cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clock and data recovery for a 6 Gbps SerDes receiver

This paper presents the design and implementation of a 6 Gbps clock and data recovery (CDR) system for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) standard. The CDR incorporates half rate phase detector and is realized using a 2 loop PLL consisting of a coarse loop and a fine loop. Fast frequency acquisition is acquired through coarse loop and fine phase alignment is performed through a half rate fine loop. While the coarse loop can recover clock ranging from 2.5 GHz to 3.2 GHz the fine loop has an acquisition range of 200 KHz. The design has been implemented in IBM 0.13um CMOS technology. Verilog AMS and Matlab were used for front end design and Cadence for schematic and layout implementation. The overall silicon area of the CDR is approximately 108 X 244 um2 excluding loop filter capacitors.
Prospects for the future.

Abstract The worldwide impact of the AIDS epidemic will be considerable as millions of deaths occur. We can assume that for the next 5 years there will be no cure to treat infections and no vaccine to prevent them. There will be, however, palliative treatments that will prolong life to some extent. These, however, most likely will be quite expensive and carry considerable side effects. As for vaccines, there most likely will be prototypes under study, but no generally available product. In the United States and western Europe, most of the cases will continue to occur in the “first wave” groups, but over decades increased blurring of epidemiologic boundaries will occur as sexual partners of infected people develop the disease. Ultimately, if nothing is done to stop transmission, the epidemiology in these areas will parallel that of hepatitis B virus. But something will be done. Programs will be designed and carried out to care for patients and prevent further transmission. In the United States, the Nationa...
Electrocatalytic activity of poly(3-methylthiophene) electrodes

Poly 3-methylthiophene (P3MT) modified electrodes have shown an improvement for detecting catecholamines when compared to classical ones. Past work with this polymer electrode suggested the possible presence of “active sites,” which are believed to be the polymer’s center of electrocatalytic activity. The interaction of 1,5-anthroquinone-disolfonic acid (1,5-AQDS) at the P3MT electrode showed a nonreversible behavior resulting in the blocking of “the active sites,” suggesting the specific electcatalytical activity of this polymer is limited to catechol and similar compounds. In order to improve catecholamine detection, two methods of electropolymerization for P3MT were compared under similar conditions; (1) a constant potential for a specific length of time, and (2) potential cycling. It was found that cycling provided a more sensitive CV, i.e. increased number of active sites. Under a controlled pH study (pH range 2–9), the polymer electrode maintained its superior performance, manifested as lower ΔE and higher i, toward catechol over the traditional electrodes. Two different supporting electrolytes were used, sulfate and phosphate, and it was found that in neutral or basic solutions containing phosphate, the oxidation and reduction potentials of catechol shifted to lower values. Solutions containing sulfate exhibited no shift in the oxidation potential at any pH value.
A CONSTRAINT-BASED STOICHIOMETRIC MODEL OF THE STEROIDOGENIC NETWORK OF ZEBRAFISH (DANIO RERIO)

The metabolic process of steroidogenesis exhibits a complex biochemical network topology as the activity of various steroidogenic enzymes control cholesterol metabolism to steroid hormone derivatives. In this paper, a stoichiometric reconstruction of a sub-set of 65 reactions from the zebrafish (Danio rerio) steroidogenic network is presented and simulated using uniform reaction constraints. The reconstruction defined a set of 65 enzyme catalyzed reactions and 37 exchange or transport reactions for steroid metabolites. The reconstructed reactions were inclusive of cholesterol and androgen/estrogen metabolism. Biased (statement of network objective function) and un-biased (no statement of objective function) analyses were applied to identify network properties dependent on reaction stoichiometry. Random sampling of flux distributions through the network identified highly-correlated reaction sets that corresponded to the catalysis of steroid metabolites of physiological relevance. Subsequently, optimal flux distributions through network pathways were determined for the production of the three steroidogenic metabolites of: 11-deoxycorticosterone, testosterone and 17β-estradiol. Furthermore, flux variability analyses revealed and confirmed optimal network fluxes through physiologically feasible pathways. The stoichiometric dependence of reactions was also confirmed by conducting deletions of reactions utilized for the optimal production of 17β-estradiol. This paper demonstrates the potential application of constraint-based reconstruction and simulation techniques in enabling the construction of deterministic and predictive physiological models. This acknowledgement is poignant considering the susceptibility of the steroidogenic network to environmental and anthropogenic stressors.
Validating Agent Interactions in Construct Against Empirical Communication Networks Using the Calibrated Grounding Technique

Validating a computational model is important as it establishes that the model has met its intended purpose of representing the system under study. In this paper, we perform a validation study on Construct, a multiagent network model for the coevolution of agents and the sociocultural environments that they inhabit. In particular, we focus on validating agent interactions produced by the model against empirical communication networks collected in real-world organizations. Validation is performed using our novel calibrated grounding technique. Results show that Construct can produce valid agent interactions. The benefits and implications of the study are discussed.
Esaki tunneling in the presence of magnetic fields

The theory for Esaki tunneling in the presence of a magnetic field is given for both transverse and longitudinal magnetic fields; it is shown that there are important qualitative differences between the two cases. Expressions are given for the normalized current I(B)/I(0) in both field orientations in the limit of strong magnetic field. Itis found that oscillations of the de Haas-Van Alphen type are not to be expected.
Radiation Induced Time Dependent Attenuation In A Fiber

Characteristics describing the time dependent attenuation coefficient of an optical fiber during and following a very short and intense radiation pulse are analyzed. This problem is important for transmission applications when the fiber is subjected to gamma, electron, or neutron beams. Besides time, the attenuation coefficient is a function of temperature, dose rate, dose, nature of the radiation (n,e,y), fiber composition and purity, pre-existing solid state defects, and wavelength of the transmitted signal. The peak attenuation for a given fiber is mainly determined by the dose rate and pulse length, but temperature and strain (or athermal) annealing also contribute to a partial recovery during the pulse duration. The peak attenuation per unit dose appears to be smaller at high doses, perhaps caused by particle track overlap, which produces a saturation effect. After pulse termination, the attenuation coefficient tends to recover towards its pre-radiation value at different rates, depending upon the factors mentioned above. In particular, ionized electrons relax back to the positive lattice ions at a rate which depends upon initial separation distance and temperature. The initial separation distance is a function of beam energy. Some electrons will encounter a trap in the lattice and may recombine by quantum mechanical tunneling or be removed by photons (hence, absorption). Besides ionization, radiation may induce lattice displacements which in turn produce additional absorption centers. The displacement contribution has a different time constant than that associated with ionization. These topics, as they influence fiber characteristics, are discussed, along with supporting experimental data.
Imaging Plaque Inflammation in Higher-Risk Patients: What Do We Know and What Are We Looking For?

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition complicating cholesterol accumulation within the artery wall. Inflammation is believed to play an important role in the formation, progression, and ultimately the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques (the principle event leading to most myocardial infarctions and strokes). An enhanced understanding of the inflammatory process within the atheroma may therefore facilitate risk stratification and treatment strategies. Molecular imaging techniques such as PET/CT have the ability to quantify arterial inflammation and assess the high-risk features of atheromas thus may be useful for identifying patients who are at higher risk for an atherothrombotic event. In this review, we focus on the potential of FDG-PET/CT as a tool to measure arterial inflammation, enhance risk stratification, and to evaluate novel therapies directed against atherosclerotic disease. Additionally, this review will provide a discussion on current challenges as well as future directions.
Mobilization of Black Militiamen in World War I: Ohio's Ninth Battalion

(1978). Mobilization of Black Militiamen in World War I: Ohio's Ninth Battalion. The Historian: Vol. 40, No. 4, pp. 686-703.
Exploring FDR'S relationship with the press: A historical agenda‐setting study

This historical agenda‐setting study examined the extent to which Franklin Roosevelt's issue agenda, as expressed in his first seven State of the Union speeches, correlated with subsequent coverage in seven major newspapers and the degree to which newspaper coverage correlated with FDR's issue agenda. While past works have emphasized Roosevelt's ability to influence media coverage, this study suggests that Roosevelt reacted to previous coverage more than he influenced subsequent coverage. Past researchers contend that Roosevelt's strong support early in his first term deteriorated subsequently. By contrast, our study found stronger correlations between FDR's issue agenda and subsequent coverage later in his presidency. FDR reacted to, rather than influenced, coverage in newspapers he read and influenced coverage in newspapers he did not read. Roosevelt's issue agenda posted stronger correlations for the papers that supported him than those that opposed him. This study suggests, then, that historical condi...
Rapid detection of cancer related DNA nanoparticulate biomarkers and nanoparticles in whole blood

The ability to rapidly detect cell free circulating (cfc) DNA, cfc-RNA, exosomes and other nanoparticulate disease biomarkers as well as drug delivery nanoparticles directly in blood is a major challenge for nanomedicine. We now show that microarray and new high voltage dielectrophoretic (DEP) devices can be used to rapidly isolate and detect cfc-DNA nanoparticulates and nanoparticles directly from whole blood and other high conductance samples (plasma, serum, urine, etc.). At DEP frequencies of 5kHz-10kHz both fluorescent-stained high molecular weight (hmw) DNA, cfc-DNA and fluorescent nanoparticles separate from the blood and become highly concentrated at specific DEP high-field regions over the microelectrodes, while blood cells move to the DEP low field-regions. The blood cells can then be removed by a simple fluidic wash while the DNA and nanoparticles remain highly concentrated. The hmw-DNA could be detected at a level of <260ng/ml and the nanoparticles at <9.5 x 10 9 particles/ml, detection levels that are well within the range for viable clinical diagnostics and drug nanoparticle monitoring. Disease specific cfc-DNA materials could also be detected directly in blood from patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and confirmed by PCR genotyping analysis.
Langerhans cells: Target cells in immune complex reactions

Abstract Skin of normal, cobra venom extract-treated, and C 4 -deficient guinea pigs was injected with ferritin-antiferritin or with peroxidase-antiperoxidase immune complexes. Skin and draining lymph nodes were studied to compare the phagocytosis of these immune complexes by Langerhans cells (LC) and by macrophages. When complement was present, immune complexes were damaging to LC, and uptake of the immune complexes, although present, was limited. When components of complement were absent or diminished, increased numbers of LC in lymph nodes were seen, but damage to LC was absent or decreased. However no detectable change in the amount of phagocytosis by LC was noted. Since some LC can carry antigen from skin to lymph nodes and may be involved in the presentation of antigen to lymphoid cells in some cell-mediated immune responses, impairment or abolition of LC function by immune complexes could represent a mechanism through which the local presence of antibodies might interfere with the induction and elicitation of cellular immunity by antigen. Moreover, damage to LC and subsequent release of intracellular (lysosomal?) substances may constitute a general mechanism of response in the skin to injury and may be an integral part of inflammatory and allergic skin reactions.
Photography of Cosmic Rays in a Luminescent Chamber

A method is described for photographing minimumionizing cosmic rays in a sodium iodide crystal using available electronic and optical components. With modifications the apparatus can be used for luminescent chamber experiments in high-energy particle physics. The system consists of photomuitiplier, Nal crystal, and three image intensifier tubes optically coupled to each other and to the crystal and film with refractive lenses. (W.D.M.)
Analysis of modal emissions from diverse in-use vehicle fleet

The initial phase of a long-term project with national implications for the improvement of transportation and air quality is described. The overall objective of the research is to develop and verify a computer model that accurately estimates the impacts of a vehicle's operating mode on emissions. This model improves on current emission models by allowing for the prediction of how traffic changes affect vehicle emissions. Results are presented that address the following points: vehicle recruitment, preliminary estimates of reproducibility, preliminary estimates of air conditioner effects, and preliminary estimates of changes in emissions relative to speed. As part of the development of a comprehensive modal emission model for light-duty vehicles, 28 distinct vehicle/technology categories have been identified based on vehicle class, emission control technology, fuel system, emission standard level, power-to-weight ratio, and emitter level (i.e., normal versus high emitter). These categories and the sampling...
Fast Algorithms for Computing the Smallest k -Enclosing Circle

For a set $P$ of $n$ points in the plane and an integer $k \leq n$, consider the problem of finding the smallest circle enclosing at least $k$ points of $P$. We present a randomized algorithm that computes in $O( n k )$ expected time such a circle, improving over previously known algorithms. Further, we present a linear time $\delta$-approximation algorithm that outputs a circle that contains at least $k$ points of $P$ and has radius less than $(1+\delta)r_{opt}(P,k)$, where $r_{opt}(P,k)$ is the radius of the minimum circle containing at least $k$ points of $P$. The expected running time of this approximation algorithm is $O(n + n \cdot\min((1/k\delta^3) \log^2 (1/\delta),k))$.
Realism as a Political Style: Noir Insights

Realism is an abiding aspect of politics. In aspiration and criticism, practice and theory, deed and word, politics return insistently to facing hard facts, making tough choices, then doing whatever needs to be done—in the conviction that true responsibility requires no less and that the ends will justify the means. Some people take realism to be the whole of politics, some the soul of politics, some their bane or debasement, and some just one perspective among others. But few would (or think they could) banish realism altogether from politics. Rather most see realism as present in the origins, prominent in the destinations, and persistent in the machinations of Western—even world—civilization. And the same goes for its principal contrary, idealism.
The effect of pressure-velocity correlation in a premixed, planar, turbulent flame

Abstract Models for the pressure-velocity correlation and product fraction-pressure correlation are introduced into the equations governing turbulent intensity and product flux in the case of a planar, premixed, turbulent flame which is normal to the oncoming stream. The equations, closed by a probability density function approach and fast chemistry assumption, are solved for turbulent intensity and product flux in the flow direction for various values of the parameters which control the effectivenss of the two correlations. It is seen that the pressure-velocity correlation acts as a source of turbulent intensity. As the values of the parameters are increased the correlation term overcomes the destruction of turbulent kinetic energy due to dilatation and shows an increase in turbulent intensity in accordance with some experimental evidence. However, this model does not predict countergradient diffusion of products, which appears in the analysis using some earlier models.
Tumor necrosis factor-α: molecular and cellular mechanisms in skeletal pathology

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) is one member of a large family of inflammatory cytokines that share common signal pathways, including activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (Nf-kappa B) and stimulation of the apoptotic pathway. Data derived from early work supported a role for TNF as a skeletal catabolic agent that stimulates osteoclastogenesis while simultaneously inhibiting osteoblast function. The finding that estrogen deficiency was associated with increased production of cytokines led to a barrage of studies and lively debate on the relative contributions of TNF and other cytokines on bone loss, on the potential cell sources of TNF in the bone microenvironment, and on the mechanism of TNF action. TNF has a central role in bone pathophysiology. TNF is necessary for stimulation of osteoclastogenesis along with the receptor activator of Nf-kappa B ligand (RANKL). TNF also stimulates osteoblasts in a manner that hinders their bone-formative action. TNF suppresses recruitment of osteoblasts from progenitor cells, inhibits the expression of matrix protein genes, and stimulates expression of genes that amplify osteoclastogenesis. TNF may also affect skeletal metabolism by inducing resistance to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) by a mechanism that extends to other members of the steroid hormone nuclear receptor family. Thus, TNF assails bone at many levels. This review will focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of TNF action in the skeleton that result in increased bone resorption and impaired formation. TNF and its signal pathway remains an important target for the development of new therapies for bone loss from osteoporosis and inflammatory arthritis.
Longitudinal family effects on substance use among an at-risk adolescent sample.

Objective Adult and peer factors may influence whether adolescents use alcohol and other drugs (AOD). This longitudinal study examined the direct effects of adult monitoring, perceived adult AOD use, and cultural values on adolescent AOD use.
Transmit beamforming and cooperative jamming for MIMOME wiretap channels

Joint transmit beamforming and cooperative jamming for MIMOME (multiple-input multiple-output multi-antenna-eavesdropper) wiretap channel is studied, where the model consists of a transmitter, a friendly jammer, a receiver and an eavesdropper. The optimization problem of finding transmit and jamming covariances to maximize the secrecy rate is non-convex, and blindly searching will result in local optima. Because of the transmit beamforming, the MIMOME channel can be related to an effective MISOSE channel. Using this relation, we propose an iterative algorithm that in each iteration: 1) searches the jamming covariance for the effective MISOSE channel and 2) updates the effective MISOSE channel. Numerical results show that our proposed algorithm achieves higher objective whereas blind search is trapped at local optima. The proposed algorithm achieves higher secrecy rate than the existing artificial noise scheme.
The Real Versus the Ideal: Predicting Relationship Satisfaction and Well-Being From Endorsement of Marriage Myths and Benevolent Sexism

Marriage is a rite of passage in U.S. culture influenced by fairy-tale expectations presented in the media and perpetuated through gender role socialization. Our study tested endorsement of marriag...
Conformations of the semifluorinated n-alkane H–(CF2)8–H investigated using Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations

Abstract The three lowest energy conformations of the title compound have been investigated using quantum chemical calculations and the lowest energy conformer has been observed using pure rotational spectroscopy. The lowest energy conformer possesses C 2 symmetry, a helical CF2 backbone, with the hydrogens nearly eclipsing one another when looking down the long axis of the molecule. The technique of Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy in conjunction with quantum chemical calculations is demonstrated as a complimentary method to X-ray diffraction for structural determinations of small oligomers for which the location of hydrogen atoms may be important.
Oxidation and corrosion resistance of two Fe-8Cr-16Ni-Si-Cu alloys

Abstract The Bureau of Mines has developed a low-chromium stainless steel with low-temperature corrosion resistance in acidic media and elevated temperature oxidation resistance in air. Two alloys, nominally containing Fe-8Cr-16Ni-5Si-1Cu and 0 or1 Mo, were evaluated for their potential as low-Cr (8% Cr) substitutes for conventional (18% Cr) stainless steel. Corrosion resistance was electrochemically evaluated in 1 N H2SO4,25% HNO3, 86% H3PO4, and 40% citric acid, and by mass-loss measurements in 1 N H2SO4, 25% HNO3, 86% H3PO4, glacial acetic and 40% citric acids, and distilled water. Static oxidation tests were performed at 700 and 800°C. Corrosion resistance for both alloys was equivalent to type 304 (UNS S30400) stainless steel in the 86% H3PO4, glacial acetic and 40% citric acids, and distilled water; poorer in 25% HNO3 and better in 1 N H2SO4. The oxidation resistance for both alloys was slightly poorer than type 304 SS at 700°C and slightly better at 800°C.
Exercise-induced dystonia as a preceding symptom of familial Parkinson's disease

Paroxysmal exercise-induced dystonia can occur with Parkinson's disease (PD), and in rare cases, this can also be the presenting symptom. We report on 2 second cousins (no known consanguinity) who presented with paroxysmal exercise-induced dystonia who later developed clinical features of PD. Although autosomal recessive inheritance was suggested, and the dystonic features further suggest parkin as a possible cause, sequencing for parkin mutations was negative and this family may represent a genetic variant of PD. Further genotype-phenotype studies in this and similar families may give clues to pre-symptomatic symptoms in PD and may reflect a particular phenotype of interest for genetics studies in the future.
"Is it a camel? Is it a turban? No, it's The 99": branding Islamic superheroes as authentic global cultural commodities.

Since 2006, Kuwait-based Teshkeel’s The 99, billed as the world’s first Islamic superhero team, has developed into a transnational cross-media brand, with theme park tie-ins, merchandizing, and an animated series coproduced with Endemol sold to nearly a dozen countries around the world. The 99 is intended to be a transformative brand that repairs and redefines Islam’s reputation through branding and marketing. Yet, attempts to bring the TV series to U.S. audiences have repeatedly been met with accusations that The 99 is attempting to indoctrinate non-Muslims into Shari’a law. American resistance to The 99 reveals both the limits of consumer capitalism as a great equalizer and some of the incompatibilities of brand marketing and correcting misperceptions about Islam. In particular, I argue that emphasis placed on “brand authenticity” functions as a double-edged sword for Islamic brands, which are simultaneously perceived as both inauthentic and too authentic for broader commercial appeal.
A Buyer's Guide to Electromagnetic Tracking Systems for Clinical Applications

When choosing an Electromagnetic Tracking System (EMTS) for image-guided procedures, it is desirable for the system to be usable for different procedures and environments. Several factors influence this choice. To date, the only factors that have been studied extensively, are the accuracy and the susceptibility of electromagnetic tracking systems to distortions caused by ferromagnetic materials. In this paper we provide a holistic overview of the factors that should be taken into account when choosing an EMTS. These factors include: the system’s refresh rate, the number of sensors that need to be tracked, the size of the navigated region, system interaction with the environment, can the sensors be embedded into the tools and provide the desired transformation data, and tracking accuracy and robustness. We evaluate the Aurora EMTS (Northern Digital Inc., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) and the 3D Guidance EMTS with the flat-panel and the short-range field generators (Ascension Technology Corp., Burlington, Vermont, USA) in three clinical environments. We show that these systems are applicable to specific procedures or in specific environments, but that, no single system is currently optimal for all environments and procedures we evaluated.
Stability analysis for postural control in a two-joint limb system

The stability behavior of a multi-joint limb with electrically activated muscles provides important clues for postural control of motor tasks. The stability property of the musculoskeletal system can be characterized with its eigenvalues evaluated at operating postures in the workspace. A planar arm model with shoulder and elbow joints and three pairs of antagonistic muscles was constructed in ADAMS. Stability behavior of shoulder and elbow joints was analyzed using the loci of eigenvalues in the s-plane. In the analysis of open-loop cocontraction of antagonist muscles with increasing activation from 5% to 100%, the eigenvalues of the shoulder and elbow joints were confined within the left half of the s-plane in a stripe of /spl plusmn/j0.5, and moved toward left onto the real axis. The shoulder eigenvalues were generally nearer to the imaginary axis than the elbow ones, indicating a more oscillatory behavior at the shoulder joint than that at the elbow joint. The effects of joint configuration evaluated within the workspace from 40/spl deg/ to 110/spl deg/ for the elbow and from 40/spl deg/ to 120/spl deg/ for the shoulder showed that the elbow eigenvalues were more prone to configuration changes, particularly elbow angles. We also developed a simulation paradigm for sampled data FES control systems that contain a mixture of continuous time components and sampling and hold effects. This simulation paradigm is useful for realistic simulation of local feedback controller performance.
Measurements and Simulations of Temperature and Deformation Fields in Transient Metal Cutting

Advanced finite element software makes it possible to perform accurate simulations of orthogonal metal cutting provided all input parameters such as material properties, friction and material separation criteria are known. In principle, such properties can be determined by performing a series of cutting experiments and mechanical property tests, and then iterating the finite element simulations until acceptable agreement is reached. Cutting measurements have generally included only cutting forces and tool-chip temperatures. We hypothesize that by closely coupling simulations to conventional cutting force measurements and with fine scale spatial and temporal experimental measurements of temperature and strain fields, questions related to the choice of parameters in finite element simulations can be resolved. As a step towards that resolution a method for high resolution experimental measurements of temperature and strain fields is presented here. Temperatures of the workpiece and chip are measured during transient metal cutting over areas of 27×27 μm and time scales of 200 ns by using infrared detectors. Three different materials, 1018CR steel, A16061-T6 and Ti-6Al-4V are tested. A grid method is used to measure deformations in steel with a spatial resolution of 50 μm.
Aqueous Tube-shunt Implantation and Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Eyes With Refractory Glaucoma

We reviewed the surgical outcome of 20 eyes of 20 consecutive patients who had undergone combined aqueous tube-shunt implantation and vitrectomy for complicated glaucoma associated with vitreoretinal disorders. After a mean follow-up of 10.39 ± 5.43 months, visual acuity remained stable or improved in 13 patients (65%), and intraocular pressure was controlled (
Diagnosis and Management of Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Current Trends and Controversies

Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous malignancy with a predilection for regional and distant metastasis. This malignancy presents most commonly on the head and neck of elderly Caucasian males, with a higher prevalence in the immunosuppressed. A high index of suspicion must be maintained due to the often asymptomatic presentation. Lip tumors, scalp tumors, local invasion, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis, and lymphovascular invasion are poor prognostic factors. Up to 8.7% of patients present with distant metastasis, and PET-CT is an accurate staging tool with a 90% sensitivity. Combined aggressive surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy affords the best regional control rates. The regional lymphatics must be addressed with either sentinel lymph node biopsy, surgery, or elective radiation due to the risk of occult metastasis. Addition of chemotherapy has no proven benefit in locoregional control.
Chlamydospore development in the absence of protein synthesis in Fusarium solani

Abstract Germinated macrospores of a strain of Fusarium solani develop differentiated chlamydospores in an acid medium at levels of cycloheximide which inhibit protein synthesis and virtually inhibit (96%) the incorporation of uracil- 14 C into ribonucleic acid. The system responsible for the formation of chlamydospores develops early in normal germination but is expressed only if the environment is modified.
Input from the medial nucleus of trapezoid body to an interaural level detector

The medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) contains components of a neural network that functions as an interaural level difference (ILD) detector. In the cat, lateral superior olivary (LSO) neurons compare the contralateral inhibitory input from the MNTB with an excitatory input form the ipsilateral anteroventral cochlear nucleus to extract information about binaural stimuli. To better specify the inhibitory inputs to the LSO and gain a better understanding of the inhibitory component of the LSO network, the response characteristics of MNTB neurons were examined in cats under stimulus conditions similar to those used to study LSO inhibitory responses. The inhibitory tuning curves of LSO units were wider than the tuning curves of MNTB units. Hence, MNTB neurons with similar, but not identical, characteristic frequencies converge to provide inhibitory input to single LSO neurons. Variations in the number of converging MNTB inputs produced a range of LSO excitatory-inhibitory threshold differences, thus creating a coding mechanism for representing the ILD. Convergence of MNTB inputs also increased the dynamic range over which contralateral stimulus level effects LSO binaural responses beyond the dynamic ranges of individual MNTB units, thus expanding the ILD range encoded by the LSO network. The differences between the first-spike latencies of MNTB and LSO tone burst responses were small and the precision of the LSO first-spike discharges was significantly greater than that of MNTB units. As tone bursts delivered simultaneously to the two ears can consistently inhibit LSO first-spike discharges, the inhibitory input must match the LSO precision by converging a number of the more variably timed MNTB discharges. Because of their precision LSO first-spike discharges may be used to encode interaural time-of-arrival differences of mid- to high-frequency transients. These findings add to the foundation for a comprehensive network model that describes the inputs to the LSO as point processes, delimits the biophysical mechanisms underlying excitatory and inhibitory interactions at the single neuron level, and reveals how these inputs determine the response to different binaural stimulus conditions.
Production and decay of the Ou+ and 1u states of Kr2 excited by synchrotron radiation

Abstract Radiative lifetimes and rates for formation, vibrational relaxation and collisional mixing of the lowest Ou+ and lu states of Kr2; were determined by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy following excitation by monochromatized synchrotron radiation. The results are compared with those of previous studies employing excitation by fast charged panicles
Search engine ranking efficiency evaluation tool

In view of the recent progress in the field of internet search engines, there is a growing need for mechanisms to evaluate the performance of these useful and popular tools. So far, the vast majority of researchers have relied on the information-retrieval metrics of "precision" and "recall" that quantify the occurrence of "hits" and "misses" in the returned list of documents. What they fail to do is to measure the quality of the ranking that the search engine has provided. This paper wants to rectify the situation. We discuss the issue in some detail, and then propose a new mechanism that we believe is better suited for our needs.
I Believe I Am So Called: Reflections on a Vocation in Medical Education

This essay is concerned with the fulfillment of ordination commitments through a pastoral role in medical education and review of medical research with human subjects. Stylistically, it combines memoir with the genre known as “creative non-fiction.” Its major issues have to do with the identity formation and transformation of the author, the function and ethics of institutional review boards, the teaching of medical ethics to medical students, and courses involved in the doctor–patient relationship and in palliative care intended to increase the sensitivity and self-awareness of physicians-in-becoming. This essay was presented in its initial form at the Annual Fellows Meeting of the Society for Values in Higher Education in 2010.
Comparison of PQL and Laplace 6 estimates of hierarchical linear models when comparing groups of small incident rates in cluster randomised trials

The variances of the random components in hierarchical generalised linear models (HGLMs) with binary outcomes have been reported to have a considerable downward bias when estimated with the commonly used penalised quasilikelihood (PQL) technique. The more recently proposed Laplace 6 approximation promises to reduce this bias. This study compares the performance of these two techniques when estimating the parameters of a particular HGLM. This comparison is performed via Monte Carlo simulations in which the difference between two groups of proportions, modelled after those appearing in many epidemiological cluster randomised interventions, are tested using this model. The Laplace 6 approximation does reduce the bias mentioned above, but at the price of a higher mean square error. The results of this study suggest that the optimal solution involves using a combination of these two techniques. This combination is illustrated by analysing a data set from a real cluster randomised intervention.
Experiments with fungicide sprays to control Ramularia beticola in sugar‐beet seed crops

SUMMARY A single fentinhydroxide spray at the end of May controlled Ramularia leaf spot in in-situ sugar-beet seed crops and increased seed yield on average by 4%. Sprays controlled leaf spots most effectively in the Cotswolds, but yield increases were larger in Lincolnshire. Benomyl controlled leaf spot as well as did fentinhydroxide; thiabendazole was less effective, and maneb and cuprous oxide gave poor control.
Carotenogenesis in Phycomyces

Abstract Time course studies of carotenoid production and of mycelial growth in liquid cultures of Phycomyces blakesleeanus wild type [NRRL 1555 (−)], red mutants C9, C10 and C13 and the heterokaryon C2 * C9 are reported. The ratios of the concentrations of lycopene, γ-carotene and β-carotene in the red mutant C13 and in the heterokaryon C2 * C9 during the growth periods were measured. In these strains the concentration of lycopene is close to its final value after 2 days of growth, at a time at which β-carotene is just beginning to be produced. It is suggested that the β-carotene produced late is possibly synthesized via β-zeacarotene.
Effect of intraventricular infusion of an angiotensin II antagonist on 125I-angiotensin II binding in rats.

The effects of chronic (six day) intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of an angiotensin II antagonist, sarcosine1, isoleucine8 angiotensin II ([Sar1,Ile8]Ang II), (500 ng/μl per hour) was studied. Specific 125I-Ang II binding site density and binding affinity in the hypothalamus-thalamus-septum-midbrain (H-T-S-M) region of the brain and the adrenal medulla did not differ significantly between [Sar1,Ile8]Ang II treated and control (0.9% saline) rats. However, 125I-Ang II binding to the adrenal cortex was significantly reduced by i.c.v. infusion of [Sar1,Ile8]Ang II. The drinking response to microinjection of Ang II was blunted for up to seven days of [Sar1,Ile8]Ang II infusion. Thus, although [Sar1,Ile8]Ang II effectively blocked the central Ang II receptors, chronic infusion of this Ang II antagonist did not appear to cause alterations in brain H-T-S-M Ang II receptors, suggesting that brain Ang II receptors in normal rats do not undergo homologous regulation.
Posterior Sensitivity to the Sampling Distribution and the Prior: More than One Observation

Sensitivity of a posterior quantity ρ(f, P) to the choice of the sampling distribution f and prior P is considered. Sensitivity is measured by the range of ρ(f, P) when f and P vary in nonparametric classes Γ f and Γ P respectively. Direct and iterative methods are described which obtain the range of ρ(f, P) over f∈Γ f when prior P is fixed, and also the overall range over f∈Γ f and P∈Γ P . When multiple i.i.d. observations X 1,...,X k are observed from f, the posterior quantity ρ(f, P) is not a ratio-linear function of f. A method of steepest descent is proposed to obtain the range of ρ(f, P). Several examples illustrate applications of these methods.
Inkjet Printing of High Conductivity, Flexible Graphene Patterns

The ability to print high conductivity, conformal, and flexible electrodes is an important technological challenge in printed electronics, especially for large-area formats with low cost considerations. In this Letter, we demonstrate inkjet-printed, high conductivity graphene patterns that are suitable for flexible electronics. The ink is prepared by solution-phase exfoliation of graphene using an environmentally benign solvent, ethanol, and a stabilizing polymer, ethyl cellulose. The inkjet-printed graphene features attain low resistivity of 4 mΩ·cm after a thermal anneal at 250 °C for 30 min while showing uniform morphology, compatibility with flexible substrates, and excellent tolerance to bending stresses.
487: Multivariate adaptive regression splines analysis to predict biomarkers of spontaneous preterm birth

Objective. To develop classification models of demographic/clinical factors and biomarker data from spontaneous preterm birth in African Americans and Caucasians. Design. Secondary analysis of biomarker data using multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), a supervised machine learning algorithm method. Setting. Analysis of data on 36 biomarkers from 191 women was reduced by MARS to develop predictive models for preterm birth in African Americans and Caucasians. Samples. Maternal plasma, cord plasma collected at admission for preterm or term labor and amniotic fluid at delivery. Methods. Data were partitioned into training and testing sets. Variable importance, a relative indicator (0–100%) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) characterized results. Results. Multivariate adaptive regression splines generated models for combined and racially stratified biomarker data. Clinical and demographic data did not contribute to the model. Racial stratification of data produced distinct models in all three compartments. In African Americans maternal plasma samples IL-1RA, TNF-a, angiopoietin 2, TNFRI, IL-5, MIP1a, IL-1b and TGF-a modeled preterm birth (AUC train: 0.98, AUC test: 0.86). In Caucasians TNFR1, ICAM-1 and IL-1RA contributed to the model (AUC train: 0.84, AUC test: 0.68). African Americans cord plasma samples produced IL-12P70, IL-8 (AUC train: 0.82, AUC test: 0.66). Cord plasma in Caucasians modeled IGFII, PDGFBB, TGF-b1, IL-12P70, and TIMP1 (AUC train: 0.99, AUC test: 0.82). Amniotic fluid in African Americans modeled FasL, TNFRII, RANTES, KGF, IGFI (AUC train: 0.95, AUC test: 0.89) and in Caucasians, TNF-a, MCP3, TGF-b3, TNFR1 and angiopoietin 2 (AUC train: 0.94 AUC test: 0.79). Conclusions. Multivariate adaptive regression splines models multiple biomarkers associated with preterm birth and demonstrated racial disparity.
Reaction-diffusion in the NEURON simulator.

In order to support research on the role of cell biological principles (genomics, proteomics, signaling cascades and reaction dynamics) on the dynamics of neuronal response in health and disease, NEURON has developed a Reaction-Diffusion (rxd) module in Python which provides specification and simulation for these dynamics, coupled with the electrophysiological dynamics of the cell membrane. Arithmetic operations on species and parameters are overloaded, allowing arbitrary reaction formulas to be specified using Python syntax. These expressions are then transparently compiled into bytecode that uses NumPy for fast vectorized calculations. At each time step, rxd combines NEURON's integrators with SciPy’s sparse linear algebra library.
Signaling netwErks get the global treatment

Two landmark studies of cell signaling, by RNA interference and phosphoproteomics, provide complementary global views of the pathways downstream of receptor kinases, including those regulated by Erks.
Belief in U.S. Government Conspiracies Against Blacks among Black and White College Students: Powerlessness or System Blame?

Black Americans are far more likely than White Americans to endorse theories about conspiracies by the U.S. government against Blacks. The present study explored the predictors of these conspiracy beliefs for 91 Black and 96 White college students. Two explanations for belief in these conspiracies were considered, one focusing on political powerless and externality of attributions and the other focusing on system blame for Blacks’ disadvantaged status. Regression analyses supported the view that belief in these conspiracy theories is related to blaming problems of Black Americans on prejudice and discrimination. Race was a powerful predictor of belief in these conspiracies even when socioeconomic status was controlled. Furthermore, the race effect was partially mediated by the system blame measure but not by political powerlessness or greater externality of attributional style. System blame was a much stronger predictor of conspiracy beliefs for Black than for White students. Conspiracy beliefs were posit...
Using SPICE to calculate MOSFET operating temperature

An analog behavioral SPICE model which allows the average temperature of the semiconductor chip of a MOSFET to be determined during a transient simulation is presented. The model is valid for simulation times of less than approximately that of the thermal time constant of the device, and has demonstrated excellent agreement with measured device temperatures. Thermal impedance data required by the model are available from manufacturers' data sheets, so that the model requires no device measurements or characterization. >
SO WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEW BASALS? A FOCUS ON FIRST GRADE

The authors examine the first-grade materials in five new basal programs submitted for the 1993 Texas state adoption.1 These series are compared with program materials currently in use in the state (copyright 1986/1987). The analysis focuses on features of the pupil texts (e.g., total number of words, number of unique words, readability levels, literary quality) and features of the teachers' editions (e.g., program design, organization, tone). Results of the analysis indicate substantial changes in the more recent series. The findings are interpreted in terms of historical trends as well as recent developments in the literature-based and whole-language movements. Implications for future research are identified that relate to the study of the implementation and effects of these new programs.
Acute Effects of Cigarillo Smoking

Introduction Cigarillo smoking likely exposes users to many of the same toxicants (e.g., nicotine, carbon monoxide [CO]) as cigarette smoking. Yet, few controlled clinical laboratory studies evaluating of the effects of cigarillos exist. This study evaluated the cardiovascular response, toxicant exposure, subjective effects, and puffing topography of a popular cigarillo brand, Black & Mild (B&M). Methods Sixteen B&M smokers (M ± SD = 1.9 ± 2.5 cigarillos/day for 3.4 ± 3.5 years) participated in 2 counterbalanced conditions: lit (ACTIVE) or unlit (SHAM) B&M in which they completed two 10-puff smoking bouts (30-s interpuff intervals). Results Plasma nicotine concentrations for ACTIVE increased significantly from pre-smoking (M ± SEM = 2.0 ± 0.0 ng/ml) to 5 min after Bouts 1 (5.3 ± 0.8 ng/ml) and 2 (4.9 ± 0.9 ng/ml) but did not increase above 2.0 ± 0.0 ng/ml at any timepoint for SHAM. Heart rate increased significantly from pre- to post-smoking for ACTIVE but not for SHAM. Average expired-air CO levels, collapsed across time, were 14.3 ± 0.8 ppm for ACTIVE and 4.5 ± 0.2 ppm for SHAM. Neither condition reduced symptoms of nicotine/tobacco abstinence reliably, although ratings for some measures were significantly lower for ACTIVE than for SHAM. ACTIVE, but not SHAM, produced a variety of positive effects related to product sensory characteristics (e.g., "satisfying," "pleasant"). Smoking topography did not differ across the two conditions. Conclusions Ten puffs from a B&M cigarillo deliver active doses of nicotine and considerable amounts of CO but do not suppress abstinence-induced withdrawal symptoms reliably. The nicotine delivery profile suggests that cigarillo smoking may promote nicotine/tobacco dependence and the CO exposure likely poses significant health risks.
Religious Leadership/Clergy

Sociological research on clergy and religious leaders has been motivated mainly by institutional concerns. This field is filled with studies sponsored by religious denominations and church-supporting foundations to help solve practical problems. The main research topics are recruitment, training, morale, coping with stress, clarifying roles, and tracking changes. The clearest way to convey this research is denomination by denomination. Thus I will first review the research under the three headings of Protestant, Catholic, and other religions, then I will interpret the research from the viewpoint of sociological questions.