cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Return to Play and Decreased Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in National Football League Defensive Players.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur commonly in football. Recent work has reported ACL reconstruction (ACLR) as one of several orthopaedic procedures with unfavorable outcomes for professional athletes. The performance impact to defensive players after surgery has not been quantified.Purpose:To quantify the effect of ACLR on the performance of defensive players by comparing them to a cohort of matched controls as well as to measure the effect of ACLR on athletes’ career length in the National Football League (NFL).Study Design:Case-control and cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Thirty-eight NFL defensive players with a history of ACLR from 2006 to 2012 were identified. For each injured player, a matched control player was identified. Demographic and performance statistics were collected from the online NFL player database. Players who returned after ACLR (n = 23) were compared with players who did not return (n = 15) using t tests and chi-squared analyses. Similarly, players...
Prediction of Bond Vector Autocorrelation Functions from Larmor Frequency-Selective Order Parameter Analysis of NMR Relaxation Data.

Protein molecular dynamics interpretation of the standard R1, R2, and heteronuclear NOE relaxation measurements has typically been limited to a single S2 order parameter which is often insufficient to characterize the rich content of these NMR experiments. In the absence of exchange linebroadening, an optimized reduced spectral density analysis of these measurements can yield spectral density values at three distinct frequencies. Surprisingly, these three discrete spectral density values have proven to be sufficient for a Larmor frequency-selective order parameter analysis of the 223 methine and methylene H–C bonds of the B3 domain of Protein G (GB3) to accurately back-calculate the entire curve of the corresponding bond vector autocorrelation functions upon which the NMR relaxation behavior depends. The 13C relaxation values calculated from 2 μs of CHARMM36 simulation trajectories yielded the corresponding autocorrelation functions to an average rmsd of 0.44% with only three bond vectors having rmsd erro...
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF; also known as cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis) is a distinctive type of chronic fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause associated with the histological pattern usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). UIP is a distinct histological pattern observed in IPF but may also be found in other etiologies. The diagnosis of UIP can be established by surgical lung biopsy or by high-resolution thin-section CT scans (provided the radiographic features are classical). Historically, patients labeled as 'IPF' encompassed a group of disorders, including UIP, as well as other idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, which differ from UIP in prognosis and responsiveness to therapy. The term IPF should be restricted to patients with idiopathic UIP. The inciting cause(s) and pathogenesis of IPF have not been elucidated but alveolar epithelial cell injury and dysregulation or altered phenotypic expression of fibroblasts are key elements. Inflammatory cells may play minor roles in initiating or propagating the fibrotic process. The prognosis of idiopathic UIP is poor. Mean survival following diagnosis approximates at 3 years. Current medical therapies are of unproven value. Lung transplantation is a viable option for patients failing medical therapy.
Mitochondrial Dynamics and Axonal Transport

Mitochondria are essential organelles for neuronal survival and function through ATP generation, calcium buffering, and apoptotic signaling. Due to their extreme polarity, neurons utilize specialized mechanisms to regulate mitochondrial transport along axons to areas in which energy production and calcium homeostasis are in high demand, namely, active growth cones, nodes of Ranvier, and synaptic terminals. Axonal mitochondria display complex mobility patterns and undergo saltatory and bidirectional movement. While one-third of axonal mitochondria are mobile, the rest remains stationary. Docked mitochondria serve as local power plants and maintain local Ca2+ homeostasis. The balance between mobile and stationary mitochondria is influenced by the diverse physiological states of axons and synapses. The coordination of mitochondrial mobility by axonal physiology is crucial for neuronal development and synaptic function. Defects in mitochondrial transport have been implicated in the pathologic processes of several major neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, understanding the regulation of axonal mitochondrial transport will increase our knowledge of fundamental processes that may affect human neurological disorders. In this chapter, we introduce recent advances in our understanding of motor-adaptor complexes and docking machinery that mediate mitochondrial transport and axonal distribution. We will also discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex mobility patterns of axonal mitochondria and how mitochondrial mobility impacts the physiology and function of synapses.
Lateral Hypothalamic Neurotensin Neurons Orchestrate Dual Weight Loss Behaviors via Distinct Mechanisms.

The central mechanism by which neurotensin (Nts) potentiates weight loss has remained elusive. We leveraged chemogenetics to reveal that Nts-expressing neurons of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) promote weight loss in mice by increasing volitional activity and restraining food intake. Intriguingly, these dual weight loss behaviors are mediated by distinct signaling pathways: Nts action via NtsR1 is essential for the anorectic effect of the LHA Nts circuit, but not for regulation of locomotor or drinking behavior. Furthermore, although LHA Nts neurons cannot reduce intake of freely available obesogenic foods, they effectively restrain motivated feeding in hungry, weight-restricted animals. LHA Nts neurons are thus vital mediators of central Nts action, particularly in the face of negative energy balance. Enhanced action via LHA Nts neurons may, therefore, be useful to suppress the increased appetitive drive that occurs after lifestyle-mediated weight loss and, hence, to prevent weight regain.
Prolog: Bioinformatics with the Wolfram Language

The concept of bioinformatics has expanded over the last decade or so. The development of algorithms and computational biology approaches are now coupled with informatics and the ever-increasing use of software tools to handle omics data, particularly Big Data as generated from high-throughput approaches for sequencing, mass spectrometry and imaging. Additionally, the increasing use of machine learning combined with data abundance invites the use of computational tools for classification and prediction to genetics. In this work we will touch on aspects of bioinformatics and its use through the Wolfram Language to address certain problems in omics analyses.
A 3D efficient finite element model to simulate rolling contact fatigue under high loading conditions

Abstract The objectives of this investigation were to develop a 3D efficient elastic-plastic finite element model to characterize the rolling contact fatigue behavior of through hardened steel at high loads (∼5 GPa) and to corroborate analytical and experimental results. The efficient FE model developed for this investigation was coupled with the continuum damage mechanics to simulate rolling contact fatigue (RCF). The new computationally efficient approach developed uses Delaunay mesh to reduce the number of elements without compromising the accuracy of stress distribution induced during a rolling contact pass. In order to validate the newly developed approach, the results obtained from the current 3D model for line contact were corroborated to previously published results. The fatigue lives obtained from the new model are consistent with the previously published model predictions and empirical observations. In order to simulate the RCF for high load conditions, the increase in the contact width observed in the experiments and consequently the decrease in the contact pressure with loading cycles were implemented in the model. Furthermore, the damage evolution law was modified to incorporate the compressive residual stresses induced by the plastic deformation. The L10 life and the scatter in the fatigue lives obtained from the model correlated well with the experimental results. As a part of this investigation, a Thrust Bearing Test Apparatus (TBTA) was designed and developed to simulate RCF. RCF experiments were conducted on through hardened AISI 52100 steel flat specimens at high contact stress levels (5 GPa) to induce plastic deformation. The results demonstrated that the contact width increased as the cycles increased due to plastic strain accumulation. The results from FE model corroborate well with experimental results obtained from TBTA.
X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY OF SILOXENE: A MODEL COMPOUND REPRESENTING INTERMEDIATE OXIDATION STATES OF SILICON AND INTERFACE DEFECT SITES

ABSTRACT Siloxene is a stable Si(+1) compound with a molecular formula of H6Si5O3, which has been prepared in 50% purity. An 01s-Si2p separation of 432.9 eV was found for Si(+1) in this system. The impurities represent a distribution of silicon oxidation states from -1 to +4. Controlled oxidation of this system generates high concentrations of Si(+2) and Si(+3). Electron irradiation converted Si(+3) to Si(+4) similar to thermal SiO2, which provided a convenient reference for approximate comparison of the lower oxidation states with each other, with crystalline Si(O), and with the interface of a thin, thermal SiO2 layer on a crystalline silicon substrate.
Me and My Data

This article examines a recent, unexamined turn in the history of personal data in the last half century: the era when it was re-envisioned as a possession of the individual whom it described or from whom it was obtained. Data—whether scientific, commercial, or bureaucratic—had often been treated as confidential or protected, but it had not typically been conceived in terms of individual ownership. But starting in the later 1960s, more and more people in the industrialized West questioned whether they or the authorities who collected or maintained their data properly had claim to that information. This question was sparked as much by political and economic developments as it was by scientific and technological ones. Citizens’ move to shore up their proprietary claims would prompt new regulations around access, control, and consent that continue to undergird contemporary ideas about personal data. A product of social movements and civil rights reforms as well as market thinking, this bid for authority over one’s “own” information would however reveal its limitations by the turn of the twenty-first century, particularly in the context of a big data economy. This essay is part of a special issue entitled Histories of Data and the Database edited by Soraya de Chadarevian and Theodore M. Porter.
Repeatability and reproducibility of 3D MR fingerprinting relaxometry measurements in normal breast tissue.

BACKGROUND The 3D breast magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) technique enables T1 and T2 mapping in breast tissues. Combined repeatability and reproducibility studies on breast T1 and T2 relaxometry are lacking. PURPOSE To assess test-retest and two-visit repeatability and interscanner reproducibility of the 3D breast MRF technique in a single-institution setting. STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS Eighteen women (median age 29 years, range, 22-33 years) underwent Visit 1 scans on scanner 1. Ten of these women underwent test-retest scan repositioning after a 10-minute interval. Thirteen women had Visit 2 scans within 7-15 days in same menstrual cycle. The remaining five women had Visit 2 scans in the same menstrual phase in next menstrual cycle. Five women were also scanned on scanner 2 at both visits for interscanner reproducibility. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE Two 3T MR scanners with the 3D breast MRF technique. ASSESSMENT T1 and T2 MRF maps of both breasts. STATISTICAL TESTS Mean T1 and T2 values for normal fibroglandular tissues were quantified at all scans. For variability, between and within-subjects coefficients of variation (bCV and wCV, respectively) were assessed. Repeatability was assessed with Bland-Altman analysis and coefficient of repeatability (CR). Reproducibility was assessed with interscanner coefficient of variation (CoV) and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS The bCV at test-retest scans was 9-12% for T1 , 7-17% for T2 , wCV was <4% for T1 , and <7% for T2 . For two visits in same menstrual cycle, bCV was 10-15% for T1 , 13-17% for T2 , wCV was <7% for T1 and <5% for T2 . For two visits in the same menstrual phase, bCV was 6-14% for T1 , 15-18% for T2 , wCV was <7% for T1 , and <9% for T2 . For test-retest scans, CR for T1 and T2 were 130 msec and 11 msec. For two visit scans, CR was <290 msec for T1 and 10-14 msec for T2 . Interscanner CoV was 3.3-3.6% for T1 and 5.1-6.6% for T2 , with no differences between interscanner measurements (P = 1.00 for T1 , P = 0.344 for T2 ). DATA CONCLUSION 3D breast MRF measurements are repeatable across scan timings and scanners and may be useful in clinical applications in breast imaging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1133-1143.
Diagnosis and Management of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Renal Toxicity: Illustrative Case and Review.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies directed at negative regulatory components on T cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4, programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), and its ligand, programmed cell death ligand-1. ICIs initate antitumor immunity; however, these agents are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that may affect a variety of organs. Renal irAEs most commonly present with asymptomatic acute kidney injury (AKI), which is often detected by routine laboratory testing. The severity of AKI associated with irAEs ranges from mild (grade 1-2) to severe (grade 3-4). It is often challenging to diagnose because this group of patients often have multiple reasons to have AKI (dehydration, sepsis, or nephrotoxic medication exposure). We present an illustrative case of a 60-year-old man with metastatic melanoma who presented with AKI during treatment with nivolumab and review the literature to address frequently asked questions concerning the diagnosis and management of renal irAEs in patients with advanced cancer. Importantly, most patients will recover completely, and some may tolerate a rechallenge of ICI therapy, with prompt and effective treatment. KEY POINTS: Renal immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are less frequently reported than other irAEs; however, it is possible that available data underestimate their true incidence because of missed diagnoses and under-reporting. Although severe renal irAEs are more easily detected, smaller rises in creatinine may not be appreciated or may be attributed to other causes, because the differential diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with cancer is broad.Baseline creatinine should be established prior to beginning immune checkpoint inhibitorss (ICIs), and it should be monitored with every cycle. If a patient develops AKI, the ICI should be held while the evaluation is pursued. A thorough workup of suspected renal irAEs must exclude other potential causes of AKI such as infection, dehydration, urinary tract obstruction, and nephrotoxin exposure.Acute kidney injury after ICI therapy does not appear to be more common in patients with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL per min per 1.73 m. One particular concern, however, is that those with baseline renal disease have less "renal reserve," and repeated AKI events may push a patient closer to end-stage renal disease. Thus, clinicians must exert caution when rechallenging patients with pre-existing renal disease with ICI therapy in the event of a prior AKI from ICI-related allergic interstitial nephritis.
VenusA206 Dimers Behave Coherently at Room Temperature.

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) have revolutionized cell biology by allowing genetic tagging of specific proteins inside living cells. In conjunction with Fo rster’s resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements, FP-tagged proteins can be used tostudy protein-protein interactions and estimate distances between tagged proteins. FRET is mediated by weak Coulombicdipole-dipole coupling of donor and acceptor fluorophores that behave independently, with energy hopping discretely and inco-herently between fluorophores. Stronger dipole-dipole coupling can mediate excitonic coupling in which excitation energy isdistributed near instantaneously between coherently interacting excited states that behave as a single quantum entity. The inter-pretation of FP energy transfer measurements to estimate separation often assumes that donors and acceptors are very weaklycoupled and therefore use a FRET mechanism. This assumption is considered reasonable as close fluorophore proximity, typi-cally associated with strong excitonic coupling, is limited by the FPb-barrel structure. Furthermore, physiological temperaturespromote rapid vibrational dephasing associated with a rapid decoherence of fluorophore-excited states. Recently, FP dephasingtimes that are 50 times slower than traditional organic fluorophores have been measured, raising the possibility that evolutionhas shaped FPs to allow stronger than expected coupling under physiological conditions. In this study, we test if excitoniccoupling between FPs is possible at physiological temperatures. FRET and excitonic coupling can be distinguished by moni-toring spectral changes associated with fluorophore dimerization. The weak coupling mediating FRET should not cause achange in fluorophore absorption, whereas strong excitonic coupling causes Davydov splitting. Circular dichroism spectroscopyrevealed Davydov splitting when the yellow FP VenusA206dimerizes, and a novel approach combining photon antibunching andfluorescence correlation spectroscopy was used to confirm that the two fluorophores in a VenusA206homodimer behave as asingle-photon emitter. We conclude that excitonic coupling between VenusA206fluorophores is possible at physiologicaltemperatures
Straight arm walking, bent arm running: gait-specific elbow angles

Stereotypically, walking and running gaits in humans exhibit different arm swing behavior: during walking, the arm is kept mostly straight, while during running, the arm is bent at the elbow. The mechanism for this behavioral difference has not been explored before. We hypothesized that a mechanical tradeoff exists between the shoulder joint and the elbow joint. Bending the elbow reduces the radius of gyration of the arm and reduces shoulder muscle torque, but at the price of increasing elbow torque. We predicted that the mechanical tradeoff would result in energetics that favored straight arms during walking and bent arms during running. The hypothesis was tested experimentally by having eight subjects walk and run with both straight arms and bent arms while recording arm swing mechanics, and oxygen consumption in a subset of six subjects. The mechanical tradeoff hypothesis was confirmed, with bent arms reducing normalized shoulder muscle torque in both gaits (walking: -33%, running: -32%) and increasing normalized elbow muscle torque in both gaits (walking: +110%, running: +30%). Bent arms increased oxygen consumption by 11% when walking, supporting our prediction that energetics favor straight arms during walking. However, oxygen consumption was equivalent for the straight and bent arm running conditions, and did not support our running prediction. We conclude that straight arms are stereotyped in walking as a result of optimal energetics, while the mechanism leading to bent arms during running remains unknown.
Co-delivery of everolimus and vinorelbine via a tumor-targeted liposomal formulation inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in RCC

Background Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is notorious for its resistance towards chemotherapy and radiation therapy in general. Combination therapy is often helpful in alleviating the resistance mechanisms by targeting multiple signaling pathways but is usually more toxic than monotherapy. Co-encapsulation of multiple therapeutic agents in a tumor-targeted drug delivery platform is a promising strategy to mitigate these limitations. Methods A tumor-targeted liposomal formulation was prepared using phospholipids, cholesterol, DSPE-(PEG)2000-OMe and a proprietary tumor-targeting-peptide (TTP)-conjugated lipopeptide. An efficient method was optimized to encapsulate everolimus and vinorelbine in this liposomal formulation. Single drug-loaded liposomes were also prepared for comparison. Finally, the drug-loaded liposomes were tested in vitro and in vivo in two different RCC cell lines. Results The tumor-targeted liposomal formulation demonstrated excellent tumor-specific uptake. The dual drug-loaded liposomes exhibited significantly higher growth inhibition in vitro compared to the single drug-loaded liposomes in two different RCC cell lines. Similarly, the dual drug-loaded liposomes demonstrated significantly higher suppression of tumor growth compared to the single drug-loaded liposomes in two different subcutaneous RCC xenografts. In addition, the dual drug-loaded liposomes instigated significant reduction in lung metastasis in those experiments. Conclusion Taken together, this study demonstrates that co-delivery of everolimus and vinorelbine with a tumor-targeted liposomal formulation is an effective approach to achieve improved therapeutic outcome in RCC.
Identifying Synergistic Interventions to Address COVID-19 Using a Large Scale Agent-Based Model

There is a range of public health tools and interventions to address the global pandemic of COVID-19. Although it is essential for public health efforts to comprehensively identify which interventions have the largest impact on preventing new cases, most of the modeling studies that support such decision-making efforts have only considered a very small set of interventions. In addition, previous studies predominantly represented interventions as independent or examined a single scenario in which every possible intervention was applied. Reality has been more nuanced, as a subset of all possible interventions may be in effect for a given time period, in a given place. In this paper, we use cloud-based simulations and a previously published Agent-Based Model of COVID-19 (Covasim) to measure the individual and interacting contribution of interventions on reducing new infections in the US over 6 months. Simulated interventions include face masks, working remotely, stay-at-home orders, testing, contact tracing, and quarantining. Through a factorial design of experiments, we find that mask wearing together with transitioning to remote work/schooling has the largest impact. Having sufficient capacity to immediately and effectively perform contact tracing has a smaller contribution, primarily via interacting effects.
Narrative Perspectives on Substance Use, Power, and Injustice: Policy and Practice Implications

The dominant U.S. narrative regarding substance use and users is characterized by themes of moral weakness, criminality, and interdiction. This is at odds both with the cause of social justice and ...
Empowering qualities and skills for leaders in neurosurgery

Neurosurgeons may have multiple roles including clinician, educator, researcher, and administrator. Leaders in neurosurgery have the added responsibilities of setting a vision, communicating the vision, implementing a plan to achieve it, and gaining commitment from the team and other stakeholders. For success in the current era of U.S. health care, neurosurgical leaders must deliver despite challenges such as reduced resources, increased protocolized care, automation, and depersonalization. In this work, we describe five empowering strategies that can help leaders perform best. The steps include deepening self-awareness, leading with honesty, developing emotional intelligence, improving coaching skills, and becoming a better influencer. Leaders that take these steps to invest in their leadership skills will reap broad benefits.
Surgery for Malignant Tumors of the Maxillofacial Regions

SUMMARY This article is merely a brief excursion into this exciting and rapidly evolving field of surgery. With the experience gained from congenital craniofacial surgery, the use of plates and screws, the understanding of the causes of the infection, and improved methods of reconstruction, the dismal picture of the past has been transformed. Undoubtedly, the concept that vascularity prevents infection may have been the greatest step forward. This concept required methods to implement it, and these came in the form of local tissue such as the temporal and frontal galea and free tissue transfer. Not only did the latter provide an effective method of combating infection, but it has also provided an excellent reconstructive tool which has further expanded the scope of skull base surgery. Going hand in hand with safer surgery has been the great improvement in survival figures. This has encouraged surgeons to undertake these resections and has given more hope to patients. A comprehensive textbook covering all aspects of this area of surgical endeavor has been published,14 national and international societies have been formed, and an international journal exists, which also encourages the development of the specialty. Most important of all has been the formation of teams to perform these procedures, as these are not one-person operations. The neurosurgeon and the skull base surgeon often resect and partially reconstruct, after which the microsurgeon adds the final reconstruction. It should be noted that there is no specialty name attached to the latter two surgeons; it is not the discipline that matters, but the training and skills of the individual performing the procedure.
Effortful control moderates the relation between negative emotionality and socially appropriate behavior

Abstract The current study investigated the relation between negative emotionality and socially appropriate behavior in a diverse sample of preschool and kindergarten children (N = 74). More specifically, we tested whether effortful control would moderate this relation. A computerized task measured children’s effortful control by assessing their accuracy in shifting attention between different emotionally valenced faces (happy and angry) while inhibiting their responses to neutral faces. Teachers completed the Affect Intensity Scale–Child Version to assess child negative emotionality as well as the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales to assess two aspects of socially appropriate behavior (social cooperation and inhibition of externalizing behavior). Regression analyses indicated that children with high negative emotionality and strong effortful control had fewer externalizing problems and greater social cooperation compared with their counterparts with weaker effortful control. These findings support and extend previous research suggesting that effortful control may protect children, particularly those with high negative emotionality, from poor social outcomes. A novel contribution of this study is its use of an attention shifting task that incorporates emotionally salient stimuli. These findings have important implications for educators working with young children who encounter increased expectations for regulating their behavior during preschool and kindergarten.
PMU Measurement Based Generator Parameter Calibration by Black-Box Optimization with A Stochastic Radial Basis Function Surrogate Model

In this paper, we propose a synchrophasor measurement based generator parameter calibration method by a black-box optimization approach with a stochastic radial basis function (RBF) surrogate model. Based on comparison between the outputs of the generator model with estimated parameters and the phasor measurement unit (PMU) measurements, we define an objective function for the black-box optimization problem, which is approximated by a RBF surrogate model. The prior information of the parameters is treated as constraints in the black-box optimization problem. The formulated black-box optimization problem is then solved by a Stochastic Response Surface Method (MSRSM). The effectiveness of the proposed method is tested and validated on a hydro generator. The simulation results show that the proposed approach can accurately and efficiently estimate the generator parameters subject to gross errors in the prior distributions of the parameters.
Distributed Work Stealing at Scale via Matchmaking

Many classes of high-performance applications and combinatorial problems exhibit large degree of imbalance in terms of task execution times. One approach to achieving high machine efficiency and balanced resource use is to over-decompose the problem into fine-grained tasks that are then dynamically re-balanced across the system by approaches such as workstealing. For such irregular applications, existing work stealing or work balancing techniques exhibit high overheads due to potentially excessive communication messages, and/or delays experienced by idle nodes in finding work due to repeated failed steals. In particular, on very large scale clusters, the problem of matching work generation and work consumption is extremely challenging. At the heart of the problem is the dilemma: idle workers do not know where to look for work and the work producers do not know where to send the generated extra work. We contend that the fundamental problem of distributed work-stealing is not one of rapid dissemination of availability of work but one of rapidly bringing together work producers and consumers. In response, we develop a workstealing-based algorithm that performs timely, lightweight and highly efficient matchmaking between work producers and consumers. The matchmaker simultaneously accumulates the work availability messages from the producer nodes and rapidly redirects messages of work availability to the consumers. The matchmaker is a regular worker which works on its own work queue executing tasks when it pauses from the matchmaking work. We validate these claims via an implementation of a match-making-based scheduler for Charm++, that we evaluate using representative benchmarks running on up to 8K cores. Results show that our scheduler is able to outperform other load balancers and distributed work stealing schedulers, and to achieve scale beyond what is possible with current approaches.
Structured singular value theory based stability robustness of power systems

Presents a structured singular value (SSV) approach for robust stability assessment of a one-machine-infinite-bus system (OMIB). The local load is treated as uncertain and allowed to vary within given limits. A new framework for robustness analysis of such load variations is presented. Linear fractional transformations (LFTs) are used to transform the problem to a structured singular value set up. Simulation results for a test system have shown excellent accuracy of robust stability assessment for a wide range of load conditions.
Control with delayed and limited information: a first look

In a communication constrained environment, feedback information and feedback delay must necessarily be taken into consideration. In this paper we report some preliminary investigations on the relation between the information capacity of the feedback channel and the closed loop performance of a discrete time system.
COMPARISON OF VEGETATION-TOPOGRAPHY RELATIONSHIPS AT THE ALPINE TREELINE ECOTONE

Relationships were examined between topographic gradients, vegetation types, and values of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at the alpine treeline ecotone within Glacier National Park (GNP), Montana, and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Colorado. An objective approach to characterizing the treeline elevation within a given area is presented. Non-parametric logistic regression, a form of generalized additive modeling, was used to examine the strength and nature of relationships between the presence or absence of the vegetation types, derived from Landsat Thematic Mapper digital data, and terrain-related variables. Linear and multiple regression models were constructed to characterize the relationships between NDVI and topography. Vegetation-topography relationships were very similar across study areas at the scale of analysis. Comparison of treeline elevations in the two areas revealed a lower-than-expected treeline in Glacier National Park, compared with published latitude-treeline cu...
Inequality of care and cancer survival.

A physician discusses the disparity of care for uninsured or underinsured cancer patients in terms of their time of diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Atlas of tilted accretion discs and source to negative superhumps

Using smoothed particle hydrodynamics, we numerically simulate steady-state accretion discs for cataclysmic variable dwarf novae systems that have a secondary-to-primary mass ratio 0.35 ≤ q ≤ 0.55. After these accretion discs have come to quasi-equilibrium, we rotate each disc out of the orbital plane by δ = (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 20) ◦ to induce negative superhumps. For accretion discs tilted 5 ◦ , we generate light curves and associated Fourier transforms for an atlas on negative superhumps and retrograde precession. Our simulation results suggest that accretion discs need to be tilted more than 3 ◦ for negative superhumps to be statistically significant. We also show that if the disc is tilted enough such that the gas stream strikes a disc face, then a dense cooling ring is generated near the radius of impact. In addition to the atlas, we study these artificially tilted accretion discs to find the source to negative superhumps. Our results suggest that the source is additional light from innermost disc annuli, and this additional light waxes and wanes with the amount of gas stream overflow received as the secondary orbits. The nodes, where the gas stream transitions from flowing over to under the disc rim (and vice versa), precess in the retrograde direction.
A 100 Gs/s photoelectronic A/D converter

A mode-locked laser generates a train of sub-ps photoelectron pulses that are deflected by the analog voltage to a specific location on a detector code plate. The concept has been verified with a demountable streak camera.
Genetic parameters and relationships between hip height and weight in Brahman cattle.

Genetic parameters for weaning hip height (WHH), weaning weight (WWT), postweaning hip height growth (PHG), and hip height at 18 mo of age (HH18) and their relationships were estimated for Brahman cattle born from 1984 to 1994 at the Subtropi- cal Agricultural Research Station, Brooksville, FL. Re- cords per trait were 889 WHH, 892 WWT, and 684 HH18. (Co)variances were estimated using REML with a derivative-free algorithm and fitting three two-trait animal models (i.e., WHH-WWT, WHH-PHG, and WWT-HH18). Heritability estimates of WHH direct ef- fects were 0.73 and 0.65 for models WHH-WWT and WHH-PHG and were 0.29 and 0.33 for WWT direct for models WHH-WWT and WWT-HH18, respectively. Estimates of heritability for PHG and HH18 direct were 0.13 and 0.87, respectively. Heritability estimates for maternal effects were 0.10 and 0.09 for WHH for models WHH-WWT and WHH-PHG and 0.18 and 0.18 for WWT for models WHH-WWT and WWT-HH18, respec- tively. Heritability estimates for PHG and HH18 mater- nal were 0.00 and 0.03. Estimates of the genetic correla- tion between direct effects for the different traits were moderate and positive; they were also positive between WHH and WWT maternal and WWT and HH18 mater-
A re-examination of the operating leverage-financial leverage tradeoff hypothesis

Abstract The “tradeoff” hypothesis states that firms trade off their operating leverage and financial leverage to manage their level of overall risk. The objective of this study is to examine whether firms that exhibit a relatively high degree of apparent tradeoff differ in financial attributes from firms that exhibit a relatively low degree of apparent tradeoff. The empirical results provide evidence that the two types of firms differ significantly with respect to certain financial attributes (ratios), though the results are sensitive to the choice of estimation technique for calculating the degree of operating leverage and degree of financial leverage coefficients.
Reevaluation of the Treatment of Shock Secondary to Cardiac Infarction

When given early vasopressor drugs can be an effective from of therapy for cardiogenic shock because they increase coronary blood flow, cardiac output and blood pressure. They vasodilate the coronary vascular bed and in 40 percent of the experiments, reduce total peripheral vascular resistance. The use of 3-hydroxytyramine and the vasopressor-vasodilator combination provide most effective coronary and regional perfusion to other vital organs. New mechanical circulatory assistance techniques applied to the treatment of irreversible cardiogenic shock promise that the high mortality rate associated with this dreaded complication will be reduced.
Characteristics of Support for Local Growth Control

It is often contended that support for local limitations on residential development results from the demands of the affluent, who wish to ensure limited access to their communities. This contention, along with alternative explanations of local growth-control support, are examined. The article explores empirical dimensions of support for elect orally induced control of residential development. A major finding, which utilizes a discriminant function analysis of a random sample survey of registered voters, is that under some circumstances there may be no relationship between measures of affluence or socioeconomic status and support for limiting residential development. In addition, the findings reveal the possible existence of substantial, wide-based support for protection of the local environment that is related to a commitment to the role of government in maintaining local amenities and services. The article concludes with an analysis of local growth control as an issue that significantly defines the agend...
Local stability of an age-structured population with density-dependent fertility and mortality

The local stability of an equilibrium population configuration of a nonlinear, continuous, age-structured model with fertility and mortality dependent on total population size is investigated. Two demographic parameters, the marginal birth and death rates, which measure the sensitivities of the fertility and mortality of the equilibrium population configuration to changes in population size, are introduced. It is shown that in certain cases the values of these two parameters completely determine the stability classification, while in other cases further information is required. Examples illustrating these results are presented.
Speech timing of phonologically disordered children: voicing contrast of initial and final stop consonants.

Speech timing of nine phonologically disordered and nine normally developing children was investigated for the voicing contrasts of word-initial and word-final stop consonants. Measurements of voic...
Synthesis of β-SiC thin films for high temperature sensors by the activated reactive evaporation process

Abstract β-SiC thin films were grown on Si(100) and α-alumina substrates by the activated reactive evaporation (ARE) process. The optimum deposition conditions are an acetylene gas pressure P C 2 H 2 of 3 Torr, substrate temperature T s of 690 °C, and electron beam emission current I e of 150 mA. Si was evaporated from an electron beam evaporation source in a d.c. glow discharge of acetylene gas. The effects of substrate temperature and C 2 H 2 pressure, which are the most important deposition parameters, on the structure and stoichiometry of the films were investigated by various thin film characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) for the identification of crystalline phases, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) for composition analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microstructure.
Hydrodynamic behavior of a liquid-solid fluidized-bed reactor for the bioconversion of coal particles to liquid products

Abstract A predictive mathematical model based on particle convection and dispersion is presented for a liquid fluidized bed of coal particles. The numerical representation can follow transient behavior of liquid fluidized beds that contain a defined particle-size distribution. The calculations exhibited excellent agreement when compared to experimental transient pressure-drop data from a column containing particles of Illinois No. 6 bituminous coal in the size range of 20–120 μm. In addition, the model was used to simulate the effect of periodic (hourly) liquid velocity step changes on elutriation of small particles from a given particle-size distribution of 34.5–75.5 μm. For the situation tested, the calculations indicate that (a) the column does not reach a steady state between velocity changes and (b) that higher initial particle elutriation rates decay to lower values until no more particles elutriate from the column.
New Tetraphosphorus Ligands for Highly Linear Selective Hydroformylation of Allyl and Vinyl Derivatives

New tetraphosphorus ligands have been developed and applied in the rhodium-catalyzed regioselective hydroformylation of a variety of functionalized allyl and vinyl derivatives. Remarkably high linear selectivity was obtained by these tetraphosphorus ligands. The ligand that bears strong electron-withdrawing 2,4-difluorophenyl groups is the most effective one in affording linear aldehydes. The Rh/tetraphosphorus ligand catalyst is highly effective to produce linear aldehydes from functionalized allyl derivatives with heteroatoms or aromatic groups directly adjacent to the allyl group. For vinyl derivatives, the ligand is highly linear selective for acrylic derivatives, styrene, vinyl pyridine, and vinyl phthalimide. Linear to branch ratios of 26:1 and 10:1 were obtained for the hydroformylation of styrene and allyl cyanide, respectively.
Scalability study of the ad hoc on-demand distance vector routing protocol

As mobile networking continues to experience increasing popularity, the need to connect large numbers of wireless devices will become more prevalent. Many recent proposals for ad hoc routing have certain characteristics that may limit their scalability to large networks. This paper examines five different combinations of modifications that may be incorporated into virtually any on-demand protocol in order to improve its scalability. The scalability of current on-demand routing protocols is evaluated through the selection of a representative from this class of protocols. The performance of the un-modified on-demand protocol is compared against that of it combined with each of the scalability modifications. Each scheme's behavior is analyzed in networks as large as 10,000 nodes through detailed simulation. Based on the observations, conclusions are drawn as to the expected scalability improvement that can be achieved by each modification.
Comprehensive effective and efficient global public health surveillance

At a crossroads, global public health surveillance exists in a fragmented state. Slow to detect, register, confirm, and analyze cases of public health significance, provide feedback, and communicate timely and useful information to stakeholders, global surveillance is neither maximally effective nor optimally efficient. Stakeholders lack a globa surveillance consensus policy and strategy; officials face inadequate training and scarce resources.
Nitrification in the water column and sediment of a hypereutrophic lake and adjoining river system

Abstract Nitrification in lakes and rivers is usually modeled using first-order water column kinetics. Over the years, a number of scientists have, however, recognized the importance of sediment nitrification, especially in shallow systems. The aim of this study is to determine the extent of nitrification in the water column and sediments of a eutrophic system and to propose simple kinetic equations to describe the process. An intensive experimental study was performed (summer and fall 1992, fall 1993) on Onondaga Lake and the adjoining Seneca River, a hypereutrophic system with high ammonia concentrations (2–10 mgN l−1). Water samples and sediment cores were collected and laboratory nitrification studies performed. The results clearly demonstrate that there is rapid nitrification in the sediments of both Onondaga Lake (0.37 gN m−2 d−1) and the Seneca River (0.32 gN m−2 d−1). In contrast, no apparent nitrification was observed in the water column of the lake or river, despite high ammonia concentrations. The findings of the Most Probable Number (MPN) test provide a likely reason for this phenomenon, showing that the lack of nitrification in the water column is probably due to low nitrifier densities (∼101 cells ml−1), whereas the rate is rapid in the sediments due to high nitrifier populations (∼105 cells ml−1). It is therefore believed that nitrification in this relatively deep system is localized to the sediments and simple zero order kinetics is proposed as a first approach to model the process. It also stimulates the question of whether nitrification in most freshwater systems is principally a sediment process and should be modeled accordingly.
Diffraction properties of laser speckle generated by stimulated rotational Raman scattering in long air paths

We discuss the unusual diffraction properties of laser speckle and related structures generated by stimulated rotational Raman scattering (SRRS) from nitrogen in long air paths with collimated, large aperture beams. We have obtained convincing evidence for the four-wave parametric gain suppression of SRRS and enhancement of nonlinear diffraction by Raman-induced Kerr effect in this high Fresnel number geometry. These phenomena significantly influence the beam filamentation and speckle structures observed in the near and far fields. We contrast present observations with previous SRRS experiments at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory using the Nova Laser.
PICO: automatically designing custom computers

The paper discusses the PICO (program in, chip out) project, a long-range HP Labs research effort that aims to automate the design of optimized, application-specific computing systems - thus enabling the rapid and cost-effective design of custom chips when no adequately specialized, off-the-shelf design is available. PICO research takes a systematic approach to the hierarchical design of complex systems and advances technologies for automatically designing custom nonprogrammable accelerators and VLIW processors. While skeptics often assume that automated design must emulate human designers who invent new solutions to problems, PICO's approach is to automatically pick the most suitable designs from a well-engineered space of designs. Such automation of embedded computer design promises an era of yet more growth in the number and variety of innovative smart products by lowering the barriers of design time, designer availability, and design cost.
Proteasome inhibition potentiates the cytotoxic effects of hyperthermia in HT-29 colon cancer cells through inhibition of heat shock protein 27.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether proteasome inhibition acts as a thermal sensitizing agent to induce tumor cell death in a colon cancer cell line. &l