cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Procedural complications, rehospitalizations, and repeat procedures after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to estimate rates and identify predictors of inpatient complications and 30-day readmissions, as well as repeat hospitalization rates for arrhythmia recurrence following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Background AF is the most common clinically significant arrhythmia and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Radiofrequency or cryotherapy ablation of AF is a relatively new treatment option, and data on post-procedural outcomes in large general populations are limited. Methods Using data from the California State Inpatient Database, we identified all adult patients who underwent their first AF ablation from 2005 to 2008. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of complications and/or 30-day readmissions and Kaplan-Meier analyses to estimate rates of all-cause and arrhythmia readmissions. Results Among 4,156 patients who underwent an initial AF ablation, 5% had periprocedural complications, most commonly vascular, and 9% were readmitted within 30 days. Older age, female, prior AF hospitalizations, and less hospital experience with AF ablation were associated with higher adjusted risk of complications and/or 30-day readmissions. The rate of all-cause hospitalization was 38.5% by 1 year. The rate of readmission for recurrent AF, atrial flutter, and/or repeat ablation was 21.7% by 1 year and 29.6% by 2 years. Conclusions Periprocedural complications occurred in 1 of 20 patients undergoing AF ablation, and all-cause and arrhythmia-related rehospitalizations were common. Older age, female sex, prior AF hospitalizations, and recent hospital procedure experience were associated with a higher risk of complications and/or 30-day readmission after AF ablation.
Attractors and basins of the locking–unlocking bistability in a semiconductor laser subject to strong optical injection

Abstract Properties of attractors and basins of the locking–unlocking bistability in an optically injected semiconductor laser are investigated to study the bistable operating conditions. The attractors of the injection-locked and unlocked states are a fixed point and a period-one limit cycle, respectively. The presence of the intrinsic noise makes the system operated at operating conditions close to the bistability boundaries unconditionally injection-locked or unlocked, resulting in the disappearance of attractors. The basins and basin boundary exhibit fractal-like structure which causes difficulty in controlling the bistable operation near the basin boundary. The presence of the intrinsic noise induces a jump of the orbit of an initial condition close to the basin boundary from the basin of one attractor to that of the other, resulting in the increased degree of the difficulty. The possibility of such a jump is higher for an operating condition showing a more complex basin boundary. Hence, how noise of a given strength affects the operation of a system under different operating conditions is related to the dimension of the basin boundary of the system. The dimension of the basin boundary as a function of the operating condition is thus computed to quantitatively characterize the fractal structure. Both fractal–fractal and fractal–smooth metamorphoses are found to happen in the system.
An experimental study of DNA rotational relaxation time in nanoslits

The longest relaxation time (τ1) of DNA confined in nanoslits is characterized, and its dependence on molecular weight (M) and channel height (h) is investigated. The relaxation time is extracted from the rotational autocorrelation function obtained from time-sequence images of confined DNA at equilibrium using fluorescence microscopy. We find that τ1 ∼ M2.45h-0.92 , in partial agreement with the predictions of the blob theory (τ1 ∼ M5/2h-7/6). The experimental results suggest that the assumptions of both a 2-dimensional self-avoiding walk of blobs and a 3-dimensional self-avoiding walk of polymer segments within blobs are valid, while the assumption of nondraining blobs is compromised. We also find (τ1/τ1,bulk) ∼ M0.1(Rg,bulk/h)0.92, where τ1,bulk is the bulk relaxation time and Rg,bulk the bulk radius of gyration. Because of the very weak M dependence in above scalings, a master plot of (τ1/τ1,bulk) vs (Rg,bulk/h) is constructed and is used to compare our results to other studies. The plot also provides...
Inhibitory effects of polyphosphates on Clostridium perfringens growth, sporulation and spore outgrowth

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of various polyphosphates (SPP, STPP, SAPP and TSPP) on growth, sporulation and spore germination of Clostridium perfringens , and germination and outgrowth of C. perfrinegns spores in poultry meat. We have found that the requirements of polyP (0.8–1.0%) to inhibit C. perfringens bacterial growth were higher than those reported for other bacteria. Sub-lethal concentrations of polyP significantly ( p C. perfringens by reducing sporulating cells (heat-resistant cells) ∼5–6 log 10 . While C. perfringens spores were able to germinate in the presence of 1% STPP, their outgrowth was significantly ( p p C. perfringens was observed when meat samples contaminated with a cocktail of spores of C. perfringens isolates carrying enterotoxin gene on the chromosome were treated with 1% STPP. Collectively, this study demonstrated the inhibitory effects of polyP on growth, sporulation and spore outgrowth of C. perfringens , and suggests that polyP can be used not only as an enhancer of the functional properties of meat products, but also as a promising C. perfringens antimicrobial agent.
Cruise Ships and Bush Medicine: Globalization on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua and Effects on the Health of Creole Women

Objectives Global health research into the relationship between health, economic inequalities, and globalization is necessary to address increasing health disparities in low income countries. Nicaragua has high levels of poverty and extreme poverty when compared with other Central and South American Countries. Design and Sample Photovoice and ethnographic research methods were used to explore health experiences of Creole women in Bluefields, Nicaragua and the intersections between culture, socioeconomic status, and gender. Twelve Creole women participants, ages 18–45. Measures After initial focus groups, participants used disposable cameras to document health experiences. Follow-up interviews were conducted about the meaning of each photo. Participants then selected photos to be included in a city-wide photoshow. Results In initial focus groups, participants described great distress over changes they perceived in Creole culture and how these changes affect the health of the next generation. Participants related most of these changes to the economy and globalization. Photos taken were primarily of aspects of Creole culture, including household practices and traditional remedies from Creole culture. Conclusions Findings on the relationships between culture, disease, and community-identified health risks in this minority population can help health care providers and public health policymakers develop and sustain culturally appropriate health interventions.
An experimental study of bending impact waves in beams: Investigation covers the propagation of flexural waves in an elastic beam of circular cross section subjected to an approximate step-function bending moment

An experimental study of the propagation of flexural waves in an elastic beam of circular cross section subjected to an approximate-step-function bending moment is given. The test beam was a low-carbon-steel bar 2 in. diam × 30-ft long and was suspended in a vertical position by a pin located near the upper end. The step moment was applied at the upper pinned end of the bar by an arrangement of two high-pressure, nitrogen-operated cylinders. The strains were measured with strain gages located at eight stations along the bar.
Communication services and data model for demand response

Demand response (DR) is becoming an integral part of the modern power distribution systems. By partially reducing the consumption level or shifting it from peak hours to off-peak hours, DR can function as a tool for the utility to respond to shortage of supply for a short duration of time. It helps stabilize the electricity market, postpone capacity expansion projects for building new power generation units, and can potentially lead to mutual financial benefits for the utility as well as the customers. DR is one of the enablers of the Smart Grid paradigm as it promotes the interaction and responsiveness of the customers and changes the grid from a vertically integrated structure to one that is also affected by the behavior of the demand side. Essential to successful implementation of demand response is an efficient communication infrastructure capable of providing a secure two-way data exchange means between the utility and the customers. The focus of this paper is on the communication services and data models that are needed for realization of DR at the residential and commercial levels. The proposed model is platform independent, promoting interoperability as one of the key operational requirements of demand response implementation.
Photoperiodic responses of the squash bug (Heteroptera: Coreidae): Diapause induction and maintenance

The squash bug, Anasa tristis DeGeer, undergoes a reproductive diapause from late summer to spring in northeastern Kansas. In the laboratory, diapause was induced in 100% of adult females reared under photoperiods shorter than 14:10 (L:D) and in a variably lower percentage of the population under all longer photoperiods. The critical photoperiod for diapause induction falls between 14:10 and 14.5:9.5; this range compares closely with prevailing natural daylengths when 50% of the adult population enters diapause in the field. Between October and March, short daylengths maintained, and long daylengths terminated, diapause in field-sampled adults. Under natural daylength at 26°C, the duration of diapause became progressively shorter with advancing sample date. In nature, the photoperiodic maintenance of diapause is completed in most of the population by late May. A prolonged diapause probably serves to prevent premature postdiapause development during the thermally variable spring conditions encountered in Kansas. Some implications of these findings for biological control and pest management programs are discussed.
NONLINEAR MODEL FOR DROUGHT FORECASTING BASED ON A CONJUNCTION OF WAVELET TRANSFORMS AND NEURAL NETWORKS

Droughts are destructive climatic extreme events that may cause significant damage both in natural environments and in human lives. Drought forecasting plays an important role in the control and ma...
The Dollar Auction game: a paradox in noncooperative behavior and escalation

There is an extremely simple, highly amusing, and instructive parlor game which can be played at any party by arranging for the auction of a dollar. This game illustrates some of the difficulties with the noncooperative equilibrium concept and games in extensive form (von Neuman and Morgenstern, 1945). The game is simplicity itself and is usually highly profitable to its promoter. The auctioneer auctions off a dollar bill to the highest bidder, with the understanding that both the highest bidder and the second highest bidder will pay. For example, if A has bid 10 cents and B has bid 15 cents, then the auctioneer will obtain 25 cents, pay a dollar to B, and A will be out 10 cents. Suppose that bids must be made in multiples of 5 cents. Furthermore, suppose that the game ends if no one bids for a specific length of time. Ties are resolved in favor of the bidder closest to the auctioneer. These rules completely specify the game except for a finite end rule; i.e., as specified, bidding could conceivably never cease. We could add an upper limit to the amount that anyone is permitted to bid. However, the analysis is confined to the (possibly infinite) game without a specific termination point, as no
The South Korean auto industry's path to maturity

Abstract Since 1962, South Korea has recognized the motor vehicle industry as a critical industry for economic development. The government has been closely involved in the industry's growth from infancy to its current position among the top five motor vehicle producers in the world. In its early years, the industry also gained technological knowhow through licensing agreements rather than investing heavily in research and development. The results of this study strongly suggest that the industry as a whole has achieved a minimum efficient scale of operations. However, cross price elasticity estimates indicate that many rigidities exist in the input markets, particularly with respect to outsourced intermediate products. The restrictions on imports of these products may have to be reduced as South Korea seeks to expand its global trade footprint by participating in bilateral preferential trade agreements, presenting challenges for the industry.
Developing a medication patient safety program : Infrastructure and strategy

The Directors Forum series is written and edited by Robert Weber and Michael Sanborn and is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. Another specific goal of this column is to address many of the key challenges that pharmacy directors face today, while providing information to foster growth in pharmacy leadership and patient safety. This month's Forum is co-authored by Scott Mark and focuses directly on the importance of a patient safety infrastructure.
Waveform Feature Extraction Based on Tauberian Approximation

A technique is presented for feature extraction of a waveform y based on its Tauberian approximation, that is, on the approximation of y by a linear combination of appropriately delayed versions of a single basis function x, i.e., y(t) = ?M i = 1 aix(t - ?i), where the coefficients ai and the delays ?i are adjustable parameters. Considerations in the choice or design of the basis function x are given. The parameters ai and ?i, i=1, . . . , M, are retrieved by application of a suitably adapted version of Prony's method to the Fourier transform of the above approximation of y. A subset of the parameters ai and ?i, i = 1, . . . , M, is used to construct the feature vector, the value of which can be used in a classification algorithm. Application of this technique to the classification of wide bandwidth radar return signatures is presented. Computer simulations proved successful and are also discussed.
Biomarkers of Maternal and Fetal Exposure to Organochlorine Pesticides Measured in Pregnant Hispanic Women from Brownsville, Texas

Biomarkers of organochlorine pesticides were measured in both venous and umbilical cord blood from 35 pregnant Hispanic women living in Brownsville, Texas, USA. Gas chromatography with an electron capture detector was used to analyze specimens for 30 individual pesticides or their metabolites. Results indicate that blood concentrations were relatively low for most individual compounds, but that high-end (upper 10th percentile) values for total DDT were comparatively high. Although health effects associated with measured blood concentrations are uncertain, there is concern that fetal exposure to low levels of these OC compounds, either individually or in combination, might contribute to subsequent health problems, including neurodevelopmental effects, cancer, endocrine disruption, obesity and diabetes.
Evaluation of isolated perfused segments of dog ileum as a means of growing tumor

Abstract We were unable to maintain fragments of human tumor on the mucosal surface of isolated dog ileum as described by Folkman. With a radical modification of Folkman's technique we have been able to maintain HeLa cells injected submucosally. Modifications of the technique included a change in the perfusate, the gas mixture, and the oxygenator. Evidence of invasion by the HeLa cells was observed. On the basis of our present experience, the isolated dog ileum may be a satisfactory method of studying the behavior of various animal tumor systems, clones of human cells previously established in tissue culture, and perhaps fragments of biopsy specimens of human tumor.
Simulations of transcatheter aortic valve implantation: implications for aortic root rupture

Aortic root rupture is one of the most severe complications of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The mechanism of this adverse event remains mostly unknown. The purpose of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the biomechanical interaction between the tissue and stent for patients with a high risk of aortic rupture. We simulated the stent deployment process of three TAVI patients with high aortic rupture risk using finite element method. The first case was a retrospective analysis of an aortic rupture case, while the other two cases were prospective studies, which ended with one canceled procedure and one successful TAVI. Simulation results were evaluated for the risk of aortic root rupture, as well as coronary artery occlusion, and paravalvular leak. For Case 1, the simulated aortic rupture location was the same as clinical observations. From the simulation results, it can be seen that the large calcified spot on the interior of the left coronary sinus between coronary ostium and the aortic annulus was pushed by the stent, causing the aortic rupture. For Case 2 and Case 3, predicated results from the simulations were presented to the clinicians at multidisciplinary pre-procedure meetings; and they were in agreement with clinician’s observations and decisions. Our results indicated that the engineering analysis could provide additional information to help clinicians evaluate complicated, high-risk aortic rupture cases. Since a systematic study of a large patient cohort of aortic rupture is currently not available (due to the low occurrence rate) to clearly understand underlying rupture mechanisms, case-by-case engineering analysis is recommended for evaluating patient-specific aortic rupture risk.
Design and Implementation of Replicated Object Layer

One of the widely used techniques for construction of fault tolerant applications is the replication of resources so that if one copy fails sufficient copies may still remain operational to allow the application to continue to function. This thesis involves the design and implementation of an object oriented framework for replicating data on multiple sites and across different platforms. Our approach, called the Replicated Object Layer (ROL) provides a mechanism for consistent replication of data over dynamic networks. ROL uses the Reliable Multicast Protocol (RMP) as a communication protocol that provides for reliable delivery, serialization and fault tolerance. Besides providing type registration, this layer facilitates distributed atomic transactions on replicated data. A novel algorithm called the RMP Commit Protocol, which commits transactions efficiently in reliable multicast environment is presented. ROL provides recovery procedures to ensure that site and communication failures do not corrupt persistent data, and male the system fault tolerant to network partitions. ROL will facilitate building distributed fault tolerant applications by performing the burdensome details of replica consistency operations, and making it completely transparent to the application.Replicated databases are a major class of applications which could be built on top of ROL.
Embedded Aesthetics: Creating a Discursive Space for Indigenous Media

The closing years of the twentieth century are witnessing a radical re-orientation of thought in the human sciences which defies conventional disciplinary boundaries and demands anew 'turning': away from the rationalising modes of modernity and towards a different grasp of the nature of knowing itself.... The power of visual media as a means of knowledge-creation is only hesitantly grasped by many in public life. ... But, from the viewpoint of the emergent visual-aural culture of the twenty-first century, "what's on" creates the context for what is known and hence finally for what "is." -Annette Hamilton
New concepts of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children

The year 2002 marked the fortieth anniversary of the first published report describing the isolation and characterization of Mycoplasma pneumoniae as the etiologic agent of primary atypical pneumonia by Chanock et al. Lack of understanding regarding the basic biology of mycoplasmas and the inability to readily detect them in persons with respiratory disease has led to many misunderstandings about their role as human pathogens. Formerly, infections by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) were considered to occur mainly in children, adolescents, and young adults, and to be infrequent, confined to the respiratory tract, and largely self-limiting. Outcome data from children and adults with community-acquired pneumonias (CAP) proven to be due toMP provided evidence that it is time to change these misconceived notions. Development of powerful molecular-based tests such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, coupled with traditional diagnostic approaches using serology and culture, have shed new light on the characteristics of MP in respiratory disease of children and adults. This review is intended to provide a concise summary of the basic biology of MP, how it produces disease, its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment, with emphasis on pediatric infections.
Effect of Green Microstructure and Processing Variables on the Microwave Sintering of Alumina

The concept of ‘hybrid heating with microwave (MW) energy at 2.45 GHz.’ for ultra rapid sintering of alumina is being introduced. This technique is a combination of MW - material interaction as well as conventional radiant/ conduction mechanisms, and facilitates the attainment of perhaps, the highest possible heating rates in a multimode MW cavity at 2.45 GHz. (15000°C in 120 secs.). Rapid sintering of pure, undoped alumina with this novel technique culminates in uniform, homogeneous microstructures and mechanical property enhancements vis-a-vis conventional fast firing. The role of green microstructure (particle size) on MW(hybrid) heating and processing variables (temperature, time) on the MW (hybrid) heating phenomena vs. conventional fast firing were investigated. Hybrid heated samples showed accelerated densification with comparable grain sizes when compared with the conventionally fast fired samples. The effect of particle size on the microwave (hybrid) heating phenomena was found to be analogous to conventional sintering.
Optimization of two-photon-resonant four-wave mixing: application to 130.2-nm generation in mercury vapor

A detailed model of two-photon-resonant four-wave mixing that includes the consideration of efficiency-limiting processes is presented. The model provides a generally applicable systematic approach for maximizing conversion efficiencies for both exact and near two-photon resonance. For exact two-photon resonance, an interference effect limits efficiency to a value determined by ratios of nonlinear susceptibilities and input intensities. For near two-photon resonance, nonlinear refractive indices limit efficiencies unless input intensities are properly balanced. For the specific case of 130.2-nm generation in Hg, we examine a number of potential additional efficiency-limiting processes, including amplified spontaneous emission, stimulated Raman and hyper-Raman gain, parametric gain, linear absorption, and population transfer. We include isotopic effects and Gaussian-profile beams. From our analysis, we conclude that efficiencies of approximately 10% should be feasible by using collimated light beams in an energy-scalable system.
Medical ethics, logic traps, and game theory: an illustrative tale of brain death

Decision making and choices are frequent themes in medical ethics. Game theory is based upon modelled decision making. Game theory, and associated logic traps, may have relevance to the clinical practice of medicine and medical ethics. The “prisoner’s dilemma” is one logic trap from game theory in which “rational” decision making on the part of participating individuals can lead to “suboptimal” situations. An example of such a situation involving brain death is presented and discussed from the perspective of the prisoner’s dilemma.
Electrothermal effects during unclamped inductive switching (UIS) of power MOSFET's

The ruggedness of scaled power DMOSFET's under unclamped inductive switching (UIS) conditions is studied using an advanced two-dimensional (2-D) device simulator. It is shown that at the onset of device turnoff, significant self-heating occurs within the intrinsic device which leads to an increase in the avalanche breakdown voltage of the device. The self-heating mechanism is incorporated by self-consistently solving heat generation and diffusion equations with semiconductor charge balance and transport equations. The power module is modeled by accounting for various thermal resistances including those contributed by the package, contact metallization and intrinsic device material. The simulation results are compared with extensive UIS measurements and it is shown that the simulations can be used to identify local "hot spots" and the design and process parameters that lead to thermal runaway.
Association of a polymorphism in the betacellulin gene with type 1 diabetes mellitus in two populations

Betacellulin, a member of the epidermal growth factor family, is expressed in fetal and adult pancreas. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest a role for betacellulin in islet neogenesis and regeneration. Therefore, a mutation in the betacellulin gene might lead to fewer beta cells. With reduced beta cell reserve, beta cells may not be able to compensate for an autoimmune attack, and in turn, susceptibility to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) would increase. Previous mutational analysis identified seven polymorphisms in the betacellulin gene [5′ UT (−233G>C, −226A>G), exon 1 (TGC19GGC, Cys7Gly), exon 2 (CTC130TTC, Leu44Phe), exon 4 (TTG370ATG, Leu124Met), intron 2 (-31T>C), and intron 4 (-4C>T)]. An association study of these variants with T1DM was first carried out in 100 Caucasian subjects with T1DM and 282 Caucasian subjects without diabetes recruited at the University of Maryland. The frequency of the intron 4 T-4 allele was significantly higher among nondiabetic controls than that among diabetic cases (0.29 vs 0.21, p=0.04). Allele frequencies for the other polymorphisms did not differ significantly between cases and controls. The intron 4 T-4 association was then replicated by transmission disequilibrium testing in a separate population of Caucasian parent/offspring with T1DM trios (n=168 trios, 113 informative) recruited at the Medical College of Wisconsin (p=0.024). An interaction of the intron 4 T-4 allele and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) was also detected with undertransmission of the T allele in those T1DM subjects with susceptible HLA types as compared to those T1DM subjects without susceptible HLA types (p=0.018). RNA studies of the intron T-4 variant showed similar RNA levels for intron 4 T-4 and intron 4 C-4 alleles. Additionally, there was no evidence for an effect of this variant on exon–intron splicing. We conclude that the intron 4 T-4 allele in the betacellulin gene is associated with lower risk of T1DM and may interact with HLA. Further studies will be necessary to establish the significance of this association.
Fracture-induced Formation of Parallel Silicone Strips

This study reports the generation of periodic parallel silicone strips by simply peeling a silicone sheet, oxidized by UV/ozone, from its bonded substrate. This spontaneous formation of strips is initiated by a mixed mode of separation along the peeling direction and subsequent channeling of initiated cracks. The periodicity of the strips is tuned by the bending strain acting on the silicone sheet during peeling, and the regularity and the locus of failure are determined by the extent of oxidization.
Welfare Crises, Penal Solutions, and the Origins of the “Welfare Queen”

This article contributes to the scholarship on mass incarceration by highlighting the ways penal expansion intervened in the history of other state institutions. It argues that the increasing criminalization of welfare fraud was instrumental in undermining political support for key social welfare programs, particularly Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). In the 1970s, lawmakers and welfare administrators enlisted law enforcement’s expanding authority to contain growing welfare costs and counter demands from the welfare rights movement. It was from these anti-welfare fraud campaigns that the racialized caricature of the “welfare queen” entered the political lexicon. Recruiting the criminal justice system further stigmatized AFDC recipients by positioning them as criminally suspect, financially secure, and morally unworthy. I argue that while increased penalties for welfare fraud did not swell the penal system to the same extent as initiatives like the War on Drugs, they shaped popular knowledge...
Heterogeneous Receptor Distribution in Autonomic Neurons

: The central nervous system components for baroreflex regulation of sympathetic outflow include specific sets of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Critical nuclei containing sympathetic baroreceptive neurons are the nuclei of the solitary tract, regions of the caudal and rostral ventrolateral medulla, and the intermediolateral cell column in the spinal cord. While many other brain regions project to these nuclei, cells in these areas appear to form the minimal required pathway for baroreflex control of sympathetic outflow. Synaptic connections have been identified between cells in these nuclei that are consistent with a serial relay from baroreceptor afferents through the brain stem and to sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord. In recent years, we have examined the distribution of receptor proteins in these neurons, with a focus on receptors that are most likely to modulate the activity of these cells. In three studies examining the distribution of different receptors on distinct neurons, each study found some type of heterogeneity in the distribution of each receptor within a particular type of neuron. This heterogeneity was seen with regard to the distribution of receptor protein within the dendritic tree of individual neurons, as well as between pre- and postsynaptic sites on the same cell. This heterogeneous distribution of receptors suggests that receptors undergo dendritic targeting within autonomic neurons. This receptor trafficking may be regulated by heterogeneous afferent input to autonomic neurons and could be changed under conditions where afferent activity is significantly altered.
Frequency- and Amplitude-Dependent Transmission of Stress Waves in Curved One-Dimensional Granular Crystals Composed of Diatomic Particles

We study the stress wave propagation in curved chains of particles (granular crystals) confined by bent elastic guides. We report the frequency- and amplitude-dependent filtering of transmitted waves in relation to various impact conditions and geometrical configurations. The granular crystals studied consist of alternating cylindrical and spherical particles pre-compressed with variable static loads. First, we excite the granular crystals with small-amplitude, broadband perturbations using a piezoelectric actuator to generate oscillatory elastic waves. We find that the linear frequency spectrum of the transmitted waves creates pass- and stop-bands in agreement with the theoretical dispersion relation, demonstrating the frequency-dependent filtering of input excitations through the diatomic granular crystals. Next, we excite high-amplitude nonlinear pulses in the crystals using striker impacts. Experimental tests verify the formation and propagation of highly nonlinear solitary waves that exhibit amplitude-dependent attenuation. We show that the wave propagation can be easily tuned by manipulating the pre-compression imposed to the chain or by varying the initial curvature of the granular chains. We use a combined discrete element (DE) and finite element (FE) numerical model to simulate the propagation of both dispersive linear waves and compactly-supported highly nonlinear waves. We find that the tunable, frequency- and amplitude-dependent filtering of the incoming signals results from the close interplay between the granular particles and the soft elastic media. The findings in this study suggest that hybrid structures composed of granular particles and linear elastic media can be employed as new passive acoustic filtering materials that selectively transmit or mitigate excitations in a desired range of frequencies and amplitudes.
Model-based system verification: a formal framework for relating analyses, requirements, and tests

As modern systems become increasingly complex, there is a growing need to support the systems engineering process with a variety of formal models, such that the team of experts involved in the process can express and share knowledge precisely, succinctly and unambiguously. However, creating such formal models can be expensive and timeconsuming, making a broad exploration of different system architectures cost-prohibitive. In this paper, we investigate an approach for reducing such costs and hence enabling broader architecture space exploration-through the use of model transformations. Specifically, a method is presented for verifying design alternatives with respect to design requirements through automated generation of analyses from formal models of the systems engineering problem. Formal models are used to express the structure of design alternatives, the system requirements, and experiments to verify the requirements as well as the relationships between the models. These formal models are all represented in a common modeling language, the Object Management Group's Systems Modeling Language (OMG SysML™). To then translate descriptive models of system alternatives into a set of corresponding analysis models, a model transformation approach is used to combine knowledge from the experiment models with knowledge from reusable model libraries. This set of analysis models is subsequently transformed into executable simulations, which are used to guide the search for suitable system alternatives. To facilitate performing this search using commercially available optimization tools, the analyses are represented using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS). The approach is demonstrated on the design of a hydraulic subsystem for a log splitter.
Patterns of intramolecular carbon isotopic heterogeneity within amino acids of autotrophs and heterotrophs

A survey of the intramolecular C isotopic composition of a variety of organisms was conducted to investigate the potential of intramolecular isotopic measurements as a tracer of biological or geochemical processes. Based on a consideration of inorganic C sources and enzymatic fractionations, contrasting predictions were made for the relative 13C enrichments of the α-carboxyl carbons fixed by the anapleurotic (β)-carboxylation pathway during amino acid synthesis by photoautotrophs and heterotrophs. To test the model predictions, the stable C isotopic compositions of the acid hydrolyzable C fraction, the total amino acid α-carboxyl C fraction and the α-carboxyl C of glutamate from a variety of autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms were compared. The relative 13C enrichments of carboxyl carbons in the bulk amino acid fraction and in glutamate conformed qualitatively to model predictions. Macroalgal taxa possessed a significantly less enriched carboxyl C fraction than did either C3 or C4 vascular plants, indicating the presence of a different β-carboxylation pathway operating in these organisms. In most multicellular heterotrophs, the isotopic composition of the amino acid carboxyl carbons closely resembled that of their food sources. Amino acids are apparently assimilated into tissue proteins directly from their diets without significant metabolic modification. However, shifts in the isotopic composition of the carboxyl C fractions in some organisms were detected that were consistent with the occurrence of significant resynthesis of amino acids from non-amino acid precursors. Comparison of plant leaves and roots provided evidence of environmentally controlled assimilate partitioning. Intramolecular isotopic measurements of biological molecules provide unique insights into the origins and transformations of bio-molecules.
Broad-band power amplifier with a novel tunable output matching network

A multiband power amplifier module (PAM) comprised of an InGaP/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) broad-band power amplifier (PA) and a tunable multiband output matching circuit is proposed and demonstrated. The three-stage MMIC broad-band PA is realized by using the novel HBT structure and layout, applying broad-band and compensating matching technique in matching network design, adopting power gain predistortion at the first stage, and optimizing the distribution of power gain among stages. The output matching circuit is implemented with parallel inductance-capacitance (LC) tank circuits using p-i-n diodes to control the inductor value. This multiband PAM offers advantages of tunable frequency band, low insertion loss, small size, and high linearity. The multiband PAM biased at 3.5 V demonstrates 27-dB power gain, 30-dBm output power, and higher than 40% power-added efficiency at frequencies covering dual bands from 0.85 to 0.95 GHz and from 1.71 to 1.95 GHz.
Baker's Cyst Infection: Case Report and Review

Baker’s (popliteal) cysts commonly accompany noninfectious knee joint effusions. They are usually painless unless they rupture. They rarely get infected and present as an abscess in the popliteal fossa. We present such a rare case and review similar cases reported in the world literature. A Baker’s (popliteal) cyst is a distention of the gastrocnemius‐semimembranous bursa of the knee, which communicates with the posterior portion of the joint capsule. It usually appears in the popliteal fossa as a painless swelling. In adults it is nearly always secondary to pathological changes in the knee joint that cause an effusion. Occasionally the cyst becomes so large that it ruptures, spilling synovial fluid into the surrounding tissues, with a clinical presentation that mimics acute thrombophlebitis. Infection of a popliteal cyst is an uncommon complication usually associated with septic arthritis. We report such a rare case and review the world literature.
Parallel High-Performance Matrix Computations in MaTRiX++

The MaTRiX++ system is a high-performance matrix computation environment. It provides support for the task of constructing efficient implementations for the complicated matrix structures that arise in modern scientific and engineering applications. The foundation for this system is a theory of hierarchical matrix computations that defines hierarchical representations for structured matrices and recursive implementations for matrix operations. Due to the large size of application matrices, it is often necessary to utilize parallel machines in order to obtain reasonable execution times. Without suitable support, the construction of efficient parallel implementations is a tedious and error-prone task.
An Economic Analysis of Auditors' Capped Liability (Zur ökonomischen Analyse der begrenzten Haftung des Abschlussprüfers)

Under the German commercial code, the statutory auditor's liability is capped at an amount of EUR 1 Million (EUR 4 Million for listed companies) in cases of negligence. Similar liability caps exists in Austria. It is sometimes suggested that these rules result in underdeterrence, meaning that auditors have insufficient incentives to apply the legally required standard of care, as the auditor does not internalize damages exceeding the cap. This article points out that, under the gatekeeper and quasi-rent models of auditing, reputation (i.e. the danger of losing other audit clients as a consequence of an accounting scandal) should create an additional deterrent. It is suggested that an economic analysis of law taking into account only capped liability may give us an incomplete picture if the reputation effect is substantial. Under these circumstances, the deterrent effect of a publicized liability case may be big enough even if there is a liability cap. However, the amount of the effect depends on various factors, including media attention. The article also discusses liability to third parties, the marginal benefits of which are small where plaintiffs are close to being risk-neutral.
Relational Exchange Research in Marketing

There has been widespread acknowledgement in the marketing literature of the relevance of exchange governance structures for understanding channel functions and performance. In this context, Williamson's Transaction Cost Analysis of vertical integration has proven a useful framework from which to examine channel governance structures. However, the polar extremes represented in this framework -- e.g. true markets and hierarchies -- appear infrequently across channel relationships. As a result, increasing emphasis has been directed toward understanding the many intermediate "hybrid forms" of governance structures possible in channel relationships.
Large Scale Production of HIV-I gp120 Using Recombinant Vaccinia Virus in Packed-Bed Bioreactor

The HeLa cell-vaccinia virus system is an attractive method for producing recombinant mammalian proteins with proper post-translation modifications. This system is especially applicable to the production of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, because more than half of its total mass is carbohydrates. A recombinant vaccinia virus/T7 RNA polymerase expression system to produce large amounts of gp120 was developed. The packed-bed bioreactor configuration was examined for pilot-scale production and was found to be an efficient system for both cell growth and virus infection resulting in high levels of gp120.
A chemically-responsive nanojunction within a silver nanowire.

The formation of a nanometer-scale chemically responsive junction (CRJ) within a silver nanowire is described. A silver nanowire was first prepared on glass using the lithographically patterned nanowire electrodeposition method. A 1–5 nm gap was formed in this wire by electromigration. Finally, this gap was reconnected by applying a voltage ramp to the nanowire resulting in the formation of a resistive, ohmic CRJ. Exposure of this CRJ-containing nanowire to ammonia (NH3) induced a rapid (<30 s) and reversible resistance change that was as large as ΔR/R0 = (+)138% in 7% NH3 and observable down to 500 ppm NH3. Exposure to water vapor produced a weaker resistance increase of ΔR/R0,H2O = (+)10–15% (for 2.3% water) while nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure induced a stronger concentration-normalized resistance decrease of ΔR/R0,NO2 = (−)10–15% (for 500 ppm NO2). The proposed mechanism of the resistance response for a CRJ, supported by temperature-dependent measurements of the conductivity for CRJs and density func...
THE EFFECT OF HOST PLANT PATCH SIZE VARIATION ON THE POPULATION STRUCTURE OF A SPECIALIST HERBIVORE INSECT, TETRAOPES TETRAOPHTHALMUS.

The patchy local distribution of the common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, organizes populations of a beetle that feeds on it, Tetraopes tetraophthalmus, into numerous local demes. Genetic and ecological characteristics of demes of adult milkweed beetles occupying two naturally occurring size classes of patches, defined as large and small, were studied in order to describe the effect of patch size variation on local population structure. Allele frequency variance in two of three protein polymorphisms was significantly greater in collections of beetles from an array of 13 small patches when compared to collections from an array of 11 large populations. A multivariate measure of variance using information from all 3 genetic markers confirmed that the small patches displayed greater overall genetic differentiation. This was further quantified by computing an Fst value, combined across loci, of 0.018 for the small patches and 0.004 for the large patches. No significant difference between patch size classes in mean allele frequency was detected. Mark and recapture studies of the adults found in five small and four large patches showed the residence times of adults in small patches to be less than half of those found in large patches. This was interpreted as resulting from higher emigration rates from small patches. It is proposed that greater genetic differentiation is found among demes from smaller patches because smaller patches support smaller population sizes and further because smaller patches act as net exporters of migrants while larger patches act as net migrant importers.
Colon cancer operations at high- and low-mortality hospitals.

Background There is wide variation in mortality across hospitals for cancer operations. While higher rates of mortality are commonly ascribed to high-risk resections, the impact on more common operations is unclear. We sought to evaluate causes of mortality following colon cancer operations across hospitals. Methods Forty-nine American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer hospitals were selected for participation in a Commission on Cancer special study. We ranked hospitals using a composite measure of mortality and performed onsite chart reviews. We examined patient characteristics and mortality following colon resections at very high-mortality and very low- mortality hospitals (2006–2007). Results We identified 3,025 patients who underwent an operation at 19 low-mortality (n = 1,006) and 30 high-mortality (n = 2,019) hospitals. There were wide differences in risk-adjusted mortality between high-mortality and low-mortality hospitals (9.3% vs 2.4%; P Conclusion There is significant variation in mortality across hospitals for colon cancer operations, despite similar perioperative morbidity. This finding reflects a need for improved operative decision-making to enhance outcomes and quality of care at these hospitals.
Hazards of the Therapeutic: On the Use of Personalist and Feminist Teaching Methodologies

This article expands a project begun as a participant in the first American Academy of Religion and Lilly Endowment Teaching Workshop on Religion. The original project examined feminist teaching methodologies and how a male theology professor could use these methodologies in a general undergraduate theology classroom. This work describes the processes of feminist and personalist teaching methodologies and analyzes their impact on undergraduate theology classrooms. While these approaches help students come to a greater sense of participation in and ownership of their knowledge, there has also been the attending risk that such pedagogies seemingly involve the student too intensely, too personally, and the course becomes a form of therapy. This study examines how this therapeutic turn appears to develop. It concludes with a discussion about the need for clearly articulated teaching methodologies and how their use where appropriate helps us anticipate and respond to therapeutic classroom dynamics.
Sodium Vanadate-SO 3 Equilibria in the Hot Corrosion of Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coatings

This paper describes a thermogravimetric study of the interaction of SO3 (as from engine gas) with vanadate-sulfate deposits at 700 and 800°C, and its effect on the reaction of the melt with ceramic oxides. Experiments using NaVO3 to simulate deposits having Na/V = 1, and where the controlling reaction is: 2 NaVO3 + SO3 = Na2SO4 + V2O5, gave reproducible equilibria over the range of 100 Pa to 0.01 Pa of SO3. India (In2O3, a possible corrosion-resistant stabilizer for ZrO2) was shown to be inert to the NaVO3-Na2SO4-V2O5 melt for SO3 levels up to about 5 Pa at 800°C (0.5 Pa at 700°C), where the melt V2O5 activity becomes increased enough that InVO4 begins to form. Although slow at lower SO3 pressures, the TGA-SO3 equilibria technique promises valuable information for understanding of the thermochemistry of vanadate-sulfate melts, and the development of corrosion-resistant engine ceramics.