cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlation of IHC and FISH for ALK Gene Rearrangement in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma: IHC Score Algorithm for FISH

Introduction: Accurate, cost-effective methods for testing anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene rearrangement (ALK+) are needed to select patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma for ALK-inhibitor therapy. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) is used to detect ALK+, but it is expensive and not routinely available. We explored the potential of an immunohistochemistry (IHC) scoring system as an affordable, accessible approach. Methods: One hundred one samples were obtained from an enriched cohort of never-smokers with adenocarcinoma from the Mayo Clinic Lung Cancer Cohort. IHC was performed using the ALK1 monoclonal antibody with ADVANCE detection system (Dako) and FISH with dual-color, break-apart probe (Abbott Molecular) on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Results: Cases were assessed as IHC score 0 (no staining; n = 69), 1+ (faint cytoplasmic staining, n = 21), 2+ (moderate, smooth cytoplasmic staining; n = 3), or 3+ (intense, granular cytoplasmic staining in ≥10% of tumor cells; n = 8). All IHC 3+ cases were FISH+, whereas 1 of 3 IHC 2+ and 1 of 21 IHC 1+ cases were FISH+. All 69 IHC 0 cases were FISH−. Considering FISH a gold-standard reference in this study, sensitivity and specificity of IHC were 90 and 97.8%, respectively, when 2+ and 3+ were regarded as IHC positive and 0 and 1+ as IHC negative. Conclusions: IHC scoring correlates with FISH and may be a useful algorithm in testing ALK+ by FISH in non-small cell lung carcinoma, similar to human epidermal growth factor-2 testing in breast cancer. Further study is needed to validate this approach.
Empiric Acyclovir is uncommonly initiated in the emergency department to patients with symptoms of encephalitis

Study objectives: Patients presenting to our emergency department (ED) with signs of encephalitis rarely receive empiric acyclovir before admission. However, emergency physicians are very likely to initiate prompt empiric antibiotic therapy. The clinical relevance of these relatively short delays, if any, is unknown and should be researched further. We evaluate the initiation of empiric acyclovir to patients presenting to the adult and pediatric EDs with symptoms of encephalitis. Methods: We conducted an explicit retrospective chart review of 90 patients discharged with a diagnosis of encephalitis. Of the 90 cases reviewed, those cases that met the inclusion criteria of neuropsychiatric abnormality, fever, and a cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis with a negative Gram stain at emergency physician evaluation (n=24) were evaluated for ED initiation of empiric acyclovir. A secondary outcome measured was initiation of empiric antibiotics. Results: Of the 24 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 6 (25%) received empiric acyclovir while in the ED, 3 pediatric (25%) and 3 adult (25%) patients. The remaining 18 (75%) did not receive acyclovir in the ED and experienced delays of 14.4 hours in the adult ED and 3.5 hours in the pediatric ED until acyclovir was initiated as inpatient medication to the remaining patients. This discrepancy could be explained by the shorter time for the patients to reach the inpatient setting from the pediatric department. Twenty-four (100%) patients received empiric antibiotic therapy, with an average delay of 29.5 minutes. Conclusion: Patients presenting to our ED with signs of encephalitis rarely receive empiric acyclovir before admission. However, emergency physicians are very likely to initiate prompt empiric antibiotic therapy. The clinical relevance of these relatively short delays, if any, is unknown and should be researched further.
Benchmarking and Optimizing Atomistic Forcefields with Density Measurements

Predictive biophysical models of drug binding and selectivity could accelerate drug discovery. However, a limited understanding of molecular-scale phenomena currently prevents biophysical models from impacting drug design. To assess the quality of the GAFF small molecule forcefield, we have performed nearly 1000 molecular dynamics simulations of liquids containing drug-like atom types. We compare our simulations to an extensive database of physical properties from NIST's Thermodynamics Research Center. We also evaluate GAFF's performance using density measurements of neat liquids and binary mixtures performed on an in-house automation system.
Fear of a Red Planet: I Was a Communist for the F.B.I. and “Black Film”

The anticommunist films of the 1950s have historically been excluded from the canon of classic noir either because of melodramatic and semi-documentary elements and/or because of their “right-wing”...
Cluster energy optimizing genetic algorithm

Nanoclusters are small clumps of atoms of one or several materials. A cluster possesses a unique set of material properties depending on its configuration (i.e. the number of atoms, their types, and their exact relative positioning). Finding and subsequently testing these configurations is of great interest to physicists in search of new advantageous material properties. To facilitate the discovery of ideal cluster configurations, we propose the Cluster Energy Optimizing GA (CEO-GA), which combines the strengths of Johnston's BCGA [18], Pereira's H-C&S crossover [25], and two new mutation operators: Local Spherical and Center of Mass Spherical. The advantage of CEO-GA is its ability to evolve optimally stable clusters (those with lowest potential energy) without relying on local optimization methods, as do other commonly used cluster evolving GAs, such as BCGA.
Improved Performance through Digit Strength Gains

Abstract The effect of strengthening toe and finger muscle flexion forces at the metatarsophalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints on performance in the vertical jump and shot put were investigated. Three categories of college students participated in the study: ballet dancers, track and field athletes, and students enrolled in weight lifting classes. Within each category, participants were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. A specially designed toe and finger exercise device adapted to a Cybex machine was used for progressive resistance exercise sessions and to test for strength increases. The treatment period was 12 weeks and involved three training sessions per week. Mean gains for the treatment subjects were 2.3 cm in the vertical jump, 20.3 cm in the modified shot put, 67.2 cm in the standing shot put, and 57.6 cm in the regular shot put. All of these gains were significantly greater (p<.05) than those experienced by the control groups. It was concluded that performance in the verti...
Optimal timing of transmission line investments

Abstract An important issue in the expansion of power supplies is the question of whether local supplies should be served from an integrated network or from isolated plants. Conventional analysis would consist of a comparison of the present-value costs of building and operating a transmission line plus the marginal cost of centrally generated electricity, versus the present-value capital plus operating costs of a local generation alternative. This is appropriate, however, only in cases in which the load to be served remains constant. With growing loads the unit costs of a transmission line alternative continue to fall over time while those of the isolated alternatives do not. A least-cost optimization model has been developed that identifies the year in which a switch-over from isolated to network supply results in the least-cost solution.
Neonate with benign familial neonatal convulsions: recorded generalized and focal seizures

A neonate with benign familial neonatal convulsions is presented. Ictal electroencephalography demonstrated a seizure of right frontal onset with generalization and one of right frontal onset which remained confined to that hemisphere. Very few ictal recordings of this entity exist. In this patient a partial seizure and a seizure with generalization were recorded, emphasizing the difficulties with the present classification.
Puerperal Acute Toxicity Indirectly Induced by 4-Amino-N10-Methyl-Pteroylglutamic Acid (Methotrexate) in Mice

SummaryThe administration of 100 μg of MTX to newborn mice resulted in fatal intoxication of 50% of untreated mothers. The mortality rate of foster mothers when foster nursing was begun 24 hr after treatment of the newborns was 40%. None of the foster mothers died, however, when the foster nursing began 48 hr after the treatment. MTX is rapidly excreted, largely in the urine, within from 24 to 48 hr after administration. It is assumed that the antifolate entered the mothers' circulatory systems via the excreted urine of the newborns. Both natural and foster mothers died after a maximum of 24 μg/g, which is a manyfold lower dose than that tolerated in adults (LD50 = 300 μg/g per os). It is thought that this striking deviation in tolerance reflects the folic acid deficient state in the immediate postpartum period in mice.
Challenges in evaluating a national demonstration program for homeless persons with alcohol and other drug problems

Designing an evaluation of a federally funded, multisite demonstration program for homeless persons with alcohol and other drug problems presents a number of methodological and practical challenges. Despite these challenges, a great deal can be learned about human service programs for homeless persons from multisite demonstration programs.
The Regional Headquarters Decision: A Comparative Analysis

The article presents a study that compares the decision making process of executives in Japanese and American multinational corporations regarding the selection of regional headquarters. According ...
Getting Out of the Way: A Strategy for Engaging Students in Collaborative Learning

The author describes what has been entailed in a shift from a teacher-centered approach — one which relied on her expertise in Chinese studies — to a more student-centered approach in which the teacher creates a learning environment and seeks to “get out of the way” of student learning. She describes concrete strategies for de-centering herself and empowering students, and discusses the roles and responsibilities of the teacher in this alternative model.
Altered intrinsic functional coupling between core neurocognitive networks in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is largely attributed to disruptions in the nigrostriatal dopamine system. These neurodegenerative changes may also have a more global effect on intrinsic brain organization at the cortical level. Functional brain connectivity between neurocognitive systems related to cognitive processing is critical for effective neural communication, and is disrupted across neurological disorders. Three core neurocognitive networks have been established as playing a critical role in the pathophysiology of many neurological disorders: the default-mode network (DMN), the salience network (SN), and the central executive network (CEN). In healthy adults, DMN–CEN interactions are anti-correlated while SN–CEN interactions are strongly positively correlated even at rest, when individuals are not engaging in any task. These intrinsic between-network interactions at rest are necessary for efficient suppression of the DMN and activation of the CEN during a range of cognitive tasks. To identify whether these network interactions are disrupted in individuals with PD, we used resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) to compare between-network connectivity between 24 PD participants and 20 age-matched controls (MC). In comparison to the MC, individuals with PD showed significantly less SN–CEN coupling and greater DMN–CEN coupling during rest. Disease severity, an index of striatal dysfunction, was related to reduced functional coupling between the striatum and SN. These results demonstrate that individuals with PD have a dysfunctional pattern of interaction between core neurocognitive networks compared to what is found in healthy individuals, and that interaction between the SN and the striatum is even more profoundly disrupted in those with greater disease severity.
Limitations of using combustion toxicity testing for product selection

During the last two decades there has been considerable concern about the combustion toxicity of synthetic materials such as PVC, and about their impact on overall fire hazard. Studies using many different methodologies have shown that the combustion toxicity of PVC is not unusual, but is comparable to many natural and synthetic materials. Because of various limitations, these tests have not been considered useful for code setting or regulatory activities. Furthermore, it has been emphasized that combustion toxicity is only one of many factors which must be evaluated in determining the fire hazard of a material. Still, the fact remains that PVC has performed favorably under many different conditions.
Benefit-cost analysis of supported competitive employment for persons with mental retardation.

Abstract A review of the literature on unemployment rates among adults with mental retardation is presented and the societal impact of the number of adults with mental retardation who remain unemployed is discussed. The supported competitive employment model is presented as illustrative of a habilitation program allowing greater monetary returns to society than traditional adult service programs. A benefit-cost analysis of our supported competitive employment program, occurring during the period from 1978 to 1986, is presented from two perspectives: that of the consumer (i.e., the adult with severe disabilities) and that of the taxpayer. Results of the benefit-cost analysis indicate that supported competitive employment is a financially prosperous venture from both perspectives. That is, from the consumer's perspective, for every $1.00 relinquished in taxes, supplemental security income (SSI), and forgone workshop earnings, $1.97 was received in increased income; the net benefit per year was $3,894 per consumer. From the taxpayers' perspective, for every $1.00 expended for the funding of supported competitive employment programs and in lost tax revenues realized by the provision of targeted jobs tax credits, $1.87 was accumulated in benefits; the net yearly benefit to the taxpayer was $4,063 per consumer. The authors conclude that supported competitive employment is a financially profitable venture for both consumers and taxpayers.
A synthetic approach to actinobolin. Total synthesis of (±)-ramulosin

Abstract A biomimetic type synthesis of (±)-ramulosin from the acyclic precursor 9 is described. Mercury mediated oxidative cyclization and bromolactonization are shown to be useful for the construction of the actinobolin skeleton.
The Number of Dependent Arcs in an Acyclic Orientation

LetGbe a graph withnnodes,eedges, chromatic number?, and girthg. In an acyclic orientation ofG, an arc isdependentif its reversal creates a cycle. It is well known that if?
Safety, a Strategic Tool for Improving Manufacturing Systems

Often, manufacturing systems operate under the common perception that safety projects are generally detrimental to successful manufacturing operations. On the contrary, emphasizing safety on all levels of a corporation can not only create an overall more positive attitude in the workplace while reducing worker's compensation and insurance costs, but it can also improve the manufacturing capabilities of an organizationWithin this paper, a model is presented which can prove safety-related ventures can be lucrative in measurable manufacturing terms. The model shows that accepting safety-related projects and approaching safety standards more positively will actually improve manufacturing strategy components such as quality, productivity, utilization, and reliability. It also includes redefining the mission statement of the corporation, developing a manufacturing strategy emphasizing safety, and implementing safety measures in all aspects of the corporation. Such evaluations in measurable terms will result in ...
Class IIa histone deacetylases are hormone-activated regulators of FOXO and mammalian glucose homeostasis.

Class IIa histone deacetylases (HDACs) are signal-dependent modulators of transcription with established roles in muscle differentiation and neuronal survival. We show here that in liver, class IIa HDACs (HDAC4, 5, and 7) are phosphorylated and excluded from the nucleus by AMPK family kinases. In response to the fasting hormone glucagon, class IIa HDACs are rapidly dephosphorylated and translocated to the nucleus where they associate with the promoters of gluconeogenic enzymes such as G6Pase. In turn, HDAC4/5 recruit HDAC3, which results in the acute transcriptional induction of these genes via deacetylation and activation of FOXO family transcription factors. Loss of class IIa HDACs in murine liver results in inhibition of FOXO target genes and lowers blood glucose, resulting in increased glycogen storage. Finally, suppression of class IIa HDACs in mouse models of type 2 diabetes ameliorates hyperglycemia, suggesting that inhibitors of class I/II HDACs may be potential therapeutics for metabolic syndrome.
The uses of betrayal: Violence in films and in other arts

John Fraser. Violence in the Arts. London: Cambridge University Press, 1974. xii + 192 pp. Thomas R. Atkins, ed. Graphic Violence on the Screen. New York: Monarch Press, 1976. viii + 96 pp. Illustrations.
An economical solution to the cache coherence problem

In this paper we review and qualitatively evaluate schemes to maintain cache coherence in tightly-coupled multiprocessor systems. This leads us to propose a more economical (hardware-wise), expandable and modular variation of the “global directory” approach. Protocols for this solution are described. Performance evaluation studies indicate the limits (number of processors, level of sharing) within which this approach is viable.
Substance use disorders and co-morbidities among Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders.

Method. We examined recent epidemiological data on the extent of alcohol and drug use disorders and the use of treatment services by AAs and NHs/PIs. Results. NHs/PIs on average were less educated and had lower levels of household income than AAs. Considered as a single group, AAs and NHs/PIs showed a low prevalence of substance use and disorders. Analyses of survey data that compared AAs and NHs/PIs revealed higher prevalences of substance use (alcohol, drugs), depression and delinquency among NHs than among AAs. Among treatment-seeking patients in mental healthcare settings, NHs/PIs had higher prevalences of DSM-IV diagnoses than AAs (alcohol/drug, mood, adjustment, childhood-onset disruptive or impulsecontrol disorders), although co-morbidity was common in both groups. AAs and NHs/PIs with an SUD were unlikely to use treatment, especially treatment for alcohol problems, and treatment use tended to be related to involvement with the criminal justice system.
Paclitaxel, carboplatin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in ovarian and peritoneal carcinoma: a phase I study of the Gynecologic Oncology Group.

Abstract Purpose Based on the activity and tolerability of liposomal doxorubicin in platinum- and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian carcinoma, we conducted a phase I trial of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin with paclitaxel and carboplatin to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in chemotherapy naive ovarian, peritoneal and tubal carcinoma patients. Methods Three schedules were studied: paclitaxel, carboplatin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin every 28 days; paclitaxel and carboplatin every 21 days with liposomal doxorubicin every 42 days; and weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin (AUC=5) every 21 days and liposomal doxorubicin every 42 days. The paclitaxel dose was 175 mg/m 2 over 3 h on an every 3–4 week schedule and 60 mg/m 2 when administered weekly. Based on the frequency of neutropenic sepsis, grade 4 thrombocytopenia and ≥grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity, the starting dose of liposomal doxorubicin of 20 mg/m 2 was escalated to determine the MTD. Results A total of 210 (21-day) cycles were administered to 37 patients. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) occurred when liposomal doxorubicin was administered at 40 mg/m 2 . Because of treatment-related delays resulting in decreased paclitaxel/carboplatin dose intensity, administration was modified to be given every 21 days, with liposomal doxorubicin given every 42 days. Since neutropenia was the DLT of this schedule, the schema was further modified to administer paclitaxel weekly; however, weekly administration was inconsistent because of toxicity. Conclusion Paclitaxel 175 mg/m 2 , carboplatin (AUC=5) and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 30 mg/m 2 are tolerable without supportive therapy. The usual dose intensity of paclitaxel/carboplatin was maintained by administering liposomal doxorubicin every other cycle.
The effects of stress on play and home cage behaviors in adolescent male rats

One prominent feature of adolescence is the high frequency of social behaviors, such as play. Engaging in these behaviors appears necessary for proper socio-emotional development as social isolation during adolescence typically leads to behavioral dysfunctions in adulthood. The present experiments examined the effects of stress on social and nonsocial behaviors in group housed adolescent male rats. We found that acute restraint stress led to a complete inhibition of play (e.g., nape contacts and pins) and reduced social investigations in pre- (28 days), mid- (35 days), and late-adolescent (42 and 49 days) animals. A follow-up study, however, found that restraint-induced suppression of play and social investigations was transient such that experimental animals engage in these behaviors at levels similar to those of controls 1 hr after termination of the stressor. We also found that exposure to repeated restraint stress throughout adolescence led to a decrease in social investigations, while leaving play largely unaffected. Interestingly, in all of the experiments, nonsocial behaviors (e.g., eating, drinking, grooming) were unaffected by restraint, suggesting these effects of stress are specific to social behaviors. Together, these data indicate that both acute and repeated stress significantly affect social behaviors during adolescence. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52: 62–70, 2010
The performance of ITPACK on vector computers for solving large sparse linear systems arising in sample oil reseervoir simulation problems

Results are presented of the performance of two different versions of the ITPACK software package on large sparse linear systems arising in the solution of sample oil reservoir simulation problems using three different large vector computers (Cyber 205, Cray X-MP48 and Amdahl VP1200). The main focus of this paper is on the necessary changes in the package that were made for efficiency when going from a memory-to-memory computer to a register-to-register computer. We feel that these are typical changes that must be considered when moving software of this type between vector computers. The execution times presented should not be considered to be representative of the overall performance of these computers.
Reversibility of the erythrocyte lipid abnormalities in hepatic disease.

The alterations in the lipid composition of the erythrocyte membrane in patients with hepatic disease are reversible as hepatic function improves. Improvement in the lipid pattern appears to follow more closely the improvement of liver function than the changes in the plasma lipids in the 5 patients described. Morphologic alterations of erythrocytes with changes in the membrane lipids are noted; these too are reversible as liver function improves.
Development and optimization of novel sensors for inline measurement of sand filling and compaction stages in lost foam casting

The lost foam casting (LFC), or expendable pattern casting, process is employed worldwide in foundries as an efficient casting technology that offers the advantages of consolidation of components, reduced machining, and recirculation of casting mold material. Currently, many foundries develop a schedule of sand raining flow rates and flask excitation accelerations for each specific pattern through an often-lengthy trial and error procedure. During casting, a single flask acceleration measurement is typically the only measurement by which the sand compaction is monitored. The current research focuses on developing an array of measurement tools to be used in measuring parameters critical to the sand compaction stage of the lost foam casting process to aid in the development of filling and vibration schedules as well as to provide additional inline measurements during foundry operation. In particular, the study focuses on the use of minimally intrusive transducers placed inline to provide direct feedback that can be then used in both passive and active process control.
Executive functioning and prospective memory in young children

Abstract The current study examined the role of executive functioning (EF) in children's prospective memory (PM) by assessing the effect of delay and number of intentions to-be-remembered on PM, as well as relations between PM and EF. Ninety-six 4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds completed a PM task and two executive function tasks. The PM task required children to interrupt an ongoing card game to perform one action (single intention) or two actions (dual intention) with target cards after a short delay (1 min) or a long delay (5 min). There was no main effect of number of intentions or delay on the PM task. However, performance improved with age, and age and delay interacted such that 4-year-olds’ performance remained the same after a long delay whereas 5-year-olds’ performance improved after a long delay. We suggest that the age by delay interaction is a product of age differences in cognitive monitoring. Working memory but not inhibitory control predicted PM with age controlled. We argue that an executive function framework permits an integrative understanding of many processes involved in young children's prospective memory.
Prospects for large-format IR astronomy FPAs using MBE-grown HgCdTe detectors with cutoff wavelength > 4 μm

Rockwell Science Center has developed a double layer planar heterostructure (DLPH) detector array fabrication process with significant advantages over the PACE-1 process now being used to produce 256 X 256 and 1024 X 1024 FPAs for low background IR astronomy. The DLPH detectors are p- on-n photodiodes fabricated in a double layer of wide and narrow bandgap HgCdTe grown by molecular beam epitaxy on CdZnTe substrates. The double layer structure provides superior surface passivation while the lattice matched CdZnTe substrate reduces the defect density. DLPH FPAs have been fabricated in array sizes up to 640 X 480 and with cutoff wavelengths as long as 15 micrometers . Quantum efficiencies are typically in the 0.5 to 0.8 range. For a 256 X 256 array DLPH detectors with 5.3 micrometers cutoff wavelength at 50K, the median dark current was 0.39 e-/sec at 0.5V reverse bias. For 7 of 17 individual DLPH detector with 10.6 micrometers cutoff at 30K, the dark current was less than 10 4 e-/sec at 20 mV bias. For long cutoff wavelengths, the detector breakdown voltage is too low to permit signal integration directly on the reverse biased detector capacitance. Such detectors require a readout circuit that maintains the detector near zero bias and provides a separate capacitor to store the integrated signal.
Electron-electron scattering in vanadium

Measurements have been made over a range from liquid helium to room temperature of the electrical resistivity of a single crystal of vanadium with a residual resistance ratio (RRR) of 1974, the highest ever reported. The data were analyzed in terms of electron-impurity scattering, electron-electron scattering, and electron-phonon interband and intraband scattering. We have obtained aT2 electron-electron scattering coefficient of (1.6±0.2)×10−11 Ω cm/K2, in agreement with that obtained earlier in the same laboratory on a crystal with lower purity. Therefore, we conclude that electron-electron scattering does contribute measurably to the electrical resistivity of vanadium at low temperature.
Electronic and defect structure of CuSCN

Copper thiocyanate (CuSCN) is a candidate as a transparent solid p-type conductor for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications, such as solar cells. We calculate the band structure, bonding characteristics, and basic native defect configurations of hexagonal β-CuSCN. β-CuSCN is predicted to be an indirect-gap semiconductor with an unusual orbital character: although the highest valence bands have the expected character of Cu 3d levels hybridized with S 3p states, the conduction band minimum (at the K point of the hexagonal Brillouin zone) has mostly cyanide antibonding character. This quasi-molecular character results in some unusual properties, including that the electron effective masses are comparable to or even larger than the hole effective masses. Calculated results match well with the valence band spectrum of thin film CuSCN, although optical absorption measurements do not conclusively confirm the predicted indirect nature of the lowest transitions. The dominant p-type character of this materia...
Editorial: Languages, compilers, and tools for embedded systems

Publisher Note: This Guest Editorial by Li and Pande describes a number of related articles originally intended as a special issue but which were published in earlier issues as follows: Auerbach et al., "Low-Latency Time-Portable Real-Time Programming with Exotasks", appears in TECS 8(2) Article 15 DOI 10.1145/1457255.1457262Murray et al., "Code Transformation and Instruction Set Extension", appears in TECS 8(4) Article 26 DOI 10.1145/1550987.1550989Ahn and Paek, "Register Coalescing Techniques for Heterogeneous Register Architecture with Copy Sifting", appears in TECS 8(2) Article 16 DOI 10.1145/1457255.1457263Yan and Zhang, "Analyzing the Worst-Case Execution Time for Instruction Caches with Prefetching", appears in TECS 8(1) Article 7 DOI 10.1145/1457246.1457253
Increasing inter-area available transfer capacity using controllable network transformers

Control areas are often interconnected to each other by tie-lines over which the operators have little or no real-time control. Congestion of any one of the lines in the transmission corridor limits its Available Transfer Capacity (ATC), even if there is available spare capacity in some parallel paths. Increasing inter-area ATC is key to increasing penetration of renewable generation, since the geographical location of renewable generation sites are often far from the load centers. Traditional methods of increasing inter-area ATC like transmission upgrade or FACTS installations are expensive and also require significant lead-time. Controllable Network Transformers (CNTs) are low-cost power flow controllers which can be realized by augmenting existing Load Tap Changing (LTC) transformers. The paper shows from a system level perspective, the application of CNTs to increase inter-area tie-line ATC, thereby allowing increased inter-area green energy transfer.
Big Men, Corruption, and Crime

The persistence of corruption and organized crime in the Balkans has more to do with structural factors in the region's geography, economy, and history than with a notional ‘transition’ to democracy and free markets. In this area — and others at the margins of the global economy — these problems are central aspects of existence, not temporary aberrations destined to disappear once ‘good governance’ and ‘rule of law’ set in. Economic marginality and fragmentation in the Balkans have created a tradition of ‘Big Men’, local notables who have the authority — and legitimacy — to control access to resources and power. Big Men also have a longstanding tradition of latching on to imperial authorities and foreign powers with which they have productive reciprocal relationships. Relations between the contemporary ‘international community’ and current Big Men in the Balkans reinforce earlier patterns — the assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Djindjic is best understood in this context. Mitigating these problems would involve privileging the need for a larger regional market at the expense of post-Yugoslav successor states, bypassing those states when money is doled out, focusing infrastructure projects on regional — not international — needs, and tolerating such robust, informal phenomena as the Arizona Market.
Treatment of Dyslipidemia in HIV

Patients infected with HIV have a high risk of developing dyslipidemia. Effective therapeutic strategies can be challenging due to an increase risk of drug interactions and other comorbidities. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology and the principles of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions can be of value in the appropriate management of dyslipidemia in the HIV-infected patient.
Endogenous electrical currents and the resultant voltage gradients in the chick embryo.

Abstract We have studied some of the electrophysiological properties of 2 1 2 - to 4-day-old (stage 14–22) chick embryos. Using a recently developed two-dimensional vibrating probe, large currents were found to exit the posterior intestinal portal (p.i.p.) during the period of tail gut reduction. During this period, epithelial cells lining cloacal regions of the hindgut are dying, thus creating a low-resistance pathway for current flow out of the embryo. Currents entered the intact epithelium over other regions of the embryo. The outward currents at the p.i.p. were first detected at stage 15 and reached their average maximum current density of 112 ± 10 μA/cm2 at stage 17. After stage 17, the magnitude of the currents decreased, dropping to 16 ± 0.3 μA/cm2 by stage 22. The currents were reversibly reduced by about 50% when Na+ was replaced by choline in the bathing solution. The magnitude of the currents leaving the p.i.p. suggested the existence of a measurable intraembryonic voltage gradient. The transepithelial potential (TEP) of stage 14–21 embryos was measured lateral to the neural tube through the dorsal ectoderm. For all stages, the combined average TEP was 16 ± 0.5 mV. Differences in the TEP between various regions of the embryo were used to calculate an intraembryonic voltage gradient. At stage 14, before outward current was found at the p.i.p., no significant intraembryonic voltage gradient was detected. At stage 17, when the outward current at the p.i.p. was maximum, a voltage gradient of 21 ± 5 mV/mm (mean ± SEM; N = 6) was measured in the caudal end of the embryo. This gradient in some cases was as steep as 33 mV/mm. This is well above the minimum level needed to affect the direction of embryonic cell migration in vitro. We hypothesize that this endogenous electrical field acts as a directional cue for neural crest cell movements in the developing chick embryo.
Recombinant hirudin in patients with chronic, stable coronary artery disease. Safety, half-life, and effect on coagulation parameters.

BACKGROUNDBecause the specific antithrombin hirudin prevents platelet-rich arterial thrombus and accelerates thrombolysis in a variety of animal models, it has promise as antithrombotic therapy. We therefore studied the half-life, effect on anticoagulant parameters, and safety of hirudin in patients with coronary artery disease.METHODS AND RESULTSThirty-eight men and 1 woman (age [mean +/- SD], 60.4 +/- 6.9 years) with angiographic coronary disease were allocated in a single-blind ascending dosage study to a 6-hour i.v. infusion of recombinant hirudin (CGP 39,393) or matching placebo. The median terminal half-life for hirudin, measured by ELISA, was 2.7, 2.3, 2.9, 3.1, and 2.0 hours for the 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg.kg-1 x h-1 groups, respectively. Activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTT) at 3, 4, and 6 hours were averaged into a plateau value. The aPTT plateau-to-baseline ratios were 1.5 +/- 0.1, 2.0 +/- 0.1, 2.3 +/- 0.1, 2.7 +/- 0.1, and 2.9 +/- 0.1, respectively, with hirudin infused at 0.0...
Comparing Two New Gene Selection Ensemble Approaches with the Commonly-Used Approach

Ensemble feature selection has recently become a topic of interest for researchers, especially in the area of bioinformatics. The benefits of ensemble feature selection include increased feature (gene) subset stability and usefulness as well as comparable (or better) classification performance compared to using a single feature selection method. However, existing work on ensemble feature selection has concentrated on data diversity (using a single feature selection method on multiple datasets or sampled data from a single dataset), neglecting two other potential sources of diversity. We present these two new approaches for gene selection, functional diversity (using multiple feature selection technique on a single dataset) and hybrid (a combination of data and functional diversity). To demonstrate the value of these new approaches, we measure the similarity between the feature subsets created by each of the three approaches across twenty-six datasets and ten feature selection techniques (or an ensemble of these techniques as appropriate). We also compare the classification performance of models built using each of the three ensembles. Our results show that the similarity between the functional diversity and hybrid approaches is much higher than the similarity between either of those and data diversity, with the distinction between data diversity and our new approaches being particularly strong for hard-to-learn datasets. In addition to having the highest similarity, functional and hybrid diversity generally show greater classification performance than data diversity, especially when selecting small feature subsets. These results demonstrate that these new approaches can both provide a different feature subset than the existing approach and that the resulting novel feature subset is potentially of interest to researchers. To our knowledge there has been no study which explores these new approaches to ensemble feature selection within the domain of bioinformatics.
Moisture Diffusivity in Rice Components During Absorption and Desorption

Moisture diffusivity values of different rice kernel components, namely endosperm, bran and husk, are required to solve mathematical models describing absorption and desorption processes. In addition to the rice variety and temperature, the moisture diffusivity also depends on its instantaneous moisture content or water activity (aw) and whether rice is absorbing or desorbing moisture. This research was undertaken to determine moisture diffusivity values of rough rice components in different aw ranges during absorption and desorption. Experiments were performed to measure sorption rates of different rice forms, including white rice, brown rice, and rough rice kernels. Mathematical models were developed to predict their moisture distribution during moisture sorption processes. These models were solved by finite element method using Comsol Multiphysics® simulation program. Moisture diffusivity values of different rice components were calculated and found to be different during absorption and desorption. Dif...
Shedding of Infected Ciliated Epithelial Cells in Rhinovirus Colds

Specimens of nasal mucus were collected from 17 volunteers experimentally infected with rhinovirus and from 10 uninfected control subjects. Ciliated epithelial cells (CECs) were found in the nasal mucus of 16 of the infected volunteers but of none of the control subjects. The CECs were shown to contain rhinovirus antigen by indirect immunoperoxidase and fluorescent antibody staining. The pattern of CEC shedding was similar to the mean nasal symptom score pattern of the volunteers. However, the amount of CED shedding for an individual was not correlated with the severity of the symptoms. This finding suggests that the symptoms of a rhinovirus cold may be produced in part by processes that are independent of the severity of direct virus-induced damage to the epithelium.
General Principles of External Beam Radiation Therapy for Skeletal Metastases

Radiation therapy plays a major role in the treatment of patients with bone metastases. The primary goals of treatment include pain relief and relief of neurologic symptoms, if present. Approximately 70% of patients will achieve pain relief with palliative external beam radiotherapy. Improvement in the severity of pain may occur within as few as 48 to 72 hours of initiation of therapy, but in some patients significant relief of pain may not occur for 4 weeks after completion of therapy. Treatment schemes ranging from 800 cGy in a single treatment to 3000 cGy in 10 treatments have not been shown to result in major differences in outcome. Treatment decisions must be individualized based on factors such as the patient's performance status, life expectancy, location of the lesion, and size of area to be treated. External beam radiotherapy is recommended after surgical treatment of pathologic fractures or impending fractures to decrease the need for a second surgical procedure and improve the patient's functional outcome. External beam radiotherapy continues to be an important component of the palliative treatment of bone metastases. Its integration with newer therapeutic modalities such as vertebroplasty and radiofrequency ablation currently is being studied.
Resolving family conflicts

tween the great powers of the world, can the ways in which families resolve their conflicts ever apply to international conflict? The present article deals primarily with the inherent characteristics of family conflict, some of them diametrically opposite to international conflict. Nevertheless, the study of small-scale conflict seems most likely to yield new hypotheses relevant to large-scale conflict if the family is studied on its own terms. Were we to limit ourselves to facets of obvious relevance, new ways of looking at international conflict might be missed. In any case, a general theory of conflict must eventually embrace all ranges of social systems, from the largest to the smallest. Hence family conflict has potential interest for its similarities with, and its differences from, large-scale conflict. Conflict is a widespread and serious problem in the contemporary American family. Roughly, one marriage in every four ends in divorce, which is usually preceded, and often caused, by the failure of family members to avoid or solve their conflicts. Many additional families survive their periods of stress only at great cost to their physical and mental health. Many a husband's ulcers, a wife's headaches, and a child's nervous tics are traceable to domestic tension and warfare. uction
Improving Nutritional Value of Dried Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) Combining Microwave-Vacuum, Hot-Air Drying and Freeze Drying Technologies

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) were dried combining microwave-vacuum, hot-air drying and freeze drying technologies to retain their nutritional value. Polyphenol retention, total polyphenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity were evaluated in dried blueberries. Glycoside compounds for ellagic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol exhibited a higher retention than phloridzin, and R- and S-naringin in dried blueberries following dehydration. Freeze and HA-MIVAC® dried blueberries had a higher retention of total polyphenols and anthocyanins. Freeze dried blueberries had higher antioxidant activity, followed by the combination of HA-MIVAC®, MIVAC® and HA drying methods. FD, HA-MIVAC® and MIVAC® treated blueberries had a higher retention of individual polyphenols than HA treated blueberries, indicating that the nutritional properties of berries may be retained to a greater extent when these processes are employed.
Hygrothermal Influence on Delamination Behavior of Graphite/Epoxy Laminates,

The hygrothermal effect on the fracture behavior of graphite-epoxy laminates was investigated to develop a methodology for damage tolerance predictions in advanced composite materials. Several T300/934 laminates were tested using a number of specimen configurations to evaluate the effects of temperature and humidity on delamination fracture toughness under mode 1 and mode 2 loading. It is indicated that moisture has a slightly beneficial influence on fracture toughness or critical strain energy release rate during mode 1 delamination, but has a slightly deleterious effect on mode 2 delamination and mode 1 transverse cracking. The failed specimens are examined by SEM and topographical differences due to fracture modes are identified. It is concluded that the effect of moisture on fracture topography can not be distinguished.
Numerical simulation of two-dimensional blunt body sampling in viscous flow

Abstract This paper presents a numerical investigation of the aspiration efficiency of a cylindrical blunt body sampler with a forward facing suction opening. The paper: (1) describes and validates the numerical procedure for calculating laminar viscous flow around a two-dimensional blunt cylindrical sampler; (2) combines the flow field calculations with particle dynamics to determine the aerosol aspiration efficiency of the sampler as a function of the particle Stokes number, with a physical explanation for the shape of the aspiration efficiency curve; and (3) examines the effects of the suction to freestream velocity ratio, Reynolds number, and suction opening size on the viscous flow field and aspiration efficiency. The results of the study indicate the particle size ranges and flow conditions where the viscous boundary layer affects the aerosol sampling process. Comparing the results from the viscous calculations with results from inviscid calculations shows qualitative agreement but quantitative differences. In particular, the viscous calculation produces generally lower aspiration efficiencies, indicating that the viscous boundary layer can play an important role in particle inhalability.
Evaluation of Patients With Suspected Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) can be a difficult diagnosis to establish, typically requiring a high index of suspicion on the part of the clinician when challenged by a patient reporting exertional dyspnea. The importance of this diagnosis is heightened by the appreciation that it is a potentially curable form of pulmonary hypertension, by a surgical procedure called pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. This article highlights the clinical presentation, evaluation, and criteria for surgical candidacy of those patients suspected of having CTEPH.
A cross-section potential for calculation of close packing geometries of monolayer films

Abstract A cross-section potential is used to investigate the pressure dependence of vertical phases of Langmuir monolayers. An isobaric-isothermal ensemble is stimulated using Monte-Carlo techniques. The results reproduce a nearly vertical phase boundary between high pressure phases of fatty acid monolayers.
Inductive heating facility of half-bridge inverter structure

Nowadays the inductive heating technique is very popular in Taiwan, and this promoted research in this field directing to higher power, higher frequency, and higher efficiency as well. But most of the circuit structure in large capacity devices was adapted with Half-bridge or Full-bridge structure in Inverter. In this study, a half-bridge driven by fixed-frequency was implemented in a variable power, constant frequency inductive heating facility in which the circuit was adapted Resonant- Transition in Zero-Voltage-Switching, Clamped-Voltage (ZVS-CV). The power elements were selected Isolated Gate Bipolar Transistor-IGBT with 600 volts Voltage Endurance and 60 Amperes Endurance current while driving signal was switched by Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The generating power was controlled by adjusting the turn-on timing of IGBT, in this way, the power factor of power-source side was highly promoted, and the driving signal was generated by TMS320F240 (DSP), so as well as detected the status of whole system with sampling in AD converter channels of DSP. Due to the design of this model the high performance was easily gained. The analysis of power change by adjusting Duty-cycle, the loading current waves, EMC under different operating frequency were verified and matched with the original theory through simulation with Is-Spice Software.