cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ten Lessons From Three Generations Shaped Google’s TPUv4i : Industrial Product

Google deployed several TPU generations since 2015, teaching us lessons that changed our views: semi-conductor technology advances unequally; compiler compatibility trumps binary compatibility, especially for VLIW domain-specific architectures (DSA); target total cost of ownership vs initial cost; support multi-tenancy; deep neural networks (DNN) grow 1.5X annually; DNN advances evolve workloads; some inference tasks require floating point; inference DSAs need air-cooling; apps limit latency, not batch size; and backwards ML compatibility helps deploy DNNs quickly. These lessons molded TPUv4i, an inference DSA deployed since 2020.
Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy with DaVinci Single-Port Robot

Abstract Introduction and Objective: Retzius-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RS-RALP) was first described in 2010. Since that time, a new single-port (SP) robotic platform was ap...
Local Edge Dynamics and Opinion Polarization.

The proliferation of social media platforms, recommender systems, and their joint societal impacts have prompted significant interest in opinion formation and evolution within social networks. In this work, we study how local dynamics in a network can drive opinion polarization. In particular, we study time evolving networks under the classic Friedkin-Johnsen opinion model. Edges are iteratively added or deleted according to simple local rules, modeling decisions based on individual preferences and network recommendations. We give theoretical bounds showing how individual edge updates affect polarization, and a related measure of disagreement across edges. Via simulations on synthetic and real-world graphs, we find that the presence of two simple dynamics gives rise to high polarization: 1) confirmation bias -- i.e., the preference for nodes to connect to other nodes with similar expressed opinions and 2) friend-of-friend link recommendations, which encourage new connections between closely connected nodes. We also investigate the role of fixed connections which are not subject to these dynamics. We find that even a small number of fixed edges can significantly limit polarization, but still lead to multimodal opinion distributions, which may be considered polarized in a different sense.
The Role of Magnetic Fields in the Origin and Structure of Planetary Nebulae

That the characteristic, quasi-symmetrical structure of planetary nebulae may result from the presence of imbedded magnetic fields has undoubtedly occurred to many astronomers. Gurzadian (1962), for example, employed the widely used equation $$ p + {H^{2}}/8\pi = const, $$ (1) where p is the pressure of the ionized gas and H the magnetic-field intensity. This equation specifies that the sum of the gas and magnetic pressures should be constant for a given value of the radius.
Effects of Transverse Oufflow from a Hypersonic Separated Region

Features of hypersonic, finite-span separated flows with a turbulent boundary layer have been studied to provide a partial assessment of transverse outflow effects on separated flowfield characteristics. Results demonstrate the critical importance of transverse outflow in determining some of the characteristic features of a turbulent, separated boundary layer.
Visions, Participation and Engagement in New Community Information Infrastructures

Through the past seven years, our research group has engaged in a participatory action research collaboration with a variety of community partners to explore understandings, possibilities, and commitments for a new community networking infrastructure in State College, Pennsylvania. This paper describes a case study of multifaceted information technology infrastructures, and of collaborating with the plethora of actors and institutions that are stakeholders in such infrastructures. Information technology projects increasingly depend upon the commitment and energies of a great diversity of stakeholders. Understanding better how such broad projects move forward is critical to society.
Sharp Estimates for Harmonic Measure in Convex Domains

In this note we will prove estimates for harmonic measure in convex and convex C 1 domains. It is not hard to show that in a convex domain, surface measure belongs to the Muckenhoupt class A 1 with respect to harmonic measure (Lemma 3). If the boundary of the domain is also of class C 1, then it follows from [JK1] that the constant in the A 1 condition tends to 1 as the radius of the ball tends to 0 (Lemma 7′). Our main estimates (Theorems A and B) are of the same type. The novelty is that they are not calculated with respect to balls, but rather with respect to “slices” formed by the intersection of the boundary with an arbitrary half-space. In addition to proving Theorems A and B we will also explain how these estimates are related to an approach to regularity for the Monge-Ampere equation due to L. Caffarelli and to a problem of prescribing harmonic measure as a function of the unit normal.
Generation of cell diversity during early embryogenesis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the generation of cell diversity generated in embryos of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The early embryonic program provides a graphic example of the generation of asymmetry and the production of cells that differ visibly as well as developmentally. Embryo manipulation experiments provides evidence for both internal and external instructing of cells, both of which occur early, and genetic analysis is identifying the genes involved in these early determination events. C. elegans zygotes undergo a series of four differentiative divisions to generate five somatic founder cells and a germ-line progenitor cell by the 16- to 24-cell stage of embryogenesis. The pattern of divisions, cell positions, and development of the embryonic cells are invariant from embryo to embryo. Through a combination of embryo manipulation, treatment of embryos with pharmacologic agents, and genetic analysis of maternal-effect embryonic-lethal mutants, the cell differences are investigated and cell fates are specified during embryogenesis. The introduction of components into the gonads of adult hermaphrodites provides a useful means of either perturbing normal embryos or rescuing mutant embryos.
A text messaging intervention to promote medication adherence for patients with coronary heart disease: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective Pharmacologic treatment for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) is critical to prevent adverse clinical outcomes. In a randomized controlled trial, we compared antiplatelet and statin adherence among patients with CHD who received: (1) text messages (TM) for medication reminders and education, (2) educational TM only, or (3) No TM. Methods A mobile health intervention delivered customized TM for 30 days. We assessed and analyzed medication adherence with electronic monitoring devices [Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS)] by one-way ANOVA and Welch tests, two-way TM response rates by t -tests, and self-reported adherence (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale) by Repeated Measures ANOVA. Results Among 90 patients (76% male, mean age 59.2 years), MEMS revealed patients who received TM for antiplatelets had a higher percentage of correct doses taken ( p =0.02), percentage number of doses taken ( p =0.01), and percentage of prescribed doses taken on schedule ( p =0.01). TM response rates were higher for antiplatelets than statins ( p =0.005). Self-reported adherence revealed no significant differences among groups. Conclusion TM increased adherence to antiplatelet therapy demonstrated by MEMS and TM responses. Practice implications Feasibility and high satisfaction were established. Mobile health interventions show promise in promoting medication adherence.
Quantification of cross-sectional artery wall motion with IVUS image registration

Atherosclerotic lesions have been shown to have different mechanical properties than the non-diseased artery. Calculating vessel wall strain from cross-sectional vessel wall motions allows for the measurement of local stiffness. In this paper, a robust method is developed to track cross-sectional displacements of an artery wall using two different intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images acquired at two different pressure levels respectively. First, the vessel wall region in one image is segmented semi-automatically by refining two spline-based contours to the locations of inner and outer vessel wall borders. Then the ringlike wall region in one image is registered to its counterpart in the other image in polar coordinates. The registration is performed by minimizing an energy function of the 2D motion field based on a spline-deformable-model. Both intensity and gradient information of the images are used to construct the energy function so that an accurate registration can be achieved. Registration accuracy was tested on simulated motions using IVUS images of a human coronary artery and a porcine carotid. The wall displacement fields calculated from real motion images are also demonstrated.
Sinonasal malignant melanoma with diffuse carcinomatosis: initial PET/CT staging and follow-up CT/MR imaging

Mucosal malignant melanoma of the head and neck is a rare but aggressive type of melanoma with poor clinical prognosis and outcome. Its nonspecific symptomatology frequently leads to its delayed diagnosis until advanced stages of the disease. The author presents a case of primary sinonasal amelanotic melanoma with preoperative F-18 FDG PET/CT showing diffuse bone metastasis only two months after the onset of epistaxis and nasal congestion, and subsequent postsurgical CT/MR showing diffuse soft tissue tumor dissemination and malignant pleural effusion.
American Federalism: From Johnson to Bush

Intergovernmental developments for more than twenty-five years have produced a nationcentered federalism--strongly so from 1964 to 1978, somewhat less so from 1969-1988, and a little more so during the past two years. The reasons for this fundamental systemic transformation include: (1) the demise of the earlier, 150-year old, confederative party system and the rise of a new political system with weak federative parties, but other more powerful political actors; (2) an operational and local representational renaissance of the states, but also a concomitant decline of state and local political influence in Washington; (3) a steadily centralizing Supreme Court, with only a few pro-state decisions until 1989; and (4) a rapid rise in national preemptions and of a "new social regulation" that was aimed at state and local governments as much as at the private sector, even as the states were used to implement them. The only real constraint on national activism since 1982 has been budget-driven federalism, not planned reform efforts. The current system then requires political, representational, judicial, and constitutional reforms if the centralizing, cooptive, and permissive features of contemporary federalism are to be corrected.
Theoretical Calculation of Optical Collisional Cross Sections and α-Parameter Values for Transitions of Interest in Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

A method has been developed for calculating optical collisional cross sections and subsequent a-parameter values for spectral transitions of interest to analytical atomic spectroscopists. A combination of classical and semiclassical line broadening theory is used. The calculated values compare well (±20% or less) with values determined experimentally for elements without extensive hyperfine structure. If hyperfine structure is significant, the calculated a-parameter can be used to calculate the full width at half maximum of the spectral transition, but not the actual shape. The cross section values are found to correlate well with the proximity of the energy of the excited state of the atom to the ionization energy and to the orbitals involved in the electronic transition (e.g., s-p). A method of converting a values to different flame conditions has also been developed. Cross sections and a-parameter values for a total of 114 transitions from 52 elements have been calculated for the air-acetylene flame.
Assessing Instructional Reform in San Diego: A Theory-Based Approach

This article provides an overview of the approach, methodology, and key findings from a theory-based evaluation of the district-led instructional reform effort in San Diego City Schools, under the leadership of Alan Bersin and Anthony Alvarado, that began in 1998. Beginning with an analysis of the achievement trends in San Diego relative to other California urban districts during this period, we then examine the theory of action that guided the San Diego effort, including the focus on instructional change as the primary means to improve student achievement and on the role of site-based instructional leadership and teacher professional development as central strategies for moving instructional practice. The article outlines the study design and introduces the set of papers in this special issue of JESPAR. Reviewing key findings and themes across the article, we conclude that although the reform demonstrated that instructional improvement at scale is possible, sustaining that reform may be more elusive.
The Role of Psychology in a Pediatric Outpatient Cardiology Setting: Preliminary Results from a New Clinical Program

The aim of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of a new clinical program integrating psychology services within a pediatric outpatient cardiology clinic. Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) (n = 79) were referred for psychological services by their pediatric cardiologist. Parents completed the child behavior checklist, and the pediatric quality of life inventory generic core scales (PedsQL parent report). Teachers completed the teacher report form. Reasons for referral included: emotional problems (29 %); attention problems (25 %); learning problems (22 %); behavior problems (16 %); and developmental delay (8 %). Parents and teachers reported higher rates of behavior problems and lower quality of life scores than the general population. Psychological evaluation suggested that incorporating a psychologist within a pediatric cardiology clinic may be beneficial for children with CHD in order to optimize their psychosocial functioning. Practice implications for implementing psychology services within a pediatric outpatient cardiology program are discussed.
Site and landscape conditions at white-tailed deer/vehicle collision locations in Illinois

Abstract Motor vehicle collisions with white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) present several problems including danger to humans, vehicle damage, and deer mortality. Knowledge of factors influencing deer movements onto or across roads and highways may reduce deer/vehicle collisions on existing roads, and improve planning for future roads. We used remotely sensed data to determine characteristics associated with high accident areas. Topographic features and highway construction variables considered conducive to deer/vehicle accidents were measured around high accident road segments (≥15 accidents from 1989–1993) and randomly selected control sites. Variables were measured on aerial photographs and topographic maps within a 0.8 km radius of the road segments. Landscape composition and spatial structure were quantified with the computer program fragstats , using a statewide land cover classification derived from Landsat V TM satellite imagery. A logistic regression model composed of site variables predicted that greater distance to forest cover decreased the probability of a road segment being a high deer/vehicle accident site. The presence of adjacent gullies, riparian travel corridors crossing the road, and public recreational land within the 0.8 km radius increased this probability. A model using only landscape metrics derived from satellite imagery predicted that greater landscape diversity and shorter distances between nearby forest patches increased the probability of a road segment being a high deer/vehicle accident site. Both models discriminated between high and low deer kill sites. Therefore, proactive management of negative deer/human interactions may be accomplished through remote sensing and geographical information systems.
One-year outcomes of aflibercept in recurrent or persistent neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose To evaluate 6-month and 1-year outcomes of every-8-weeks (Q8W) aflibercept in patients with resistant neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Design Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. Methods Retrospective review of patients with resistance (multiple recurrences or persistent exudation) to every-4-weeks (Q4W) ranibizumab or bevacizumab that were switched to Q8W aflibercept. Results Sixty-three eyes of 58 patients had a median of 13 (interquartile range [IQR], 7–22) previous anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. At 6 months after changing to aflibercept, 60.3% of eyes were completely dry, which was maintained up to 1 year. The median maximum retinal thickness improved from 355 μm to 269 μm at 6 months ( P P P = .2559) and 1 year follow-up ( P = .1081) compared with baseline. The mean difference in ETDRS visual acuity compared to baseline at 6 months was −0.05 logMAR (+2.5 letters) and 0.04 logMAR at 1 year (-2 letters). Conclusion Sixty percent of eyes with resistant AMD while on Q4W ranibizumab or bevacizumab were completely dry after changing to Q8W aflibercept at the 6-month and 1-year follow-ups, but visual acuity did not significantly improve. Only a third of eyes needed to be switched from Q8W to Q4W aflibercept owing to persistence of fluid; Q8W dosing of aflibercept without the initial 3 monthly loading doses may be a good alternative in a select group of patients who may have developed ranibizumab or bevacizumab resistance.
Design of Ground–Water Level Observation–Well Programs

Data obtained from observation–well programs are used to determine (1) the effect of withdrawals on recharge and natural discharge conditions, (2) the hydraulic characteristics of ground–water systems, and (3) the extent and degree of confinement of aquifers. Wells in these programs can usefully be divided into three networks: (1) a hydrologic network which includes wells needed to determine the extent of aquifers and changes in storage, (2) a water–management network which includes wells needed to determine the effect of withdrawals and hydraulic characteristics, and (3) a baseline network which includes wells needed to determine the response of ground–water systems to natural changes such as those related to climate.
Sexually aggressive men's responses to a date rape analogue: Alcohol as a disinhibiting cue

Sexually aggressive and nonaggressive college men listened to an audio tape date rape analogue during which cues of nonconsent and force gradually escalated over time, and signified when unwanted sexual advances should terminate. Before listening to the scenario, participants were instructed that the couple depicted on the tape either had or had not consumed alcohol. Alcohol acted as a permissive cue for the sexually aggressive group, delaying their decisions to desist sexual advances compared to aggressive peers who were not provided with this situational disinhibitor. However, the presence or absence of character alcohol consumption did not differentially impact nonaggressive men's decisions. In partial support of a suspicious schema explanation, relatively more aggressive men rated the woman as less honest in expressing her feelings about sex, resulting in overestimations of how much she really wanted to have sex. However, they rated her behavior as less typical than most women's behavior given the sam...
Determination of Cellulose in Textile Fibers

A quantitative colorimetric method has been developed for the determination of cotton (cellulose), viscose (regenerated cellulose), acetate (cellulose diacetate), and Arnel2 (cellulose triacetate) ...
Multi-pulse detection technique to improve the timing/range resolution in a scanning LADAR system

The temporal resolution of a LADAR system is primarily decided by the pulse duration of the laser source, response time of the detector and the resolution of the processing electronics. A combination of the timing jitter associated with these components can deteriorate the system performance by reducing the range resolution of the complete system. The range information in a LADAR system is obtained by measuring the time-of-flight using an electronic time-to-amplitude converter or a multi-channel analyzer. In this paper, we discuss a multi-pulse detection scheme which can be utilized to improve the range resolution of a LADAR system, and allow us to determine the target range with higher accuracy. We present results showing improvement by a factor of three in the range resolution of the scanning LADAR system using this scheme in our laboratory.
Three-dimensional textural and compositional analysis of particle tracks and fragmentation history in aerogel

We report analyses of aerogel tracks using (1 synchrotron X-ray computed microtomography (XRCMT), (2) laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM), and (3) synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF) of particles and their paths resulting from simulated hypervelocity impacts (1-2), and a single ~1 mm aerogel track from the Stardust cometary sample collector (1-3). Large aerogel pieces can be imaged sequentially, resulting in high spatial resolution images spanning many tomographic fields of view (lambda-tomography). We report calculations of energy deposited, and tests on aromatic hydrocarbons showing no alteration in tomography experiments. Imaging at resolutions from ~17 to ~1 micron/pixel edge (XRCMT) and to <100 nm/ pixel edge (LCSM) illustrates track geometry and interaction of particles with aerogel, including rifling, particle fragmentation, and final particle location. We present a 3-D deconvolution method using an estimated point-spread function for aerogel, allowing basic corrections of LCSM data for axial distortion. LCSM allows rapid, comprehensive, non-destructive, high information return analysis of tracks in aerogel keystones, prior to destructive grain extraction. SRXRF with LCSM allows spatial correlation of grain size, chemical, and mineralogical data. If optical methods are precluded in future aerogel capture missions, XRCMT is a viable 3D imaging technique. Combinations of these methods allow for complete, nondestructive, quantitative 3-D analysis of captured materials at high spatial resolution. This data is fundamental to understanding the hypervelocity particle-aerogel interaction histories of Stardust grains.
Lesbian mothers’ constructions of the division of paid and unpaid labor:

Do lesbian couples resist the (re)gendering of divisions of paid and unpaid labor within the context of biological and nonbiological parenting? In this study we explore how primarily Caucasian, North American lesbian mothers of three-and-a-half-year-old children construct divisions of paid and unpaid labor. We analyze 30 lesbian couples’ narrative constructions of their labor arrangements, examining the ways in which they both transgress and accept traditionally masculine and feminine gendering. At the same time that biological mothers and nonbiological mothers often described differences in their contributions to paid and unpaid labor, they rarely invoked biology as a salient factor in explaining their work/family roles. Our analysis suggests that the ‘egalitarian ethic’ of lesbian women is an over-simplification of the multiple ways that women develop their divisions of labor.
Estimating the Economic Impacts of a Trophy Largemouth Bass Fishery: Issues and Applications

Abstract We sought to apply economic impact assessment methodology to better understand the local and state-level economic impacts associated with a trophy largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides fishery at Lake Fork, Texas. A sample of 848 anglers encountered during creel surveys were sent follow-up mail surveys and asked about their trip expenditures. Creel surveys indicated 74% of anglers were nonlocal state residents, 11% were residents of the three adjacent counties, 10% were from adjacent states, and 5% were other out-of-state anglers. An estimated 204,739 one-person, multiple-day fishing trips were made to Lake Fork between June 1, 1994, and May 31, 1995. We estimate that US$27,487,000 was spent on fishing trips during the study period: $15,783,000 in the local area, $10,637,000 elsewhere in Texas, and $1,067,000 out-of-state. Local residents spent the least per angler/trip ($44) and out-of-state anglers from nonbordering states spent the most per angler/trip ($474). Anglers residing outside of the l...
Apidium and Oreopithecus

IN view of attention recently directed to the taxonomic position of Oreopithecus among primates, as a result of new discoveries by Hurzeler1 and Butler and Mills2, a re-analysis of possible affinities of Oreopithecus with Apidium, from early Oligocene deposits of the Fayum, Egypt, seems desirable. Two fundamental points regarding this small Egyptian genus have been largely overlooked in recent literature on primate phylogeny. These are: first, that ranking Apidium as a primate is still justifiable, and second, that (among primates) its greatest resemblances are to Oreopithecus (Fig. 1). As both these assessments depend on partly qualitative taxonomic judgments, either may continue to be debated. In the following account the bases for these two conclusions are briefly outlined.
Hereditary optimal control problems: numerical method based upon a Pade´ approximation

In this paper, we consider a particular approximation scheme which can be used to solve hereditary optimal control problems. These problems are characterized by variables with a time-delayed argumentx(t − τ). In our approximation scheme, we first replace the variable with an augmented statey(t) ≜x(t - τ). The two-sided Laplace transform ofy(t) is a product of the Laplace transform ofx(t) and an exponential factor. This factor is approximated by a first-order Pade approximation, and a differential relation fory(t) can be found. The transformed problem, without any time-delayed argument, can then be solved using a gradient algorithm in the usual way. Four problems are solved to illustrate the validity and usefulness of this technique.
Preparation and characterization of lithium phosphorus oxynitride glass

Lithium phophorus oxynitride (Li-P-O-N) glass containing up to 12.6 wt% nitrogen has been prepared by melting LiPO 3 at 700 to 800 °C in a flowing ammonia atmosphere. The chemical durability of the glass increased more than four orders of magnitude with nitrogen addition. The softening temperature, refractive index, glass forming ability and Vickers hardness also increased, while the thermal expansion coefficient decreased with increasing nitrogen content. Chemical analyses and infrared spectra suggest that nitrogen replaces the bridging oxygen in the PO 4 tetrahedra. Li-P-O-N glasses containing less than 3.4 wt% nitrogen have been devitrified, but the crystalline phases could not be identified. Various properties arc compared for Li-P-O-N and Na-P-O-N glasses.
Pediatric acute mastoiditis in the post-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine whether the characteristics of acute mastoiditis in children have changed in the post–heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) era. Study Design: Case series. Methods: Clinical data for all patients admitted for acute mastoiditis at an urban tertiary children's hospital from July 1, 1996, to June 30, 2009, were reviewed. Patients with a known immune deficiency or cholesteatoma were excluded. Patients were divided into pre-PCV7 (July 1996 to December 2002; n = 38) and post-PCV7 (January 2003 to June 2009; n = 58) groups. Statistical analyses were used to compare the two groups. Results: Ninety-six children met the inclusion criteria. There was a 53% increase in admission for acute mastoiditis in the post-PCV7 era. The pre- and post-PCV7 groups had similar demographic features, presenting history, signs and symptoms, laboratory study results, and medical management. Computed tomography scan abnormalities seen in the two groups were similar except for subperiosteal abscess, which was seen more frequently in the post-PCV7 group. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen isolated in both groups. The patients in the post-PCV7 group had shorter hospital stays, despite undergoing more extensive surgery to address their disease. Conclusions: The number of acute mastoiditis admissions did not decrease with the widespread use of PCV7. Computed tomography findings and surgical procedures required to address acute mastoiditis indicate that the post-PCV7 group had more advanced disease. S pneumoniae remains the main pathogen in acute mastoiditis, and its nonsusceptibility to penicillin and ceftriaxone may be increasing.
Organizational Social Capital and Religious Institutions

ABSTRACT In the past thirty years, a large and growing body of research in a construct called social capital has developed. Social capital scholarship has focused on three distinct levels of analysis: individual, organizational, and societal. Recent scholarship on organizational social capital has sought to explain differences in organizational-level outcomes; such scholarship might have broad applicability to the study of religious organizations like congregations. In this paper, a recently-developed model of organizational social capital will be used to (1) demonstrate why religious institutions matter and (2) examine several issues facing contemporary religious institutions.
ϕ Meson Propagation and Decay at Finite Temperature

We study spectral properties of the φ meson at finite temperature using an effective Lagrangian together with finite-temperature field theory as a basis for modeling. General field-theoretic arguments are then used to establish the lifetime of φ in hot hadronic matter. We find from the model, and we therefore propose a scenario in which, the phi decays inside the fireball. Early decays into μ+μ- occur at high temperature while measurable hadronic decays into K+K- (not suffering rescattering) occur at freezeout, where flow could be substantial. These results provide a consistent picture, if not possible interpretation of NA49 and NA50 data from CERN.
Strategic Marketing Planning for Radically New Products

Abstract In this article, the author outlines an approach to marketing planning for radically new products, disruptive or discontinuous innovations that change the dimensionality of the consumer decision. The planning process begins with an extensive situation analysis. The factors identified in the situation analysis are woven into the economic webs surrounding the new product. The webs are mapped into Bayesian networks that can be updated as events unfold and used to simulate the impact that changes in assumptions underlying the web have on the prospects for the new product. The author illustrates this method using a historical case regarding the introduction of videotape recorders by Sony and JVC and a contemporary case of the introduction of electric vehicles. The author provides a complete, numerical example pertaining to a software development project in the Appendix.
Urinary excretion of amino-acids during alloxan-induced diabetes in rats.

SummaryNitrogen balance studies on 3 male rats during periods of normal control, of alloxan-induced diabetes with insulin therapy, and of fatal acidosis after withholding insulin, are reported.The pattern of excretion of urinary amino-acids, and the ratio of total amino-acid nitrogen to total urinary nitrogen remained essentially unchanged throughout the 3 periods, including the terminal stage with greatly increased losses of total nitrogen.
Structural analysis of a non-contiguous second-site revertant in T4 lysozyme shows that increasing the rigidity of a protein can enhance its stability.

The mutation Glu108 → Val (E108V) in T4 lysozyme was previously isolated as a second-site revertant that specifically compensated for the loss of function associated with the destabilizing substitution Leu99 → Gly (L99G). Surprisingly, the two sites are 11 A apart, with Leu99 in the core and Glu108 on the surface of the protein. In order to better understand this result we have carried out a detailed thermodynamic, enzymatic and structural analysis of these mutant lysozymes as well as a related variant with the substitution Leu99 → Ala. It was found that E108V does increase the stability of L99G, but it also increases the stability of both the wild-type protein and L99A by essentially equal amounts. The effects of E108V on enzymatic activity are more complicated. The mutation slightly reduces the maximal rate of cell wall hydrolysis of wild-type, L99G and L99A. At the same time, L99G is an unstable protein and rapidly loses activity during the course of the assay, especially at temperatures above 20 °C. Thus, even though the double mutant L99G/E108V has a slightly lower maximal rate than L99G, over a period of 20–30 minutes it hydrolyzes more substrate. This decrease in the rate of thermal inactivation appears to be the basis of the action of E108V as a second-site revertant of L99G. Mutant L99A creates a cavity of volume 149 A3. Instead of enlarging this cavity, mutant L99G results in a 4–5 A displacement of part of helix F (residues 108–113), creating a solvent-accessible declivity. In the double mutant, L99G/E108V, this helix returns to a position akin to wild-type, resulting in a cavity of volume 203 A3. Whether the mutation Glu108 → Val is incorporated into either wild-type lysozyme, or L99A or L99G, it results in a decrease in crystallographic thermal factors, especially in the helices that include residues 99 and 108. This increase in rigidity, which appears to be due to a combination of increased hydrophobic stabilization plus a restriction of conformational fluctuation, provides a structural basis for the increase in thermostability.
Incorporation of Bromodeoxyuridine as a Method to Quantify Cell Proliferation in Bronchiolar-Alveolar Duct Regions of Asbestos-Exposed Mice

AbstractInhalation of asbestos fibers results in progressive interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in the bronchiolar-alveolar regions of humans and experimental animals. The fibrogenic lesions were described previously by morphometry in a rodent model of asbestos-induced pulmonary fibrosis in our laboratory. Our prior studies also showed that incorporation of tri-tiated thymidine (3H-TdR) into nuclei of epithelial and interstitial cells of bronchiolar-alveolar regions correlates with this histopathologic response. The study presented here describes the early proliferative response in the bronchiolar-alveolar regions in mice after a brief exposure to chrysotile asbestos. Mice exposed to asbestos had significantly increased incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in interstitial and epithelial cells of first alveolar duct bifurcations and terminal bronchioles at 48 h after exposure. The BrdU incorporation was similar at 24 h after exposure. This study confirms that BrdU provides information on asbestos-induced...
CD44 interaction with tiam1 promotes Rac1 signaling and hyaluronic acid-mediated breast tumor cell migration

Abstract In this study we have explored the interaction between CD44 (the hyaluronic acid (HA)-binding receptor) and Tiam1 (a guanine nucleotide exchange factor) in metastatic breast tumor cells (SP1 cell line). Immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analyses indicate that both the CD44v3 isoform and the Tiam1 protein are expressed in SP1 cells and that these two proteins are physically associated as a complex in vivo. Using an Escherichia coli-derived calmodulin-binding peptide-tagged Tiam1 fragment (i.e. the NH2-terminal pleckstrin homology (PHn) domain and an adjacent protein interaction domain designated as PHn-CC-Ex, amino acids 393–738 of Tiam1) and an in vitrobinding assay, we have detected a specific binding interaction between the Tiam1 PHn-CC-Ex domain and CD44. Scatchard plot analysis indicates that there is a single high affinity CD44 binding site in the PHn-CC-Ex domain of Tiam1 with an apparent dissociation constant (K d) of 0.2 nm, which is comparable with CD44 binding (K d = ∼0.13 nm) to intact Tiam1. These findings suggest that the PHn-CC-Ex domain is the primary Tiam1-binding region for CD44. Most importantly, the binding of HA to CD44v3 of SP1 cells stimulates Tiam1-catalyzed Rac1 signaling and cytoskeleton-mediated tumor cell migration. Transfection of SP1 cells with Tiam1cDNA promotes Tiam1 association with CD44v3 and up-regulates Rac1 signaling as well as HA/CD44v3-mediated breast tumor cell migration. Co-transfection of SP1 cells with PHn-CC-Ex cDNA and Tiam1 cDNA effectively inhibits Tiam1 association with CD44 and efficiently blocks tumor behaviors. Taken together, we believe that the linkage between CD44v3 isoform and the PHn-CC-EX domain of Tiam1 is required for HA stimulated Rac1 signaling and cytoskeleton-mediated tumor cell migration during breast cancer progression.
Computationally efficient approach to three-dimensional point cloud reconstruction from video image sequences

This paper presents a computationally efficient solution to three-dimensional point cloud reconstruction from video image sequences that are captured by a hand-held camera. Our solution starts with a frame selection step to remove frames that cause physically nonrealizable reconstruction outcomes. Then, a computationally efficient approach for obtaining the absolute camera pose is introduced based on pairwise relative camera poses. This is followed by a computationally efficient rotation registration to update the absolute camera pose. The reconstruction results obtained based on actual video sequences indicate lower computation times and lower reprojection errors of the introduced approach compared to the conventional approach.
Osteosarcoma in children 5 years of age or younger at initial diagnosis.

Background Since osteosarcoma is extremely rare in children ≤5 years of age, we sought to investigate if tumor characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes differ compared to older patients. Procedure Patients <20 years of age with high-grade osteosarcoma reported to national SEER database from 1973 to 2006 were separated into two groups based on age at diagnosis: ≤5 years (n = 49) and 6–19 years (n = 1,687). Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were compared using Fisher exact tests. Overall survival was estimated by Kaplan–Meier methods and compared using log-rank tests and Cox models. Results Patients ≤5 years had higher proportions of osteosarcoma arising from the upper limb compared to older patients (24.5% vs. 11.2%; P = 0.006). These very young patients had a significantly higher proportion of telangiectatic histology (10.2% vs. 2.9%; P = 0.017). Sex, metastatic status, race, or ethnicity did not differ by age. A higher proportion of very young patients was treated with amputation (55.2% vs. 27.3%; P = 0.002). Five-year overall survival was inferior for patients with localized osteosarcoma 5 years of age or younger compared to older children (51.9% vs. 67.3%; P = 0.03). After controlling for metastatic status, year of diagnosis, and tumor site, the hazard ratio for death in very young patients was 1.6 (95% confidence interval 1.02–2.36; P = 0.04) compared to older patients. Conclusions Tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcomes differ among children ≤5 years of age compared to older pediatric patients. These differences may reflect differences in tumor biology. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:285–289. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Internal-External Control Expectancies in Black Children of Differing Socioeconomic Status

This study examined the relation between internal-external control and socioeconomic status in a sample of 190 sixth grade black children. A strongly significant linear relationship held between these two variables; each higher level of socioeconomic status was associated with a greater expectancy of internal control. This finding was interpreted as supporting the usefulness of Rotter's expectancy concept in the study of black children.
Aluminum, magnesium, and gold contacts to contamination free n-GaN surfaces

Current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of Al, Mg, and Au Schottky contacts to atomically clean n-GaN(0001)-1×1 surfaces prepared in an ultrahigh vacuum were investigated. The Al/n-GaN contact is rectifying at room temperature and becomes Ohmic after annealing at 500 °C. Coupled with previous photoemission spectroscopy data, this result demonstrates that the origin of the Ohmicity is the reaction-induced doping of the interface. For nonannealed interfaces, the Schottky barrier heights determined from I–V characteristics are in qualitative agreement with the results obtained by photoemission spectroscopy. We find that the ideality factor of the barrier is close to unity for the unreactive interface i.e. Au/GaN, but significantly higher for the reactive interfaces, i.e., Al/GaN and Mg/GaN. Our experimental results suggest that the reaction-induced defects and thermionic field emission play an important role in the electrical behavior of these interfaces.
Parameterization of air–sea gas fluxes at extreme wind speeds

Abstract Air–sea flux measurements of O 2 and N 2 obtained during Hurricane Frances in September 2004 [D'Asaro, E. A. and McNeil, C. L., 2006. Measurements of air–sea gas exchange at extreme wind speeds. Journal Marine Systems, this edition.] using air-deployed neutrally buoyant floats reveal the first evidence of a new regime of air–sea gas transfer occurring at wind speeds in excess of 35 m s − 1 . In this regime, plumes of bubbles 1 mm and smaller in size are transported down from near the surface of the ocean to greater depths by vertical turbulent currents with speeds up to 20−30 cm s − 1 . These bubble plumes mostly dissolve before reaching a depth of approximately 20 m as a result of hydrostatic compression. Injection of air into the ocean by this mechanism results in the invasion of gases in proportion to their tropospheric molar gas ratios, and further supersaturation of less soluble gases. A new formulation for air–sea fluxes of weakly soluble gases as a function of wind speed is proposed to extend existing formulations [Woolf, D.K, 1997. Bubbles and their role in gas exchange. In: Liss, P.S., and Duce, R.A., (Eds.), The Sea Surface and Global Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, pp. 173–205.] to span the entire natural range of wind speeds over the open ocean, which includes hurricanes. The new formulation has separate contributions to air–sea gas flux from: 1) non-supersaturating near-surface equilibration processes, which include direct transfer associated with the air–sea interface and ventilation associated with surface wave breaking; 2) partial dissolution of bubbles smaller than 1 mm that mix into the ocean via turbulence; and 3) complete dissolution of bubbles of up to 1 mm in size via subduction of bubble plumes. The model can be simplified by combining “surface equilibration” terms that allow exchange of gases into and out of the ocean, and “gas injection” terms that only allow gas to enter the ocean. The model was tested against the Hurricane Frances data set. Although all the model parameters cannot be determined uniquely, some features are clear. The fluxes due to the surface equilibration terms, estimated both from data and from model inversions, increase rapidly at high wind speed but are still far below those predicted using the cubic parameterization of Wanninkhof and McGillis [Wannikhof, R. and McGillis, W.R., 1999. A cubic relationship between air–sea CO 2 exchange and wind speed. Geophysical Research Letters, 26:1889–1892.] at high wind speed. The fluxes due to gas injection terms increase with wind speed even more rapidly, causing bubble injection to dominate at the highest wind speeds.
Fabrication of antiferroelectric PLZT films on metal foils

Abstract Fabrication of high-dielectric-strength antiferroelectric (AFE) films on metallic foils is technically important for advanced power electronics. To that end, we have deposited crack-free Pb 0.92 La 0.08 Zr 0.95 Ti 0.05 O 3 (PLZT 8/95/5) films on nickel foils by chemical solution deposition. To eliminate the parasitic effect caused by the formation of a low-permittivity interfacial oxide, a conductive buffer layer of lanthanum nickel oxide (LNO) was coated by chemical solution deposition on the nickel foil before the deposition of PLZT. Use of the LNO buffer allowed high-quality film-on-foil capacitors to be processed in air. With the PLZT 8/95/5 deposited on LNO-buffered Ni foils, we observed field- and thermal-induced phase transformations of AFE to ferroelectric (FE). The AFE-to-FE phase transition field, E AF = 225 kV/cm, and the reverse phase transition field, E FA = 190 kV/cm, were measured at room temperature on a ≈1.15 μm-thick PLZT 8/95/5 film grown on LNO-buffered Ni foils. The relative permittivities of the AFE and FE states were ≈600 and ≈730, respectively, with dielectric loss ≈0.04 at room temperature. The Curie temperature was ≈210 °C. The thermal-induced transition of AFE-to-FE phase occurred at ≈175 °C. Breakdown field strength of 1.2 MV/cm was measured at room temperature.
Changes in levels of triphosphopyridine nucleotide in marine eggs subsequent to fertilization.

Abstract 1. 1. The steady-state levels of oxidized and reduced TPN have been measured in two species of marine eggs, Arbacia punctulata and Spisula solidissima , before and after fertilization. 2. 2. Within 1 to 3 h after fertilization a 3 to 7 fold increase in concentrations of TPNH was observed, but no significant change in concentrations of oxidized TPN. 3. 3. The net synthesis of TPN is discussed in relation to the predominant role of the hexose monophosphate shunt in glucose utilization by these eggs.
How Secure Are Printed Circuit Boards Against Trojan Attacks

Hardware Trojan attacks at the integrated circuit (IC) level have been studied extensively in recent times. Researchers have analyzed the impact of these attacks and explored possible countermeasures for ICs. However, vulnerability with respect to hardware Trojan attacks at higher levels of system abstraction, e.g., at printed circuit board (PCB) level, have not been reported earlier. Previous studies have covered security of PCBs against piracy and various post-fabrication tampering attacks. JTAG (Joint Test Access Group) and other field programmability features, e.g., probe pins, unused sockets and USB have been extensively exploited by hackers to gain access to internal features of the designs as well as snooping of secret key, collection of test responses, and manipulating JTAG test pins. One instance demonstrated that Xbox can be hacked by disabling the Digital Rights Management (DRM) policy using JTAG. The emerging business model of PCB design and fabrication that favors extensive outsourcing and integration of untrusted components/entities in the PCB life-cycle to lower manufacturing cost, makes hardware Trojan attacks in PCBs highly feasible.