cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Bit-Nibble-Byte MicroEngine (BnB) for Efficient Computing on Short Data

Energy is a critical challenge in computing performance. Due to "word size creep" from modern CPUs are inefficient for short-data element processing. We propose and evaluate a new microarchitecture called "Bit-Nibble-Byte"(BnB). We describe our design which includes both long fixed point vectors and as well as novel variable length instructions. Together, these features provide energy and performance benefits on a wide range of applications. We evaluate BnB with a detailed design of 5 vector sizes (128,256,512,1024,2048) mapped into 32nm and 7nm transistor technologies, and in combination with a variety of memory systems (DDR3 and HMC). The evaluation is based on both handwritten and compiled code with a custom compiler built for BnB. Our results include significant performance (19x-252x) and energy benefits (5.6x-140.7x) for short bit-field operations typically assumed to require hardwired accelerators and large-scale applications with compiled code.
Prediction for some non-Gaussian autoregressive schemes

Simple examples of nonlinear predictors arise when dealing with non-Gaussian linear processes. Non-Gaussian autoregressive schemes are discussed and the form of the best (nonlinear) predictor in mean square is determined in a few specific cases.
An Interpretation of the Mechanisms of Ice-Crystal Formation Operative in the Lake Almanor Cloud-Seeding Program

Abstract In a 198485 winter cloud-seeding program at Lake Almanor, California, indium sesquioxide (In2O3) aerosol particle generators were collocated with silver iodide (AgI) aerosol particle generators as a source of inert tracer aerosol. The In2O3 aerosol served as an indicator of the amount of AgI aerosol scavenged. Based on the aerosol emission rates, if AgI aerosol was only captured by scavenging processes, and played no part in forming ice crystals and snowfall, the silver to indium ratio (Ag:In) in the analyzed snow would be 0.8. Analysis of snow samples from the target area produced frequent Ag:In ratio values in excess of 1.1. In the snowfall at the closest sampling sites to the aerosol generator the high ratios of Ag:In cannot be explained by the contact-freezing ice formation mechanism. A mechanism with a much faster rate than possible by contact freezing is necessary to produce the high Ag:In ratios that were observed. Part of the AgI seeding aerosol functioned rapidly to produce ice crystals...
Unraveling supersymmetry at future colliders

After a quick review of the current limits on sparticle masses, we outline the prospects for their discovery at future colliders. We then proceed to discuss how precision measurements of sparticle masses can provide information about how SM superpartners acquire their masses. Finally, we examine how we can proceed to establish whether or not any new physics discovered in the future is supersymmetry, and describe how we might zero in on the framework of SUSY breaking. In this connection, we review sparticle mass measurements at future colliders, and point out that some capabilities of experiments ate + e − linear colliders may have been over-stated in the literature.
Psychological Sequelae to Bacterial Meningitis: Two Controlled Studies

There is a growing suspicion that survivors of bacterial meningitis have deficits which may not become apparent until the children encounter the stress of school. Controlled studies are needed to evaluate such subtle sequelae. The first study concerns the intelligence test results of 31 influenzal meningitis survivors, each of whom was paired with a near age sibling. All patients were ill before the age of 3, during 1960–64. All were tested at age of 6 to 15 years. The mean IQ of the postmeningitic (PM) children was 85 while that for sibling controls (C) was 97 (p = 0.04). It was found that 6 of 21 (29%) of the PM subjects were 15 IQ points (1 S.D.) and 2 (10%) were more than 30 IQ points (2 S.D.) lower than C while no C had an IQ which was 15 points below that of his affected sibling. The second study compared psychological test performance of 25 post-bacterial meningitic children, considered to be free of sequelae, who were controlled in regular public school classes in the first 3 grades. Each was matched by age, sex, social class and classroom membership with a peer control. All subjects were administered a battery of psychological tests. The results indicated that with each of the following, the PM subjects had significantly lower mean scores than peer controls. On the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities, the psycholinguistic ages differed at the 0.004 level. On the Frostig Developmental Test of Visual Perception, the perceptual quotient differed at the 0.08 level. On the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the vocabulary quotient differed at the 0.03 level. It is concluded that these survivors of bacterial meningitis function intelligently at a significantly lower level than their sibling or peer controls.
Prism-film coupling in anisotropic planar waveguides of epitaxial (101) rutile thin films

We report optical waveguiding in single-crystal, epitaxial (101) oriented rutile (TiO{sub 2}) thin films grown on (1120) sapphire ({alpha}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) substrates using the MOCVD technique. The propagation-constants for asymmetric planar waveguides composed of an anisotropic dielectric media applicable to these films are derived. Modifications to the prism-film coupling theory for this anisotropic case are also discussed. By application of this model to (101) oriented rutile thin films, we directly obtain values of the ordinary and extraordinary refractive indexes, n{sub o} and n{sub e}, of the rutile thin films as well as film thicknesses. We obtain typical values of the refractive indexes (n{sub o}=2.5701{plus_minus}0.0005; n{sub e}=2.934{plus_minus}0.001) near to those for bulk rutile single crystals indicating the exceptional quality of these films.
Metabolites of sodium selenite and methylated selenium compounds administered at cancer chemoprevention levels in the rat.

1. The metabolism of orally-administered sodium selenite and five methylated selenium compounds was investigated in the female rat at dosages equivalent to those used in other studies for prevention of mammary cancer. Dimethyl selenide (DMSe) exhaled within 24 h following dosing was measured, along with inorganic and monomethylated (MMSe) forms of selenium plus trimethylselenonium ion (TMSe+) in urine.2. MMSe was the dominant metabolite of selenite given at low levels (0-1 ppm in the diet), but excretion of DMSe and TMSe+ increased sharply when selenite dosage was increased to the chemopreventive range of 3 ppm dietary Se. When similar chemopreventive levels of mono-, di-, or trimethylated compounds were administered, the total quantity of methylated metabolites was greater than for selenite and the metabolite profile reflected the expected point of entry into the intermediary metabolism pathway; the major metabolites were MMSe from Se-methylselenocysteine, DMSe from selenobetaine methyl ester, and TMSe+ ...
Integrating Scientific Knowledge for Professional Education in Environmental Management

A major challenge in developing programmes for professional education in environmental management is presented by the need to determine how the vast amount of scientific and professional knowledge required for effective environmental management can be efficiently transmitted to prospective or practising ‘environmental coordinators’ in the private and public sectors of society. This paper describes the work conducted at M.I.T., in collaboration with C.E.I., to provide a conceptual and substantive base for such programmes.The conceptual framework is based on a simplified model of the decision-making steps in environmental management processes. Such a model can be used for isolating certain types of decisions and roles in different social, cultural, administrative, or political, contexts. When once this has been done, the responsibilities and the educational needs of specific classes of ‘environmental managers’ can be identified through studies and interviews.The substantive base for new educational programmes requires the development of outlines and the identification of reference material for the major bodies of knowledge that comprise the ‘field’ of environmental management. This paper briefly describes the major subject-areas treated in this study: values and perceptions, ecology, environmental effects, environmental indicators, environmental impact assessment methodology, modelling, monitoring, growth and its implications for the future, economics of externalities, environmental law, and administrative processes.The approach and materials described in this paper are now being used at C.E.I, in the development of educational programmes for practising professionals, and at M.I.T. for graduate and undergraduate students in a variety of disciplines. Thus far, these efforts have been well received and have provided additional information with which to continue designing additional programmes.
Infrared spectrometer for ground-based profiling of atmospheric temperature and humidity

We describe an infrared spectrometer system designed for passive, ground-based remote profiling of atmospheric temperature and humidity. This instrument will be useful in atmospheric science, climate, and global change studies. We plan eventually to demonstrate its potential for unattended remote sensing. If successful, the infrared instrument could become a component of an integrated sounding system being designed for next-generation meteorological observations. At the heart of the infrared instrument is a rugged Michelson interferometer which views thermal atmospheric emission between 550 cm-1 and 2000 cm-1 (5.0 - 18.2 micrometers ), with 1-cm-1 spectral resolution. Calculated weighting functions suggest that we should be able to profile temperature with about 200-m vertical resolution, and humidity with about 500-m vertical resolution, in the lower 2 kilometers of the atmosphere. In order to retrieve accurate profiles, absolute radiometric calibration will be necessary. We have constructed two high-emissivity inner-cone cavities which the interferometer will view between atmospheric measurements in order to establish this calibration. We show measured spectra of a clear atmosphere and of cirrus clouds and point out features of these spectra which will be useful in atmospheric profiling.
Effect of dietary indole-3-carbinol on intestinal and hepatic monooxygenase, glutathione S-transferase and epoxide hydrolase activities in the rat.

Abstract Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed on purified diets supplemented with 50–500 ppm indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound present in cruciferous vegetables, or with 25% Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea) for 10 days after a 1-wk equilibration on a purified diet. Cytosolic and microsomal fractions were prepared from liver and intestinal mucosae. Intestinal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity was increased significantly (P
A modified synthesis and serological evaluation of neoglycoproteins containing the natural disaccharide of PGL-I from Mycobacterium leprae.

Abstract In order to generate substantial amounts of neoglycoconjugate needed for commercialization of diagnostic kits and high-throughput detection of leprosy, we developed a facile and high-yield synthesis of the corresponding disaccharide. Herein, the non-reducing disaccharide segment of phenolic glycolipid I from Mycobacterium leprae , O -(3,6-di- O -methyl-β- d -glucopyranosyl)-(1→4)- O -2,3-di- O -methyl-α- l -rhamnopyranose was synthesized by an improved procedure. The disaccharide was efficiently conjugated to bovine/human serum albumin, via acyl-azide intermediate, to form natural disaccharide-BSA/HSA neoglycoproteins that showed a high activity in serodiagnosis of leprosy. The disaccharide incorporated into the proteins was accurately measured by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The serological activities of the neoglycoproteins against pooled human lepromatous leprosy sera were measured by ELISA and they were detectable at picogram amounts.
Thermoacoustic convection and the hyperbolic equation of conduction

Abstract The description of thermal waves in a fluid by the coupled equations for the conservation of mass, momentum and energy together with an appropriate equation of state is contrasted with that provided by the so-called “hyperbolic equation of conduction.” The complete model has the advantage of avoiding the postulate of a wave-velocity and provides additionally a detailed description of the wave, including the velocity of the fluid and the amplitude of the pressure. Also, the detailed model describes the growth and decay of the wave and allows for reflection from surfaces.
Generation, purification and transplantation of photoreceptors derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells.

Author(s): Lamba, Deepak A; McUsic, Andrew; Hirata, Roli K; Wang, Pei-Rong; Russell, David; Reh, Thomas A | Abstract: BackgroundInherited and acquired retinal degenerations are frequent causes of visual impairment and photoreceptor cell replacement therapy may restore visual function to these individuals. To provide a source of new retinal neurons for cell based therapies, we developed methods to derive retinal progenitors from human ES cells.Methodology/physical findingsIn this report we have used a similar method to direct induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) from human fibroblasts to a retinal progenitor fate, competent to generate photoreceptors. We also found we could purify the photoreceptors derived from the iPS cells using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) after labeling photoreceptors with a lentivirus driving GFP from the IRBP cis-regulatory sequences. Moreover, we found that when we transplanted the FACS purified iPSC derived photoreceptors, they were able to integrate into a normal mouse retina and express photoreceptor markers.ConclusionsThis report provides evidence that enriched populations of human photoreceptors can be derived from iPS cells.
Inactivation of Human Peroxiredoxin I during Catalysis as the Result of the Oxidation of the Catalytic Site Cysteine to Cysteine-sulfinic Acid *

Abstract By following peroxiredoxin I (Prx I)-dependent NADPH oxidation spectrophotometrically, we observed that Prx I activity decreased gradually with time. The decay in activity was coincident with the conversion of Prx I to a more acidic species as assessed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Mass spectral analysis and studies with Cys mutants determined that this shift in pI was due to selective oxidation of the catalytic site Cys51-SH to Cys51-SO2H. Thus, Cys51-SOH generated as an intermediate during catalysis appeared to undergo occasional further oxidation to Cys51-SO2H, which cannot be reversed by thioredoxin. The presence of H2O2 alone was not sufficient to cause oxidation of Cys51 to Cys51-SO2H. Rather, the presence of complete catalytic components (H2O2, thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase, and NADPH) was necessary, indicating that such hyperoxidation occurs only when Prx I is engaged in the catalytic cycle. Likewise, hyperoxidation of Cys172/Ser172 mutant Prx I required not only H2O2, but also a catalysis-supporting thiol (dithiothreitol). Kinetic analysis of Prx I inactivation in the presence of a low steady-state level (<1 μm) of H2O2 indicated that Prx I was hyperoxidized at a rate of 0.072% per turnover at 30 °C. Hyperoxidation of Prx I was also detected in HeLa cells treated with H2O2.
Effect of the induced voltage on the bunch motion at the transition energy

The requirement of the two RF systems in the RHIC (Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider), 26.7 MHz for the particle acceleration and 160 MHz for storage collision mode, raises the difficult problem of the induced high-frequency RF voltage during the bunch acceleration through the transition energy. Analysis of the induced 160-MHz RF voltage on the bunch distribution indicates that the tolerable remnant 160-MHz RF voltage is V/sub 2/ >
The equivalence of reducing transition languages and deterministic languages

The class of reducing transition languages introduced by Eickel, Paul, Bauer, and Samelson was shown by Morris to be a proper superclass of the simple precedence languages. In this paper this result is extended, showing that, in fact, the first class is equivalent to the class of deterministic context free languages.
Neural network inversion of bidirectional reflectance

A Monte Carlo canopy reflectance model for predicting canopy bidirectional reflectance is coupled to a forest ecosystem dynamics succession model. The combined models are being applied to forest canopies in order to train a back propagation artificial neural network to extract underlying canopy biophysical attributes or forest succession stage. Validation of the modeling approach and neural network inversion performance is carried out for field data collected at the Northern Experimental Forest study site near Howland, Maine, the location of a NASA sponsored Forest Ecosystem Dynamics Multi-sensor Aircraft Campaign. >
Surface Chemistry of Lead Titanate and Its Impact on Binder Removal

Carbon residue after binder burnout was characterized for several nonstoichiometric lead titanate powders. Thermal decomposition of the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) binder was performed in nitrogen at 600°C. A drastic decrease in carbon retention was obtained in the case of the titanium-rich samples. The amount of carbon retention varies from 0.2 mg/m2 to 1.2 mg/m2 by changing the Pb/Ti molar ratio from 0.92 to 1.08. The surface reaction between PMMA and lead titanate particles was studied by diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Surface hydroxyls reacted with ester groups in the PMMA or the methylmethacrylate monomer produced upon pyrolysis. The DRIFTS results showed that titaniumrich samples are less reactive and produce less surfacebound organic groups. Interestingly, titanium-rich samples contained more surface hydroxyls. Isoelectric point measurements, however, show that titanium-rich samples are more acidic. Thus, the reactivity of the surface hydroxyls is determined primarily by their acid-base characteristics rather than their concentration. Lead titanate powder was exposed to MMA vapor in a tube furnace at the indicated temperatures using nitrogen carrier gas as a model experiment. DRIFTS difference spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were performed on these samples after the exposure. MMA reacts with lead titanate powder in manner similar to PMMA. Analysis for sp2 and sp3 absorbance of Raman spectra of these exposed powders at 400°–600°C showed pyrolysis behavior of surface-reacted species. The relative amount of sp2 bonded carbon decreases with increasing exposure temperature.
The photooxidation of hexahelicene in acidic solvents : an example of aromatic hydrocarbon exciplex protonation

Abstract Hexahelicene (1) undergoes photooxidation in the presence of molecular oxygen only in acidic solvents such as acetic acid. In dilute solutions, this oxidation affords the vicinal trans-acetoxy alcohol 3 through what seems to be an exciplex protonation mechanism.
HA/sup 2/TSD: hierarchical time slack distribution for ultra-low power CMOS VLSI

This paper describes an efficient hierarchical design and optimization approach for ultra-low power CMOS logic circuits. We introduce the Hierarchical Activity-Aware Time Slack Distribution (HA/sup 2/TSD) algorithm, which distributes the surplus time slack into the most power-hungry modules hierarchically. HA/sup 2/TSD ensures that the total slack budget is maximal and the total power is near-minimal. Based on these time slacks, we have optimized technology parameters (supply voltage, threshold voltage, and device width) through a gate-level power optimizer and have tested the algorithm on a set of benchmark example circuits and building blocks of a synthesizable ARM core. The experimental results show that our strategy delivers over an order of magnitude savings in total (static and dynamic) power and reduces the optimization run-time significantly.
Detecting grain boundaries in deformed rocks using a cellular automata approach

Cellular automata (CA) are widely used in geospatial dynamic modeling and image processing. Here, we explore the application of two-dimensional cellular automata to the problem of grain boundary detection and extraction in digital images of thin sections from deformed rocks. The automated extraction of boundaries, which contain rich sources of information such as shape, orientation, and spatial distribution of grains, involves a CA Moore's neighborhood-based rules approach. The Moore's neighborhood is a 3x3 matrix that is used for changing states by comparing differences between a central pixel and its neighbors. In this dynamic approach, the future state of a pixel depends upon its current state and that of its neighbors. The rules that are defined determine the future state of each cell (i.e., on or off) while the number of iterations to simulate boundaries detection are specified by the user. Each iteration outputs different detection scenarios of grain boundaries that can be evaluated and assessed for accuracy. For a deformed quartz arenite, an r^2 of 0.724 was obtained by comparing manually digitized grains to model derived grains. The value of this proposed method is compared against a traditional manual digitization approach and a recent GIS-based method developed for this purpose by Li et al. (2007).
Quantum-limit cyclotron resonance linewidth in semiconductors

A quantum theory developed earlier is used to study the cyclotron-resonance linewidth for the electron scattering via the acoustic phonon, the ionized-impurity, and the piezoelectric scattering mechanisms. For the electron-acoustic-phonon scattering, the linewidth is found to increase linearly with the magnetic field, while the peak-value decreases with the increasing magnetic field. For the electron-ionized impurity scattering, the line width decreases with magnetic field, while the peak-value increases. The linewidth and the peak-value are independent of the magnetic field in the case of piezoelectric scattering. Under the combined effect of all three scattering mechanisms, a minimum of the linewidth as a function of the magnetic field is predicted. The critical magnetic field for which the linewidth is minimum and the minimum value of the linewidth are found to vary as the square-root of the impurity concentration. Wherever possible, comparison is made with the existing experimental data. Eine fruher entwickelte Quantentheorie wird zur Untersuchung der Linienbreite der Zyklotronresonanz fur Elektronenstreuung durch akustische Phononen, durch ionisierte Storstellen sowie fur den piezoelektrischen Streumechanismus benutzt. Fur die Streuung: Elektronen-akustische Phononen, wird gefunden, das die Linienbreite linear mit dem Magnetfeld zunimmt, wahrend der Maximalwert mit zunehmendem Magnetfeld abnimmt. Fur die Streuung der Elektronen an ionisierten Storstellen nimmt die Limenbreite mit dem Magnetfeld ab, wahrend der Maximalwert zunimmt. Die Linienbreite und der Maximalwert sind unabhangig vom Magnetfeld im Fall der piezoelektrischen Streuung. Unter dem kombinierten Einflus aller drei Streumechanismen wird ein Minimum der Linienbreite als Funktion des Magnetfeldes vorhergesagt. Das kritische Magnetfeld, fur das die Linienbreite minimal ist, und der Minimalwert der Linienbreite variieren wie die Quadratwurzel aus der Storstellenkonzentration. Wo immer moglich, wird ein Vergleich mit experimentellen Werten durchgefuhrt.
Experiments on the stability and transition of wind-driven water surfaces

We present the results of laboratory and field measurements on the stability of wind-driven water surfaces. The laboratory measurements show that when exposed to an increasing wind starting from rest, surface current and wave generation is accompanied by a variety of phenomena that occur over comparable space and time scales. Of particular interest is the generation of small-scale, streamwise vortices, or Langmuir circulations, the clear influence of the circulations on the structure of the growing wave field, and the subsequent transition to turbulence of the surface flow. Following recent work by Melville, Shear & Veron (1998) and Veron & Melville (1999b), we show that the waves that are initially generated by the wind are then strongly modulated by the Langmuir circulations that follow. Direct measurements of the modulated wave variables are qualitatively consistent with geometrical optics and wave action conservation, but quantitative comparison remains elusive. Within the range of parameters of the experiments, both the surface waves and the Langmuir circulations first appear at constant Reynolds numbers of 370 ± 10 and 530 ± 20, respectively, based on the surface velocity and the depth of the laminar shear layer. The onset of the Langmuir circulations leads to a significant increase in the heat transfer across the surface. The field measurements in a boat basin display the same phenomena that are observed in the laboratory. The implications of the measurements for air-sea fluxes, especially heat and gas transfer, and sea-surface temperature, are discussed.
Inhibiting IκBβ-NFκB signaling attenuates the expression of select pro-inflammatory genes.

Multiple mediators of septic shock are regulated by the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NFκB). However, complete NFκB inhibition can exacerbate disease, necessitating evaluation of targeted strategies to attenuate the pro-inflammatory response. Here, we demonstrate that in murine macrophages, low-dose NFκB inhibitors specifically attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IκBβ degradation and the expression of a select subset of target genes (encoding IL1β, IL6, IL12β). Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrate the necessary and sufficient role of inhibitor of NFκB family member IκBβ (also known as NFKBIB) in the expression of these genes. Furthermore, both fibroblasts and macrophages isolated from IκBβ overexpressing mice demonstrate attenuated LPS-induced IκBβ–NFκB signaling and IL1β, IL6 and IL12β expression. Further confirming the role of IκBβ and its NFκB subunit binding partner cRel in LPS-induced gene expression, pre-treatment of wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblasts with a cell-permeable peptide containing the cRel nuclear localization sequence attenuated IL6 expression. We prove that LPS-induced IκBβ–NFκB signaling can be selectively modulated to attenuate the expression of select pro-inflammatory target genes, thus providing therapeutic insights for patients exposed to systemic inflammatory stress.
Image enhancement by nonlinear extrapolation in frequency space

A procedure for creating images with higher resolution than the sampling rate would allow is described. The enhancement algorithm augments the frequency content of the image using shape-invariant properties of edges across scale by using a non-linearity that generates phase- coherent higher harmonics. The procedure utilizes the Laplacian pyramid image representation. Results are presented depicting the power-spectra augmentation and the visual enhancement of several images. Simplicity of computations and ease of implementation allow for real-time applications such as high-definition television.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
EFFORTLESS S-ICD registry: another step in the right direction.

This editorial refers to ‘Worldwide experience with a totally subcutaneous ICD: early results from the EFFORTLESS S-ICD registry’[†][1], by P.D. Lambiase et al. , on page 1657 While the clinical significance of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in the reduction of sudden cardiac arrest remains unequivocal, the quest for the best implantable system continues. The first successful, yet experimental ICD system involved two electrodes between the pectoralis muscle and the rib cage, two sensing electrodes in the chest wall musculature, with a pulse generator and capacitor implanted intra-abdominally in animals.1 The first ICD implanted in a human in 1980 consisted of epicardial patches and sensing leads.2 Subsequently, the advent of transvenous ICD leads significantly reduced the morbidity of the procedure and complication rates, while improving clinical outcomes. The transvenous leads, however, came with the cost of a spectrum of vascular complications as well as design faults. Therefore, the quest for a better implantable system has continued. The totally subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD), an innovative strategy obviating the need for vascular access, has come on as a contender to fill this void.3 Evidence favouring the clinical use of the S-ICD came from the feasibility studies and European registries that preceded the Food and Drug Administation (FDA) approval of the device.3–5 Most of these studies have comprised smaller numbers with limited follow-up, calling into question the applicability of these results in real-world practice. The study now presented by Lambiase et al. ,6 reporting on early data from the multicentre EFFORTLESS S-ICD registry, provides valuable information on system performance and inappropriate shock rates. This registry is a laudable effort and comprises an observational, non-randomized, standard of care evaluation of S-ICD in countries outside the USA. The term ‘worldwide experience’ in the title, however, may be a misnomer, as … [1]: #fn-2
Dollarization and Real Estate Market Performance: Evidence from Housing in El Salvador

Dollarization occurs when a country eschews its own currency in favor of a foreign currency. Dollarization offers potential benefits for real estate markets from lower and more stable inflation and interest rates. However, dollarization may reduce the advantage of real estate as an inflation hedge. Data from El Salvador is employed in the first empirical study of dollarization effects on housing. El Salvador experienced moderated inflation, but also slower economic growth after dollarization. Hedonic analysis indicates that dollarization depressed house prices when controlling for interest rates and economic growth. This new evidence refocuses the policy debate for countries considering dollarization.
The Case of the Missing Curriculum

Surveying, mapping, and geodesy have traditionally fallen within the realm of civil engineering. However, in recent years, the technological advances in all areas of civil engineering have caused considerable stress on civil engineering educational programs. Some areas, such as surveying and mapping, have suffered with a reduction of emphasis. However, progress in surveying and mapping technology has continued to develop rapidly. The civil engineer, like the forester and geologist, needs a certain amount of basic instruction in surveying and mapping. But it is not enough for the engineer who wishes to specialize in the surveying and mapping sciences and desires to enter the professional field as a land surveyor or cadastral engineer, geodetic engineer or geodesist, topographic engineer, hydrographic engineer, cartographic engineer, or photogrammetrist, or even as a survey engineer on elaborate construction projects. This paper supports a popular belief that the time has come for a four-year curriculum in surveying and mapping technology to be established at a few universities in the United States. A proposed curriculum and an extensive bibliography on geometronics education are included.
Experimental study of the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition in /sup 4/He films

Measurements of the effective thermal conductance of a $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ film on a Mylar substrate are reported in the vicinity of the transition to superfluid behavior. Experiments have been conducted as a function of film thickness and are consistent with the expected exponential behavior of the free vortex number density as the transition is approached from the normal-fluid side. On the superfluid side of the transition the effective conductance is observed to be a power law in the applied thermal power. The connection between the exponent of the power law and the superfluid density is examined. The experiments reveal an apparent upper limit to the number density of velocity-induced free vortices. Preliminary results for $^{3}\mathrm{He}$-$^{4}\mathrm{He}$ mixtures are reported as are nonlinear effects in the $^{4}\mathrm{He}$-vapor conductance.
The Odds of Justice: P-values: What Do They Prove?

Statisticians face a difficult audience when asked to explain p-values, confidence intervals, standard deviations, and many more complex statistical models to judges and juries—especially when the ...
Detecting interleaving

The various goals and requirements of a system are realized in software as fragments of code that are typically "interleaved" in that they may be woven together in the same contiguous textual area of code. The fragments of code are often delocalized and overlap rather than being composed in a simple linear sequence. Interleaving severely complicates software comprehension and maintenance. To address this problem, we are developing analysis tools, based on the Software Refinery. This paper describes our experiences in detecting interleaving in a corpus of mathematical software written in Fortran from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In particular, it discusses how feasible it is to detect interleaving of various types and the ability of existing tools to assist these types of detection.
Abuse of elderly people--"pathological" carers

Abuse of elderly people is now recognised as a problem deserving attention because of the suffering incurred by the victim. Forms of abuse and characteristics of potential victims are described. An awareness of the existence of such abuse coupled with good social and medical services for elderly people would reduce the carer stress which most commonly results in such abuse. A second much rarer group of abusing carers, "pathological" carers, is highlighted and it is suggested that a specific procedure possibly similar to that used in child abuse cases is required to protect the victim.
Dopaminergic systems expansion and the advent of Homo erectus

Abstract It is well accepted that a grade shift occurred in hominin evolution approximately 1.9 million years ago with the appearance of Homo erectus. With the challenges of complete terrestrial life, new cognitive abilities were selected for that allowed this species to thrive for the next million and a half years. It has also long been recognized that there was a change in diet with the advent of Homo erectus, that is, a greater reliance on meat. However, the relationship between additional meat and the cognitive abilities of Homo erectus has mostly remained unclear. The present paper proposes that an increase in dietary meat protein and fats may have led to an increase in dopamine and dopaminergic systems, a critical chemical neurotransmitter in the brain. This purported change in dopaminergic systems may have played a key role in many of the traits and abilities exhibited by Homo erectus at that time, including increases in body and brain size, dispersion, and a greater aptitude for spatial and social cognitions.
Orientational and vibrational relaxation dynamics of perylene in the cyclohexane-ethanol binary solvent system.

The rotational dynamics and vibrational population relaxation of the nonpolar probe molecule perylene have been studied in a series of ethanol–cyclohexane binary solvent mixtures, with the goal of relating solvent system composition to local organization. Steady-state spectroscopic data show that there is a discontinuous dependence of the spectroscopic origin on binary solvent system composition for perylene. Both rotational diffusion and vibrational population relaxation time constants show a clear discontinuity between 5% and 7.5% (v/v) ethanol in cyclohexane, suggesting a discontinuous change on molecular scale rearrangement in the chromophore local environment. We interpret these results in the context of the chromophore residing in an environment that is not homogeneous on the molecular scale and changes in its average conformation with binary solvent system composition.
"A Study of Developing Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Competencies in 16 Cohorts of an MBA Program"

Emotional, social and cognitive competencies shown to predict management, professional and leadership effectiveness can be developed in adults. An empirical, exploratory study was done of patterns ...
On Photodynamic Therapy of Alzheimer’s Disease Using Intrathecal Nanorobot Drug Delivery of Curcuma Longa for Enhanced Bioavailability

Robotics was first instructed as a collegiate course about 20 years ago at Stanford University, Stanford, CA. From the first IRB6 the electrically powered robot in 1974 over a 30 year period the industry has grown. A leading supplier of robots has put out over 100,000 robots by year 2001. Robot capable of handling 500 kg load was introduced in 2001, IRB 7000. A number of advances have been made in nanostructuring. About 40 different nanostructuring methods were reviewed recently [2]. Nanorobots can be developed that effect cures of disorders that are difficult to treat. Principles from photodynamic therapy, fullerene chemistry, nanostructuring, x-rays, computers, pharmacokinetics and robotics are applied in developing a strategy for nanorobot, treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The curcuma longa that has shown curative effects in rats’ brain with Alzheimers is complexed with fullerenes. The drug is inactive when caged. It is infused intrathecallyinto the cerebrospinal system. Irradiation of the hypothalamous and other areas of the brain where Alzheimer’s disease is prevalent lead to breakage of fullerenes and availability of the drug with the diseased cells. Due to better mass transfer better cure is effected. The other plausible reactions such as addition polymerization of fullerene, polycurcumin formation and other hydrolysis reactions are modeled along with the drug action under the Denbigh scheme of reactions. The fractional yield of drugcurcumin interaction is a function of intensity of radiation, frequency of radiation, patient Research Article Sharma; JSRR, Article no. JSRR.2013.015 207 demographics, age, gender, other disorders etc. Chromophore in curcumin is used as a sensor and computer imaging and feedback control design can result in more bioavailability for curcumin therapeutic action to cure Alzheimer’s disease. This study examines the principles used in the design, the strategy of the design of the nanorobot drug delivery system with a specific target and pharamacokinetic formulation of the associated competing parallel reactions. The burrow and link capabilities at a nanoscopic level is also available if needed.
Effect of Hypophysectomy on the Intrathyroidal Metabolism of I131

SummaryHypphysectomy reduced but did not abolish the over-all conversion of I113 into labeled thyroxine.
Interactive Optimum Parametric Design of Laminated Composite Flange

A parametric model has been developed for the optimum design of laminated composite flange. The study focuses on the quick evaluation and performance optimization of composite flange with the optimum selection of material system, layup pattern and gore strip angle. The effect of butt-joint between the gore strips is also evaluated. Classical laminate field theory and maximum stress failure criteria are employed in the analysis. An interactive optimum flange design computer code has been developed for on-line design performance evaluation of the laminated composite flange.
Effect of butylated hydroxyanisole and ascorbic acid on storage stability of restructured pork

This study was designed to determine the effects of BHA and AA, alone and in combination, on the visual and sensory quality of restructured pork
Parental Abduction of Children from Interracial and Cross-Cultural Marriages

A national U.S. survey of 371 parents whose children were abducted by the other parent reveals an over-representation of interracial and cross-cultural (international) marriages among the families ...
Symmetric positive-definite representation of frequency-domain finite-element system matrix for efficient electromagnetic analysis

The system matrix resulting from a frequency-domain finite-element based analysis of a general electromagnetic problem is indefinite, the condition number of which is also large in general, preventing efficient solutions of the system matrix. Instead of staying with the original indefinite operator to develop fast solutions, we propose to first change this operator to a new symmetric positive definite one. It has a spectral radius less than 1, and also a controllable condition number. With such a new representation of the finite-element operator, an iteration solution is ensured to converge in a small number of iterations. The computational overhead is also made modest for generating such a positive definite representation. The solution of the original indefinite system is then obtained by adding back the contribution from the non-positive definite component with negligible cost. Numerical results have validated the proposed algorithms.
Effects of Adding Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to Traditional Military Amputee Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT Background: Traumatic transtibial amputations lead to an early decline in the use and weight bearing of the residual limb. These changes result in progressive quadriceps muscle atrophy with strength loss that affects standing and walking. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may be useful as an adjunct to amputee prosthetic rehabilitation to maintain quadriceps muscle strength and mass. The objective of this pilot study was to compare the effects of a home-based NMES rehabilitation program plus the traditional military amputee rehabilitation program (TMARP) to the effects of TMARP alone on quadriceps muscle strength, functional mobility, and pain in military service members after a combat-related lower extremity amputation. Methods: In total, 44 participants, aged 19 to 46 years, with a unilateral transtibial amputation were randomly assigned to the TMARP plus NMES (n = 23) or to TMARP alone (n = 21). Both groups received 12 weeks of the traditional amputee rehabilitation, including pre- a...
The Power of Dialogue and Meaningful Connectedness: Conversations between Two Female Scholars

In this paper, the authors examine the power of dialogue and meaningful connectedness from their perspectives as female scholars of color. They draw from the feminist co-mentoring literature, which encourages equal balance of power among participants where each person takes on the role of teacher and learner, or mentor and mentee, since both have something significant to contribute. These contributions are rooted in critical dialogue, which places emphasis on humanizing and empowering those involved in the dialogue. Building community and fostering deeper connections and interactions among the co-mentors is also a key component of this framework. The findings revealed three major themes: (1) Developing an academic and scholarly identity; (2) Battling a sense of place and belonging, and; (3) Finding hope and regaining power and agency. This work is significant because it highlights the critical importance and value of mentoring for women of color in the academy, especially when authentic relationships are rooted in ethical care for one another. Additionally, this research further examines how relationships are created, developed, and sustained among scholars.
Clinical decision support increases diagnostic yield of computed tomography for suspected pulmonary embolism.

Abstract Objective Determine effects of evidence-based clinical decision support (CDS) on the use and yield of computed tomographic pulmonary angiography for suspected pulmonary embolism (CTPE) in Emergency Department (ED) patients. Methods This multi-site prospective quality improvement intervention conducted in three urban EDs used a pre/post design. For ED patients aged 18 + years with suspected PE, CTPE use and yield were compared 19 months pre- and 32 months post-implementation of CDS intervention based on the Wells criteria, provided at the time of CTPE order, deployed in April 2012. Primary outcome was the yield (percentage of studies positive for acute PE). Secondary outcome was utilization (number of studies/100 ED visits) of CTPE. Chi-square and statistical process control chart assessed pre- and post-intervention differences. An interrupted time series analysis was also performed. Results Of 558,795 patients presenting October 2010–December 2014, 7987 (1.4%) underwent CTPE (mean age 52 ± 17.5 years, 66% female, 60.1% black); 34.7% of patients presented pre- and 65.3% post-CDS implementation. Overall CTPE diagnostic yield was 9.8% (779/7987 studies positive for PE). Yield increased a relative 30.8% after CDS implementation (8.1% vs. 10.6%; p = 0.0003). There was no statistically significant change in CTPE utilization (1.4% pre- vs. 1.4% post-implementation; p = 0.25). A statistical process control chart demonstrated immediate and sustained improvement in CTPE yield post-implementation. Interrupted time series analysis demonstrated the slope of PE findings versus time to be unchanged before and after the intervention (p = 0.9). However, there was a trend that the intervention was associated with a 50% increased probability of PE finding (p = 0.08), suggesting an immediate rather than gradual change after the intervention. Conclusions Implementing evidence-based CDS in the ED was associated with an immediate, significant and sustained increase in CTPE yield without a measurable decrease in CTPE utilization. Further studies will be needed to assess whether stronger interventions could further improve appropriate use of CTPE.
A pilot process to identify and switch high-risk warfarin patients to direct oral anticoagulants

Objective: To pilot a process for identifying and switching high-risk warfarin patients to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) or venous thromboembolism (VTE). Methods: A pharmacy resident identified high-risk warfarin patients using three criteria. The resident reviewed medical charts, communicated recommendations to the primary care physician (PCP), and scheduled patients for appointments to switch to DOACs. Patients were followed every 1 to 3 months after initiating DOACs. The primary outcome of the study was the percentage of high-risk warfarin patients before and after process implementation. Secondary outcomes at 6 months included bleeding or thrombotic events, patient-reported side effects, recommendation acceptance rates, adherence rates, clinic time in therapeutic range (TTR), and patient satisfaction. Results: Out of 76 patients evaluated, 22.4% were identified as high-risk using the pre-specified criteria. After program implementation, this percentage was reduced to 9.2%. No significant adverse events occurred by 3-month follow-up, and 100% of recommendations were accepted by physicians. Adherence rates and clinic TTR also improved after implementation (87.5% to 94% and 60.9% to 81.1%, respectively). Overall, patients reported satisfaction with switching from warfarin to DOAC. Conclusions: A pilot process was successful in reducing the percentage of high-risk warfarin patients by switching to DOAC therapy.