cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of preterm premature rupture of membranes by transvaginal ultrasound features and risk factors in a high-risk population.

Objective To determine the transvaginal ultrasound features and risk factors that predict preterm delivery (PTD) preceded by either preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) or preterm labor (PTL) in a high-risk population. Study design Singleton gestations at high-risk for preterm delivery were screened prospectively with transvaginal ultrasound between 14 and 24 weeks. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed for historical obstetric risk factors and transvaginal ultrasound features (cervical length (CL) and cervical funneling (CF)) for the prediction of PTD preceded by PPROM or PTL at < 32 and < 35 weeks' gestation, respectively. Indicated preterm deliveries were excluded. Results Of 321 patients screened, 71 (22%) delivered at 25% (P 25% (P < 0.0001). The significant predictors of PPROM at < 32 weeks were cerclage in the current pregnancy (P < 0.006) and CL < 25 mm (P < 0.0001); for PTL at < 32 weeks they were a past history of spontaneous miscarriage between 14 and 24 weeks (P < 0.02), black race (P < 0.021), cerclage in the current pregnancy (P < 0.001) and CL < 25 mm (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed the significant predictors of PPROM at < 35 weeks to be: a history of PTD between 25 and 30 weeks with odds ratio (OR) 4.8 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.9–11.5) and CL < 25 mm with OR 7.9 (95% CI, 3.6–17.5). The significant predictors of PTL at < 35 weeks on multivariate regression were black race with OR 2.2 (95% CI, 1.0–4.8) and unemployment with OR 1.2 (95% CI, 1.0–1.5). For deliveries < 32 weeks, CL < 25 mm (OR, 10.1; 95% CI, 3.2–32) was the only significant predictor of PPROM. Significant predictors of PTL were unemployment (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.7), a history of spontaneous miscarriage between 14 and 24 weeks (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.4–25), black race (OR, 8.6; 95% CI, 1.5–47) and CL < 25 mm (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1–19). The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of CL < 25 mm for PPROM at < 35 weeks were 73%, 69%, 25% and 95%, respectively; for PTL at < 35 weeks they were 58%, 66%, 15% and 94%; for PPROM at < 32 weeks they were 85%, 68%, 20%, and 98%; for PTL at < 32 weeks they were 70%, 66%, 12% and 97%. Conclusion There are differences in both transvaginal ultrasound findings and risk factors that predict PPROM or PTL. Of the pathways leading to PTD, CL was a more significant predictor of PPROM compared with PTL, while sociodemographic factors were more predictive of PTL. Copyright © 2002 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Miscibilities in binary copolymer systems

Abstract A lattice theory is presented for liquid-liquid equilibria in binary systems containing random copolymers. This theory takes into account deviations from random mixing through a non-randomness factor which follows from a generalization of Monte-Carlo calculations for the three-dimensional Ising model. While the lattice remains incompressible, the effect of specific interactions (hydrogen bonding) is introduced by superimposing on the non-random (Ising model) expression for the Helmholtz energy of mixing a correction based on the lattice-gas model by ten Brinke and Karasz. The resulting theory can predict immiscibility caused by lower critical solution temperatures. Several theoretical miscibility maps at fixed temperature were computed; these are compared with those predicted by the random-mixing Flory-Huggins theory. Theoretical miscibility maps are also compared with experiment for a few systems with strong specific interactions.
Residues in the ε Subunit of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Interact To Confer Selectivity of Waglerin-1 for the α−ε Subunit Interface Site†

Waglerin-1 (Wtx-1) is a 22-amino acid peptide that competitively antagonizes muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Previous work demonstrated that Wtx-1 binds to mouse nAChRs with higher affinity than receptors from rats or humans, and distinguished residues in α and e subunits that govern the species selectivity. These studies also showed that Wtx-1 binds selectively to the α−e binding site with significantly higher affinity than to the α−δ binding site. Here we identify residues at equivalent positions in the e, γ, and δ subunits that govern Wtx-1 selectivity for one of the two binding sites on the nAChR pentamer. Using a series of chimeric and point mutant subunits, we show that residues Gly-57, Asp-59, Tyr-111, Tyr-115, and Asp-173 of the e subunit account predominantly for the 3700-fold higher affinity of the α−e site relative to that of the α−γ site. Similarly, we find that residues Lys-34, Gly-57, Asp-59, and Asp-173 account predominantly for the high affinity of the α−e site relative ...
Neuroglian, Gliotactin, and the Na+/K+ ATPase are essential for septate junction function in Drosophila.

One essential function of epithelia is to form a barrier between the apical and basolateral surfaces of the epithelium. In vertebrate epithelia, the tight junction is the primary barrier to paracellular flow across epithelia, whereas in invertebrate epithelia, the septate junction (SJ) provides this function. In this study, we identify new proteins that are required for a functional paracellular barrier in Drosophila. In addition to the previously known components Coracle (COR) and Neurexin (NRX), we show that four other proteins, Gliotactin, Neuroglian (NRG), and both the α and β subunits of the Na+/K+ ATPase, are required for formation of the paracellular barrier. In contrast to previous reports, we demonstrate that the Na pump is not localized basolaterally in epithelial cells, but instead is concentrated at the SJ. Data from immunoprecipitation and somatic mosaic studies suggest that COR, NRX, NRG, and the Na+/K+ ATPase form an interdependent complex. Furthermore, the observation that NRG, a Drosophila homologue of vertebrate neurofascin, is an SJ component is consistent with the notion that the invertebrate SJ is homologous to the vertebrate paranodal SJ. These findings have implications not only for invertebrate epithelia and barrier functions, but also for understanding of neuron–glial interactions in the mammalian nervous system.
Increased Apparent Diffusion Coefficients on MRI Linked with Matrix Metalloproteinases and Edema in White Matter after Bilateral Carotid Artery Occlusion in Rats

White matter (WM) injury after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCAO) in rat is associated with disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We hypothesized that WM injury as seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would correlate with regions of increased MMP activity. MRI was performed 3 days after BCAO surgery in rats. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) were calculated and vascular permeability was quantified by the multiple-time graphical analysis (MTGA) method, using gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacid (Gd-DTPA). After MRI, one group of animals had BBB permeability measured in the WM with 14C-sucrose, and another had Evans blue (EB) injected for fluorescent microscopy for MMP-2, MMP-9, tight junction proteins (TJPs), and in situ zymography. We found that ADC values were increased in WM in BCAO rats compared with controls (P<0.05). WM with increased ADC had leakage of EB. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity on in situ zymograms corresponded with leakage of EB. Although increased permeability to EB could be visualized, permeability quantification with 14C-sucrose and Gd-DTPA failed to show increases and TJPs were intact. We propose that increased ADC, which is a marker of vasogenic edema, is related to activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9. MRI provides unique information that can be used to guide tissue studies of WM injury.
Are herbicide-resistant crops the answer to controlling Cuscuta?

BACKGROUND: Herbicide-resistant crop technology could provide new management strategies for the control of parasitic plants. Three herbicide-resistant oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) genotypes were used to examine the response of attached Cuscuta campestris Yuncker to glyphosate, imazamox and glufosinate. Cuscata campestris was allowed to establish on all oilseed rape genotypes before herbicides were applied. RESULTS: Unattached seedlings of C. campestris, C. subinclusa Durand & Hilg. and C. gronovii Willd. were resistant to imazamox and glyphosate and sensitive to glufosinate, indicating that resistance initially discovered in C. campestris is universal to all Cuscuta species. Glufosinate applied to C. campestris attached to glufosinate-resistant oilseed rape had little impact on the parasite, while imazamox completely inhibited C. campestris growth on the imidazolinone-resistant host. The growth of C. campestris on glyphosate-resistant host was initially inhibited by glyphosate, but the parasite recovered and resumed growth within 3–4 weeks. CONCLUSION: The ability of C. campestris to recover was related to the quality of interaction between the host and parasite and to the resistance mechanism of the host. The parasite was less likely to recover when it had low compatibility with the host, indicating that parasite-resistant crops coupled with herbicide resistance could be highly effective in controlling Cuscuta. Published 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating the challenges to senior leadership in complex, high-risk technologies

Abstract Studies of accidents involving complex, high-risk technologies point to the critical role of senior managers in balancing the dynamics among the determinants of safe operations. However, the prevailing though implicit assumptions underlying current leadership theory inhibit the systematic study of senior leadership in such technologies. We critique the prevailing view of leadership as context free, selfless, and centered on interpersonal influence, arguing that leadership can instead be viewed as constrained, self-interested, and indirect. We conclude that leaders in high-risk technologies in particular are self-interested within institutional boundaries and tend to become captured by the very myths and institutionalized structures and processes that they use to pattern the attention of their subordinates. Key challenges to leadership research are presented.
ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL BEHAVIOR BY REVEALED SPACE PREFERENCE

ABSTRACT In the study of spatial behavior we are interested in finding the rules for spatial choice which, when applied to any unique distribution of spatial opportunities, are capable of generating spatial behavior patterns similar to those observed. Behavioral postulates in geographical theories should incorporate these rules rather than descriptive statistics of actual behavior in a spatial system, since the latter are incorporating knowledge of the same spatial system that the theory hopes to generate and, in so doing, to explain. The concept of revealed space preferences is proposed as the organizing concept for finding these rules. This concept is similar to that of revealed preference in the theory of consumer demand. If spatial choice is viewed as a comparison and evaluation of alternative spatial opprtunities against a personal preference function, then, from any consistent statement of preferences from the paired comparison of spatial opportunities, it ought to be possible to derive a unique ran...
Multiple soliton solutions for (2 + 1)‐dimensional Sawada–Kotera and Caudrey–Dodd–Gibbon equations

Multiple soliton solutions for the (2 + 1)-dimensional Sawada–Kotera and the Caudrey–Dodd–Gibbon equations are formally derived. Moreover, multiple singular soliton solutions are obtained for each equation. The simplified form of Hirota's bilinear method is employed to conduct this analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Paralinguistic Consideration of Proxemic Behavior

Summary.-The relationship between conversational voice amplitude and interpersonal distance was assessed. 40 male and 40 female subjects served as speakers, delivering a message to male and female listeners. It was predicted from Argyle's intimacy model that a person with a loud speaking voice would space further from a listener than a quieter speaker. The hypothesis was confirmed with the results being most clear for the female subjects. Possible roles of general dispositional variables and immediacy variables in thc proxemic area were discussed. Social and environmental psychologists have become increasingly interested in man's spatial behavior, and considerable attention has focused on proxemics, man's comprehension of and behavior in the spatial milieu (Hall, 1963). Operationally proxemics refers to the distance separating social interactants, with terms such as personal space (Sornrner, 1969) and interpersonal distance often employed to refer to this phenomenon. Evans and Howard (1973) and Linder (1974) provide reviews of the area. Hall (1963) suggested that an understanding of proxemic behavior could be attained by consideration of gender, body heat, body posture, axis of body orientation, body odor, touching, visual interplay, vocal amplitude, and the interrelationships among these variables. Systematic research has addressed the relationship of many of these factors to interpersonal distance (Evans & Howard, 1973), yet a thorough understanding of the relationship between interpersonal spacing and the paralinguistic aspect of vocal amplitude does not exist. This paper reports our attempt to clarify this relationship. It appeats that in a face-to-face social exchange, as the interpersonal spacing
Cinema as the Space to Transgress Palestine’s Territorial Trap

In this article, Palestinian national cinema is interpreted through the lens of a ‘structure of feeling’ in order to address the theme of Palestinians reconstituting themselves in relation to changing geographies. Palestinians must constantly negotiate the tensions between mobility and immobility, whether in exile or diaspora, inside Israel, or within the Territories. Connecting these lived geographies to film, the article argues that analytic frameworks mistaking the national for a territorially-defined and stable order are ill-suited for a treatment of Palestinian national cinema. Touching on film production, narrative tropes and filmic locations in various films, the paper argues that cinema serves as a space to transgress Palestine’s territorial trap. Cinema as a structure of feeling allows for a more elastic, transgressive and encompassing understanding of Palestine and Palestinians.
The Interaction of Cofilin with the Actin Filament

Cofilin is a key actin-binding protein that is critical for controlling the assembly of actin within the cell. Here, we present the results of molecular docking and dynamics studies using a muscle actin filament and human cofilin I. Guided by extensive mutagenesis results and other biophysical and structural studies, we arrive at a model for cofilin bound to the actin filament. This predicted structure agrees very well with electron microscopy results for cofilin-decorated filaments, provides molecular insight into how the known F- and G-actin sites on cofilin interact with the filament, and also suggests new interaction sites that may play a role in cofilin binding. The resulting atomic-scale model also helps us understand the molecular function and regulation of cofilin and provides testable data for future experimental and simulation work.
The experimental evaluation of flat periodic transmission lines for use as an information source in automated transportation systems

A brief summary of some past studies of the use of transmission lines as an information source for automated ground transportation systems is presented. One method, which involves the use of helically wound transmission lines, was found to be promising [6] but such lines are difficult to implement. Here the geometry-dependent properties of the magnetic-field distribution of flat periodic transmission lines is developed. It is found that such lines should be usable as a replacement for helically wound lines. The results of an experimental evaluation of several flat lines are presented with emphasis on triangular-shaped lines. It is found that the performance characteristics are even better than those of the helically wound line.
Quantitative Measures of Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Mass, Conduction, and Repolarization, and Long-Term Survival After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background— Quantitative ECG measures of left ventricular mass and repolarization predict outcome in population-based cohorts and patients with hypertension. We assessed the prognostic value of preoperative quantitative electrocardiography in patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods and Results— For 6 years we followed 8166 patients who underwent primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting between 1990 and 2003, all of whom had routine preoperative ECGs. With use of specialized digital software, quantitative measures were recorded on ventricular rate, P duration, PR interval, QRS duration, QT interval, QRS axis, Sokolow-Lyon and Cornell voltages, and ST-segment depression and slope. There were 1516 deaths. After adjustment for age, gender, clinical characteristics, left ventricular ejection fraction, and other confounders, death was independently predicted by ventricular rate (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] for 90 versus 60 beats per minute, 1.34; 95% confidence interval ...
On continuous reaction function equilibria in duopoly supergames with mean payoffs

Abstract Continuous reaction function equilibria are studied in supergames in which the stage game resembles a standard duopoly game and the evaluation relations are according to the limit of the means. It is proven that “collusive”, i.e., single-period game non-Nash equilibrium, stationary outcomes are supported in subgame perfect equilibrium by linear reaction function pairs. Conversely, it is shown that linear reaction equilibria are, in essence, typical in the class of subgame perfect continuous reaction equilibria. Further, the multiple equilibrium problem of the Folk theorem is shown to be significantly diminished in restricting attention to subgame perfect linear reaction equilibria.
Real-time, full-resolution liquid crystal-based stereoscopic display

Wheatstone invented the first stereoscopic display on record in 1834. Numerous approaches to the display of stereo imagery have been demonstrated since; however, all suffer from various drawbacks. Stereoscopic displays typically require the user to wear special headgear. Autostereoscopic displays typically have tight limitations on the position of the viewer's head. We investigate an architecture consisting of two readily available, inexpensive twisted nematic liquid crystal display (TN-LCD) panels sandwiched together to form a compact, rugged stereoscopic display. We describe the theory of operation, the experimental determination of the liquid crystal display modulation characteristics, and modifications to the theory of operation, as a consequence of the experimental results.
Preparation of 2-Oxy-bis(1,3-dimethyl-2-diazaboracycloalkanes)1

Abstract Two 2-oxy-bis(1,3-dimethy1-2-diazaboracycloalkanes) have been prepared by controlled hydrolysis of 1,3-dimethy1-2-methylthiodiazaboracycloalkanes with a stoichiometric quantity of water.
Transitions in convection driven by a horizontal temperature gradient

Abstract We report the first detailed experimental study of transitions in the convection of a low Prandtl number fluid driven by a horizontal temperature gradient. The observed states, from time independent to one frequency with noise, to pure noise, to two frequencies with noise, can be related to the two secondary flows predicted for a cavity with large lateral extent, transverse stationary and longitudinal oscillatory rolls. Measured wavelengths and frequencies for the longitudinal rolls are in agreement with theoretical values, while the critical Grashof number is much higher than expected. Our results call for a new theoretical approach which takes both instability mechanisms into account.
Back-scattering investigation of the low temperature stability of the aluminum-silver system☆

Abstract The large angle elastic scattering of 2.9 MeV 4He2 has been used to investigate the Al-Ag system. This system has important optical applications and affords an opportunity to study directly chemical kinetics. Heretofore, only indirect measurements of the system have been made. The samples consisted of thick Si substrates covered by a 5000 A thermal SiO2 layer. Then 2000 A Al and 3000 A Ag films were deposited in both sequences without raising the system vacuum above 2 × 10-5 torr. The back-scattering measurements were performed after each step of a sequence of isothermal annealing treatments at 135°C for times up to 6 h. This study shows that the Si-SiO2-Al-Ag system is stable after such a treatment. Thus, for Al first depositions, no intermediate metal is necessary for a diffusion barrier at room temperature. Indirect evidence is presented which suggests that the acting diffusion barrier in the Al first depositions is probably the thin natural aluminum oxide layer expected to be formed for the deposition conditions used. However, the adherence of these films to one another is shown to require further characterization if hifh bonding values are required. By comparison in Ag first depositions, extensive intermixing of the Al and Ag has occurred after as little as 105 min at 135°C. The back-scattering measurement correlated with the previous reflectivity measurements suggest that the interdiffusion of Ag and Al without significant compound formation plays a significant role in at least the initial changes in the reflectivity of thin films of Ag and Al. Finally, this study shows that a 500 A Cr deposition between the Ag and Al depositions serves as an adequate diffusion barrier after an anneal treatment of 60 min at 300°C.
Characterization of dislocations and their influence on plastic deformation in single crystals

Abstract After providing a rapid summary of some of the main results from a recently constructed theory of structured solids in [1], attention is focussed on the characterization of dislocations and the influence of dislocation density on plastic deformation G p by crystallographic slip in single crystals. The dislocation density is identified in terms of Curl G p and some (but not all) of the results established for the kinematics of crystallographic slip have their counterparts in the traditional developments of crystal plasticity. A two-dimensional crystal undergoing planar motion is used to illustrate predictive capabilities of the theory presented. It may be emphasized that the theory utilized here is applicable to materials of widely varying strengths and hardening characteristics, including ordered intermetallic alloys whose mechanical behavior is primarily governed by the dislocations (through Curl G p ) and not by plastic deformation itself.
A new preoxygenation procedure for extravehicular activity (EVA)

A 10.2 psi staged-decompression schedule or a 4-hour preoxygenation at 14.7 psi is required prior to extravehicular activity (EVA) to reduce decompression sickness (DCS) risk. Results of recent research at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) showed that a 1-hour resting preoxygenation followed by a 4-hour, 4.3 psi exposure resulted in 77% DCS risk (N=26), while the same profile beginning with 10 min of exercise at 75% of VO2peak during preoxygenation reduced the DCS risk to 42% (P<.03; N=26). A 4-hour preoxygenation without exercise followed by the 4.3 psi exposure resulted in 47% DCS risk (N=30). The 1-hour preoxygenation with exercise and the 4-hour preoxygenation without exercise results were not significantly different. Elimination of either 3 hours of preoxygenation or 12 hours of staged-decompression are compelling reasons to consider incorporation of exercise-enhanced preoxygenation.
Engendering the Latin American state

Drawing on feminist theories of the state, this article critiques and extends the current usage of state theory in Latin Americanist geography. I argue that a nuanced mapping of social dynamics requires understanding the state as capitalist and patriarchal. Beginning with issues that are typically framed at the global scale, the review works progressively toward local and microscale analysis. Attention is given to distinct areas of scholarship which are appropriate for dealing with states and with the politics that produce and maintain them. Several questions are addressed throughout the review. First and most importantly, how have Latin Americanist geographers conceptualized the state? Secondly, have these conceptualizations been adequate for understanding the geography of state formation and dynamics? Thirdly, what have been the limitations and consequences of these approaches? Finally, how have state/society relations been understood? These questions guide a critical reading of the discipline's literat...
Oxygen solubility in seawater : better fitting equations

We examined uncertainties associated with the routine computation of O2 solubility (Co*) at 1 atm total pressure in pure water and seawater in equilibrium with air as a function of temperature and salinity. We propose formulae expressing C*(at STP, real gas) in cm3 dm−3 and µmol kg−1 in the range (tF ≥ t 40°C; 0 ≥ S 42‰) based on a fit to precise data selected from the literature.
Air quality influences the prevalence of hay fever and sinusitis.

Objectives: Determine associations between air quality and the prevalence of hay fever and sinusitis. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The National Health Interview Survey for the calendar years 1997–2006 adult sample was analyzed to determine for each calendar year the one-year period prevalence of the two respiratory conditions, hay fever and sinusitis and the nonrespiratory (control) condition, weak/failing kidneys. From the Environmental Protection Agency, yearly historical data for air quality criteria pollutants, carbon monoxide, nitrous dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, were tabulated. Graphical and linear regression analyses were conducted for each disease condition against each of the air quality variables to determine if higher pollutant concentrations predicted a higher prevalence for the disease condition. Results: A total of 313,982 patients were studied over the 10 calendar years 1997–2006. Mean patient age increased very slightly from year to year (overall average, 45.2 years); the percentage of female patients remained the same. The air concentrations of each of the criteria pollutants decreased steadily over time with the exception of particular matter, which reached a plateau in the most recent 3 years. For each of the disease conditions a statistically significant relationship with air quality (all p < .001) was obtained. For the control condition of kidney failure/weakening, the standardized regression coefficient with air quality was very small (range: −0.001–0.004). For hay fever and sinusitis, substantially larger coefficients were obtained ranging from 0.0120–.016 and 0.013–0.027, respectively. Conclusions: Prevalence of hay fever and sinusitis are correlated with air quality. Improvements in air quality are associated with decreased prevalence of both hay fever and sinusitis. Laryngoscope, 2009
Results of calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis

Abstract Background One powerful method of reconstructing an adult acquired flatfoot deformity is a calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis. We performed a retrospective review of a small series of patients who underwent a calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis with a femoral head allograft. Materials and methods Sixteen feet (14 patients) were identified with an average follow up of 23 months (8–39 months) and an average age of 43 years (16–60 years). A calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis was performed with a femoral head allograft, secured with a 3 hole 1/3 tubular plate with 7 of the grafts being supplemented with platelet rich plasma (PRP). Patients were kept non-weight bearing for 6 weeks with an additional 6 weeks in a walking cast or boot. Plain radiographs and if necessary a CT or MRI were used to evaluate for union. Results Seven of the 16 feet developed a nonunion. Five of 9 patients without PRP developed a nonunion vs 2 of 7 patients where PRP was used. Conclusion Due to the unacceptably high complication rate with this procedure, the authors have abandoned this procedure. If an allograft is to be used for a calcaneocuboid arthrodesis, the authors strongly recommend using rigid locking fixation with a longer period of protected immobilization.
FCBGA Footprints and Solder Joint Reliability

As electronic package input/output density increases and cost constraints drive the package size smaller, the one area where a designer can not compromise is solder joint reliability. Maintaining flip chip ball grid array (FCBGA) solder joint reliability (SJR) has been at the top of the designer’s critical list with decreasing package size. The FCBGA footprint will need to be modified for a variety of reasons to meet routing optimization, power delivery, electrical performance to name a few. The designer must deal with several competing proposals (electrical performance, cost and use conditions) trying to optimize the FCBGA footprint while being aware that some modifications can negatively affect SJR. This paper investigates solder ball layouts and their effect on SJR through both finite element (FE) models and empirical tests. In addition, consideration of next generation layout is presented to optimize routability while preserving SJR. When feasible, empirical tests were run to validate predictive models.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Is financial liberalization good for developing nations?: The case of South Korea in the 1990s

Abstract Korea’s state-led, bank-based, and closed financial system helped generate its impressive development record from 1961 until the 1997 crisis. However, an ill-conceived liberalization process in the early 1990s eventuated in an IMF takeover in late 1997. Post-crisis neoliberal restructuring, which moved Korea towards a globally open, capital market-based financial system, has thus far failed to generate a sustainable economic recovery. It threatens to significantly lower Korea’s long-term rate of capital accumulation. Korea would be well advised to reject neoliberalism, and adopt a modernized and radically democratized version of the traditional model, incorporating a state-led bank-based financial system with capital controls.
Effect of various substituents in the 6-position on the relative carcinogenic activity of a series of benzo[a]pyrene derivatives

Abstract To test the hypothesis that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons capable of being converted to a reactive ester of the mesohydroxymethyl metabolite would be carcinogenic, a series of 6-substituted derivatives of benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P) were tested for carcinogenicity in Sprague-Dawley rats by subcutaneous injection of the compound in sesame oil on alternate days for 30 doses. At the 0.2-μmol dose level B[ a ]P, 6-acetoxymethyl(6-AcOCH 2 )B[ a ]P, 6-hydroxymethyl(6-HOCH 2 )B[ a ]P, 6-methyl(6-CH 3 )B[ a ]P and 6-benzoyloxymethyl(6-BzOCH 2 )B[ a ]P were nearly equipotent, 6-formyl(6-OCH)-and 6-chloromethyl(6-ClCH 2 )B[ a ]P were less active, and 6-methoxymethyl (6-MeOCH 2 )B[ a ]P was inactive. At lower doses the order of potency was estimated to be: 6-AcOCH 2 - = 6-HOCH 2 - = or > B[ a ]P > 6-CH 2 - > 6-BzOCH 2 - > 6-ClCH 2 - > 6-OCH- > 6-BrCH 2 B[ a ]P. Incubation of these compounds in the presence of cofactors or cofactors plus a microsomal preparation of rat subcutis indicated that enzymic activation was necessary for metabolism to highly polar products and for conversion of 6-AcOCH 2 -, 6-BzOCH 2 - and 6-OCHB[ a ]P to 6-HOCH 2 B[ a ]P. The halomethyl compounds were converted to 6-HOCH 2 B[ a ]P in the absence of enzyme by hydrolysis. 6-MeOCH 2 B[ a ]P was unchanged in this system. These observations are consistent with the foregoing hypothesis with regard to derivatives of B[ a ]P and demonstrate that compounds of this series that are capable of conversion to the 6-HOCH 2 -derivatives are carcinogenic.
Simulation and analysis of dynamic brain PET images

We have developed a software package which combines the simulation and analysis of dynamic brain images acquired by positron emission tomography. In the spatial domain, standard digitized phantoms are used to create spatial maps which represent various structures in the brain. In the temporal domain, kinetic models are used to simulate the dynamics at the pixel level for each time-activity curve. Physical characteristics such as spatial resolution and noise are then modeled on individual image frames. This software has been used in the case of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose studies to produce realistic simulations which were further analyzed to confirm previous findings based on real clinical data.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An Electron-Backscattered Diffraction Study of the Texture Evolution in a Coarse-Grained AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Deformed in Tension at Elevated Temperatures

Electron-backscattered diffraction (EBSD) has been used to investigate the texture evolution during tensile deformation at temperatures between 673 and 773 K of a coarse-grained commercial AZ31 magnesium alloy. A weak (0001) fiber texture was initially present in the hot-rolled magnesium alloy plate. The [0001] directions of the grains spread 0 to 45 deg around the normal direction (ND) of the magnesium alloy plate. This pre-existing weak texture evolved during tensile deformation into a strong texture close to the {0001} 〈1 $$\bar 1$$ 00〉. The [0001] directions of the grains rotated toward the orientations perpendicular to the tension axis of the samples, indicating that the 〈11 $$\bar 2$$ 0〉 slip system appeared to be the most active slip system, especially in the early stages of deformation. The EBSD Schmid-factor analysis revealed that, however, with an increase in strain and the rotation of the (0001) slip plane, the {11 $$\bar 2$$ 2} 〈11 $$\bar 2\bar 3$$ 〉 slip system appeared to be more favorable. The {1 $$\bar 2$$ 00} 〈11 $$\bar 1$$ 0〉 and {1 $$\bar 2$$ 01} 〈11 $$\bar 2$$ 0〉 slip systems remained favored throughout the strains investigated, indicating that {1 $$\bar 1$$ 00} and {1 $$\bar 1$$ 01} are two important slip planes for cross slip using the 〈11 $$\bar 2$$ 0〉 slip vector. It is found that the misorientation across one coarse grain (as high as 38.2 deg) is accommodated by low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs). The formation of these LAGBs may be an intermediate stage of the coarse grain refinement that occurred during deformation.
Bilateral conjunctival extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma†

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (EMZLs), while relatively common in adults, are rare entities in the pediatric population. A subclass of the typically aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas, the few reported pediatric cases indicate that, as in adults, these tumors tend to be indolent. We present a case of EMZL arising in the conjunctivae in a 9-year-old male with bilateral disease. The patient was treated with surgical excision alone and has remained disease-free 6 years after the operation.
A strategy for the sequential patterning of proteins: Catalytically active multiprotein nanofabrication

We describe a new and simple method for immobilizing enzymes that will allow the preparation of thin films containing several different catalytically active enzymes. We use this method to immobilize acetylcholine esterase, then we show that its catalytic activity is retained after immobilizing a different protein on the same film.
The role of technology in radiology education1

Over the past several decades, spectacular developments in computer technology have changed the face of educational practice. These include the development of powerful new hardware, such as notebook computers, personal digital assistants, and LCD projectors, as well as software that permits the integration of pictures and text, interactive learning, and the construction of virtual libraries of learning materials. The World Wide Web permits virtually instantaneous dissemination of educational materials at extraordinarily low cost. Just beyond the horizon lie technologies that superimpose network applications onto our daily lives, providing just-in-time access to powerful problem-solving resources. As we progress further into the information age, where the ability to share knowledge will offer growing strategic advantage, new technologies will transform medical education. New educational technologies are especially important in light of the educational challenges before medicine. Workforce shortages are making time for teaching harder to come by, and clinical workloads increasingly take precedence over education. The academic incentive system frequently undervalues teaching, implicitly encouraging faculty members to devote more time to higher revenuegenerating enterprises, including research as well as clinical work. There is widespread recognition that many educational programs need to improve both the quality and return on investment of the education they provide. It is
Nest-Box Acquisition is Related to Plumage Coloration in Male and Female Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea)

ABSTRACT. In numerous avian species, males and females display ornaments that could act as signals in interactions with conspecifics. Much of the research on these ornaments has focused on mutual mate choice and intrasexual competition between males. However, few studies have examined female and male ornamentation simultaneously in the context of intrasexual competition and the acquisition of breeding resources. I examined whether plumage coloration of male and female Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea) was related to the quality of their nest site by placing nest boxes in preferred locations over deep water and at less preferred sites over land. Age and body size were not related to the ability of males or females to obtain a nest site over deep water. Males that were brighter yellow and more pure yellow obtained boxes over deep water, and older females that were more pure yellow did as well. However, in an analysis that included young and old females, I found no relationship between plumage colo...
Lamb wave frequency–wavenumber analysis and decomposition

Lamb waves have shown great potentials in damage detection of thin-walled structures due to their long propagation capability and sensitivity to a variety of damage types. However, their practical ...
Ab initio MO study of selected aluminum and boron chlorides and fluorides: Comparison with 11B NMR spectra of a tetrachloroborate melt

Molecular geometries were fully optimized for AlCl3, AlCl4-, Al2Cl6, Al2Cl7-, AlF3, AlF4-, Al2F6, Al2F7-, BCl3, BCl4-, B2Cl6, B2Cl7-, BF3, BF4-, B2F6, and B2F7-, as well as a few mixed halogen species, at the Hartree-Fock (HF) level, using basis sets from STO-3G to 6–311 + G(d). In some cases geometries were also optimized at the MP2 level. Where possible, the computed geometries were compared to known structures from electron or X-ray diffraction. The agreement between these was quite good for the neutral species, and somewhat poorer for the anions. Vibrational frequencies were calculated for all species at the HF level with the largest basis set. The geometries were characterized as minima or transition structures. Various formation reaction enthalpies were calculated; these compare well with known values. More extensive calculations on the BF3/BF4- system indicate the structures and enthalpies are nearly converged with respect to basis set size and level of correlation treatment. The previously unknown species B2Cl7- is predicted to be energetically stable on the basis of the calculations. Some features of the 11B NMR spectra of room temperature melts consisting of mixtures of boron trichloride with 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium chloride are presented. These features suggest that these melts may contain small amounts of B2Cl7- as an intermediate in an exchange reaction. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of Applicant Personality on Resume Evaluations

This study examined the extent that personality information in resumes impacts hiring judgments through applicant’s resumes. Study 1 examined lay theories regarding relationships between resume cues and the applicant’s personality and hireability. Study 2 examined how the applicant’s personality impacted hiring judgments through resumes. Data for both studies were collected in the context of a managerial position. For Study 1, participants assessed resume cues in regards to their relationship with personality and hireability. For Study 2, Human Resource personnel evaluated each resume in regards to personality and hireability. Results for Study 1 highlight several connections between applicants’ personality and resumes, with strong links between resume content and perceptions of conscientiousness and agreeableness. Results for Study 2 indicate that personality was largely unrelated to ratings of hireability but perceptions of personality were strongly linked to hireability; actual personality was linked to the variability in cue information related to hireability, and conscientiousness was indirectly related to hireability through judgments of conscientiousness. Results from these studies suggest that personality and perceptions of personality play a greater role in resume development and screening than has been previously suggested. The pattern of results reported suggest that there are a number of resumes cues that accurately reflect an applicant’s personality and influence perceptions of hireability. By taking an exploratory approach, the current studies were able to explore a large variety of cues linked to personality and ratings of hireability. Results have implications for both applicants and HR personnel evaluating resumes.
Wireless network deployment in the smart grid: Design and evaluation issues

The projected use of the power grid for "smart" applications such as advanced metering and distributed automation will require highly reliable, secure, well designed and managed communication networks. While many of the benefits of wireless communications, such as untethered access to information, support for mobility, and reduced infrastructure, would be available to the grid, there are still a number of unanswered questions regarding network performance, suitability, and security. In this article, we introduce the communication requirements that have been established for these applications thus far. Throughout, we highlight the implications of wireless deployment as it relates specifically to the smart grid and we identify key issues that must be considered when evaluating a wireless technology against the communication requirements.
Aqueous N2O Reduction with H2 Over Pd-Based Catalyst: Mechanistic Insights From Experiment and Simulation

Nitrous Oxide (N2O), an ozone depleting greenhouse gas, is an observed intermediate in aqueous nitrate/nitrite reduction mediated by both natural microbial and synthetic laboratory catalysts. Because of our interest in catalytic nitrate/nitrite remediation, we have endeavored to develop a detailed concordant experimental/theoretical picture of N2O reduction with H2 over a Pd catalyst in an aqueous environment. We use batch experiments in H2 excess and limiting conditions to examine the reduction kinetics. We use density functional theory (DFT) to model the elementary steps in N2O reduction on model Pd(100), Pd(110), Pd(111) and Pd(211) facets and including the influence of adsorbed O, H, and of H2O. Both experiments and theory agree that hydrogen is necessary for removal of adsorbed oxygen from the catalyst surface. The dissociation of N2O to N2(g) and O(ads) is facile and in the absence of H proceeds until the catalyst is O-covered. Water itself is proposed to facilitate the hydrogenation of surface O by transferring absorbed hydrogen to Pd-absorbed O and OH. We measure an apparent activation energy of 41.4 kJ/mol (0.43 eV) for N2O reduction in the presence of excess H2, a value that is within 0.1 eV of the barriers determined theoretically.
Input-driven dynamic execution prediction of streaming applications

Streaming applications are promising targets for effectively utilizing multicores because of their inherent amenability to pipelined parallelism. While existing methods of orchestrating streaming programs on multicores have mostly been static, real-world applications show ample variations in execution time that may cause the achieved speedup and throughput to be sub-optimal. One of the principle challenges for moving towards dynamic orchestration has been the lack of approaches that can predict or accurately estimate upcoming dynamic variations in execution efficiently, well before they occur.In this paper, we propose an automated dynamic execution behavior prediction approach that can be used to efficiently estimate the time that will be spent in different pipeline stages for upcoming inputs without requiring program execution. This enables dynamic balancing or scheduling of execution to achieve better speedup. Our approach first uses dynamic taint analysis to automatically generates an input-based execution characterization of the streaming program, which identifies the key control points where variation in execution might occur with the associated input elements that cause these variations.We then automatically generate a light-weight emulator from the program using this characterization that can simulate the execution paths taken for new streaming inputs and provide an estimate of execution time that will be spent in processing these inputs, enabling prediction of possible dynamic variations. We present experimental evidence that our technique can accurately and efficiently estimate execution behaviors for several benchmarks. Our experiments show that dynamic orchestration using our predicted execution behavior can achieve considerably higher speedup than static orchestration.
Motor skill depends on knowledge of facts.

Those in 20th century philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience who have discussed the nature of skilled action have, for the most part, accepted the view that being skilled at an activity is independent of knowing facts about that activity, i.e. that skill is independent of knowledge of facts. In this paper we question this view of motor skill. We begin by situating the notion of skill in historical and philosophical context. We use the discussion to explain and motivate the view that motor skill depends upon knowledge of facts. This conclusion seemingly contradicts well-known results in cognitive science. It is natural, on the face of it, to take the case of H.M., the seminal case in cognitive neuroscience that led to the discovery of different memory systems, as providing powerful evidence for the independence of knowledge and skill acquisition. After all, H.M. seems to show that motor learning is retained even when previous knowledge about the activity has been lost. Improvements in skill generally require increased precision of selected actions, what we call motor acuity. Motor acuity may indeed not require propositional knowledge and has direct parallels with perceptual acuity. We argue, however, that reflection on the specifics of H.M.’s case, as well as other research on the nature of skill, indicates that learning to become skilled at a motor task, for example, tennis depends also on knowledge-based selection of the right actions. Thus skilled activity requires both acuity and knowledge, with both increasing with practice. The moral of our discussion ranges beyond debates about motor skill; we argue that it undermines any attempt to draw a distinction between practical and theoretical activities. While we will reject the independence of skill and knowledge, our discussion leaves open several different possible relations between knowledge and skill. Deciding between them is a task to be resolved by future research.
Innovations in light-emitting diodes

This tutorial talk gives an overview of recent advances as well as future challenges in light-emitting diode technology for solid-state lighting applications. The discussion will include advanced nano-materials, packaging, and solid-state lighting systems.