cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retinal detachment postphacoemulsification in bichon frises: A retrospective study of 54 dogs

Objective To compare rates of retinal detachment (RD) postphacoemulsification in American Bichon Frises with and without prophylactic retinopexy. Procedures Medical records of 54 Bichon Frises undergoing phacoemulsification with or without prophylactic retinopexy between 2003 and 2013 in one or both eyes were reviewed from five Midwestern university veterinary teaching hospitals. Inclusion criteria were preoperative ERG, at least 6 months of follow-up postphacoemulsification, and the absence of preexisting RD as determined by ophthalmic examination and/or ultrasound. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-squared test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Wilson confidence intervals with the P-value <0.05 were considered significant. Results Phacoemulsification was performed without retinopexy in 79 eyes (42 dogs, non-PR group) and with prophylactic retinopexy in 23 eyes (12 dogs, PR group). Incidence of diabetes mellitus was 10/42 and 3/12 in the non-PR and the PR groups, respectively (P = 0.93). Intraocular lens implantation was performed in 40/42 non-PR dogs and 11/12 PR dogs (P = 0.63, 73/79 vs. 21/23 eyes). At final re-examination, RD occurred in 4/79 eyes without retinopexy, compared to 0/23 RD in the retinopexy group. There was no statistically significant difference in RD rates between the two groups (P = 0.27). Conclusions These data provide no statistical evidence to support prophylactic retinopexy in Bichon Frises. Due to the low rate of retinal detachment following phacoemulsification without prophylactic retinopexy, the procedure appears to offer limited benefit to offset cost, procedural risk, and risk of extended or repeated anesthesia in Bichon Frises.
Thermal Structure and Airflow in a Model Simulation of an Occluded Marine Cyclone

Abstract A very fine mesh model simulation of the Ocean Ranger storm of February 1982 is used to study the thermal structure and airflow in an intense marine cyclone. In particular, the study investigates the structures of the occluded front and the secluded pool of warm air in the simulated cyclone and examines the formation of these structures with the help of a large number of air trajectories. It was found that in the model simulation the largest thermal gradient occurred along the occluded front, not along the warm or cold fronts, and that the intense gradient was a product of strong warm and occludofrontogenesis in the inflowing air. The occluded front was embedded within air that was earlier located within the baroclinic zone ahead of the low center, not air that was in proximity to the historical warm and cold fronts. The warm air in the seclusion likewise originated in the baroclinic zone ahead of the low. The seclusion at low levels resulted from a tongue of slower moving, relatively warm air be...
Service capacity decision and incentive compatible cost allocation for reporting usage forecasts

Abstract We consider an M/G/1 queue with multiple users where service capacity can be improved at a cost by reducing the mean and variance of service time and each user has private information on his expected usage. The firm's headquarter requires information on expected usage to determine the optimum service capacity. We develop a simple cost allocation scheme where a charge is applied to realized usage. This charge is computed by dividing the service capacity costs by the total reported expected usage weighted by the cost per unit time delay. The difference between the service capacity cost and the total charge applied to realized usage is credited/charged to the users based on the proportion of reported expected usage weighted by the cost per unit time delay. This cost allocation scheme (a) induces truthful reports of expected usage, (b) maximizes the expected net benefit of each user with respect to the service capacity, (c) shares all the service capacity costs, (d) achieves the same service capacity that the firm's headquarter would choose in an unconstrained maximization problem with no private information, and (e) uses only the realized and reported expected usages. We also examine whether the cost allocation scheme provides incentives for each user to obtain good forecasts on expected usage.
Novel Endoprosthesis for Limb Sparing of Canine Distal Radius Osteosarcoma Patients: A Modular Approach

Distal radius osteosarcoma accounts for nearly 10% of all cancer-related maladies within the canine population. Traditional methods of treatment include amputation and/or chemotherapy. A major increase in survival rates (from 10% to 60%) with the combined use of these two techniques has now directed research towards saving the limbs of these patients. Massive cortical bone allografts, metal endoprosthesis and distraction osteogenesis are some of the available limb sparing approaches that have been investigated. Distraction osteogenesis requires surgeon expertise and significant post-operative intervention. Cortical allografts require the maintenance of a bone bank. Furthermore, they are associated with increased infection rates and ultimately result in amputation of the affected limb. Metal endoprostheses are a viable alternative to these methods. A metal endoprosthesis has previously been developed for limb sparing of distal radius osteosarcoma patients. However, a clinical trial of this device demonstrated failure rates of approximately 40%. The major causes of failure were screw pullout and shear failure of the proximal radius screws. A computational finite element study conducted in our laboratory corroborated these findings and provided critical information as regards to the structural causes of failure for these implants.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Monitoring damage development around stress raisers in carbon/epoxy laminates

An experimental and numerical investigation was carried out for the feasibility of determining damage development in carbon/epoxy composite laminates with a circular hole. The study involved flash thermography to map the damaged region in these specimens. First, thermographic response of implanted delaminations in composite laminates was examined using both numerical and experimental approaches. Next, damage development around a circular hole in a composite specimen was examined using thermography. The specimen was cyclically loaded until fracture to generate different levels of damage near the center of the specimen. Thermographic images of damage development at different fractions of fatigue life were recorded. Numerical models of thermal response of the region with evolving damage were also examined to assess the effectiveness of flash thermography under different conditions. The carbon/epoxy composite laminate was pulsed and examined using laser vibrometry in order to characterize the modes of stress wave propagation. Numerical simulations of a similarly excited carbon/epoxy panel were carried out as well.
Analysis of Heat Transfer in Consecutive Variable Cross-Sectional Domains: Applications in Biological Media and Thermal Management

Temperature prescription and control is important within biological media and in bioheat transport applications such as in hyperthermia cancer treatment in which the unhealthy tissue/organ is subject to an imposed heat flux. Thermal transport investigation and optimization is also important in designing heat management devices and small-scale porous-filled-channels utilized in electronic and biomedical applications. In this work, biological media or the stated heat management devices with a nonuniform geometry are modeled analytically as a combination of convergent, uniform and/or divergent configurations. The biological media is represented as blood saturated porous tissue matrix while incorporating cells and interstices. Two primary models, namely adiabatic and constant temperature boundary conditions, are employed and the local thermal nonequilibrium and an imposed heat flux are fully accounted for in the presented analytical expressions. Fluid and solid temperature distributions and Nusselt number correlations are derived analytically for variable cross-sectional domain represented by convergent, divergent, and uniform or any combination thereof of these geometries while also incorporating internal heat generation in fluid and/or solid. Our results indicate that the geometrical variations have a substantial impact on the temperature field within the domain and on the surface with an imposed heat flux. It is illustrated that, the temperature distribution within a region of interest can be controlled by a proper design of the multisectional domain as well as proper selection of the porous matrix. These comprehensive analytical solutions are presented for the first time, to the best of the authors' knowledge in literature.
DC-Dielectrophoretic separation of biological cells by size

DC-Dielectrophoresis (DC-DEP), the induced motion of the dielectric particles in a spatially non-uniform DC electric field, is applied to separate biological cells by size. The locally non-uniform electric field is generated by an insulating hurdle fabricated within a PDMS microchannel. The cells experience a negative DEP (accordingly a repulsive) force at the corners of the hurdle where the gradient of local electric-field strength is the strongest. The DC-DEP force acting on the cells is proportional to the cells' size. Thus the moving cells deviate from the streamlines and the degree of deviation is dependent on the cell size. In this paper, we demonstrated by using this method that, combined with the electroosmotic flow, mixed biological cells of a few to tens of micrometers difference in diameter can be continuously separated into different collecting wells. For separating target cells of a specific size, all that is required is to adjust the voltage outputs of the electrodes.
Effect of Ball Milling on Reaction Mechanism between Ti and B4C and Subsequent Densification

The effect of ball milling pretreatment of the starting Ti and B4C powder blends on the synthesis of dense TiB2/TiC composite was investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the TiC phase was not produced until the milling time was up to 18h and only a minimal amount of TiB2 was generated, even after 48h of milling. It is clear that no complete conversion of the starting reactants to the desired products characterized as TiB2/TiC powder mixture take place within the investigated conditions. The decreased particle sizes of the reactants and high concentration of defects induced from ball milling, allow the completely chemical reaction of reactants into the desired composition (2TiB2/TiC), corresponding to the rapid and significant sample shrinkage occurring before 500°C. The target products obtained starting from mechanical activation reactants also showed relatively uniform microstructures and densities greater than 98% of the theoretical value.
A global optimization algorithm (GOP) for certain classes of nonconvex NLPs—II. Application of theory and test problems

Abstract In Part I (Floudas and Visweswaran, Computers chem. Engng 14, 1397, 1990), a deterministic global optimization approach was proposed for solving certain classes of nonconvex optimization problems. An algorithm, GOP, was presented for the rigorous solution of the problem through a series of primal and relaxed dual problems until the upper and lower bounds from these problems converged to an e -global optimum. In this paper, theoretical results are presented for several classes of mathematical programming problems that include: (i) the general quadratic programming problem; (ii) quadratic programming problems with quadratic constraints; (iii) pooling and blending problems; and (iv) unconstrained and constrained optimization problems with polynomial terms in the objective function and/or constraints. For each class, a few examples are presented illustrating the approach.
Recent Progress in LIBS-Based Technologies for Security Applications

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an emerging technology that has great potential for a wide variety of civilian and military applications. Recent history and progress of LIBS will be presented.
Large size and complex structure of mitochondrial DNA in two nonflowering land plants.

We report the first estimates of genome size and complexity for mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNAs) from nonflowering land plants. The mtDNA of Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern) is approximately 300 kb in size, while that of Equisetum arvense (common horsetail) is at least 200 kb. Sufficient mtDNA of Onoclea was available to permit an estimation of the copy number and a linkage analysis of nine mitochondrial genes. Six of these genes appear to be present in only one or two copies in the Onoclea genome, whereas three other genes are present in multiple copies. Five of the approximately ten genes encoding 26S rRNA are located on a large, >10kb, dispersed repeat that also contains closely linked genes for 18S rRNA and the alpha subunit of ATPase (atpA). The other 26S genes belong to a second dispersed repeat family of >8 kb whose elements do not contain any other identified genes. Because flowering plant mtDNAs are also large and contain dispersed, gene-containing, repeats, it appears that these features arose early in the evolution of land plants, or perhaps even in their green algal ancestors.
Sorption and dissipation of testosterone, estrogens, and their primary transformation products in soils and sediment.

Concern over the potential negative ecological effects of steroid hormones from human- and animal-derived wastes has resulted in an increased interest regarding the mobility and persistence of these compounds in the environment. Batch experiments were conducted to examine the simultaneous sorption and dissipation of three reproductive hormones (testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and 17α-ethynyl estradiol) in four midwestern U. S. soils and one freshwater sediment. Sorption isotherms were generated by measuring aqueous concentrations and by extracting the sorbed parent chemical or transformation products (e.g., estrone, androstenedione). Apparent sorption equilibrium is reached within a few hours. Measured sorption isotherms for the three parent chemicals and their principal transformation products were generally linear. Average organic carbon normalized sorption coefficients (Koc) resulted in standard deviations of less than 0.2 log units and were consistent with reported aqueous solubilites and octanol−water p...
Surface modification and drug delivery for biointegration

Biointegration refers to the interconnection between a biomedical device and the recipient tissue. In many implant devices, the lack of proper biointegration can cause device failure and potentially serious medical problems. This review summarizes the recent progress in surface chemistry, drug delivery and antifouling methods to improve the biointegration of implants. Much progress has been made as our understanding of biological systems and material properties expands and as new technologies become available. This article addresses methods of enhancing biointegration by means of modifying implant surface chemistry and by drug-delivery approaches.
Effect of segment size and polydispersity on the properties of polyurethane block polymers

Abstract The dynamic-mechanical and thermal scanning behaviour of a series of specially synthesized linear segmented polyurethanes is presented. These materials possess a well defined segment molecular weight and molecular weight distribution and no possibility of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The dynamic-mechanical transitions observed are assigned to specific molecular motions and the effect of segment size and molecular weight distribution is described. The results are explained in terms of hard segment domain perfection. Differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.) curves of annealed samples indicate that domain morphology may be affected by thermal treatment. A comparison of dynamic mechanical and d.s.c. results to hydrogen-bonded polyurethanes is made.
Comment on "Resonant acoustic scattering by swimbladder-bearing fish" [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 64, 571-580 (1978)] (L).

Love's model for the acoustic scattering by a spherical viscous fluid shell filled with gas and surrounded by inviscid liquid [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 64, 571–580 (1978)] is reviewed. For certain material parameters, discrepancies are observed in Love's scattering cross section when compared with the exact solution near resonance. Those errors are corrected in this study. It is shown that there is excellent agreement between the corrected formulation and the exact solution in the resonance region where ka=1 and ϵ = b/a ≥ 2.5, where k is the acoustic wavenumber, and a and b are the inner and outer radii of the shell, respectively. Errors between Love's equation and the exact solution are not significant for the case of swimbladder-bearing fish where the bubble radius is typically greater than about 0.05 m, but could be large for bubbles and gas-bearing zooplankton where the radius is less than about 0.05 m.
On dynamic investment strategies

Abstract This paper presents a new approach for analyzing dynamic investment strategies. Previous studies have obtained explicit results by restricting utility functions to a few specific forms; not surprisingly, the resultant dynamic strategies have exhibited a very limited range of behavior. In contrast, we examine what might be called the inverse problem: given any specific dynamic strategy, can we characterize the results of following it through time? More precisely, can we determine whether it is self-financing, yields path-independent returns, and is consistent with optimal behavior for some expected utility maximizing investor? We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for a dynamic strategy to satisfy each of these properties.
The mouse hepatocyte growth factor-encoding gene: structural organization and evolutionary conservation

Abstract A mouse genomic phage library was screened by using a cDNA probe coding for mouse hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Five overlapping genomic clones which contained the entire mouse HGF gene were isolated and characterized by restriction mapping, Southern hybridization and DNA sequencing. HGF spans about 65 kb and consists of 18 exons separated by 17 introns, similar to its human counterpart. The nucleotide (nt) sequences of the introns at the exonintron junctions are GT-AG, analogous to those found in other eukaryotic genes. The exon-intron gene organization of HGF is highly homologous to that of several other genes encoding kringle-containing proteins, especially HGF-like protein and plasminogen. This result suggests that HGF probably evolved through gene duplication and/or exon shuffling events from an ancestral gene. Southern hybridization of genomic DNA from different species revealed that a high degree of homology exists among a variety of vertebrates, including chicken, when a mouse HGF cDNA was used as a probe. This evolutionary conservation of HGF strongly suggests that the protein may play an important role in normal cell physiology. Our current results on mouse HGF structure provide basic and detailed information to carry out further manipulation, such as gene targeting.
Self-assembly of molecular prisms via an organometallic "clip".

Under the appropriate conditions, the combination of two tritopic pyridyl ligands with three metal-containing molecular “clips” spontaneously generates supramolecular coordination cages with trigonal prismatic frameworks.
Wenckebach (Type 1) Behavior of Ventricular Reentry

Electrocardiographic excerpts from three patients demonstrate bigeminy, concealed bigeminy, trigeminy, concealed trigeminy, and Wenckebach's pattern of variation in the coupling interval from sinus beat to ventricular ectopic beat. These diverse manifestations of ventricular ectopy support the hypothesis that reentry in man reflects conduction of an initial impulse, with delay, to cause the coupled reentrant beat.
Epigenetic regulation of gelsolin expression in human breast cancer cells.

Abstract Gelsolin is a multifunctional, actin-binding protein that is greatly decreased in many transformed cell lines and tumor tissues, including breast cancers. Downregulation of gelsolin RNA occurs in most breast cancers of rats, mice, and humans, but gross mutations of the gelsolin gene have not been found. Here we demonstrate by PCR and RT-PCR analysis that there are no point mutations in putative regulatory regions or the entire coding region of the cytoplasmic isoform of the gelsolin gene in human breast cancer cells (BCC). To determine if epigenetic modification is involved in downregulating gelsolin expression in MDA-MB-231 (MDA231), MCF7, and T47D BCC, we have used Southern blot analysis, 5-azacytidine (5aza) treatment, and trichostatin A (TSA) treatment. Southern blot analysis performed on genomic DNA demonstrated altered CpG methylation within intron 1 in DNA from all BCC compared to normal, mortal human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC). Treatment of the BCC with 5aza converted the DNA restriction pattern to that seen in untreated HMEC genomic DNA and caused modest increases in gelsolin RNA and protein. Incubation with TSA, an inhibitor of histone deacetylase, induced a dramatic upregulation of gelsolin RNA and protein levels which preceded apoptotic death of all BCC within 48–60 h. Our data support a role for epigenetic changes in chromatin structure leading to downregulation of gelsolin expression in human breast cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a tumor suppressor gene downregulated in human breast cancer by changes in histone acetylation.
LA-ICP-MS analysis of Clovis period projectile points from the Gault Site

Abstract A key tenet of Clovis period hunter–gatherer mobility is the utilization of large ranges based on the appearance of exotic raw materials, particularly chert, in Clovis assemblages. The identification of the sources of chert in Clovis period assemblages is problematic as it has relied on macroscopic properties. Macroscopic characteristics of chert can be highly variable in a single outcrop, occur across very large areas, and have correlates in unrelated and far removed contexts. An instrumental geochemical approach was utilized that potentially offers advances in the capacity to link chert artifacts to their sources. Trace element data was recovered from 33 Clovis period projectile points from the Gault Site (41BL323) using Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). This data was compared to trace element data recovered from 224 primary geologic samples of chert from multiple primary sources across the Edwards Plateau in Texas. The Clovis points were compared to the geologic sources using canonical discriminant analysis to establish group membership at three spatial scales: macro-regional (greater than 500 km), regional (between 30 and 500 km), and local (between 1 and 30 km). It was found at the macro-regional scale that 21 of the 33 Clovis points were to be geochemically similar to Edwards Plateau sources. At the regional scale, 15 of the 21 identified Edwards Plateau Clovis points could be attributed to a particular source. Lastly, only two Clovis points could be identified to particular sources at the local scale.
Learning Environments, Academic Self-Concepts, and Achievement in Mathematics.

Educators have long recognized that successful and unsuccessful students usually display marked differences not only in academic ability but also in certain affective dimensions including self-confidence, self-esteem, and selfacceptance. In fact, some (Brookover, 1962) have proposed that a student's self-concept of ability functions as a threshold variable setting limits of achievement for the individual and that significant numbers of students are being needlessly hindered not by lack of ability but by inadequate selfconcepts. If one accepts this Brookover postulate, then a logical conclusion is to seek means of enhancing the academic self-concept-that is, the student's perception of his ability to achieve in school tasks-in the belief that a heightened self-concept will subsequently make possible an increase in achievement. To this end it is reasonable to search for those factors or con-
Role of the spinocervical tract in production of the primary cortical response evoked by forepaw stimulation.

Abstract The dorsal column and the dorsolateral part of the lateral column on one side of the spinal cord of the cat were individually isolated and stimulated at a level between the third and fourth spinal roots. The gross potentials evoked by such stimulation, and by forepaw stimulation, were recorded at three different sites in the contralateral cerebral hemisphere; they differed in configuration according to the pathway stimulated. When recorded from the forepaw focus, dorsal column stimulation produced potentials similar to those evoked by forepaw stimulation, whereas dorsolateral column stimulation yielded small, mainly negative deflections of relatively long latency and small applitude. Transection of the spinocervical route in three different places had no measurable effect on the peripherally evoked primary cortical response, whereas transection of the dorsal column pathway all but eliminated the peripherally evoked response. Prior stimulation of the dorsal column had a profound effect on the peripherally evoked primary response, whereas prior stimulation of the dorsolateral column had a negligible effect. It is concluded that the spinocervical pathway plays a negligible role in production of the forepaw-evoked primary cortical response, in both somatosensory area I and II.
Dune Restoration Introduces Genetically Distinct American Beachgrass, Ammophila breviligulata, into a Threatened Local Population

There is mounting concern over the source and genetic history of plant propagules used for habitat restoration because introduced genotypes may destabilize remnant local populations through competition and introgression. We examined whether introduced dune grass, Ammophila breviligulata, from Michigan is genetically distinct from a threatened local Minnesota population by comparing local and nonlocal genotypes in well-established stands in the field and in experimental common gardens. Both observational and experimental studies suggest that Michigan plants differed genetically and had an advantage over local plants in terms of vegetative spread and sexual reproduction. Well-established restoration populations composed of Michigan plants produced fertile culms that were 1.8 times taller than Minnesota plants and more than twice as fecund. Introgression is unlikely, however, because Minnesota genotypes flowered on average 6.7 weeks earlier than Michigan plants and only 20% of Minnesota pollen remained viable after 4 weeks. In the common gardens, Michigan plants from two sources were larger in size, grew faster, and flowered more frequently than Minnesota plants. Plant surveys across the study area suggest that nonlocal genotypes have spread beyond documented restoration areas and into local stands, particularly in foredunes. Even if gene flow between local and nonlocal plants is limited due to differences in flowering phenology, Michigan genotypes may out-compete plants in the threatened Minnesota population through greater vegetative and sexual reproduction. The fitness consequences of this change in the genetic composition of the local population have yet to be determined.
Rapid formation of compound II and a tyrosyl radical in the Y229F mutant of Mycobacterium tuberculosis catalase-peroxidase disrupts catalase but not peroxidase function.

Catalase-peroxidases (KatG), which belong to Class I heme peroxidase enzymes, have high catalase activity and substantial peroxidase activity. The Y229F mutant of Mycobacterium tuberculosis KatG was prepared and characterized to investigate the functional role of this conserved residue unique to KatG enzymes. Purified, overexpressed KatG[Y229F] exhibited severely reduced steady-state catalase activity while the peroxidase activity was enhanced. Optical stopped-flow experiments showed rapid formation of Compound (Cmpd) II (oxyferryl heme intermediate) in the reaction of resting KatG[Y229F] with peroxyacetic acid or chloroperoxybenzoic acid, without detectable accumulation of Cmpd I (oxyferryl heme π-cation radical intermediate), the latter being readily observed in the wild-type enzyme under similar conditions. Facile formation of Cmpd III (oxyferrous enzyme) also occurred in the mutant in the presence of micromolar hydrogen peroxide. Thus, the lost catalase function may be explained in part because of formation of intermediates that do not participate in catalatic turnover. The source of the reducing equivalent required for generation of Cmpd II from Cmpd I was shown by rapid freeze-quench electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to be a tyrosine residue, just as in wild-type KatG. The kinetic coupling of radical generation and Cmpd II formation was shown in KatG[Y229F]. Residue Y229, which is a component of a newly defined three amino acid adduct in catalase-peroxidases, is critically important for protecting the catalase activity of KatG.
Confidence intervals for the comparison of variability estimates for a mixed model

In this paper, we develop methods for generating confidence intervals for the comparison of variability estimates in a mixed-effects model. A generalized confidence interval (GCI) is developed and contrasted to the modified large sample (MLS) method with an adjustment for a fixed effect. The methods are assessed using a computer simulation. Recommendations are provided for selecting an appropriate method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of a bronchopleural fistula by computerized tomographya—A case report

A case report is presented of a bronchopleural fistula demonstrated on computed tomography (CT) scan but not identifiable on plain radiographs. The case illustrates the importance of CT in evaluating the pleural space.
Vibronic coupling in the two-photon 4A2→4T2 spectrum of Mn4+ in the cubic and trigonal sites of Cs2MF6, M=Si, Ge, Ti

Abstract We report low temperature single crystal two-photon spectra of the 4 A 2g → 4+ T 2g transition of the Mn 4+ ion doped into the cubic hosts, Cs 2 SiF 6 and Cs 2 GeF 6 and the trigonal host, Cs 2 TiF 6 . This two-photon transition is forbidden for a spin-independent opera Its origin appears as a result of spin-orbit mixing of the 4 T 2g state with the 4 T 1g states. In the trigonal salt, however, the transition is allowed. The t 2g mode acts as a vibronic origin in the cubic case, but it is absent in the trigonal.
Performance Evaluation of Blended Metrology Schemes Incorporating Virtual Metrology

This paper formulates and explores the tradeoff between re-calibration and off-line metrology to find the optimal number of samples that maximizes the profit. A sequence of metrology samples using a regression model with linearly drifting coefficients is simulated, a model realistically applying to a manufacturing process with linearly drifting hidden variables. Three different types of statistical models, linear regression, exponentially-weighted linear regression (EWLR), and the Kalman Filter are used as VM prediction tools. We simulate two blended metrology sampling scenarios, one that automatically discards flagged wafers and another that allows re-inspection and process re-tuning. We alternate between training sets and testing sets, and compare the resulting net profit, Type I, and Type II errors as a function of varying VM prediction sample sizes. Results show that each VM prediction model has a different tradeoff between the Type I and Type II errors that determine the optimal sampling scheme. The ultimate goal is to create a general framework that quickly leads to the optimal design of such schemes given the characteristics of the process in question.
Sedimentation in a time-varying ultracentrifuge.

Abstract A procedure is suggested for determining the sedimentation coefficient and diffusion constant of small monodisperse molecules. Data would be collected during the acceleration period, and a synthetic boundary cell would be used to minimize reflections from the meniscus. The relevant solution to the Lamm equation is derived.
Age, stress, and isolation in older adults living with HIV

People living with HIV (PLWH) have increasingly longer life spans. This age group faces different challenges than younger PLWH, which may include increased stress and social isolation. The purpose of this study was to determine if the age and sex of PLWH is associated with measures of physiologic stress, perceived stress and social isolation. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 102 PLWH equally into four groups divided by age ( 50 years) and gender. Participants completed well-validated survey measurements of stress and isolation, and their heart rate variability over 60 minutes was measured by Holter monitor. The mean (standard deviation) Perceived Stress Scale score was 17.4 (6.94), mean visual analog stress scale score was 3.51 (2.79), and mean Hawthorne Friendship Scale score, a measure of social isolation, was 17.03 (4.84). Mean heart rate variability expressed as the standard deviation of successive N-N intervals was 65.47 (31.16) msec. In multivariable regression models that controlled for selected demographic variables, there was no relationship between the Perceived Stress Scale and age (coefficient=−0.09, p=−.23) or female gender (coefficient=−0.12, p=0.93); however, there was a modest relationship between female gender and stress using the visual analog stress scale (coefficient=1.24, p=0.05). Perceived Stress was negatively associated with the Hawthorne Friendship score (coefficient=−0.34, p=0.05). Hawthorne Friendship score was positively associated with younger age (coefficient=0.11, p=0.02). Age was the only independent predictor of physiologic stress as measured by heart rate variability (coefficient=−1.3, p<0.01). Our findings suggest that younger PLWH may experience more social isolation; however, age-related changes in heart rate variability do not appear to be related to perceived stress or social isolation. Future longitudinal research is required to more thoroughly understand this relationship and its impact on the health of PLWH.
Stem cells: The intestinal-crypt casino.

Stem cells can renew themselves indefinitely — a feature that is often attributed to asymmetrical cell division. Fresh experimental and mathematical models of the intestine provide evidence that begs to differ.
Auroral Absorption of 18-Mc./s. Cosmic Radio Waves on February 11, 1958

ON the night of February 10–11, 1958, a spectacular auroral display was widely observed in the United States. Fig. 1 shows the effect of this aurora on 18-Mc./s. cosmic noise from the sky, as observed at the Sampson Station of this Observatory (lat. 42° 47′ N., long. 73° 27′ W.). The vertical scale indicates approximate relative absorption of cosmic noise in decibels as received. The horizontal scale gives Universal Time on February 11. The dotted line represents the record of the following night, February 12, which itself shows at 7hr. U.T. a characteristic dip which we consider to be associated with auroral activity. The peak at 0915 is a calibration mark. We note that the time marks, which are produced every 10 min. from WWV signals at 5 Mc./s., fade out at 0250 for the remainder of the night.
Scaling and vortex dynamics after the quench of a system with a continuous symmetry.

We study the dynamics of a system with a nonconserved complex order parameter, following a deep quench. In contrast to the case when the order parameter has a discrete symmetry, we observe an effective value of the dynamical exponent at early times of \ensuremath{\varphi}=0.375\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005. In this regime, finite-size scaling of the scattering function is observed. At later times, we observe a crossover to \ensuremath{\varphi}=0.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02. Our results indicate that any renormalization of the kinetic coefficient must be small.
Piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of P (VDF-TrFE) copolymers and their application to ultrasonic transducers

Abstract The copolymers of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and trifluoroethylene (TrFE) have been found to be effective ultrasonic transducer materials because of their large electromechanical coupling factor kt . On the basis of the results obtained by SEM, X-ray diffraction, and ferroelectric polarization reversal studies of copolymer films, the large kt is ascribed to their high remanent polarization, which may originate from high crystallinity and preferential orientation of well-grown crystallites. Various single element transducers for medical ultrasound imaging have been developed utilizing PVDF and P(VDF-TrFE) films. The performance of these transducers is in good agreement with a theoretical prediction in which their dielectric and mechanical losses are taken into account. The P(VDF-TrFE) transducers have a two-pathway sensitivity 10 dB higher than that of PVDF transducers. They give high resolution medical images much superior in quality to those obtained with conventional ceramic transducers. Linear ...
Analysis of in-Vivo Levels of Acyl-Thioesters with Gas-Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry of the Butylamide Derivative

The analysis of the in vivo level and composition of acyl-thioester pools, such as acyl-ACP, has been accomplished by selective formation of acyl-butylamides and subsequent analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The acyl-butylamide derivative was synthesized by direct aminolysis with n-butylamine. The reaction was specific for thioester-linked acyl groups and 90% conversion was achieved with acyl-ACP and acyl-CoA in aqueous solution. Electron ionization mass spectra exhibited two intense diagnostic ions m/z 115 and 128 common to butylamides of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Mixtures of butylamides with fatty acid moieties ranging between C4 and C20 were analyzed by selective ion monitoring gas chromatography/mass spectrometry set to 115 and 128 amu. The limit for the quantitative analysis of the long-chain 18:0- and 18:1-butylamides was 1.5 pmol and the detection limit was less than 0.5 pmol. The utility of this method was demonstrated by analysis of two model systems: standard acyl-CoA mixtures and in vivo levels of spinach leaf acyl-ACP. A purification protocol based on DE 52 anion exchange chromatography was necessary in order to separate spinach acyl-ACP and acyl-CoA from tissue extracts. The acyl composition obtained from total spinach leaf acyl-ACP by selective ion monitoring gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of the butylamide derivatives matched with the direct analysis of the same sample by urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and subsequent scanning densitometry of the anti-spinach ACP immunoblot.
Analysis of instabilities in round pipes and infinite channels by stochastic methods

Abstract The author proposes in the paper an application of the methods based on the principles of irreversible thermodynamics to describe the conditions under which laminar viscous flow becomes unstable thermodynamically. It is shown that this “point of instability” may be calculated for the round pipe and infinite channel flow according to the so-called Meissner's entropy principle. The actual undelayed transition may be approximately calculated by a trivial modification of the original Meissner's entropy principle according to the theorem of the mean, and taking account of the fact that during an idealized transition (at a constant mean velocity and without any temperature change) the actual kinetic energy of the fluid based on the steady-state velocity distribution must be considered separately for each regime.
ESR of the reduction products of [Fe(bpy)3]2+ and [Ru(bpy)3]2+

Abstract ESR of [Fe(bpy) 3 ] + and (Ru(bpy) 3 ] + suggests that the reduction electron is located on a single ligand rather than delocalized over all three. In solution the electron hops from one ligand to another, broadening the ESR line. In the triply reduced [Fe(bpy) 3 ] − and (Ru(bpy) 3 ] − , one electron is on each ligand and there is no hopping.
Using Dasymetric Mapping for Spatially Aggregated Crime Data

With availability of crime data to the public via sources such as the Uniform Crime Reports, and increasing geographic information system (GIS) capabilities for mapping crime, macro-level studies of crime have advanced knowledge of how crime is distributed over large areas. Choropleth mapping, commonly used in macro-level studies, visually displays data by assigning the number of crimes or crime rate to the corresponding spatial unit and using different shades or textures for each value or classified values creating a thematic map. However, crime incidents or crime rates are not dispersed evenly within spatial units, and choropleth mapping masks the underlying nuances of the distribution. Artificial boundaries, along with variations in the size of the unit of analysis, can further distort the true distribution of crime. Dasymetric mapping provides a methodology for refining the distribution of crime within a spatial unit. It does so by using additional data, such as land use and census data, to provide a realistic estimate of how crime may be distributed within the units of analysis. Dasymetric mapping is also useful in creating density maps to reveal clusters of crime normally masked with choropleth maps. This paper will show how dasymetric mapping can estimate the spatial distribution of aggregate level residential burglary within political boundaries in Massachusetts based on land use and housing data.
Robotic Assisted, Total Laparoscopic, and Total Abdominal Hysterectomy for Management of Uterine Cancer.

Objectives: The purpose was to compare robotic assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TRH), laparoscopic assisted hysterectomy (TLH) and total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with surgical staging +/- lymphadenectomy for the management of uterine cancer. Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained and patient characteristics, pathologic data, and data related to the surgical procedure were collected from chart review. Data were analyzed with SAS statistical software. Results: A total of 102 TRHs were compared to 115 TLHs and 79 TAHs. There were more grade I and endometrial intraepithelial (EIN) lesions in the preoperative pathology of TLHs (P P P P P P P < 0.05). Conclusion: Despite longer surgical times, benefits of minimally invasive technology included shortened length of stay, decreased wound infections, transfusions, and blood loss. In our population, procedure selection for TLH versus TRH may have been influenced by lower preoperative grade, with reservation of robotic technology for cases anticipated to be more complex, and therefore justifying increased technology costs and operating times.
Small molecules, big effects: a role for chromatin-localized metabolite biosynthesis in gene regulation.

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Katoh et al. (2011) show that the biosynthetic enzyme MATIIα binds at the HO-1 locus in mammalian cells and exhibits transcriptional corepressor activity through local production of S-adenosylmethionine, which stimulates histone methyltransferases to promote a transcriptionally repressive chromatin environment.
A signal network involving coactivated NF-κB and STAT3 and altered p53 modulates BAX/BCL-XL expression and promotes cell survival of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Abrogation of apoptosis to sustain cell survival is an essential step in development of cancer. Aberrant activation of signal transcription factors NF-kappaB or STAT3, alterations in p53 status, or BCL/BAX family expression have each been reported to affect cell survival in cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). However, molecular targeting of these alterations individually has yielded disappointing results. In our study, we examined the hypothesis that alterations in a signal network involving NF-kappaB, STAT3 and p53 modulates expression of proapoptotic BAX and antiapoptotic BCL-XL proteins, and promotes cell survival of HNSCC. We found that NF-kappaB and STAT3 are coactivated together, and with cytokine stimulation or siRNA knock-down, both modulate BAX/BCL-XL. Greater modulation among HNSCC lines expressing low wt p53 than those over-expressing mt p53 protein suggested that decreased p53 expression might enhance activation of NF-kappaB, STAT3 and BCL-XL. Reexpression of wt p53 suppressed NF-kappaB and STAT3 nuclear binding activity, and BCL-XL expression, while inducing p21 and BAX. Over-expression of p53 together with inhibition of NF-kappaB or STAT3 induced greater increase in the BAX/BCL-XL ratio and apoptosis than modulation of these transcription factors individually. Conversely, NF-kappaB or STAT3 inducing cytokines decreased the BAX/BCL-XL ratio. Thus, a network involving signal coactivation of NF-kappaB and STAT3, differentially modified by p53 inactivation or mutation, promotes altered BAX/BCL-XL expression and cell survival in HNSCC. Inhibition of signal activation of both NF-kappaB and STAT3 together with reexpression of p53 could be the most effective strategy to restore BAX/BCL-XL regulation and for cytotoxic therapy of HNSCC.
Newspaper Construction of a Moral Farmer.

This study examines how six national newspapers balanced supporting agriculture (a morally good occupation) with supporting environ-mentalism (nature as a moral value), in an area in which agricultural and environmental interests conflict—farm use of pesticides. The study showed that, contrary to expectations, newspapers supported social change (were largely critical of pesticide use and sympathetic to organic agriculture). Farmers were portrayed positively as quiet social movement participants, and newspapers suggested that government and universities were blocking infrastructural change that should be supported. The study contradicts earlier theories of the press and social movements that suggest that newspapers contain, rather than promote, social change.
The persistent paradox of psychic phenomena: An engineering perspective

Although a variety of so-called psychic phenomena have attracted man's attention throughout recorded history, organized scholarly effort to comprehend such effects is just one century old, and systematic academic research roughly half that age. Over recent years, a sizeable spectrum of evidence has been brought forth from reputable laboratories in several disciplines to suggest that at times human consciousness can acquire information inaccessible by any known physical mechanism (ESP), and can influence the behavior of physical systems or processes (PK), but even the most rigorous and sophisticated of these studies display a characteristic dilemma: The experimental results are rarely replicable in the strict scientific sense, but the anomalous yields are well beyond chance expectations and a number of common features thread through the broad range of reported effects. Various attempts at theoretical modeling have so far shown little functional value in explicating experimental results, but have served to stimulate fundamental re-examination of the role of consciousness in the determination of physical reality. Further careful study of this formidable field seems justified, but only within the context of very well conceived and technically impeccable experiments of large data-base capability, with disciplined attention to the pertinent aesthetic factors, and with more constructive involvement of the critical community.