cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subpicometer thermal shifts in silicon photonic micro-ring resonators with sol-gel claddings (Conference Presentation)

Electronic interconnects are reaching their limit in terms of speed, dimensions and permissible power consumption. This has been a major concern in data centers and large scale computing platforms, creating limits to their scalability especially with respect to power consumption. Silicon photonic-electronic integration is viewed as a viable alternative that enables reliability, high efficiency, low cost and small footprint. In particular, silicon with its high refractive index, has enabled the integration a many individual optical elements (ring resonators) in small areas. Though silicon has a high thermo-optic coefficient (1.8×10^-4/°C) compared to silica, small thermal fluctuations can affect the optical performance especially for WDM applications. Therefore, a passive athermal solution for silicon photonic devices is required in order to reduce thermal sensitivity and power consumption. We have achieved this goal by replacing the silica top cladding with negative thermo-optic coefficient (TOC) materials. While polymers and titanium dioxide(titania) have a negative TOC, polymers can’t handle high temperature processing and titania needs very tight thickness control and expensive deposition under vacuum. In this work we propose to use a sol-gel inorganic-organic hybrid material that has the benefits of both worlds. We were able to find optimum curing conditions to athermalize ring resonators by studying various sol-gel curing times and curing temperatures. Our athermal rings operate in a wide temperature range from 5C – 100C with thermal shifts below 1pm/C and low loss. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our athermal approach does not deleteriously effect critical device parameters, such as insertion loss and resonator Q factors.
Robust Stabilization of Constrained Bilinear Systems

Abstract The problem of asymptotic stabilization of uncertain bilinear systems containing saturating actuators is discussed. Using a state-feedback approach, sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the stability of the saturating system in the presence of a norm-bounded, possibly nonlinear uncertainty. The time-domain robust stability conditions presented for continuous-time bilinear systems make use of the measure of a matrix and depend on bounds of the relevant matrices and the initial state. The region of attraction for the system is characterized.
Development and operation of innovative scum to biodiesel pilot-system for the treatment of floatable wastewater scum

Abstract A novel process was developed for the biorefining of floatable wastewater scum and other waste oils from water treatment facilities into biodiesel and other value-added bio-products. To test the scalability and commercial potential of the technology, a 7000 l/year pilot-scale system was designed and built. Scum from a wastewater treatment facility, located in St. Paul, Mn, was collected and converted into methyl esters (biodiesel) according to the process chemistry. All of the incoming and outgoing process streams were sampled, tested, weighed and recorded to calculate both the process efficiency and product quality. Data from the pilot-scale system operation was compared to laboratory results and the theoretically expected values for each individual unit operation. The biodiesel was tested using a third party laboratory and confirmed it met all of the US EPA’s test requirements for commercial-grade biodiesel.
How to Assess Students: Assess Frequently

Students do not always spend enough time studying. How can we encourage them to study more? In this chapter, we show that a lot depends on the grading policy. At first glance, the problem of grading may seem straightforward: since our objective is that the students gain the largest amount of knowledge and skills at the end of the class, the grade should describe this amount. We show, however, that it is exactly this seemingly straightforward grading policy that often leads to an unfortunate learning behavior.
Private-Sector Research and Development

Over the past several decades, the private sector has assumed a larger role in research and development (R&D) for food and agriculture. Private companies fund nearly all food processing R&D and perform a growing share of production-oriented R&D for agriculture. The willingness of private companies to invest in agricultural R&D has been influenced by policies toward intellectual property rights, regulations, and antitrust. As private R&D capacity in food and agriculture has grown, so have institutional partnerships for public-private research collaboration. An important implication for public science policy is whether public R&D complements or competes with private R&D. This chapter reviews these developments and the major forces driving them.
Genetic analyses of resistance to the peach root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne floridensis) using microsatellite markers

Most commercially important rootstocks for peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] had been selected for resistance to one or more of the root-knot nematode (RKN) species: Meloidogyne incognita, M. arenaria, and M. javanica. The peach root-knot nematode, M. floridensis (MF), is a relatively newly discovered threat to peach and is not controlled by resistance genes in “Nemared,” “Nemaguard,” and “Okinawa.” The “Flordaguard” peach seedling rootstock, conventionally bred to provide resistance to MF, has solely been used for low-chill peach production in Florida for over 20 years and has already shown signs of resistance breakdown. A source of high resistance to the pathogenic MF isolate (“MFGnv14”) was identified from wild peach Prunus kansuensis Rehder (Kansu peach), thereby suggesting the potential for broadening spectrum and increasing durability of resistance in peach rootstocks through interspecific hybridization with P. kansuensis. Using 12 F2 and BC1F1 populations derived from crosses between Okinawa or Flordaguard peach and P. kansuensis populations, we examined the genetic control for MF resistance by identifying associated microsatellite markers and determining genomic location of the resistance locus. One microsatellite marker (UDP98-025) showed strong and consistent association with resistance based on root-galling index. The resistance locus was mapped on the subtelomeric region of linkage group 2, co-localizing with other previously reported RKN resistance genes in Prunus. Segregation of gall-index-based resistance observed in F2 and BC1F1 populations is compatible with the involvement of a multiallelic locus wherein a dominant (Mf1) or recessive (mf3) resistance allele is inherited from P. kansuensis, and susceptibility alleles (mf2) from peach.
Varieties of algebras in fuzzy set theory

Many algebras arise in the study of fuzzy set theory, including the unit interval with a negation, a t-norm, or both. We investigate equational properties of such algebras.
Generalized Classification Criteria

We have now developed a number of simple criteria, solely involving the one step transition function, which enable us to classify quite general Markov chains. We have seen, for example, that the equivalences in Theorem 11.0.1, Theorem 13.0.1, or Theorem 15.0.1 give an effective approach to the analysis of many systems.
Assessing Burden of Care in the Patient With Cleft Lip and Palate: Factors Influencing Completion and Noncompletion of Nasoalveolar Molding.

Objective:Evaluate the factors that influence caregiver-reported completion of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy for patients with cleft lip and palate.Design:An IRB-approved 30-question survey.Se...
Biexponential T1ρ relaxation mapping of human knee menisci.

Background Measuring T1ρ in the knee menisci can potentially be used as noninvasive biomarkers in detecting early-stage osteoarthritis (OA). Purpose To demonstrate the feasibility of biexponential T1ρ relaxation mapping of human knee menisci. Study type Prospective. Population Eight healthy volunteers with no known inflammation, trauma, or pain in the knee and three symptomatic subjects with early knee OA. Field strength/sequence Customized Turbo-FLASH sequence to acquire 3D-T1ρ -weighted images on a 3 T MRI scanner. Assessment T1ρ relaxation values were assessed in 11 meniscal regions of interest (ROIs) using monoexponential and biexponential models. Statistical tests Nonparametric rank-sum tests, Kruskal-Wallis test, and coefficient of variation. Results The mean monoexponential T1ρ relaxation in the lateral menisci were 28.05 ± 4.2 msec and 37.06 ± 10.64 msec for healthy subjects and early knee OA patients, respectively, while the short and long components were 8.07 ± 0.5 msec and 72.35 ± 3.2 msec for healthy subjects and 2.63 ± 2.99 msec and 55.27 ± 24.76 msec for early knee OA patients, respectively. The mean monoexponential T1ρ relaxation in the medial menisci were 34.30 ± 3.8 msec and 37.26 ± 11.38 msec for healthy and OA patients, respectively, while the short and long components were 7.76 ± 0.7 msec and 72.19 ± 4.2 msec for healthy subjects and 3.06 ± 3.24 msec and 55.27 ± 24.59 msec for OA patients, respectively. Statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were observed in the monoexponential relaxation between some of the ROIs. The T1ρ,short was significantly lower (P = 0.02) in the patients than controls. The rmsCV% ranges were 1.51-16.6%, 3.59-14.3%, and 4.91-15.6% for T1ρ -mono, T1ρ -short, and T1ρ -long, respectively. Data conclusion Our results showed that in all ROIs, T1ρ relaxation times of outer zones (red zones) were less than inner zones (white zones). Monoexponential T1ρ was increased in medial, lateral, and body menisci of early OA while the biexponential numbers were decreased in early OA patients. Level of evidence 2 Technical Efficacy Stage: 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:824-835.
BCI2000Web and WebFM: Browser-Based Tools for Brain Computer Interfaces and Functional Brain Mapping.

BCI2000 has been a popular platform for development of real-time brain computer interfaces (BCIs). Since BCI2000's initial release, web browsers have evolved considerably, enabling rapid development of internet-enabled applications and interactive visualizations. Linking the amplifier abstraction and signal processing native to BCI2000 with the host of technologies and ease of development afforded by modern web browsers could enable a new generation of browser-based BCIs and visualizations. We developed a server and filter module called BCI2000Web providing an HTTP connection capable of escalation into an RFC6455 WebSocket, which enables direct communication between a browser and a BCI2000 distribution in real-time, facilitating a number of novel applications. We also present a JavaScript module, bci2k.js, that allows web developers to create paradigms and visualizations using this interface in an easy-to-use and intuitive manner. To illustrate the utility of BCI2000Web, we demonstrate a browser-based implementation of a real-time electrocorticographic (ECoG) functional mapping suite called WebFM. We also explore how the unique characteristics of our browser-based framework make BCI2000Web an attractive tool for future BCI applications. BCI2000Web leverages the advances of BCI2000 to provide real-time browser-based interactions with human neurophysiological recordings, allowing for web-based BCIs and other applications, including real-time functional brain mapping. Both BCI2000 and WebFM are provided under open source licenses. Enabling a powerful BCI suite to communicate with today’s most technologically progressive software empowers a new cohort of developers to engage with BCI technology, and could serve as a platform for internet-enabled BCIs.
Molecular genetic testing methodologies in hematopoietic diseases: current and future methods.

Introduction Rapid technological advancements in clinical molecular genetics have increased our diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in health care. Understanding these assays, as well as how they may change over time, is critical for pathologists, clinicians, and translational researchers alike. Methods This review provides a practical summary and basic reference for current molecular genetic technologies, as well as new testing methodologies that are in use, gaining momentum, or anticipated to contribute more broadly in the future. Results Here, we discuss DNA and RNA based methodologies including classic assays such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Sanger sequencing, and microarrays, to more cutting-edge next-generation sequencing (NGS) based assays and emerging molecular technologies such as cell-free DNA (cfDNA) or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and NGS-based detection of infectious disease organisms. Conclusion This review serves as a basic foundation for knowledge in current and emerging clinical molecular genetic technologies.
Powder effects in SiC matrix layered structures fabricated using selective area laser deposition vapor infiltration (SALDVI)

Silicon carbide has been deposited by laser-induced chemical vapor infiltration from the gas precursor tetramethylsilane, Si(CH3)4, into loosely packed powder layers of SiC, ZrO2-Y2O3, or Mo. The goal is to produce dense layered structures of arbitrary shape by computer controlled laser scanning where the pore spaces between the powder particles are filled with solid material deposited from the gas phase using the selective area laser deposition vapor infiltration (SALDVI) process. Layered samples were fabricated for each powder material using both single line (bar) and multiple line (slab) laser scan patterns and 10 Torr Si(CH3)4, 2.5 μm/s scan speed, 1000°C target temperature, and 120 μm layer thickness. Samples of SiC and ZrO2-Y2O3 are prone to surface cracking in the bar geometry, and cracking and delamination of layers in the slab geometry. Samples fabricated with Mo powder have no cracks or delamination defects in either bar or slab geometry as well as a better surface appearance.
Quality of Life in Pediatric Neurosurgery: Comparing Parent and Patient Perceptions.

Background In the pediatric neurosurgical population, understanding how to mitigate the effects of disease on children's physical ability, social and psychological well-being, and education can have lasting effects on their development and family. Understanding parents' perceptions of their children's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is crucial in proper counseling, management of expectations, establishment of a healthy patient/parent–physician relationship, and understanding the role and impact of health care. In this study we sought to examine the differences between patient and parent perceptions of HRQoL and the factors that influence these differences. Methods A standardized survey (PedsQL Inventory) to assess physical, psychological, and social function and school performance was administered to both parents and patients in a general pediatric neurosurgery outpatient clinic from 2015–2018. Results 197 encounters with 179 patients occurred in the study period. There were 105 male and 92 female patients across various ethnic backgrounds. The most common diagnoses were tumor (23.4%) and vascular malformation (16.2%). Parent overall scores were lower than their children's (72.5 vs. 76.4, P Conclusions Parents have more negative assessments of their children's HRQoL compared with their children in all domains assessed by the PedsQL. Further research is needed to identify factors that contribute to these discrepancies.
Using Extinction to Increase Behavior: Capitalizing on Extinction-Induced Response Variability to Establish Mands With Autoclitic Frames

Members (behaviors) of a response class are equivalent in that they produce the same functional reinforcer. Oftentimes, some members of a response class occur at higher rates than others. This can be problematic when the members that occur at high rates are socially inappropriate (e.g., self-injury, aggression, or disruption). The participant in this study was a 16-year-old female diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who demonstrated aggression, one-word mands, and mands with autoclitic frames. In a series of contingency reversals, we placed 2 behaviors on extinction (e.g., aggression and one-word mands), which resulted in extinction-induced variability. Capitalizing on extinction-induced variability, we reinforced a different behavior (e.g., mands with autoclitic frames). The results confirmed that (a) the rate of responding for each topography was a function of extinction-induced response variability and differential reinforcement and (b) all response topographies belonged to the same response class. These results provide empirical support for the use of extinction-induced variability to differentially increase the rate of socially appropriate behaviors while decreasing socially inappropriate behaviors that belong to the same response class.
Corporate Diversification, Managerial Expansion, Firm Liquidity and Operating Performance: The Role of Segment Disclosure

We investigate the association between corporate international diversification and operating and market performance and firm spread (liquidity). We find, as expected, that foreign fixed assets of US firms are significantly and positively related to firm performance as measured by operating income, cash from operations, and liquidity. This evidence suggests that corporate international diversification reflects a unique dimension that is incremental to operating and market performance. Foreign fixed assets also are significantly and positively related to prices and returns, suggesting that foreign investments are wealth changing corporate decision. This finding not only complements our operating performance results and price regressions findings, but also suggests that a portion of US firms’ investment abroad is timely. Our inferences are robust to change specifications and controlling for previously identified determinants of spread, operating and market performance. Our price and return results suggest that investors incorporate geographic segmental assets data in their valuation model. Extending the analysis on partition sample — high versus low leverage firms, we document that both foreign assets of high and low leverage firms are significantly positively associated with share price and the coefficient on high leverage firms is significantly larger than the coefficient on low leverage firms.
Tele-Clinic Visits in Pediatric Marfan Patients using Parental Echo - Study Design, Methodology, and Parent Training

Purpose: Patients with Marfan syndrome are at risk for progressive aortic root dilation, which can lead to aortic dissection and death. These patients are monitored closely by echocardiography every 6-12 months. Since many Marfan patients live far away from specialized centers, these clinic visits represent a significant burden. We report the design, methodology, and training phase of a pilot intervention to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of tele-clinic visits using parental echocardiograms. Methods: Patients who met the following criteria are enrolled: Inclusion: 1) Marfan Syndrome by revised Ghent criteria; 2) …
DFT study of “unlayered graphene solid” formation, in liquid carbon droplets at low pressures

This atomistic modeling study is companion to new experimental work on carbon vapor slow-cooled in (a) the laboratory and (b) the atmosphere of ancient carbon-synthesizing stars. It specifically follows up on TEM clues about the nucleation of unlayered graphene sheets in a solidifying carbon liquid, to show that 5 atom loops may help explain evidence for faceted pentacones in a slow-cooled melt. This is also first in a series of modeling studies that may open the door to laboratory studies of (i) condensation in cool-giant star atmospheres and (ii) liquid carbon at low pressures.
Fertility health information seeking among sexual minority women

Objective To qualitatively explore and describe fertility information-seeking experiences of sexual minority women (SMW) couples using assisted reproduction. Design Qualitative thematic analysis of 30 semistructured, in-depth individual and dyadic interviews with SMW couples. Setting Video conferencing. Patient(s) Twenty self-identified lesbian, bisexual, and queer women comprising 10 same-sex cisfemale couples (10 gestational and 10 nongestational partners) using assisted reproduction technology in the United States. Intervention(s) Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s) We describe how SMW came to learn about ways to achieve pregnancy through information seeking, acquisition, appraisal, and use. Result(s) Analysis revealed three primary themes. First, uncertainty and information scarcity: SMW have basic knowledge about how to conceive but uncertainty persists due to information scarcity regarding how same-sex couples navigate assisted reproduction. Second, women attempt to collect fragmented information from disparate sources. The participants discussed a mixture of formal and informal, online, textual (books), and in-person seeking, finding, and synthesizing information that ranged from reliable to unreliable and from accurate to inaccurate. Finally, persistent heteronormative communication focused on the needs and conditions of male-female couples who experienced subfertility or infertility, rather than barriers related to social constraints and the absence of gametes that SMW sought to overcome. Conclusion(s) These findings support and extend existing evidence that has focused primarily on online fertility information seeking. Our findings suggest that shifts in fundamental assumptions about who seeks assisted reproductive support and why, together with improvements in fertility-related health communication, may result in more inclusive care for this population.
The Rational Continuum of Human Imitation

Mirror neuron’s common coding of action perception and action production raises exciting possibilities for understanding imitation’s neural basis. Thus far, however, theorizing on this score has been hampered by oversimplification of imitation’s complex cognitive reality. This chapter provides a starting point for addressing this problem, synthesizing a broad range of behavioral research into a theoretically unified conception of human imitation. Particular attention is paid to the problem of reconciling selective imitation, in which children rationally omit unnecessary aspects of an adult’s behavior, with overimitation, in which they seem to do exactly the opposite. The apparent contradiction is resolved by refining the notion of selective imitation to its underlying computational basis, and showing that this computational substrate in fact predicts observed patterns of overimitation. Selective imitation and overimitation are thus re-conceptualized as different sides of the same coin—two rational social learning strategies whose superficial opposition conceals a deeper mechanistic and conceptual commonality.
Heat and Mass Transfer From a Rotating Disk

Abstract : This paper contains the results of one phase of research program designed to investigate transfer phenomena in rotating systems. In this phase of the work mass transfer rates from a disk rotating at various speed in an infinite environment in laminar and turbulent flow were measured and compared with the results of an analysis which is also applicable to heat transfer. The effect of placing a stationary surface at various distances parallel to the rotating disk surface was investigated experimentally in the laminar flow regime. Some unusual observations of flow patterns resulting from transitional Goertler Vortices and from some as yet unexplained turbulent vortex phenomena are also reported.
Economic, political and ethnic influences on end-of-life decision-making: a decade in review.

Abstract Implementation of the Patient Self Determination Act (PSDA) a decade ago has been followed by considerable research examining usage of advance directives among patient populations as well as among health care professionals. This article summarizes the history of end-of-life medical treatment options and provides a discussion of critical economic, political, and legal events that preceded passage of the PSDA. A review of the literature during the decade that followed is presented including research exploring ethnic factors in the completion of advance directives. Barriers to completing advance directives by minority populations are discussed and considerations for policy makers are provided.
An overview of problems encountered in aptitude-treatment interaction (ATI) research for instruction

Mindful of the problems encountered in ATI research and the political, economic, and technological context within which future work will be undertaken, we suggest a more deliberate path than has been pursued in the past. A concerted effort by ATI researchers which focuses on a few tasks rather than on the whole matrix is more likely to demonstrate whether this research has a significant contribution to make to instructional practices.
Isolation, culture, and characterization of canine Sertoli cells

Primary Sertoli cell cultures have been established from several animals including the sheep and rhesus monkey; however, not for the domestic dog, Canis familiaris. Sertoli cells are the only readily accessible cell type in the body which expresses all six type IV collagens. These collagens play key roles in tissue structure, basement membrane formation, and filtration. The study of these genes is necessary to determine their exact roles and regulation in the aforementioned functions and to investigate diseases associated with mutations in these genes. For such studies, a cell culture system is a requisite tool. Therefore, Sertoli cells were targeted, and a culture was established from cells isolated from canine testes. Cultures maintained consistent morphology and steady growth for up to seven passages. Cultured cells were identified as Sertoli cells through positive Western blot results for SOX9 and Clusterin B proteins and transcript sequence verification of SOX9 as well as the presence of type IV collagen transcripts. Primary cultures of canine Sertoli cells will provide a useful tool for study of the function and regulation of collagen genes and will permit new research pertaining to canine health while also serving as a model for the study of human diseases.
Designing guidance for interpreting dynamic visualizations: Generating versus reading explanations

We compared designs of guidance to support students while interacting with dynamic visualizations of complex scientific phenomena in inquiry instruction. Three hundred thirty-two 7th-grade students were randomly assigned to either a reading or a generating condition and completed a web-based inquiry unit focusing on energy concepts in photosynthesis. When students interacted with a dynamic visualization of energy transformation, typical guidance provided text explanations while inquiry-oriented guidance asked students to generate their own explanations about three key energy transformation concepts. The results showed that both reading and generating explanations helped students interpret the visualization, but generating explanations was more beneficial. Students who generated explanations were better able to extract salient information and distinguish among multiple ideas. In particular, they made more connections between their understanding of energy transformation learned from the visualization to other energy concepts to articulate the process of photosynthesis than those who read instructional explanations. Analyses of log data revealed that students in each condition spent similar amounts of time learning from the visualization but navigated the activities in distinct ways and engaged in different kinds of collaborative discourse. This study builds on previous research showing the value of prompting students to generate explanations by clarifying the effective timing for such guidance and characterizing how it helps students make sense of visualizations. These results show that well-designed guidance enables students working in pairs to generate useful explanations for learning from visualizations and suggest promising designs for online instruction featuring dynamic visualizations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 51: 147–174, 2014
Clinical Utility of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome after Stem Cell Transplantation in Children and Adolescents.

Abstract Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical syndrome characterized by vision changes, altered mental status, and seizures, typically caused by an acute rise in blood pressure. PRES has been reported after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in association with hypertension from calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids. The imaging evaluation of PRES after HSCT in children and young adults has not been well described. We performed a retrospective review of all HSCT recipients presenting to the intensive care unit with new neurologic symptoms. A neuroradiologist reviewed all radiologic images and compared computed tomography (CT) versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings indicative of diagnosis of PRES. Alternative imaging diagnoses explaining the patients' symptoms were also recorded. Fifty-four transplant recipients were admitted to the intensive care unit with new neurologic symptoms. Thirty-nine percent (21 of 54) of subjects had imaging findings consistent with PRES, 24% (13 of 54) had imaging findings consistent with an alternative diagnosis, 9% (5 of 54) had a nonspecific finding, and 28% (15 of 54) had no acute imaging findings. PRES was diagnosed at a median of 49 days (interquartile range, 29 to 94) after HSCT. The presenting symptom for the majority of patients with PRES was seizures (86%), whereas 14% presented with acute encephalopathy. Ninety-five percent of subjects diagnosed with PRES (20 of 21) underwent a head CT as their initial imaging evaluation. CT scan was diagnostic of PRES in 40% (8 of 20). Subsequently, 16 patients underwent brain MRI with 12 additional patients being diagnosed with PRES on MRI. The median time elapsed between negative CT and a positive MRI examination was 20 hours (range, 3.6 hours to 9 days). CT serves as an excellent screening test for acute pathology, such as intracranial hemorrhage; however, it lacks sensitivity for the diagnosis of PRES. Patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of PRES who have a negative CT should be treated appropriately for PRES and should undergo MRI of the brain as soon as clinically stable to confirm the diagnosis.
Circuit breakers go high voltage

Over the last 50 years, high-voltage circuit breakers have become more reliable, more efficient, and more compact because the interrupting capability per break has been increased dramatically. These developments have not only produced major savings, but they have also had a massive impact on the layout of substations with respect to space requirements. New types of SF6 interrupting chambers, which implement innovative interrupting principles, have been developed during the last three decades with the objective of reducing the operating energy of the circuit breaker. This has led to reduced stress and wear of the mechanical components and consequently to an increased reliability of circuit breakers. Service experience shows that the expectations of the designers, with respect to reliability and day-to-day operation, have been fulfilled.
Controlling photochemical geometric isomerization of a stilbene and dimerization of a styrene using a confined reaction cavity in water.

Utility of a water-soluble deep cavity cavitand, octa acid, as a reaction medium is illustrated by carrying out photochemical reactions of a stilbene and a styrene included within the octa acid in water. Geometric isomerization of trans-4,4‘-dimethyl stilbene is restricted while dimerization of 4-methyl styrene is facilitated within the octa acid cavity. The excited-state chemistry of both systems is different in this medium from that in organic solvents. The change in chemistry is attributed to the supramolecular effects provided by the host cavity.
Tunneling in a simple bond scission: the surprising Barrier in the H loss from HCOOH(+).

The dissociation dynamics of gas phase formic acid ions (HCOOH+, DCOOD+, HCOOD+, DCOOH+) are investigated by threshold photoelectron-photoion coincidence (TPEPICO) spectroscopy and high level ab initio calculations. The slow rate constants for this seemingly simple H loss reaction and the large onset energy shifts due to isotopic substitution point to a substantial exit barrier through which the H or D atoms tunnel. Modeling of the HCOOH+ experimental data using RRKM theory with tunneling through an Eckart potential are best fitted with a barrier of about 17 kJ mol−1. High level ab initio calculations support the experimental findings with a computed barrier of 15.9 kJ mol−1, which is associated with the substantial geometry change between the product HOCO+ cation and the corresponding HCOOH+ molecular ion. Because of this exit channel barrier, the formic acid ion dissociation does not provide a route for determination of the HOCO+ heat of formation. Rather, the most accurate value comes from the calculat...
An elementary proof of Kharitonov's stability theorem with extensions

Gives an elementary proof of Kharitonov's theorem using simple complex plane geometry without invoking the Hermite-Bieler theorem. Kharitonov's theorem is a stability result for classes of polynomials defined by letting each coefficient vary independently in an arbitrary interval. The result states that the whole class is Hurwitz if and only if four special, well-defined polynomials are Hurwitz. The paper also gives elementary proofs of two previously known extensions: for polynomials of degree less than six, the requirement is reduced to fewer than four polynomials; and the theorem is generalized to polynomials with complex coefficients. >
Is transthoracic impedance arrhythmia specific? Experimental studies☆

Abstract Transthoracic impedance (TTI) is a major determinant of current flow in defibrillation, and it is therefore important to understand the factors that determine TTI. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias on TTI. In anesthetized, closed-chest dogs we measured TTI by means of a technique previously validated by us, which did not require administration of actual shocks. Measurements were made at baseline (sinus rhythm) and during rapid atrial pacing (atrial fibrillation), rapid ventricular pacing, and electrically induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) with respiration discontinued. TTI was unchanged by rapid atrial or ventricular pacing. When VF was induced and respiration was discontinued, TTI fell immediately from 51.6 ± 4.3 ohms to 45.6 ± 4.7 ohms (p
Effects of low flow and hypoxia on myocardial retention of technetium-99m BMS181321.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether graded levels of low-flow ischemia would lead to graded differences in uptake and clearance of BMS 181321. Using a perfused rat heart model, 7.4 MBq (200 μCi) of BMS181321 was infused over 20 min, followed by a 60-min clearance phase. Activity was monitored using an NaI detector. Four groups were studied using Krebs-Henseleit buffer perfusion using low flow or hypoxia: group 1=12 ml/min, group 2=3 ml/min, and group 3=1 ml/min during uptake and clearance phases, and group 4=12 ml/min with hypoxia during clearance. Control and low-flow groups were also perfused using red blood cells and albumin. There was a stepwise increase in peak myocardial uptake (% injected dose) as flow progressively decreased (group 1=2.4%±0.2% SEM, group 2=13.1%±0.7%, group 3=28.6%±2.4%,P <0.05). Group 3/group 1 mean peak activity ratio was 12:1. Mean 1-h fractional retention significantly increased in a stepwise manner as flow decreased (group 1=0.32±0.02, group 2=0.43±0.03, group 3=0.59±0.05,P <0.05). Group 3/group 1 mean 1-h clearance activity ratio was 30:1. Groups 5 and 6 perfused with red blood cells and albumin demonstrated similar increases in peak uptake and 1-h retention in the low-flow hearts. This study demonstrates a stepwise increase in uptake and a stepwise increase in retention rate of BMS 181321 with progressive reduction in. flow.
Medium-induced parton energy loss in γ +jet events of high-energy heavy-ion collisions

The effect of medium-induced parton energy loss on jet fragmentation is studied in high-energy heavy-ion collisions. It is shown that an effective jet fragmentation function can be extracted from the inclusive ${p}_{T}$ spectrum of charged particles in the opposite direction of a tagged direct photon with a fixed transverse energy. We study the modification of the effective jet fragmentation function due to parton energy loss in $\mathrm{AA}$ as compared to $\mathrm{pp}$ collisions, including ${E}_{T}$ smearing from initial-state radiations for the photon-tagged jets. The effective fragmentation function at ${z=p}_{T}{/E}_{T}^{\ensuremath{\gamma}}\ensuremath{\sim}1$ in $\mathrm{pA}$ collisions is shown to be sensitive to the additional ${E}_{T}$ smearing due to initial multiple parton scatterings whose effect must be subtracted out in $\mathrm{AA}$ collisions in order to extract the effective parton energy loss. Jet quenching in deeply inelastic lepton-nucleus scatterings as a measure of the parton energy loss in cold nuclear matter is also discussed. We also comment on the experimental feasibilities of the proposed study at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and Large Hadron Collider (LHC) energies and some alternative measurements such as using ${Z}^{0}$ as a tag at the LHC energy.
1015 SERUM AND NASOPHARYNGEAL SECRETORY ANTIBODY AND CELLULAR IMMUNE RESPONSE TO VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) AFTER NATURALLY ACQUIRED OR VACCINE INDUCED INFECTION

1015 SERUM AND NASOPHARYNGEAL SECRETORY ANTIBODY AND CELLULAR IMMUNE RESPONSE TO VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) AFTER NATURALLY ACQUIRED OR VACCINE INDUCED INFECTION
A procedure for chronic recording of diaphragmatic electromyographic activity.

Abstract A simple procedure for recording of diaphragmatic electromyographic activity in awake, freely behaving animals is described. This procedure produces highly stable recording of muscle activity for very long periods. Because of its ease of use, the procedure has become the technique of choice for acute recording in our laboratories as well. The present procedure can also be adapted for chronic recording of electromyographic activities from nonrespiratory muscles. This option thus offers a variety of applications to those involved in investigations into the central neuromotor control of movement, pattern generation and autonomie functions.
Experimental control of serum calcium levels in vivo.

SummaryThe ability of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid to form undissociated calcium complexes at physiological pH has been utilized as a tool to regulate available serum calcium levels in vivo. Further evidence has been presented for the regulatory action of magnesium ion on serum calcium levels.
Advanced breast biopsy instrumentation (ABBI) and management of nonpalpable breast abnormalities: a community hospital experience

Abstract A range of diagnostic techniques have been in use for determining the nature of non-palpable mammographic abnormalities over the last decade, these include stereotactic and ultrasound guided cytology, core biopsy and vacuum assisted core biopsy techniques as well as open surgical breast biopsy. Recently, a less invasive alternative has been investigated; the Advanced Breast Biopsy Instrumentation (ABBI) technique (U.S. Surgical Corporation, Norwalk, CT). ABBI employs computer-guided stereotactic localization to target and excise mammographic lesions under local anesthesia, without the need for an operating theatre. We conducted a prospective review of all cases involving the use of the ABBI system during the first 17 months' of its use in a community hospital. One hundred and twenty six patients were referred for an ABBI procedure. One hundred fourteen ABBI procedures were performed on 113 patients (average age, 53 years; range, 33–82). The lesion was removed successfully in 113 of the 114 cases. Of the 114 lesions removed with the ABBI system, 88 were microcalcifications and 26 were masses. Cancer was diagnosed in 21 patients (18%). Of the patients who had carcinoma, 11 (52%) had ductal carcinoma in situ, 9 (43%) had infiltrating ductal carcinoma, and 1 (5%) had infiltrating lobular carcinoma. Postprocedural complications occurred in 7 patients (6%); 4 had small haematomas, 2 had superficial wound infections, and 1 had an abscess. We conclude that the ABBI system, is an excellent alternative (to open biopsy after needle localization or large-core biopsy) for nonpalpable breast abnormallities. It has a relatively low complication rate and should be considered as part of the surgical armamentarium for the diagnosis of indeterminate nonpalpable mammographic lesions.
Inhibition of B-Raf/MEK/ERK signaling suppresses DR5 expression and impairs response of cancer cells to DR5-mediated apoptosis and T cell-induced killing

Inhibition of B-Raf/MEK/ERK signaling is an effective therapeutic strategy against certain types of cancers such as melanoma and thyroid cancer. While demonstrated to be effective anticancer agents, B-Raf or MEK inhibitors have also been associated with early tumor progression and development of secondary neoplasms. The ligation of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) with its receptor, death receptor 5 (DR5), leading to induction of apoptosis, offers a promising anticancer strategy. Importantly, this is also a natural immunosurveillance mechanism against cancer development. We previously demonstrated that activated B-Raf/MEK/ERK signaling positively regulates DR5 expression. Hence, our current work sought to address whether B-Raf/MEK/ERK inhibition and the consequent suppression of DR5 expression impede cancer cell response to DR5 activation-induced apoptosis and activated immune cell-induced killing. We found that both B-Raf (for example, PLX4032) and MEK inhibitors (for example, AZD6244 and PD0325901) effectively inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation and reduced DR5 levels in both human thyroid cancer and melanoma cells. Similar to the observed effect of genetic knockdown of the B-Raf gene, pre-treatment of cancer cell lines with either B-Raf or MEK inhibitors attenuated or abolished cellular apoptotic response induced by TRAIL or the DR5 agonistic antibody AMG655 or cell killing by activated T cells. Our findings clearly show that inhibition of B-Raf/MEK/ERK signaling suppresses DR5 expression and impairs DR5 activation-induced apoptosis and T cell-mediated killing of cancer cells. These findings suggest a potential negative impact of B-Raf or MEK inhibition on TRAIL- or DR5-mediated anticancer therapy and on TRAIL/DR5-mediated immune-clearance of cancer cells.
Assessment of the Aerosport TEEM 100 portable metabolic measurement system.

The present study evaluated the utility of a portable metabolic measurement system, the Aerosport TEEM 100. A total of 505 data points [242 from incremental (INC) and 263 from constant load (CL) exercise] were collected on 12 subjects (age = 25 +/- 4 yr), by placing the Aerosport TEEM 100 medium flow pneumotach and mouthpiece in-line with a validated system, the Rayfield system. When VO2 values were separated into categories ( 3.0 l.min-1), there was a small but statistically significant difference between the two metabolic measurement systems for VO2, VCO2, VE, RER, %ECO2, and %EO2 during both INC and CL exercise and measurement error for VO2 ranged between 2% and 11%. Correlations for VO2 values during INC and CL exercise between the two systems were r = 0.95 (SEest +/- 0.18 l.min-1) and r = 0.96 (SEest +/- 0.29 l.min-1), respectively. Correlations for RER were r = 0.82 (SEest +/- 0.08) and r = 0.47 (SEest +/- 0.11), for INC and CL, respectively. Results from the present investigation indicate that the Aerosport TEEM 100 has utility for the assessment of VO2, but the estimation of carbohydrate and fat utilization from RER should be used with caution.
To Splint or Not to Splint—Past Philosophy and Present Practice: Part I

The purposes of this study were to document (1) the historical use of splints, (2) record the current practice of splint application, and (3) compare splint philosophy of the past with present practice. One hundred burn references were reviewed for information on the past use of splints. Present practice was determined on the basis of a survey of 99 burn centers. Information is presented as to when splints are applied to burn patients in their course of recovery for 12 body areas prone to scar contracture. The influence of burn depth is noted. A change in the practice of applying splints to burn patients appears to have occurred. Part I of this series describes the global results and details whether splints are necessary.
Spectral multigrid methods with applications to transonic potential flow

Spectral multigrid methods are demonstrated to be a competitive technique for solving the transonic potential flow equation. The spectral discretization, the relaxation scheme, and the multigrid techniques are described in detail. Significant departures from current approaches are first illustrated on several linear problems. The principal applications and examples, however, are for compressible potential flow. These examples include the relatively challenging case of supercritical flow over a lifting airfoil.
Mesoscale Convection along the Dryline

Abstract A linearized two-dimensional model was used to study the formation of convective rolls in the prestorm stage and organized squall lines near the dryline in the Great Plains. With a strong virtual potential temperature gradient across the dryline zone, the results show the without condensation symmetric instability can produce convective rolls with a horizontal wavelength of a few tens of kilometers. With condensation, a large cloud develops near the center of the dryline zone. This cloud subsequently splits into two clouds; one moves to the west and disappears, and the other moves to the east, where the PBL is relatively moist, and grows. The numerical results are qualitatively comparable with observations. This study provides a possible explanation that symmetric instability with condensation can generate storms near the center or on the east side of the dryline zone, whereas low-level convergence develops at the western edge according to the inland sea-breeze circulation.
A CMOS Distributed Amplifier With Distributed Active Input Balun Using GBW and Linearity Enhancing Techniques

A CMOS distributed amplifier (DA) with distributed active input balun is presented that achieves a gain-bandwidth product of 818 GHz, while improving linearity. Each gm cell within the DA employs dual-output two-stage topology that improves gain and linearity without adversely affecting bandwidth (BW) and power. Comprehensive analysis and simulations are carried out to investigate gain, BW, linearity, noise, and stability of the proposed gm cell, and compare them with conventional gm cells. Fabricated in a 65-nm low-power CMOS process, the 0.9-mm2 DA achieves 22 dB of gain and a P1dB of 10 dBm, while consuming dc power of 97 mW from a 1.3-V supply. A distributed balun, designed and fabricated in the same process, using the same gm topology achieves a BW larger than 70 GHz and a gain of 4 dB with 19.5-mW power consumption from 1.3-V supply.