cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contamination control in Axcelis Purion platform ion implanters

Industry consolidation in semiconductor manufacturing, driven by commoditization and decreasing margins, is placing ever increasing pressure on fab productivity. Concomitant technology innovation, shrinking device geometries, the transition to non-planar transistors and novel device structures (such as CIS or IGBT) make yield attainment increasingly challenging. The defect level performance of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, in particular in ion implantation, is one of the critical parameters contributing to overall yield performance. This is evidenced through recent large shifts in both particle and metals requirements from device manufacturers. Traditional implanter design approaches, focused on glitch reduction or beam current modulation, are necessary but insufficient to attain simultaneous compliance of availability, throughput and defect levels. In this paper, a holistic approach to defect control is detailed. Examples of contamination control best practices are described. These are combined into an overarching design for process cleanliness (DfPC) methodology, through identification and mitigation of defect opportunities (particulates, metals). Data from the Purion platform of ion implanters demonstrate that, through application of an integrated, common design method, required defect performance can be attained across multiple ion implant platforms.
Private Control and Collective Control in International Joint Ventures

Abstract and Key Results ▪ This study separates joint venture control into private and collective control and examines how these two distinct types of control in IJVs are influenced by dyadic relations between cross-cultural partners. ▪ Private control involves unilateral actions taken by an individual party to maximize its own interests and gain, whereas collective control involves bilateral actions taken jointly to pursue collective gain. ▪ This study demonstrates that private and collective controls are neither exogenous nor predetermined but are instead shaped by mutual relationships between partners, together with transactional needs and environmental parameters. ▪ Our analysis shows that superior dyadic relations, such as resource complementarity, operational integration, objective conformity, and interparty attachment, restrain private control and associated opportunism while enhancing collective control and associated cooperation.
Exxon global CO 2 measurement system

This paper describes a system designed to acquire atmospheric and surface-ocean pCO 2 data essential to the scientific study of air-sea CO 2 exchange, atmospheric CO 2 growth, and their variabilities. Highlighted is a computer-based measurement system installed aboard an oil tanker whose route traverses several oceans.
Dysfunctional procrastination and its relationship with self-esteem, interpersonal dependency, and self-defeating behaviors

Young adults (202 women, 61 men: M = 20.9) completed measures of decisional and behavioral procrastination, self-esteem, interpersonal dependency, and self-defeating behavior. Correlational analysis indicated that both procrastination types separately and combined were significantly related to low self-esteem, dependency on others, and defeating behaviors. Among specific self-defeating behaviors, decisional procrastination was related to failing to complete crucial tasks, inciting anger in others, and rejecting good-spirited others. Behavioral procrastination was related to failing task completion, rejecting well-minded others, feeling guilty after a positive event, and choosing handicapping situations. Multiple regression analyses indicated that self-defeating tendencies of failure to complete crucial tasks and rejecting oppurtunities for pleasure were significant predictors of decisional, behavioral, and overall dysfunctional procrastination. Interpersonal dependency also was a significant predictor of both decisional and dysfunctional procrastination, while self-esteem predicted behavioral procrastination. These results suggest that types of procrastination may be predicted by similar personality factors, and that chronic procrastination is dysfunctional toward achieving life goals.
Demonstration of sperm chemotaxis in Echinodermata: Asteroidea, Holothuroidea, Ophiuroidea

The sperm of starfish (Asteroidea), sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea), and brittle stars (Ophiuroidea) are chemotactically attracted to the tip of a micropipette releasing very small volumes of egg water or seawater solution of an alcoholic extract of ovaries or spawned eggs. The sperm are unresponsive to injections of seawater or a weak solution of ammonium chloride in seawater. No other echinoderm tissue tested yields an extract with sperm-attracting activity. A complex set of species-specificities has been demonstrated between many of the genera and species used in these experiments. Plotting of the paths of chemotactic sperm reveals that they approach the tip of the pipette along a path consisting of small loops alternating with straight segments orientated directly up the gradient. This is similar to the chemotactic behavior previously reported for the sperm of hydrozoans, molluscs, and urochordates. Sperm velocity does not change in response to the sperm attractant. Attracted sperm remain motile long after they have been attracted and do not agglutinate. In at least some cases the attraction response is reversible. This is the first direct evidence of sperm chemotaxis in echinoderms.
Resilience to childhood abuse and neglect in college students

This study examined the prevalence of a history of childhood maltreatment in a college sample and identified the relationship between being maltreated as a child and later college adjustment in men and women. Results indicate that men who had been maltreated in childhood had more resilient outcomes in college than women who had been maltreated in childhood. Negative life events and protective factors acted as mediators in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and college adjustment for women, and protective factors acted as a moderator in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and college adjustment for men.
Relative stabilities of the methyltropylium and α‐phenylethyl cations

Metastable decomposition of ethylbenzene molecular ions should yield [C8H9]+ ions of nearly threshold energies. Mass spectral data from collisionally activated dissociation of these ions show them to be mainly the methyltropylium (a) isomer, which is also that formed from 7-methylcycloheptatriene and isopropylbenzene. Combined with the threshold photoionization studies of McLoughlin, Morrison and Traeger, this establishes a as the most stable [C8H9]+ isomer. This is more stable than the α-phenylethyl isomer (b), which can be formed from α-bromoethylbenzene molecular ions; higher energy b ions appear to isomerize to a.
Computational modeling of post-sutured tissue performance

Efficiency of post-operative sutured tissues depends on the state stress and strain, affecting the rate of wound healing. The objective of this study was to examine, the effect of suture size and stiffness, on the deformation of an incised continuous tissue. A simple running suture configuration was modeled and analyzed using 3D Finite Element Method (FEM). Prolene suture thread (Ethicon Inc.) of size 7-0 and 8-0 with varying material stiffness in the range of 6240 MPa to 30 MPa have been used whereas CryoValve aorta graft (Cryo Life Inc.) is considered as tissue material. Results show that the suture size has major impact on the deformation state of the tissue than the suture stiffness. Even though the difference in material stiffness caused a negligible change in strain, there is 55% increase in max principal strain away from suture line. Moreover, altering the suture size from 7-0 to 8-0 resulted in a 12% reduction in max tissue stresses. Because of the localization of max stress around the corner holes of the flaw, there is a fair chance of damage initiation at this location.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Multifunctional microbubbles and nanobubbles for photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging

We develop a novel dual-modal contrast agent-encapsulated-ink poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microbubbles and nanobubbles-for photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging. Soft gelatin phantoms with embedded tumor simulators of encapsulated-ink PLGA microbubbles and nanobubbles in various concentrations are clearly shown in both photoacoustic and ultrasound images. In addition, using photoacoustic imaging, we successfully image the samples positioned below 1.8-cm-thick chicken breast tissues. Potentially, simultaneous photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging enhanced by encapsulated-dye PLGA microbubbles or nanobubbles can be a valuable tool for intraoperative assessment of tumor boundaries and therapeutic margins.
Distinctive Features of Short‐Term Psychodynamic‐Interpersonal Psychotherapy: A Review of the Comparative Psychotherapy Process Literature

The present article is a review of the comparative psychotherapy process literature. It is an effort to delineate techniques and processes that distinguish two prominent forms of treatment. Seven interventions stood out as distinguishing psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy from cognitive-behavioral treatment: (1) a focus on affect and the expression of patients’ emotions; (2) an exploration of patients’ attempts to avoid topics or engage in activities that hinder the progress of therapy; (3) the identification of patterns in patients’ actions, thoughts, feelings, experiences, and relationships; (4) an emphasis on past experiences; (5) a focus on a patients’ interpersonal experiences; (6) an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship; and (7) an exploration of patients’ wishes, dreams, or fantasies. A better understanding of the specific techniques and processes that distinguish psychodynamic-interpersonal from cognitive-behavioral therapy can facilitate process-outcome research, aid in the training and teaching of psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy, and provide psychodynamic-interpersonal therapists with a guide for session activity.
“Getting the Word Out”: Policy Bloggers Use Their Soap Box to Make Change

This study examines policy bloggers, a subset of the political blogosphere. These bloggers focus on one policy area and attempt to “get the word out” concerning the importance of their policy area and policy recommendations. Information was gathered from in-depth interviews with nine policy bloggers and content analysis of their blogs during the summer of 2006. Findings show that policy bloggers engage in six activities on their blog: filtering information, providing expertise, forming networks, gaining attention, framing arguments, and using windows of opportunity. They rarely urge their readers to partake in political activity. Nearly all received attention from major media sources, and some gained a significant daily readership. Despite these victories, their blogs were primarily labors of love, bringing in little money or professional rewards.
Seasonal observations of surface waters in two Gulf of Maine estuary-plume systems: Relationships between watershed attributes, optical measurements and surface pCO2

Abstract The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO 2 ) in estuary-plume systems is related to the internal processes of net organic metabolism and physical mixing, but is also strongly influenced by biogeochemical inputs from the land and ocean. Surface layer pCO 2 , stimulated fluorescence of chlorophyll (f-chl) and colored organic matter (f-com), and beam attenuation at 660 nm (c-660) were measured during three seasonal surveys of the Kennebec (ME) and Merrimack (MA) estuary-plume systems. These estuaries are both supplied by large New England Rivers and separated by less than 150 km, but significant differences were often observed in the distributions of surface pCO 2 and optical variables. High pCO 2 concentrations were generally associated with high f-com, while lower pCO 2 concentrations were associated with high f-chl and c-660. Using simple regression models, optical measurements were used to estimate chlorophyll and total organic carbon concentrations. Results suggest that labile riverine carbon is responsible for sustaining supersaturated pCO 2 conditions and that phytoplankton productivity, likely driven by inputs of riverine dissolved inorganic nitrogen, is responsible for pCO 2 undersaturation. Although optical variables are often related to surface pCO 2 , the results suggest that efforts to retrieve pCO 2 in complex waters using optical data may be enhanced using a site-specific, multivariate approach.
Study of structural evolution of silica gel using 1H and 29Si NMR

Abstract Silica sols and gels were prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) under acid conditions. By use of 29Si and 1H NMR the chemical evolution of the system was followed through gelation, aging, and drying at temperatures ⩽ 50 °C. The effects of higher H2O/TEOS ratios, refluxing, and stripping on the promotion of short- and long-term condensation and gelation were characterized. The extent of crosslinking (i.e., the number of siloxane bonds) was found to increase very slowly after gelation. The driest gels still retained about one SiOH per two Si atoms. The proton spectra showed that the dynamic state of the protons in dried gels correlates well with the residual water content, but not with the details of the drying treatment: when the moisture level exceeds 0.5 H2O per Si atom, the water is uniformly distributed throughout the drying gel network, where it provides a mechanism for high diffusional mobility of all the silanol and water protons. When less than 0.2 free-water molecules per Si remain in the gel, the hydroxyls of both SiOH and residual H2O are immobilized in the silica network. The bulk structure of the dried gel skeleton resembles the surface layer of colloidal silica particles.
Neuronal Control of Mucus Secretion by Leeches: Toward a General Theory for Serotonin

The large Retzius cells are serotonin-containing neurons whose impulse activity controls the secretion of mucus from the skin of leeches. Serotonin elicits the secretion of mucus without any apparent synaptic transfers in either the central or peripheral nervous systems. Such a secretogogue function may be more general as serotonin controls the secretion of mucus from the gastrointestinal tract of mammals and from the ciliated gills of bivalved molluscs. Furthermore, the qualitative and quantitative distribution of serotonin in molluscs, annelids, arthropods, and vertebrates corresponds approximately with mucosecretory structures. Serotonin appears also to control other secretory functions in some of these animals. It is proposed therefore that serotonin might often function in controlling secretion.
Current Readings on the Iran-Iraq Conflict and Its Effects on U.S. Foreign Relations and Policy

The conflict between Iran and Iraq is not new; it dates from long before September 1980. In fact, the origins of the current war can be traced to the battle of Qadisiyah in Southern Iraq in 637 A.D., a battle in which the Arab armies of General Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas decisively defeated the Persian army. In victory, the Arab armies extended Islam east of the Zagros Mountains to Iran. In defeat, the Persian Empire began a steady decline that lasted until the sixteenth century. However, since the beginning of that century, Persia has occupied Iraq three times: 1508–1514, 1529–1543, and 1623–1638. Boundary disputes, specifically over the Shatt al‐Arab Waterway, and old enmities caused the wars. In 1735, belligerent Iranian naval forces entered the Shatt al‐Arab but subsequently withdrew. Twenty years later, Iranians occupied the city of Sulimaniah and threatened to occupy the neighboring countries of Bahrain and Kuwait. In 1847, Iran dominated the eastern bank of the Shatt al‐Arab and occupied Mohamarah in Iraq.
NGF and BDNF are differentially modulated by visual experience in the developing geniculocortical pathway

Neuronal activity and trophic factors have been implicated in shaping the connectivity of functional synaptic circuits. We studied the development and regulation by sensory input of the neurotrophins NGF, BDNF and NT-3 in the developing rat visual system. In the occipital cortex, NT-3 mRNA was transiently expressed in the neonate. In contrast, BDNF and NGF mRNA's increased during postnatal development, and reached mature levels around 3 weeks of age. BDNF mRNA was ten times more abundant than NGF mRNA. In the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), NT-3 mRNA was also transiently expressed, whereas NGF and BDNF mRNA's did not vary significantly during development. The high-affinity neurotrophin receptors trkB and trkC were expressed both in the developing LGN and occipital cortex. These receptors for BDNF and NT-3, respectively, were expressed at birth, with little change during development. In contrast, trkA mRNA, which encodes the high-affinity NGF receptor, was undetectable in either region. Visual experience differentially modulated expression of NGF and BDNF mRNA's. NGF mRNA was slightly increased after 3 weeks of light-deprivation. In contrast, BDNF mRNA expression in visual cortex was significantly lower than normal in rats dark-reared from birth. Decreased BDNF expression after sensory deprivation was reversible by exposure to light. Thus, all three neurotrophins were detected in visual cortex and LGN. Differences in abundance developmental profiles, and regulation imply distinct functions for each factor in the visual system.
Subspace identification for non-linear systems with measured-input non-linearities

This paper uses subspace methods to identify a class of multi-input multi-output discrete-time non-linear time-varying systems. Specifically, we identify systems that are non-linear in measured data and linear in unmeasured states. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the method.
Structure of the sulfuric acid-ammonia system and the effect of water molecules in the gas phase

The proton-transfer reaction of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and ammonia (NH3) and the effect of the first two water (H2O) molecules were studied by density functional theory and ab initio molecular orbit...
Method for quantitative analysis of regional left ventricular function with first pass and gated blood pool scintigraphy

Abstract The ability of radionuclide angiocardiography to quantitatively assess regional left ventricular function was studied in 33 patients undergoing biplane left ventricular cineangiography (45 ° right anterior oblique projection, and 60 ° left anterior oblique projection with 25 ° caudocranial angulation), and first pass (30 ° right anterior oblique projection) and multiple gated equilibrium (35 ° to 45 ° left anterior oblique projection with 20 ° to 25 ° caudocranial angulation) left ventricular scintigraphy within 48 hours. End-diastolic and end-systolic silhouettes of contrast angiograms were superimposed, and five segments were defined in each plane by radial lines originating from the end-diastolic center of mass. Segmental angiographic ejection fraction (end-diastolic area — end-systolic area/ end-diastolic area) was calculated for each segment by computerized planimetry. Similar segments were defined in the end-diastolic and end-systolic regions of interest of the first pass and gated left ventricular scintigrams, and the segmental scintigraphic ejection fraction (back-ground-corrected end-diastolic counts — background-corrected end-systolic counts/background-corrected end-diastolic counts) was obtained for each. A good correlation was observed between segmentai angiographic and scintigraphic ejection fraction in the segments corresponding to the anterobasal (r = 0.74), anterolateral (r = 0.70), apical (r = 0.77), diaphragmatic (r = 0.71), distal septal (r = 0.66), posterolateral (r = 0.71) and inferolateral (r = 0.60) left ventricular regions. The poor correlation in the posterobasal (r = 0.39), basal septal (r = −0.02) and superolateral (r = 0.05) segments was probably related to difficulty in defining the aortic valve, overlap of the left atrium and the left ventricle, and inability to visualize the high septum with these scintigraphic techniques. The reproducibility of scintigraphic segmental ejection fraction was studied in 13 patients in whom a second gated scintigram was performed 2 hours after the initial one. Excellent agreement (r = 0.93) was observed for scintigraphic segmental ejection fraction in the distal septal, posterolateral and inferolateral segments. Segmental scintigraphic ejection fraction enables accurate quantitative evaluation of the function of the anterobasal, anterolateral, apical, diaphragmatic, distal septal, posterolateral and inferolateral left ventricular regions with high reproducibility.
Continuous Reaction/Crystallization Process for Production of a Hazardous Intermediate

Perchloric acid appears unique in its ability to catalyze stereoselective trans-acetalizations of steroids. However, the requisite recipes result in an intermediate phase enriched in perchlorate and organic material with the potential for catastrophic decomposition. We present here a discussion of the relevant chemistry and the engineering of a continuous reactor/crystallizer/quench for the safe production of a candidate for asthma and irritable bowel syndrome.
Prolonged withdrawal following cocaine self-administration increases resistance to punishment in a cocaine binge

Drug addiction is characterized by compulsive drug-taking behaviors and a high propensity to relapse following drug cessation. Drug craving and seeking can increase during a period of abstinence, but this phenomenon is not observed in drug-induced reinstatement models. To investigate the effect of withdrawal on cocaine relapse, rats were exposed to extended-access cocaine self-administration and subjected to either 1 or 30 d of withdrawal. When tested during 12 h unlimited access to cocaine (binge), the duration of the withdrawal did not influence cocaine intake. However, using a histamine punishment procedure that greatly suppresses drug-taking behavior, we demonstrate that longer periods of abstinence from cocaine induce a greater persistence in responding for drug in the face of negative consequences.
Circular prolapse of the urethra

Abstract 1. 1. 321 cases of urethral prolapse have been reported in the world literature. 2. 2. Only 22 cases were reported in this country during the past 50 years. 3. 3. The onset is gradual and may continue over many years. 4. 4. The circumcision operation is adequate for the treatment of prolapse of the urethra. 5. 5. The excision of the mucosa in quadrants diminishes bleeding, gives better approximation of tissue, and serves as a guide in resection.
Magnitude and origin of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) compounds resuspended in southern Lake Michigan

[1] Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) compounds are introduced into the water as a result of large-scale storms and sediment resuspension in the southern basin of Lake Michigan. Settling and suspended sediments, as well as air and water samples, were collected in southern Lake Michigan over a 12 month period. Analysis of contaminant fluxes on settling particles shows that approximately 370 kg of PCBs and 110 kg of DDT compounds are resuspended in southern Lake Michigan during a single basin-wide event (January 1999). Examination of contaminant signals indicates strong regional and temporal source-receptor relationships between settling, suspended, and surficial sediments. The settling, suspended, and bottom surficial sediments in the shallow waters of the southern coastal region are enriched in lower molecular weight PCBs. The sediments in the water column and on the lake bottom in the deeper regions are enriched in higher molecular weight PCBs. Furthermore, falling sediments collected in the deeper regions of the lake are enriched in 4,4′-DDT. The unique contaminant signal in deep water regions is surprising and suggests a source/receptor relationship among the bottom sediments and the sediments suspended and settling above them.
Computing First-to-First Propagation Delays through Sequences of Fixed-Priority Periodic Tasks

We examine the problem of computing the worst-case first-to-first information propagation delay through a sequence of fixed-priority periodic tasks with different periods. This propagation delay is the span of time from the moment information becomes available until the first time the final task in the sequence produces an output that uses this (or more recent) input. We consider task systems in which all tasks are initially ready for execution, and the periods are harmonically related. We give efficient algorithms for computing this delay for the special cases in which the task priorities in the sequence are either monotonically decreasing or monotonically increasing. We then show how to combine these algorithms to compute an upper bound for the case in which priorities are ordered arbitrarily.
Stochastic seismic sliding of rigid mass supported through non-symmetric friction

The sliding behaviour of a rigid mass supported on a randomly vibrating foundation through a non-symmetric Coulomb-friction contact is studied both analytically and by numerical simulation. The analysis is based on a stationary solution of the associated Fokker-Planck equation, and makes use of equivalent linearization and of a suitable decomposition of the non-zero mean non-stationary sliding process. It is shown that the analytical results yield several exact asymptotic expansions for both small and large values of time. An extensive Monte Carlo type numerical simulation study produces non-stationary response statistics which are in very good accord with the analytical results. Furthermore, it is found that Gumbel's Extreme Value Distribution reproduces with remarkable accuracy the observed cumulative frequency of maximum slip displacement. The results of this paper may find application in seismic design of embankment dams, earth retaining walls and base ‘isolation’ systems.
Barriers to Veterans Health Administration care in a nationally representative sample of women veterans.

BACKGROUND: Women veterans are generally less healthy than their nonveteran female counterparts or male veterans. Accumulating evidence suggests there may be barriers to women veterans’ access to and use of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care.
Design, synthesis, and activity of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate analogs as allosteric modulators of hemoglobin O2 affinity

AbstractFour phosphonate derivates of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), in which the phosphate group is replaced by a methylene or difluoromethylene, were successfully synthesized for use as allosteric modulators of hemoglobin (Hb) O2 affinity. The syntheses were accomplished in four steps and the reagents were converted to their potassium salts to allow for effective binding with Hb in aqueous media. O2 equilibrium measurements of the chemically modified Hbs exhibited P50 values in the range 8.9–12.8 with Hill coefficients in the range of 1.5–2.4.
Effects of a low dose of ethanol in an animal model of premenstrual anxiety

Low (1 mM), but not 10 mM, concentrations of ethanol selectively potentiate current gated by α4β2δ subunit combinations of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor, a subtype increased in hippocampus after withdrawal from progesterone in a rodent model of premenstrual anxiety. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that the anxiolytic effect of ethanol would exhibit a similar dose-response effect by using the acoustic startle response (ASR) and elevated plus-maze as behavioral models. To this end, adult, female rats were tested (1) 24 h after removal of a progesterone-filled capsule implanted subcutaneously for 21 days (progesterone withdrawal) or (2) on the day of diestrus, a low hormone state. Low doses of ethanol (0.2–0.4 mg/kg) produced a significant 60%–70% decrease in the ASR only in animals undergoing progesterone withdrawal. However, higher doses of ethanol (0.8–1.2 g/kg) were ineffective in these animals, resulting in an “inverted U” ethanol dose effect similar to that observed at recombinant α4β2δ subunit combinations of the GABAA receptor. Consistent with these findings, significant 70% attenuation of the ASR was also achieved after progesterone withdrawal with 3 mg/kg of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP), a GABAA receptor partial agonist with greater potency at α4βδ receptors than at other known isoforms. In contrast, this partial agonist was not anxiolytic in control animals. These results support the suggestion that very low doses of ethanol are anxiolytic in a model of premenstrual anxiety, whereas higher, potentially sedative, doses are without effect. The results may be relevant for altered ethanol sensitivity during premenstrual syndrome, when increased ethanol consumption has been reported.
The behavioural aspects of fraud and embezzlement

Someone about to commit fraud is subject to two strong forces, which are internal and external. A series of motivational syndromes that can result in fraud is identified in this article. The author shows that there seems to be nothing definite on which one can generalize about the behavioural relationships related to fraud. The best that research has to offer is a knowledge of the ‘weak spots’ in identifying potential exposure to fraud and, then, on an after‐the‐fact basis, pointers as to the motivations and circumstances that combined to generate the fraud.
Build to order linear algebra kernels

The performance bottleneck for many scientific applications is the cost of memory access inside linear algebra kernels. Tuning such kernels for memory efficiency is a complex task that reduces the productivity of computational scientists. Software libraries such as the Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS) ameliorate this problem by providing a standard interface for which computer scientists and hardware vendors have created highly-tuned implementations. Scientific applications often require a sequence of BLAS operations, which presents further opportunities for memory optimization. However, because BLAS are tuned in isolation they do not take advantage of these opportunities. This phenomenon motivated the recent addition to the BLAS of several routines that perform sequences of operations. Unfortunately, the exact sequence of operations needed in a given situation is highly application dependent, so many more routines are needed. In this paper we present preliminary work on a domain- specific compiler that generates implementations for arbitrary sequences of basic linear algebra operations and tunes them for memory efficiency. We report experimental results for dense kernels and show speedups of 25 % to 120 % relative to sequences of calls to GotoBLAS and vendor-tuned BLAS on Intel Xeon and IBM PowerPC platforms.
Individual Tablet Analysis for Codeine and Caffeine in Codeine–Aspirin–Phenacetin–Caffeine Tablets

Abstract A procedure is reported for determining the codeine and caffeine content of individual codeine–aspirin–phenacetin-caffeine tablets. Codeine is determined fluorometrically after extraction into dilute sulfuric acid; caffeine is extracted from a chloroform solution of the remaining ingredients with phosphoric acid and determined by UV spectroscopy. Average recoveries with a synthetic mixture were 99.7 and 98.9% for codeine and caffeine, respectively. Assay results are reported for codeine [1–65 mg. 1/65–1 grain)/tablet] and caffeine [32 mg. ½ grain)/tablet] in several different commercial samples. The proposed procedure is also compared with official methods.
An Autoradiographic Study of the Sensory Innervation of Teeth. II. Dental Pulp Periodontium

Autoradiography of axoplasmically transported proteins revealed that both dental pulp and periodontium receive sensory innervation from the trigeminal ganglion in the form of plexuses and free and organized sensory receptors, including apparent corpuscular ones. Corpuscular receptors in the pulp suggest this tissue may be responsive to modalities other than pain.
Energy Measurements on a Continuous Carpet Dyeing Range

A study in which energy measurements were made on a continuous carpet dyeing range is discussed. One objective of the study was to determine the energy con sumption per mass of carpet dyed on a typical range. To achieve this, the two kinds of energy, thermal and electrical, that are consumed in the continuous process were measured on the range. A second objective of the investigation was to identify the energy conservation potential of each step of the continuous dyeing process. Mea surements were made so that thermal balances on the components of the Kuster Range could be generated.
SERPINA3K prevents oxidative stress induced necrotic cell death by inhibiting calcium overload.

Background SERPINA3K, an extracellular serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin), has been shown to have decreased levels in the retinas of diabetic rats, which may contribute to diabetic retinopathy. The function of SERPINA3K in the retina has not been investigated. Methodology/principal findings The present study identified a novel function of SERPINA3K, i.e. it protects retinal cells against oxidative stress-induced cell death including retinal neuronal cells and Muller cells. Flow-cytometry showed that the protective effect of SERPINA3K on Muller cells is via reducing oxidation-induced necrosis. Measurements of intracellular calcium concentration showed that SERPINA3K prevented the intracellular calcium overload induced by H(2)O(2). A similar protective effect was observed using a calcium chelator (BAPTA/AM). Further, SERPINA3K inhibited the phosphorylation of phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma1 induced by H(2)O(2). Likewise, a specific PLC inhibitor showed similar protective effects on Muller cells exposed to H(2)O(2). Furthermore, the protective effect of SERPINA3K was attenuated by a specific PLC activator (m-3M3FBS). Finally, in a binding assay, SERPINA3K displayed saturable and specific binding on Muller cells. Conclusion/significance These results for the first time demonstrate that SERPINA3K is an endogenous serpin which protects cells from oxidative stress-induced cells death, and its protective effect is via blocking the calcium overload through the PLC pathway. The decreased retinal levels of SERPINA3K may represent a new pathogenic mechanism for the retinal Muller cell dysfunction and neuron loss in diabetes.
Multiplayer games over Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks: A new application

In this paper we investigate the possibility of a new type of application, namely multiplayer games, in a Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) environment. First, we analyze the available empirical data on travel and traffic volume in the United States, and point out the most important challenges that have to be met in order to enable multiplayer games over VANET. We then propose a new paradigm of multiplayer games over VANET, one which utilizes the new, interactive and dynamic VANET environment, while adapting to its inherent constraints.
Syntax and semantics: A categorical view

A syntax is a category of strings and derivations between them. The semantic domain is a category of sets and functions. An interpretation is a cofunctor from
Newspaper and wire service coverage of tobacco farmers

This study examined print media coverage of tobacco farmers from the perspective of agenda setting, or the extent to which information is available to the public and perceived as important. A content analysis of 743 articles published between January 1, 1995 and June 30, 1997 was completed. The number of articles increased from 1995 to 1997. Of the topics analyzed, articles on tobacco settlement (7.1% of total) and diversification (15.6% of total) were the least prevalent. Because the settlement discussions did not occur until 1997 (when it comprised 26.4% of the total in the first 6 months), diversification was consistently the least covered topic. The two most frequent topics covered were tobacco companies (36.2%) and the tobacco price support program (32.3%). Except for one 6 month interval, there were substantially more articles in local/regional publications than in national publications. Public health professionals have called for tobacco farmers to diversify to nontobacco enterprises. Yet, there is little discussion of diversification in print media. Without more attention to diversification, the public and policy makers will be ill-informed about opportunities and obstacles in this regard.
The Rabbit Costal Cartilage Reconstructive Surgical Model

Rib grafts in facial plastic surgery are becoming more frequently used. Small animal models, although not ideal may be used to emulate costal cartilage-based procedures. A surgical characterization of this tissue will assist future research in the selection of appropriate costal segments, based on quantitative and qualitative properties. The objective of this study is to assess the surgical anatomy of the rabbit costal margin and evaluate costal cartilage for use in either in vivo or ex vivo studies and to examine reconstructive procedures. Detailed thoracic dissections of 21 New Zealand white rabbits were performed post-mortem. Costal cartilage of true, false, and floating ribs were harvested. The length, thickness, and width at proximal, medial, and distal locations of the cartilage, with perichondrium intact were measured. Further qualitative observation and digital images of curvature, flexibility, and segmental cross-sectional shape were recorded. The main outcome measure(s) is to characterize, describe, and assess the consistency of dimensions, location, and shape of costal cartilage. In this study, 12 to 13 ribs encase the thoracic cavity. Cartilage from true ribs has an average length, width, and depth of 23.75 ± 0.662, 3.02 ± 0.025, and 2.18 ± 0.018 mm, respectively. The cartilage from false ribs has an average length, width, and depth of 41.97 ± 1.48, 2.00 ± 0.07, 1.19 ± 0.03 mm, and that of floating ribs are 7.66 ± 0.29, 1.98 ± 0.04, and 0.96 ± 0.03 mm. Rib 8 is found to be the longest costal cartilage (49.10 ± 0.64 mm), with the widest and thickest at ribs 1 (3.91 ± 0.08 mm) and 6 (2.41 ± 0.11 mm), respectively. Cross-sectional segments reveal the distal cartilage to maintain an hourglass shape that broadens to become circular and eventually ovoid at the costochondral junction. The New Zealand white rabbit is a practical source of costal cartilage that is of sufficient size and reproducibility to use in surgical research where the long-term effects of operations, therapies, devices, and pharmacologic on cartilage can be studied in vivo.
Social and financial resources and high-risk alcohol consumption among older adults.

Background: This study examined long-term mutual predictive associations between social and financial resources and high-risk alcohol consumption in later life. Method: A sample of 55- to 65-year-old older adults (n = 719) was surveyed at baseline and 10 years and 20 years later. At each contact point, participants completed an inventory that assessed social and financial resources and alcohol consumption. Results: Over the 20-year interval, there was evidence of both social causation and social selection processes in relation to high-risk alcohol consumption. In support of a social causation perspective, higher levels of some social resources, such as participation in social activities, friends’ approval of drinking, quality of relationship with spouse, and financial resources, were associated with a subsequent increased likelihood of high-risk alcohol consumption. Conversely, indicating the presence of social selection, high-risk alcohol consumption was associated with subsequent higher levels of friends’ approval of drinking and quality of the spousal relationship, but lower quality of relationships with extended family members. Conclusions: These findings reflect mutual influence processes in which older adults’ social resources and high-risk alcohol consumption can alter each other. Older adults may benefit from information about how social factors can affect their drinking habits; accordingly, information about social causation effects could be used to guide effective prevention and intervention efforts aimed at reducing the risk that late-life social factors may amplify their excessive alcohol consumption.
Complications of Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Management of Chronic Pain: the Paradox of Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia

While opioids remain a valid and effective analgesic strategy for patients suffering from a wide variety of painful conditions, they are not a panacea. Increasingly, physicians must balance patient expectations of adequate pain control with known limitations of opioid pharmaceuticals including adverse effects, tolerance, addiction, withdrawal, and drug diversion. Further complicating the issue over the last decade is a growing body of evidence suggesting chronic opioid use may unexpectedly worsen the perception of pain in some individuals. This syndrome, termed opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), fundamentally changes our understanding of opioid pharmacodynamics and may influence our approach to management of chronic pain. This manuscript describes the concept OIH and provides an overview of basic science and clinical research to date attempting to characterize this syndrome, as well as ascertain its clinical relevance. The potential existence of OIH in humans is framed within the context of our current understanding of opioids and our prescribing patterns so that physicians may begin to incorporate these ideas into their philosophy of pain management as further information develops. Animal studies reliably validate OIH in controlled models. Rigorous research protocols in humans are lacking, and we cannot yet confidently conclude that OIH manifests in clinically significant ways. However, clinicians should consider the possibility of OIH when evaluating outcomes of patients on chronic opioid therapy.
SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS : A Vascular Perspective

The evidence that generalized scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc) is a vascular disease is compelling. Raynaud's phenomenon and subcutaneous edema are early manifestations, whereas vascular insufficiency from both arterial intimal scarring and microvessel obliteration in many organs compromises critical organ function, determines mortality and morbidity in the individual patient, and in association with fibrosis provides in the skin the fundamental pathogenetic rationale for dividing SSc into subsets that can empirically be shown to be prognostically meaningful. Consider the extent of the clinical problem. Between 5% and 30% of adults worldwide can be shown to have the cold- and stress-induced exaggerated yet intermittent vasospasm called Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). Now well-established microscopic (nailfold capillaroscopy) and serologic (indirect immunofluorescence with rapidly dividing human cells such as HEp-2) laboratory determinations can select a small proportion of RP subjects (estimated to be 10% of all RP-positive and up to 50% of clinically referred RP-positive subjects) who, when capillary- and serology-positive, join the mild end of the spectrum of SSc with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Thus, in the definable portion of adults who are Raynaud's-positive, and either capillary-positive or serology-positive, we have a group of subjects in which to study the natural history of at least limited cutaneous SSc and to interrupt the pathogenetic process when we understand how to intervene safely. 7,24,28,44 It follows, therefore, that a detailed understanding of the vascular pathogenesis and its relationship to the fibrosis characteristic of SSc could directly influence our management and therapy of this difficult disease. Such a premise is the basis of this article.
Can PKA activators rescue Na+ channel function in epicardial border zone cells that survive in the infarcted canine heart?

Objective and methods : In this study, we investigated the effects of a PKA stimulating cocktail on sodium currents from normal epicardial cells (NZs) and on those from cells dispersed from the epicardial zone of the 5-day infarcted canine heart (IZs). To do so, we used whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques. Results : During superfusion with the PKA activator cocktail, peak sodium current ( I Na) density significantly increased by 32±5.3% (NZs) and 17±5.4% (IZs). However, despite this increase, IZ peak I Na still was not fully restored to NZ values. In both cell types, the density effect was accompanied by a shift in I / I max curves, as well as a slowing in recovery from inactivation. Inactivation from a closed state was accelerated. Furthermore, in the presence of chloroquine, which is known to interrupt intracellular vesicular traffic, PKA activator effects to augment I Na were only partially inhibited in NZs but abolished in IZs. To understand whether the phosphorylation status of basal Na+ channels in the two cell groups differed, the effects of okadaic acid and PP2A1 were studied. Results suggest that in IZs, Na+ channels in the basal state are already phosphorylated. Conclusions : PKA stimulation of I Na of the remodeled IZ does augment current density possibly by augmenting the trafficking of channels to an active site on the membrane. However, the resulting I Na, while partially rescued, is not similar to the potentiated I Na of NZs. Specific kinetic changes also occur with the PKA stimulation of IZs and results with okadaic acid and PP2A1 suggest that in their remodeled state, Na+ channels in IZs are already phosphorylated.
Is taxonomic homogenization linked to functional homogenization in temperate forests

Aim Biotic homogenization – the tendency for communities to converge in species composition – has occurred in many ecosystems, creating management challenges. The extent to which this convergence in species composition is related to convergence in trait composition (‘functional homogenization’), however, remains unresolved. Location North America, Wisconsin.
Stability of discrete fuzzy systems with nontriangular membership functions

We present new results for the stability analysis of discrete dynamic fuzzy systems with nontriangular membership functions. We use arguments similar to those applied to the stability analysis of systems with triangular membership functions, including: the concept of fuzzy positive definite and fuzzy negative definite functions. We use a fuzzy Lyapunov function candidate with triangular membership functions to derive the new stability conditions for systems with nontriangular membership functions. We apply our results to two numerical examples.
“Have a drink, you'll feel better.” Predictors of daily alcohol consumption among extraverts: the mediational role of coping

An abundance of information exists pertaining to individual differences in college drinking behaviors with much attention being provided to the role of personality. However, plausible explanations for what prompts engagement in or avoidance of these behaviors have remained largely ambiguous or underexplored, particularly with respect to extraversion (E). Research has since explored how coping behaviors contribute to these associations. The present study built on this research by evaluating differences in daily alcohol consumption as a function of coping choice. The mediational effects of two specific strategies frequently observed in high E individuals (i.e., problem-focused coping and social support) were examined. Using a daily diary approach, 365 undergraduates reported their most stressful experience, how they coped with it, and the number of drinks consumed for five consecutive days. Resulting multilevel-models were consistent with hypotheses indicating the relationship between E and alcohol consumption was partially mediated by problem-focused and support-seeking strategies. The use of problem-focused coping by high E individuals was associated with lower levels of daily alcohol consumption, suggesting this strategy may play a protective role in influencing drinking behaviors. Conversely, the positive effect observed for social support approached significance (p=.054) and was indicative of a potential risk-factor for daily alcohol consumption.