cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An investigation of VLSI interconnect failure due to subtractive metal defects

Early failures in VLSI metal interconnects due to subtractive defects are analyzed using a competing risks model. The model considers concurrent failure mechanisms and predicts a bimodal cumulative failure distribution for test structures containing intentional defects. Experimental data for three different metallizations show that, if the defect mechanism dominates as the cause of early failures, the distribution is bimodal. Test structures consist of 1000- mu m-long by 3- mu m-wide metal stripes. Defect test structures contain semicircular defects located midway along the stripe which remove 50% and 80% of the stripe width, respectively. All tests are performed at 200 degrees C and at a current density in the 10/sup 6/ A/cm/sup 2/ range. Stress voids occurring at grain boundaries are modeled experimentally as test structures with defects located at grain boundaries, and the results show that void/grain-boundary interaction produces a dominant failure mechanism and results in significant early failures. >
The 4 x 4 Block Scheduling Model: What Do Students Have To Say about It?.

High school leaders need to explore both the advantages and disad vantages of the 4 x 4 schedule. If this innovation is implemented with out discussion of how to ensure rigor while using time flexibly, it may be sabotaged by those who fear the disadvantages and question the advantages. This article and its companion piece examine what stu dents and teachers think about the block schedule.
Chronic lymph flow responses to hyperproteinemia

The long-term responses of lymph flow, lymph protein transport, and the permeability-surface area (PS) product to hyperproteinemia have been studied in conscious dogs. Plasma protein concentration ...
A Unified Decision Support Tool For Product Management

An integrated structured methodology is described for aiding product management decisions across all elements of the enterprise. Decisions on new product alternatives are based upon demand and profit forecasts determined from forecasts of the value of the proposed new product to the customer, manufacturing costs, investment levels, and forecasted actions of competitors. The model used to support the structured methodology is designed to be as simple as possible to treat the problem but having sufficient rigor to support trustworthy decision making. The major issues related to marketing, finance, design, engineering, manufacturing, service, environment, and quality management are encompassed by the methodology.
Spontaneous regression of interdigitating dendritic sarcoma in a patient with concurrent small lymphocytic lymphoma

Interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS) is a rare tumour; only seven cases of IDCS associated with chronic lymphocytic leucaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) have been reported. We present the case of a 60-year-old man who presented with fevers, night sweats and significant unintentional weight loss. Investigations led to a diagnosis of synchronous SLL and IDCS. Subsequent fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) imaging revealed an unusual clinical course with spontaneously resolving highly metabolic lesions. After 42 months of follow-up, the patient remains free of clinical symptoms and evidence of IDCS.
The Role of Distressed Debt Markets, Hedge Funds and Recent Trends in Bankruptcy on the Outcomes of Chapter 11 Reorganizations

This paper explores the scope and importance of the distressed debt market and its market participants and summarizes several relevant scholarly publications relating to how both these markets and participants have performed and contributed to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy-reorganization process. We also present new and potentially important data on recent trends in the outcomes of Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization filings, over the period 1981-2013, that will, we expect, contribute to the current investigation by the “bankruptcy industry” on the possible revision of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Such questions as to the relative success, or not, of the Chapter 11 process, the time in bankruptcy for various outcomes of the process, the impact of prepackaged restructuring on the outcomes and the recovery rate to various creditor classes will be examined.
Study of The Origin of The Magnetic Anisotropy in RF Sequential Co-Sputitered Co100-XBX and Co74Fe6B20 Thin Films

We prepared thin, amorphous, compositionally modulated films (CMF) by RF sequential co-sputtering with Co, B, and Fe targets. In principle this technique can produce controlled, small (<15 A) scale modulations in composition. The in-plane anisotropics and coercivities of the CMF were more than one magnitude larger than those of typical thin, homogeneous, amorphous, alloy films (AF). The increase in anisotropy was growth induced and could be reduced by annealing to values comparable to those of amorphous AF. The coercivity, however, could not be significantly decreased by annealing, except in CMF with the highest boron concentration. The stability of the coercivity might, therefore, be an observable consequence of the small scale composition heterogeneity.
A joint Shannon cipher and privacy amplification approach to attaining exponentially decaying information leakage

In this paper, we propose a novel layering approach to achieve end-to-end exponential security without resorting to presumed physical layer conditions. The only requirement for such an exponentially secure system is existence of a common key source between legitimate users that is partially known by Eve. The novel framework includes a random cipher and key stream generating scheme constituting the first layer and universal hash forming the second layer. The key generating scheme is based on a novel definition of a randomness extractor that derives a key stream with the required entropy from the common source, to be used for cipher. All metrics involved in characterizing the quality of secrecy of two-layer components are related to Renyi entropy and conditional Renyi entropy, which are all ultimately captured in the adopted information leakage metrics: mutual information and Eve's distinguishability based on L1 norm distance from uniformity. Such relationships are exploited to optimize the resulting bounds for secrecy exponents by selecting appropriate operating parameters including required key rate and source entropies, as well as the required guessing error rate by Eve to attack the first layer.
The Problem and Analysis of Fire-resistant Oil at the Thermal Power Plants in Anhui Province

The use condition and oil quality status quo of fire-resistant oil of thermal power generator in service in Anhui province were introduced.The problems occurring during operation and maintenance were discussed and analyzed.Their preventives and treatment were put forwards.
Modeling the Assembly of Polymer-Grafted Nanoparticles at Oil–Water Interfaces

Using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD), I model the interfacial adsorption and self-assembly of polymer-grafted nanoparticles at a planar oil-water interface. The amphiphilic core-shell nanoparticles irreversibly adsorb to the interface and create a monolayer covering the interface. The polymer chains of the adsorbed nanoparticles are significantly deformed by surface tension to conform to the interface. I quantitatively characterize the properties of the particle-laden interface and the structure of the monolayer in detail at different surface coverages. I observe that the monolayer of particles grafted with long polymer chains undergoes an intriguing liquid-crystalline-amorphous phase transition in which the relationship between the monolayer structure and the surface tension/pressure of the interface is elucidated. Moreover, my results indicate that the amorphous state at high surface coverage is induced by the anisotropic distribution of the randomly grafted chains on each particle core, which leads to noncircular in-plane morphology formed under excluded volume effects. These studies provide a fundamental understanding of the interfacial behavior of polymer-grafted nanoparticles for achieving complete control of the adsorption and subsequent self-assembly.
Laser Cooling in the Quantum Domain: Shedding New Light on Dark States

When atoms are laser cooled to below the single photon recoil limit, their deBroglie wavelengths become comparable to or larger than the wavelength of light used to cool them. To describe properly the physics in this regime, it is necessary to quantize the external (atomic momentum) degrees of freedom. We describe here several 1-d laser cooling experiments in this quantum regime with metastable helium atoms that demonstrate several novel features in subrecoil laser cooling.
Improved Surgical Outcomes With Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release in Patients With Severe Median Neuropathy

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be treated with open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) or endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). Our goal was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ECTR v...
Technology, Capitalism, Growth, and Inequality

Economic history suggests that technological innovations with long productivity delays contributed to the emergence of corporations. We develop a formal theory explaining the transition from self-employed proprietors to corporations in a competitive economy and show how the dynamics of economic growth and income inequality are influenced by the adoption of innovations with productivity delays by both types of institutional arrangements. We demonstrate that the predictions for economic growth and income inequality are supported by a wide range of empirical evidence, and conclude that corporations are a force for both economic growth and income equality.
RF transmitter architectures for integrated wireless transceivers

Several transmitter architectures for wireless systems are discussed, including the two-step architecture, direct-conversion, offset modulator and modulation loop. Examples of architectures for TDMA/CDMA systems are given. Finally, a design case for GSM/DCS/PCS application is shown using 0.6 /spl mu/m BiCMOS technology.
First-principles studies of electric field effects on the electronic structure of trilayer graphene

A gate electric field is a powerful way to manipulate the physical properties of nanojunctions made of two-dimensional crystals. To simulate field effects on the electronic structure of trilayer graphene, we used density functional theory in combination with the effective screening medium method, which enables us to understand the field-dependent layer-layer interactions and the fundamental physics underlying band gap variations and the resulting band modifications. Two different graphene stacking orders, Bernal (or ABC) and rhombohedral (or ABA), were considered. In addition to confirming the experimentally observed band gap opening in ABC-stacked and the band overlap in ABA-stacked trilayer systems, our results reveal rich physics in these fascinating systems, where layer-layer couplings are present but some characteristics features of single-layer graphene are partially preserved. For ABC stacking, the electric-field-induced band gap size can be tuned by charge doping, while for ABA band the tunable quantity is the band overlap. Our calculations show that the electronic structures of the two stacking orders respond very differently to charge doping. We find that in the ABA stacking hole doping can reopen a band gap in the band-overlapping region, a phenomenon distinctly different from electron doping. The physical origins of the observed behaviors were fully analyzed, and we conclude that the dual-gate configuration greatly enhances the tunability of the trilayer systems.
Hybrid-Optimized Engine Cooling Concept

An increasing level of hybridization in modern passenger car powertrains creates new challenges concerning the internal combustion engine. Primarily affected are turbo-/supercharging system, start performance, oil deterioration and exhaust aftertreatment. But thermal management faces new demands and requirements as well. A significantly more frequent intermitting operation mode of the ICU, which even includes frequent instantaneous switching from high load operation to a shut-off engine and vice versa, requires the cooling concept to be capable of suppling full cooling performance independently from engine rpm. Apart from the ICU itself, several peripheral components as e.g. cabin heater and EGR cooler demand an engine-rpm-independent supply of heating or cooling power. Additionally, a rapid warm-up phase after cold start further gains in importance as ICU operation time decreases and number of cold starts increases. A critical target conflict arises between the above mentioned, additional technical requirements on the one hand and an increased cost pressure on the other hand. The later one occurs due to a growing overall complexity of any hybridized powertrain and a therefore increased cost optimization pressure on the ICU and its periphery. This target conflict was solved by developing a cooling system concept combining maximum thermal management functionality, including an electric main water pump, with a highly reduced system complexity, including e.g. the complete abandonment of any active valves.
Molecular dynamics simulations of flame propagation along a monopropellant PETN coupled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Reactive molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to study the flame speed enhancement phenomenon of a solid mono-propellant, Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN), when coupled to highly conductive multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The simulations were based on the first-principles derived reactive force field, ReaxFF, which includes both the physical changes such as thermal transport and the chemical changes such as bond breaking and forming. An annular deposition of a PETN layer around the MWCNTs was considered. The thickness of the PETN layer and the diameter of the MWCNT were varied to understand the effect of the MWCNT loading ratio on the flame propagation. Flame speed enhancements up to 3 times the bulk value were observed. An optimal MWCNT loading ratio was determined. The enhancement was attributed to the layering of the PETN molecules around the MWCNT, which increased the heat transport among the PETN molecules near the MWCNT surface, thus causing the flame to travel faster. Furthermor...
Color Me Red

I was at my desk one morning when the phone rang. It was my staff assistant telling me that there was a pediatrician on the phone who was asking questions about lead poisoning. The call was from a pediatrician calling about a patient. Dr. Patel (pseudonym) had been a pediatric resident I worked with when I was an assistant director of pediatrics. She was calling about a child she just discovered had lead poisoning, and was asking for advice. She had not encountered a child with lead poisoning in many years and needed some input from me.
Trisomy 18 Pregnancies: Is there an Increased Maternal Risk?

Objective Characterize the impact of a trisomy 18 (T18) fetus on maternal and obstetric outcomes in a cohort including T18-affected deliveries. Study Design Retrospective cohort study of singleton deliveries in California from 2005 to 2008 using linked vital statistics and the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9) data to compare deliveries affected by T18 to those without known aneuploidy. Outcomes of interest included gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm delivery (PTD), preeclampsia, cesarean delivery (CD), and intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD). The χ2 and paired t-tests were used to compare the outcomes. Multiple logistic regression was used to further characterize these risks and control potential confounders. Results Of 2,029,000 deliveries, 298 involved T18. Compared with unaffected deliveries, T18 was associated with GDM (10.7 vs. 6.5%, p = 0.003), PTD Conclusion Unlike trisomy 13 (T13), pregnancies complicated by fetal T18 did not appear to result in an increased risk of preeclampsia. However, there is an increased risk of a range of other obstetric complications.
Abstract 521: Janus Kinase 3 is a Novel Regulator for Smooth Muscle Proliferation and Vascularremodeling

Vascular remodeling due to smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation is a common process occurring in a number of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, posttransplant vasculopathy, and restenosis after angioplasty, etc. The molecular mechanism underlying SMC proliferation, however, is not completed understood. Our present study has identified Janus kinase 3 (JAK3), a member of the Janus kinase family, as a novel regulator for SMC proliferation. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, a SMC mitogen, induces JAK3 expression and phosphorylation while stimulating SMC proliferation. Janex-1, a specific inhibitor of JAK3, or knockdown of JAK3 by shRNA inhibits SMC proliferation. Conversely, ectopic expression of JAK3 promotes SMC proliferation. Interestingly, JAK3 does not affect SMC contractile protein expression, suggesting that JAK3 mediate the proliferation, but not the phenotypic modulation of SMC. Mechanistically, JAK3 promotes SMC proliferation by regulating phosphorylation of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. In vivo, by using a rat carotid balloon-injury model, we found that knockdown of JAK3 significantly attenuates injury-induced neointima formation. Importantly, JAK3 knockdown blocked the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, suggesting that JAK3 is essential for SMC proliferation in vivo. Moreover, JAK3 knockdown prompts apoptosis in neointima SMC, indicating that JAK3 also stimulates SMC survival during neointima formation. Collectively, our data demonstrate that JAK3 mediates vascular remodeling by promoting both the SMC proliferation and survival.
Infants Extract Frequency Distributions from Variable Approximate Numerical Information

Previous research shows that infants represent approximate number: After habituation to a constant numerosity (e.g., eight dots), 6-month-old infants dishabituate to a novel numerosity (e.g., 16 dots). However, numerical information in the real world is far more variable and rarely offers repeated presentations of a single quantity. Instead, we often encounter quantities in the form of distributions around a central tendency. It remains unknown whether infants can represent frequency distributions from this type of distributed numerical input. Here, we asked whether 6-month-old infants can represent distributions of large approximate numerosities. In two experiments, we first familiarized infants to sequences of dot collections with varying numerosities. For half the infants, the sequence contained a unimodal frequency distribution, with numerosities centered around a single mean, and for the other half, it contained a bimodal frequency distribution of numerosities with two numerical peaks. We then tested infants with alternating or constant numerosities. Infants who had been familiarized to a unimodal distribution looked longer at alternating numerosities than constant numerosities (experiments 1 and 2), whereas infants who had been familiarized to a bimodal distribution looked longer at constant numerosities (Exp. 2). These findings suggest that infants can spontaneously extract frequency distributions from distributed numerical input.
Deposition of Methylammonium Lead Triiodide by Resonant Infrared Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation

Resonant infrared matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (RIR-MAPLE) was used to deposit the metal-halide perovskite (MHP) CH3NH3PbI3 (methylammonium lead triiodide, or MAPbI), creating phase-pure films. Given the moisture sensitivity of these crystalline, multi-component organic–inorganic hybrid materials, deposition of MAPbI by RIR-MAPLE required a departure from the use of water-based emulsions as deposition targets. Different chemistries were explored to create targets that properly dissolved MAPbI components, were stable under vacuum conditions, and enabled resonant laser energy absorption. Secondary phases and solvent contamination in the resulting films were studied through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorbance and x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, suggesting that lingering excess methylammonium iodide (MAI) and low-vapor pressure solvents can distort the microstructure, creating crystalline and amorphous non-perovskite phases. Thermal annealing of films deposited by RIR-MAPLE allowed for excess solvent to be evaporated from films without degrading the MAPbI structure. Further, it was demonstrated that RIR-MAPLE does not require excess MAI to create stoichiometric films with optoelectronic properties, crystal structure, and film morphology comparable to films created using more established spin-coating methods for processing MHPs. This work marks the first time a MAPLE-related technique was used to deposit MHPs.
Sensitivity of acoustic tools to variation in equilibrium moisture content of small clear samples of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

There are several types of acoustic tools commercially available for wood characterization, but they are generally classified into resonance and time-of-flight (ToF) tools. This classification is based upon the mode of velocity estimation for wood. In this study, we explored how the equilibrium moisture content of small clear wood samples (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm × 41 cm) affect the predictive capabilities of two types of acoustic tools namely a microsecond timer (ToF) and a resonance log grader (resonance). The results indicated the acoustic velocity is sensitive to equilibrium moisture content of loblolly pine, and sensitivity to EMC is similar for both type of tools. The acoustic velocity decreased by 32.9 and 28.8 m/s for ToF and the resonance acoustic tools respectively for a unit increase in EMC below fiber saturation point (FSP); 5.4 and 6.1 m/s respectively for a unit increase in EMC above FSP although the slope was statistically equivalent to zero. Also, the static MOE of the green samples was overestimated by 16% by both resonance and ToF tools with oven-dried density, while it was 72% when estimated with density at test. The insignificant slope coupled with better accuracy in MOE supports the hypothesis that the cell wall controls the acoustic velocity while the water in the lumen of the cell wall is insignificant. These results bring into question the standard use of green density to estimate acoustic MOE of live trees and oven dry density is instead recommended.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a curious disease which has been ignored by medical science for decades. It has excited little interest probably because it tends to be indolent and is found mostly in the elderly. “Found” is a good word because it is almost as often discovered by accident as it is sought because of manifestations of illness. Though the pathophysiology of bone marrow replacement is essentially the same as in the acute leukemias, the course of the disease is measured in years rather than weeks or months.
The Employability Self-Assessment: Identifying and Appraising Career Identity, Personal Adaptability, and Social and Human Capital.

Traditional linear careers are being phased out in many sectors, emphasizing the need for individuals to be competent managers of their careers. Students need to understand and acquire the variety ...
Application of Next-Generation–Sequencing in Hearing Loss Diagnosis

Hearing loss is the most common birth defect and sensorineural disorder in humans. Hearing loss results from obstructions in the transmission of the sound anywhere between the outer ear and auditory cortex in the brain. In a normal condition, the sound signal that is collected by the outer ear is amplified by the middle ear for transmission to the cochlea, which then converts this energy into electrical signals that are ultimately transmitted to the brain through the auditory nerves (Smith et al. 1993). Based on the defective anatomical structure involved, hearing loss can be classified as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. Conductive hearing loss is a defect in conducting sound waves through outer and middle ear due to abnormalities of outer ear, tympanic membrane (eardrum), or ossicles of the middle ear. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is due to a defect located anywhere from cochlea to the auditory cortex. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural abnormalities. Depending on the age at onset, hearing loss can be classified as prelingual, present before speech development, or postlingual, present after speech development. Severity of the hearing loss is measured by decibels (dB), can be graded from mild (26–40 dB) to profound (90 dB), affecting from low to high frequencies (Smith et al. 1993).
Ontologies and epistemologies in 'knowing' the nexus in entrepreneurship: burning rice hay and tracking elephants

The distinctive domain of entrepreneurship has been defined as the nexus of the entrepreneur and opportunities. We argue that this definition, as well as dominant research in entrepreneurship, is rooted in a Western perspective situated in market-based economies. In order to further the understanding of the dominant assumptions of the nature of the nexus (ontology) and our understanding of the nexus (epistemology), we interpret and reinterpret a case of an entrepreneurial venture in Vietnam. We propose that a multi-paradigm analysis in entrepreneurship will yield insights that are applicable to a more global perspective of entrepreneurship.
N-ras gene point mutations in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia correlate with a poor prognosis.

Ras genes can be altered by point mutations at critical portions of their coding regions to acquire transforming ability in vitro. These point mutations have been detected in a variety of human malignancies. However, their relevance for the clinical and biologic behavior of the subgroups of patients exhibiting these mutations in unclear. We analyzed 100 patients with childhood acute lymphocytic leukemias (ALLs) for point mutations of exons 1 and 2 of all three ras genes (H-ras, K-ras, and N-ras) by polymerase chain reaction and a combination of oligonucleotide hybridization and direct DNA sequencing. A 6% incidence of N-ras gene mutations was detected, all of which occurred at different nucleotides of codons 12 or 13 of N-ras. When correlating presence of ras mutations with the clinical and biologic features and the clinical outcome of these cases, a significantly higher risk for hematologic relapse (P = .01) and a trend toward a lower rate of complete remission (P = .07) was noted. The two groups did not differ in any of the known high-risk factors of ALL. These results suggest that presence of an N-ras mutation in children with ALL may be an independent predictor for worse clinical outcome and therefore may have therapeutic implications; further studies to confirm these findings are required because of the small number of patients with N-ras mutations.
Sampling bias overestimates climate change impacts on forest growth in the southwestern United States

Climate-tree growth relationships recorded in annual growth rings have recently been the basis for projecting climate change impacts on forests. However, most trees and sample sites represented in the International Tree-Ring Data Bank (ITRDB) were chosen to maximize climate signal and are characterized by marginal growing conditions not representative of the larger forest ecosystem. We evaluate the magnitude of this potential bias using a spatially unbiased tree-ring network collected by the USFS Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. We show that U.S. Southwest ITRDB samples overestimate regional forest climate sensitivity by 41-59%, because ITRDB trees were sampled at warmer and drier locations, both at the macro- and micro-site scale, and are systematically older compared to the FIA collection. Although there are uncertainties associated with our statistical approach, projection based on representative FIA samples suggests 29% less of a climate change-induced growth decrease compared to projection based on climate-sensitive ITRDB samples.
Fabrication and ferromagnetic resonance study of BZT-BCT/LSMO heterostructure films on LAO and Pt

Abstract In this article, dynamic magnetic properties of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) thin film capped with a Pb-free ferroelectric BZT-BCT layer deposited on two different substrates, i.e. lanthanum aluminate (LAO) and Platinum (Pt), by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) have been investigated using ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectroscopy. The heterostructures of BZT-BCT/LSMO on LAO substrate were highly (0 0 l)-oriented whereas these were randomly oriented on Pt substrate. The well-behaved M-H hysteresis loops were observed at room temperature for both heterostructures indicating the ferromagnetic behavior of LSMO. The right shift of the hysteresis loop of the heterostructure was observed due to the magnetoelectric coupling between ferroelectric and ferromagnetic layers. The FMR measurements yield optimum values of different important parameters such as the linewidth offset, Gilbert damping, gyromagnetic ratio, and in-plane uniaxial anisotropy field of the thin films, which are essential to design spin valve and magnetic tunneling based devices. We found the lowest Gilbert damping parameter of ∼0.03 for the BZT-BCT/LSMO/LAO heterostructure due to spin orbit coupling. In addition, the gyromagnetic ratio was also obtained to be small (0.002 GHz/Oe) in the same film. These results open new possibilities to use BZT-BCT/LSMO heterostructure for future spintronic device applications.
Provider and patient gender influence on timing of do-not-resuscitate in hospitalized patients with cancer.

e20500 Background: End-of-life care decision making and advance directives require timely discussions between physician and patient, but barriers exist to these discussions. We evaluated the influe...
The Influence of Selected Characteristics on the Perceived Effectiveness of an Entrepreneurship Training Program among Female Participants

Small businesses are the backbone of the United States economy (Kauffman Foundation (World Bank, 2009) making up 66% of the new net employment in the country (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2018). Entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly more important as the United States moves quickly out of the old economic model of production and manufacturing (Hsu, Roberts, & Eesley, 2007). Technological innovation has changed the post WWII economic period, which was characterized by large capital intensive firms and labor intensive markets. In today’s economy, entrepreneurship brings about a competitive advantage for any state that is forward-thinking; one that encourages innovation and creativity among its stakeholders (Sinclaire, 2008). Entrepreneurship is the key to economic success in the 21st century.
Solution scattering at the Life Science X-ray Scattering (LiX) beamline.

This work reports the instrumentation and software implementation at the Life Science X-ray Scattering (LiX) beamline at NSLS-II in support of biomolecular solution scattering. For automated static measurements, samples are stored in PCR tubes and grouped in 18-position sample holders. Unattended operations are enabled using a six-axis robot that exchanges sample holders between a storage box and a sample handler, transporting samples from the PCR tubes to the X-ray beam for scattering measurements. The storage box has a capacity of 20 sample holders. At full capacity, the measurements on all samples last for ∼9 h. For in-line size-exclusion chromatography, the beamline-control software coordinates with a commercial high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system to measure multiple samples in batch mode. The beamline can switch between static and HPLC measurements instantaneously. In all measurements, the scattering data span a wide q-range of typically 0.006–3.2 A−1. Functionalities in the Python package py4xs have been developed to support automated data processing, including azimuthal averaging, merging data from multiple detectors, buffer scattering subtraction, data storage in HDF5 format and exporting the final data in a three-column text format that is acceptable by most data analysis tools. These functionalities have been integrated into graphical user interfaces that run in Jupyter notebooks, with hooks for external data analysis software.
The non-Scanning UV-B Spectrophotometer

A UV-B spectrophotometer is described which uses an integrating sphere flux collector, a non-scanning single grating monochrometer, and an intensified photo diode array detector. Simultaneous rapid recording of the entire spectral data with good wavelength resolution, while maintaining a fixed grating position, offers certain advantages over scanning instruments for full-sky irradiance measurements. Poor stray light rejection represents a serious limitation of a single grating instrument in the UV-B cutoffregion of the spectrum. The use of an interference filter to partially solve this problem is discussed.
Observational descriptive study of ultrasound use and its impact on clinical decisions in the accident and emergency department at Georgetown public hospital corporation

Introduction Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is physician-performed at the bedside, and it is a powerful diagnostic tool, especially in resource-limited emergency medicine healthcare settings. This study aims to quantify both the use of ultrasound and its impact on patient care at the Accident and Emergency Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Methods This is a cross-sectional observational descriptive analysis of data collected for quality assessment in the GPHC Accident and Emergency Department. Over the course of two months, physicians were asked to record each ultrasound exam performed and record whether the ultrasound results changed patient disposition or the medication used in management. Results During the study period, there were 173 ultrasound data sheets collected representing 426 ultrasound studies. 196 studies were positive with pathologic findings (46.0%). The use of ultrasound in patient care either changed the patient’s final disposition or medication 78.6% of the time. Conclusion Ultrasound is used frequently at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for a wide variety of applications. When utilized, POCUS frequently influenced patient care.
Efficient Poverty Mapping using Deep Reinforcement Learning.

The combination of high-resolution satellite imagery and machine learning have proven useful in many sustainability-related tasks, including poverty prediction, infrastructure measurement, and forest monitoring. However, the accuracy afforded by high-resolution imagery comes at a cost, as such imagery is extremely expensive to purchase at scale. This creates a substantial hurdle to the efficient scaling and widespread adoption of high-resolution-based approaches. To reduce acquisition costs while maintaining accuracy, we propose a reinforcement learning approach in which free low-resolution imagery is used to dynamically identify where to acquire costly high-resolution images, prior to performing a deep learning task on the high-resolution images. We apply this approach to the task of poverty prediction in Uganda, building on an earlier approach that used object detection to count objects and use these counts to predict poverty. Our approach exceeds previous performance benchmarks on this task while using 80% fewer high-resolution images. Our approach could have application in many sustainability domains that require high-resolution imagery.
Life after Privacy: Reclaiming Democracy in a Surveillance Society

Privacy is gravely endangered in the digital age, and we, the digital citizens, are its principal threat, willingly surrendering it to avail ourselves of new technology, and granting the government and corporations immense power over us. In this highly original work, Firmin DeBrabander begins with this premise and asks how we can ensure and protect our freedom in the absence of privacy. Can—and should—we rally anew to support this institution? Is privacy so important to political liberty after all? DeBrabander makes the case that privacy is a poor foundation for democracy, that it is a relatively new value that has been rarely enjoyed throughout history—but constantly persecuted—and politically and philosophically suspect. The vitality of the public realm, he argues, is far more significant to the health of our democracy, but is equally endangered—and often overlooked—in the digital age.
Guanidinium sulfates as directors of noncentrosymmetric structures

The structures of seven compounds based on guanidinium cations, isolated sulfate anions, and additional organic cations and solvent molecules are reported. All seven compounds, (C(NH2)3)2(SO4) (1), (C(NH2)3)3(C5H6N)(SO4)2 (2), (C(NH2)3)3(C5H6N)(SO4)2·H2O (3), (C(NH2)3)3(C5H6N)(SO4)2·CH3OH (4), (C(NH2)3)11(C5H6N)(SO4)6·2.5C2H5OH (5), (C(NH2)3)3(C6H16N)(SO4)2 (6), and (C(NH2)3)2(C20H26N2O2)(SO4)2 (7) crystallize without a center of symmetry, and are built of related motifs of six-membered rings via hydrogen bonding of three guanidinium cations and three sulfate anions. These six-membered rings form extended sheets and frameworks through additional hydrogen bonding interactions. The presence of additional cations and solvent molecules in varying ratios add structural diversity by modifying the guanidinium sulfate frameworks, but retaining the acentricity of the structures. The study reveals a remarkable tendency for these guanidinium sulfate frameworks to crystallize without a center of symmetry, and furthermore, in polar or chiral space groups. This provides a potential pathway for the use of hydrogen bonding interactions to design structures having interesting physical or nonlinear optical properties.
Controlled Metal Oxide and Porous Carbon Templation Using Metal-Organic Frameworks

Templated porous carbons are promising due to their robust chemical and thermal properties. However, investigations into the formation mechanisms and structure–property relationships are limited. W...
Clay—The Material of Life

This chapter begins by describing the importance attached to objects made from clay. Clay figures were buried alongside Egyptian pharaohs because they were considered essential companions in the afterlife. Shaping of complex figures was possible because the weakly bound layers that make up the structure of clay can readily slide over each other when mixed with water. The earliest clay objects were human and animal statuettes. Later clay was shaped into bowls and urns and clay tablets that document the development of civilization. The chapter ends by looking at how ceramics, based on clay, became a major industry.
Downregulation of RyR and NCX in the neonatal rat ventricular myocyte modulates cytosolic [Ca2+]

Calcium (Ca2+) is necessary for cardiac muscle contraction. RyR, NCX, and SERCA are key regulatory protein channels for cytosolic Ca2+ in cardiac myocytes. Expression levels of these proteins are a function of development, with protein expression shifting toward the adult phenotype over time. We investigated how downregulation by siRNAs of RyR and NCX affected expression levels of complimentary proteins and the corresponding intracellular Ca2+ transients. We compared experimentally observed Ca2+ transients to those predicted by mathematical models. Experiments show RyR downregulation decreased SERCA and increased NCX protein levels. The associated Ca2+ transient had a decreased amplitude, increased time-to-peak, 50%, and 90% Ca2+ removal with respect to the control cell. NCX downregulation increased SERCA production without significant changes in RyR expression levels. The corresponding [Ca2+] transient had increased amplitude, no change in time-to-peak and 50% Ca2+ removal, and increased 90% Ca2+ removal with respect to the control cell. Computational models that accurately predict the observed experimental data suggest compensatory changes occurring in the expression levels as well as biochemical activity of the regulatory proteins.
Income Volatility, Risk-Coping Behavior and Consumption Smoothing Mechanisms in Developing Countries: A Survey

Resumen en: This paper provides a review of the general concepts and infl uential fi ndings of empirical research on risk-coping behavior and consumption smoothing a...
Gamma radiation inactivation of enterococci.

Radiation survival curves were determined for 7 strains of Enterococcus faecium , 10 strains of E. faecalis , and 8 strains of the proteolytic variety of E. faecalis . The D values (i.e. the doses giving 90% reduction of viable counts) ranged from 5.0-47 kGy for the E. faecium strains, 3.5-21 kGy for the E. faecalis strains, and 3.0-4.5 kGy for the proteolytic variants of E. faecalis . The survival curves were linear for most strains but some exhibited significant non-linear trends.
MIMO-OFDM and MAC design for broadband ad hoc network

Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) can be used to boost up capacity for broadband wireless communication. However, it is not easy to generalize these techniques to broadband ad hoc networks since existing medium access control (MAC) schemes are designed to accept only one user in a neighborhood. With MIMO-OFDM, multiple nodes can coexist in the same neighborhood. A transceiver architecture merging MIMO-OFDM and with a novel MAC scheme-multiple antennas receiver initiated busy tone medium access (MARI-BTMA) is proposed in this paper. MARI-BTMA is based on receiver initiated busy tone medium access (RI-BTMA) and uses multiple out of band busy-tones to notify the nodes about the number of users in the system and avoid collision on the same channel. To improve the performance at low traffic loads, an adaptive MARI-BTMA is also proposed. In this paper, both theoretical and numerical analysis of the throughput and delay are presented. Analysis and simulation results show the improved performance of MARI-BTMA compared with RI-BTMA and carrier sensing medium access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA)
Rituals of Death: The Meaning of Last Words and Last Meals

This paper explores the meaning of rituals of last words and last meals in the context of the death penalty. It concludes that the rituals retain the ability to subvert the state's retributivist message, even while they are necessary to it.
The Effect of Internet Security Breach Announcements on Market Value: Capital Market Reactions for Breached Firms and Internet Security Developers

Assessing the value of information technology (IT) security is challenging because of the difficulty of measuring the cost of security breaches. An event-study analysis, using market valuations, was used to assess the impact of security breaches on the market value of breached firms. The information-transfer effect of security breaches (i.e., their effect on the market value of firms that develop security technology) was also studied. The results show that announcing an Internet security breach is negatively associated with the market value of the announcing firm. The breached firms in the sample lost, on average, 2.1 percent of their market value within two days of the announcement--an average loss in market capitalization of $1.65 billion per breach. Firm type, firm size, and the year the breach occurred help explain the cross-sectional variations in abnormal returns produced by security breaches. The effects of security breaches are not restricted to the breached firms. The market value of security developers is positively associated with the disclosure of security breaches by other firms. The security developers in the sample realized an average abnormal return of 1.36 percent during the two-day period after the announcement--an average gain of $1.06 billion in two days. The study suggests that the cost of poor security is very high for investors. rity, information technology security management, Internet security, security breach an-
On Removing the Pushdown Stack in Reachability Constructions

A discrete pushdown timed automaton is a pushdown machine with integer-valued clocks. It has been shown recently that the binary reachability of a discrete pushdown timed automaton can be accepted by a 2-tape pushdown acceptor with reversal-bounded counters. We improve this result by showing that the stack can be removed from the acceptor, i.e., the binary reachability can be accepted by a 2-tape finite-state acceptor with reversal-bounded counters.We also obtain similar results for more general machine models. Our characterizations can be used to verify certain properties concerning these machines that were not verifiable before using previous techniques. We are also able to formulate a subset of Presburger LTL that is decidable for satisfiability-checking with respect to these machines.
The neutron spectrum of a source as simulated by accelerator produced α-particles

Abstract A thick Be target was irradiated with a 5·48 MeV α-beam. Neutron spectra were taken with a stilbene spectrometer at 15° intervals. After appropriate weighting and summation the simulated AmBe source spectrum was obtained. This spectrum is compared with the spectrum obtained directly from a source and with spectra published by other authors.
Carrier detection in classical hemophilia

Rabbit antibody to purified human factor VIII was prepared and absorbed until it formed only one precipitin line against normal and hemophilic plasmas and no line against severe von Willebrand9s disease plasma. The plasma protein which combines with this rabbit antibody to factor VIII is referred to as factor VIII antigen. The ratio of percent factor VIII activity (by coagulation assay) to percent factor VIII antigen was used for carrier detection. Thirty-seven normal women, 33 obligate carriers, 12 probable carriers, and 39 possible carriers, were studied by this technique. Using the ratio of 0.84 as the division between normals and carriers, 31 of the 33 carriers (91%) were classified as carriers. Twenty of the 39 possible carriers were classified as carriers (51%) and ten of the 12 probable carriers were positively identified. The results of discriminate analysis of all three variables (VIII activity, VIII antigen, and the ratio of VIII activity to VIII antigen indicated that the discrimination power of the ratio alone could not be improved by introducing the other variables on this set of data. These findings confirm the usefulness of the VIII activity to VIII antigen ratio in the detection of carriers of classical hemophilia.
Clinical use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in combination therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Objective. To review the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of combination treatment regimens including a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor and/or sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. Clinical trials of combination therapies including a DPP-4 and/or SGLT2 inhibitor were identified through a PubMed database search. To be included, studies had to have a primary end point of change from baseline to ≥24 weeks in glycated hemoglobin, include ≥1 other oral antidiabetic drug (OAD), and have randomized more than 200 patients. Results were limited to medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration at the time of the search (March 2015). Results. A total of 1534 articles for the DPP-4 inhibitor class and 434 articles for the SGLT2 inhibitor class were retrieved from PubMed. Of these, 33 articles from the DPP-4 inhibitor class and 24 articles from the SGLT2 inhibitor class were included for review. In each study, the addition of a ...
The astrophysical plasma gun

In direct analogy to the focusing stage of a typical laboratory magnetized coaxial plasma gun, we suggest that the explosive release of the toroidal magnetic field generated in the interior of a differentially rotating accretion disk around a central black hole, might account naturally for the sequences of fast and slow moving blobs observed in galactic and extragalactic jets.