cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epithelial-lined (true) cyst of the adrenal gland: A case report

Abstract A case of an epithelial-lined (true) adrenal cyst is reported. Although over 300 adrenal cysts have been reported in the literature, true cysts are rare. In this case, a 4.0 cm cyst lined by cuboidal to flattened cells with bland cytologic features was incidentally found at autopsy. Immunologic studies performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections demonstrated that the cells expressed keratins (AE1AE3+, CAM 5.2+, and MAK-6+) and were negative for epithelial membrane antigen, vimentin, factor VIII, and desmin. Normal adrenal cortical and medullary cells did not express keratins, suggesting that the cyst lining was not derived from either adrenal cortex or medulla. A mesothelial origin, with a pathogenesis analogous to the formation of primary cysts of the spleen, is proposed.
National Institutes of Health stroke scale assists in predicting the need for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement in acute ischemic stroke.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are commonly needed for early nutrition in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We evaluated the relationship between the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and the need for PEG tube placement. Patients with acute ischemic stroke were included in this study. We collected information on patient demographics, stroke severity as indicated by the NIHSS, and risk factors for vascular disease. We ascertained the swallowing evaluation and PEG tube placement during the same hospitalization. A hierarchical optimal classification tree was determined for the best predictors. A total of 187 patients (mean age, 67.2 years) were included, only 33 (17.6%) of whom had a PEG tube placed during the course of hospitalization. Those who had the PEG were slightly older (73.8 vs 65.8 years), had severe stroke (median NIHSS score, 18 vs 4), and a longer hospital stay (median 12 vs 4 days). Independent predictors for PEG placement included bulbar symptoms at onset, higher NIHSS score, stroke in the middle cerebral artery distribution, and aspiration pneumonia. Hierarchical analysis showed that patients with aspiration pneumonia and NIHSS score ≥12 had the highest likelihood (relative risk [RR] = 4.67; P P
Simulated time-of-flight experiments across abrupt and graded shifts in a band edge

Abrupt or graded changes in the position of a band edge relative to the vacuum level occur where there is an abrupt or gradual change in the composition of the material in an amorphous semiconductor device. These shifts in the band edge are very useful in α-Si:H solar cells and other devices, but many questions remain regarding their physical nature and how carriers traverse them. This paper presents simulations of time-of-flight experiments across both gradual and abrupt shifts in the edge of the band in which carriers are traveling. These experiments should be able to help determine the effects of these shifts on carrier transport. The effects of a band tail on simulated transients are also shown.
NMR proton relaxation measurements of water associated with high methoxy and low methoxy pectins

Abstract Nuclear magnetic resonance was used to study water proton relaxation in high (HMP) and low methoxy pectins (LMP). In solution, on the order of 40% of the water molecules may be affected by interactions with pectin molecules, dependent upon pectin type and concentration. Transverse relaxation rates were greater for HMP than LMP, and were attributed to decreased mobility of water protons and the lesser number of methoxyl groups in LMP. Plots of relaxation rates ( R 2 =1/ T 2 ) versus the 90–180° pulse spacing were used to calculate the proton exchange rate ( k b ). HMP and LMP has k b values of 128 and 135 s −1 at pH 2.5. For LMP k b increased to 280 s −1 at pH 6.5, but decreased for HMP above pH 6.5. Dry samples were equilibrated to water activity values between 0.11 and 0.75. Proton relaxation was quite rapid in these systems, suggesting limited water mobility. At higher moisture levels, R 2 values were progressively lower and more evenly spread over a wider pulse spacing range, indicating additional populations of more mobile water. Studies on LMP which were gelled with Ca 2+ , showed a substantial increase in relaxation rates and little dispersion behavior, and this was attributed to the decreased mobility of pectin biopolymers.
Uterine vascular effects of estetrol in nonpregnant ewes

Abstract Estetrol is produced by the fetal liver and has been suggested to be a sensitive indicator of fetal well-being. Although the uterine vascular effects of estrogens (17β-estradiol, estriol, and estrone) have been extensively investigated in our laboratory and those of others, the ability of estetrol to dilate the ovine uterine vasculature is not presently known. The present experiment was designed to compare the vasoactivity of estetrol to that of a second pregnancy-associated estrogen, estriol. Five nonpregnant oophorectomized ewes were chronically instrumented with catheters in the femoral artery, femoral vein, uterine arteries, and electromagnetic flow probes on both uterine arteries. Upon recovering from operation, animals received unilateral intra-arterial (uterine) injections of either estriol (0.1, 0.3, 1, and 3 μg) or estetrol (1, 3, 10, and 30 μg). Ewes received only one dose of either estetrol or estriol daily and all doses were given in a randomized order. Uterine blood flow responses were continuously monitored and the time of onset, peak, and duration were recorded. The time of onset (38 ± 2 minutes), time of peak response (75 ± 1 minute), and duration (189 ± 7 minutes) were approximately equal to those observed for estriol. On the basis of the data obtained in the present study we have determined that estetrol is 15 to 30 times less potent than estriol as a uterine vasodilator.
The Violence Proneness Scale of the DUSI-R Predicts Adverse Outcomes Associated with Substance Abuse

Accuracy of the Violence Proneness Scale (VPS) of the Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI-R) was evaluated in 328 boys for predicting use of illegal drugs, DUI, selling drugs, sexually transmitted disease, car accident while under acute effects of drugs/alcohol, trading drugs for sex, injuries from a fight, and traumatic head injury. Boys were prospectively tracked from age 16 to 19 at which time these outcomes were documented in the interim period. The results demonstrated that the VPS score is a significant predictor of all outcomes. Prediction accuracy ranged between 62%–83%. These findings suggest that the VPS may be useful for identifying youths who are at high risk for using illicit drugs and commonly associated adverse outcomes.
Intraspecific competition among first instars of the parasitic wasp Biosteres longicaudatus

Females of the solitary endoparasitic wasp Biosteres longicaudatus sometimes deposit >1 egg (superparasitism) in each larva of the Caribbean fruit fly host, Anastrepha suspensa. As host density increases, there is an inverse relationship between the level of superparasitism and the number of progeny produced/female. Larval parasitoid competition in superparasitized hosts causes an abrupt decline from >1 to 1 or <1 parasitoid/host 24–36 h before the surviving parasitoid larva molts to the 2nd instar. The mechanism by which supernumaries are eliminated was investigated by indirect, in vivo and direct, in vitro methods. There is no apparent competition between parasitoid eggs of the same age. Parasitoid first instars utilize their heavily sclerotized mandibles to eliminate competitors, some of which are subsequently encapsulated by the host. First instars in vitro produce a substance that kills conspecifics. Presumably, this substance is secreted into the surrounding medium. One of each pair of parasitoid first instars, evenly matched for age and size, may live up to 6.4 days longer and grow to 0.13 mm larger than the other. Thus, B. longicaudatus, like other solitary endoparasitoids eliminates competitors by both combat and interference competitions. The latter case, presumably involves allelochemical toxins against conspecifics in the absence of physical encounter.
Elevation of Liquidus Temperature in a Gel‐Derived Na2O‐SiO2 Glass

The liquidus temperatures of a 19 wt% soda-silica glass prepared by gel and conventional techniques were determined. X-ray diffraction measurements of the glasses which were heat-treated at several temperatures were used to experimentally determine the liquidus temperatures. It was found that the gel-derived glass has an elevated liquidus. This result is discussed in relation to the previous discovery that the immiscibility temperature of this gel-derived glass is elevated
An Emerging Developmental Science of Personality: Current Progress and Future Prospects

The articles in this special issue illustrate four of the major questions currently being addressed in personality development research: What childhood traits are the antecedents of adult personality? How are children's personalities manifest in particular contexts? Do childhood personality traits predict the development of psychopathology? Are there distinctive personality types among children and adolescents? The articles not only yield new answers to these questions but also point to the need to understand more about the processes through which personality shapes the course of youths' lives. An important focus for future work in this area will be the exploration of how positive life outcomes can be achieved by youths with widely varied personalities.
Experiments in dynamic control of autonomous marine vehicles using acoustic modems

Marine robots are an increasingly attractive means for observing and monitoring in the ocean, but underwater acoustic communication (“acomms”) remains a major challenge, especially for real-time control. Packet loss occurs widely, bit rates are low, and there are significant delays. We consider here strategies for feedback control with acomms links in either the sensor-controller channel, or the controller-actuator channel. On the controller-actuator side we implement sparse packetized predictive control (S-PPC), which simultaneously addresses packet-loss and the data rate limit. For the sensor-controller channel we study a modified information filter (MIF) in a Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control scheme. Field experiments were carried out with both approaches, regulating crosstrack error in a robotic kayak using acomms. Outcomes with both the S-PPC and MIF LQG confirm that good performance is achievable.
Solid-state processing of polymer in the presence of supercritical carbon dioxide

Open cell microporous bisphenol-A polycarbonate (PC) films are made by a novel, solvent-free processing: drawing PC in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The pore size is less than 1.0 m, and the porosity is in the range of 20-70% and is highly tunable. The porous film has mechanical properties nearly as high as the original film. The influence of temperature and pressure on drawability, porosity, and mechanical integrity are systematically studied.
Effects of environmental contaminants on snapping turtles of a tidal wetland

Snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were collected from a brackish-water and a nearly freshwater area in the contaminated Hackensack Meadowlands of New Jersey and an uncontaminated freshwater area in Maryland to determine the effects of environmental contaminants on a resident wetland species. No turtles were observed or caught in the Meadowlands at two trapping sites that were the most heavily contaminated by metals. Snapping turtles from the brackish-water area had an unusually low lipid content of body fat and reduced growth compared to turtles from the fresh-water areas in New Jersey and Maryland. Despite the serious metal contamination of the Hackensack Meadowlands, the metal content of kidneys and livers from New Jersey turtles was low and not greatly different from that of the Maryland turtles. Organochlorine pesticide concentrations in body fat were generally low at all three study areas. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) concentrations in fat were highest in male turtles from the New Jersey brackish-water area. Analysis of blood for amino-levulinic acid dehydratase, albumin, glucose, hemoglobin, osmolality, packed cell volume, total protein, triglycerides, and uric acid failed to reveal any differences among groups that would indicate physiological impairment related to contaminants.
Spin-glass model predicts metastable brain states that diminish in anesthesia.

Patterns of resting state connectivity change dynamically and may represent modes of cognitive information processing. The diversity of connectivity patterns (global brain states) reflects the information capacity of the brain and determines the state of consciousness. In this work, computer simulation was used to explore the repertoire of global brain states as a function of cortical activation level. We implemented a modified spin glass model to describe UP/DOWN state transitions of neuronal populations at a mesoscopic scale based on resting state BOLD fMRI data. Resting state fMRI was recorded in 20 participants and mapped to 10,000 cortical regions defined on a group-aligned cortical surface map. Each region represented the population activity of a ~20mm2 area of the cortex. Cross-correlation matrices of the mapped BOLD time courses of the set of regions were calculated and averaged across subjects. In the model, each cortical region was allowed to interact with the 16 other regions that had the highest pair-wise correlation values. All regions stochastically transitioned between UP and DOWN states under the net influence of their 16 pairs. The probability of local state transitions was controlled by a single parameter T corresponding to the level of global cortical activation. To estimate the number of distinct global states, first we ran 10,000 simulations at T=0. Simulations were started from random configurations that converged to one of several distinct patterns. Using hierarchical clustering, at 99% similarity, close to 300 distinct states were found. At intermediate T, metastable state configurations were formed suggesting critical behavior with a sharp increase in the number of metastable states at an optimal T. Both reduced activation (anesthesia, sleep) and increased activation (hyper-activation) moved the system away from equilibrium, presumably incompatible with conscious mentation. During equilibrium, the diversity of large-scale brain sta
PreLoad-responsive, Pulsatile-Flow, Externally Valved Pump: Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Currently two pumps are used for cardiopulmonary bypass, the roller pump and the centrifugal or vortex pump. Both are steady-flow pumps. The procedure of cardiopulmonary bypass possesses a finite morbidity and mortality. The degree to which steady flow is responsible for this morbidity and mortality remains to be clarified, but investigators have established the fact that a physiologic degree of pulsatile flow must be achieved before its beneficial results, such as normal systemic resistance and absence of lactate production, can be demonstrated. Availability of a satisfactory pulsatile pump for cardiopulmonary bypass has been a problem in the past but the pump presented here may satisfy this need. It produces physiologic pulsatility with rate dependent ejection time equal to or less than that of humans (413 µs minus 1.7 times heart rate), and it is preload-responsive, varying its pumping rate and output with filling pressure. The pump is externally valved to minimize hemolysis, which has been demonstrate...
Asymptotic solutions to the matrix Riccati equation

Abstract This paper describes a new computational method for calculating the asymptotic solution to the matrix Riccati equation. This method is fast, efficient and gives all possible solutions to the matrix quadratic form. Matrix sign functions are used to find the asymptotic solutions.
Crystal structure of a phosphatase-resistant mutant of sporulation response regulator Spo0F from Bacillus subtilis.

Background: Spo0F, a phosphotransferase containing an aspartyl pocket, is involved in the signaling pathway (phosphorelay) controlling sporulation in Bacillus subtilis. It belongs to the superfamily of bacterial response regulatory proteins, which are activated upon phosphorylation of an invariant aspartate residue. This phosphorylation is carried out in a divalent cation dependent reaction catalyzed by cognate histidine kinases. Knowledge of the Spo0F structure would provide valuable information that would enable the elucidation of its function as a secondary messenger in a system in which a phosphate is donated from Spo0F to Spo0B, the third of four main proteins that constitute the phosphorelay. Results: We have determined the crystal structure of a Rap phosphatase resistant mutant, Spo0F Tyr13→Ser, at 1.9 A resolution. The structure was solved by single isomorphous replacement and anomalous scattering techniques. The overall structural fold is (b/a)5 and contains a central b sheet. The active site of the molecule is formed by three aspartate residues and a lysine residue which come together at the C terminus of the b sheet. The active site accommodates a calcium ion. Conclusions: The structural analysis reveals that the overall topology and metal-binding coordination at the active site are similar to those of the bacterial chemotaxis response regulator CheY. Structural differences between Spo0F and CheY in the vicinity of the active site provide an insight into how similar molecular scaffolds can be adapted to perform different biological roles by the alteration of only a few amino acid residues. These differences may contribute to the observed stability of the phosphorylated species of Spo0F, a feature demanded by its role as a secondary messenger within the phosphorelay system which controls sporulation.
pH dependent copper binding properties of a CuA azurin variant with both bridging cysteines replaced with serines

Abstract A double mutant of CuA azurin was prepared in which both bridging cysteine thiolate ligands of the binuclear CuA center were replaced by serine. The copper binding properties of this protein were investigated, and shown to be pH dependent. At lower pH (5.2 ± 0.1), the protein binds one copper per protein molecule as demonstrated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Copper titrations resulted in electronic absorptions at 730 nm (peak) and ca. 330 nm (shoulder) in the UV–Vis spectrum. EPR data show a four line pattern with hyperfine A∥ = 150 G and g∥ and g⊥ values 2.32 and 2.03, characteristic of a type II (T2) copper. Superhyperfines to two nitrogen atoms were also observed. At higher pH (8.5 ± 0.1), the protein binds upto two copper atoms per protein molecule, and copper titrations exhibit a blue transition at 595 nm in the UV–Vis spectrum. The EPR data are consistent with two monomeric sites very similar to one another having hyperfines A∥ = 182 and 150 G, g∥ = 2.24 and 2.22 and a similar g⊥ value of 2.01. These results indicate that both bridging cysteines play a critical role in the CuA center, and replacing them with serines is not enough to maintain the symmetrical diamond core structure or the characteristic electronic and functional properties of the CuA center.
Bayes' Theorem and the echocardiographic diagnosis of cardiac tamponade

Abstract In conclusion, although sensitivities and specificities of these signs are quite good, their predictive values are highly dependent on the pretest likelihood of tamponade. Consequently, when evaluating echocardiographic signs in a patient with a pericardial effusion, they must not be interpreted in isolation, but rather, with knowledge of the patient's underlying clinical status as well as other determinants of the patient's pretest probability of cardiac tamponade.
MRI of the liver—how to do it

This article details indications, patient preparation, pulse sequences/protocols, and contrast agents for pediatric hepatobiliary MRI. When performed well, MRI provides superior diagnostic information relative to CT for evaluation of hepatic tumors, liver transplants, and biliary disease.
Birth of ophthalmic trigeminal neurons initiates early in the placodal ectoderm

The largest of the cranial ganglia, the trigeminal ganglion, relays cutaneous sensations of the head to the central nervous system. Its sensory neurons have a dual origin from both ectodermal placodes and neural crest. Here, we show that the birth of neurons derived from the chick ophthalmic trigeminal placode begins prior to their ingression (HH11), as early as HH8, and considerably earlier than previously suspected (HH16). Furthermore, cells exiting the cell cycle shortly thereafter express the ophthalmic trigeminal placode marker Pax3 (HH9). At HH11, these postmitotic Pax3+ placode cells begin to express the pan-neuronal marker neurofilament while still in the ectoderm. Analysis of the ectodermal origin and distribution of these early postmitotic neurons reveals that the ophthalmic placode extends further rostrally than anticipated, contributing to neurons that reside in and make a significant contribution to the ophthalmic trigeminal nerve. These data redefine the timing and extent of neuron formation from the ophthalmic trigeminal placode.
Prevention of human immunodeficiency virus infection: our responsibilities as health care professionals.

The prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a major responsibility of health care professionals. This paper deals with the virus itself—its history and prevalent modes of transmission. The low risk of HIV transmission in health care settings and through casual contact is emphasized. A discussion of prevalence rates in the United States is followed by an explanation of methods to prevent HIV infection through testing, counseling, limiting sexual transmission, screening of blood and blood products, reducing risk among intravenous drug users, avoiding perinatal transmission, practicing safety measures in health care settings, and implementing educational goals.
Taxonomy of Tetradymia (Compositae: Senecioneae)

This paper comprises a comprehensive taxonomic revision ofTetradymia DC., including clarification of circumscriptions, nomenclature, and distributions of constituent taxa. Discussion includes consideration of anatomy, chromosome number and behavior, phenology and reproductive biology, and phylogeny. Nomenclatural changes result in two new combinations:Tetradymia tetrameres andTetradymia axillaris var.longispina.
Real-time systems design methodologies: an introduction and a survey

Abstract In this article we describe examples of real-time systems in an attempt to characterize such systems. We address the issues as they relate to real-time embedded software systems, and issues that distinguish them from other software systems. The key feature of real-time systems is the timely response requirement. This often implies concurrent processing. The critical nature of many real-time applications necessitate fault-tolerant implementations. Future real-time systems will be more complex and would require distributed implementations. Although several design methods and tools have been proposed, they fall short in meeting all the requirements. We include a “wish-list” of desirable features of future software tools.
The boundaries of trust: own and others' actions in the US and China

This paper examines the boundaries of trust and trustworthiness in the United States and China. In each country we measure how reported trust and trustworthiness change as the social distance to one’s partner increases. We also compare the influence of social distance on one’s own behavior versus its influence on one’s expectations of another’s behavior. We find participants in the US to be well-calibrated in this respect; actions and expectations move in similar ways in response to social distance. In China however, individuals report themselves to be more responsive to social distance than they expect others to be.
Generation of a single-cycle optical pulse

We make use of coherent control of four-wave mixing to the ultraviolet as a diagnostic and describe the generation of a periodic optical waveform where the spectrum is sufficiently broad that the envelope is approximately a single-cycle in length, and where the temporal shape of this envelope may be synthesized by varying the coefficients of a Fourier series. Specifically, using seven sidebands, we report the generation of a train of single-cycle optical pulses with a pulse width of 1.6 fs, a pulse separation of 11 fs, and a peak power of 1 MW.
Living with Hepatitis C: Qualitative Interviews with Hepatitis C-infected Veterans

Background Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection affects millions of people in the USA and prevalence rates are higher in US veterans. The consequences of HCV infection include reduced quality of life, liver damage, and reduced longevity.
Fabrication and characterization of InGaAs-GaAs quantum wire arrays by selective-area metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

We discuss the fabrication and optical characterization of strained-layer InGaAs-GaAs nanometer scale wire arrays grown by selective-area MOCVD on silicon dioxide patterned substrates. The wire patterns studied were obtained by high resolution electron beam lithography on PMMA using a silicon dioxide lift-off process. The dependence of the growth structure on the wire orientation is presented. Wire arrays aligned parallel to the [011] crystal direction are found to be the extremely useful for the growth of narrow quantum wire structures. Due to the faceted nature of the growth, a large non-linear enhancement of growth inside the wire region is observed. In addition, the results of gas phase diffusion growth simulations on the expected inhomogeneity of the fabricated quantum wires are presented. The degree of inhomogeneity of fabricated quantum wire arrays was studied by spatially resolved photoluminescence. Our results show that a suitable patterning technique, coupled with proper growth conditions, could allow control of the selective growth profile across the wire array. Finally, the growth of strained wires with a lateral dimension of less than 50 nm is displayed along with optical characterization of the quantum wires by low temperature photoluminescence.
Direct Isolation and Characterization of “Flat” SV40-transformed Cells

UNDER standard culture conditions cells of the permanent mouse embryo line BALB/c-3T3 cease to divide when cell to cell contact is made and thus are characterized as sensitive to density dependent inhibition of growth. A loss of this aspect of growth control is commonly used as a selective means for recovering SV40-transformants because such transformed cells continue to divide in conditions in which nontransformed cells remain confined to the monolayer1. SV40-transformants selected by their ability to overgrow the monolayer commonly attain population densities ten to fifteen times greater than nontransformed cells, although viral transformants of low saturation density termed “flat revertants” may be obtained from transformed clonal lines by negative selection with 5-fluoro-2-deoxyuridine2, or by passage on cell layers fixed with glutar aldehyde3.
Effects of a synthetic crude oil on pond benthic insects

Abstract We describe the effects on pond benthic insects of a synthetic (coal-derived) crude oil at doses equivalent to 375, 75 and 15 ml oil m −3 pond water. Total insect abundance and abundance by taxon, total biomass and biomass by taxon, number of taxa, and species diversity based on abundance and biomass were all used as measures of community-level stress. The highest dose caused immediate and drastic effects, evident in all indices of stress. These effects were observed at concentrations of total phenols and oil:water ratios lower than those found to be toxic in laboratory acute bioassays. Populations of the midge Chironomus decorus in one of the medium dose ponds were stimulated, apparently an indirect effect of toxicity of the oil to the macrophyte Elodea canadensis Three months after the dosing, there was some recovery of the pond insects, even at the highest doses examined. In comparison with indices based solely on numerical abundance, indices of stress incorporating data on biomass of individual organisms did not add appreciably to the understanding of effects.
Static conformational distributions in the solid state: Analysis and application to angular dispersion in side chain orientations in model tyrosine in aqueous glass

The analysis of static conformational distributions in the solid state to reveal the equilibrium thermodynamic properties of the motion prior to rigidification is described. The analysis is applied...
The Ideal Free Distribution: Theory and Engineering Application

We extend the theory of the "ideal free distribution" (IFD) from theoretical ecology by providing methods to analytically find the distribution for a relatively general class of "suitability" functions. We show that the resulting IFD is a Nash equilibrium and an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS). Moreover, we show that for a certain cost function it is a global optimum point. We introduce the "replicator dynamics" for the IFD and show that we provide an allocation strategy that is guaranteed to achieve the IFD. Finally, we show how this allocation strategy can achieve an IFD for a multizone temperature control problem that corresponds to achieving the maximum uniform temperature on a grid under a multivariable saturation constraint
Benjamin Franklin, F.R.S., Sir Joshua Reynolds, F.R.S., P.R.A., Benjamin West, P.R.A. and the invention of bifocals.

For nearly two centuries now, the invention of bifocal spectacles has been almost exclusively attributed to Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790). Pieces of evidence exist, however, that make such sole attribution for such a simple, yet so important, an invention, questionable or even improbable. The aim of this paper is to review the evidence and to examine the principal roles, interrelationships and influences, of three persons involved in the early history of bifocals, namely Benjamin Franklin, and two famous artists, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Benjamin West.
GRIN lens and GRIN lens array fabrication with diffusion-driven photopolymer

We introduce a new method to make gradient index (GRIN) lenses and GRIN lens arrays by exposing diffusion-driven photopolymers using a low-power CW laser. By changing the size and power of the laser beam and the exposure time, the index profile of the GRIN lens can be controlled. A novel feature of this process is that the polymer can be cast on both sides of a micro-optic, followed by exposure and diffusion to develop perfectly aligned lenses.
Application-specific network-on-chip architecture synthesis based on set partitions and Steiner trees

This paper considers the problem of synthesizing application-specific network-on-chip (NoC) architectures. We propose two heuristic algorithms called CLUSTER and DECOMPOSE that can systematically examine different set partitions of communication flows, and we propose Rectilinear-Steiner-tree (RST) based algorithms for generating an efficient network topology for each group in the partition. Different evaluation functions in fitting with the implementation backend and the corresponding implementation technology can be incorporated into our solution framework to evaluate the implementation cost of the set partitions and RST topologies generated. In particular, we experimented with an implementation cost model based on the power consumption parameters of a 70 nm process technology where leakage power is a major source of energy consumption. Experimental results on a variety of NoC benchmarks showed that our synthesis results can on average achieve a 6.92 x reduction in power consumption over the best standard mesh implementation. To further gauge the effectiveness of our heuristic algorithms, we also implemented an exact algorithm that enumerates all distinct set partitions. For the benchmarks where exact results could be obtained, our CLUSTER and DECOMPOSE algorithms on average can achieve results within 1% and 2% of exact results, with execution times all under 1 second whereas the exact algorithms took as much as 4.5 hours.
Alcohol and alcohol problems research 10. The United States.

Summary Alcohol research in the United States is reviewed within an historical perspective of five decades. The status of current research in the biological and the behavioral sciences is considered in the context of a changing climate of public concern about alcohol problems and changes in scientific interests, funding resources and organizational mechanisms for supporting research. The need for a biobehavioral perspective in alcohol research is emphasized.
Viral Labyrinthitis-Histopathologic Characteristics

The histopathologic evidence so far available from cases of known viral endolymphatic labyrinthine disease, as well as from several cases in which the viral origin has been clinically indicated but...
Transcriptome Profiling Following Neuronal and Glial Expression of ALS-Linked SOD1 in Drosophila

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) generally is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease. Mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene account for approximately 20% of familial ALS and 2% of all ALS cases. Although a number of hypotheses have been proposed to explain mutant SOD1 toxicity, the molecular mechanisms of the disease remain unclear. SOD1-linked ALS is thought to function in a non–cell-autonomous manner such that motoneurons are critical for the onset, and glia contribute to progression of the disease. Recently, it has been shown in Drosophila melanogaster that expression of human SOD1 in a subset of neuronal cells causes synaptic transmission defects, modified motor function, and altered sensitivity to compounds that induce oxidative stress. Here we used the Gal4-UAS (Upstream Activation Sequence) system to further characterize flies expressing wild-type Drosophila SOD1 (dSOD1) and the mutant human SOD1G85R (G85R) allele in motoneurons and glia. Cell-specific expression of both dSOD1 and G85R was found to influence lifespan, affect sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide, and alter lipid peroxidation levels. To better understand the genetic consequences of G85R expression in motoneurons and glia, we conducted microarray analysis of both young flies (5 days old) and old flies (45 days old) expressing G85R selectively in motoneurons or glia and concurrently in motoneurons and glia. Results from this microarray experiment identified candidate genes for further investigation and may help elucidate the individual and combined contributions of motoneurons and glia in ALS.
Management control systems, business strategy and performance: A comparative analysis of family and non-family businesses in a transition economy in sub-Saharan Africa☆

This article compared the relationships among management control systems (MCS), business strategy and firm performance in family businesses (FBs) and non-family businesses (NFBs) in the context of a transition economy in sub-Saharan Africa that has not been previously studied – Ghana. The findings indicated that the influence of MCS on business strategy is contingent on whether the firm is a FB or NFB. The influence of (i) DCS on the cost leadership strategy is stronger for NFBs than FBs; (ii) ICS on the differentiation strategy is stronger for FBs than NFBs; and (iii) the dynamic tension created by the joint use of DCS and ICS on both the cost leadership and differentiation strategies is stronger for FBs than NFBs. Moreover, business strategy mediates the MCS-performance relationships; however, both the indirect and total impacts of MCS on performance are stronger for FBs than NFBs.
COURTSHIP OF THE TWO FEMALE MORPHS OF MELITTOBIA DIGITATA (HYMENOPTERA: EULOPHIDAE)

Abstract Courtship of sib-mating Melittobia digitata Dahms, a parasitoid of solitary wasps and bees, is reviewed, described, and quantified for 125 virgins of the non-dispersing brachypterous female (BF) morph paired with 24 experienced males, and for 158 virgins of the dispersing macropterous female (MF) morph paired with 21 males. Males performed 1-5 courtship bouts with both morphs; about half of all successful matings in both morphs occurred after a single bout. Depending on number of bouts performed, mean courtship durations ranged from 47-268 sec for MFs and 59-277 sec for BFs. Courtship success rates were greater for BF couples (80%) than for MF couples (57%). Compared to BF couples, MF couples were more apt to undergo multiple bouts. Results are interpreted in the context of the morphs" life history and the costs/benefits of alternatives. Failure to initiate any courtship during the 15-min observation period (22% for MF pairs, 21% for BF pairs) appeared to be due to apparent lack of interest or to...
Mechanistic studies on the photochemical deprotection of 3',5'-dimethoxybenzoin esters.

Abstract Several mechanistic alternatives proposed for the photochemical deprotection of dimethoxybenzoin esters are presented. Both experimental and theoretical evidence suggest the mechanism is heterolysis of the singlet excited state to form a carboxylate and the α-ketocation. The α-ketocation has been observed by transient spectroscopy. We propose the α-ketocation undergoes electrocyclization to an intermediate with extended conjugation, whose deprotonation gives the observed benzofuran product. A Bronsted study of the rates of benzofuran formation with dimethoxybenzoin esters derived from acids of varying pKa shows the rate is independent of the basicity of the leaving group. In this multistep reaction, benzofuran formation by a final deprotonation is slower than α-ketocation generation.
Disability Studies, Disability Services: Would Addressing the Gap in Professional Communication Impact Implementation of the ADA?

The Civil Rights Movement spurred social changes that impacted many, including people with disabilities; while the ADA ideally provides the groundwork for greater accessibility, accessibility is an ideal that is not yet fully realized. The professionals in Disability Studies and those in Disability Services are working in often parallel contexts with little overlap and still very limited intentional interaction. This article suggests possible goals that deliberate coalition forming between the fields could set that would facilitate greater accessibility to educational environments, coalitions being informed in part by the specialized knowledge that each field contributes. As happened during the Civil Rights Movement, ideas and processes which begin on campus then have an opportunity to be carried out into broader social contexts, increasing equitable access beyond campus settings and more fully realizing the goals of the ADA.
DNS/LES Simulations of Separated Flows at High Reynolds Numbers

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) and large-eddy simulations (LES) simulations of flow through a periodic channel with a constriction are performed using the dynamic Smagorinsky model at two Reynolds numbers of 2800 and 10595. The LES equations are solved using higher order compact schemes. DNS are performed for the lower Reynolds number case using a fine grid and the data are used to validate the LES results obtained with a coarse and a medium size grid. LES simulations are also performed for the higher Reynolds number case using a coarse and a medium size grid. The results are compared with an existing reference data set. The DNS and LES results agreed well with the reference data. Reynolds stresses, sub-grid eddy viscosity, and the budgets for the turbulent kinetic energy are also presented. It is found that the turbulent fluctuations in the normal and spanwise directions have the same magnitude. The turbulent kinetic energy budget shows that the production peaks near the separation point region and the production to dissipation ratio is very high on the order of five in this region. It is also observed that the production is balanced by the advection, diffusion, and dissipation in the shear layer region. The dominant term is the turbulent diffusion that is about two times the molecular dissipation.
The effect of chronic insulin therapy on phosphate metabolism in diabetes mellitus

Plasma and urine phosphate concentrations were improved in 21 patients with diabetes mellitus during “optimal” metabohc control as compared with “suboptimal” control. During the “suboptimal” control phase the daily insulin dosage averaged 38 ±22 (SD) U/day and the mean plasma glucose levels averaged 17.1 ± 1.8 mmol/l, while during the “optimal” control phase the daily insulin dosage averaged 84 ± 59 U/day and the mean plasma glucose level was 6.2 ± 1.4 mmol/l. The institution of rigid diabetic control over 4–10 days significantly raised serum phosphorus from 1.12 ± 0.16 to 1.26 ±0.19 mmol/l (p < 0.001), and decreased urinary phosphorus excretion from 686 ± 125 to 588 ±88 mg/day (p < 0.001). These changes were associated with significant reductions in urinary calcium, urinary glucose, plasma immunoreactive glucagon and serum parathyroid hormone. The diminution in urinary phosphorus loss may have been due to diminished glycosuria but equally could have been influenced by a direct action of insulin on the renal tubule or suppression of glucagon and parathyroid hormone secretion. Under the conditions of this study, reduced urinary phosphorus may have been sufficient to cause a rise in serum phosphorus despite the known effects of insulin on the cellular influx of phosphorus.
Cytogenetics of ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea). 18. Chromosomes and laboratory biology of Amblyomma dissimile.

Male Amblyomma dissimile possess 10 autosomal bivalents and 1 sex univalent chromosome. Anaphase I is the reductional division, and anaphase II is the equational division for the single sex chromosome. Chromosomal configurations indicate terminal centromeres on all chromosomes. Mitotic cells show 20 autosomes plus 1 sex chromosome. Individuals of all developmental stages of this species feed on reptiles, and only larvae also feed readily on rabbits. Developmental periods are more variable than those usually seen in mammalian tick parasites, and adults congregate in close proximity to one another while feeding. Individual females vary in their expression of parthenogenesis (thelytoky) from producing eggs with no embryonic development to fully embryonated eggs, some of which hatch.
Elevations in cardiac troponin measurements: false false-positives: the real truth.

The development of assays for troponin markers has improved cardiovascular diagnosis. However, because the assays are so sensitive and specific, elevations are often detected in patients without overt coronary artery disease. Some would like to attribute such elevations to biological “false positives.” That is rarely the case. There can be analytic false positives but most such elevations are indicative of subtle degrees of cardiac injury, many not related to ischemic heart disease. The spectrum of such increases and their potential etiologies are elaborated in this article.
Seismic refraction measurements in the Atlantic ocean (Part 3)

A reversed seismic refraction measurement was made in 2800 fms. of water at Latitude 34°N., Longitude 66°30'W. (120 miles northwest of Bermuda and 400 miles east of Cape Hatteras). The ocean floor was found to be composed of two layers. A velocity of 24,800 ft. per sec. (7.58 km. per sec.) was found for the second layer. This was identified with the Pn waves of earthquake seismology attributed to the basaltic layer found below the Mohorovicic discontinuity. A first layer was clearly present, but the velocity was not determined. A velocity of 5600 ft. per sec. (1.70 km. per sec.) was assumed, giving a thickness of 4500 feet for this sedimentary layer. This velocity was chosen from some of our earlier measurements, as yet mostly unpublished. The granitic and intermediate layers are thus absent beneath the ocean floor at this point. The velocity of the basaltic layer compares favorably with those of Slichter in New England and with Jeffreys' world average. A detailed report of this work is being submitted for publication to the Journal of the Seismological Society entitled, Seismic refraction measurements in the Atlantic Ocean Basin, Part I, by Maurice Ewing, J. L. Worzel, J. B. Hersey, Frank Press, and G. R. Hamilton.
Why Wrestle with Being and Time? A Justification of Heidegger’s Methodology of Obscurantism and Obfuscation

It seems that complaints about Heidegger’s style of writing are common fare in secondary literature and the classroom. This paper argues that both Heidegger’s obtuseness and obscurantism work as methodological devices for effectively communicating and demonstrating his thought. By obfuscating, he forces breakdowns, which pulls the reader out of her ready-to-hand mode of reading/revealing, which otherwise threatens to fall into comprehending via reference from one’s average everydayness. By being obscure in some passages where taking the meaning in multiple ways will not interfere with the main points being made, Heidegger enables his students to form personal (existentiell) interpretations, allowing for the possibility of authenticity. Therefore, one of the most hated aspects of BT defence of a person, or vindication of an institution, etc., from accusation or aspersion.” Res Cogitans (2016) 7 Mckerracher | 159 2155-4838 | commons.pacificu.edu/rescogitans (BT in other words, instead of cluttering one’s thoughts with additional knowledge to be heaped upon or against pre-existing assumptions, the study of B&T clears a region for authentic thinking in a less obstructed light. Even when, with someone like Foucault, the influence is less obvious, one can reasonably doubt that his work would have provided such a novel perspective if not for Heidegger’s clearing. Indeed, near the end of his life Foucault gave credit to Heidegger as always being his “essential philosopher.” 2 Although much of what will be argued in this paper can and probably does apply to his later work, this paper focuses on B&T as the essential Heidegger text. 3 Levinas, Emmanuel. Ethics and Infinity, Richard A. Cohen. (Pittsburg: Duquesne University Press, 1985), 41. 4 Thomson, Iain. "Rethinking Levinas on Heidegger on Death," The Harvard Review of Philosophy, Vol. XVI (Fall 2009), pp. 23-43. 5 Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time, trans. Macquarrie and Robinson (New York: Harper & Row, 1962), 167. 6 Elden, Stuart. Mapping the Present: Heidegger, Foucault and the Project of a Spatial History. (Bloomsbury Academic: 2002) 1. Res Cogitans (2016) 7 Mckerracher | 16
Advanced Machine Learning Models for Coreference Resolution

Despite being the most influential learning-based coreference model, the mention-pair model is unsatisfactory from both a linguistic perspective and a modeling perspective: its focus on making local coreference decisions involving only two mentions and their contexts makes it even less expressive than the coreference systems developed in the pre-statistical NLP era. Realizing its weaknesses, researchers have developed many advanced coreference models over the years. In particular, there is a gradual shift from local models towards global models, which seek to address the weaknesses of local models by exploiting additional information beyond that of the local context. In this chapter, we will discuss these advanced models for coreference resolution.
Imaging of HTLV-1 neurological disease in a new endemic area

The extent of HTLV-1 myelopathy and encephalopathy can be shown by standard MRI techniques without intravenous contrast medium injections. CT myelography is less sensitive but can show advanced myelopathy.