cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multilevel approach to full-chip gridless routing

This paper presents a novel gridless detailed routing approach based on multilevel optimization. The multilevel framework with recursive coarsening and refinement in a "V-shaped" flow allows efficient scaling of our gridless detailed router to very large designs. The downward pass of recursive coarsening builds the representations of routing regions at different levels, while the upward pass of iterative refinement allows a gradual convergence to a globally optimized solution. The use of a multicommodity flow-based routing algorithm for the initial routing at the coarsest level and a modified maze algorithm for the refinement at each level considerably improves the quality of gridless routing results. Compared with the recently published gridless detailed routing algorithm using wire planning [1], our multilevel gridless routing algorithm is 3× to 75× faster. We also compared our multilevel framework with a recently developed three-level routing approach [1] and a traditional hierarchical routing approach. Our multilevel algorithm generates better detailed routing results with higher completion rates. To our knowledge, this is the first time that multilevel optimization has been applied to IC routing.
New, Long-term Insights from the Adenoma Prevention with Celecoxib Trial on a Promising but Troubled Class of Drugs

Perspective on Bertagnolli et al., [p. 310][1] Conclusive findings of cardiovascular (CV) toxicity associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in two major colorectal-adenoma prevention trials ([1][2], [2][3]) shocked the world of biomedical research in 2005. Sometimes called
A Comparative Study of Neural Networks and Nonlinear Time Series Techniques for Dynamic Modeling of Chemical Processes

Neural networks and nonlinear time series models provide two paradigms for developing input-output models for nonlinear systems. Methodology for developing neural networks with radial basis functions (RBF) and nonlinear auto-regressive (NAR) models are described. Dynamic input-output models for a MIMO chemical reactor system are developed by using standard back-propagation neural networks with sigmoid functions, neural networks with RBF and time series NAR models. The NAB. models are more parsimonious and more accurate in predictions.
Low-Cost Fabrication of Organic Photovoltaics and Polymer LEDs

Polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) and organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are considered as next generation electronics due to the low-cost, flexibility, and lightweight features. However, there are challenges such as large-area processing technologies, film coating quality, and long-term stability toward scalable and low-cost polymer electronics. This chapter deals with the various scalable processing methods and evaluates the coating performance as well as electrical performances in polymer electronics fabricated by the solution processes. Special attention on coating instability is elaborated in the context of important material components in PLEDs and OPVs. Proper coating techniques can be chosen by considering the thickness requirement of each functional layer with good reproducibility. Additionally, we will evaluate mechanical/optical characteristics of the polymer anode for ITO-free electrodes; and introduce the metal mesh in combination with conductive polymers as the ITO-free transparent electrode for large area applications.
Enhancing the Instruction of Introductory Electric Circuit Courses using MATLAB

This paper discusses the implementation and assessment of the integration of MATLAB usage into the instruction of an introductory circuit analysis course at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). This teaching practice seeks to enhance student learning by delivering relevant course materials using MATLAB’s graphical representation and problem solving capabilities. Also, students learn to plot voltage/ current waveforms and other important graphs via simple MATLAB programs. The effectiveness of the teaching practice is assessed through assignments and a survey. Assessment data indicates that integration of MATLAB into course instruction promotes learning and enhances students’ computer skills. In addition, students highly appreciate the effectiveness of this teaching practice.
Tax Credits: Their Critical Role in Comprehensive Tax Reform

Public debate over fundamental changes to our tax laws centers on issues that affect many diverse elements in our society. Tax base design and rate structure are invariably the focal points of the discussion. By its nature the dialogue is far reaching and all encompassing. As the focus shifts to the specifics, the part played by tax credits in the plan takes on paramount importance. For legislators and their constituents change to the credit regime has serious consequences in terms of money and political power. Thus the ultimate success of a comprehensive tax reform proposal rests in a real way on understanding the credit’s place in our income tax system. The author’s survey of federal and state personal income tax credits maps out the details. The profile that emerges underscores the difficult challenges faced by those who believe in comprehensive tax reform as well as the dangers inherent in the present system.
Comparison of the Experimental Film Boiling Behavior of Carbon Monoxide with Several Film Boiling Correlations

Earlier work by Bromley [1] has suggested an analysis for film boiling similar to Nusselt’s [2] development for condensation. As a result of visual observations, Bromley assumed a mechanism in which the vapor film is in dynamic equilibrium with the surrounding liquid. As the vapor rises under the action of buoyant forces, vapor is added to the film from the surrounding liquid. The resulting equation is given below.
Cross-Linked Functionalized Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Nanofibers with Tunable Excitonic Coupling

We show that mechanically and chemically robust functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanofibers can be made via chemical cross-linking. Dramatically different photophysical properties are observed depending on the choice of functionalizing moiety and cross-linking strategy. Starting with two different nanofiber families formed from (a) P3HT-b-P3MT or (b) P3HT-b-P3ST diblock copolymers, cross-linking to form robust nanowire structures was readily achieved by either a third-party cross-linking agent (hexamethylene diisocyanate, HDI) which links methoxy side chains on the P3MT system, or direct disulfide cross-link for the P3ST system. Although the nanofiber families have similar gross structure (and almost identical pre-cross-linked absorption spectra), they have completely different photophysics as signaled by ensemble and single nanofiber wavelength- and time-resolved photoluminescence as well as transient absorption (visible and near-IR) probes. For the P3ST diblock nanofibers, excitonic coupling...
Low-temperature synthesis of Zn3P2 nanowire

High-quality Zn3P2 nanowires are synthesized at a temperature as low as 350 °C using Zn foil and trioctylphosphine by chemical reflux method. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show their diameters vary from ∼15 to 70 nm. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and nanobeam electron diffraction patterns in combination with structure factor simulation reveal that the nanowires have tetragonal α-Zn3P2 structure. Based on high-resolution TEM images and their fast Fourier transform patterns, Zn3P2 nanowires are considered to grow on a vicinity of the possibly highest surface energy plane of (101) with a growth direction parallel to [101].
An empirically grounded model for simulating normative energy use feedback interventions

Abstract Researchers have begun developing simulation models as a cost-effective and expeditious means to explore and enhance our understanding of energy use behavior interventions. These models have provided unique insights into potential energy savings as a result of improved occupant behavior, but have not yet reached the capability to be used for predictive modeling purposes. Therefore, this paper attempts to build on previous modeling efforts and develops an empirically and conceptually grounded occupant behavior model for simulating normative feedback interventions based on literature from the social science and field data. This model is then used to conduct “what if” analyses testing three novel normative feedback intervention strategies and the effect of social network structure on intervention outcomes. The most successful and immediately applicable strategy consists of sending normative feedback only to individuals who use more energy than the group norm. This strategy resulted in a mean energy use reduction of 1.4 kW h per week per occupant, 2.2%, relative to traditional individual and normative feedback strategies used today. Lastly, it was found that the social network structure in which the interventions took place affected the absolute outcomes (i.e., net change) of the simulations but not the relative outcomes (i.e., strategy ranking).
IL-10–Induced miR-155 Targets SOCS1 To Enhance IgE-Mediated Mast Cell Function

IL-10 is an important regulatory cytokine that modulates a wide range of immune cells. Whereas it is best known for its ability to suppress immune responses, IL-10 has been found to be pathogenic in several human and animal studies of immune-mediated diseases. There is a considerable gap in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the stimulatory effects of IL-10 during allergic inflammation. IL-10 treatment has been shown to suppress mast cell TNF production. In this study, we report that whereas TNF secretion was reduced, IL-10 surprisingly enhanced IgE-mediated protease and cytokine production both in vitro and in vivo. This stimulatory effect was consistent in mouse and human skin mast cells. IL-10 enhanced activation of the key FceRI signaling proteins Stat5, JNK, and ERK. We demonstrate that IL-10 effects are dependent on Stat3 activation, eliciting miR-155 expression, with a resulting loss of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1. The importance of miR-155 was demonstrated by the inability of IL-10 to enhance anaphylaxis in miR-155-deficient mice. Taken together, our results reveal an IL-10-induced, Stat3-miR-155 signaling pathway that can promote mast cell responses.
Abstract 3603: Emergency Pre-hospital Stroke Triage In Washington State, Understood Through A Cohort

BACKGROUND: Washington State (WA) has legislated an emergency pre-hospital stroke triage system, with 3 levels of self-identified stroke centers. Our objective is to describe the new system using an existing cohort of pre-hospital patients and to extrapolate our findings to all of WA. METHODS: The cohort consisted of a population-based sample of patients whom emergency medical service (EMS) personnel treated over a 30-month period. All patients whose Seattle Fire Department records suggested a possible pre-hospital stroke diagnosis had hospital records reviewed for final diagnosis: TIA, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), or “not a stroke.” These patients were also classified according to the FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time last normal) stroke screen. The WA pre-hospital stroke triage tool divides patients into 4 groups: FAST-, FAST+/>6h (arrived at hospital > 6 or unknown hours after last known normal), FAST+/>3.5-6h (arrived in window for intra-arterial (IA) therapies) and FAST+/ RESULTS: The cohort included 1,682 possible stroke patients, mean age 76 years, 60% women. We applied the stroke triage tool to our cohort with results shown in the Table. Assuming similar stroke presentations and given the population of WA is ∼11 times that of Seattle, we estimate that ∼2500 patients/yr would be triaged as possible IV tPA candidates; ∼450 patients/yr would be triaged as possible IA candidates with possibly longer transport to a Level 1 stroke center. There was significant heterogeneity in final diagnoses by triage tool categorization (Table, P CONCLUSION: These are the first estimates of how the WA pre-hospital stroke triage tool will parse patients. Discrimination of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for time dependent interventions was excellent; the low NIHSS scores in 81% of those missed suggests an even higher clinically relevant sensitivity. A small proportion (2.4%) of the possible stroke patients presenting to EMS will meet criteria for transport to Level 1 stroke centers, suggesting the additional burden on EMS should be minimal.
Sustainable Agriculture: Do GMOs Imperil Biosafety?

Over 800 million people live on the verge of starvation, and a further 1.2 billion subsist on only $1 a day.1 Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) claim to offer a partial solution to this daunting challenge. The present article addresses a number of critical questions raised by this claim: To what extent might GMOs increase food production in developing countries?2 More specifically, can GMOs help advance sustainable development (SD)3 and "sustainable agriculture" (SA)?4 These questions will be investigated within the framework of international environmental law and policy. A number of skeins run through the answers offered in this article. The first among them deals with a brewing trade and environmental conflict. What is at issue here is the extent to which the restrictions on trade in GMOs, or living modified organisms (LMOs) as they are sometimes called, are consistent with SD. The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement)5 arepart of the General
Health Of Americans Who Must Work Longer To Reach Social Security Retirement Age

To receive full Social Security benefits, Americans born after 1937 must claim those benefits at an older age than earlier birth cohorts. Additionally, proposals to improve the fiscal position of S...
Characterizing the Interface Scaling of High χ Block Copolymers near the Order–Disorder Transition

Advancements in the directed self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) have prompted the development of new materials with larger effective interaction parameters (χe). This enables BCP systems with phase separation at increasingly small degrees of polymerization (N). Very often these systems reside near the order–disorder transition and fit between the weak and strong segregation limits where the behavior of BCP systems is not as thoroughly understood. Utilizing resonant soft X-ray reflectivity (RSoXR) enables both the BCP pitch (L0) and interface width (wM) to be determined simultaneously, through a direct characterization of the composition profile of BCP lamellae oriented parallel to a substrate. A series of high χe BCPs with χe ranging from ≈0.04 to 0.25 and χeN from 19 to 70 have been investigated. The L0/wm ratio serves as an important metric for the feasibility of a material for nanopatterning applications; the results of the RSoXR measurement are used to establish a relationship between χe and L0/...
Fast user-mode rootkit scanner for the enterprise

User-mode resource hiding through API interception and filtering is a well-known technique used by malware programs to achieve stealth. Although it is not as powerful as kernel-mode techniques, it is more portable and reliable and, as a result, widely used. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of a fast scanner that uses a cross-view diff approach to detect all user-mode hiding Trojans and rootkits. We also present detection results from a large-scale enterprise deployment to demonstrate the effectiveness of the tool.
Rehabilitation Therapy for Nursing Home Residents at the End-of-Life.

Abstract Objective Ultrahigh therapy use has increased in SNFs without concomitant increases in residents' characteristics. It has been suggested that this trend may also have influenced the provision of high-intensity rehabilitation therapies to residents who are at the end of life (EOL). Motivated by lack of evidence, we examined therapy use and intensity among long-stay EOL residents. Design An observational study covering a time period 2012-2016. Setting and participants New York State nursing homes (N = 647) and their long-stay decedent residents (N = 55,691). Methods Data sources included Minimum Data Set assessments, vital statistics, Nursing Home Compare website, LTCfocus, and Area Health Resource File. Therapy intensity in the last month of life was the outcome measure. Individual-level covariates were used to adjust for health conditions. Facility-level covariates were the key independent variables of interest. Multinomial logistic regression models with facility random effects were estimated. Results Overall, 13.6% (n = 7600) of long-stay decedent residents had some therapy in the last month of life, 0% to 45% across facilities. Of those, almost 16% had very high/ultrahigh therapy intensity (>500 minutes) prior to death. Adjusting for individual-level covariates, decedents in the for-profit facilities had 18% higher risk of low/medium therapy [relative risk ratio (RRR) = 1.182, P Conclusions and Relevance This is a first study to empirically demonstrate that facility characteristics are associated with the provision of therapy intensity to EOL residents. Findings suggest that facilities with a for-profit mission, and with higher staffing of therapists, may be more incentivized to maximize therapy use, even among the sickest of the residents.
Abstract WMP92: Towards High-Precision Stroke Classification Using Natural Language Processing

Introduction: Case identification for genetic epidemiologic stroke studies relies upon diagnostic codes or laborious hand-adjudication. Natural language processing (NLP) can extract discerning char...
Preferential directional coupling to ultrasonic sensor using adhesive tape

For structural health monitoring applications, recent studies have demonstrated an increased ultrasonic detection sensitivity of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors through remote bonding of the FBG to a structure. In this case, the S0 or A0 Lamb waves in a structure are coupled to guided L01 waves in an optical fiber at the adhesive bond location, resulting in L01 modes of equal amplitudes propagating in both directions along the optical fiber. We demonstrate that when the adhesive bond is replaced with adhesive tape the S0 mode couples to the same L01 modes, however, with a preferential direction. Therefore, our study investigates the mechanism causing the preferential direction. We first identify different ultrasonic coupling pathways from a plate to an FBG through adhesive tape, demonstrating that both direct and indirect pathways are active, but that the indirect pathway produces the directional coupling. Then we test different adhesive tape parameters through experiments and simulations, demonstrating that flexural rigidity and bond length are parameters that can be used to control the directionality. The results of this work could be applied to design multiplexed FBG sensor arrays with specified signal pathways through the optical fiber networks.
Evolution of Heterogeneous Microstructure of Equal-Channel Angular Pressed Magnesium

This study investigated the distribution variations of the 0002 poles of magnesium after experienced a series of numbers of equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) passes through either the Bc route or the C route. For the ECAP processing, the mold channel angle was 142° and the sample temperature was 200 °C. The results show that most 0002 poles are in the ring of about 60–80° away from the ED for all ECAPed samples, and the location of the maximum intensity oscillates in the 60–80° range. The first ECAP pass increased the nonuniformity of the distribution of 0002 poles, while the following ECAP passes resulted in more uniform distribution of 0002 poles in the 60–80° ring and reduced texture intensity through decreasing the maximum intensity and the intensity range of 0002 poles with the increase in the number of ECAP passes for both Bc and C routes.
Human Beta Defensins and Cancer: Contradictions and Common Ground.

Human beta-defensins (hBDs, -1, 2, 3) are a family of epithelial cell derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that protect mucosal membranes from microbial challenges. In addition to their antimicrobial activities, they possess other functions; e.g., cell activation, proliferation, regulation of cytokine/chemokine production, migration, differentiation, angiogenesis and wound healing processes. It has also become apparent that defensin levels alter with the development of neoplasia. However, inconsistent observations published by various laboratories make it difficult to reach a consensus as to the direction of the dysregulation and role the hBDs may play in various cancers. This is particularly evident in studies focusing on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). By segregating each hBD by cancer type, interrogating methodologies, and scrutinizing the subject cohorts used in the studies, we have endeavored to identify the “take home message” for each one of the three hBDs. We discovered that (1) consensus-driven findings indicate that hBD-1 and -2 are down- while hBD-3 is up-regulated in OSCC; (2) hBD dysregulation is cancer-type specific; (3) the inhibition/activation effect an hBD has on cancer cell lines is related to the direction of the hBD dysregulation (up or down) in the cancer from which the cell lines derive. Therefore, studies addressing hBD dysregulation in various cancers are not generalizable and comparisons should be avoided. Systematic delineation of the fate and role of the hBDs in a specific cancer type may lead to innovative ways to use defensins as prospective biomarkers for diagnostic/prognostic purposes and/or in novel therapeutic modalities.
The Effects of Therapeutic Group Drumming with Korean Middle School Students on Aggression as Related to School Violence Prevention

Abstract This study examined which of three interventions was most effective in reducing aggression in middle school students in Korea: a lecture-based general prevention program, a therapeutic drumming group featuring collaborative work between a school music teacher and a music therapist, or an education-based drumming group. A non-randomized Repeated Measured ANOVA with one repeated factor and one between-groups factor was conducted to look for any statistically significant differences among the three groups (general prevention group, therapeutic drumming group, and education-based drumming group), between pre-and post-test, or in the interaction between group and time. The Korean version of the Aggression Questionnaire and its four subscales (physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility) were examined in mixed models by time, group, and the interaction between time and group. Participants (N = 231) were the whole third-year classes of an urban middle school in Korea. The results suggested a significant Time × Group interaction on total Aggression scores, as well as on the physical aggression and hostility sub-scale scores; no significant differences were found for the verbal aggression or anger sub-scale scores. Post hoc analysis revealed that the therapeutic drumming group had significant reductions in total aggression scores and on the subscales of physical aggression and hostility compared to the education-based drumming group; however, no significant differences were found between the therapeutic drumming group and the general lecture group. These findings indicate that collaborations between school music teachers and music therapists may be used effectively to mitigate aggression related to school violence in middle school students in Korea.
Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycans (SLRPs) Are Involved in the Anti-Myeloma Response of Osteoblasts.

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is closely associated with severe osteolytic bone disease caused by stimulation of osteoclastogenesis and suppression of osteoblastogenesis. We have recently demonstrated that while osteoclasts support MM growth, osteoblasts have negative impact on survival and proliferation of MM cells from a subset of patients in vitro and in vivo (Yaccoby et al., Cancer Res 2004: Haematologica 2006), indicating that MM bone disease drives tumor progression. To unravel anti-MM molecular mechanism of osteoblasts we performed global gene expression profiling on osteoblasts and their precursors, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We found and validated by qRT-PCR and Western Blotting that osteoblasts produce high level of small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs). Main SLRPs such as decorin, biglycan and lumican are essential for proper bone remodeling have been shown to inhibit growth of various tumors and their expression is inversely correlated with tumor progression. Decorin is not produced by most MM cases and recombinant decorin was rapidly internalized by MM cells. Co-culture of MM cells with the supporting osteoclasts in the presence of osteoblast's conditioned media resulted in reduced MM cell survival (n=5, p
myCHOICE: Chicago Options in Career Empowerment

Abstract The goal of the myCHOICE (Chicago Options in Career Empowerment) program is to empower our trainees to select career directions in an informed manner and provide them with the tools and training to maximize their success in their chosen career. The program covers 10 broad Career Exposure Areas and three major types of programming, Exposure (career seminar series), Education (workshops and mini-courses), and Experience (internships, site visits, and mentor network). The program is designed to serve trainees throughout the different stages of their academic training and their career exploration process and, in doing so, help them to leverage their strong research background. The successful development and implementation of myCHOICE has increased the value of research training at the University of Chicago by improving our trainees’ foundations for career selection and success. Institutionalization of myCHOICE has been accomplished with financial support from the University and generous philanthropic contributions.
Ceftriaxone Combined With Metronidazole is Superior to Cefoxitin Alone in the Management of Uncomplicated Appendicitis in Children: Results from a Multicenter Collaborative Comparative Effectiveness Study.

Objective To compare rates of surgical site infection between the 2 most commonly utilized narrow-spectrum antibiotic regimens in children with uncomplicated appendicitis (ceftriaxone with metronidazole and cefoxitin alone). Summary of background data Narrow-spectrum antibiotics have been found to be equivalent to extended-spectrum (antipseudomonal) agents in preventing surgical site infection (SSI) in children with uncomplicated appendicitis. The comparative effectiveness of different narrow-spectrum agents has not been reported. Methods This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study using clinical data from the Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Appendectomy Collaborative Pilot database merged with antibiotic utilization data from the Pediatric Health Information System database from January 2013 to June 2015. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare outcomes between antibiotic treatment groups after adjusting for patient characteristics, surrogate measures of disease severity, and clustering of outcomes within hospitals. Results Eight hundred forty-six patients from 14 hospitals were included in the final study cohort with an overall SSI rate of 1.3%. A total of 56.0% of patients received ceftriaxone with metronidazole (hospital range: 0%-100%) and 44.0% received cefoxitin (range: 0%-100%). In the multivariable model, ceftriaxone with metronidazole was associated with a 90% reduction in the odds of a SSI compared to cefoxitin [0.2% vs 2.7%; odds ratio: 0.10 (95% confidence interval 0.02-0.60); P = 0.01]. Conclusions Ceftriaxone combined with metronidazole is superior to cefoxitin alone in preventing SSIs in children with uncomplicated appendicitis.
Hemorrhagic stroke in setting of severe COVID-19 infection requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).

Abstract Objective To highlight the increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke secondary to postulated COVID-19 mediated vasculopathy with concomitant ECMO related bleeding complications. Background COVID-19 has shown to be a systemic illness, not localized to the respiratory tract and lung parenchyma. Stroke is a common neurological complication. In particular, critically ill patients on ECMO are likely at higher risk of developing hemorrhagic stroke. Case Presentation 38-year-old man presented with fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Due to severe respiratory failure, he required ECMO support. Subsequently, he was found to have left temporal intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Overall, his clinical course improved, and he was discharged with minimal neurological deficits. Conclusion Although intracranial hemorrhage is a known complication of ECMO, patients with COVID-19 infection may be at a higher risk of cerebrovascular complications due to vasculopathy.
Astaxanthin inhibits the reduction of glycolysis during the activation of hepatic stellate cells.

Abstract Aims Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an essential role in the development of liver fibrosis by producing extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, and pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic cytokines once activated. We previously demonstrated that astaxanthin (ASTX), a xanthophyll carotenoid, attenuates HSC activation. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is a difference in glycolysis between quiescent and activated HSCs and the effect of ASTX on glycolysis during HSC activation. Materials and methods Mouse primary HSCs were activated for 7 days in the presence or absence of 25 μM of ASTX. Quiescent HSCs (qHSCs), 1 day after isolation, and activated HSCs (aHSCs) treated with/without ASTX were plated in a Seahorse XF24 cell culture microplate for Glycolysis Stress tests. Key findings aHSCs had significantly lower glycolysis, but higher glycolytic capacity, maximum capacity of glycolysis, and non-glycolytic acidification than qHSCs. Importantly, ASTX markedly increased glycolysis during HSC activation with a concomitant increase in lactate formation and secretion. Compared with qHSCs, aHSCs had significantly lower expression of glucose transporter 1, the major glucose transporter in HSCs, and its transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, which was markedly increased by ASTX in aHSCs. Significance Our data suggest that ASTX may prevent the activation of HSCs by altering glycolysis and the expression of genes involved in the pathways.
Integration of three-dimensional continuum model and two-dimensional bonded block model for studying the damage process in a granite pillar at the Creighton Mine, Sudbury, Canada

Abstract Bonded block model (BBM) has shown potential in replicating rock mass behavior as well as the rock-support interaction mechanism, but their practical application is limited to two dimensions due to the high associated computational demand. To allow for the use of BBM in simulating three-dimensional (3D) problems, this study proposes an integrated 3D continuum–two-dimensional (2D) discontinuum approach, in context of rock pillars. A cross-section of a granite pillar was simulated using a BBM with a load path from a calibrated mine-scale FLAC3D model. Pillar support as employed in the mine was also incorporated in different stages during the simulation. The model was calibrated by varying the input parameters until the displacements at six locations within the pillar matched those measured by a multi-point borehole extensometer (MPBX) in the field. The calibrated model was subsequently used to understand how the support and load path influenced the damage evolution in the pillar. The shear component of the load path was found to have a major effect on the severity and extent of the damaged regions. When the support density was increased in the model, the lateral displacements along the pillar walls were significantly suppressed in a somewhat unpredictable manner. This was explained by the interaction between the supports and the damaged regions at the corners, which ultimately modified the stresses along the pillar periphery. The amount of displacement reduction obtained by increasing the support density illustrates the potential of BBM to be used as a support design tool.
Comments on “Measurement and correlation of solubility data for atorvastatin calcium in pure and binary solvent systems from 293.15 K to 328.15 K"

Abstract A polemic is given regarding the calculated thermodynamic properties reported in the authors' published paper. The apparent thermodynamic properties as given in the published paper are internally inconsistent and do not obey standard thermodynamic relationships. The inconsistency is resolved by switching the headings of columns 3 and 4 in Tables 12 and 13. The curve-fit parameters reported in Table 8 of the published paper are found to be meaningless as the numerical values for the Combined Nearly Ideal Binary Solvent/Redlich-Kister model must be independent of binary solvent composition.
Shaping the synthesis of surfactant-stabilized oxygen microbubbles to accommodate encapsulated drug.

Abstract We have developed oxygen filled microbubbles, SE61O2, for localized, ultrasound-triggered oxygen delivery to hypoxic tumors prior to radiation therapy. Microbubbles, created by sonication, have a shell composed of D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) and sorbitan monostearate. Preliminary studies in mice with breast tumor xenographs showed that increases in oxygen partial pressure levels lasted less than 3 min, which is insufficient for most clinical applications. Hence, we investigated the potential of incorporating a hydrophobic antiglycolytic drug, modeled with Nile red. A new fabrication method was developed by first creating drug-loaded TPGS micelles. The resulting microbubbles had similar shell compositions, physical size, morphology, and acoustic properties as the original method. However, microbubble yield was more than doubled, resulting in twice the encapsulation efficiency. For the TPGS micelle method these include similar shell compositions (94.4 ± 0.6 % Montane 60), physical size post freeze-drying and reconstitution (1.57 ± 0.42 μm), morphology (spherical), and acoustic properties (maximum enhancement 19.92 ± 0.55 dB). However, microbubble yield was more than doubled, resulting in twice the encapsulation efficiency (up to 10.49 %). We propose that a nonideal mixture is formed when the surfactants are combined by the standard method, resulting in the formation of mixed micelles that are more stable, making microbubble creation more difficult during the sonication step.
A numerical simulation framework for bubbly flow and sound generation in laboratory-scale breaking waves

A simulation framework for bubbly flow and the sound radiated by breaking waves is presented. It consists of a two-phase flow solver, an algorithm to track bubbles and bubble creation rates, and a module to compute the sound generated by newly-formed bubbles. The sounds from breaking, third-order Stokes waves of 0.25 m wavelength and two slopes are calculated. The results show encouraging agreement with existing laboratory observations and identify the importance of air cylinder breakup in bubble creation. Remaining problems include modeling boundary effects that inhibit bubble coalescence in seawater and the generation of sound by the breakup of air cylinders.
Lower prefrontal cortical synaptic vesicle binding in cocaine use disorder: An exploratory 11 C-UCB-J positron emission tomography study in humans.

Preclinical studies have revealed robust and long-lasting alterations in dendritic spines in the brain following cocaine exposure. Such alterations are hypothesized to underlie enduring maladaptive behaviours observed in cocaine use disorder (CUD). The current study explored whether synaptic density is altered in CUD. Fifteen individuals with DSM-5 CUD and 15 demographically matched healthy control (HC) subjects participated in a single 11 C-UCB-J positron emission tomography scan to assess density of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). The volume of distribution (VT ) and the plasma-free fraction-corrected form of the total volume of distribution (VT /fP ) were analysed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), dorsomedial and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (PFC), lateral and medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and ventral striatum. A significant diagnostic-group-by-region interaction was observed for VT and VT /fP . Post hoc analyses revealed no differences on VT , while for VT /fP showed lower values in CUD as compared with HC subjects in the ACC (-10.9%, p = 0.02), ventromedial PFC (-9.9%, p = 0.02) and medial OFC (-9.9%, p = 0.04). Regional VT /fP values in CUD, though unrelated to measures of lifetime cocaine use, were positively correlated with the frequency of recent cocaine use (p = 0.02-0.03) and negatively correlated with cocaine abstinence (p = 0.008-0.03). These findings provide initial preliminary in vivo evidence of altered (lower) synaptic density in the PFC of humans with CUD. Cross-sectional variation in SV2A availability as a function of recent cocaine use and abstinence suggests that synaptic density may be dynamically and plastically regulated by acute cocaine, an observation that merits direct testing by studies using more definitive longitudinal designs.
3-Methoxybenzamide, A Possible Initiator for DMBA-Induced Carcinogenesis

During the last few years this laboratory has formulated a hypothesis (Fig. 1) linking nicotinamide, NAD, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase to carcinogenesis. The factors that have led to the development of this hypothesis are as follows: (i) The fact that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase utilizes NAD as a substrate to form poly(ADP-ribose) (1). (ii) The ability of this nuclear enzyme to respond to damage in DNA (2–4). (iii) Evidence (5, 6) indicating that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase has a role in DNA repair, (iv) The fact that carcinogens damage DNA and the possibility that this damage is the driving force in carcinogenesis (7, 8).
Creativity and madness: New findings and old stereotypes.

"In this excellent, concise volume, Rothenberg reports his current views on this fascinating subject... Well argued and judicious... I cannot recommend this book too highly."--Journal of the American Medical Association."This intriguing theory will no doubt provoke lively debate both in and outside professional circles. For lay readers, however, the book's real pleasure lies in the substantive analyses of Sylvia Plath, August Strindberg, Emily Dickenson, Tennessee Williams, Eugene O'Neill, and William Faulkner."--Wilson Library BulletinIntrigued by history's list of "troubled geniuses,"Albert Rothenberg investigates how two such opposite conditions -- outstanding creativity and psychosis -- could coexist in the same individual. Rothenberg concludes that high-level creativity transcends the usual modes of logical thought -- and may even superficially resemble psychosis. But he also discovers that all types of creative thinking generally occur in a rational and conscious frame of mind, not in a mystically altered or transformed state.Far from being the source -- or the price -- of creativity, Rothenberg discovers, psychosis and other forms of mental illness are actually hindrances to creative work. Disturbed writers and absent-minded professors make great characters in fiction, but Rothenberg has uncovered an even better story -- the virtually infinite creative potential of healthy human beings.
LV Mass as a Predictor of CVD Events in Older Adults With and Without Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the prognostic significance of left ventricular (LV) mass for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in older adults with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Background MetS and DM are associated with increased CVD risk, but it is unclear in these groups whether subclinical CVD as shown by increased LV mass improves risk prediction compared to standard risk factors in older individuals. Methods We studied 3,724 adults (mean 72.4 ± 5.4 years of age, 61.0% female, 4.4% African-American) from the Cardiovascular Health Study who had MetS but not DM or had DM alone or had neither condition. Cox regression was used to examine the association of LV mass, (alone and indexed by height and body surface area [BSA]) as determined by echocardiography, with CVD events, including coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, heart failure (HF), and CVD death, as well as total mortality. We also assessed the added prediction, discriminative value, and net reclassification improvement (NRI) for clinical utility of LV mass compared to standard risk factors. Results Over a mean follow-up of 14.2 ± 6.3 years, 2,180 subjects experienced CVD events, including 986 CVD deaths. After adjustment for age, sex and standard risk factors, LV mass was positively associated with CVD events in those with MetS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.4, p Conclusions LV mass is associated with increased CVD risk and provides modest added prediction and clinical utility compared to standard risk factors in older persons with and without MetS but not with DM.
Politics, Innovation, and the Internet: A Source of Howard Dean's Fundraising Success?

This paper looks at Howard Dean's innovative use of the Internet, particularly Meetup.com, during the 2004 presidential primaries. I use data from the FEC and Meetup.com to show that the use of Meetups significantly increased the number of donations to Dean's campaigns. Depending upon the model specification, the number of donations from a geographical area in which a Meetup occurred increased by 60-235% over their normal rate in the week in which the Meetup occurred. These results suggest that innovative uses of the Internet could cause profound changes in the way in which money is raised for political candidates.
Pressure dependence of some properties of amorphous Cd6Ge3As11

Abstract The properties of a sequence of tetrahedrally coordinated semiconducting glasses CdGexAs2 are reviewed. Measurements of the optical band gap, d.c. conductivity, elastic constants and glass transition temperature as a function of pressure are reported for a glass with α≅0·5. The known properties are consistent with a p to n transition as x is increased above 0·5.
Ionization physics evidence for magnetic flare origin of X-rays in AGN

We present full disk X-ray reflection spectra for two currently popular accretion flow geometries for AGN -- the lamppost model frequently used to discuss the iron line reverberation in AGN, and the model where the X-rays are produced in magnetic flares above a cold accretion disk (AD). The lamppost spectra contain several spectroscopic features characteristic of highly ionized material that are not seen in the X-ray spectra of most AGN. The magnetic flare model, on the other hand, produces reflected spectra that are roughly a super-position of a power-law and a {\em neutral-like} reflection and iron K$\alpha$ line, and are thus more in line with typical AGN X-ray spectra. Furthermore, because of the difference in the ionization structure of the illuminated material in the two models, the line equivalent width increases with the X-ray luminosity, $L_x$, for the lamppost, and decreases with $L_x$ for the flare model. In light of these theoretical insights, recent iron line reverberation studies of AGN, the X-ray Baldwin effect, and the general lack of X-ray reflection features in distant quasars all suggest that, for high accretion rates, the cold accretion disk is covered by a Thomson thick, completely ionized skin. Because the latter is only possible when the X-rays are concentrated to small emitting regions, we believe that this presents a strong evidence for the magnetic flare origin of X-rays in AGN.
Channels and valleys on Mars

Tentative conclusions about the origins of channels and valleys on Mars based on the consensus of investigators who have studied the problem are presented. The morphology of outflow channels is described in detail, and the morphology, distribution, and genesis of Martian valleys are addressed. Secondary modification of channels and valleys by mass-wasting phenomena, eolian processes, cratering, and mantling by lava flows is discussed. The physics of the flows needed to account for the immense volumes of Martian outflow channels is considered in detail, including the possible influence of debris flows and mudflows, glaciers, and ice sheets. It is concluded that Mars once probably possessed an atmosphere with higher temperatures and pressures than at present which played an essential role in an active hydrological cycle.
River basin salinity management via the ASTRAN method: II. Case study

Abstract The a ccelerated s alt tran sport ( astran ) method for managing salinity in an irrigated stream-aquifer system is applied to the lower San Luis Rey River basin in southern California. The hierarchical management algorithm developed in Part I is applied for optimally implementing astran over the basin. Three subbasins are included in the study; Pauma, Pala and Bonsall. Unsaturated and saturated zone models for water quantity and quality are calibrated for the area, including important ions such as Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and Na + as well as SAR. Once the models have been satisfactorily calibrated, a 20-yr. planning period is selected which is divided into two 10-yr. model periods. Hydrologic, land-use, water-demand and water-supply projections are then made for each subbasin. The hierarchical algorithm is then applied, which results in a set of policies over a range of possible levels of total available imported water. For the same quantity of imported water, astran reduces the degradation rate by about one-fifth of what is projected under normal irrigation practice (called the no-management case). astran appears to perform best when the groundwater is allowed to degrade to higher, yet still usable, TDS levels.
Redeem your money here

Comment on Dodd, Nigel. 2014. The social life of money . Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Edge caching for directory based web applications: algorithms and performance

In this paper, a dynamic content caching framework is proposed for deploying directory based applications at the edge of the network, closer to the client. The framework consists of a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) directory cache and the offloaded application running at a proxy. The LDAP directory cache is an enhanced LDAP proxy server which stores results and semantic information for search requests (queries) and answers incoming queries which are semantically contained in them. A simplified query containment approach based on the concept of LDAP templates is proposed. Caching algorithms have been proposed which take advantage of referential locality in the access pattern. A generic framework is used to offload the application at the edge and to support prefetching of LDAP queries based on application logic. A real enterprise directory application and real workloads are used to evaluate performance of the caching algorithms. The LDAP directory cache architecture, along with the proposed algorithms can be used to improve performance and scalability of directory based services.
A constraint satisfaction approach to geospatial reasoning

The large number of data sources on the Internet can be used to augment and verify the accuracy of geospatial sources, such as gazetteers and annotated satellite imagery. Data sources such as satellite imagery, maps, gazetteers and vector data have been traditionally used in geographic infonnation systems (GIS), but nontraditional geospatial data, such as online phone books and property records are more difficult to relate to imagery. In this paper, we present a novel approach to combining extracted information from imagery, road vector data, and online data sources. We represent the problem of identifying buildings in satellite images as a constraint satisfing problem (CSP) and use constraint programming to solve it. We apply this technique to real-world data sources in EI Segundo, CA and our experimental evaluation shows how this approach can accurately identify buildings when provided with both traditional and nontraditional data sources.