cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interfacial reactions between a Pb-Free solder and die backside metallizations

The interfacial reactions between Sn-3.0 Ag-0.7 Cu solder and backside metallizations on two semiconductor devices, field-effect transistors (FET) and diode, are studied. The metallizations on both devices were vacuum evaporated Ti/Ni/Ag. The intermetallic compounds (IMC) formed near the diode/solder and FET/solder joints during reflow, and the interdiffusion processes during solid state aging are characterized by the quantitative energy dispersive x-ray analysis and the x-ray mapping technique in a scanning electron microscope. Two different intermetallic compounds are found near the diode/solder interface. Both are in the form of particles, not a continuous layer, and are referred to as IMC-I and IMC-II. IMC-I corresponds to Ni3Sn4, with Cu atoms residing on the Ni sublattice. It is uncertain whether IMC-II is Cu6Sn5 or a Cu-Ni-Sn ternary phase. Near the as-reflowed FET/solder interface, both isolated scallops and a skeleton-like layer of Ni3Sn4 are observed. The primary microstructural dynamics during solid-state aging are the coarsening of IMCs and the reactions involving the Ni-and Ti-layer with Sn and Au. While the reaction with the Ni-layer yields only Ni3Sn4 intermetallic, the reaction involving the Ti-layer suggests the formation of Ti-Sn and Au-Sn-Ti intermetallics. The latter is due to the diffusion of Au from the substrate side to the die side. It is postulated that the kinetics of the Au-Sn-Ti layer is primarily governed by the diffusion of Au through the Ni3Sn4 layer by a grain boundary mechanism.
Schizophrenic feature recognition deficits are independent of task criterion.

The present study determined the minimal exposure time (i.e., critical stimulus duration (CSD) necessary for feature registration and recognition by normals and chronic schizophrenics. Our interest was whether the longer exposure times required by schizophrenics than by normals could be attributed to an inability of schizophrenics to maintain attention when the task criteria were stringent as opposed to 'loose'. The present findings support previous findings of impaired feature recognition by chronic schizophrenics. Chronic schizophrenics' and normals' CSDs were not affected by task criterion. The consistent performance by these groups on the 'loose' and 'rigid' task criteria suggest that if attentional lapses occur then they are as likely to occur for chronic schizophrenics as for normals and they are independent of the task's criterion. It is concluded that impaired feature registration for chronic schizophrenics is a consequence of a deficit at the earliest stage of encoding.
The association between abnormal cervical cytology and bacterial vaginosis

Objective: To determine the prevalence of cervical dysplasia in patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) Pap tests who have bacterial vaginosis (BV), compared with those without BV. Methods: This investigation was a prospective cohort study of 46 patients evaluated for ASCUS Pap tests. The prevalence of cervical dysplasia among women with BV, diagnosed by Gram stain using Nugent’s criteria, was compared with the prevalence of cervical dysplasia in women without BV. Results: Forty-one percent (19/46) of patients in the study had BV. Thirty-five percent (16/46) had cervical dysplasia. Among those with cervical dysplasia, 69% (11/16) had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 25% (4/16) had CIN 2, and 6% (1/16) had CIN 3. An additional five patients had condyloma or human papillomavirus changes detected on cervical biopsy, increasing the percent of patients with an abnormality to 46% (21/46). Among women with BV, 5 of 19 (26%, 95% CI 0.06–0.46) had an abnormality on biopsy. In women without BV, 16 of 27 (59%, 95% CI 0.40–0.78) had an abnormality on biopsy. The relative risk of having an abnormal biopsy after an ASCUS Pap test if BV was absent, compared with if BV was present, was 2.27 (P <0.05). The ratio of low-grade dysplasia to high-grade dysplasia was similar in both groups. Conclusions: Women with ASCUS Pap tests have a significant risk of having cervical dysplasia, some of which will be high grade. Women without BV have more than twice the incidence of cervical dysplasia and abnormal cervical biopsies, compared with women with BV.
What Client Behaviors Make Counselors Angry? An Exploratory Study

Counselors may feel anger when clients do not behave according to their expectations of what is a good client. Client resistance, client impositions, verbal attacks on the counselor, and overinvolvement by the counselor in client dynamics seem to be relatively common occurrences that annoy counselors. Possible counselor responses to these feelings are discussed.
Preliminary report of microstructures of probable biologic origin from the Mescal Formation (Proterozoic) of central Arizona

Abstract Microstructures of probable biologic origin have been described within early diagenetic chert from near the top of the Mescal Formation of Proterozo c (1.2–1.4 b.y.) age, from exposures in the vicinity of Horse Camp, McFadden Peak Quadrangle, Arizona. The structures, nearly all hematite in composition, are interpreted as replacements of microorganisms and have been divided into three categories: Type A, filamentous chains; Type B, discrete and grouped spherules; and Type C, globular aggregates. The Type A structures are interpreted as replacements of filamentous blue-green algae. Type B structures are thought to be replacements of blue-green algae, although the possibility exists that some may represent chlorophycean algae. Type C structures are tentatively interpreted as pyrite framboids subsequently altered to hematite.
Liquid crystal-directed polymer nanostructure for vertically aligned nematic cells

We demonstrate a fast switching surface polymer-assisted vertically aligned (SPA-VA) liquid crystal (LC) cell. The deposition of the polymer nano spikes as a part of the alignment layer is achieved by polymerizing a small amount of a reactive monomer in vertically aligned liquid crystal in the absent of an applied voltage. The phase-separated polymer localized at the both substrate surfaces and formed nano-sized spikes. These polymer nano-spikes act as internal surface alignment layers and enhance the speed of field-induced reorientation of liquid crystal molecules.
Passive wireless surface acoustic wave CO 2 sensor for geological sequestration sites monitoring

A passive wireless CO2 sensing system based on surface acoustic wave technology and carbon nanotube nanocomposite was developed. The gas response of the nanocomposite was about 10% resistance increase under pure CO2. The sensor frequency change was around 0.03% for pure CO2. With paralyne packaging, the sensor frequency change from relative humidity of 0% to 100% at room temperature decreased from over 0.1% to less than 0.01%. The lowest detection limit of the sensor is 1% gas concentration, with 0.0036% frequency change. Wireless module was tested and showed over one foot transmission distance at preferred parallel orientation.
CS1, arcade games and the free Java book

Computer game programming has been adopted by some instructors and schools in an effort to motivate students and make the learning more relevant to the student's world than the console programs many of their instructors learned with. This paper describes the author's experience teaching CS1 using the ACM Java library to write arcade game programs. An online book, the Free Java Book, has been written to support this approach. Experience over the last two years teaching with this approach will be shared and the book will be described.
The role of lymphotoxin receptor signaling in diseases.

LT, LIGHT, and TNF are core family members of the TNFR superfamily of cytokines. LT and LIGHT, produced primarily by lymphocytes, interact with LTβR expressed by stromal and epithelial cells. Extensive studies over the last decade have revealed a critical role of LT-LTβR interactions for organogenesis and maintenance of the secondary lymphoid organs and in the generation of an efficient humoral immune response to various pathogens. LTβRs function beyond the lymphoid organs shows valuable potential yet remains largely undefined. Recent studies indicate that LTβR signaling is required for liver regeneration, hepatitis, and hepatic lipid metabolism. The balance of beneficial and detrimental effects of LTβR is critical for understanding the mechanisms of autoimmune disease and liver function and may open a new avenue for therapeutic intervention. This review will discuss recent advances in understanding LTβRs role in various human and murine disease models while focusing on its regulation of and implications in various liver related diseases.
Validity and Reliability of Short Physical Activity History: Cardia and the Minnesota Heart Health Program

Validity and reliability of a short physical activity history were assessed in two studies. Validity was studied in 2766 women and 2303 men, participants in CARDIA, a biracial study. Ages ranged from 18 to 30 years. The activities performed in the past 12 months by ≥ 50 per cent of participants were
Reinventando las prácticas educativas del pasado para lograr el éxito pedagógico del futuro

En este articulo planteo que el futuro de la investigacion psicologica en procesos educativos se beneficiaria de un enfoque interdisciplinario que permitiera a los psicologos ubicar a sus objetos de estudio dentro de los contextos culturales, sociales e historicos de su investigacion. Una revision de recuentos antropologicos sobre las caracteristicas de la educacion en pequenas sociedades preindustriales cara a cara nos lleva a la pregunta sobre por que han surgido importantes obstaculos a la investigacion psicologica que busca implementar grandes cambios cualitativos en las practicas educativas modernas al transformarlas de tal forma que tengan las mismas propiedades educativas que las sociedades cara a cara. El articulo concluye con una descripcion de un sistema multidisciplinario, multi-institucional de educacion que responda a estos retos mientas que al mismo tiempo ofrece un modelo para educar a estudiantes de psicologia en un sistema multi-generacional de actividades con potenciales beneficios extensos.
Welcome to PIL

Distributed eLibrary, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Doha, Qatar Welcome to Perspectives in International Librarianship, an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal addressing issues impacting international librarianship. This new journal is being launched for two major reasons; to participate in the evolution of the open-access publishing movement, and to publish content on the broad and varied set of issues facing librarians around the world, now and in the future. Librarians are well aware of the advantages of open-access publishing; the wider and more immediate access to and sharing of published content and its impact on knowledge. As knowledge workers in a continuously changing world, librarians are adapting their services and indeed their approach to their work accordingly. Perspectives in International Librarianship is part of Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Journal’s open-access portal QScience.com, a response to change in its own right. Technology has been the primary catalyst to change, not only in our field, but the world, as we know it, in the last three decades. The unprecedented nature and speed of technological change have provided new opportunities for interaction, empowerment and knowledge sharing. Although many libraries and their patrons have benefited greatly from these changes, many have not had the opportunity to participate. It is our hope that this journal will reach librarians in different situations around the world and that they will share their experiences, broadening our awareness and understanding of the issues facing us as librarians. To give a small taste of what is to come, readers can expect articles in the next few weeks which address knowledge management in libraries, evidence-based library and information practice, video-technology in an information literacy program and the role of international library associations. With the generous assistance and expertise of the editorial board, I hope you will choose Perspectives in International Librarianship to share your library experiences and research findings in the future.
Geometrical Simplification of Complex Kinetic Systems

The use of low-dimensional manifolds to simplify the description of complicated systems of kinetics equations is investigated. Many models exhibit a generic behavior, whereby kinetic trajectories rapidly approach a surface of much lower dimension than that of the full phase space of concentrations, and subsequently show slow relaxation to equilibrium restricted to the surface. Traditional methods, such as the quasi-steady-state approximation, can be viewed as approximate schemes to construct the low dimensional manifolds. A number of techniques for the construction of low-dimensional manifolds are discussed and compared. A more general formulation of several previous methods is provided. A new technique, the global eigenvalue method, is derived. This method combines the conceptual advantages of the Maas−Pope algorithm with the accuracy of global trajectory propagation. One- and two-dimensional manifolds are constructed using the global eigenvalue method for a 38-reaction mechanism for hydrogen combustion....
Regulation of Na/K/Cl cotransport in vascular smooth muscle cells

Abstract The regulation of Na/K/Cl cotransport was investigated in vascular smooth muscle cells. That a Na/K/Cl cotransport system exists was established by the finding that the ouabain insensitive K influx was sensitive to the “loop” diuretic bumetanide. Furthermore, bumetanide sensitive K influx was dependent upon the presence of both Na and Cl in the extracellular milieu. Bumetanide sensitive K influx was inhibited by agents which elevate cellular cyclic AMP levels, and to a lesser extent by agents which elevate cellular cyclic GMP levels. When serum, EGF or TPA was added, bumetanide sensitive K influx was enhanced. These results suggest that vascular smooth muscle cells have a ouabain insensitive, bumetanide sensitive Na/K/Cl cotransport system which is stimulated by serum, EGF or TPA and inhibited by cAMP or cGMP.
Status of Laser-Fusion Research

The use of lasers to initiate fusion of the heavy isotopes of hydrogen for production of commercial electric power has been under investigation for the past five years at a significant level. While some problems have been identified, a great deal of progress has been made including the observation of substantial compression. The present outlook is promising and the laser technique now is recognized as a possible alternate to magnetic containment techniques for fusion power applications.
The evolution of soot precursor particles in a diffusion flame

Abstract The chemical evolution of soot precursor particles on the centerline of the laminar ethene diffusion flame has been analyzed using laser microprobe mass spectrometry (LMMS) as they undergo the transition to carbonaceous aggregates. LMMS is a reliable microanalytical technique for the detection of intermediate and heavy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particulate material. The analyses show that many of the masses present within the precursor particles coincide with those predicted by Stein and Fahr (1985) to be most thermodynamically stable (stabilomers). The stabilomer PAHs that consist solely of six-membered rings, the benzenoid PAHs, prove to be the most important members of the stabilomer grid. Pericondensed PAHs as large 472 amu, which is attributed to the molecule C 38 H 16 with 12 hexagonal rings, are found to be constituents of the precursor particles. The PAH mass distribution diverges to the larger sizes with increasing height in the flame, and includes many of the species identified by others as gas-phase PAH constituents in hydrocarbon flames. Carbonization on the centerline of the flame occurs abruptly between 35 and 40 mm above the burner where the particle metamorphosis (from single precursor liquid-like particles to fused aggregates) and the decrease in hydrogen mole fraction (from 0.35 to 0.15) simultaneously occur. The presence of stabilomer PAHs reported by others in the particulate combustion product of a variety of fuels—aliphatic and aromatic gases, diesel fuel, crude oil, kerogen, carbon black feed stock, cigarette tobacco, and biomass—suggests that the stabilomer grid represents the common path for the growth of PAHs which contribute to the formation of carbonaceous soot in these diverse instances. This observation can account for the previously noted invariance of the soot product of combustion from diverse fuels and devices.
Developmental effects of aggressive behavior in male adolescents assessed with structural and functional brain imaging

Aggressive behavior is common during adolescence. Although aggression-related functional changes in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and frontopolar cortex (FPC) have been reported in adults, the neural correlates of aggressive behavior in adolescents, particularly in the context of structural neurodevelopment, are obscure. We used functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the blood oxygenation level-depended signal and cortical thickness. In a block-designed experiment, 14�17-year old adolescents imagined aggressive and non-aggressive interactions with a peer. We show reduced vmPFC activation associated with imagined aggressive behavior as well as enhanced aggression-related activation and cortical thinning in the FPC with increasing age. Changes in FPC activation were also associated with judgments of the severity of aggressive acts. Reduced vmPFC activation was associated with greater aggression indicating its normal function is to exert inhibitory control over aggressive impulses. Concurrent FPC activation likely reflects foresight of harmful consequences that result from aggressive acts. The correlation of age-dependent activation changes and cortical thinning demonstrates ongoing maturation of the FPC during adolescence towards a refinement of social and cognitive information processing that can potentially facilitate mature social behavior in aggressive contexts.
On new quasi-type-2 fuzzy logic systems

This paper provides an answer to the question that the type-2 fuzzy logic community is now asking: ldquoWhat comes after interval type-2 fuzzy logic systems (TT2 FLSs)?rdquo It demonstrates, through a geometrical understanding of the type-reduced set, that logical next steps in the progression from type-1 to interval type-2 to type-2 FLSs are quasi-T2 FLSs, either an interconnection of a T1 FLS and an IT2 FLS, or an interconnection of two IT2 FLSs, in which both FLSs are designed simultaneously. The quasi-T2 FLSs overcome the computational difficulties that are associated with set theoretic operations and type-reduction (TR) for general T2 FSs and FLSs, because all set theoretic operations can be performed as in existing T1 or IT2 FLSs, and because TR for an IT2 FLS can be performed using existing KM algorithms.
Patient Characteristics and Differences in Hospital Readmission Rates.

Importance Medicare penalizes hospitals with higher than expected readmission rates by up to 3% of annual inpatient payments. Expected rates are adjusted only for patients’ age, sex, discharge diagnosis, and recent diagnoses. Objective To assess the extent to which a comprehensive set of patient characteristics accounts for differences in hospital readmission rates. Design, Setting, and Participants Using survey data from the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and linked Medicare claims for HRS participants enrolled in Medicare who were hospitalized from 2009 to 2012 (n = 8067 admissions), we assessed 29 patient characteristics from survey data and claims as potential predictors of 30-day readmission when added to standard Medicare adjustments of hospital readmission rates. We then compared the distribution of these characteristics between participants admitted to hospitals with higher vs lower hospital-wide readmission rates reported by Medicare. Finally, we estimated differences in the probability of readmission between these groups of participants before vs after adjusting for the additional patient characteristics. Main Outcomes and Measures All-cause readmission within 30 days of discharge. Results Of the additional 29 patient characteristics assessed, 22 significantly predicted readmission beyond standard adjustments, and 17 of these were distributed differently between hospitals in the highest vs lowest quintiles of publicly reported hospital-wide readmission rates (P ≤ .04 for all comparisons). Almost all of these differences (16 of 17) indicated that participants admitted to hospitals in the highest quintile of readmission rates were more likely to have characteristics that were associated with a higher probability of readmission. The difference in the probability of readmission between participants admitted to hospitals in the highest vs lowest quintile of hospital-wide readmission rates was reduced by 48% from 4.41 percentage points with standard adjustments used by Medicare to 2.29 percentage points after adjustment for all patient characteristics assessed (reduction in difference: −2.12; 95% CI, −3.33 to −0.67;P = .003). Conclusions and Relevance Patient characteristics not included in Medicare’s current risk-adjustment methods explained much of the difference in readmission risk between patients admitted to hospitals with higher vs lower readmission rates. Hospitals with high readmission rates may be penalized to a large extent based on the patients they serve.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 have differential effects on food intake and gastric emptying in fasted rats.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are thought to mediate the onset of anorexia with infection. Animal studies suggest that gastric stasis accompanies IL-1-induced anorexia, and that food intake and gastric emptying of IL-1-injected rats are improved by pretreatment with ibuprofen (ibu), an inhibitor of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. The purpose of the present study was to determine if gastric stasis accompanies the reduced food intake induced by intraperitoneal injection of TNFa or IL-6 and whether these effects are mediated by PG. Injection of TNFa reduced food intake of fasted rats, but did not affect gastric emptying; injection of IL-6 reduced both food intake and gastric emptying. Pretreatment with 10 mg/kg ibu improved food intake of TNFa-injected animals, but did not affect food intake or gastric emptying of IL-6-injected animals. These data indicate that although IL-6 and TNFa have overlapping effects on food intake, the mechanisms of action are not identical. Delayed gastric emptying does not play a major role in the anorexigenic effects of TNFa, and PG synthesis does not play a major role in the anorexigenic effects of IL-6. These findings may be helpful in the development of interventions to improve nutritional intake during infection.
North-south differences in US emergency department visits for acute allergic reactions.

Background In a previous study, latitude was positively associated with EpiPen prescription rates. Objective To determine whether a similar geographic difference exists for emergency department (ED) visits for acute allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis). Methods We combined National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data for ED visits to noninstitutional hospitals from 1993 to 2005. Acute allergic reactions were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 995.0, 995.60-995.69, 995.1, 995.2, 995.3, 989.5, and 693.1, and visit rates were compared across standardized geographic divisions. Results Between 1993 and 2005, there were 17.3 million ED visits for acute allergic reactions, representing 1.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2%-1.3%) of all ED visits. Per 1000 population, the Northeast had 5.5 visits (95% CI, 4.7-6.2 visits) and the South had 4.9 visits (95% CI, 4.3-5.6 visits). In a multivariable model, the Northeast had a higher odds ratio (OR) than the South (1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.27; P = .04). The association was stronger when restricting the analysis to visits for food-related allergic reactions (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.14-1.56; P Conclusions The ED visit rates for acute allergic reactions are higher in northeastern vs southern regions. These observational data are consistent with the hypothesis that vitamin D may play an etiologic role in anaphylaxis, especially food-induced anaphylaxis.
Adhesive phase separation at the dentin interface under wet bonding conditions.

Under in vivo conditions, there is little control over the amount of water left on the tooth and, thus, there is the danger of leaving the dentin surface so wet that the bonding resin undergoes physical separation into hydrophobic and hydrophilic-rich phases. The purpose of this study was to investigate phase separation in 2,2-bis[4(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxy-propyloxy)-phenyl] propane (BisGMA)-based adhesive using molecular microanalysis and to examine the effect of phase separation on the structural characteristics of the hybrid layer. Model BisGMA/HEMA (hydroxyethl methacrylate) mixtures with/without ethanol and commercial BisGMA-based adhesive (Single Bond) were combined with water at concentrations from 0 to 50 vol%. Macrophase separation in the BisGMA/HEMA/water mixtures was detected using cloud point measurements. In parallel with these measurements, the BisGMA/HEMA and adhesive/water mixtures were cast as films and polymerized. Molecular structure was recorded from the distinct features in the phase-separated adhesive using confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM). Human dentin specimens treated with Single Bond were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and CRM mapping across the dentin/adhesive interface. The model BisGMA/HEMA mixtures with ethanol and the commercial BisGMA-based adhesive experienced phase separation at ∼25 vol% water. Raman spectra collected from the phase-separated adhesive indicated that the composition of the particles and surrounding matrix material was primarily BisGMA and HEMA, respectively. Based on SEM analysis, there was substantial porosity at the adhesive interface with dentin. Micro-Raman spectral analysis of the dentin/adhesive interface indicates that the contribution from the BisGMA component decreases by nearly 50% within the first micrometer. The morphologic results in corroboration with the spectroscopic data suggest that as a result of adhesive phase separation the hybrid layer is not an impervious 3-dimensional collagen/polymer network but a porous web characterized by hydrophobic BisGMA-rich particles distributed in a hydrophilic HEMA-rich matrix. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 62: 447–456, 2002
Program ENERGY: Successful dissemination to an isolated high-risk rural location Cortez, CO.

Program ENERGY is a science/health-inquiry learning enrichment classroom program (body science, health, nutrition) designed to prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes. Effectiveness of Program ENERGY-Cortez (PE-C) for 2nd and 3rd graders and their parents in a rural, low-income (54% free or reduced school lunch), high Native American and Hispanic population in Southwestern CO was determined. The principals and classroom educators approved the program after reviewing its objectives and methods. PE-C was delivered by an experienced graduate student and volunteers recruited from the community. Volunteers included both high school and nursing students. In kind donations were provided by several small local businesses, providing materials for teaching aids, rewards and snacks. The intervention school students received the Program ENERGY curriculum including 16 bi-weekly classroom lessons (topic introduction, a hands-on inquiry science activity, and a healthy snack). A comparison school did not receive the program. Effectiveness was evaluated by pre-/post-assessments (beginning and end of school year). Results of pre- and post-tests show statistically significant improvements in the intervention school compared to the comparison school: health and science knowledge, attitudes (e.g. healthy food-selection), behaviors (increased body acceptance), and increased interest in science/health-related careers. These improvements were similar to those observed in the initial implementation in Fort Collins, CO. PE-C is an effective elementary school/family-based intervention with high rates of enrollment/retention, positive evaluations by children/educators that produced significant positive outcomes in health/science knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and increased interest in science- and health-related careers.
Robinson instability and longitudinal mode coupling

K.W. Robinson's (1956) stability conditions for a beam-cavity interaction system in a synchrotron or a storage ring are rederived by using F.J. Sacherer's (1977) integral equation. The relation between the maximum stable beam current and the cavity detuning is reproduced with a correction to account for the equilibrium phase-space distribution of beam particles. The coupling between the longitudinal dipole and quadrupole modes is also studied. It is found that the coupling modifies Robinson's stability conditions significantly in the small cavity detuning region. >
Making B+-tree efficient in PCM-based main memory

Phase change memory (PCM) is a promising technology for building future large-scale and low-power main memory systems. Main memory databases (MMDBs) can benefit from the high density of PCM. However, its long write latency, high write energy, and limited lifetime, bring challenges to database algorithm design for PCM-based memory systems. In this paper, we focus on making B+-tree PCM-friendly by reducing the write accesses to PCM. We propose three different schemes. Experimental results show that they can efficiently improve the performance, reduce the memory energy consumption, and improve the lifetime for PCM memory.
Current views on clinical complete response in patients with rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiation

following neoadjuvant treatment was documented in patients treated with external beam radiation (without chemotherapy) who could not have a rectal cancer operation because the operative risk was prohibitive, the tumor was unresectable or because patients simply opted out of surgical treatment. In this cohort, cCR was 30%, and local relapse occurred in 78% of patients at 18 months. In total, 29% of patients underwent salvage surgery and the 5-year survival of these patients was 43%. The 5-year overall survival (OS) in this cohort was 27% [5]. In 2004, Habr-Gama’s group published their observations in rectal cancer patients who achieved a cCR following CRT [6]. In this study, only patients with rectal tumors within 0–7 cm from the anal verge were observed. They all received preoperative radiotherapy (50.4 Gy) and chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil [425 mg/m 2 /d] + folinic acid [20 mg/m 2 /d]). Pretreatment staging was not clearly characterized and not all patients underwent EUS. MRI was not utilized for “The introduction of circular stapling devices, total mesorectal excision and neoadjuvant chemoradiation have made substantial advances in the management of adenocarcinoma of the rectum.”
Nonconvexity of the capacity region of the multiple-access arbitrarily varying channel subject to constraints

The multiaccess arbitrarily varying channel (MAVC) subject to state and input constraints models a channel that is subject to jamming or unknown, time-varying uncertainties. The random-code capacity region has been characterized under two different assumptions. Under the assumption that the random encoders are statistically independent, the capacity region is completely characterized. In addition, it is shown by means of a simple erasure channel that this capacity region, /spl Cscr/, is not always convex. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a synchronous multiple-access channel with a nonconvex capacity region. When the random encoders are permitted to be statistically dependent, the capacity region is denoted by /spl Cscr/~. Clearly /spl Cscr//spl sube//spl Cscr/~. It is known that /spl Cscr/~ is always convex. By considering another erasure channel, it is shown that even when /spl Cscr/ is convex, it is possible for /spl Cscr/ to be a proper subset of /spl Cscr/~. In fact, the set-theoretic difference, /spl Cscr/~//spl Cscr/, has a nonempty interior. Hence, permitting the codebooks to be dependent can increase the capacity region. >
Development and distribution of noradrenergic and cholinergic neurons and their trophic phenotypes in the avian ceruleus complex and midbrain tegmentum.

We investigated the development of noradrenergic and cholinergic neurons in the ceruleus complex and mesencephalic tegmentum in embryonic and posthatch chickens and compared the distribution of transmitter phenotypes with the expression of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) mRNA and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) mRNA. Noradrenergic and cholinergic neurons were visualized by using antibodies against dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), respectively. Expression of receptors for trophic factors was determined by using in situ hybridization techniques. Noradrenergic neurons concentrate in caudal parts of the locus ceruleus and nucleus subceruleus. Cholinergic ceruleus neurons are abundant in the nucleus mesencephalicus profundus, pars ventralis (MPv) as well as in the nucleus subceruleus and locus ceruleus. This cholinergic population resembles the cholinergic pontomesencephalotegmental complex of mammals. Both DBH and ChAT label is evident at and after six days of incubation (E6). The distribution and numbers of immunolabeled neurons are similar in the embryonic and posthatch chick. Initially, many tegmental and ceruleus neurons express substantial levels of NGFR mRNA (E7–E9). After E9, expression of NGFR mRNA decreases in most of these neurons, except for a distinct subpopulation of neurons in caudal parts of the ceruleus complex with increased levels of NGFR transcripts. These NGFR-positive neurons coincide in number and distribution with the noradrenergic subpopulation of the ceruleus complex (800--900 neurons). Expression of FGFR mRNA was first detected in ceruleus neurons at E13. Neurons with FGFR transcripts have the same number and distribution as the neurons with the cholinergic phenotype (2,000–-2,300 neurons). Transmitter heterogeneity in the ceruleus complex is reflected by a heterogeneity of receptors for trophic factors, with NGFR expressed in the noradrenergic subpopulation, and FGFR expressed in the cholinergic subpopulation. These findings provide evidence for new chemoarchitectonic subdivisions of the avian ceruleus complex. The data showing onset of ChAT expression prior to the onset of FGFR expression argue against a role of FGFR in the determination of the cholinergic transmitter phenotype. Expression of NGFR in the noradrenergic ceruleus subpopulation reveals remarkable species differences as compared to mammals.
Mean Field and Monte Carlo Modeling of Multiblock Copolymers

Abstract We compare for multiblock copolymers the results of mean field calculations with those from Monte Carlo simulations based on the bond uctuation method and experimental results from scattering data. The application of Leibler's [1] theory for copolymers and the results of Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the microphase separation transition occurs at larger xN as the number of blocks is increased beyond two (i.e., beyond diblock), and that the characteristic length scale of the emerging morphology decreases as the number of blocks increases. The latter is in qualitative agreement with published experimental results [2] for model multiblock poly(styrene-isoprene) systems and recent results [3] for a segmented poly(ester-urethane).
NEEDED: A UNIFIED INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT LONG‐TERM SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON PUBLIC LANDS

We have gone from the early day philosophy that "if national parks were simply left alone they would survive forever" (Botkin 1990, Sellars 1997, Parsons 2004) to the current situation where parks are jeopardized by serious environmental threats both within and outside of their borders (e.g., Pringle 2000). While science alone cannot solve the environmental problems facing public lands, it can lead us to ask the right questions and result in critical information for management and policy needs (e.g., National Research Council [NRC] 1992, Sellars 1997). Unfortunately, we lack a unified infrastructure that supports long-term scientific research on public lands and facilitates application of that science to management. We believe that long-term scientific research would provide essential knowledge for management of public lands, a viewpoint expressed by others as well (Callahan 1984, Likens 1989). Our goals in this commentary are to highlight: (1) the scope and magnitude of environmental problems facing U.S. public lands; (2) the lack of long-term scientific information available to identify and address these problems; and finally (3) the value of long-term research, by using a few examples from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Long-term Ecological Research Program. U.S. public lands are facing environmental problems of increasing scope and magnitude. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) recently began issuing an annual list of "America's Ten Most Endangered National Parks" to draw public attention to the endangered status of many park units (NPCA 2002a). Environmental challenges include air pollution, threats to water resources, and recreational impacts of snowmobiles. NPCA's third annual listing of endangered parks includes Big Bend National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park, Glacier National Park, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Ocmulgee National Monument, Valley Forge National Historical Park, and Yellowstone National Park. To highlight the impacts of air pollution, which are evident throughout the national park system, NPCA also established its "Code Red" list of "Amer-
Effect of porosity on electrochemical and mechanical properties of composite Li-ion anodes:

The electrochemical and mechanical performance of composite anodes for Li+ batteries is greatly affected by the matrix porosity. The role of porosity in the retention of the electrochemical capacity and mechanical durability was investigated for composite anodes with polyvinylidene fluoride/acetylene black matrix and graphite or Sn microscale particles. Graphite anodes with porosities between 40% and 50% demonstrated reliable mechanical performance after electrochemical cycling and consistent electrochemical capacity above 45% porosity cycled at C/5 rate. However, graphite anodes with porosities larger than 50% had negligible mechanical strength. The results of the mechanical and electrochemical studies identified an optimum porosity of ∼45% at which the graphite anodes had the highest initial elastic modulus and good strength and extensibility, which also agreed with the properties of the polyvinylidene fluoride/acetylene black matrix for the same porosity. The mechanical performance of Sn anodes, howeve...
PTEN regulates the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of the CDK inhibitor p27KIP1 through the ubiquitin E3 ligase SCFSKP2

Abstract The PTEN tumor suppressor acts as a phosphatase for phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) [1, 2]. We have shown previously that PTEN negatively controls the G1/S cell cycle transition and regulates the levels of p27 KIP1 , a CDK inhibitor [3, 4]. Recently, we and others have identified an ubiquitin E3 ligase, the SCF SKP2 complex, that mediates p27 ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis [5–7]. Here we report that PTEN and the PI 3-kinase pathway regulate p27 protein stability. PTEN-deficiency in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells causes a decrease of p27 levels with concomitant increase of SKP2, a key component of the SCF SKP2 complex. Conversely, in human glioblastoma cells, ectopic PTEN expression leads to p27 accumulation, which is accompanied by a reduction of SKP2. We found that ectopic expression of SKP2 alone is sufficient to reverse PTEN-induced p27 accumulation, restore the kinase activity of cyclin E/CDK2, and partially overcome the PTEN-induced G1 cell cycle arrest. Consistently, recombinant SCF SKP2 complex or SKP2 protein alone can rescue the defect in p27 ubiquitination in extracts prepared from cells treated with a PI 3-kinase inhibitor. Our findings suggest that SKP2 functions as a critical component in the PTEN/PI 3-kinase pathway for the regulation of p27 KIP1 and cell proliferation.
Object mapping, recognition, and localization from tactile geometry

We present a method for performing object recognition using multiple images acquired from a tactile sensor. The method relies on using the tactile sensor as an imaging device, and builds an object representation based on mosaics of tactile measurements. We then describe an algorithm that is able to recognize an object using a small number of tactile sensor readings. Our approach makes extensive use of sequential state estimation techniques from the mobile robotics literature, whereby we view the object recognition problem as one of estimating a consistent location within a set of object maps. We examine and test approaches based on both traditional particle filtering and histogram filtering. We demonstrate both the mapping and recognition / localization techniques on a set of raised letter shapes using real tactile sensor data.
Effects of Clone, Silvicultural, and Miticide Treatments on Cottonwood Leafcurl Mite (Acari: Eriophyidae) Damage in Plantation Populus

Abstract Aculops lobuliferus (Keifer) is a little known pest of plantation Populus spp., which is capable of causing substantial damage. This is the first documented occurrence of A. lobuliferus in South Carolina. Previous anecdotal data indicated clonal variation in Populus susceptibility to A. lobuliferus damage. A damage rating scale was created to monitor mite damage in 2000–2001 in a short-rotation woody crop plantation; damage descriptions and seasonal phenology also were recorded. Foliar damage and terminal mortality were monitored on two Populus deltoides Bartr. clones, ST66 and S7C15, receiving one of three silvicultural treatments (irrigated [I], fertilized [F], or I+F) or no treatment (control). In 2001, early season foliar damage ratings were significantly higher on clone S7C15; however, damage on clone ST66 was greater after miticide treatments later in the year. Terminal mortality did not differ between clones. Silvicultural treatment significantly affected foliar damage levels in both clone...
A pan Her inhibitor, BMS-599626, augments radiosensitivity of HN5 cells by increasing radiation-induced apoptosis and inhibiting DNA repair.

B247 Purpose: BMS-599626 is a small molecule kinase inhibitor that primarily inhibits Her1 and Her2. Thus, it has potential to be an effective antitumor agent and improve the efficacy of cytotoxic treatments including radiotherapy, possibly more so than agents that affect a single Her receptor. The present investigation tested whether BMS-599626 enhances in vitro radiosensitivity of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, and if so, what are the underlying mechanisms. Methods: HN-5 and UMSCC-10 cell lines were chosen for the study, as HN-5 cells express high levels of Her1 and Her2 proteins and UMSCC-10 cells express Her2 only and no detectable amount of Her1 protein. The effect of BMS-599626 on cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. The cells were irradiated with graded single doses of γ-radiation with or without the presence of BMS-599626 (300nM or 600nM). The drug was added to cell cultures 6 h before and kept in the medium for 66 h after irradiation. The cells were allowed to form colonies in drug free medium for 10 more days to assess clonogenic cell survival. At specific time points after BMS-599626, irradiation, or both, cells were assessed for apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and for protein expression related to the cell cycle, apoptosis and DNA repair. Results: BMS-599626 (50 nM - 1μM, 72 h) inhibited the growth of HN-5 cells but not UMSCC-10 cells. When combined with radiation, BMS-599626 (300nM or 600nM) significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity of HN-5 but not UMSCC-10 cells assessed by clonogenic cell survival. The enhancement factor at survival fraction of 0.5 was 1.30 for 300 nM and 1.43 for 600 nM of BMS-599626. In HN-5, but not in UMSCC-10 cells, BMS-599626 increased radiation-induced apoptosis and induced accumulation in the G1 cell cycle phase. At the molecular level, in HN-5 cells the agent inhibited the expression of EGFR, HER2, cyclin E, pRb, pAkt, pCDK1/2, and Ku70 proteins. In addition, BMS-599626 prolonged the presence of γ-H2AX foci up to 24 h after radiation assessed by immunocytochemistry. Conclusion: BMS-599626 significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity of HN-5 cells, expressing both Her1 and Her2, but had no significant effect on radiosensitivity of UMSCC-10 cells expressing Her2 only. The mechanisms involved in the observed enhancement were multiple including induction of apoptosis, cell cycle rearrangement and inhibition of DNA repair. These in vitro data suggest that BMS-599626 has potential to increase tumor response to radiotherapy and warrants further investigation using in vivo tumor models.
Newly recognized lipid carrier proteins in fetal life.

An attempt is made in this review to summarize new findings that propose the direct involvement of two fetal proteins (i.e, fetuin and alpha-fetoprotein) in fatty acid transport and delivery to cells. The presence of these proteins at a high plasma concentration in fetal life and the critical need for fatty acids during development strongly support this hypothesis. Tissue and cell specificities involved in the uptake of these fetal proteins and the mechanism of fatty acid delivery awaits further research.
Simple Mechanism for the Dimerization of Ethylene by Gas-Phase CrOH+

Dimerization of ethylene by gas-phase chromium hydroxide (CrOH+) has been experimentally observed. Recent theoretical work suggests the most likely mechanism associated with this process involves formation of a metallacycle intermediate and involves two spin-inversion processes. We propose a different mechanism that involves the formation of a chromium-aqua complex. While the energetics of this new mechanism are similar to previously proposed mechanisms, all intermediates and transition states remain on the same spin surface as both the reactants and products.
Some Normal Laboratory Values in the Dog

SummaryHematologic and clinical chemical data were obtained on 3 occasions in over 100 apparently healthy female mongrel dogs. Procedures are described and the normal ranges presented.