operation is the highest reported voltage for a two-level structure based converter without devices in series. Short circuit is conducted at 3 kV with a peak current limited within 11 A, with expect peak current within in 35 A at 10 kV short circuit condition.
Recording of Nerve and Muscle Action Potentials

Peripheral nerve conduction measurements are used in determining the type of nerve pathology, the site of involvement, and the severity of the damage. Techniques are available for measuring both motor and sensory nerve conduction in the upper and lower limbs and the face. However, for complete electrophysiological assessments, combinations of nerve conduction measurements and electromyography are usually required.
“As You Grow up the Divide Still Tends to Happen”: A Qualitative Investigation of Gender Segregation in Adulthood

Gender segregation, the tendency to form social relationships with those of the same gender, is believed to contribute to gender-typing (Mehta and Strough in Sex Roles 63:251–263, 2010), sexism (Keener et al. in Gend Educ 25:818–833, 2013; Leaper in Childhood gender segregation: causes and consequences, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, 1994) and beliefs that it is it is only appropriate to be friends with those of the same gender (Werking in We’re just good friends: women and men in nonromantic relationships, Guilford Press, New York, 1997). While gender segregation and its correlates have been widely studied in childhood, little research has investigated gender segregation in adulthood. In the present study, we qualitatively investigated gender segregation, potential contributors to gender segregation, and cross-gender friendships by interviewing a sample of eleven heterosexual adults (six female, five male) aged 30–39. Participants reported preferring and feeling closer to their same-gender friends than their cross-gender friends and having different interests and activity preferences than their cross-gender friends. Participants also reported that being in a heterosexual romantic relationship promoted both gender segregation and the formation of cross-gender friendships. Finally adults reported that they gained enjoyment and perspective from their cross-gender friendships. Taken together, this research suggests that while gender segregation continues to exist in adulthood, adults enjoy and recognize the benefits of having cross-gender friends.
2D Covalent Organic Frameworks as Intrinsic Photocatalysts for Visible Light-Driven CO2 Reduction

Covalent organic framework (COF) represents an emerging class of porous materials that have exhibited great potential in various applications, particularly in catalysis. In this work, we report a newly designed 2D COF with incorporated Re complex, which exhibits intrinsic light absorption and charge separation (CS) properties. We show that this hybrid catalyst can efficiently reduce CO2 to form CO under visible light illumination with high electivity (98%) and better activity than its homogeneous Re counterpart. More importantly, using advanced transient optical and X-ray absorption spectroscopy and in situ diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, we unraveled three key intermediates that are responsible for CS, the induction period, and rate limiting step in catalysis. This work not only demonstrates the potential of COFs as next generation photocatalysts for solar fuel conversion but also provide unprecedented insight into the mechanistic origins for light-driven CO2 reduction.
Novice School Principals Constructing Their Role Vis-À-Vis External Stakeholders: (Not) Attempting to Be “All Things to All People”:

Purpose: A school principal’s ability to engage with external stakeholders is critical for achieving a range of school objectives such as involving parents, implementing policy mandates, and access...
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Paediatric Anaesthesia

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication in paediatric anaesthesia and is a source of significant morbidity. Various independent risk factors have been implicated in the development of paediatric PONV, including higher pain scores postoperatively, the use of opioids for pain management and the use of volatile anaesthetics for the maintenance of anaesthesia. This review of the current literature regarding the prevention and treatment of paediatric PONV is based on a search of the PubMed database, which identified published clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. While the occurrence of PONV in many cases is difficult to avoid entirely, the risk can be mitigated by the use of multimodal nonopioid analgesic regimens, total intravenous drugs in favour of volatile anaesthetics and an appropriate regimen of prophylactic pharmacotherapy. Frequently administered drug classes for the prevention of PONV include corticosteroids, 5HT3 antagonists and anticholinergics. The clinical use of the findings in the literature may help to reduce the occurrence of PONV in children. In this review, we provide comprehensive and updated information on the risk factors contributing the occurrence of PONV in children, outline the current opinion on the drugs that are commonly used for management and provide an overview of the guidelines that are used to help establish the prophylaxis and treatment of paediatric PONV.
Neuromodulation of insect motion vision

Insects use vision to choose from a repertoire of flexible behaviors which they perform for survival. Decisions for behavioral plasticity are achieved through the neuromodulation of sensory processes, including motion vision. Here, we briefly review the anatomy of the insect motion vision system. Next, we review the neuromodulatory influences on motion vision. Serotonin modulates peripheral visual processing, whereas octopamine modulates all stages of visual processing tested to date. The physiological and behavioral states that elicit neuromodulation of motion vision include locomotion, changes in internal physiological state such as hunger, and changes in the external environment such as the presence of additional sensory cues. The direction of influence between these states and neuromodulators remains unknown. The influence of neuromodulators on motion vision circuitry has been revealed mostly through pharmacological application, which broadcasts widely with unnatural spatiotemporal dynamics. Thus, insight from this method is limited. Aminergic neurons likely act in local hierarchical fashion rather than globally as a group. As genetic tools advance in Drosophila, future work restricting the experimental focus to subpopulations of modulatory neurons will provide insight into the local functional modifications of visual circuits by interacting neuromodulators.
Analytical Modeling of A Ferromagnetic Core Reactor

The objective of this paper is to introduce an analytical model for a ferromagnetic-core inductor with a magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) approach. The magnetomotive force (MMF) and the reluctances of the inductor are functions of material characteristics and physical design of the device. The proposed model is validated by comparing the inductance of the single-phase reactor calculated using this model with the one obtained from the finite element method (FEM) for different types of Silicon Steel ferromagnetic sheets. Based on the same model, a closed-form solution for the reactance of the device is found in terms of the design parameters of the device for the linear region of the magnetization curve of the group of core materials. As an example of the application of the analytical model, with the help of the reactance expressions derived, an optimization procedure is formulated to minimize the volume of the device for a required value of the reactance. This results in creation of a tool for selection of cost-effective options in terms of the core material while satisfying the design constraints of the reactor.
Transradial vs transfemoral secondary access outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Complications of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures include bleeding, vascular complications, and strokes. These complications are often associated with the type of access used. The two types of access in TAVI procedures are primary and secondary. The main use of the primary access is for valve delivery, while secondary access is used for angiography and hemodynamic monitoring. While there are many options for primary access, those for secondary access are transfemoral and transradial. AIM To compare outcomes between transradial vs transfemoral secondary access (TFSA). METHODS A systematic search was conducted using major databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Central, Google Scholar), which resulted in 5 studies that met the criteria for study selection. Outcomes of interest were 30-d rates each of major/life-threatening bleeding, vascular complications, strokes, and mortality. All 5 studies were observational. Only adjusted or matched data were used when available in this meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 5065 patients underwent TAVI, with 1453 patients (28.7%) having undergone transradial secondary access (TRSA) and 3612 patients (71.3%) TFSA. Irrespective of the site of primary access, the odds of having major or life-threatening bleeding were 60% lower in the TRSA group than the TFSA group (P < 0.00001). The odds of having major vascular complications were 52% lower in the TRSA group (P < 0.0001) with no difference in minor vascular complications between the 2 groups. Similarly, the odds of mortality in 30-d after the procedure were 41% lower (P = 0.006) and the odds of stroke were 54% lower (P = 0.001) in the TRSA group than the TFSA group. CONCLUSION The transradial secondary approach appears to be a safer alternative to the transfemoral secondary approach in TAVI procedures.
Research Advances in ADHD and Technology

Abstract Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent childhood psychiatric condition, with estimates of more than 5% of children affected worldwide, and has a profound pub...
Updated outcomes using clockwise technique for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: Optimal treatment of benign and malignant disease of the left pancreas

Abstract Background Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) has become the preferred approach for surgical management of left sided pancreas pathology. Our institution previously published its experience with distal pancreatectomies using a clockwise technique with good outcomes. We now reexamine our outcomes across a longer time interval. Methods From August 2008 to November 2020, 364 patients underwent LDP by hepatobiliary surgeons (HA and JS). All procedures were performed using the same clockwise approach, which includes the stepwise slow compression technique. Retrospective descriptive analysis of patient demographic, clinical, operative, and pathologic data was conducted. Results Of the 364 patients who underwent LDP using this technique, clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was noted in 26 (7.1%) patients, while major morbidity and mortality were reported in 9.9% and 0.3%, respectively. Hand-assisted method was required for 18 (4.9%) patients and unplanned conversion in 20 (5.5%) patients. In a subset analysis of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 90), POPF was noted in 13 (14.4%), with minor complications occurring in 34.4% and major morbidity in 14.4%. Conclusion LDP with a clockwise approach for dissection, combined with the stepwise slow compression technique results in excellent outcomes, with even lower POPF rates than originally reported. Subset analysis of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma shows acceptable perioperative outcomes with this technique.
A 20-33 GHz Direct-Conversion Transmitter in 45-nm SOI CMOS

This paper presents a 20–33 GHz direct-conversion transmitter implemented in 45-nm RFSOI CMOS technology. The transmitter features a divider-based quadrature clock generation circuit, two current-combined double-balanced mixers, and a balanced power amplifier (PA) employing stacked FETs. The transmitter chip achieves 19.1 to 22.4 dB of conversion gain with saturated output power of 16.7 to 20.4 dBm over 20 to 33 GHz at the differential output. Image rejection and carrier suppression are more than 29 dB and 36 dB after calibration. At a carrier frequency of 28 GHz, the transmitter chip achieves an error vector magnitude (EVM) of 5.1 % with 12 Gbps using 64-QAM.
Geometry and Information Theory for Qubits and Qutrits

Because we can treat quantum states as probability distributions, we can apply the concepts and methods of probability theory to them, including Shannon’s theory of information. The structures that I will discuss in the following sections came to my attention thanks to Shannon theory. In particular, the question of recurring interest is, “Out of all the extremal states of quantum state space—i.e., the ‘pure’ states \(\rho = {\left| \psi \big \rangle \!\big \langle \psi \right| }\)—which minimize the Shannon entropy of their probabilistic representation?” I will focus on the cases of dimensions 2, 3 and 8, where the so-called sporadic SICs occur. In these cases, the information-theoretic question of minimizing Shannon entropy leads to intricate geometrical structures.
Visually Guided Needle Driving and Pull for Autonomous Suturing

This paper presents a visually-guided autonomous needle driving algorithm for autonomous robotic surgical suturing. Surgical needle tracking, needle path planning, and optimum needle grasp selection algorithms are employed. The procedure is performed in 5 major steps: needle grasp, needle hand-off, needle drive, needle regrasp, and needle pull. The performance of the procedure is experimentally evaluated using the physical da Vinci® surgical robotic system and da Vinci Research Kit (dVRK). Initial results suggest that the dVRK can successfully perform needle driving with visual guidance.
Evaluation and Surgical Decision Making in Facial Paralysis

Abstract Facial paralysis is a complex condition requiring a multidisciplinary and systematic approach to develop a comprehensive treatment regimen that will result in optimal outcomes. A multitude of surgical and non-surgical options are available. The time from onset of facial paralysis, type of paralysis (flaccid versus non-flaccid), continuity of facial nerve, and viability of the facial musculature are important factors to consider in the selection of treatment options. Other considerations include underlying etiology, patient preferences and comorbidities, degree of injury, involved facial zones, and laterality (unilateral versus bilateral). The reconstructive surgeon should be familiar with management options for both flaccid and non-flaccid facial paralysis. A wide array of dynamic and static surgical options is available for both early and delayed reanimation. In most cases, patients receive a combination of both dynamic and static treatments. In this article, we aim to discuss the evaluation of the patient with facial paralysis and provide a framework for decision making in treatment selection.
A first study of the multidimensional students' life satisfaction scale with adolescents

The psychometric properties of the MultidimensionalStudents’ Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS: Huebner, 1994) were assessed with a sample of adolescents fromgrades 9–12. Results of confirmatory factor analysessupported the hypothesized factor structure. Further,evidence for the convergent and discriminant validityof the instrument was obtained. Acceptable internalconsistency estimates for the Total and domain scoreswere also obtained. These psychometric propertieswere similar to findings of the MSLSS with youngerchildren. Limitations and future researchconsiderations were discussed.
Computation, Formal Models of

This is the study of abstract machines that compute, and of what they compute. This is also a study that characterizes what problems can be computed in principle, and which of the computable problems can be computed in practice. Keywords: finite-state machines; pushdown automata; turing machines; regular grammars