cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Model-based rational feedback controller design for closed-loop deep brain stimulation of Parkinson's disease

Objective. To explore the use of classical feedback control methods to achieve an improved deep brain stimulation (DBS) algorithm for application to Parkinson's disease (PD). Approach. A computational model of PD dynamics was employed to develop model-based rational feedback controller design. The restoration of thalamocortical relay capabilities to patients suffering from PD is formulated as a feedback control problem with the DBS waveform serving as the control input. Two high-level control strategies are tested: one that is driven by an online estimate of thalamic reliability, and another that acts to eliminate substantial decreases in the inhibition from the globus pallidus interna (GPi) to the thalamus. Control laws inspired by traditional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) methodology are prescribed for each strategy and simulated on this computational model of the basal ganglia network. Main Results. For control based upon thalamic reliability, a strategy of frequency proportional control with proportional bias delivered the optimal control achieved for a given energy expenditure. In comparison, control based upon synaptic inhibitory output from the GPi performed very well in comparison with those of reliability-based control, with considerable further reduction in energy expenditure relative to that of open-loop DBS. The best controller performance was amplitude proportional with derivative control and integral bias, which is full PID control. We demonstrated how optimizing the three components of PID control is feasible in this setting, although the complexity of these optimization functions argues for adaptive methods in implementation. Significance. Our findings point to the potential value of model-based rational design of feedback controllers for Parkinson's disease.
An enhanced client-centric approach for efficient video broadcast

Periodic broadcast is a cost-effective solution for large-scale distribution of popular videos. Regardless of the number of video requests, this strategy guarantees a constant worst service latency to all clients, making it possible to serve a large community with a minimal amount of broadcast bandwidth. Although many efficient periodic broadcast techniques have been proposed, most of them impose rigid requirements on client receiving bandwidth. They either demand clients to have the same bandwidth as the video server, or limit them to receive no more than two video streams at any one time. In our previous work, we addressed this problem with a Client-Centric Approach (CCA). This scheme takes into consideration both server broadcast bandwidth and client receiving bandwidth and allows clients to use all their receiving capability for prefetching broadcast data. As a result, given a fixed broadcast bandwidth, a shorter broadcast period can be achieved with an improved client communication capability. In this paper, we present an enhanced version of CCA to further leverage client bandwidth for more efficient video broadcast. The new scheme reduces the broadcast latency up to 50% as compared to CCA. We prove the correctness of this new technique and provide an analytical evaluation to show its performance advantage as compared with some existing techniques.
Improving Access to Substance Abuse Treatment Services for Consumers with AIDS: A Formative Evaluation

This paper presents the findings of a formative evaluation used to guide the implementation of programming funded by an HIV/Treatment Capacity Expansion grant received from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. Data were gathered from programmatic records regarding access to treatment, individual interviews with persons with HIV referred to treatment that did not attend, and interviews with persons with HIV currently receiving substance abuse treatment. Findings connected to record review indicate that the program is functioning in accordance with current model standards, while interviews indicated several barriers to access. Suggestions are offered to improve the implementation of substance abuse treatment to persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Real-time detection of abnormal crowd behavior using a matrix approximation-based approach

Automatic detection of abnormal crowd activities is one of central tasks in video surveillance. In this paper we present a matrix approximation-based method to detect abnormal crowd behavior. In our approach, we model typical motions associated with normal crowd behaviors with a set of motion subspaces, computed through low-rank matrix approximation. Then, abnormal crowd behaviors are identified by the motion deviations from the representative subspaces. Our method does not require complicated tracking or classification method, and can fast detect abnormal events in complex crowd scenes. In addition, through the adaptive learning module, our model is built on the observed data, and can be expanded by incorporating new crowd behavior patterns during the detection process. The results on simulated crowd scenes show the effectiveness of our method.
Automated Evaluation of Mass Spectra on Photoplates in Spark Source Mass Spectroscopy

A set of computer programs has been developed for the automated evaluation of mass spectra on photoplates in spark source mass spectroscopy. It carries out the three functions of data acquisition, qualitative analysis, and quantitative analysis on a commercially available microdensitometer-minicomputer system. The task of each program and the data flow through these programs are described. The reliability of the programs is evaluated.
Endoscopic Repair of Isolated Orbital Floor Fracture With Implant Placement

Purpose This study was designed to assess the use of the endoscopic transmaxillary approach to correcting orbital blowout fractures (OBFs) with placement of alloplastic implants. Materials and Methods This was a prospective study of patients treated in the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville over a 6-month period, July to December 2005. Ten patients (7 males, 3 females, age range 19 to 47 years [average age 37.3 years]) met the inclusion criteria for the study and consented to undergo surgical repair. The injury was most commonly secondary to assault (6 cases); the remainder were secondary to motor vehicle collisions. The time from injury to correction ranged from 3 to 36 days (average, 10.9 days). A computed tomography scan with axial and coronal views was obtained in each patient at the time of presentation. All patients who met the inclusion criteria for the study underwent an endoscopic-assisted transmaxillary repair of their OBF with placement of a Medpor implant (Porex Surgical Products, Newnan, GA). Results Of the 10 patients, 9 presented with diplopia preoperatively and 4 had associated entrapment on upward gaze. One patient did not have entrapment or diplopia but had a fracture larger than 2 cm2. All patients underwent successful OBF repair with placement of a Medpore implant through the endoscopic transmaxillary approach, and all experienced resolution of preoperative diplopia and/or entrapment. None of the patients developed enophthalmos at a mean follow-up of 12.7 weeks. Conclusions The endoscopic transmaxillary approach to correcting OBF is an excellent alternative to the transconjunctival approach. This approach carries a very low morbidity and may be used in circumstances in which conventional approaches are not feasible.
The annotation station: an open-source technology for annotating large biomedical databases

The authors present a new framework for annotating large databases of multichannel clinical data such as MIMIC II. MIMIC II is an ICU database which includes both regularly sampled (but often discontinuous) high rate data (such as ECG and BP waveforms) and low resolution data (such as waveform derived averages, lab results, medication changes, fluid balances, and nurse-verified signal values) which are often sparse, asynchronous and irregularly sampled. Because of the extremely rich high-dimensional nature of MIMIC II medical data, we require a vast quantity of labeled data in order to test and validate ICU decision-support algorithms. MIMIC II presents a new annotation challenge which cannot be met by currently existing annotation structures due to the heterogeneous data types and unavailability of data. We have constructed a hardware/software configuration known as the "annotation station", a quad-monitor, time synchronized, viewing tool which displays all of this data in an organized fashion. The software gives the user the opportunity to produce annotations in a practicable format that serve the goals of the MIMIC II project. The annotation structure must apply to all the numeric signals in MIMIC as well as nonnumeric data such as nursing notes, discharge summaries and patient histories. Furthermore, in order for the annotation framework to adequately represent the state of the patient to a human or machine, it must involve clinical coding using accepted medical lexicons and causal linkage of one annotation to another. This linkage is the basis of causal reasoning between significant events in different streams of the data. The annotations also include subjective expert assessments of a patient's hemodynamic state and trajectory. These assessments provide objective and subjective labels for assessing algorithms that track trends in the data with a view to producing intelligent alarms.
Nonlinear adaptive filtering using annealed neural networks

A technique for nonlinear adaptive filtering which combines annealed neural networks (ANNs) and conventional recursive-least-squares/fast-transversal-filter (RLS/FTF) adaptive filtering is presented. The technique can efficiently handle large-order nonlinearities with or without memory. The nonlinear channel is divided into a nonlinearity followed by a dispersive linear system. ANN is applied to obtain the coefficients of the nonlinearity, and RLS/FTF is applied to determine the weights of the dispersive linear systems. The proposed technique has better convergence properties than gradient-descent-based methods, such as those based on steepest-descent or Newton's method. The proposed technique is used to solve for the true minimum mean-squared-error estimate, as opposed to solving for an estimate which satisfies suboptimal equations. A simulation example is given which shows the superior performance of the technique compared to that of ordinary RLS/FTF and gradient-descent. >
Stabilizing existing removable partial prostheses during impression procedures.

making the transfer impression. 9 The denture is stabilized by the resilient impression material; however, the distal extension base may still be displaced during insertion of the impression tray. Denture adhesives may be used to stabilize the removable prosthesis, but may not prevent displacement. In addition, it might be difficult to remove the residual adhesive from the prosthesis after the transfer impression is made. A stock tray with openings for fingers to apply pressure on another impression tray was recommended for a partial denture definite impression 1,10,11 ; however, the technique was used only for the definitive impression of a partial denture with a distal edentulous area. This article presents a technique using a tray with openings to stabilize the removable prosthesis during transfer impression procedures. This technique can also be used for the impression for a diagnostic or opposing cast. PROCEDURE
A Study of the Birth Weight and Gestation of Dairy Animals

Summary 1.The average weight of Jersey calves in the herd studied was 57 pounds, of Guernsey calves 64 pounds, of Ayrshire calves 72 pounds, and of Holstein calves 91 pounds. 2.The Jersey calves represented 6.3 per cent of the weight of their dams, the Guernseys 6.7 per cent, the Ayrshires 6.9 per cent and the Holsteins 7.8 per cent of the weight of their dams. 3.The male calves were 4 to 11 pounds heavier than the female calves. The average birth weight of all bull calves studied is 7.8 per cent heavier than the females. 4.Immature cows produced smaller calves than mature cows. 5.The birth weights recorded for dairy calves in the Kansas herd were consistently higher than the weights of calves reported from the Missouri and Iowa herds. 6.The nutrition of the dam had but little influence on the weight of the calf except in the case of cows on a restricted diet. In the case studied the dams on a restricted diet produced calves heavier in proportion than did well fed dams. 7.A sire may have the ability to influence the birth weight of a calf, but only to a limited degree. 8.The gestation period has no definite influence upon the size of the calf at birth. There are, however, within the different breeds, indications that the large calves are carried slightly longer than the smaller calves. 9.The average length of all the gestations studied was 282.4 days. The bulls were carried 283.2 days and the heifers 281.9. The breeds varied in the length of gestation period as follows:
Systematic Analysis of Cross-Institutional Medication Description Patterns in Clinical Notes

In clinical notes, medication information follows certain semantic patterns and some medication descriptions contain additional word(s) between medication attributes. Therefore, it is essential to understand the semantic patterns as well as the patterns of the context interspersed among them for natural language processing tools to effectively extract comprehensive medication information. We examined both semantic and context patterns and compared those found in Mayo Clinic and i2b2 challenge data. We found that some variations exist between the institutions but the dominant patterns are common.
Mapping brain terrain.

The brain has revealed many of its secrets during the decade dedicated to its honor. Many of the exquisite techniques used in quite ingenious ways to uncover the workings of the brain involve microanalysis of the chemistry and biophysics of the brain’s complex and varied cellular structure. But, most revelations that can be readily appreciated by a general audience come from the giant leaps made in brain imaging. In this field we can see the human brain in action. We can see the brain registering a sound, a sight, or a touch. We can capture the neural origins of the movement of a finger or toe or the complex movement involved in uttering a word. We can image a thought process. Skilled investigators are dissecting the inner workings of the mind, seeing behavior in the functioning brain in startling and compelling ways. Herein are described the tools that have revealed much. Investigators such as Marcus Raichle, Richard Frackowiak, and John Mazziotta have pioneered work that is inherently interesting and has a solid application in clinical settings for diagnosis and treatment. The new advances that allow imaging of the brain are driven by the biology of the brain and its control of its own blood flow, complex physical principles, and computer technology. These several advances of modern technology have enabled us to understand the structure and function of the mind. With the newest technologies we can actually see a thought formulate in the mind. Among these are magnetic encephalography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. Most of these approaches have become rather well known to the world-at-large. Human brain imaging began in the early seventies with X-ray computed tomography (CT or CAT), which shows only coarse structure. The real underlying advance was the ability to generate, using computers, maps of the brain taken from signals being generated and recorded.
Assembly of the 30S ribosomal subunit

The assembly of ribosomes requires a significant fraction of the energy expenditure for rapidly growing bacteria. The ribosome is composed of three large RNA molecules and over 50 small proteins that must be rapidly and efficiently assembled into the molecular machine responsible for protein synthesis. For over 30 years, the 30S ribosome has been a key model system for understanding the process of ribosome biogenesis through in vitro assembly experiments. We have recently developed an isotope pulse-chase experiment using quantitative mass spectrometry that permits assembly kinetics to be measured in real time. Kinetic studies have revealed an assembly energy landscape that ensures efficient assembly by a flexible and robust pathway.
Visual aggregate analysis of eligibility features of clinical trials

Display Omitted We contribute a distribution analysis method to enhance ClinicalTrials.gov.We aggregate clinical studies by quantitative eligibility features.A Web-based tool VITTA visualizes the distribution analysis results.Stakeholders confirmed the value of VITTA for clinical study designers. ObjectiveTo develop a method for profiling the collective populations targeted for recruitment by multiple clinical studies addressing the same medical condition using one eligibility feature each time. MethodsUsing a previously published database COMPACT as the backend, we designed a scalable method for visual aggregate analysis of clinical trial eligibility features. This method consists of four modules for eligibility feature frequency analysis, query builder, distribution analysis, and visualization, respectively. This method is capable of analyzing (1) frequently used qualitative and quantitative features for recruiting subjects for a selected medical condition, (2) distribution of study enrollment on consecutive value points or value intervals of each quantitative feature, and (3) distribution of studies on the boundary values, permissible value ranges, and value range widths of each feature. All analysis results were visualized using Google Charts API. Five recruited potential users assessed the usefulness of this method for identifying common patterns in any selected eligibility feature for clinical trial participant selection. ResultsWe implemented this method as a Web-based analytical system called VITTA (Visual Analysis Tool of Clinical Study Target Populations). We illustrated the functionality of VITTA using two sample queries involving quantitative features BMI and HbA1c for conditions "hypertension" and "Type 2 diabetes", respectively. The recruited potential users rated the user-perceived usefulness of VITTA with an average score of 86.4/100. ConclusionsWe contributed a novel aggregate analysis method to enable the interrogation of common patterns in quantitative eligibility criteria and the collective target populations of multiple related clinical studies. A larger-scale study is warranted to formally assess the usefulness of VITTA among clinical investigators and sponsors in various therapeutic areas.
“Ain't nobody gonna get me down”: An Examination of the Educational Experiences of Four African American Women Labeled With Disabilities

This study used qualitative research methods to explore the educational experiences of four African American women with disabilities, revealing how each participant developed a critical consciousness in response to the dominant ideology surrounding the discourses of African American, woman, and disabled. The development of a critical consciousness led participants to counter the oppressive nature of their educational experiences by engaging in acts of resistance. Recommendations are made with regard to how K-18 educators might support and capitalize upon students' critical consciousness to facilitate equitable classroom communities.
Swing arm optical CMM for aspherics

A profilometer for in situ measurement of the topography of aspheric mirrors called the Swing arm Optical CMM (SOC) was built, and has been used for measuring the figure of 1.4 m convex aspheric mirrors with a performance rivaling full aperture interferometric tests. Errors in the SOC that have odd symmetry are self-calibrated due to the test geometry. Even errors are calibrated against a full aperture interferometric test.
Iron chelation and multiple sclerosis.

Histochemical and MRI studies have demonstrated that MS (multiple sclerosis) patients have abnormal deposition of iron in both gray and white matter structures. Data is emerging indicating that this iron could partake in pathogenesis by various mechanisms, e.g., promoting the production of reactive oxygen species and enhancing the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Iron chelation therapy could be a viable strategy to block iron-related pathological events or it can confer cellular protection by stabilizing hypoxia inducible factor 1α, a transcription factor that normally responds to hypoxic conditions. Iron chelation has been shown to protect against disease progression and/or limit iron accumulation in some neurological disorders or their experimental models. Data from studies that administered a chelator to animals with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model of MS, support the rationale for examining this treatment approach in MS. Preliminary clinical studies have been performed in MS patients using deferoxamine. Although some side effects were observed, the large majority of patients were able to tolerate the arduous administration regimen, i.e., 6–8 h of subcutaneous infusion, and all side effects resolved upon discontinuation of treatment. Importantly, these preliminary studies did not identify a disqualifying event for this experimental approach. More recently developed chelators, deferasirox and deferiprone, are more desirable for possible use in MS given their oral administration, and importantly, deferiprone can cross the blood–brain barrier. However, experiences from other conditions indicate that the potential for adverse events during chelation therapy necessitates close patient monitoring and a carefully considered administration regimen.
Improved patient outcome after surgical treatment for loculated empyema

Abstract Background: Empyemas complicate the hospital course of many patients. Advanced stages of empyema often require surgical intervention. Methods: A retrospective review of 70 adult patients with empyema, hospitalized between the years of 1992 and 1997, was performed. Data on age, length of stay, comorbidities, diagnostic studies, and treatment was obtained. We compared patient outcome from patients with loculated empyemas who had surgical treatment and those who were managed nonsurgically. Results: Seventy patient records were reviewed, 37 of which were of patients with loculated empyemas. Parapneumonic empyemas comprised 60% of all cases. Chest radiographs, computed tomography scan, and thoracentesis were the most common studies performed in both groups. Thirty-three patients with the radiographic finding of a loculated empyema were treated with either surgical decortication or tube thoracostomy. Conclusion: Empyemas at various stages of development require different forms of therapy; advanced empyemas treated early with decortication have a shorter duration of treatment, lower incidence of recurrence and fewer complications.
Effects of quadratic phase distortion on correlator performance

The deformable mirror spatial light modulator (SLM) has an inherent distortion characteristic that can be approximated as a square-law transfer function. We examine the result of this distortion when this SLM is used in an optical correlator.
Distributed Compression of Correlated Signals Using Random Projections

Recent developments in compressed sensing have shown that if a signal can be compressed in some basis, then it can be reconstructed in such basis from a certain number of random projections. Distributed compressed sensing, where several correlated signals are compressed in a distributed manner, has also been proposed in the literature. By allowing additional distortion, successful recovery in distributed compressed sensing can be achieved even if the projections are corrupted by noise. We extend this result by showing that in addition to sparsity, it is possible to exploit prior knowledge existing in the correlation between the signals of interest to significantly improve reconstruction performance. This is done in a fashion resembling distributed coding of digital sources.
The Effects of Changing Input Costs on Food Prices

The relationships between changes in food sector input costs and retail food prices are examined. Results indicate that increases in factor prices pass quickly to consumers, within two quarters for most foods. In addition, rising farm-level prices and substantial increases in nonfarm resource prices appear to explain why food prices rose more rapidly than nonfood prices in the 1970s. The analysis is based on a twenty-equation econometric model of the food-price determination process, specified following Popkin's "stage of processing" approach. Causality and validation test statistics for the model are presented.
ENHANCING CREATIVITY WHEN SOLVING CONTRADICTORY TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

Creativity is the ability of human intelligence to produce original ideas and solutions using imag­ ination. The traditional way of solving new engineering problems is the trial and error method (T&E). The number of trials required for the solution may be used as a measure of the problem's difficulty. This paper discusses strategies that can avoid a random T&E search and reduce the difficulty levels of complicated problems. A problem should be formulated in a manner clarifying an existing technical contradiction and demonstrating existing physical contradictions. The ways of removing physical contradictions are found by studying the evo­ lution of technical systems. The database of methods used for analysis of physical contradictions was accu­ mulated by studying patents. An algorithm for solving technical problems is discussed. Design of experiment and a response surface analysis significantly reduce the total number of trials in research projects. The combi­ nation of different approaches effectively reducing the level of difficulty of problems is the theory of solving technical problems. This theory can be taught as any other engineering course, thus greatly enhancing engi­ neering creativity.
Prospective associations between marital adjustment and life satisfaction

Actor and partner effects for the 2-year longitudinal associations between marital adjustment and life satisfaction were evaluated in a population-based sample of middle-aged and older adults (N = 1,385 couples). Results showed that (a) higher marital adjustment at baseline predicted higher life satisfaction at follow-up, (b) higher life satisfaction at baseline predicted higher marital adjustment at follow-up, (c) marital adjustment more strongly predicted life satisfaction than life satisfaction predicted marital adjustment for women, and (d) higher partner marital adjustment at baseline predicted higher life satisfaction at follow-up. Results suggest that marital adjustment and life satisfaction influence one another in a bidirectional fashion and that the direction is predominantly from marital adjustment to life satisfaction in women.
A space-based microwave radar concept

A space-based microwave radar (SBR) concept is defined using a tether trans/receive antenna supported between two gravity gradient low Earth-orbiting satellites. A cluster of four tether antennas, each of 6 km maximum length and 1.5 km separation between tethers, constitutes a radar. A system of 8 to 11 such clusters constitutes the overall radar scheme, which will cover approximately one third of the Earth's surface for detecting sea-based targets. Issues identified are the array structure, the coherence of tethered arrays, grating lobe energy clamping, clutter effects, communications, system requirements, and the overall radar system concept, including stability considerations. The baseline definition of an alternate space-based radar scheme is presented. A significant amount of R&D efforts will be required to derive practical solutions of the proposed scheme. >
Cyclogenesis Simulation of Typhoon Prapiroon (2000) Associated with Rossby Wave Energy Dispersion

The genesis of Typhoon Prapiroon (2000), in the western North Pacific, is simulated to understand the role of Rossby wave energy dispersion of a preexisting tropical cyclone (TC) in the subsequent genesis event. Two experiments are conducted. In the control experiment (CTL), the authors retain both the previous typhoon, Typhoon Bilis, and its wave train in the initial condition. In the sensitivity experiment (EXP), the circulation of Typhoon Bilis was removed based on a spatial filtering technique of Kurihara et al., while the wave train in the wake is kept. The comparison between these two numerical simulations demonstrates that the preexisting TC impacts the subsequent TC genesis through both a direct and an indirect process. The direct process is through the conventional barotropic Rossby wave energy dispersion, which enhances the low-level wave train, the boundary layer convergence, and the convection‐circulation feedback. The indirect process is through the upper-level outflow jet. The asymmetric outflow jet induces a secondary circulation with a strong divergence tendency to the left-exit side of the outflow jet. The upper-level divergence boosts large-scale ascending motion and promotes favorable environmental conditions for a TC-scale vortex development. In addition, the outflow jet induces a well-organized cyclonic eddy angular momentum flux, which acts as a momentum forcing that enhances the upper-level outflow and low-level inflow and favors the growth of the new TC.
Reaction time distributions across normal forgetting: searching for markers of memory consolidation.

Volunteers studied pictures of objects and were then tested for yes/no recognition at 10 miD and 1 week after learning (experiment 1), or at 10 miD and 4 months after learning (experiment 2). Because the gradual consolidation of long-term memory is thought to occur across this time scale (weeks and months), the reaction time distributions of successfully retrieved items were analyzed in an attempt to detect markers of consolidation. At each retention interval, reaction times for items retrieved successfully were well fit by a model that assumed a single underlying distribution. No evidence for a bimodal distribution of reaction times was observed. Furthermore, there was no evidence that some small subset of items was actually retrieved faster after a long retention interval than after a short interval. The results are consistent with the idea that consolidation works not to increase memory trace strength but to change the nature of memory storage. This process occurs during the course of normal forgetting and may not be observable in the behavior of normal memory.
Luminescent Homoatomic Exciplexes in Dicyanoargentate(I) Ions Doped in Alkali Halide Crystals. 2. "Exciplex Tuning" by Varying the Dopant Concentration †

spectrum of the doped crystal that has the lowest silver content (0.17%) is dominated by a high-energy band at 295 nm, while the spectrum with the highest silver content (4.3%) is dominated by a low-energy luminescence band at 400 nm. The crystal with an intermediate Ag content (2.7%) shows strong emissions from both the high-energy and low-energy bands. Time-resolved luminescence measurements indicate that the excitation energy is transferred between different [Ag(CN) 2 - ]n oligomers and, thus, leads to the tunable emission observed in the [Ag(CN)2 - ]/KCl system. The mechanisms of the radiative and nonradiative processes have been described by a kinetic model that describes the experimental lifetime and time-resolved data.
Water uptake by nacl particles prior to deliquescence and the phase rule

Using an environmental transmission electron microscope (ETEM), we show that a significant amount of water, far exceeding the multilayers caused by surface adsorption, is reversibly associated prior to deliquescence with substrate-supported NaCl particles (dry diameters of ∼ 40 nm to 1.5 μ m; ∼ 18°C). We hypothesize that the water is present as an aqueous solution containing dissolved Na and Cl ions. Water uptake occurs at relative humidities (RH) as low as 70%, and the resulting liquid layer coating the particles is stable over extended times if the RH is held constant. We exposed CaSO 4 and CaSO 4 · 2H 2 O particles to elevated RH values in the ETEM to show that chemically nonspecific condensation of gas-phase water on the TEM substrate does not explain our observations. Furthermore, damage to the NaCl surface induced by the electron beam and small fluctuations in RH do not seem to contribute to or otherwise affect water uptake. We have similar observations of water association for other alkali halide p...
A compact wideband balanced mixer

A compact wideband balun using a common-gate/common-source approach has been developed. Using this active balun on the LO port, a passive interdigital microstrip balun on the RF port, and a passive lumped element L-C balun on the IF port, a wideband balanced mixer was designed, fabricated and tested. This paper describes the mixer circuit design based on a new passive FET model. Test results of the active balun and the mixer including conversion loss, noise figure, and third order intercept point are presented for RF frequencies from 4 to 18 GHz. >
Pregnant women with congenital heart disease: cardiac, anesthetic and obstetrical implications

Remarkable advances in surgical and clinical management have resulted in survival to adulthood in the large majority of patients with congenital heart malformations, even with the most complex disease. Over 1 million adults with congenital heart disease currently live in the USA, approximately half of whom are women of childbearing age. Collectively, congenital malformations are the most common form of heart disease in pregnant women. Indeed, in North America, congenital defects are now the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality from heart disease. This article begins with a summary of cardiovascular changes during pregnancy and highlights key features in pre-pregnancy counseling, maternal cardiac and obstetric risk, and neonatal complications. Management issues regarding pregnancy and delivery are elaborated, including anesthesia considerations. While it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss particulars related to all forms of congenital heart disease, selected subtypes are detailed a...
ANALYSIS OF LARGE-SCALE SECONDARY DATA IN HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH: Potential Perils Associated with Complex Sampling Designs

Most large-scale secondary data sets used in higher education research (e.g., NPSAS or BPS) are constructed using complex survey sample designs where the population of interest is stratified on a number of dimensions and oversampled within certain of these strata. Moreover, these complex sample designs often cluster lower level units (e.g., students) within higher level units (e.g., colleges) to achieve efficiencies in the sampling process. Ignoring oversampling (unequal probability of selection) in complex survey designs presents problems when trying to make inferences—data from these designs are, in their raw form, admittedly nonrepresentative of the population to which they are designed to generalize. Ignoring the clustering of observations in these sampling designs presents a second set of problems when making inferences about variability in the population and testing hypotheses and usually leads to an increased likelihood of committing Type I errors (declaring something as an effect when in fact it is not). This article presents an extended example using complex sample survey data to demonstrate how researchers can address problems associated with oversampling and clustering of observations in these designs.
Effects of Mouse Genotype on Bone Wound Healing and Irradiation-induced Delay of Healing

We tested the effects of mouse genotype (C57BL/6NHsd, NOD/SCID, SAMR1, and SAMP6) and ionizing irradiation on bone wound healing. Unicortical wounds were made in the proximal tibiae, and the time course of spontaneous healing and effects of irradiation were monitored radiographically and histologically. There was reproducible healing beginning with intramedullary osteogenesis, subsequent bone resorption by osteoclasts, gradual bridging of the cortical wound, and re-population of medullary hematopoietic cells. The most rapid wound closure was noted in SAMR1 mice, followed by SAMP6, C57BL/6NHsd, and NOD/SCID. Ionizing irradiation (20 Gy) to the leg significantly delayed bone wound healing in mice of all four genotypes. Mice with genetically-determined predisposition to early osteopenia (SAMP6) or with immune deficiency (NOD/SCID) had impairments in bone wound healing. These mouse models should be valuable for determining the effects of irradiation on bone healing and also for the design and testing of novel bone growth-enhancing drugs and mitigators of ionizing irradiation.
Right ventricular contractile protein function in rats with left ventricular myocardial infarction

We studied contractile function in cardiac trabeculae isolated from the right ventricles (RV) of rats with experimental heart failure (HF) induced by left ventricular (LV) myocardial infarction (24 wk post-MI; n = 6) and from sham-operated rats (n = 7). Sarcomere length (SL) was measured by laser diffraction techniques, and force (F) was measured by silicon strain gauge. SL was kept constant at all times by computer feedback control. HF was associated with marked LV dilation and pulmonary congestion. In intact, RV twitching trabeculae, HF was associated with a depression of the F-SL relation at extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) = 1.5 mM and a depression of the F-[Ca2+]o relation at SL = 2.0 microns. HF was also associated with a significant depression of the F-intracellular [Ca2+] relation at SL = 2.0 microns measured after chemical permeabilization of these RV trabeculae (skinned fibers). Our results suggest that reduced force development in this model of HF is due, in part, to depressed function of the contractile filaments.
Atomistic simulation of screw dislocation cross-slip in Mg

Abstract The core structure and glide behavior of a 〈c + a〉 screw dislocation in Mg is studied using molecular dynamics simulations at 0 K, 70 K and 300 K. We find that slip on pyramidal II planes is preferred at 300 K. At lower temperatures, the dislocation cross slips between pyramidal II and pyramidal I planes with sufficient applied stress. We find a metastable compact core structure, with an intermediate core energy between those of the dissociated dislocations on pyramidal II and pyramidal I planes. This compact core is observed in the cross slip from pyramidal II to pyramidal I planes at 0 K and 70 K.
Plain Language Statutes: Plain Good Sense or Plain Nonsense?

This article considers the effects of plain language statutes regulating both private and public law and discusses the problems inherent in both subjective and objective tests for plain language. This article has been cited, among other places, in Peter M. Tiersma, Legal Language (Chicago 1st ed. 1999), and in Peter Butt & Richard Castle, Modern Legal Drafting (Cambridge Univ. 2nd ed. 2006).
Hepatic autophagy contributes to the metabolic response to dietary protein restriction

Autophagy is an essential cellular response which acts to release stored cellular substrates during nutrient restriction, and particularly plays a key role in the cellular response to amino acid restriction. However, there has been limited work testing whether the induction of autophagy is required for adaptive metabolic responses to dietary protein restriction in the whole animal. Here, we found that moderate dietary protein restriction led to a series of metabolic changes in rats, including increases in food intake and energy expenditure, the downregulation of hepatic fatty acid synthesis gene expression and reduced markers of hepatic mitochondrial number. Importantly, these effects were also associated with an induction of hepatic autophagy. To determine if the induction of autophagy contributes to these metabolic effects, we tested the metabolic response to dietary protein restriction in BCL2-AAA mice, which bear a genetic mutation that impairs autophagy induction. Interestingly, BCL2-AAA mice exhibit exaggerated responses in terms of both food intake and energy expenditure, whereas the effects of protein restriction on hepatic metabolism were significantly blunted. These data demonstrate that restriction of dietary protein is sufficient to trigger hepatic autophagy, and that disruption of autophagy significantly alters both hepatic and whole animal metabolic response to dietary protein restriction.
Growth of Crystalline Superlattices of Aluminum Nitride/Zirconium Nitride on SI(111): Roughness and Layer Interruptions

We report on growth of crystalline superlattices of aluminum nitride/zirconium nitride on aluminum nitride buffered Si(111) substrates. We observed increased buffer layer surface roughness as compared with the buffer/Substrate interface. This roughness in turn influences the quality of the superlattice. We report results of surface morphology examination as a function of growth rate and substrate temperature.
Pest Status of Pangaeus bilineatus Attacking Peanuts in Texas

Pangaeus bilineatus (Say) recently became a major pest of peanuts in the southern peanut production area of Texas, where losses from this pest were first recorded in 1968. Pod feeding by adults and nymphs resulted in an undesirable discoloration of peanut kernels. Losses in quality in Frio County in experimental plots were as high as $184.11/ton. Observations of natural enemies revealed only 1 parasite, Triozocera mexicana Pierce, and 1 predator, Solenopsis xyloni McCook. Other cydnids found in peanut fields were P. congruus (Uhler) and Cyrtomenus ciliatus (Palisot de Beauvois).
Creep-Fatigue Behavior in Ferritic-Martensitic Steels

Ferritic-martensitic steels are the lead structural materials for next-generation nuclear energy systems. Due to increased operating temperatures required in advanced high-temperature reactor concepts, the high temperature performance of structural alloys and reliable high temperature structural design methodology have become increasingly urgent issues. Ferritic-martensitic steels experience significant cyclic softening at high temperatures, and this cyclic softening behavior affects consecutive stress relaxation response during hold time under creep-fatigue loading. It is found that the stress relaxation response during hold of the mod.9Cr-1Mo steel can be accurately described by a stress relaxation model. The creep damage associated with the stress relaxation during hold time can then be accurately calculated using the stress relaxation data and creep rupture data. It is shown that the unit creep damage per cycle in mod.9Cr-1Mo steel decreases considerably with increasing number of cycles due to cyclic softening, and the creep damage is sensitive to the initial stress of stress relaxation. Proper evaluation of the creep-fatigue damage in mod.9Cr-1Mo steel must consider the cyclic softening effect and its associated variations in creep damage from stress relaxation during the hold time.© 2011 ASME
The effects of sulforaphane on canine osteosarcoma proliferation and invasion

Recent evidence in in vitro and in vivo models suggests that sulforaphane (SFN), found in raw cruciferous vegetables, may have utility in chemoprevention, as an antineoplastic agent and as a free radical scavenger. The effects of SFN alone or with doxorubicin on cell viability were examined, as well as cell cycle kinetics, invasion capabilities and apoptosis in three canine osteosarcoma cell line (D17, OS 2.4 and HMPOS). Results showed that SFN could not induce cell death at potentially physiological concentrations (<50 μM), but significantly diminished cell invasion and downregulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Modest cell cycle changes were observed in each cell line. When doxorubicin was used in conjunction with SFN, there was a protective effect to doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in D17 and OS 2.4 cells. Further studies examining SFN as a supplement are warranted, particularly in light of pro-proliferative and cytoprotective properties in canine osteosarcoma.
Dialogue of the Deaf: Scholars, Practitioners, and the Drug War in U.S. Foreign Relations

In this paper I offer some Washington-focused reflections on the scholarly-policy divide in the drug war debate, drawing from more than two decades of observing and occasionally participating in what often seems to be a dialogue of the deaf — or perhaps the problem is not lack of hearing but not liking what one hears. Academics, I argue, have little discernible influence on the Washington policy debate on international drug control except at the margins (in technical aspects of crop substitution schemes, and so on). To the extent that scholars are involved in the foreign policy drug war debate — and there are plenty of disciplinary factors inhibiting this — it is primarily as outside critics rather than as trusted advisors. So to the extent that they have a receptive audience, it is more in the broader public sphere than in the halls of Congress or in the drug war bureaucracy. Their policy influence is therefore more indirect and more difficult to measure, though this does not mean it is necessarily unimportant.
Substance-abusing parents and their children in termination of parental rights cases in Israel

Parental substance abuse significantly increases the risk of child maltreatment and loss of custody. If parental capacity due to substance abuse cannot be rehabilitated within a limited time period and if the child cannot be safely returned to his/her home, the state, in various jurisdictions, is empowered to initiate termination of parental rights proceedings. Despite the connection between substance abuse and termination of parental rights, the research literature in this area is limited. Based on a sample of 212 rulings in favor of termination of parental rights by Israeli courts, the present study examines factors that differentiate substance-abusing from non-substance-abusing parents. The findings indicate that substance-abusing parents constitute a unique high-risk group among parents whose parental rights were terminated. This group is characterized by a higher cumulative risk that includes mental health issues with an emphasis on personality disorders and emotional problems, criminal records, child neglect and maternal single parenthood. All these factors, as well as the overall number of risk factors in a particular case, were found to predict substance-abusing parenthood. A discussion of the findings and their implications for social work practice with families involved in the child welfare system follows.
Tobacco use among adolescents in Henan Province

Objective To explore tobacco use among adolescents in Henan province so as to provide basic evidence for adolescent tobacco control policy-making. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted by using a stratified multistage cluster sampling design. A total of 7 789 students from 48 junior middle schools in 16 survey sites were selected. Results The rate of ever smoking was 23. 8%,which increased with age( χ2= 69. 296,P 0. 01). Boys had a higher rate than girls( χ2= 99. 078,P 0. 01),and the rate of rural area was higher than that of urban area( χ2= 5. 863,P = 0. 016). The rate of currently smoking were7. 5%,which increased with age( χ2= 29. 403,P 0. 01). Boys had a higher rate than girls( χ2= 89. 912,P 0. 01),and the rate of rural area was higher than that of urban area( χ2= 5. 137,P = 0. 023). The corresponding rate of secondhand smoke exposure at home,indoor public places,outdoor public places during the week before the survey was 43. 0%,56. 9%,57. 0%,respectively,with boys higher than girls. About 88. 5% currently smoker under age 18 years had directly purchased cigarettes from stores.Nearly 39. 9% students had seen advertisements on the store where cigarettes were sold during the past month. About one third of students knew that cessation was difficult after smoking. Conclusion The prevalence of ever smoking and currently smoking are high among adolescents in Henan. Secondhand smoke exposure was also a serious health hazard. Considering exposure to retail tobacco advertising and easily tobacco purchase,more effective measures should be implemented among school-age students in Henan.