cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does the Thermal Damage Estimate Correlate With the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicted Ablation Size After Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy

BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance guided laser induced thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive method to treat a wide range of intracranial pathologies. The Arrhenius model is used to generate a thermal damage estimate (TDE) predicting ablation extent. OBJECTIVE Evaluation and correlation of the TDE to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-estimated ablation extent in human cases. METHODS The Medtronic Visualase system (Medtronic Inc, Dublin, Ireland) was utilized. Postablation axial T1-contrast enhanced images were acquired and intraoperative TDE image was obtained from the Visualase console. OsiriX DICOM Viewer (Pixmeo Inc, Bernex, Switzerland) was utilized to calculate cross-sectional area on MRI. ImageJ (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland) was utilized for TDE area. Two blinded raters performed all measures. Statistical testing included Pearson correlation and the Student's t-test. RESULTS Twenty-two cases including tumor and epilepsy were evaluated. Average MRI predicted tumor ablation area was 4.72 ± 2.22 cm2 and average predicted epilepsy ablation area was 4.12 ± 1.89 cm2. Average tumor TDE was 4.02 ± 1.95 cm2 and average epilepsy TDE was 4.36 ± 2.21 cm2. Rater 1's ablation areas and TDEs correlated with r = 0.89 (P .5). Rater 2's ablation areas and TDEs correlated with r = 0.91 (P .7). Rater 1 vs Rater 2 showed a strong correlation for TDE (r = 0.98, P .5). CONCLUSION The TDE is an accurate and reliable measure of ablated area in LITT in human cases as assessed on postoperative MRI. Future studies should be larger and assess reliability of the TDE when multiple lasers and planes are used.
Therapeutic Engagement With Partner-Abusive Fathers:

Excluding partner-abusive fathers from an intimate partner violence (IPV)-exposed child’s mental health treatment without exercising due diligence may be contraindicated. It is known that fathers w...
Off-Label Drug Use Detection Based on Heterogeneous Network Mining

Off-label drug use refers to prescribing marketed medications for the indications that are not included in their FDA-approved labeling information. Off-label drug use is quite common in clinical practice and inevitable to some extent. Considering the increasing discussions in online health communities (OHCs) among the health consumers, we proposed to harness the large volume of timely information in OHCs to develop an automated method for detecting off-label drug uses from health consumer generated data. From the text corpus, we extracted medical with lexicon-based approaches and measured their interactions with word embedding models, based on which, we constructed a heterogeneous healthcare network. We defined several meta-path-based indicators to describe the drug-disease associations in the heterogeneous network and used them as features to train classifiers to recognize the known drug-disease associations. Lastly, we identified the off-label drug uses from the false-positive results.
Catalyst-Controlled Diastereoselective Synthesis of Cyclic Amines via C-H Functionalization

Reliable regio- and stereochemical techniques applicable to nonactivated aliphatic systems remain largely elusive due to the challenges of discriminating between multiple, relatively strong sp3 C–H bonds whose chemical behavior often differ only subtly. Nevertheless, approaches that employ directing groups and/or auxiliaries have emerged, but impose practical restrictions, especially in complex molecule synthesis. This report describes a catalyst-controlled regio- and diastereoselective synthesis of N-unprotected pyrrolidines via dirhodium catalyzed intramolecular nitrene insertion into sp3 C–H bonds. The reaction proceeds at rt without external oxidants, nitrene stabilizing groups, or directing functionality. The insights that emerged from the conformational/stereoselectivity relationships (CSR) between catalysts and substrates provide a framework for rational catalyst design that can accommodate a broader range of aliphatic C–H chemistry.
Effect of Routine, Screening Head Ultrasounds on Clinical Interventions for Premature Infants.

OBJECTIVE This article assesses whether routine, screening head ultrasound (HUS) studies performed at 7 to 14 postnatal days for premature infants are followed by clinical interventions. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective cohort study included all inborn infants delivered at < 30 weeks' gestational age (GA) between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015 at a single center who had a routine, screening HUS performed between 7 and 14 postnatal days (n = 303). We defined "clinical intervention" as a 7 to 14 postnatal day HUS that was followed by neurosurgical intervention prior to a 36- to 40-week postmenstrual age (PMA) HUS or elective withdrawal of critical care within 30 days of a positive HUS finding. RESULTS Four infants (1.3%) had neurosurgical intervention prior to a 36- to 40-week PMA HUS; all four had a diagnostic HUS performed prior to postnatal day 7 to assess for an intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) due to clinical instability. No infant had critical care electively withdrawn following a 7 to 14 postnatal day HUS. CONCLUSION Clinical intervention rarely followed routine, screening HUS studies performed at 7 to 14 postnatal days for inborn infants delivered at < 30 weeks' GA. In no case did clinical intervention related to HUS results occur when a 7 to 14 postnatal day HUS was the initial HUS performed.
Hummingbirds use taste and touch to discriminate against nectar resources that contain Argentine ants

Hummingbirds compete with other floral visitors for access to floral resources (nectar). Several hummingbird species, including Anna’s (Calypte anna), Black-chinned (Archilochus alexandri), Allen’s (Selasphorus sasin), and Costa’s (Calypte costae) hummingbirds, make extensive use of non-native plants of urban areas of Southern California. Exploitation of urban ornamentals may expose hummingbirds to increased interactions with invasive Argentine ants (Linepithema humile), which are also frequently found foraging on flowers in such habitats. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which hummingbirds interact with invasive ants at nectar resources in a series of aviary and wild experiments. When given a choice, hummingbirds avoided flowers and feeders with ants in or feeding at a sucrose solution. We identified specific ant-derived cues (visual, tactile, and gustatory) which are sufficient to elicit changes in bird foraging. Tactile and gustatory cues appeared to play the strongest role in mediating interactions with Argentine ants, with visual cues alone not enough to deter hummingbirds from feeding at sugar resources with ants. Our experiments provide support for interference competition at floral resources, where ants limit the birds’ access to flowers and feeders. Hummingbirds and invasive Argentine ants both visit and exploit floral resources. However, hummingbirds avoid nectar sources that are occupied by ants. Here, we detail a series of mechanistic experiments to determine the proximate cause of this avoidance behavior. We found that the touch and taste of ants is strongly aversive to both wild, free-foraging and aviary hummingbirds. In urban environments and under low water situations, Argentine ants and hummingbirds come into frequent competition for the same few flowers. This competition leads to changes in foraging behavior and may have negative effects on hummingbirds.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of extended-release guanfacine in children with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD symptoms: an analysis of secondary outcome measures

In a prior report, we showed that extended-release guanfacine (GEXR) is safe and effective for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) accompanied by ADHD symptoms. Here, we examine the impact of GEXR on oppositional behavior, anxiety, repetitive behavior, and sleep disturbance. Sixty-two subjects with ASD (53 boys, 9 girls; ages 5–14 years) were randomly assigned to GEXR (n = 30) or placebo (n = 32) for 8 weeks. Outcomes include the Home Situation Questionnaire-Modified for ASD (HSQ-ASD), Anxiety scale of the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory (CASI), Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale-Modified for ASD (CYBOCS-ASD), and Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). A repeated measures linear mixed model was used to determine the effects of treatment group and time on HSQ scores. For other measures, change from baseline was evaluated with Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). After 8 weeks of treatment, parent ratings of oppositional behavior on the HSQ declined by 44% (per item mean from 3.4 to 1.9) in the GEXR group compared to 12% (from 3.3 to 2.9) for placebo (p = 0.004). Repetitive behavior on the CYBOCS-ASD showed a significantly greater decline in GEXR-treated participants compared to placebo (24% vs. <1%, p = 0.01). No group differences were observed on CASI Anxiety or CSHQ (p = 0.64 and 0.75, respectively). GEXR was effective in reducing oppositional behavior and, more modestly, repetitive behavior. GEXR was not superior to placebo for anxiety, though baseline anxiety ratings were low. GEXR did not significantly improve sleep habits. Future studies could focus on repetitive behavior or anxiety, symptoms with limited treatment options.
Local Illegal Immigration Relief Act Ordinances: A Legal, Policy, and Litigation Analysis

Obtaining comprehensive immigration reform is one of the most important legal issues facing the Latino community today. For the nation, virtually every family, business, and community is touched by immigration. In 2006, when millions marched for comprehensive immigration reform, prospects for federal action increased. During the summer of 2006, as the U.S. House failed to move forward to complete legislative action, frustrations by anti-immigrant activists led to a small number of cities and towns attempting to enact restrictions and prohibitions against illegal immigrants at the local level. These measures violate the Constitution, and pit neighbor against neighbor. Immigration policy must be established and enforced at the federal level, as local ordinances threaten to discriminate against all Latinos, citizen and newcomer alike. This Article describes some of the local ordinances that have been enacted across the country and their legal flaws, provides arguments that can be utilized against them, and gives an overview of the current legal challenges against these ordinances throughout the United States. Part I describes the origin of these anti-immigrant ordinances and the types of ordinances that were enacted in their wake, in particular the first local anti-immigrant ordinance passed in the United States in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Part II discusses the legal arguments against these types of ordinances, in particular federal preemption of local immigration laws and possible violations of the Fair Housing Act. Part III provides a brief overview of the litigation that has been brought against municipalities that have enacted local illegal immigration relief ordinances, and the current status of those cases. The Conclusion summarizes the article and looks forward to the next step in combating local anti-immigrant ordinances from a legal, policy, and litigation standpoint.
Data structures for the most frequently used algorithm

This paper proposes three sets of data structures that could be used for the Most Frequently Used algorithm, and could serve as projects in computer science courses such as Data Structures, Operating Systems, and Algorithm Analysis. The proposed data structures are introduced first. Algorithm analysis is then provided. The paper concludes with the benefits of these data structures.
Modeling Inspectability for an Automated Eddy Current Measurement System

We have developed an automated eddy current measurement system in our laboratory for quantitative nondestructive evaluation applications. The heart of the measurement system is a precision impedance analyzer capable of measuring impedance or any impedance related quantity over a wide range in frequency (102–108 Hz). Data acquisition, processing, analysis, and display is accomplished with a personal computer. Computer-controlled x-y positioning stages permit measurements to be obtained for either one- or two-dimensional scans of the specimen. In this article we describe the measurement system and give examples of its use to measure flaw signals with a uniform-field eddy current probe [1].
Reversible solid oxide electrolytic cells for large-scale energy storage: challenges and opportunities

Abstract: Solid oxide cells that function reversibly in fuel cell (SOFC) and electrolytic (SOEC) modes offer the possibility of conversion and storage of energy through congruent production of electricity, hydrogen and syn-gas. The challenge in the practical implementation of this technology arises mainly from the degradation of materials especially in the electrolytic mode, and this has rendered the reversibility difficult to achieve. The fundamental reason for the faster degradation of performance in electrolytic mode currently is because of the use of materials that were originally optimized for fuel cell mode, while principally different thermodynamic environments surround the materials in electrolytic mode. The design of materials that take into account the specific thermodynamic conditions in SOEC mode of operation in addition to the SOFC functionality is needed, and recent work has demonstrated better performance and durability.
Differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

AD is a clinically heterogeneous disorder. Although its manifestations overlap those of other dementing disorders, the use of standard diagnostic criteria can result in high clinical diagnostic accuracy for AD. Informant-based clinical differentiation of the early stages of AD from normal aging also can be accurate. Non-AD dementias include vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, and ’frontal lobe’ dementia, but the lack of validated consensus criteria for these disorders has limited their characterization to date.
Trypanosoma brucei PRMT1 Is a Nucleic Acid Binding Protein with a Role in Energy Metabolism and the Starvation Stress Response.

ABSTRACT In Trypanosoma brucei and related kinetoplastid parasites, transcription of protein coding genes is largely unregulated. Rather, mRNA binding proteins, which impact processes such as transcript stability and translation efficiency, are the predominant regulators of gene expression. Arginine methylation is a posttranslational modification that preferentially targets RNA binding proteins and is, therefore, likely to have a substantial impact on T. brucei biology. The data presented here demonstrate that cells depleted of T. brucei PRMT1 (TbPRMT1), a major type I protein arginine methyltransferase, exhibit decreased virulence in an animal model. To understand the basis of this phenotype, quantitative global proteomics was employed to measure protein steady-state levels in cells lacking TbPRMT1. The approach revealed striking changes in proteins involved in energy metabolism. Most prominent were a decrease in glycolytic enzyme abundance and an increase in proline degradation pathway components, changes that resemble the metabolic remodeling that occurs during T. brucei life cycle progression. The work describes several RNA binding proteins whose association with mRNA was altered in TbPRMT1-depleted cells, and a large number of TbPRMT1-interacting proteins, thereby highlighting potential TbPRMT1 substrates. Many proteins involved in the T. brucei starvation stress response were found to interact with TbPRMT1, prompting analysis of the response of TbPRMT1-depleted cells to nutrient deprivation. Indeed, depletion of TbPRMT1 strongly hinders the ability of T. brucei to form cytoplasmic mRNA granules under starvation conditions. Finally, this work shows that TbPRMT1 itself binds nucleic acids in vitro and in vivo, a feature completely novel to protein arginine methyltransferases. IMPORTANCETrypanosoma brucei infection causes human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, a disease with a nearly 100% fatality rate when untreated. Current drugs are expensive, toxic, and highly impractical to administer, prompting the community to explore various unique aspects of T. brucei biology in search of better treatments. In this study, we identified the protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT), TbPRMT1, as a factor that modulates numerous aspects of T. brucei biology. These include glycolysis and life cycle progression signaling, both of which are being intensely researched toward identification of potential drug targets. Our data will aid research in those fields. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time a direct association of a PRMT with nucleic acids, a finding we believe could translate to other organisms, including humans, thereby impacting research in fields as distant as human cancer biology and immune response modulation.
Genome and Gene Structure

Abstracts The function of the human genome is to transmit information consistently from parent to daughter cells and from one generation to the next. This is an essential prerequisite that is assembled into the double-stranded structure of DNA. At specific times in phases of development and in specific tissues, the transcription machinery activates preprogrammed patterns of gene expression that are dictated by chromatin structure and the actions of transcriptional regulatory factors. The human genome is organized to carry out the various steps required for replication of the DNA, transcription, and translation through genes and their surrounding sequences that are not fully understood today. Gene expression is followed by the processes of splicing, translation, and protein localization, ultimately leading to synthesis of the protein and RNA molecules that mediate cellular function. Variability in genome structure, including single nucleotide differences and larger-scale variations between humans, dictates the common, monogenic and polygenic disease traits we manifest as well as the diseases to which individuals are susceptible.
Episodic time in the brain: A new world order

Recent findings from the laboratory of May-Britt and Edvard Moser (Tsao et al. in Nature 561, 57–62, 2018) suggest that episodic time is integrated from experience by a neural population in lateral entorhinal cortex that encodes events in a when–where–what trajectory at multiple time scales. While they provide a window into how the brain represents episodic memory, these findings also raise questions about whether this when–where–what trajectory truly reflects the temporal order of events, or whether one needs additional pieces of information to reconstruct temporal order, possibly using either associative information or evolutionary asymmetries built into biochemistry or neural circuits.
Fast Detection of Open Circuit Device Faults and Fault Tolerant Operation of Stacked Multilevel Converters

This paper proposes a simple and fast technique for power device open circuit (OC) fault detection in stacked multicell converters (SMCs). A mitigation technique allowing for fault-tolerant operation using a simple front-end routing circuit is also proposed for SMCs. The fault detection concept only needs to sense the voltage and direction of current at the output terminal of the SMC to detect and localize an OC switch fault to a particular rail of the SMC. The proposed technique compares the measured and expected voltage levels considering the commanded switch states and the direction of the terminal current flow. Once an OC fault is detected and localized, the front-end routing circuit will be activated to reconfigure the SMC converter to a simple flying capacitor multilevel converter (FCMC) to maintain the output power flow with a reduced number of voltage levels. A window detector circuit is proposed to track the output voltage level and current direction with high bandwidth. Simulations were performed to validate the fault detection method and router performance. The functionality of windows detector is investigated with a hardware prototype 7 level 300 V SMC.
Technical Information Requested by Hispanic Nursery Employees – Survey Results from Oregon and Ohio

Abstract The demographics of the nursery industry in the United States have changed dramatically in the past 10–15 years. Today, the majority of the worker level of nursery staff is Spanish-speakin...
Assessing the potential cost-effectiveness of a gene therapy for the treatment of hemophilia A

Aim: Hemophilia A is a genetic, chronic disorder classified by deficient or defective coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) that puts those affected at risk for spontaneous bleeding episodes, which lead to joint damage and chronic pain over time. Currently, most severe hemophilia A patients are treated with prophylactic FVIII, which requires costly and frequent infusions and life-long adherence to medication. A gene therapy (valoctocogene roxaparvovec) is currently in development for the treatment of severe hemophilia A. This model assessed the potential cost-effectiveness of treating patients with valoctocogene roxaparvovec rather than prophylactic therapy.Materials and methods: We developed an individual-based, state-transition microsimulation model for assessing the likely cost-effectiveness of valoctocogene roxaparvovec compared to prophylactic FVIII. Men aged 30 with severe hemophilia A were modeled over a lifetime horizon, and costs were reported from the perspective of the United States health care system. Through microsimulation, patient-level heterogeneity was captured in starting weight, starting Pettersson score (PS), durability of valoctocogene roxaparvovec, and annual bleed rate (ABR).Results: The model projects that treatment with single-administration valoctocogene roxaparvovec would be cost-saving to people with hemophilia A at a price point comparable to other currently available gene therapy products due to its potential to reduce FVIII utilization, direct medical costs, lifetime bleeds, and accumulated joint damage.Limitations: The model relies upon evidence-based assumptions for clinical inputs due to limited data availability. Such uncertainty was mitigated by modeling heterogeneity across the population, specifically with regards to long-term gene therapy durability, lifetime bleed rates, and joint damage progression.Conclusion: Valoctocogene roxaparvovec was found to be cost-saving-on average by about $6.8 million per patient-and more effective than prophylactic therapy for treatment of hemophilia A. The comparative benefit of gene therapy was observed across a broad range of simulated patients that were representative of the real-world severe hemophilia A population.
Impact Of Long-Term Buprenorphine Treatment On Adverse Health Care Outcomes In Medicaid

The optimal, or even minimum, duration of medication treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) needed to improve long-term outcomes has not been established empirically. As a result, health plans set...
Patient Preferences for Point-of-Care Testing: Survey Validation and Results.

Background Studies of current opinion of our community members for the characteristics, mode, and location of use, use cases, and overall enthusiasm for point-of-care testing (POCT) diagnosis and management tools are needed. Study Design and Methods Qualitative research methods were used to develop, refine, and evaluate hardcopy and electronic versions of a 45-item English language survey. The accuracy of the instrument was measured by recorded structured interview, and its precision was measured by comparison to its administration to a group of uncompensated volunteers. Main Findings and Results Comparison of survey and structured interview data demonstrated high levels of accuracy. Highly concordant with significant levels of correlation and of direct association indicated favorable precision. Ninety-three percent of respondents believed that POCT could improve their care, and 56% identified having a POCT in their home as a top priority. Accuracy, insurance coverage, immediacy of results, and ease of use were identified as the most important characteristics of a POCT. Conclusions Community members strongly support the development of accurate, in-home devices that produce immediate results that can be used to diagnose, manage, and encourage their adherence to treatments for their medical conditions.
The Impact of Customer Retention Strategies and the Survival of Small Service-Based Businesses

Small businesses comprise 99.9% of all firms in the U. S. (U. S. Small Business Administration, 2018b). As entrepreneurs develop ideas and build a customer base, small businesses create jobs and drive innovation that is critical to the economy. Unfortunately, the majority of small businesses are plagued by high failure rates and poor performance levels, which ultimately lead to decline. A major concern in small business survival is the lack of customer retention strategies, as a means of sustainability. Customer retention can significantly impact a firm’s profit margin, with a 1% increase in customer retention providing as much as a 5% positive change in a firm’s financial standing (Moenardy, Arifin, and Kumadji, 2016). Nearly 80% of a firm’s future profits will derive from 20% of existing customers (Hwang, 2016). The purpose of this research study is to examine the application of retention strategies such as customer relationship management, customer satisfaction and brand loyalty, by small businesses in preserving existing customers, thereby having a positive impact on longevity. The research established relationships management, and customer satisfaction, as fundamental elements that can yield increased revenue, enhanced brand equity, and profitable retention. Small businesses with a large pool of satisfied customers tend to have a long-term competitive advantage are more likely to sustain their profitability over a more extended period (Bhat & Darzi, 2016). The results of this study may offer insight into the importance of managing retention for small business survival. In addition, the findings provided tactical approaches and best practices to initiate positive customer experiences, meet and exceed customer expectations, and invoke repeat purchasing behavior as mechanisms to support the long-term profitability of small firms.
Stimulated Raman Histology for Rapid Intraoperative Diagnosis of Gliomas

Background Intraoperative pathologic diagnosis traditionally involves frozen section histopathology, which may be labor and time intensive. Indeed, a technique that streamlines the acquisition and evaluation of intraoperative histologic data may expedite surgical decision-making and shorten operative time. Stimulated Raman histology (SRH) is an emerging technology that allows for more rapid acquisition and interpretation of intraoperative histopathologic data. Methods A blinded, prospective cohort study was performed for 82 patients undergoing resection for a central nervous system tumor. Of these, 21 patients were diagnosed with glioma either intraoperatively or postoperatively on permanent section histology and included in this study. Time to diagnosis (TTD) and diagnostic accuracy relative to permanent section (the gold standard) were compared between SRH-based diagnosis and conventional frozen section histology. Diagnostic concordance with permanent section was also compared between frozen histopathology and SRH diagnosis. Results Diagnostic accuracy was not significantly different between methods (P = 1.00). Diagnostic concordance was not significantly different between methods when comparing 95% confidence intervals for kappa values (κ = 0.215; κ = 0.297; κ = 0.369). Lastly, mean TTD was significantly shorter with SRH-based diagnosis compared with frozen section (43 vs. 9.7 minutes, P Conclusions SRH allows for rapid intraoperative diagnosis without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy. SRH may serve as a promising adjuvant to conventional histopathology to expedite intraoperative pathology consultation and surgical decision-making.
Evaluation of the addition of bupivacaine to intrathecal morphine for intraoperative and postoperative pain management in open liver resections

Abstract Background Intrathecal morphine is a popular and effective regional technique for pain control after open liver resection, but its delayed analgesic onset makes it less useful for the intraoperative period. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the analgesic efficacy and other secondary benefits of the addition of hyperbaric bupivacaine to intrathecal morphine ± fentanyl. We hypothesized that bupivacaine could serve as an analgesic “bridge” prior to the onset of intrathecal morphine/fentanyl thereby lowering opioid consumption and enhancing recovery. Methods Cumulative intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption as well as other intra- and postoperative variables were collected and compared between groups receiving intrathecal morphine alone or intrathecal morphine ± hyperbaric bupivacaine. Results Sixty-eight patients were selected for inclusion. Cumulative intraoperative morphine consumption was significantly reduced in the bupivacaine group while other intraoperative parameters such as intravenous fluids, blood loss, and vasopressors did not differ. There was a statistically significant improvement in time to first bowel movement in the experimental group. Discussion The intraoperative opioid sparing effects and improved time to bowel function with the addition of hyperbaric bupivacaine to intrathecal morphine may make this technique an easy and low risk method of enhancing recovery after open liver resection.
Push down automata vs quantum push down automata

An automaton is a simple model of computer. There are various automata each with its formal definition. Generally an automaton has some form of input, some form of output, internal states may or may not have some form of storage, hardwired not programmable. In this paper we have discussed about Pushdown Automata, Quantum Pushdown Automata by taking some interesting examples. Then the classical Pushdown Automata are compared with Quantum pushdown automata. Our main objective is to know and understand the language recognized by Quantum pushdown automata.
Design of asynchronous NoC using 3-port asynchronous T-routers

The importance of a Network On Chip (NoC) is increasing rapidly with the advent of System on Chip (SoC) design using Intellectual Property (IP). This is because it is hard to communicate with the IPs as they have different timing constrains and data rates. Energy usage of the on-chip interconnects is also a concern for many such SoCs targeting portable battery powered devices which necessitates design of an efficient NoC. This paper proposes an energy efficient simple asynchronous NOC design using 3-port T routers. The router has three pairs of switch and merge modules, connected in a T fashion.
On the facial structure of scheduling polyhedra

A well-known job shop scheduling problem can be formulated as follows. Given a graph G with node set N and with directed and undirected ares, find an orientation of the undirected ares that minimizes the length of a longest path in G. We treat the problem as a disjunctive, program, without recourse to integer, variables, and give a partial characterization of the scheduling polyhedron P(N), i.e., the convex hull of feasible schedules. In particular, we derive all the facet inducing inequalities for the scheduling polyhedron P(K) defined on some clique with node set K, and give a sufficient condition, for such inequalities to also induce facets of P(N). One of our results is that any inequality that induces a facet of P(H) for some H⊂K, also induces a facet of P(K). Another one is a characterization of adjacent facets in terms of the index sets of the nonzero coefficients of their defining inequalities. We also address the constraint identification problem, and give a procedure for finding an inequality that cuts off a given solution to a subset of the constraints.
Randomization and Uncertain Inference

In many experiments randomization is an important part of the protocol, yet precisely the same data could be produced by an experiment in which randomization played no part. From a Bayesian point of view, randomization plays at most a small role. From a classical point of view, randomization is central to ensuring that the long run error rates are controlled as they are claimed to be.
Electrical properties of AuAl2, AuGa2 and AuIn2

Abstract Measurements of the electrical resistivity, absolute thermoelectric power and Hall coefficient of AuAl2, AuGa2 and AuIn2 between liquid helium and room temperatures are reported and discussed. These metallic compounds have the cubic fluorite structure.
Doom, a product of the Drosophila mod(mdg4) gene, induces apoptosis and binds to baculovirus inhibitor-of-apoptosis proteins

A family of baculovirus inhibitor-of-apoptosis (IAP) genes is present in mammals, insects, and baculoviruses, but the mechanism by which they block apoptosis is unknown. We have identified a protein encoded by the Drosophila mod(mdg4) gene which bound to the baculovirus IAPs. This protein induced rapid apoptosis in insect cells, and consequently we have named it Doom. Baculovirus IAPs and P35, an inhibitor of aspartate-specific cysteine proteases, blocked Doom-induced apoptosis. The carboxyl terminus encoded by the 3' exon of the doom cDNA, which distinguishes it from other mod(mdg4) cDNAs, was responsible for induction of apoptosis and engagement of the IAPs. Doom localized to the nucleus, while the IAPs localized to the cytoplasm, but when expressed together, Doom and the IAPs both localized in the nucleus. Thus, IAPs might block apoptosis by interacting with and modifying the behavior of Doom-like proteins that reside in cellular apoptotic pathways.
Traumatic L5 Posterolateral Spondyloptosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Traumatic retrolisthesis of the lumbar spine is a rare clinical entity. Only a few case reports have shown retrolisthesis of the fractured fragment over the inferior vertebral body. Fracture dislocations of the spine are unstable injuries that require operative fixation to restore alignment and prevent progressive deformity. We present the case of a traumatic L5-S1 fracture dislocation with retrolisthesis of the L5 vertebral body over the superior aspect of S1 managed with anterior, middle, and posterior column reconstruction. The patient presented with paraplegia and bowel and bladder incontinence. Retrolisthesis fracture dislocations injuries are rare, and as such, there are no guidelines regarding their management. In our case, we performed an L5 vertebrectomy with anterior, middle, and posterior column reconstruction via a posterior approach using a lumbosacral-pelvic construct. The patient did not regain function in his distal lower extremities postoperatively.
LXRs link metabolism to inflammation through Abca1-dependent regulation of membrane composition and TLR signaling

The liver X receptors (LXRs) are transcriptional regulators of lipid homeostasis that also have potent anti-inflammatory effects. The molecular basis for their anti-inflammatory effects is incompletely understood, but has been proposed to involve the indirect tethering of LXRs to inflammatory gene promoters. Here we demonstrate that the ability of LXRs to repress inflammatory gene expression in cells and mice derives primarily from their ability to regulate lipid metabolism through transcriptional activation and can occur in the absence of SUMOylation. Moreover, we identify the putative lipid transporter Abca1 as a critical mediator of LXR's anti-inflammatory effects. Activation of LXR inhibits signaling from TLRs 2, 4 and 9 to their downstream NF-κB and MAPK effectors through Abca1-dependent changes in membrane lipid organization that disrupt the recruitment of MyD88 and TRAF6. These data suggest that a common mechanism-direct transcriptional activation-underlies the dual biological functions of LXRs in metabolism and inflammation.
Measurement of Right and Left Ventricular Ejection Fractions by Radionuclide Angiocardiography in Coronary Artery Disease

Utilizing a dynamic radionuclide method, the right and left ventricular ejection fractions were measured in 96 men with arteriographically defined coronary arterial disease and in 14 normal subjects. The radionuclidically estimated right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) correlated with the RVEF measured with biplane cineventriculographic studies (r = 0.80; n=43), and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measured from radionuclide data have been shown to correlate with the LVEF from single-plane cineventriculographic studies (r = 0.89; n=60). The mean normal RVEF was 0.57 ± 0.01 (SE) (range, 0.51 to 0.64), and the mean normal LVEF was 0.66 ± 0.01 (range, 0.57 to 0.74). The LVEF was decreased in the men with coronary arterial disease and isolated obstruction of the left anterior descending coronary artery, double-vessel disease, and triple-vessel disease, but was normal in those with isolated right coronary disease. The RVEF was normal in each of these groups, except those with triple-vessel disease. Myocardial infarction was associated with impairment of LVEF, although some patients without myocardial infarction had depressed LVEF. The RVEF was preserved in patients with infarction, except those with multiple myocardial infarctions. Thus, impaired LVEF in coronary arterial disease is associated with myocardial infarction, and RVEF is relatively preserved except in multiple-vessel disease and myocardial infarction and in association with impaired LVEF.
Emotional Cost of Emotional Support? The Association Between Intensive Mothering and Psychological Well-Being in Midlife

Studies of intensive mothering suggest that fulfilling societal expectations of the “good mother” diminishes maternal psychological well-being; however, studies tend to focus on young mothers. We examine the association between intensive mothering and psychological well-being using a sample of mothers in midlife (n = 1,388) drawn from the 2004-2006 National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. Intensive mothering is measured as provision of high levels of emotional support to children, high degree of thought and effort put into these relationships, and reduction of paid work to provide more care. Psychological well-being is measured as depressive symptoms, self-rated mental health, and positive and negative affect. Ordinary least squares regression results are mixed: While providing high levels of emotional support predicts more depressive symptoms, worse self-rated mental health, and higher negative affect, higher investments of thought and effort predict better mental health.
Reporting structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis results: A review

The authors provide a basic set of guidelines and recommendations for information that should be included in any manuscript that has confirmatory factor analysis or structural equation modeling as the primary statistical analysis technique. The authors provide an introduction to both techniques, along with sample analyses, recommendations for reporting, evaluation of articles in The Journal of Educational Research using these techniques, and concluding remarks.
A Cavitation Susceptibility Meter with Optical Cavitation Monitoring -- Part Two: Experimental Apparatus and Results

This work in concerned with the development and operation of a Cavitation Susceptibility Meter based on the use of a venturi tube for the measurement of the active cavitation nuclei concentration in water samples as a function of the applied tension. The pressure at the venturi throat is determined from the upstream pressure and the local flow velocity without corrections for viscous effects because the flow possesses a laminar potential core in all operational conditions. The detection of cavitation and the measurement of the flow velocity are carried out optically by means of a Laser Doppler Velocimeter. A custom-made electronic Signal Processor is used for real time data generation and temporary storage and a computerized system for final data acquisition and reduction. The implementation of the whole system is described and the results of the application of the Cavitation Susceptibility Meter to the measurement of the water quality of tap water samples are presented and critically discussed with reference to the current state of knowledge on cavitation inception.
Chorea and contraceptives: case report with pet study and review of the literature.

Chorea is a well-recognized but rare complication or oral contraceptive use. A 27-year-old woman developed right hemichorea while taking an oral contraceptive (OC). No other causes of chorea were found. A positron emission tomography (PET) study with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose demonstrated a dense focus of increased glucose metabolism involving the body of the left caudate nucleus. To our knowledge this is the first report of a PET study in a patient with OC- induced chorea in the absence of systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid antibodies. (authors)
Lichen dating of coseismic landslide hazards in alpine mountains

Abstract Studies of rockfalls and block slides provide insight about seismic shaking hazards in alpine mountains subject to earthquakes. Large samples of the longest axis of the largest lichen on each block can be used to identify regional landslide events; lichen-size distributions for many sites cluster consistenly at the same sizes. The coseismic rockfall lichenometry model can be used to (1) date and locate prehistorical earthquakes, (2) document regional frequency of earthquakes, and (3) describe regional patterns of seismic shaking. Determination of colonization time, great-growth phase, and especially uniform phase rates of lichen growth are essential for dating regional landslide events. Rocks that tumble downhill during historical earthquakes allow accurate calibration of the growth rate for Rhizocarpon subgenus Rhizocarpon ; these plentiful fresh substrates are dated to their day of formation. An initial calibration of uniform growth rate, based on historical and tree-ring dated landslides was fine tuned by assigning earthquake dates to mean values of lichen-size peaks for regional rockfall events that increase in abundance towards epicenters of historical earthquakes. Calibration for each new site is unnecessary in the Southern Alps of New Zealand and in the Sierra Nevada of California because several species of yellow rhizocarpons within each climatic region have constant growth rates that are independent of altitude or substrate lithology.
The sexually dimorphic region of the preoptic area in rats contains denser opiate receptor binding sites in females

Quantitative autoradiographic analysis of opiate receptor binding using [3H]naloxone shows higher levels in the sexually dimorphic region of the medial preoptic area in female rats than in males. Opiate receptor density varies across the estrous cycle being densest in diestrous females. The sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic are lies within the opiate receptor-rich region. Endogenous opiates in the medial preoptic region acting at opiate receptors which are of differential density in males and females could influence sex-specific behavior mediated by the region.
Decisions in Crisis—An Examination

When they present themselves, crises in the international order tend to threaten status quo norms, typically demand some urgency of response, and always pose a degree of uncertainty of outcome to those who face them. Yet, crises, and the need to face them, is an inevitable feature of the so-called “human condition.” Embedded within that condition are psychological and physiological aspects that can (and do) impact how effectively crises are managed when leaders are pressed for solutions. This is true regardless of leadership form, whether autocratic or democratic. This article examines how the ill effects of stress, emotion, and human tendency manifest themselves during crisis situations, and how their presence can negatively weigh upon crisis decision-making. In doing so, it draws from several examples found in the historical record to show how leader character seems to play a crucial, if not defining, role in either the success or failure of crisis management in international affairs.
End-to-end data reduction and hardware accelerated rendering techniques for visualizing time-varying non-uniform grid volume data

We present a systematic approach for direct volume rendering terascale-sized data that are time-varying, and possibly non-uniformly sampled, using only a single commodity graphics PC. Our method employs a data reduction scheme that combines lossless, wavelet-based progressive data access with a user-directed, hardware-accelerated data packing technique. Data packing is achieved by discarding data blocks with values outside the data interval of interest and encoding the remaining data in a structure that can be efficiently decoded in the GPU. The compressed data can be transferred between disk, main memory, and video memory more efficiently, leading to more effective data exploration in both spatial and temporal domains. Furthermore, our texture-map based volume rendering system is capable of correctly displaying data that are sampled on a stretched, Cartesian grid. To study the effectiveness of our technique we used data sets generated from a large solar convection simulation, computed on a non-uniform, 504/spl times/504/spl times/2048 grid.
Interrelationships among epidermal Na-K ATPase, developmental stage and length of Rana catesbeiana tadpoles

Abstract 1. 1. Sodium and potassium activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na-K ATPase) was extracted from the skin of Rana catesbeiana tadpoles and adults. 2. 2. Using carefully staged tadpoles, it was noted that the enzyme level increases two or three stages before there is a perceptible potential difference generated across the skin. 3. 3. The level of non-ouabain-inhibitable ATPase remains constant throughout the life cycle. 4. 4. It was also concluded that Rana catesbeiana tadpoles cannot be reliably staged using length as a key trait.
Iodocholesterol adrenal scanning for the detection of adrenal metastases in lung cancer and its clinical significance

Detection of adrenal metastases is difficult. Since metastatic growth fails to destroy sufficient adrenal tissue to produce clinical symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, and since adrenal metastases have been reported in 28--36% of autopsied patients with primary lung cancer, the authors studied 25 patients with lung cancer by using iodocholesterol adrenal scans. Six patients (24%) were found to have abnormal scans suggestive of adrenal metastases by this technique. Two of these patients were confirmed by biopsy to have adrenal metastases. Four of the six patients died within a mean of six weeks of the positive scan. Iodocholesterol adrenal scanning appears to be a promising noninvasive technique in the detection of adrenal metastases. The prognostic significance of adrenal metastases is discussed.
Entropic formulation of chaos for quantum dynamics

Abstract A general formulation of quantum chaos based on the asymptotic growth rate of measurement entropy is presented and shown to be closely related to the classical formulation in terms of Lyapunov characteristics exponents and the Kolmogorov-Sinai invariant. Examples are used to illustrate the formalism.