cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A ThPOK-LRF transcriptional node maintains the integrity and effector potential of post-thymic CD4+ T cells

The transcription factor ThPOK promotes CD4(+) T cell differentiation in the thymus. Here, using a mouse strain that allows post-thymic gene deletion, we show that ThPOK maintains CD4(+) T lineage integrity and couples effector differentiation to environmental cues after antigenic stimulation. ThPOK preserved the integrity and amplitude of effector responses and was required for proper differentiation of types 1 and 2 helper T cells in vivo by restraining the expression and function of Runx3, a nuclear factor crucial for cytotoxic T cell differentiation. The transcription factor LRF acts redundantly with ThPOK to prevent the transdifferentiation of mature CD4(+) T cells into CD8(+) T cells. As such, the ThPOK-LRF transcriptional module was essential for CD4(+) T cell integrity and responses.
Resource-Directed Loop Pipelining: Exposing Just Enough Parallelism

Many techniques have been proposed for exploiting instruction-level parallelism, ranging from the optimal and expensive but ignoring resource constraints, to various forms of introducing resource constraints. One of the most aggressive of these techniques is resource-constrained software pipelining (RCSP). RCSP works by repeatedly scheduling successive iterations of a loop in parallel until the data and resource dependence structure of the loop causes the process to converge on a repeating scheduling pattern. This repeating pattern is then used as the new loop body. In principle, this process can be made optimal with respect to full unrolling and scheduling of the loop. Of course, this is not the same as absolute optimality; however, given the NP-hard nature of the problem and the results of Schwiegelshohn et al., this may be the strongest form possible for general loop pipelining. The main drawback of RCSP is that, in practice, its space/time overhead can be fairly expensive. In this paper, we present resource-directed loop pipelining (RDLP), a new approach that attempts to retain many of the advantages of RCSP while minimizing the expense. It does so by allowing the availability of target resources to in some sense guide the application of parallelism exposing and parallelizing transformations. One of the key features of RDLP is the separation of control heuristics from transformations that allow the loop pipelining to be as general as the underlying system of code motion transformations. Results are presented which show that even with very unsophisticated heuristics, RDLP achieves roughly the same performance as RCSP, while providing a fourfold decrease in the space/time cost; moreover, we show that RDLP exposes 'just enough' parallelism-incurs a minimum of code explosion-to maximally utilize resources.
Inflammation & the platelet histone trap.

The connection between inflammation and thrombosis has progressed from purely separate entities into a delicate network that often wavers precariously between the normal and diseased state. In this issue of Blood , Semeraro and colleagues develop another pathway in the network.[1][1] By linking
Deep submicron: is test up to the challenge?

ICs fabricated in increasingly deep submicron technologies are fundamentally shifting the problem areas on which to focus when testing these devices. Several major paradigm shifts are required in order for current test technologies to be extended to meet the challenges. In the past, chip sizes and operational speeds were such that numerous assumptions could be employed throughout the manufacturing test process which greatly eased pattern generation and application. Among those assumptions were: high stuck-at fault coverage is sufficient to guarantee high quality testing (other forms of testing can be neglected); the primary problem to be solved by test/DFT is defect detection (as opposed to defect isolation); parasitic effects can be ignored; test is a "stand-alone process". Unfortunately, it is being discovered that deep submicron technologies invalidate many of these assumptions. It is suggested that increased emphasis should be placed on design and test generation techniques for delay defects. The industry should formalize an acceptable metric to measure the coverage of such defects. When and where appropriate, test generation software should comprehend parasitic effects and thereby create tests which are more robust with respect to test application. A tester model should be put into place to more easily debug test patterns without the necessity of actual silicon. Finally, test generation cannot be performed in a vacuum. There is a great deal of commonality between the design requirements for the use of static timing analysis and those of testability. There also must be a merging of functionalities, such as between critical path identification and path-based test generation, to ease the use of these technologies.
Neutral K*(890) and ρ0 meson production in e+e- annihilation at ;s=29GeV

Abstract The production of neutral K∗(890) and ρ0 mesons was studied in e+e− annihilation at s =29 GeV using the High Resolution Spectrometer at PEP. Differential cross sections are presented as a function of the scaled energy variable z and compared to π0 and K0 production. The measured multiplicities are 0.84±0.08 ϱ0 mesons and 0.57±0.09 K ∗0 (890) mesons per event for a meson momentum greater than 725 MeV/c. The ratios of vector meson to pseudoscalar meson production for (u,d), s and c quark are compared to predictions of the Lund model.
The Labor of Caregiving: A Theoretical Model of Caregiving During Potentially Fatal Illness

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence that chronic and potentially fatal illness has on the caregiving process over time. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 26 family caregivers of people experiencing AIDS or advanced cancer over a 4-month period. Constant comparative analysis was used to analyze the data. A substantive theory of family caregiving for people with life-threatening illnesses was developed around a core organizing theme: the labor of caregiving. Four phases emerged: becoming a caregiver, taking care, midwifing the death, and taking the next step. This study validates the taking-care or "tasks" aspect of caregiving, revealing that issues and tasks vary in each phase of caregiving. The key role of the caregiver in contributing to the quality of life of the ill person was apparent in the initial phase of an illness as well as at the time of death.
Materials for Flat Cable, The Interconnecting System of Tomorrow.

Polyester, Teflon (FEP) and polyimide, and reinforced insulations were evaluated with respect to various mechanical, environmental, and thermal conditions. The materials exhibited good dimensional stability and roll flex life, in excess of 5000 cycles for Teflon and polyimide, and in excess of 3500 for polyester. One of the Teflon samples delaminated completely during aging (150 to 200°C). At room temperature and the aging temperatures, both noise and numerous discontinuities were encountered during vibration at resonant frequencies ranging between 40 and 550 hertz. At --65°C the performance of the cables was excellent with regard to roll flex life and vibration. An experimental reinforced insulated cable exhibited excellent mechanical and physical properties. Calculated and measured weight savings of fiat cable over round wire are tabulated together with cost savings achieved on a given prototype system. Methods of terminating and harnessing fiat cable are illustrated.
Functional neuromuscular stimulation for combined control of elbow extension and hand grasp in C5 and C6 quadriplegics

Spinal cord injury sustained at the C5/C6 level leaves an individual without voluntary control of the muscles of the forearm, hand, or of the elbow extensors. The objective of this research project was to integrate functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) control of elbow extension with a previously developed system that provides hand grasp in order to increase the working volume in space in which users can perform functional tasks. Elbow extension control was achieved by detecting the position of the arm in space and determining the magnitude of the gravitational moment acting to oppose extension. An accelerometer was used as the command control source, and this sensor was placed over the ulna near the elbow joint to detect static (gravitational) acceleration, and therefore the gravitational moment acting about the elbow joint. This value determined the level of electrical stimulation required to activate the triceps muscles to full extension against these forces. Combined FNS control of elbow extension and hand grasp was implemented in two quadriplegic subjects. Both subjects were able to reach and grasp objects at locations in space which were unattainable without triceps activation.
Optical and Magnetic Instruments for Mapping the Ocean Floor

Ocean-floor mapping requires good geodetic control and the use of sensors capable of detecting features on and below the water-bottom interface. Optical sensors have been useful. Film cameras with their permanent record are preferable to human observers and television. Since the loss of the Thresher the effectiveness of cameras has been increased by the use of wide-angle lenses and larger film loads. Recent experiments indicate that further gains will result from locating the lights behind the camera. Magnetic sensors are useful adjuncts to deep sea cameras. In many cases the causes of magnetic anomalies are visible in photographs made at the same time.
Modeling Pavement Conditions of Multilane Roads with Measured Driving Lane Data

In the past, highway authorities have selected pavement treatment type on the basis of the driving lane conditions and have applied the same treatment to all lanes. Recently, authorities started applying different treatments to the driving and passing lanes at different times. Because of costs, most highway authorities collect only the driving lane pavement condition data. Therefore, the passing lane pavement conditions need to be modeled with the driving lane data. To address this need, time series pavement condition and distress data along the driving and passing lanes of the Minnesota Road Research Project were obtained. The data were analyzed to develop and verify methodologies to estimate the passing lane conditions and distresses accurately with the use of the measured driving lane data. The methodologies are based on the fact that most pavement distresses are caused by material and environmental factors and by traffic loads. The effects of the first two factors are similar on adjacent driving and p...
Air to liquid sample collection devices using microfluidic gas/liquid interfaces

We demonstrate methods for collecting gaseous and aerosolized particles into microfluidic channels. Surface tension creates gas-liquid interfaces to permit an analyte to transfer from a gaseous environment to a liquid microfluidic channel. In one device, hydrophobic/hydrophilic boundaries create a virtual channel of liquid in which analyte is collected. In the other device, pinning points create circular pillars of air within a mircofluidic channel. Multiple methods demonstrate feasibility of these devices. Nesslerpsilas Reagent (NR) with gaseous ammonia (NH3) showed the real-time and collection-for-later-analysis acquisition abilities. Deionized (DI) water with varying concentrations of gaseous ammonia (30%, 15%, and 7.5%) showed that the devices proportionally changed impedance (~50% per step) in real-time. Aerosolized solid particles showed that these devices were also able to collect larger sample analytes.
Optimal bidding strategy for day-ahead power market

Participants in the restructured power market are seeking effective generation resource bidding strategies. This paper proposes a methodology to obtain the optimal bidding strategy for generation companies (GENCOs) participating in electric power markets. Supply function like model, which chooses to strategically bid generation prices of bid curves, is used here for the day-ahead market auction. Different strategies are used on different supply curve segments, and the inter-temporal physical constraints of units are considered to derive a multiple-period bidding strategy. Imperfect competition in realistic power markets is modeled as a non-cooperative game, with each participant holding incomplete information about its opponents. A two-layer optimization problem is modeled, with the upper layer representing the GENCO's profit maximization problem and the lower layer representing the independent system operator's (ISO) market clearing problem based on transmission constrained market clearing. Illustrative examples show the effectiveness of multi-segment, multi-period bidding strategies.
Conrad of Hirsau as Literary Critic

CONRAD of Hirsau's Dialogue on Authors (Dialogus super auctores) is one of a small number of mediaeval accounts of those curriculum authors commonly taught in the schools, and of the ways whereby the approach or accessus to them might be smoothed and systematized for the beginning student. It reflects the mixture of admiration and mistrust with which the classical Latin authors were frequently regarded, and the formal approach to liberal arts studies which returned to prominence in the twelfth century, the age where "logic is in the saddle, and literature must give way."1 Its own Latin is somewhat wooden; its treatment of a subject both traditional and revivified is frequently derivative, and on the whole sober and conservative, like the dialogue frame in which it is cast,2 but occasional touches of liveliness and independent judgment are not lacking. The monk Conrad, whose life-span fits approximately the years 1070-1150, served as schoolmaster in the Benedictine abbey of SS. Peter and Paul at Hirsau (formerly Hirschau), in the Wurtemberger Black Forest of Germany, near the town of Calw, within the diocese of Speyer. The monastery, a ruin since it was sacked by the French in 1692, was colonized from Fulda in 830, rebuilt in 1065 by a colony from Einsiedeln, and in 1078 adopted the Cluniac reform through the efforts of its distinguished abbot William, whose pupil Conrad was.3 In addition to the Dialogue, Conrad is credited with the authorship of, among other works, a Speculum virginum, preserved with a series of miniatures,4 an Altercatio synagogae et ecclesiae,5 and a Dialogus de mundi contemptu vel amore.6
Display processing for a synthetic vision system (SVS) utilizing the VME environment

The synthetic vision system sensor should, in its ultimate form, create an image on a head-up/head down display (HUD/HDD) that duplicates what the pilot would see in good visual flight rules (VFR) approach and landing conditions. This in turn implies a sensor that has sufficient resolution, weather penetration and registration to provide normal visual cues for landing such as orientation, rate of approach, and identification of any objects obstructing the runway. To achieve this goal, the Versa Module Eurocard (VME) platform was selected due to its flexibility and wide industry support with commercial-off-the-shelf high-performance processing boards. The authors present the following: a radar sensor description, system performance requirements, top-level VME capabilities, dataflow pipeline architecture, algorithms (radar and display processing examples), and performance. Currently, VME 6U form factor processing boards are available with various capabilities from general-purpose processing to high-speed application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). >
Frequency Response Characteristics Required for Detection of T‐Wave Alternans During Ambulatory ECG Monitoring

Background: T-wave alternans has been increasingly implicated as a potential marker of vulnerability to ventricular tachyarrhythmias in both experimental and clinical investigations. However, the suitability of ambulatory ECG (AECG) recorders for monitoring this parameter has not been systematically studied. Methods: We evaluated the frequency response characteristics and performance in monitoring a computer simulated alternans signal in three brands of amplitude-modulated (AM) and one frequency-modulated (FM) recorder and compared the results to those of the reference digital AECG unit. Results: A common feature of the AM recorders was distortion due to electronic head resonance, particularly at heart rates in the range of 60–100 beats/min. The maximum distortion of T-wave morphology by the AM units was —6% to +28%. Conclusions: We conclude that digital and FM recorders are preferable for AECG monitoring of T-wave alternans. AM recorders can be used if the distortion is not excessive.
Editorial Commentary: Seasonal Influenza Vaccines During the 2009 Pandemic: Help or Harm?

The influenza virus causing the 2009 pandemic was of swine origin, but came from a lineage that had diverged years before from the A (H1N1) viruses that were infecting humans [1]. As a result, older individuals were relatively protected against infection with the pandemic virus [2]. Moreover, because of this distant relationship, most of the population was primed and only a single dose of the pandemic vaccine was required for protection once it became available [3]. However, that vaccine arrived too late to have a role in the early waves of the pandemic in much of the world. The trivalent vaccine, containing the seasonal A (H1N1) virus (A/Brisbane/59/59/07), had been used previously and continued to be available in the early stages of the pandemic. Therefore, questions were immediately raised concerning whether the seasonal vaccine would provide protection against the pandemic virus, given their relatedness. One of the first attempts to assess this possible cross protection was carried out by the CDC, using sera already collected for other purposes [4]. Neutralizing antibodies at likely protective levels were found in older individuals, which predicted the protection seen during the pandemic. No such antibody was found in young children and even after receiving seasonal vaccine they showed no cross-reactive response to the pandemic virus. Antibody determinations only partially predict protection, so clinical studies with virus identification are still necessary. Randomized clinical trials are the reference standard for examining vaccine efficacy but can be carried out only under special circumstances, given costs and logistical considerations. A solution, developed over the past few years, uses observational studies of vaccine effectiveness [5]. The increasing availability of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing as a simple, sensitive way to identify causes of illness has increased the value of these studies, frequently carried out in medical care settings. A typical design involves PCR testing of specimens from patients with acute respiratory illnesses; vaccine effectiveness is estimated by comparing the vaccination status of those who test positive for influenza with that of those who test negative. This strategy, called the test-negative control design, is currently being used in the European Union, Australia, Canada, and the United States [6–9]. Because these studies are observational there is a need to consider and adjust for potential biases and confounding of vaccine effectiveness estimates, given self-selection for both vaccination and seeking medical care. Effectiveness studies were in place when spread of the pandemic virus began in the northern hemisphere during the spring and early summer of 2009. Questions were raised about the effect of having received the seasonal vaccine in the previous season, that is, in fall or early winter 2008–2009; this would help determine whether it could have a role in protection until the pandemic vaccine became available. To everyone’s surprise, a study from
In vitro evidence for a dual role of tumor necrosis factor-α in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 encephalopathy

Microglial cell activation, myelin alteration, and abundant tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha message have been observed in the brains of some human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected and demented patients. We therefore used cultures of purified human microglia and oligodendrocytes derived from adult human brain to examine the role of TNF-alpha in HIV-1 encephalopathy. Human microglia synthesize TNF-alpha message and protein in vitro. When these cells were infected with HIV-1 JrFL and maintained in the presence of TNF-alpha antibodies, soluble TNF-alpha receptors, or the TNF-alpha inhibitor pentoxifylline, viral replication was delayed or strongly inhibited. Both human microglia and oligodendrocytes express the two TNF receptors, TNF-R1, which has been implicated in cytotoxicity, and TNF-R2. While TNF-alpha may enhance HIV-1 replication in an autocrine manner, it is not toxic for microglia. In contrast, recombinant human TNF-alpha causes oligodendrocyte death in a dose-dependent manner. In situ detection of DNA fragmentation in some cells indicated that oligodendrocyte death may occur by apoptosis. Addition of live microglia or medium conditioned by these cells also resulted in 30 to 40% oligodendrocyte death, which was largely prevented by TNF-alpha inhibitors. We propose that TNF-alpha plays a dual role in HIV-1 encephalopathy, enhancing viral replication by activated microglia and damaging oligodendrocytes. Thus, TNF-alpha inhibitors may alleviate some of the neurological manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Information They Can Trust: Increasing Youth Voter Turnout at the University

In the 2004 presidential election, perhaps 54% of the nation's youngest cohort—dubbed “Generation Next” by some pollsters—cast a vote. This was a substantial increase over the 42% of eligible 18–25-year-olds who voted in the 2000 election (U.S. Census Bureau 2005; Pew Center 2007). Still, youth voting rates lagged behind the voting rates of those citizens older than 25–66% made their way to the polls on Election Day in 2004 (Lopez, Kirby, and Sagoff 2005). It is likely that voting rates will increase in the current youth cohort as they age, as has happened in both the Baby Boomer and Generation X cohorts. But transforming more of the large Generation Next cohort into voters earlier in adulthood could substantially increase democratic participation in upcoming elections and for decades to come, as habits of civic participation developed in youth often last a lifetime (Miller and Shanks 1996). Two-thirds of young people now enroll in some form of higher education. Colleges and universities of all types would therefore seem to be natural sites to mount efforts to improve youth voter turnout. And because interest in voting among the youngest adult cohort seems to be on the rise, this would seem to be the time to encourage more of such behavior. But how can institutions of higher learning best promote democratic participation, especially voting?
Comparative anatomy, morphology, and molecular phylogenetics of the African genus Satanocrater (Acanthaceae)

Premise of the study Anatomical and morphological features of Satanocrater were studied to test hypotheses of xeric adaptations in the genus, which is endemic to arid tropical Africa. These features, together with molecular data, were used to test the phylogenetic placement of Satanocrater within the large plant family Acanthaceae. Methods We undertook a comparative study of four species of Satanocrater. Carbon isotope ratios were generated to test a hypothesis of C(4) photosynthesis. Molecular data from chloroplast (trnG-trnS, trnG-trnR, psbA-trnH) and nuclear (Eif3E) loci were used to test the placement of Satanocrater within Acanthaceae. Key results Anatomical features reflecting xeric adaptations of species of Satanocrater included a thick-walled epidermis, thick cuticle, abundant trichomes and glandular scales, stomata overarched by subsidiary cells, tightly packed mesophyll cells, and well-developed palisade parenchyma on both leaf surfaces. Although two species had enlarged bundle sheath cells, a feature often implicated in C(4) photosynthesis, isotope ratios indicated all species of Satanocrater use the C(3) pathway. Molecular data resolved Satanocrater within tribe Ruellieae with strong support. Within Ruellieae, our data suggest that pollen morphology of Satanocrater may represent an intermediate stage in a transition series. Conclusions Anatomical and morphological features of Satanocrater reflect adaptation to xeric environments and add new information about the biology of xerophytes. Morphological and molecular data place Satanocrater in the tribe Ruellieae with confidence. This study adds to our capacity to test hypotheses of broad evolutionary and ecological interest in a diverse and important family of flowering plants.
Clinical Correlates of Self-Mutilation Among Psychiatric Inpatients

AbstractThe charts of 660 consecutive admissions to a university psychiatric hospital were examined. After excluding those with mental retardation, 32 patients who had mutilated themselves and 88 patients admitted for unsuccessful suicide attempts were identified. Women were significantly overrepresented among the mutilators, but the groups did not differ with respect to age. Most analyses were restricted to women, of whom 27 were self-mutilators and 51 were nonmutilating suicide at-tempters. Mutilators were less likely to receive diagnoses of major depression or adjustment disorder but were more likely to have a history of substance abuse and receive Axis II diagnoses. The mutilative behavior was generally repetitive. The most common form was superficial cutting of the arms and wrists. Reports of lifetime sexual or physical abuse were more common among mutilators. Mutilators also had frequent histories of suicide attempts distinct from their mutilation behavior, multiple hospitalizations, and transfer to...
Low-Frequency Piezoelectric Energy Conversion for an Intrathoracic Artificial Heart

The present paper is concerned with an evaluation of a piezoelectric energy conversion system in which two columns of piezoelectric ceramic disks are excited axially by means of thin metallic shims stacked alternately with the disks. Mechanical energy output is extracted through the expansion and contraction of the Columns. The treatment is based upon the equivalent circuit approach first suggested by Mason. A lever system is used in making the mechanical impedance transformation between the very high force and small displacement of the piezoelectric columns and the low force and relatively large displacement required for an artificial heart. The role of mass loading in improving the power capability and efficiency of the energy converter is clearly indicated. It is concluded that the theoretical energy output per unit mass of material per cycle and the efficiency of conversion are such as to justify a continued developmental effort.
Testing the Computational Capabilities of Mobile Device Processors: Some Interesting Benchmark Results

Application development for mobile devices has become big business. Between the increasing computational capabilities of these devices, their ubiquity, and the availability of dozens of development environments, new applications for these devices are being produced daily by large companies and independent software entrepreneurs. As a result, many researchers are interested in the computational strength and potential of mobile devices. While benchmark tests for desktop and laptop processors are readily available, there are very few benchmarks available for the processors used in mobile devices. Rather, the data for mobile device capabilities are primarily limited to the usability of the devices, tests regarding overall features, and battery capacity. However, one of the major challenges of the on-going trend of researchers migrating computationally intensive algorithms originally designed for desktops to mobile devices is the lack of fundamental understanding of the computational capabilities of the processors of mobile devices. In order to address this significant gap in the research and to provide programmers with a better understanding of the computational capabilities and limitations of these devices, this research devised and ran a series of benchmark tests on several popular mobile phones. This paper describes the nature of the benchmark tests developed, presents the results, and highlights some of the interesting limitations which were identified in the process.
Systematics and Paleoecology of Haptocrinus buttsi, a New Species of Disparid Crinoid from the Upper Ordovician Hatter Limestone of Central Pennsylvania

Three crinoids are known from the Upper Ordovician Hatter Limestone at Union Furnace in central Pennsylvania, i.e., Haptocrinus buttsi n. sp., an unknown crinoid with a lichenocrinid holdfast, and an indeterminate columnal that probably belongs to a crinoid. Two crowns enable H. buttsi n. sp. to be reconstructed. The animal lived about 70 cm above the seafloor and was attached to a strophomenid brachiopod with a lichenocrinid holdfast. Its endotomous arms formed an efficient filtration net that covered much of the water within its planar filtration fan. The application of filtration theory indicates that H. buttsi n. sp. could begin to feed at a comparatively low ambient current velocity and balance its energy budget. Like many other ramulate disparids, H. buttsi n. sp. mainly collected moderately small food particles. As a member of the Tornatilicrinidae, H. buttsi n. sp. is a relatively primitive disparid. Another crinoid taxon bears a longer and thinner stem and a different type of lichenocrinid holdfast cemented to the same strophomenid shell. A third species, most likely a crinoid, is represented by a single columnal. The fauna lived in a quiet water lagoonal area, which is an unusual habitat for Paleozoic crinoids.
Biogenetic Effects of Opiates

Our laboratories have shown that opiate addicts have higher chromosome damage and sister chromatid exchange frequencies, and that these effects are more pronounced in the addicts when we employ enhanced culturing assays developed in our laboratory. We have also demonstrated that opiates diminish DNA repair capacity and reduce immunoresponsiveness as measured by T-cell E-rosetting and other assays. These interactions of opiates with T-lymphocytes may regulate cell metabolism and could thereby be responsible for the sensitivity of cells from opiate addicts to both genotoxic damage and immunological effects.
Diet and toenail arsenic concentrations in a New Hampshire population with arsenic-containing water

Background Limited data exist on the contribution of dietary sources of arsenic to an individual’s total exposure, particularly in populations with exposure via drinking water. Here, the association between diet and toenail arsenic concentrations (a long-term biomarker of exposure) was evaluated for individuals with measured household tap water arsenic. Foods known to be high in arsenic, including rice and seafood, were of particular interest.
Clock network design for ultra-low power applications

Robust design is a critical concern in ultra-low voltage operation due to large sensitivity to process and environmental variations. In particular, clock networks need careful attention to ensure robust distribution of well-defined clock signals to avoid setup and hold time violations. In this paper, we investigate the design methodology of robust clock networks for ultra-low voltage applications. A case study shows that an optimally-chosen clock network improves skew variation by 36× and energy consumption by 49%, compared to a typical clock network. Additionally, the impact of supply voltage and technology scaling on the optimal clock network construction is investigated.
Bridging the Clinical and Public Health Perspectives in Tobacco Treatment Research: Scenes from a Tobacco Treatment Research Career

This paper, delivered as the 2000 Joseph W. Cullen Memorial Award Lecture, reviews smoking cessation treatment research conducted over the past 15 years at the Center for Health Studies, Group Health COOPERATIVE: The research program includes assessment, treatment, and health services research that addressed four main questions: (a) What motivates people to quit smoking? (b) Are self-help interventions effective? (c) Can health care benefits impact the utilization of smoking cessation services? and (d) Does smoking cessation impact health care utilization and costs? In the area of motivation for smoking cessation, an intrinsic-extrinsic model of type of motivation for smoking cessation was used to develop and validate a reasons for quitting scale. Results from administration of the scale across different samples of smokers show that higher levels of intrinsic relative to extrinsic motivation predicts successful cessation. A series of five randomized trials of self-help interventions indicate that self-help interventions accompanied by motivational feedback and/or outreach telephone counseling can be effective. However, the same interventions did not improve long-term abstinence rates in non-volunteer samples of smokers. With regard to health care benefits, we find that full coverage of smoking cessation services improves the reach of proven interventions into the general population of smokers with no significant reductions in effectiveness. Furthermore, studies of smoking cessation and health care utilization find that, although quitters have higher initial costs, their costs go down at the same time that those of continuing smokers' begin to accelerate. Cessation appears to reverse a trajectory of higher health care costs.
Laser-induced surface acoustic waves: An alternative method to nanoindentation for the mechanical characterization of porous nanostructured thin film electrode media

Abstract The mechanical characterization of electrode materials in thin film lithium ion batteries is currently a sparse area. However, mechanical studies could offer valuable insight since the performance and breakdown of active materials is electromechanically coupled. In this paper, a porous nanostructured V 2 O 5 cathode thin film with demonstrated high electrochemical performance was investigated by a laser-induced surface acoustic wave technique (LiSAW) that mitigates some of the challenges associated with the popular nanoindentation technique. The intent was to explore the capability of LiSAW in measuring the elastic modulus of the nanostructured film such that a reliable methodology could be produced to mechanically characterize challenging electrode materials. LiSAW measured a modulus of 53 ± 4 GPa for the porous V 2 O 5 film and had no problems coping with the 40 nm roughness and delicate structure. On the other hand, nanoindentation produced a modulus of 50 ± 10 GPa, which is comparable to LiSAW, but with considerably higher uncertainty from roughness. For porous nanostructured electrodes, and other challenging films, that are too soft, thin, or delicate for traditional nanoindentation measurements, LiSAW is a potentially excellent alternative. LiSAW testing on many other electrode materials would be instrumental in developing a better understanding between the mechanical and electrochemical properties of thin film battery materials.
FACULTY RANK, EFFORT, AND SUCCESS: A STUDY OF PUBLICATION IN PROFESSIONAL JOURNALS

In recent years publication has become the central criterion in the appointment, promotion, and tenure of graduate faculty. Because normative data about publication effort and success have not been available to guide faculty personnel decisions, the author investigated variation in manuscript submission and acceptance, both within and across academic rank, among 509 faculty of 45 social work graduate programs. The results suggest that although faculty of all ranks made regular efforts to publish and achieved considerable success, higher academic rank was negatively associated with the frequency of manuscript submissions and positively associated with manuscript acceptance. The author concludes that the consistency of these empirical relationships in the cross-sectional data might evidence adherence to a traditional, academic model of publication within the schools where these faculty teach.
CONGENITAL DISCOID CARTILAGE

1. A case of discoid medial cartilage is describeâthe fifth so far recordedâand comparison is made with the previous cases in the literature.2. The origin of the anomaly, its incidence and clinical features are discussed.3. The view is expressed that discoid cartilage is a congenital lesion due to abnormal development, fibrocartilage being laid down in mesenchyme which normally disappears in the formation of the joint. It is not the effect of arrest of a normal process or persistence of a normal foetal state. The only time at which a cartilage may be said to be disc-shaped is in the earliest weeks of embryonic life, when the disc or plaque of undifferentiated mesenchyme is present between the developing bones. The central part of this mass disappears early, and the fibrocartilage develops in its peripheral portion. In a ten-weeks'-old embryo (37 millimetres) the cartilages were shown to have a crescentic shape like that of the adult cartilage.
Examining the Relationship between Flower Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Spatial Distribution and Blueberry (Ericales: Ericaceae) Flower Density

Summary Flower thrips tend to form areas of high population, termed ‘hot spots,’ in blueberry plantings. This study provided evidence that thrips density may be correlated with flower density in space. Further understanding of the relationship between flower density and thrips numbers could lead to better scouting and management programs.
The influence of anesthesia on hemodynamic responses to glucagon in intact dog.

SummaryThe effects of intravascular injection of glucagon (50 μg/kg) on systemic and pulmonary circulations were studied in urethane- and pentobarbital-anesthetized intact dogs. Maximal effects of ...
SPECTRA AND THE CONSTITUTION OF COAL AND DERIVATIVES

Infrared spectra, ultraviolet-visible absorption and reflection spectra, magnetic resonance spectra and mass spectra have been applied to the study of the constitution of coal and carbonaceous materials derived from coal. Intensities of ultraviolet-visible absorption and reflection are low throughout the spectrum. The spectra of the optical constants, refractive and absorption indices, for an 84% carbon coal vitrain have maximum values of only n = 1.80 and k = 0.092. Such data place rather low limits on the possible contents of polynuclear condensed aromatic structures in bituminous coal; the low hydrogen/carbon ratios in coals can be explained by three-dimensional aliphatic structures involving quaternary carbon atoms in diamond-like or amorphous structures. The color of coal and of coal hydrogenation asphaltene may be due mainly to the presence of free radicals rather than large polynuclear condensed aromatic structures. Changes in the color of asphaltene correlate quantitatively with free radical contents at different concentrations in solvents. Infrared spectra have shown the location of the energy gap at about 0.8 μ for bituminous coal; onset of electronic absorption occurs in the region of 1.9 μ. Infrared spectra and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra have provided structure information through the investigation of coals, irradiated coals, treated coals, and chars prepared from various substances. Chars prepared from compounds containing several hydroxyl groups, give coal-like infrared spectra. Char from an aromatic hydrocarbon such as anthracene in the absence of oxygen does not show the typical coal-like infrared absorption bands. Information on band assignments for coal is obtainable through the spectra of chars of various compounds. Free radical measurements on pile-irradiated coals have shown that only the coals of about 90% carbon show an increase in free radicals. Mass spectral techniques have been employed for quantitative analysis of high molecular weight products, particularly tar acid mixtures. Preliminary work on the direct mass spectrum of coal itself has shown interesting products and may lead to significant structure information.
Predicting nsSNPs that Disrupt Protein-Protein Interactions Using Docking

The human genome contains a large number of protein polymorphisms due to individual genome variation. How many of these polymorphisms lead to altered protein-protein interaction is unknown. We have developed a method to address this question. The intersection of the SKEMPI database (of affinity constants among interacting proteins) and CAPRI 4.0 docking benchmark was docked using HADDOCK, leading to a training set of 166 mutant pairs. A random forest classifier based on the differences in resulting docking scores between the 166 mutant pairs and their wild-types was used, to distinguish between variants that have either completely or partially lost binding ability. Fifty percent of non-binders were correctly predicted with a false discovery rate of only 2 percent. The model was tested on a set of 15 HIV-1 – human, as well as seven human- human glioblastoma-related, mutant protein pairs: 50 percent of combined non-binders were correctly predicted with a false discovery rate of 10 percent. The model was also used to identify 10 protein-protein interactions between human proteins and their HIV-1 partners that are likely to be abolished by rare non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs). These nsSNPs may represent novel and potentially therapeutically-valuable targets for anti-viral therapy by disruption of viral binding.
Charge-Withheld Converter-Reshuffling: A Countermeasure Against Power Analysis Attacks

Converter-reshuffling (CoRe) technique has recently been proposed as a power-efficient countermeasure against differential power analysis (DPA) attacks by randomly reshuffling the individual stages within a multiphase switched-capacitor voltage converter. This randomized reshuffling of the converter stages inserts noise to the monitored power profile and prevents an attacker from extracting the correct input power data. The total number of activated phases within a switch period, however, still correlates with the dynamic power consumption of the workload. To break the one-to-one relationship between the monitored and actual power consumption, a charge-withheld CoRe technique is proposed in this brief by utilizing the flying capacitors to withhold a random amount of charge for a random time period. As compared to the conventional CoRe technique, the proposed charge-withheld CoRe technique eliminates the possibility of having a zero power trace entropy (PTE) even under machine-learning-based DPA attacks. The average PTE of the monitored power profile is increased ∼46.1% with a 64-phase charge-withheld CoRe technique.
ADVANCED GEOLOGICAL PREDICTION OF TSP203 SYSTEM AND APPLICATION OF EXAMPLE

TSP(Tunnel Seismic Prediction)203 instrument is an ideal one to assure the security and quality of the tunnel construction in the field of data collecting、data processing、achievement explanation and high intelligence assessing. The application principles of the TSP203 system and fieldwork layout are introduced in the paper. By actual example analyzing, we can prove that TSP203 system can detect and forecast the geologic property、location and scale of the wall rock in the front of tunnel projects properly, which shows that this system can assure the security and quality of construction, prevent geologic disaster in effect and guide to fieldwork and supervision.
Progress in development and application of carbon fiber

Today,carbon fiber reinforced composite has been a focus of material science because of its excellent integrative properties.The investigation shows that the tensile strength and modulus as well as the density of carbon fiber are above 3500 MPa,230 GPa,only 1.76 ～1.94 g/cm,respectively.It was therefore concluded that carbon fiber has excellent mechanical properties and integrative performance.The Japan Toray company takes a lead in carbon fiber production and occupies the total market in collaboration with another two companies.However,the carbon fiber in China is developing at the lower level.The carbon fiber has been widely used in the many fields such as aerospace,space,military,sports,architecture,industry,traffic,energy and electronics and so on.The carbon fiber will basic production for forming a huge industrial band.
El sujeto marginal en la cuentista Julieta Pinto

En esta coleccion de cuentos Los marginados se trabaja una variedad de temas que estan relacionados con la vida de las personas en areas rurales y marginales de la sociedad. La marginalidad social a pesar de que siempre ha existido en el mundo, en esta epoca contemporanea los estudiosos en la materia le han prestado una mayor atencion tal vez por el crecimiento de estos sectores en las sociedades actuales. En general, en estos cuentos se hace un reclamo a la justicia social y los derechos humanos para todos. Los diferentes cuentos que hemos escogido para este trabajo permiten una muestra de los diferentes aspectos de la marginalizacion.
Communication challenges in a multi-sensor closed-loop artificial pancreas system

This paper describes the communication challenges associated with implementation of a multi-sensor artificial pancreas system on a smartphone device and presents solutions for potential communication losses. In particular, a standardized development framework on an Android device supporting multiple sensors is introduced in order to facilitate a multi-variable closed-loop AP algorithm. Package losses and communication link errors pose major challenges for the AP systems to overcome. The proposed solution offers a conservative model, wherein the controller application on the host smartphone requests status updates, resending of packages if necessary, and ultimately, warnings are issued to the user when data cannot be recovered.
Highly chemoselective ruthenium( ii )-catalyzed direct arylation of cyclic and N , N -dialkyl benzamides with aryl silanes

The ruthenium(II)-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling of C(sp2)–H bonds with organosilanes has been accomplished for the first time. This novel protocol enlists challenging cyclic and N,N-dialkyl benzamides as weakly-coordinating substrates to achieve highly regioselective C(sp2)–H arylation as a proof-of-concept, taking advantage of the attractive features of organosilanes as coupling partners. This innovative method is characterized by very high chemoselectivity, installing halide functional groups (I, Br, Cl) that are incompatible with Ru(II)-carboxylate systems employing halides as cross-coupling partners, while obviating the need for sensitive organometallic reagents and cryogenic temperatures typical to the classic directed-ortho-metallation (DoM) techniques, employing benzamides to afford bioactive structural motifs.