cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical static timing analysis considering leakage variability in power gated designs

This paper is the first to study the impact of fluctuations in virtual power supply rail (vvdd) of power-gated designs on the circuit timing, where the vvdd fluctuations are due to process-induced leakage variability. We present a Monte Carlo-based statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) framework which accurately accounts for process-induced leakage variability and its impact on vvdd fluctuations and timing. For vvdd computation we propose an efficient and fast converging iterative analysis, which we explore to result in minimal additional complexity to traditional SSTA where leakage variability is not considered during analysis. We provide separate discussions for the two cases of SSTA for power-gated ASICs and microprocessors; in the latter we also consider process-induced dynamic power variability. In our simulations, we show significant error in traditional SSTA. We also study the impact of number of power-gated clusters on leakage variability, vvdd fluctuations and timing variations. We show that increase in the number of power-gated clusters reduces the circuit timing variance.
Spermatogenesis in Boophilus annulatus and B. microplus

Testes of unfed nymphal Boophilus annulatus (Say) and B. microplus (Canestrini) are small and undeveloped. They enlarge throughout the nymphal feeding period and contain spermatogonia, early spermatocytes, growth phase spermatocytes, and meiotically active cells prior to ecdysis into adults. After ecdysis, cellular development continues and elongate spermatids occur posteriorly in the testes within 2 days postfeeding in B. annulatus , and within 1 day postfeeding in B. microplus . Both species have 10 or 11 chromosomes, but the sex chromosome of B. annulatus is longer than that of B. microplus .
IDENTIFICATION OF A SOMATIC ANTIGEN OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS CRITICAL FOR PHAGOCYTOSIS BY HUMAN BLOOD LEUCOCYTES.

THE capacity of Staphylococcus aureus to produce disease resides in its ability to invade and persist in the body, and in its elaboration of toxic metabolites. Host-defensive mechanisms comprise the elaboration of antibodies which facilitate phagocytosis and intracellular destruction, and the elaboration of antitoxins. This communication reports identification of at least one antigen of the staphylococcal cell-wall which is critical for phagocytosis by human blood leucocytes.
A Comparison of Radiation Damage in Transistors from Cobalt-60 Gamma Rays and 2.2 MeV Electrons

The total ionizing dose response of fourteen IC types from eight manufacturers have been measured using Co-60 gamma rays and 2.2 MeV electrons for exposure levels of 100 to 20,000 Gy(Si). Key parameter measurements were made and compared for each device type. The data show that a Co-60 source may not be a suitable simulation source for some systems, because of the generally more damaging nature of electrons as well as the unpredictable nature of the individual device response to the two types of radiations used here.
Generation of high average power 1 kHz shaped THz pulses via optical rectification

Abstract Generation of near single-cycle THz pulses from lithium niobate with 3.3 μJ energy, 3.3 mW average power, 1.2 THz central frequency and 4 MW peak power was demonstrated by tilting the intensity front of the pump pulses from a 1 kHz Ti:sapphire laser. THz pulse intensity as high as 200 MW/cm 2 was achieved. The energy conversion efficiency was 7 × 10 −4 . The capability of the present scheme to generate high energy shaped THz pulses was also demonstrated by using a sequence of optical pump pulses.
Treatment of varicella in the immunocompetent adult

Varicella in the immunocompetent adult is an infrequent but potentially serious infection. Previous studies in immunocompetent hosts and normal adults have demonstrated the value of intravenous acyclovir in the treatment of varicella-zoster virus infections. Oral acyclovir has also shown efficacy in both normal adults with zoster (shingles) and immunocompetent children with varicella. A recently completed double-blind placebo-controlled study of oral acyclovir in immunocompetent adults with uncomplicated varicella also demonstrated efficacy. Therapy within the first day reduced the time to 100% crusting of skin lesions from 7.4 to 5.6 days, and reduced the duration of fever by one-half day. Symptoms were also diminished. These benefits were observed only when therapy was initiated within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash. Adults with complicated varicella (usually symptomatic varicella pneumonia) should receive intravenous acyclovir. Several new agents for varicella-zoster therapy are being evaluated; brovavir is a new agent currently being compared to placebo in the treatment of adult varicella.
The occurrence of intercellular bridges during oogenesis in the mouse.

A fine structural analysis of fetal mouse ovaries reveals the presence of intercellular bridges between developing oocytes. These bridges, which connect two or more oocytes, are most frequently seen prior to the dictyate stage of meiotic prophase. The intercellular connections are limited by a tri-laminar membrane which is continuous with the oocyte plasmalemma. A characteristic feature of all bridges is the presence of an electron-dense material on the cytoplasmic side of the limiting membrane. Since this dense material is a constant and conspicuous component of the entire bridge, identification of these connections is possible in all planes of section. In cross section, the bridges are usually cylindrical, while in longitudinal section, a variety of configurations are observed. Oocytes connected by intercellular bridges exhibit a highly developed Golgi complex which is frequently localized in the region of the cytoplasmic continuities. Vesicular elements, apparently derived from the Golgi, are routinely observed within the boundaries of the bridges. Other cytoplasmic organelles, including rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes and mitochondria, are also seen in these bridges. The presence of these vesicles and organelles within intercellular bridges suggests that these connections may provide a means for transfer of organelles and other substances from one oocyte to another. It may be, therefore, that intercellular bridges are important for the nourishment and maturation of certain selected oocytes as well as for the synchronization of meiotic events.
Scientific Method in Meteorology IV

This article explores the main aspects of Aristotle’s scientific method in Meteorology IV. Dispositional properties such as solidifiability or combustibility play a dominant role in Meteor. IV (a) in virtue of their central place in the generic division of homoeomers, based on successive differentiation and multiple differentiae, and (b) in virtue of their role in revealing otherwise undetectable characteristics of uniform materials (composition and physical structure). While Aristotle often starts with accounts of ingredients and their ratio (e.g., solids that contain a significant amount of water are liquefiable), the natural direction of his investigation is from observations regarding dispositional properties and their manifestation to accounts of composition and microstructure. Such passages tend to be easily syllogizable, a feature that—along with the criteria that shape his method of division—argues, I believe, for the compatibility of Meteor. IV with Aristotle’s theory of scientific inquiry. The c...
An Improved Synthesis of Functionalized Biphenyl-Based Phosphine Ligands

Functionalized dicyclohexyl- and di-tert-butylphosphinobiphenyl ligands are prepared by the reaction of arylmagnesium halides with benzyne, followed by the addition of a chlorodialkylphosphine. This one-pot procedure is considerably less expensive and time-consuming than the method used previously to prepare such ligands. The cost of introducing the dicyclohexylphosphine group can be decreased by preparing chlorodicyclohexylphosphine from PCl3 and cyclohexylmagnesium chloride, and using the reagent without further purification. The new method is significant, as a variety of ligands can be produced in useful amounts by a procedure that is simple, with starting materials that are relatively inexpensive, and, in most cases, without chromatographic purification.
Clinical Decision Support for Colonoscopy Surveillance Using Natural Language Processing

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, 41% of patients do not receive adequate screening, since the surveillance guidelines for colonoscopy are complex and are not easily recalled by health care providers. As a potential solution, we developed a guideline based clinical decision support system (CDSS) that can interpret relevant freetext reports including indications, pathology and procedure notes. The CDSS was evaluated by comparing its recommendations with those of a gastroenterologist for a test set of 53 patients. The CDSS made the optimal recommendation in 48 cases, and helped the gastroenterologist revise the recommendation in 3 cases. We performed an error analysis for the 5 failure cases, and subsequently were able to modify the CDSS to output the correct recommendation for all the test cases. Results indicate that the system has a high potential for clinical deployment, but further evaluation and optimization is required. Limitations of our study are that the study was conducted at a single institution and with a single expert, and the evaluation did not include rare decision scenarios. Overall our work demonstrates the utility of natural language processing to enhance clinical decision support.
Economic and industrial development— A key ingredient

Abstract The material which follows is a synthesis of two research projects1,2 and personal experience of the author plus some extrapolation and surmises. Those readers who desire more information on the research projects are referred to the sources indicated under references 1 and 2. The result, the author believes, is the delineation of some important actions that should be taken by private firms and governments in underdeveloped and developing countries that want to expand economic growth and industrialization at near optimum rates.
Phycobilisome-associated glycoproteins in the cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans R 2

Four phycobilisome-associated proteins were found to be specifically reactive with the lectin concanavalin A after subunits of isolated Anacystis nidulans R 2 phycobilisomes were separated on polyacrylamide gels and transferred onto nitrocellulose. The concanavalin A-reactive phycobilisome components have proposed functions related to the orientation, assembly, and membrane attachment of the phycobilisome. Chemical analysis of the total isolated phycobilisome material indicated the presence of glucose (approx. 1.5% by wt) and N-acetylgalactosamine (0.15% by wt), consistent with our proposal that the concanavalin A-reactive polypeptides contain covalently linked, glucose-containing polysaccharides.
Transport of acridine in saturated porous media

The effects of the aqueous solution pH, temperature, initial solute concentration and non-equilibrium processes on the transport of acridine in saturated porous media (silica) were investigated in a series of continuous-flow column experiments. The enthalpy of the adsorption reaction was more exothermic when the solution pH was above acridine's pKa (5.6) than when it was below. The extent of adsorption was greater when the solution pH was below the pKa of acridine than when it was above. Non-equilibrium effects on the adsorption reaction were found to be unimportant at groundwater velocities. The results from this study suggest that the mobility of acridine in aquifers, in which adsorption to silica edge sites is significant, would increase as the temperature of the groundwater increased and the acridine mobility would be greatest when the pH of the groundwater is above the pKa of acridine. The transport of acridine in such aquifers can be effectively modeled using the local equilibrium assumption.
Improved methods for the delivery of liposome-sequestered RNA into eucaryotic cells

Abstract RNA sequestered by negatively charged liposomes becomes cell-associated following interaction between eucaryotic cells and the liposomes. This paper provides evidence that cell-associated RNA is internalized by the cells. In fact, (a) when Escherichia coli and mammalian RNA are entrapped within the same liposome population and delivered into cultured cells, one can observe degradation of the procaryotic but not the eucaryotic RNA. Such an event cannot happen extracellularly. (b) Scanning electron microscopy reveals no more than 10 liposomes adhering to each cell upon liposome-cell interaction under conditions in which the RNA entrapped by 140 liposomes becomes associated with each cell. The ability of liposomes prepared by (a) the cochleate process, (b) the reverse-phase evaporation technique, and (c) the ether infusion technique, to sequester and deliver RNA into cells was investigated. Reverse-phase evaporated liposomes were most efficient in sequestering RNA (20–40%), however, all types of liposomes delivered RNA with comparable efficiency. The rate of liposome-mediated RNA delivery into mammalian cells could be substantially improved when: (a) liposome-cell interaction was carried out at pH 6.5 (twofold increase over pH 7.5), (b) a basic protein (methylated albumin) was present (two- to threefold increase), (c) liposome-cell cultures were treated with polyethylene glycol 6000 (four- to eight-fold increase), and (d) DEAE-dextran was added during interaction of liposomes with cell monolayers (four- to eight-fold increase).
Ethical intercultural technical communication: Looking through the lens of Confucian ethics

Studies of intercultural communication focus little on the ethical principles that inspire specific communication practices. The ethics of Confucius (including the virtues of goodness, righteousness, wisdom, faithfulness, reverence, and courage), however, genuinely illuminate communication behaviors within China. Analysis of a cultural artifact of technical communication reveals the substantial insight offered by the lens of ethics. A comprehensive understanding of differences in ethical perspectives is necessary to achieve ethical intercultural technical communication.
A Case of Coronary-Cameral Fistulae Involving All Three Major Coronary Arteries

We describe a case of a 61-year-old female patient who underwent coronary angiography for the investigation of short-lasting chest pain episodes at rest. Her medical history consisted of dyslipidemia as the only risk factor for coronary artery disease. Clinical examination was unremarkable with no signs of heart failure or additional heart murmurs. The results of a standard 12-lead ECG were normal, but the treadmill test was suggestive of ischemia due to borderline ST depression in the inferior leads on high workload. Transthoracic echocardiography, besides a normal size and function left ventricle, revealed also some color flow throughout diastole from the lateral epicardial surface into the left ventricular cavity (Figure A and Movies I and II in …
A conjectural product formula for Brumer–Stark units over real quadratic fields

Abstract Following methods of Hayes, we state a conjectural product formula for ratios of Brumer–Stark units over real quadratic fields.
Research on Heterogeneous Cloud Service Model for Smart Grid Business Application

With the construction of smart grid and centralized data center, traditional information technology management mode already cannot meet the requirements on the timeliness and flexibility. Cloud computing technology can solve the complicated calculation, mass data processing, and network dynamic migration issues for electric power business, but when in the face of different business applications demand, due to the heterogeneous resources variety of applications bottleneck will be produced, difficult to achieve real "smart". In view of the smart grid application scenarios, heterogeneous resources adaptation method is given respectively for computing, storage and network resources. Makes the heterogeneous resources can be shared centrally, allocate resources on demand, unified managing, dynamic scheduling, and loaded balancing, form heterogeneous resource pool. Based on heterogeneous resource pool, build the heterogeneous cloud service model, and carried out preliminary design implementation, the availability of the model was verified.
The response of fiber-reinforced elastomers under simple tension

The mechanical behavior and basic response mechanisms of fiberreinforced elastomers (flexible composites) can be significantly different from those of typical advanced “stiff” composites. This paper presents experimental results of elastomer (rubber) matrices, dry and impregnated fibers, and four sets of fiber-reinforced elastomeric composite, summarizes the corresponding initial and nonlinear orthotropic constitutive properties, and sheds light on fundamental response mechanisms. Silicone and urethane rubber were combined with fiberglass and cotton reinforcing fibers. Balanced angle-ply laminates of each material system were fabricated with off-axis angles ranging from 0° to 90° in 15° increments. Dog-boned test specimens, 76 mm (3 in) long, were fabricated with fiber volume fractions ranging from 12% to 62% using a previously documented non-calendering fabrication method [1–3]. The average extensional stiffness of individual twisted cotton fibers increased 74% to 128% when impregnated with an elastomer....
Effects of Adenosine Agonists on Intraocular Pressure and Aqueous Humor Dynamics in Cynomolgus Monkeys

Abstract The effects of single or multiple topical doses of the relatively selective A1adenosine receptor agonists (R)-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) and N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) on intraocular pressure (IOP), aqueous humor flow (AHF) and outflow facility were investigated in ocular normotensive cynomolgus monkeys. IOP and AHF were determined, under ketamine anesthesia, by Goldmann applanation tonometry and fluorophotometry, respectively. Total outflow facility was determined by anterior chamber perfusion under pentobarbital anesthesia. A single unilateral topical application of R-PIA (20–250 μg) or CHA (20–500 μg) produced ocular hypertension (maximum rise=4.9 or 3.5 mmHg) within 30 min, followed by ocular hypotension (maximum fall=2.1 or 3.6 mmHg) from 2–6 hr. The relatively selective adenosine A2antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX, 320 μg) inhibited the early hypertension, without influencing the hypotension. Neither 100 μg R-PIA nor 500 μg CHA clearly altered AHF. Total outflow facility was increased by 71% 3 hr after 100 μg R-PIA. In conclusion, the early ocular hypertension produced by topical adenosine agonists in cynomolgus monkeys is associated with the activation of adenosine A2receptors, while the subsequent hypotension appears to be mediated by adenosine A1receptors and results primarily from increased outflow facility.
Are children with "pure" generalized anxiety disorder impaired? A comparison with comorbid and healthy children.

Despite the approach of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) of childhood continues to face questions as to whether it should be considered a distinct clinical disorder. A potentially critical issue embedded in this debate involves the role of functional impairment which has yet to be demonstrated in children with “pure” GAD. Participants included 41 children between the ages of 6 and 11 years who met diagnostic criteria for primary GAD. Children with pure GAD (n = 17) were compared to children with comorbid GAD (n = 24) as well as a healthy control group (n = 20) in terms of clinician-rated severity and impairment and child-reported adaptive functioning across four domains. On average, children with pure GAD were more likely to be male and younger than children with comorbid GAD. Based on traditional significance testing, global impairment was greater in the comorbid compared to pure GAD group, although functioning in both groups was in t...
Physicochemical Properties of Field Pea, Pinto and Navy Bean Starches

Legume starches were compared for physicochemical properties that may explain differences in functional properties. Field pea starch had higher amylose, greater swelling power and solubility, and lower pasting temperatures than pinto and navy bean starches. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that field pea starch had larger, more irregularly shaped granules and more broken large granules than pinto or navy starches. The most starch damage was observed for field pea. Pinto and navy bean starches had greater resistance to swelling at 60 o C than field pea indicating a more strongly bonded micellar network. Nigher cold paste viscosity was observed for navy bean and field pea
Kiss High Blood Pressure Goodbye: The Relationship between Dark Chocolate and Hypertension

Summary This article reports on a delicious finding from a recent study claiming a causal link between dark chocolate consumption and blood pressure reductions. In the article, I provide ideas for using this study to whet student appetites for a discussion of statistical ideas, including experimental design, measurement error and inference methods.
Physical activity, quality of life, and weight status in overweight children

Purpose This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between health quality of life, physical activity, and overweight status in children aged 8–12 years old.
Contextualizing the First‐Grade Studies: What Is the Best Way to Teach Children to Read?

The authors, including one of the authors of “The First-Grade Studies,” describe the historical context from which Bond and Dykstra's work drew.
Estimation filters for missile tracking with airborne laser

This paper examines the use of various estimation filters on the highly non-linear problem of tracking a ballistic missile during boost phase from a moving airborne platform. The aircraft receives passive bearing data from an IR sensor and range data from a laser rangefinder. The aircraft is assumed to have a laser weapon system that requires highly accurate bearing information in order to keep the laser on target from a distance of 100-200 km. The tracking problem is made more difficult due to the changing acceleration of the missile, especially during stage drop-off and ignition. The Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF), 'bootstrap' Particle Filter (PF), and the Gaussian Sum Particle Filter (GSPF) are explored using different values for sensor accuracy in bearing and range, and various degrees of uncertainty of the target and platform dynamic. Scenarios were created using Satellite Toolkit© for trajectories from a Southeast Asia launch with associated sensor observations. MATLAB© code modified from the ReBEL Toolkit© was used to run the EKF, UKF, PF, and GSPF sensor track filters. Mean Square Error results are given for tracking during the period when the target is in view of the radar and IR sensors. This paper provides insight into the accuracy requirements of the sensors and the suitability of the given estimators.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Heredity and morphological variation in early and late developing human teeth of the same morphological class.

Abstract Analysis of the resemblance between relatives from two Melanesian populations indicated that, for each of five morphological characters scored on an earlier and a later developing member of a tooth class, the later developing tooth showed a smaller component of additive genetic variation. This finding suggests that the greater morphological variability generally observed at the distal ends of tooth classes may be due primarily to a difference between the environmental conditions experienced by earlier and later developing teeth within a morphological class. The cusp of Carabelli and groove pattern of the lower molars, on the first tooth of their respective classes, were uncorrelated and showed higher degrees of resemblance between relatives than the other three characters studied. These two characters would therefore seem to serve as relatively good and independent population discriminators.
On the Birth of This Journal

This PDF file contains the editorial “On the Birth of This Journal” for JM3 Vol. 1 Issue 01
Comment on “the motionally induced back-EMF in railguns”

Abstract This Letter corrects an error made by Allen in the application of Faraday's law of induction to railguns.
Time-stamping computer events to report .1-msec accuracy of events in the Micro Experimental Laboratory

A critical problem in most real-time programming tasks is the verification that timing of the presented displays and recorded events occur at the expected times. It is often difficult for psychologists to verify critical timing because of the lack of costly specialized tools and technicians to measure events with millisecond accuracy. Algorithms utilized in a new Time Audit mechanism, added to the Micro Experimental Laboratory, are described. This new mechanism involves the recording and time stamping of all input and output events with 0.1-msec accuracy. This allows the experimenter to determine the initiation, duration, and termination of each event and also makes it possible to relate these events to the synchronization of the screen refresh cycle. A customized user interface provides a time log and event-tracing feature that enables nonprogrammers to determine the duration of command execution to the .1-msec level, allowing rapid, precise assessment of program execution. The resulting time log provides a detailed specification of the experimental events for debugging and a permanent record of the experimental procedure.
AUDITOR CONCENTRATION AND MARKET SHARES IN THE US: 1988–1999 A DESCRIPTIVE NOTE

Abstract This paper examines from a historical perspective the effects of the Big Eight and Big Six accounting firm mergers on concentration measures and market share percentages of major accounting firms in the US large company audit market. Concentration ratios and Herfindahl indices reflect an increasingly concentrated audit market, though individual firms differ in their success at capturing market shares in the three exchanges examined, as well as in their ability to capture newly listed companies or companies switching auditors over the 1988 to 1999 period.
FASTBUS Introduction and Demonstration

A brief explanation of the FASTBUS protocol has been given along with a short description of the 3 FASTBUS modules and operating system which are being used in the initial prototyping and verification efforts.
Detection of pharmaceutical drug crystallites in solid dispersions by transmission electron microscopy.

We explored the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate the crystallinity of griseofulvin (GF)/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) solid dispersions. TEM, which provides both real-space images and electron diffraction patterns, was used to unambiguously identify GF crystals in spray dried GF. Using TEM, we were also able to detect GF crystals in a physical mixture of spray dried GF particles and spray dried HPMCAS particles with an overall crystallinity of ∼3 vol %, below the practical lower limit of detection for laboratory-scale wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). Using TEM and WAXS, we did not find crystals in GF/HPMCAS solid dispersions with GF loadings of 5, 10, and 50 wt %. However, we detected GF crystals in annealed 5 wt % GF solid dispersion using TEM, whereas we did not detect crystals using in situ WAXS and modulated differential scanning calorimetry, thereby establishing the superior crystal detection sensitivity of TEM. We also performed TEM analysis of ...
Nuclear-cytoplasmic interaction in DNA synthesis.

In Amoeba proteus the transplantation of a nucleus engaged in DNA synthesis into a G 2 -phase (after DNA synthesis) cell results in inhibition of such synthesis. When the nucleus of a G 2 cell is transplanted into an S-phase (period of DNA synthesis) cell, such a nucleus may begin to synthesize DNA.
Ion Beam Induced Surface Modulations from Nano to Pico: Optimizing Deposition During Erosion and Erosion During Deposition.

Ion beams of sufficient energy to erode a surface can lead to surface modulations that depend on the ion beam, the material surface it impinges, and extrinsic parameters such as temperature and geometric boundary conditions. Focused Ion Beam technology both enables site-specific placement of these modulations and expedites research through fast, high dose and small efficient use of material. The DualBeam (FIB/SEM) enables in situ metrology, with movies observing ripple formation, wave motion, and the influence of line defects. Nanostructures (ripples of >400nm wavelength to dots spaced <40nm) naturally grow from atomically flat surfaces during erosion, however, a steady state size may or may not be achieved as a consequence of numerous controlled parameters: temperature, angle, energy, crystallography. Geometric factors, which can be easily invoked using a FIB, enable a controlled component of deposition (and/or redeposition) to occur during erosion, and conversely allow a component of etching to be incurred during (ion-beam assisted) deposition. High angles of ion beam inclination commonly lead to 'rougher' surfaces, however, the extreme case of 90.0{sup o} etching enables deposition of organized structures 1000 times smaller than the aforementioned, video-recorded nanostructures. Orientation and position of these picostructures (naturally quantized by their atomic spacings) may bemore » controlled by the same parameters as for nanostructures (e.g. ion inclination and imposed boundary conditions, which are flexibly regulated by FIB). Judicious control of angles during FIB-CVD growth stimulates erosion with directionality that produces surface modulations akin to those observed for sputtering. Just as a diamond surface roughens from 1-D ripples to 2-D steps with increasing angle of ion sputtering, so do ripples and steps appear on carbon-grown surfaces with increase in angle of FIB-CVD. Ion beam processing has been a stalwart of the microelectronics industry, is now a vital tool for research of self-organizing nanostructures, and promises to be a focus for future picotechnology.« less
Fhit Deficiency-Induced Global Genome Instability Promotes Mutation and Clonal Expansion

Loss of Fhit expression, encoded at chromosome fragile site FRA3B, leads to increased replication stress, genome instability and accumulation of genetic alterations. We have proposed that Fhit is a genome ‘caretaker’ whose loss initiates genome instability in preneoplastic lesions. We have characterized allele copy number alterations and expression changes observed in Fhit-deficient cells in conjunction with alterations in cellular proliferation and exome mutations, using cells from mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs), mouse kidney, early and late after establishment in culture, and in response to carcinogen treatment. Fhit-/- MEFs escape senescence to become immortal more rapidly than Fhit+/+ MEFs; -/- MEFs and kidney cultures show allele losses and gains, while +/+ derived cells show few genomic alterations. Striking alterations in expression of p53, p21, Mcl1 and active caspase 3 occurred in mouse kidney -/- cells during progressive tissue culture passage. To define genomic changes associated with preneoplastic changes in vivo, exome DNAs were sequenced for +/+ and -/- liver tissue after treatment of mice with the carcinogen, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, and for +/+ and -/- kidney cells treated in vitro with this carcinogen. The -/- exome DNAs, in comparison with +/+ DNA, showed small insertions, deletions and point mutations in more genes, some likely related to preneoplastic changes. Thus, Fhit loss provides a ‘mutator’ phenotype, a cellular environment in which mild genome instability permits clonal expansion, through proliferative advantage and escape from apoptosis, in response to pressures to survive.
Surgical placement of biologic mesh spacers prior to external beam radiation for retroperitoneal and pelvic tumors.

Abstract Purpose To determine the feasibility of surgical placement of biologic mesh spacers to displace bowel and other radiation-sensitive organs prior to external beam radiation for difficult retroperitoneal and pelvic tumors. Methods and Materials Tumors were resected if possible, and intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) was directed to the tumor or tumor bed in selected patients. Biologic mesh spacers comprised of cadaveric human skin treated to remove cells and preserve extracellular matrix (Alloderm; Lifecell, Branchburg, NJ) were then placed around the tumor or tumor bed. External radiation techniques included proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Results Patients had primary sarcomas (n = 2), radiation-associated sarcomas (n = 1), or isolated metastases (n = 2) in the retroperitoneum or pelvis. One patient received preoperative radiation. Three tumors were marginally resected (R1 resection) while 2 tumors were left in situ, and 3 patients received IOERT (10-17 Gy) to the tumor or tumor bed. Up to 4 sheets of biologic mesh were used as spacers around the tumor or tumor bed to displace small bowel, colon, ureter, bladder, or pancreas. The average distance of the 4 closest organs prior to mesh placement was 1.3-9 mm and after mesh placement was 8.0-23.5 mm. Preoperative or postoperative radiation 36-76 Gy was delivered by IMRT or PBRT. There were no early complications from mesh placement and late complications possibly related to radiation included 1 vertebral body compression fracture and 1 deep vein thrombosis. There were no mesh-related infections and none of the meshes required removal. All 5 patients currently remain free of disease progression after 3-38 months. Conclusions Biologic mesh spacers can be placed around tumors or tumor beds to displace radiation-sensitive organs and may allow for safer delivery of external beam radiation.
Broad-band dynamic dispersion compensation in nonlinear fiber-based device

In this paper we report on the design, numerical simulation and experimental testing of a novel dynamic dispersion compensation device based on self-phase modulation (SPM) in nonlinear fiber. The proposed all-fiber device is inherently simple and presents several unique advantages, most notably the potential for a broad-band operation covering all wave-length division multiplexing (WDM) channels of a system and the ability to address variable amounts of residual dispersion in each individual channel. Dynamic compensation ranges of up to 140 ps/nm for a single-stage and 240 ps/nm for a two-stage device are demonstrated with 40 Gb/s CS-RZ signal. It is shown that the device can operate with a minimum channel spacing of 200 GHz. For a two-stage device with inter-stage spectral filtering, simultaneous dynamic dispersion compensation (130 ps/nm for 1 dB penalty) and 2R regeneration (2 dB receiver sensitivity improvement) are demonstrated.
Prostate cancer biomarker identification using MALDI-MS DATA: Initial results

We present a computational framework to identify prostate specific cancer biomarkers using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) tissue imaging data collected at the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Protein profiles of a tumor and its surrounding area from one prostate tissue sample were analyzed. The data contain 974 spectra (27 cancer, 947 normal).We proposed a pipeline to configure our previously developed feature selection and classification algorithms for biomarker identification. We also compared our algorithms with other popular computational models. Our feature selection algorithm identified three peaks (proteins) which obtained high sensitivities and specificities in a five-fold cross validation experiment.
The addition of a regional block team to the orthopedic operating rooms does not improve anesthesia-controlled times and turnover time in the setting of long turnover times

Abstract Study Objective To determine whether a regional block team with a dedicated space for performance of regional anesthetics would decrease turnover time and shorten the working day in a busy orthopedic practice with lengthy turnover times. Design Prospective, randomized study. Setting Tertiary-care teaching hospital. Patients 927 orthopedic procedures over a three-month period. Interventions The randomized placement of a regional block team to the orthopedic operating room (OR) suite. Measurements We evaluated the differences in anesthesia-controlled times, first-case start times, turnover times, and OR end times using a computerized OR information system. We also surveyed the surgeons regarding their perceptions of changes in turnover time and anesthesia-controlled times during the study period. Standard descriptive statistics were computed. Results Of a total of 927 cases, 398 cases were cared for by a regional block team and 529 cases received care in the usual manner, with the OR team providing the regional block. There was no difference between the study and control groups for on-time, first-case starts (57.73% vs 42.27%), induction time (13.2 vs 14.2 min), emergence time (8.1 vs 9.0 min), turnover time (70.3 vs 77.8 min), and OR end times. Most of the surgeons surveyed felt that the regional block team reduced turnover time significantly. Conclusion A regional block team in this environment does not reduce anesthesia-controlled times and turnover times in an orthopedic OR suite with long turnover times, and it would be virtually impossible to recover the associated extra cost. The surgeons' perspective of turnover time is inaccurate.
Decision making in very large networks

Centralized decision making does not work in large federated networks, of which the Internet itself is an example.
Development of Partially Defatted Almonds: Laboratory Evaluations

Procedures were developed for producing partially defatted almonds by pressing natural (with skins) or blanched (without skins) almonds to remove approximately 55% oil, expanding them in ca. 96.1°C (205°F) water containing dextrose, then salting and roasting in almond oil at about 162.8°C (325°F). Blanched partially defatted roasted almonds were better products since they had 45.1% of original oil removed compared to 11.3% for natural partially defatted products. Physical appearance and breakage tests showed blanched products to have 82.8–94.6% acceptable nuts compared to approximately 50% for natural products. Effects of moisture during pressing on oil removal from natural and blanched almonds were determined.
The Esterification of 7-Carboxy-2,3-Dihydro-4-Quinolone

Abstract Esterification of an aminoacid such as 7-carboxy-2,3-dihydro-4-quinolone (1) may be a troublesome conversion because of potentially competitive N-alkylation and aromatization. In connection with another project,1 we have investigated the possible use of several reagents in the conversion of 12 to the corresponding methyl ester (2).
Psychiatric nursing education at a distance.

Accessibility is a major impediment to nursing education, whether you live in densely populated southern California or rural upstate New York. During the past 10 years, there have been scientific advances, technological breakthroughs, new reimbursement mechanisms and regulatory practices, and shifts in society's priorities. Consequently, the focus of master's programs and the role of graduates has adapted to the needs of the mental health care delivery system. What has not changed much is the way we offer psychiatric nursing education. There is still a strong emphasis on traditional classroom teaching, on campus-based activities and face-to-face supervision. One solution that might increase access to psychiatric nursing programs is to develop educational programs with quality distance education standards and practices as a primary means for educating future psychiatric nurses. Psychiatric nursing faculties need to design creative scenarios and interactive activities to engage students in online learning a...
Determination of the elemental distribution in cigarette components and smoke by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Cigarette smoking is a major source of particles released in indoor environments. A comprehensive study of the elemental distribution in cigarettes and cigarette smoke has been completed. Specifically, concentrations of thirty elements have been determined for the components of 15 types of cigarettes. Components include tobacco, ash, butts, filters, and cigarette paper. In addition, particulate matter from mainstream smoke (MS) and sidestream smoke (SS) were analyzed. The technique of elemental determination used in the study is instrumental neutron activation analysis. The results show that certain heavy metals, such as As, Cd, K, Sb and Zn, are released into the MS and SS. These metals may then be part of the health risk of exposure to smoke. Other elements are retained, for the most part, in cigarette ash and butts. The elemental distribution among the cigarette components and smoke changes for different smoking conditions.
Simulation of co-channel interference in coexisting cellular TDMA networks

Uplink co-channel interference (CCI) between minimum-shift-keyed (MSK) time-division multiple access (TDMA) data packets generated by transmitters distributed uniformly over a circular area has been simulated in software, taking distance-dependent attenuation, log-normal shadowing, and multipath fading into account. The radio-link model and analytical derivation of bit error probability versus signal-to-interference ratio of a link with a single interferer are presented. The computer model is used to extend the bit error rate analysis to the case of multiple cochannel interferers. Numerical bit error rate (BER) results obtained from simulations of mutually interfering TDMA packet transmissions are compared with known theoretical results for the MSK channel under additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) only. Possible improvements and future applications of the model to the problem of resource sharing between coexisting networks are suggested. >
Conversational performance and the poetic construction of an ideology

This study places conversational performance, or speakers’ attempts during everyday talk to draw attention to the aesthetic form of their utterances, at the center of an analysis of linguistic ideology. It examines, in particular, the ways in which two white, middle-class, U.S. university students use performance strategies to construct as Other an English-speaking man whom one student encounters on a flight from Saudi Arabia. Drawing on a socially and ideologically situated theory of verbal art, this article proposes five interconnected relations between performance and ideology. Together, these relations constitute a step toward an integrated theory of an inextricable link between the ideological structure of performance and the potential for performance in ideological discourse. (Oral performance, linguistic ideology, nonnative speaker, ideological discourse, verbal interaction, young adult discourse, verbal art in conversation)*
Event-based programming models for monitoring of distributed information systems

The paper deals with providing a specification methodology to enable flexible monitoring in large scale distributed information systems (DIS). The goal is to allow the monitoring of compliance to properties deemed as critical for functioning of a DIS. Since information attacks due to external intrusion and/or component failures often manifest as deviations from critical behaviors expected of a DIS, a violation of compliance to a specified critical property can be viewed as symptomatic of information attacks. Based on this principle, users can prescribe critical properties in the form of event predicates, which are Boolean conditions on the externally visible interface state distributed among computation nodes and can be detected by distributed algorithms. Our specification methodology manifests in two facets: i) designing a meta-language which allows the interface behavior of a system to be prescribed through possible occurrences of events in the external environment; and ii) incorporating the specification language into a programming interface that exposes the computation-level states symbolizing the occurrence of events. Any target application can then plugged-in to the generic monitor tool to test for its compliance to critical functionality requirements. The realization of monitor in distributed object-oriented programming languages (such as JAVA) reduces the software development costs of implementing a DIS: due to the ease of specification, development and maintenance of the DIS.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of mixed conductors under a chemical potential gradient: a case study of Pt|SDC|BSCF

The AC impedance response of mixed ionic and electronic conductors (MIECs) exposed to a chemical potential gradient is derived from first principles. In such a system, the chemical potential gradient induces a gradient in the carrier concentration. For the particular system considered, 15% samarium doped ceria (SDC15) with Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF) and Pt electrodes, the oxygen vacancy concentration is a constant under the experimental conditions and it is the electron concentration that varies. The resulting equations are mapped to an equivalent circuit that bears some resemblance to recently discussed equivalent circuit models for MIECs under uniform chemical potential conditions, but differs in that active elements, specifically, voltage-controlled current sources, occur. It is shown that from a combination of open circuit voltage measurements and AC impedance spectroscopy, it is possible to use this model to determine the oxygen partial pressure drop that occurs between the gas phase in the electrode chambers and the electrode|electrolyte interface, as well as the interfacial polarization resistance. As discussed in detail, this resistance corresponds to the slope of the interfacial polarization curve. Measurements were carried out at temperatures between 550 and 650 °C and oxygen partial pressure at the Pt anode ranging from 10−29 to 10−24 atm (attained using H2/H2O/Ar mixtures), while the cathode was exposed to either synthetic air or neat oxygen. The oxygen partial pressure drop at the anode was typically about five orders of magnitude, whereas that at the cathode was about 0.1 atm for measurements using air. Accordingly, the poor activity of the anode is responsible for a loss in open circuit voltage of about 0.22 V, whereas the cathode is responsible for only about 0.01 V, reflecting the high activity of BSCF for oxygen electro-reduction. The interfacial polarization resistance at the anode displayed dependences on oxygen partial pressure and on temperature that mimic those of the electronic resistivity of SDC15. This behavior is consistent with hydrogen electro-oxidation occurring directly on the ceria surface and electron migration being the rate-limiting step. However, the equivalent resistance implied by the oxygen partial pressure drop across the anode displayed slightly different behavior, possibly indicative of a more complex reaction pathway.
The Short-Time-Scale Transient Processes in High-Voltage and High-Power Isolated Bidirectional DC–DC Converters

This paper discusses the short-time-scale transient processes in an isolated bidirectional dc-dc converter with phase-shift control. The deadband effect on the steady-state and transient commutating process are analyzed. The current variations caused by phase-shift errors at the boundary conditions are simulated and validated through experiments. The concept of ldquoenergy deadbandrdquo is introduced to describe those specific transients where no energy flows from source to load or load to source. A set of strategies are proposed to increase the system robustness. Simulation and experiments on a 200-V/400-V, 6-kW DC-DC converter prototype validated these strategies.