cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Usefulness of Lymphocyte Transformation in Patients with Coccidioidomycosis

The development of an appropriate host defense in coccidioidomycosis is predicated on the presence of a positive delayed skin test reaction to coccidioidal. In severe and/or disseminated disease, coccidioidin reactions are routinely negative. By employing serial in vitro spherulin-induced lymphocyte blast transformation (LT) studies in a group of eight severely-ill coccidioidomycosis patients, prognostic clinical data were provided which could not have been obtained from their skin test status alone. Four of the eight demonstrated positive LT responses early in the course of their disease, quickly converted their skin tests to positive, and were cured of their disease. Two patients had negative LT responses until their skin test converted after several months of therapy. The final two have continued to demonstrate negative LT values despite several years of therapy and have experienced exacerbations of their disease when treatment was discontinued. The use of LT data in such patients can be very helpful in guiding therapeutic decisions in this difficult clinical problem.
Hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors of chronic myeloid leukemia express leukemia-associated antigens: implications for the graft-versus-leukemia effect and peptide vaccine-based immunotherapy

The cure of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is attributed to graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects targeting alloantigens and/or leukemia-associated antigens (LAA) on leukemia cells. To assess the potential of LAA-peptide vaccines in eliminating leukemia in CML patients, we measured WT1, PR3, ELA2 and PRAME expression in CD34+ progenitor subpopulations in CML patients and compared them with minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAgs) HA1 and SMCY. All CD34+ subpopulations expressed similar levels of mHAgs irrespective of disease phase, suggesting that in the SCT setting, mHAgs are the best target for GVL. Furthermore, WT1 was consistently overexpressed in advanced phase (AdP) CML in all CD34+ subpopulations, and mature progenitors of chronic phase (CP) CML compared to healthy individuals. PRAME overexpression was limited to more mature AdP-CML progenitors only. Conversely, only CP-CML progenitors had PR3 overexpression, suggesting that PR1-peptide vaccines are only appropriate in CP-CML. Surface expression of WT1 protein in the most primitive hematopoietic stem cells in AdP-CML suggest that they could be targets for WT1 peptide-based vaccines, which in combination with PRAME, could additionally improve targeting differentiated progeny, and benefit patients responding suboptimally to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or enhance GVL effects in SCT patients.
Teaching politics in secondary education: Analyzing instructional methods from the 2008 Presidential Election.

This article describes the instructional methods of four high school government teachers during their coverage of the 2008 presidential election. By analyzing the ways in which these teachers attempted to generate interest in the election and further their students’ conceptualization of politics, the author seeks to better understand political instruction at the secondary level. Overall, the author observed that the teachers were successful in capturing student interest in both politics and the election; however, the teachers often missed opportunities to foster this interest into a nuanced understanding of politics.
Development and survival of rice stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) reared on different host plants at four temperatures

The suitability of rice, Oryza sativa (L.), sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, and vasey grass, Paspalum urvillei Stuedel, as host plants of the rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (F.), were determined at 21, 24, 27, and 30°C. At 21, 24, and 27°C there were no significant ( P sorghum > vasey grass), but at 21 and 27°C weights of adults from rice and grain sorghum were similar. Nymphal survival was significantly ( P < 0.05) greater on rice and grain sorghum than on vasey grass at each temperature except 21°C, where there was no difference between insect survival on vasey grass and grain sorghum. At 21 and 27°C, development time (egg to adult) was significantly ( P < 0.05) shorter on grain sorghum than on rice or vasey grass, but at 24 and 30°C no differences in developmental time existed. The mean development time from egg to adult on rice, sorghum, and vasey grass at 30°C was 22.9 days, 20.7 days, and 22.3 days, respectively.
The fast correction coil feedback control system

Abstract A model-based feedback control system has been developed to correct beam displacement errors in the LLNL Advanced Test Accelerator (ATA) electron beam accelerator. The feedback control system drives an X / Y dipole steering system that has a 40 MHz bandwidth and can produce ±300 Gcm dipole fields. A simulator was used to develop the control algorithm and to quantify the expected performance in the presence of beam-position measurement noise and accelerator timing jitter. The major problem to date has been the protection of the amplifiers from the voltage that is inductively coupled to the steering bars by the beam.
Parallel Switch-Level Fault Simulation Performance Modeling using VHDL

Switch-level faults, as opposed to traditional gate-level faults, can more accurately model the physical failures found in the integrated circuit. However, existing fault simulation techniques have a worst-case computational complexity of O(n 2), where n is the number of devices in the circuit. A Parallel Hardware Accelerated Fault Simulator (PHAFS) has been proposed in order to reduce fault simulation complexity to O(L2), where L is the number of levels of switches encountered when traversing the circuit from output to input. This paper presents the VHSIC (Very High Speed Integrated Circuit) hardware description language simulation techniques used to verify the parallel fault simulation algorithm and to verify the algorithm's complexity. This paper also presents predicted speed-up performance results versus partition size for benchnark circuits.
Identification, molecular characterization, and gene expression analysis of a CD109 molecule in the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes.

Abstract All organisms have unique immune systems that help them identify and eliminate invading microorganisms. A group of evolutionary ancient molecules, the thioester-containing proteins (TEP) superfamily, are known to play an important immune role by aiding animal hosts in the recognition, destruction, and elimination of hazardous microorganisms and their products. Our laboratory focuses on studying the role of the immune system in the mutualistic relationship between the sepiolid squid, Euprymna scolopes and its bioluminescent symbiont Vibrio fischeri. In the present study, we report the identification of a novel TEP-like transcript expressed in the light organ of squid. Characterization of the full-length coding sequence showed a molecule of 4218 nucleotides, corresponding to 1406 amino acids. Further sequence analysis revealed it contained structural characteristics of A2M molecules, including the thioester and receptor-binding domains. Analysis using the predicted amino acid sequence suggested this transcript was a homologue of CD109 molecules, thus we named it E. scolopes-CD109 (Es-CD109). In addition to the light organ, we were able to detect and amplify Es-CD109 in 12 out of 14 adult squid tissues tested. Quantification experiments showed that Es-CD109 expression levels were significantly lower in the light organ of symbiotic compared to aposymbiotic juveniles, suggesting a possible down-regulation of the host immune response in the presence of the bacterial symbiont.
A telerobotic system for augmentation of endoscopic surgery

We have hegun development of a telerobotic system to replace a human camera operator in endoscopic surgical procedures. The system will consist of a remote center-of-motion manipulator holding the endoscope; a computer workstation supporting image processing, graphics, manipulator control, and other functions; and a variety of man-machine interlaces (voice, instrumented joystick, etc.). A prototype system using an industrial robot has been implemented and used to demonstrate essential functions.
Fungal endophthalmitis diagnosis by detection of Candida albicans DNA in intraocular fluid by use of a species-specific polymerase chain reaction assay

Candida endophthalmitis is a serious infection secondary to hematogenous dissemination or direct inoculation of the organisms following trauma or eye surgery. The diagnosis is based on the characteristic findings in the infected eye and on culture of vitreous samples. Unfortunately, the yield of vitreous cultures is limited. The use of a Candida albicans species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in the diagnosis of Candida endophthalmitis is reported herein. Four patients with suspected fungal endophthalmitis underwent vitrectomy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In 2 of the 4, vitreous cultures were negative. However, characteristic PCR products were generated in all 4 patient specimens, enabling the rapid diagnosis of Candida endophthalmitis in all 4. Clinical response was observed in all cases. These results demonstrate the utility of PCR-mediated detection of C. albicans in vitreous samples.
Socrates’ Moral Intellectualism

In the Protagoras, Socrates appears to affirm and defend a paradoxical doctrine: the unity of virtue. Plato scholars do not agree on how the doctrine should be understood. Some, following Vlastos (1972), take Socrates to hold that the virtues are biconditionally related, i.e. that anyone who has one of the virtues has them all. Others, following Penner (1973), take Socrates' position to be that the names of the virtues all refer to the same thing, namely virtue. In this paper, I argue that both of these interpretations are mistaken: the main thesis of the Protagoras is, very simply, that each of the virtues is a kind of knowledge or wisdom.
Determination of extent of hydration of water‐miscible organic liquids in aqueous solution from viscosity data

Abstract Three viscometric methods for estimating the extent of association in binary liquid mixtures were employed to determine the maximum hydration of acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide, dioxane, 1-propanol, and 2-pyrrolidinone in aqueous solution. Two of the methods are based on the increase in viscosity or the decrease in fluidity of binary aqueous solutions caused by association between water and the second component, i.e. , by hydration of the second component. The composition of maximum hydration is that at which the deviation of experimental viscosities or fluidities from additive viscosities or fluidities reaches a maximum. Additive values are calculated by interpolation between the viscosities or fluidities of water and the second liquid component. Additivity would be observed in ideal solutions, i.e. , in the absence of hydration. The first method of interpolation uses the Kendall equation, ϕ 12calc =ϕ x 1 1 ϕ x 2 2 , to calculate the fluidities, o, of the mixtures (subscript 12) from the fluidities and mole fractions, x , of water (subscript 1) and the second liquid (subscript 2). The Kendall equation has a theoretical basis and is applicable where the viscosities, η, of water and the second liquid are of the same order of magnitude, differing by less than a factor of five. The maximum number of bound water molecules per molecule of the second component was 3 for acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide, 4 for dioxane, and 5.7 for propanol. The second method of interpolation is based on the empirical Kendall-Monroe equation, η 1/3 12calc = x 1 η 1/3 1 + x 2 η 1/3 2 , which is applicable to mixtures where the viscosities of the two pure components differ by a factor of 10 or more. The resultant hydration ratio of one water molecule per molecule of pyrrolidinone is confirmed by the separation of the solid monohydrate at lower temperatures. A novel and universal method determines the maximum hydration as the composition at which the activation energy for viscous flow of the mixtures, indicative of the size of the flow units, goes through a maximum. This method requires viscosity data of higher accuracy and at more than one temperature. Its hydration results agreed with those of the other two methods where the latter were applicable. The change in the activation energy of water with temperature was used to obtain a relative measure of the degree of self-association in liquid water as a function of temperature.
Mediated gates between spin qubits

In a typical quantum circuit, nonlocal quantum gates are applied to nonproximal qubits. If the underlying physical interactions are short-range (e.g., exchange interactions between spins), intermediate swap operations must be introduced, thus increasing the circuit depth. Here we develop a class of ``mediated'' gates for spin qubits, which act on nonproximal spins via intermediate ancilla qubits. At the end of the operation, the ancillae return to their initial states. We show how these mediated gates can be used (1) to generate arbitrary quantum states and (2) to construct arbitrary quantum gates. We provide some explicit examples of circuits that generate common states [e.g., Bell, Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ), $W$, and cluster states] and gates (e.g., $\sqrt{swap}$, swap, $cnot$, and Toffoli gates). We show that the depths of these circuits are often shorter than those of conventional $swap$-based circuits. We also provide an explicit experimental proposal for implementing a mediated gate in a triple-quantum-dot system.
Dire consequences: the conservative recapture of America’s political narrative?

The severity of the financial meltdown in September 2008 was such as to trigger major innovations in US public policy, including the Troubled Assets Relief Program, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Quantitative Easing, the Home Affordable Mortgage Program, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The greater public spending associated with many of these changes was initially widely supported, but has now become the subject of sustained criticism from conservative economists and politicians whose self-confidence has rapidly recovered from the blow initially rendered to it by the financial meltdown. After the 2010 midterm elections, with control of the House of Representatives returned to fiscally conservative Republican legislators, deficit reduction emerged as the dominant issue in Washington politics, constraining the capacity of the White House to effectively pursue further stimulus spending. Copyright The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Cambridge Political Economy Society. All rights reserved., Oxford University Press.
Effects of Silicone Vapor on Brush Wear

The lubrication of graphite by water vapor is now well known. Many other condensible vapors, however, have been found equally effective. Demonstrations occurred during the high-altitude testing of aircraft brushes during the war. It was found that certain solvents from the freshly painted interiors of cold chambers provided vapor lubrication for brushes operating under dry conditions, and brush dusting which normally would have occurred was prevented. The easily condensible vapors as a class, excepting corrosive substances, thus gradually became recognized as lubricants for carbon brushes.
The Road to a Silicon Quantum Computer

We discuss prospects for building a silicon-based quantum computer with phosphorous donor qubits. A specific architecture is proposed for initial demonstrations; and the advantages and difficulties of thisapproach are described along with a plan for systematic development and calibration of the individualcomponents.
Esophageal replacement by colon interposition

Between 1985 and 1993, 32 patients (24 male and 8 female) underwent colon interposition for replacement of the esophagus at the Mayo Clinic. Median age was 58.5 years (range, 1 to 79 years). The colon was used because of an inadequate stomach in 27 patients (84%) and as the conduit of choice in 5 (16%). Esophageal cancer was present in 15 patients (47%). The left colon was used in 20 patients (63%) and the right, in 12 (38%). The colon was placed substernally in 19 patients (59%) and in the esophageal bed in 13 (41%). The operative mortality was 9%; cause of death was ischemic necrosis of right colon conduits in 2 patients and adult respiratory distress syndrome in 1 patient. Major complications occurred in 4 additional patients and included ischemic colitis of a right colon conduit, Roux-en-Y limb obstruction, chylothorax, and an anastomotic leak. Follow-up was complete for all patients and ranged from 15 months to 7 years (median follow-up, 2.3 years). Eleven patients died during follow-up. The cause of death was metastatic esophageal cancer in 9 patients, myocardial infarction in 1 patient, and respiratory failure in 1 patient. At last follow-up, 26 of the 29 operative survivors had little or no difficulty eating. Two patients had dumping symptoms, and 1 patient had severe dysphagia. Seven patients required dilation of the esophagocolonic anastomosis. We conclude that colon interposition for esophageal replacement provides acceptable long-term function; however, early morbidity and mortality are considerable.
Investigation of methacrylate free-radical depropagation kinetics by pulsed-laser polymerization

An extensive study of free-radical depropagation kinetics has been performed for several methacrylates at high temperatures in bulk and solution using a pulsed-laser technique. As expected from theory, the relative importance of depropagation on rate increases with increasing temperature and with decreasing monomer concentration. The temperature dependence of n-dodecyl methacrylate depropagation has been quantified. The resulting estimates for enthalpy (−50 to −60 kJ/mol) and entropy (−105 to −127 J/(mol·K)) of polymerization, although highly correlated, are in good agreement with available literature data. Moreover, the best-fit values (−53.8 kJ/mol and −113 J/(mol·K)) provide a good representation of high-temperature propagation/depropagation kinetics measured for n-butyl, cyclohexyl, isobornyl, and 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylates, suggesting that a single set of universal values may be employed when modeling high-temperature polymerizations of all methacrylates.
Efficient expression of foreign genes in human CD34(+) hematopoietic precursor cells using electroporation.

Introduction of foreign genes into human CD34+ hematopoietic precursor cells offers a means to correct inborn errors or to protect human stem cells from chemotherapeutic damage. Electroporation is a non-chemical, nonviral, highly reproducible means to introduce foreign genes into mammalian cells that has been used primarily for rapidly dividing cells. CD34+ cells isolated from mobilized peripheral blood of patients were cultured for 48 h in serum-free culture medium supplemented with Flt-3 ligand, stem cell factor and thrombopoietin. Cell cycle analysis showed an increase in % S-phase from 2% on day 0 to 28% on day 2 without significant loss of mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). Optimal electroporation conditions for CD34+ cells were 550 V/cm, 38 ms, 30 μg DNA/500 μl at cell densities between 0.2 × 106 and 10 × 106 cells/ml resulting in transient EGFP gene expression in 21% (± 1%) of CD34+ precursor cells, as determined by flow cytometry 48 h after electroporation. The more primitive cells were also found to be EGFP+ as determind by subset analysis using Thy1, CD38, AC133 and c-kit conjugated monoclonal antibodies. Methylcellulose assays on electroporated CD34+ cells yielded 20% (± 7%) EGFP+ colonies (CFU-GM, BFU-E and CFU-mix) and 22% (± 5%) EGFP+ long-term colony-initiating cells (LTC-IC). The reporter gene was found to be integrated into the LTC-IC genomic DNA as determined by inverse PCR and DNA sequencing. These results suggest that electroporation has the potential to effectively and stably deliver exogenous genes into human hematopoietic precursor cells.
Comparison of CT scan and electron microscopic findings on endoscopically harvested middle turbinates

CT scans of eight nonsmoking patients with chronic sinusitis and two controls were graded for their disease severity (from 0 to IV) with the classification system proposed by May. Subsequently, endoscopically harvested middle turbinate specimens from these patients (16 diseased turbinates, 4 controls) were evaluated both by scanning and by transmission electron microscopy. As the severity of the disease increased as demonstrated by CT scan, electron microscopy of 5 x 3 x 0.05 mm mucosal specimens demonstrated that the number of ciliated cells decreased whereas the number of goblet and squamous cells increased. As the disease progressed to stages III and IV, scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated areas of squamous metaplasia and areas completely denuded of epithelium. The increased goblet cell population, the loss of cilia and ciliated cells, and the patches of denuded epithelium may account for the recurrent bacterial infections and chronic nasal drainage seen in patients with chronic sinusitis. The extensive mucosal changes that occur in grade III and IV disease are similar to those occurring in cigarette smokers, and it takes years to recover after discontinuation of smoking. Delayed recovery of the mucosal epithelium may account for both the recurrent infections and the slower response to treatment on the part of patients with extensive grade III and IV changes on the CT scan.
Efficient Large Deformation Simulations of Multi-Flexible-Body Systems Using Absolute Nodal Coordinate Beam and Plate Elements

In this paper, we investigate the absolute nodal coordinate finite element (FE) formulations for modeling multi-flexible-body systems in a divide-and-conquer framework. Large elastic deformations in the individual components (beams and plates) are modeled using the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). The divide-and-conquer algorithm (DCA) is utilized to model the constraints arising due to kinematic joints between the flexible components. We develop necessary equations of the new algorithm and present numerical examples to test and validate the method.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Biochemical identification of A-minor motifs within RNA tertiary structure by interference analysis.

A-minor motifs are the most common tertiary structural elements in RNA helix packing. Biochemical identification of these interactions is now feasible using interference mapping analysis with the adenosine analogues 2′-deoxyadenosine and 3-deaza-adenosine. This approach was used to demonstrate that A-minor motifs mediate helix packing interactions that are important for 5′-splice site selection in the group I intron. By analysing the interference pattern of several analogues it is possible to identify and distinguish the four variants of the A-minor motif.
Protection-free One-pot Synthesis of 2′-Deoxynucleoside 5′-Triphosphates and DNA Polymerization

By differentiating the functional groups on nucleosides, we have designed and developed a one-pot synthesis of deoxyribonucleoside 5′-triphosphates without any protection on the nucleosides. A facile synthesis is achieved by generating an in situ phosphitylating reagent that reacts selectively with the 5′-hydroxyl groups of the unprotected nucleosides. The synthesized triphosphates are of high quality and can be effectively incorporated into DNAs by DNA polymerase. This novel approach is straightforward and cost-effective for triphosphate synthesis.
Theoretical advances in the dissolution studies of mineral-water interfaces

This article presents theoretical advances in computational modeling of dissolution at mineral–water interfaces with specific emphasis on silicates. Two different Monte Carlo methods have been developed that target equilibrium properties and kinetics in silicate–water dissolution. The equilibrium properties are explored using the combined reactive Monte Carlo and configurational bias Monte Carlo (RxMC-CBMC) method. The new RxMC-CBMC method is designed to affordably simulate the three-dimensional structure of the mineral with explicit water molecules. The kinetics of the overall dissolution process is studied using a stochastic kinetic Monte Carlo method that utilizes rate constants obtained from accurate ab initio calculations. Both these methods provide important complementary perspective of the complex dynamics involving chemical and physical interactions at the mineral–water interface. The results are compared to experimental and previous computational data available in the literature.
Magnetic Field Dependence of the Thermopower of Dilute Aluminum Alloys

Measurements are presented of the thermopowerS of pure Al and dilute Al alloys from 2 to 6 K in magnetic fields up to 20 kG. For all samples the data are consistent with the equationS(H)=A(H)T+B(H)T 3 , allowing a separation of the electron diffusion thermopower componentS e (H)=A(H)T from the phonon-drag componentS g (H)=B(H)T 3 . Zero-field characteristic values ofS e were obtained for the impurities Cu, Cd, Tl, and Sn:S e (Cu) =−0.6T×10−8 V/K;S e (Cd)=−4T×10−8 V/K;S e (Tl)=−3T×10−8 V/K;S e (Sn) =−2T×10−8 V/K. The phonon-drag coefficientB was found to vary from impurity to impurity, a variation attributed to anisotropic electron-impurity scattering. Upon application of a transverse magnetic field,A(H) was found first to become more positive, and then to saturate in value at high fields. The quantity ΔA=A(H→∞)−A(H=0) was found to be very nearly the same for all impurities, varying in value only from 2.1–2.6×10−8 V/K. Both the general behavior ofA(H) and this magnitude for ΔA are shown to be determined primarily by the form of the Fermi surface of pure Al.B(H) was also observed to vary with magnetic field. This variation is tentatively attributed to a combination of a changing importance with magnetic field of electrons in the second and third Brillouin zones of Al and anisotropic electron-impurity scattering, but no detailed explanation is yet available. Finally, the Wiedemann-Franz ratio of an impure Al-Cu sample is found to have the value 2.43 5 ±0.02×10−8 W·Ω/K 2 at 4.5 K, independent ofH up to 20 kG, the highest field used. This value is in good agreement with the expected value :L 0 =2.45×10−8 W·Ω/K 2 .
Videourodynamics and differential pressures in the evaluation of infravesical obstruction

Twenty-five patients were investigated for infravesical obstruction using videourodynamics and a modified differential pressure technique. Clinical symptoms correlated 86%, 71%, and 56% with urethral resistance, differential pressures, and fluoroscopy, respectively. We believe that differential bladder-posterior urethral pressure (Pves-Pura) recorded in erect position and with a fixed catheter is a valuable technique to investigate males suspected to have bladder neck-prostatic obstruction.
Parallel multigrid algorithms on CM-5

Solutions to partial differential equations are required in many engineering applications. The multigrid method is an iterative technique for speeding up the solution of these equations. The authors describe a parallel implementation of the multigrid method on the Connection Machine CM-5 architecture. An analytic model is presented for estimating the computation and communication times of the multigrid algorithm. The times predicted by the analytic model are within 5% of the results obtained from CM-5. Results demonstrate that the communication overhead incurred by the parallel multigrid algorithm is relatively small compared to the computation time. Consequently, implementations of the multigrid algorithm on the CM-5 easily achieve processor efficiencies near 100%.
Can intervention early prevent crime later? The abecedarian project compared with other programs

Abstract In previous research, the Abecedarian Project, an early childhood intervention program involving participants from impoverished African-American families, was shown to improve intelligence and school achievement. The Abecedarian Youth Crime Study considered whether the project affected adult crime of participants from age 16 to 21. In terms of the amount and type of arrests and of charges filed, no significant differences were found either in comparing preschool with no preschool, or in comparing preschool plus school-age in-home services with no service. No effects on crime appeared in either males or females. Comparison with five other early intervention programs suggests: (1) Reducing delinquency in boys is possible without improving school performance. (2) Improving school performance does not guarantee a reduction in youth crime. (3) Working with parents before the child enters kindergarten, concerning ways to interact with and manage the child, may be essential for any effect on delinquency or youth crime.
Die and wafer-level hermetic sealing for MEMS applications

Two of the primary causes of MEMS failure are stiction of the moving microparts due to moisture from environment and particulate contamination due to the degradation of organic materials. The use of getters such as sputtered Ti and Ba to maintain a moisture free environment within the MEMS package has been proposed and is well documented. Though getters ensure a moisture free environment within the package, they do not ensure hermeticity over long periods of time. Hermetic packaging is sometimes desirable for MEMS and optical MEMS (especially those that require long shelf lives) in order to guarantee operational reliability. This paper presents a hermetic fluxless die and wafer-level sealing process with adequate bond strength, assessed using the MIL-STD-883E standard. The hermetic sealing process is achieved via 80%Au-20%Sn eutectic solder rectangular seal rings deposited around the top die perimeter via evaporation and sputtering. We chose 80%Au-20%Sn eutectic solder for sealing because of its high resistance to surface oxide film formation as a result of its high gold content thereby eliminating the use of organic materials such as flux, and at the same time, providing hermetic seal at the die bond interface. The paper also discusses the use of linear regression analysis in packaging process development for our devices. The focus here is identifying process variables that significantly affect the process using as few packaged MEMS samples as available for reliability testing due to their high cost. The process parameters investigated in this paper apply to the shear strength of the resulting die stack, and include the applied bonding pressure, the maximum reflow temperature and the dwell time at the maximum reflow temperature. Conclusions are drawn based on experimental measurements conducted at the Texas Microfactory™ at UT Arlington, and at the Bennington Microtechnology Center (BMC) in Vermont, USA.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Improving Citizens’ Health Competencies

(1989). Improving Citizens' Health Competencies. Health Communication: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 29-34.
MHD Modeling of Plasma Generation and Radiation Transport Driven by the MG Field at the Metallic Surface

Summary form only given. Recent experimental campaign at 1 MA (120 ns current rise time) Zebra pulse power generator reveals quite interesting dynamic picture of plasma production and evolution at the surface of the cylindrical metallic rods. Different rod diameters and rod materials have been explored. Multi-type plasma diagnostics included magnetic field probes, laser shadowgraphy, photodiodes, streak camera imaging etc. Radiation MHD modeling of plasma generation and evolution helps to interpret the experimental data and reveal additional features of plasma dynamics, hidden from direct experimental observations. Simulations have been performed with the Eulerian radiation and resistive two-temperature MHD code POS, modified to include both optically thin and optically thick plasma models into a single simulation. Radiation MHD modeling shows the generation of relatively hot and low-dense plasma fraction (that can be referred to as "corona") adjacent to the metallic surface, while the bulk of in plasma the metallic rod (or the "core") remains relatively cold, maintaining approximately the same mass density. Parameters of the coronal plasma depend on the road diameter and material used. This core-corona structure resembles the structure of the exploding wire. Simulations show that the coronal fraction of plasma is the main radiation emission source, while the intense radiation cooling keeps its temperature below 20 eV and prevents corona from further expansion after 80 ns. The intensity of the radiation transport in plasma has been compared against the kinetic transport effects, such as electron and ion thermal conductivities. Radiation post-processor of the radiation MHD code POS is used to resolve the radiation intensity versus the radiation wavelength and to rearrange the simulations data in the formats convenient for the direct comparison with such experimental data as the photodiode signals and streak-camera and laser shadowgraphy images.
Discrepancies Between HIV Prevention Communication Attitudes and Actual Conversations About HIV Testing Within Social and Sexual Networks of African American Men Who Have Sex With Men

BACKGROUND: Promoting communication among African American men who have sex with men (AA MSM) and their social networks about HIV testing is an avenue for altering HIV prevention social norms. This study examined the attitudes of AA MSM on talking with peers about HIV testing and characteristics of their network members with whom they have these conversations. METHODS: Data came from a cross-sectional survey of 226 AA MSM who were 18 years or older and self-reported sex with another male in the prior 90 days. Participants completed an inventory to characterize network members with whom they had conversations about HIV testing and HIV status. RESULTS: Most of the sample reported that it was important/very important to talk to male friends about HIV (85%) and that they were comfortable/very comfortable talking with their friends about sexual behaviors (84%). However a small proportion of the social network had been talked to by the participant about HIV testing (14%). Among sexual networks 58% had been talked to about their HIV status and this was positively associated with main and casual partner type compared with partners with whom money or drugs were exchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that positive attitudes about communication may be necessary but not sufficient for actual conversations to occur. Designing interventions that increase communication with social networks is warranted.
Determinants of retrieval solutions during cognitive skill training: Source confusions

Diverse outcomes, both facilitative and disruptive, have been reported for the effect of interpolated item recognition tests on the acquisition of a cognitive skill. We collected data from a repeated set of 12 artificial arithmetic problems, soliciting compute/retrieve strategy reports after every trial. In one condition, a recognition test was administered after every three blocks of training. Recognition testing was found to depress retrieve frequencies in both younger and older adults, particularly for newly acquired items. Pairing training items with similar recognition foils mitigated these effects. This pattern of results could be explained by assuming that the participants based compute/retrieve decisions on item familiarity or frequency, tracked across both skill trials and recognition trials, and on a threshold influenced by source confusion. Variations in the threshold parameter could lead to depressed reports of item retrieval (our findings) or to elevated retrieval decisions, as has been shown in some other studies.
HORMONALLY INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN S. AUREUS

Hormonally induced alterations in Staphylococus aureus were studied. Virulent staphylococci were grown in the presence of varying concentrations of hormones. Natural and synthetic progestogens and androgens in pharmacological concentrations were capable of retarding the growth of S. aureus. Retardation of growth was more prounounced under anaerobic conditions and during the early stages of growth. Additional experiments demonstrated hormonal intervention in the total uptake and total incorporation of nutrients in the staphylococcal cell. A comparative study of hormonal effects on the entrance of radioactively labeled nutrients and their subsequent incorporation into cellular fractions is described. The results indicated that the growth of staphylococci in nutrient broth is markedly retarded by progesterone at a critical concentration of 15 mcg/ml. In vivo studies demonstrated that when mice were injected with 5 mcg norethindrone for 3 days followed by colony-forming units of staphylococci early in the course of infection and before specific acquired resistance could be induced the spleen kidney and liver of treated mice contained 1/2-1/3 lower viable staphylococcal counts than did the controls. A discussion of the paper follows.
Sachse Monument Pendant, central Sierra Nevada, California: Eugeoclinal metasedimentary rocks near the axis of the Sierra Nevada batholith

Sachse Monument pendant, located near the axis of the Sierra Nevada batholith in the central Sierra Nevada, exposes an assemblage of eugeoclinal metasedimentary rocks that consists of tightly to isoclinally folded siltstone, sandstone, argillite, chert, limestone, lime-stone-clast conglomerate, and quartzite. The eugeoclinal rocks lie structurally above the miogeoclinal rocks of Snow Lake pendant along a structural break which is intruded by a 148 Ma igneous complex. Structural and stratigraphic studies at Sachse Monument pendant provide new supporting evidence for large displacement on the Mojave-Snow Lake fault, a proposed intra-arc, right-lateral strike-slip fault that may have displaced miogeoclinal rocks in the central part of the Sierra Nevada from an original position in the Mojave Desert. Geologic features of Sachse Monument pendant, including eugeoclinal rocks that rest structurally upon miogeoclinal rocks, and a 148 Ma igneous complex, together with other features, are characteristic of the western Mojave Desert region.
A brief review of the determination of cadmium by prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis

An examination of the literature concerning the determination of cadmium by Prompt Gamma-Ray Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) has been conducted. In-vivo activation analysis of the liver and kidney is the most common application reported and is briefly reviewed here. This review will concentrate on the determination of cadmium in in-vitro systems. These include a number of different complex matrices such as geological, environmental and biological materials, as well as water, sediments, foods and construction material. Nuclear reactors, accelerators, and radioisotopes have all been used as neutron sources with varying degrees of sensitivity.
The prognostic value of diagnosing concurrent multiple myeloma in immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis

The prevalence and prognostic value of a concomitant diagnosis of symptomatic or asymptomatic multiple myeloma (MM), as defined by the current International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria, in patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL), are unknown. We studied 46 consecutive patients with AL who underwent quantification of serum M-protein and clonal bone marrow plasma cells, as well as a comprehensive evaluation for end organ damage by MM. Using standard morphology and CD138 immunohistochemical staining, 57% and 80% of patients were found to have concomitant MM, respectively. Nine patients exhibited end organ damage consistent with a diagnosis of symptomatic MM. While overall survival was similar between AL patients with or without concurrent myeloma (1-year overall survival 68% vs. 87%; P = 0.27), a diagnosis of symptomatic myeloma was associated with inferior outcome (1-year overall survival 39% vs. 81%; P = 0.005). Quantification of bone marrow plasma cells by both standard morphology and CD138 immunohistochemistry identified a much higher prevalence of concurrent MM in patients with AL than previously reported. Evaluation of bone marrow plasma cell infiltration and presence of myeloma associated end organ damage could be clinically useful for prognostication of patients with AL.
Remote battlefield observer technology (REBOT)

Battlefield situation awareness is the most fundamental prerequisite for effective command and control. Information about the state of the battlefield must be both timely and accurate. Imagery data is of particular importance because it can be directly used to monitor the deployment of enemy forces in a given area of interest, the traversability of the terrain in that area, as well as many other variables that are critical for tactical and force level planning. In this paper we describe prototype REmote Battlefield Observer Technology (REBOT) that can be deployed at specified locations and subsequently tasked to transmit high resolution panoramic imagery of its surrounding area. Although first generation REBOTs will be stationary platforms, the next generation will be autonomous ground vehicles capable of transporting themselves to specificed locations. We argue that REBOT fills a critical gap in present situation awareness technologies. We expect to provide results of REBOT tests to be conducted at the 1999 Marines Advanced Warfighting Demonstration.
Late quaternary snowline reconstructions for the southern and central Sierra Nevada, California and a reassessment of the “Recess Peak Glaciation”

Abstract In the Sierra Nevada, the “Recess Peak Glaciation” has been previously defined on the basis of deposits exhibiting relative-age characteristics intermediate between those of the Little Ice Age deposits and those of early Holocene or older moraines. In the absence of reliable chronological control, the Recess Peak deposits were assigned an early Neoglacial age. Although numerous moraines in the central and southern Sierra have been attributed to this interval, regional snowline gradients reconstructed from these deposits lack internal consistency and appear to represent several distinctly different episodes of glacier advance. As a basis for comparison with the Recess Peak data, modern and late Pleistocene regional snowlines were reconstructed using accumulation-area ratios and cirque-floor altitudes. These reconstructions display regionally consistent gradients, rising gradually southward and more steeply eastward. Based on these data, the full-glacial late Pleistocene snowline depression is estimated to have been ≥800 m. Estimates of Recess Peak snowline depression vary widely, ranging from 140 to 500 m, and a reconstructed regional gradient rises northward, in opposition to the late Pleistocene and modern snowlines. Limited radiocarbon dating and the irregular pattern derived from the Recess Peak snowline data suggest that, even in the type area, these deposits resulted from both pre- and post-Hypsithermal glacier advances.
Pressure profiles in plasticating extruders

The pressure distribution through the melting and melt zones of a plasticating extruder is discussed, and an analysis is described for predicting the pressure profile. In the stable melting zone, the pressure profile is calculated based on flow in the melt pool, and the pressure is strongly influenced by the flow of the solid bed of plastic. The solid bed flow is primarily determined by the polymer rigidity in the screw compression section. If the size (through a melting analysis) and the velocity (through a solid bed acceleration parameter) of the solid bed along the screw channel are reasonably approximated, the pressure profile is reasonably approximated by this analysis. Inaccurate representations of the size or velocity of the solid bed can yield inaccurate pressure profile prediction. In the unstable melting region, the assumption of a complete melt yields reasonable pressure predictions. The introduction of these concepts into an extrusion model permits a more accurate prediction of the operating RPM of a given screw design in a given machine.
Selective β-Cell Differentiation of Dissociated Embryonic Pancreatic Precursor Cells Cultured in Synthetic Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogels

Continuing advances in islet cell transplantation have been promising; however, several limitations, including severe shortage of transplantable islets, hinder the widespread use of this therapy. Pancreatic precursor cells are one alternative to cadaveric donor islets. These cells found in the developing pancreatic buds are capable of self-renewal and also have the innate ability to become insulin-producing β-cells. For this work, bioinert polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels were chosen as the supportive three-dimensional matrix for encapsulation of dissociated pancreatic precursor cells obtained from the dorsal pancreatic bud of day-15 rat embryos. This culture system was selected in order to eliminate cell–extracellular matrix and cell–cell signal heterogeneity present when intact pancreatic buds are embedded in protein-based gels, the typical in vitro culture conditions used to study this cell population. In this study it was found that (1) dissociated precursor cells maintain a robust viability for 7 ...
Poetics, play, process, and power: The performative turn in anthropology

ON THE EDGE OF THE BUSH: ANTHROPOLOGY AS EXPERIENCE. By Victor Turner. Edited by Edith L. B. Turner. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 1985; pp. vii + 328; $29.95. THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF PERFORMANCE. By Victor Turner. New York: PAJ Publications, 1986; pp. 185; $19.95. THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF EXPERIENCE. Edited by Victor W. Turner and Edward M. Bruner. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1986; pp. 391; $15.95 (paper). THE PREDICAMENT OF CULTURE: TWENTIETH‐CENTURY ETHNOGRAPHY, LITERATURE, AND ART. By James Clifford. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1988; pp. vii + 381; $15.95 (paper).
Parameter estimation for a bilinear time series model

A direct approach to the estimation of the parameters associated with a bilinear time series model is presented. The approach depends critically on the expressions for certain higher-order statistics of the signals that satisfy the bilinear model. These expressions are linear in most of the parameters of the model. The parameters are then estimated from an overdetermined set of equations. Results of an experiment that employs this technique and demonstrates its good properties are included. >
Acceleration sensitivity of small-gap capacitive micromechanical resonator oscillators

The vector components of acceleration sensitivity Γ for a closed-loop oscillator referenced to a wine-glass disk array-composite resonator employing tiny (∼92nm) electrode-to-resonator capacitive transducer gaps were measured along axes perpendicular and parallel to the substrate to be Γ vertical ∼13.6ppb/g and Γ lateral ∼4.92ppb/g, respectively, which are on par with commercial quartz-based oscillator products. Interestingly, the measured acceleration sensitivity greatly exceeds the prediction of theory. In particular, models for frequency shifts due to variations in electrical stiffness and mechanical stress predict acceleration sensitivities orders of magnitude lower than measured here. Consideration of other microphonic contributors reveals that the measurements of this work were probably limited by the bond wires and package stresses of the board-level realization of the oscillator, so are very likely not representative of the performance actually achievable by a fully-integrated micromechanical resonator oscillator, where MEMS and transistors share a single chip. Still, the measured microphonic performance on par with mid-grade quartz oscillators at least provides some reassurance that the tiny electrode-to-resonator gaps used in high frequency capacitively transduced micromechanical resonators will not compromise the stabilities of oscillators referenced to them in conventional applications that currently accept mid-grade quartz resonators.