cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing the assumptions of classification agreement, accuracy, and predictable healing time of sea lamprey wounds on lake trout

Abstract Sea lamprey control in the Laurentian Great Lakes relies on records of sea lamprey wounds on lake trout to assess whether control efforts are supporting fisheries management targets. Wounding records have been maintained for 70 years under the assumption that they are a reliable and accurate reflection of sea lamprey damage inflicted on fish populations. However, two key assumptions underpinning the use of these data need thorough evaluation: sea lamprey wounds follow a predictable healing progression, and individuals classify wounds accurately and reliably. To assess these assumptions, we conducted a workshop where experienced professionals examined lake trout with known sea lamprey wounds. For most lake trout, pictures were taken at regular intervals during the healing process. Our evaluation of wound pictures found high variability in healing times and wound progressions that did not conform to the currently used classification system. Participants’ wound classification agreement and accuracy were low and misclassification rates were high for most wound types. Training provided during the workshops did not markedly improve these metrics. We assessed wound classification accuracy for the first time and found assumptions of high accuracy and agreement are not met. We recommend misclassification rates be incorporated into models using wound data, sensitivity analyses be conducted to assess the potential impact of wound misclassification on estimates of key metrics (such as sea lamprey-induced mortality for lake trout), and alternative biomarkers be developed to quantify wound status with greater accuracy and precision.
Religion and Sciences

The intersection of religion and science has been both more complex and less conflictive than is frequently depicted by those who cite the trial of Galileo, the dispute over the theological implications of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, and the Scopes trial as evidence of the historical incompatibility of religious beliefs and science. This article suggests that a complexity thesis better accounts for the relationship than the more familiar conflict thesis. It surveys the history of the relations between religion and science in the Western tradition from the fifth century BC to the present, with special reference to Christianity.
3D printed ABS/paraffin hybrid rocket fuels with carbon dots for superior combustion performance

Abstract In this research, the combustion performance of a novel, composite hybrid rocket fuel grain composed of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Paraffin was investigated to understand the effects of incorporation of a novel nanomaterial: gel-like carbon dots (CDs), into the paraffin component. ABS fuel grains with straight ports were 3D printed and used as molds into which base and 1 wt% CD-loaded paraffin materials were casted separately. For control, pure ABS fuel grains were also printed. All fuel grains were exposed to ballistic tests using the lab-scale test setup where gaseous oxygen (GOX) was employed as oxidizer. Test results exhibited that ABS/CD-loaded paraffin fuel grains manifested a maximum combustion efficiency and regression rate of 88% and 1.29 mm/s, which marked enhancements of about 8.5% and 11% compared to ABS/pure paraffin fuel grains, respectively. Despite the compromise in the mechanical properties, the enhancement in combustion characteristics of CD-loaded fuel grains was attributed to lower viscosity, higher particle entrainment, specific surface area and catalytic activity
21 Implementing team based care to improve cervical cancer screening rate in community based resident run clinic

Background In 2015, for every 100,000 women, 8 new Cervical Cancer cases were reported and 2 died of cancer. The introduction of effective screening has led to a steady decrease in Invasive Cervical Cancer incidence and mortality in high-income countries however Socioeconomic status and access to health have created a cervical cancer disparity gap. This QI project was undertaken to evaluate and improve cervical cancer screening rates at a community-based resident-run IM clinic. Objectives Increase screening rate to 50% by Dec 2018 and sustain increase rates to above 45% in all months in 2019. Methods At the start of 2018, physician data reported that screening rates at the clinic were 36%, lower than those of our other clinical practices. A clinical survey was completed to assess patient understanding of cervical cancer screening. The first intervention was sharing individual provider data with the residents. This was a weak intervention and did not improve rates of screening. Our second intervention was a team-based approach and pre-visit planning: identify patients and calling them1–2 days ahead and including PAP in the daily huddle. Results The original survey showed that out of 124 women, 66 needed screening. Surveys intensified lack of continuity; several listed PCPs were not seeing their own patients, patients unsure of resources, and financial concerns as barriers. The team-based approach showed that more PAPs were being done per week, and was streamlined with staff feedback to minimize disruption to current workflow. With a goal of 50% by the end of 2018, we were able to achieve 48.9% screening rates. The increase was sustained above 45% in 8/12 months in 2019 (figure 1). Conclusions Team-based practice is an effective practice in increasing cervical cancer screening to overcome challenges in continuity of care, health access disparity, and resource allocation in a primary care clinic.
Correlation of collagen X biomarker (CXM) with peak height velocity and radiographic measures of growth in idiopathic scoliosis

Prospective comparative study. Evaluate the correlation of CXM with established measures of growth. Theoretically higher CXM levels would correlate with rapid longitudinal bone growth and lower levels with growth cessation. Assessment of growth status in patients with pediatric spinal deformity is critical. The current gold standards for assessing skeletal maturity are based on radiographic measures and have large standard errors (SE). Type X collagen (COLX) is produced in the growing physis during enchondral ossification. CXM is a COLX breakdown product that can be measured in blood products. CXM, thus, is a direct measure of enchondral ossification. IRB-approved prospective study. Q6mo anthropometrics and spine PA biplanar slot scanner images including the hand were assessed for major Cobb, Risser score (RS), triradiate cartilage status (TRC), Greulich and Pyle bone age (BA), and Sanders Score (SS). Serial dried blood spots (DBS) to obtain CXM levels were collected 3 consecutive days Q1–2 months based on SS. 47 idiopathic scoliosis patients, Cobb ≥ 20 were enrolled. Mean enrollment age was 11.8 years (range 7.1–16.6 years). 3103 DBS samples were assayed in quadruplicate. CXM results were highly reproducible with a 3% intraassay coefficient of variation (CV), and 12% interassay CV%. The CXM 3-day average was significantly correlated with BA R = 0.9, p < 0.001, RS R = 0.6, p < 0.001, SS R = 0.7, p < 0.001 and with height R = 0.7, p < 0.001. No patient with a CXM level < 5 ng/ml had remaining growth. CXM is the first identifiable biomarker specific to longitudinal bone growth. Early results indicate that it is a patient-specific, real-time measure of growth velocity with high correlation to the established anthropometric and radiographic measures of growth. It is predictive of cessation of growth. It is highly reproducible with a low SE. Long-term follow-up is required to determine the ability of CXM to guide clinical decision-making.
Behavioral Assessment of Academic and Social Problems: Implications for the Individual Education Program

Behavioral assessment strageties have been used with increasing frequency in school psychological practice. These assessment strategies are uniquely suited to evaluating entry skills and treatment ...
Can Xenobiotics Alter the Sex Ratio of Crocodilians in the Wild

All crocodilians exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination without sex chromosomes. This temperature dependency can be overridden by exposure to estrogen via estrogen receptor 1. Thus, the sex ratio of crocodilian species is vulnerable to estrogenic xenobiotics. Multiple investigations of the mechanism and effects of xenobiotics in crocodilian species have been conducted since the early 1990s. This review focuses on the impact of xenobiotics on sex determination rather than gonadal functions in crocodilians. The thermosensitive and estrogen-sensitive periods that commit the bipotential gonad to develop as an ovary end by stages 24.5 and 25.3, respectively. In contrast, it is ambiguous when the estrogen-sensitive stage begins for ovarian development, although the thermosensitive period for ovarian development initiates around developmental stage 15 at an extreme female-producing temperature of 30°C. To accurately assess the effect of xenoestrogens on sex ratio in crocodilians, it is critical to collect eggs before the sex-determining period and to incubate them under precisely controlled temperatures. A well-studied system of xenobiotic effects on crocodilians is Lake Apopka (FL, USA), an EPA superfund clean-up site heavily contaminated with Dieldrin, Endrin, and p,pa-DDE. The sum of estimated estrogenicity of xenobiotics measured in Lake Apopka was insufficient to activate the estrogen receptor 1 of Alligator mississippiensis, which is an essential receptor to induce ovarian development. Although juvenile A. mississippiensis showed gonadal alterations in sex hormone production and histology, the environmentally relevant concentration of xenobiotics in Lake Apopka was unlikely to alter the sex ratio of A. mississippiensis. Experimental exposure to xenobiotics such as 17α-ethynylestradiol, p,pa-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin at environmentally relevant concentrations in ovo induced more female offspring in A. mississippiensis as compared with the control group. Bisphenol-A, atrazine, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, endosulfan, and Corexit did not alter the sex ratio of A. mississippiensis or Caiman latirostris under the tested conditions. Egg-incubation temperature has pronounced effects on estrogen sensitivity in crocodilian sex determination. Therefore, crocodilians are vulnerable to xenobiotic contamination and climate change in the wild. It is vital to further investigate the detailed mechanism and effects of environmental xenobiotics in crocodilian sex determination to mitigate their effect on sex ratio and conserve this ancient lineage.
Exploring interpersonal and environmental factors of autistic adolescents’ peer engagement in integrated education:

Autistic students often struggle to engage with peers in integrated education; however, research has largely focused on individual characteristics rather than the interpersonal and environmental fa...
Perceived life expectancy, environmental unpredictability, and behavior in high-risk youth

Abstract According to evolutionary models of human development, environmental unpredictability induces expectations in youth that their future is uncertain, and these expectations set youth on trajectories toward opportunistic and socially deviant behaviors. Using longitudinal data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, the present study tested this proposition, evaluating whether greater environmental unpredictability forecast youths' (N = 1768 youth ages 8–16 years; 55% female) lower perceived life expectancy, and whether these expectations in turn predicted greater subsequent antisocial behavior and lower social competence. Higher levels of exposure to environmental unpredictability at baseline were predictive of greater subsequent antisocial behavior and lower social competence. Moreover, as theorized, lower perceived life expectancy mediated the associations between environmental unpredictability and subsequent behavior. Findings have implications for understanding developmental antecedents of socially undesirable patterns of behavior and targeting prevention and intervention efforts.
Sulfate Utilization in Green Hydra

Recent work on the symbiosis between cnidarians and endosymbiotic algae has demonstrated that algae release soluble photosynthate to a variety of coelenterate hosts (Muscatine, 1974. The flow of organic carbon from algae to animal has reasonably been investigated as a major nutritional benefit of algal symbiosis. Lewis and Smith (1971) have drawn attention to the possibility that other nutrients could be transferred between algae and host. In this paper, I wish to suggest that sulfate may be important in the metabolism of coelenterates which harbor algal symbionts, and I present preliminary evidence which shows that the possession of symbiotic algae enhances the ability of green hydra to metabolize sulfate.
Adaptive Coupled Physical and Biogeochemical Ocean Predictions: A Conceptual Basis

Physical and biogeochemical ocean dynamics can be intermittent and highly variable, and involve interactions on multiple scales. In general, the oceanic fields, processes and interactions that matter thus vary in time and space. For efficient forecasting, the structures and parameters of models must evolve and respond dynamically to new data injected into the executing prediction system. The conceptual basis of this adaptive modeling and corresponding computational scheme is the subject of this presentation. Specifically, we discuss the process of adaptive modeling for coupled physical and biogeochemical ocean models. The adaptivity is introduced within an interdisciplinary prediction system. Model-data misfits and data assimilation schemes are used to provide feedback from measurements to applications and modify the runtime behavior of the prediction system. Illustrative examples in Massachusetts Bay and Monterey Bay are presented to highlight ongoing progress.
Optimization of the number of levels of hierarchy in large-scale hierarchical memory systems

Address decoding is a crucial part of memory operations. It constitutes a major part of the memory access time. One method to reduce the decoding delay for large-scale memory systems is the employment of hierarchical design and the use of a multilevel addressing scheme. The authors present results on optimal levels of hierarchy required, given a memory capacity, to achieve the optimal performance, i.e., the shortest addressing time. The study also compares the highly hierarchical memory structure with the nonhierarchical structures and the widely used divided-word line structure. The results show that a significant amount of speedup in decoding time can be achieved by using the highly hierarchical structure. >
SeaRISE: A Multidisciplinary Research Initiative to Predict Rapid Changes in Global Sea Level Caused by Collapse of Marine Ice Sheets

The results of a workshop held to discuss the role of the polar ice sheets in global climate change are reported. The participants agreed that the most important aspect of the ice sheets' involvement in climate change is the potential of marine ice sheets to cause a rapid change in global sea level. To address this concern, a research initiative is called for that considers the full complexity of the coupled atmosphere-ocean-cryosphere-lithosphere system. This initiative, called SeaRISE (Sea-level Response to Ice Sheet Evolution) has the goal of predicting the contribution of marine ice sheets to rapid changes in global sea level in the next decade to few centuries. To attain this goal, a coordinated program of multidisciplinary investigations must be launched with the linked objectives of understanding the current state, internal dynamics, interactions, and history of this environmental system. The key questions needed to satisfy these objectives are presented and discussed along with a plan of action to make the SeaRISE project a reality.
The generalized median stable matchings: finding them is not that easy

Let I be a stable matching instance with N stable matchings. For each man m, order his N stable partners from his most preferred to his least preferred. Denote the ith woman in his sorted list as pi(m). Let αi consist of the man-woman pairs where each man m is matched to pi(m). Teo and Sethuraman proved this surprising result: for i = 1 to N, not only is αi a matching, it is also stable. The αi's are called the generalized median stable matchings of I. In this paper, we present a new characterization of these stable matchings that is solely based on I's rotation poset. We then prove the following: when i = O(log n), where n is the number of men, αi can be found efficiently; but when i is a constant fraction of N, finding αi is NP-hard. We also consider what it means to approximate the median stable matching of I, and present results for this problem.
Optimal use of 2-phase transparent latches in buffered maze routing

Clocking frequencies continue to increase due to the demand for higher performance. Together with the larger die sizes, multiple clock cycles are now required to cross a chip. A routing tool must thus insert registers as well as buffers while minimizing the path latency. This paper addresses optimal buffered path construction across multiple clock cycles using 2-phase transparent latches. We demonstrate the benefits of routing using latches over registers, and we present a polynomial routing algorithm. Our results confirm the correctness of our algorithm.
A stereo imaging framework in 3-D mapping of benthic habitats and seafloor structures

We address the deployment of stereovision imaging for underwater 3D mapping. A key component in system performance is the ability to determine the vehicle's position during data acquisition, ensuring that the images are acquired at desired positions along the pre-planned trajectory. We investigate the use of stereo images from the integration of incremental motions between consecutive frames. This is achieved within a complete framework, comprising (1) suitable trajectories to be executed for data collection, (2) data processing for mapping as well as for trajectory following and recursive alignment of images, and finally (3) 3D mapping by the fusion of various visual cues, including motion and stereo within a Kalman filter. The computational requirements of the system are evaluated, formalizing how online processing performance may be achieved. Experiments with underwater images are presented to demonstrate how the trajectory estimation is improved by the proposed alignment scheme.
The Prebiotic Synthesis of Organic Compounds on the Early Earth

In the past three decades there have been a wide variety of experiments designed to simulate conditions on the primitive Earth and to demonstrate how the organic compounds that made up the first living organisms were synthesized. This chapter will review this work and indicate the status of such syntheses. There is too much material to review in detail, and the reader is directed to a number of more complete discussions (Miller and Orgel, 1974; Kenyon and Steinman, 1969; Lemmon, 1970).
ENZYME ADAPTATIONS BY CULTURED ADIPOCYTES OF HUMAN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Assays of Lactate Dehydrogenase /LDH-L and LDH-P/, Malate Dehydrogenase /MDH/ and Glucoee-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase /G6PDH/ were done weekly on cultured a-dipocytes and skin fibroblasts grown in synthetic medium and obese serum. Levels of MDH was similar in a-dipocytes and skin fibroblasts, while the levels of LDH-L, LDH-P and G6PDH were lower in adipocytes than in skin fibroblasts. After transformation to a fibro-blast--like appearance, in culture, the adipose cells /now termed adipofibroblasts/ contain significantly more of each enzyme than did the initial adipose cell isolates. The levels of activities of LDH-L, LDH-P and G6PDH increased to the same levels as in skin fibroblasts, however MDH activities rose to much higher levels than those found in skin fibroblasts. In obese serum, activities of LDH-L, LDH-P did not significantly change but the activities of MDH and G6PDH dropped sharply in adipofibroblasts, when as in cultures of skin fibroblasts only the G6PDH activities dropped significantly, the other enzyme activities being unchanged. On the basis of these and other data it is conclued that adipose cells are not just fibroblasts with lipid-storing ability.
On-orbit calibration of the Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS)

The Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) sensor has been designed to provide highly accurate radiometric and spectral radiances in order to meet the requirements of remote sensing of atmospheric motion from a geostationary orbit. The GIFTS sensor was developed under NASA New Millenium Program funding to demonstrate the tracking of infrared water vapor features in the atmosphere with high vertical resolution. A calibration concept has been developed for the GIFTS instrument design which meets the top level requirement to measure brightness temperature to better than 1 K. The in-flight radiometric calibration is performed using views of two on-board blackbody sources along with cold space. For the GIFTS design, the spectral calibration is established by the highly stable diode laser used as the reference for interferogram sampling, and verified with comparisons to atmospheric absorption line positions. The status of the GIFTS on-orbit calibration approach is described and accuracy estimates are provided. GIFTS is a collaborative activity among NASA Langley Research Center, Utah State Space Dynamics Laboratory, and the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Center.
Feigenbaum scaling, Cantorian space–time and the hierarchical structure of standard model parameters

Abstract The standard model for high-energy physics (SM) describes fundamental interactions between subatomic particles down to a distance scale on the order of 10 −18 m. Despite its widespread acceptance, a consistent and comprehensive understanding of SM parameters is missing. Starting from a less conventional standpoint, our work suggests that the spectrum of particle masses, gauge couplings and fermion mixing angles may be derived from the chaotic regime of the renormalization group flow. In particular, we argue that the observed hierarchies of standard model parameters amount to a series of scaling ratios depending on the Feigenbaum constant. Leading order predictions are shown to agree well with experimental data. A brief discussion on the unexpected connection between our work and El Naschie’s e ∞ theory is included.
The segment polarity gene hedgehog is required for progression of the morphogenetic furrow in the developing Drosophila eye

Cell-type specification in the Drosophila compound eye begins at the morphogenetic furrow. The furrow sweeps across the developing eye epithelium and is coincident with four classes of cellular events: coordinated changes in cell shape, changes in gene expression, synchronization of the cell cycle, and the specification of a regular array of ommatidial founder cells. The molecular mechanisms that induce these events in the developing eye have hitherto been unknown. We identify here a gene specifically required for furrow progression, hedgehog (hh). We show that hh expression posterior to the morphogenetic furrow is continuously required for its progression. We propose that forward diffusion of hh protein induces anterior cells to enter the furrow.
Motive, intention, and authority: Relating developmental research to sexual abuse education for preschoolers

Although sexual abuse education programs have proliferated in recent years, they are not without their critics. Criticisms have included worries that the programs are too developmentally sophisticated for young children. Unfortunately, no writers have systematically examined program content in light of the developmental level of preschool-aged children. This article explores important linkages between developmental theory as it relates to children's understanding of motive, intention, and authority and two methods used to educate preschool-aged children about sexual abuse. Current developmental research offers clear possibilities for improving and evaluating these extant curricula. In addition, future topics for basic developmental research related to sexual abuse are proposed.
Novel signaling stimulated by arsenite increases cholesterol metabolism through increases in unphosphorylated steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein

Cholesterol metabolism to pregnenolone is dependent on the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), which activates mitochondrial transfer of cholesterol to cytochrome CYP450scc. In mouse Y-1 adrenal cells and testis MA10 cells stimulation by 8-Bromo-cAMP (Br-cAMP) is augmented by a novel signaling initiated by low concentrations of arsenite (3-20 microM) and anisomycin (0.2 microM), a more selective stress agent. Each elevated StAR mRNA (three-fold after 6 h treatment) even with simultaneous stimulation by Br-cAMP. Arsenite produced parallel increases in StAR protein expression and cholesterol metabolism, but not for P450scc-mediated metabolism of 20alpha-hydroxycholesterol. Although arsenite and anisomycin each stimulated the phosphorylation of p38, the p38 inhibitor SB203580 (SB) produced additive increases in StAR expression. Cholesterol metabolism increased in parallel but without the increased StAR protein phosphorylation produced by Br-cAMP. Arsenite and anisomycin each elevated StAR mRNA but preferentially increased the 3.5 kb form relative to the 1.6 kb form. Arsenite and anisomycin each enhanced the stability of the more labile 3.5 kb mRNA which contains AU-rich elements that control mRNA stability. Although there were increases in both forms of StAR mRNA, arsenite did not stimulate a StAR promoter-reporter that exhibited a typical three-fold response to Br-cAMP. Arsenite and anisomycin may therefore activate a novel SB-independent MAP kinase which in part increases StAR expression through stabilizing the 3.5 kb mRNA but which may also activate a mechanism that by-passes transcription factors detected by the reporter. SB stimulation, which was completely blocked by a MEK inhibitor, was also selective towards the 3.5 kb StAR mRNA suggesting a second pathway for mRNA stabilization. These activations contrast with inhibition of StAR expression by arsenite at higher concentrations or longer incubation times.
Significance of an experiment of the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger kind.

Restrictive conditions on the class of allowed physical theories are drawn from the assumption that the predictions of quantum theory are valid for an experiment of the kind proposed by Greenberger, Horne, and Zeilinger [in Bell's Theorem, Quantum Theory and Conceptions of the Universe, edited by M. Kafatos (Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, 1989)]. It is shown that no theory can be compatible with the following four conditions. (1) The choices to be made by the three experimenters can be treated, in this context, as three independent free variables. (2) For each of the six possible local measurements under consideration, if that local measurements must be selected as the actual outcome. (3) For each triad of measurements in a certain set of possible triads, if that triad were to be performed, then the corresponding triad of selected outcomes must satisfy the correlation condition predicted by quantum theory. (4) For each of the six possible local measurements, if that local measurement were to be performed, then the selected outcome must, according to the theory, be independent of which two experiments will later, in some frame of reference, be performed in the other two regions
Image-based mapping and navigation with heterogenous robots

We present a system that enables multiple heterogenous mobile robots to build and share an appearance based map appropriate for indoor navigation using exclusively monocular vision. Robots incrementally create online an appearance based model based on SIFT descriptors. The spatial model is enriched with additional information so that the map can be used for navigation also by robots different from those that built it. Once the map is available, navigation is performed using an approach based on epipolar geometry. The control mechanism builds upon the unicycle kinematic model, and assumes robots are equipped with a servoed camera. The validity of the proposed approach is substantiated both in simulation and on an heterogeneous multirobot system.
Flat field response of the microchannel plate detectors used on the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer

The results of the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flat field calibrations of two of the flight detectors to be flown on the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer Satellite (EUVE) are presented. Images of about 40 million detected events binned 512 by 512 are sufficient to show microchannel plate fixed pattern noise such as hexagonal microchannel multifiber bundle interfaces, 'dead' spots, edge distortion, and differential nonlinearity. Differences due to photocathode material and dependencies on EUV wavelength are also described. Over large spatial scales, the detector response is flat to better than 10 percent of the mean response, but, at spatial scales less than 1 mm, the variations from the mean can be as large as 20 percent.
Compensating non-optical effects using electrically driven optical proximity correction

Chip performance and yield are increasingly limited by systematic and random variations introduced during wafer processing. Systematic variations are layout-dependent and can be broadly classified as optical or non-optical in nature. Optical effects have their origin in the lithography process including mask, RET, and resist. Non-optical effects are layout-dependent systematic variations which originate from processes other than lithography. Some examples of nonoptical effects are stress variations, well-proximity effect, spacer thickness variations and rapid thermal anneal (RTA) variations. Semiconductor scaling has led to an increase in the complexity and impact of such effects on circuit parameters. A novel technique for dataprep called electrically-driven optical proximity correction (ED-OPC) has been previously proposed which replaces the conventional OPC objective of minimization of edge placement error (EPE) with an electrical error related cost function. The introduction of electrical objectives into the OPC flow opens up the possibility of compensating for electrical variations which do not necessarily originate from the lithographic process. In this paper, we propose to utilize ED-OPC to compensate for optical as well as non-optical effects in order to mitigate circuit-limited variability and yield. We describe the impact of non-optical effects on circuit parameters such as threshold voltage and mobility. Given accurate models to predict variability of circuit parameters, we show how EDOPC can be leveraged to compensate circuit performance for matching designer intent. Compared to existing compensation techniques such as gate length biasing and metal fills, the primary advantage of using ED-OPC is that the process of fragmentation in OPC allows greater flexibility in tuning transistor properties. The benefits of using ED-OPC to compensate for non-optical effects can be observed in reduced guard-banding, leading to less conservative designs. In addition, results show a 4% average reduction in spread in timing in compensating for intra-die threshold voltage variability, which potentially translates to mitigation of circuit-limited yield.
Multivitamins, Folic Acid and Birth Defects: Knowledge, Beliefs and Behaviors of Hispanic Women in North Carolina.

Abstract Background: Consumption of folic acid prior to conception can prevent up to 70% of neural tube defect (NTD)- affected pregnancies. In 1992, the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) issued a recommendation that all women of childbearing age capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 μg of folic acid daily to reduce their risk for a NTD-affected pregnancy. A 26% decrease in the overall NTD rate in the United States was observed between 1995 and 2000, after the fortification of cereal grain products. However, the NTD prevalence for Hispanics remains almost twice that of the general population, both nationally and in North Carolina. Purpose: To measure the baseline knowledge, beliefs and behaviors about multivitamins, folic acid and birth defects of Spanish-speaking Hispanic women ages 18-35 in North Carolina. Methods: Face-to-face oral interviews with Spanish-speaking Hispanic women were conducted by native Spanish-speaking data collectors using a culturally appropriate survey instrument in 12 North Car...
Mechanotransductive Effects of Acoustic Radiation Force on Osteoblastic Primary Cilium, Cytoskeleton and Ca2+ Influx

Mechanotransduction has demonstrated potentials for tissue adaptation in vivo and in vitro. It is well documented that ultrasound, as a mechanical signal, can produce a wide variety of biological effects in vitro and in vivo[1]. For example, pulsed ultrasound can be used to accelerate the rate of bone fracture healing noninvasively. Although a wide range of studies have been done, mechanism for this therapeutic effect on bone healing is currently unknown and still under active investigation. In our previous studies, we have developed methodology allowed in vitro manipulating osteoblastic cells using acoustic radiation force (ARF) generated by ultrasound without the effects of acoustic streaming and ultrasound-induced temperature rise. Furthermore, we also confirmed that ARF modulated intracellular Ca2+ transient in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells in a strain and frequency-dependent manner. A potential mechanism by which bone cells may sense ultrasound is through their structures such as primary cilia and cytoskeletons. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the hypothesis that acoustic radiation force can regulate the activities of the primary cilium and the cytoskeleton of the cells, which act as the mechanotransductive signals to mediate Ca2+ flux, as a pathway in response to cyclic loading.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A large air shower array to search for astrophysical sources emitting γ-rays with energies ≥1014 eV

Abstract We describe the technical details and the performance of a large array which detects both the electron and muon components in extensive air showers with energies ≥ 1014 eV. The array was designed to search for γ-rays from astrophysical sources. The background of cosmic rays is reduced by the selection of muon poor events. The array consists of 1089 scintillation detectors on the surface covering an area of 0.23 km2 and 1024 scintillation counters of 2.5 m2 each, buried 3 m below the surface for muon detection. Each of the surface detectors has its own local electronics and local data storage controlled by a microprocessor. The array is located at Dugway, Utah USA (40.2°N, 112.8°W) where the average atmospheric depth is 870 g/cm2.
Effective data-driven feature learning for detecting name errors in automatic speech recognition

This paper addresses the problem of detecting name errors in automatic speech recognition (ASR) output. The highly skewed label distributions (i.e. name errors are infrequent), sparse training data, and large number of potential lexical features pose significant challenges for training name error classification systems. Data-driven feature learning is needed for handling multiple languages but is sensitive to over fitting. We address the problem by designing aggregate features using a related (sentence-level name detection) task, and reduce dimensionality of the lexical features using word classes. Experiments on conversational domain data in both English and Iraqi Arabic show that best results are obtained using all feature mapping methods plus feature selection using L1 regularization.
Cryopreserved saphenous vein allogenic homografts: an alternative conduit in lower extremity arterial reconstruction in infected fields.

Abstract Autologous saphenous veins are considered the best arterial substitute for lower extremity revascularization in infected fields. The search continues for a vascular conduit in instances when an autologous biologic grafting is not feasible. Herein we report our experience with eight patients in whom cryopreserved saphenous vein allogenic homografts were used in 10 lower extremity arterial reconstructions for limb salvage with coexisting infection. Six patients with eight prosthetic grafts including four femoropopliteal, two femorotibial, a femorofemoral, and a femoroperoneal graft required complete or partial graft excision as a result of overt infection. The two remaining patients included one with an infected femoral pseudoaneurysm and another with extensive chemical burns. All cryopreserved saphenous vein allogenic homografts were of identical match to the ABO/Rh blood groupings of the recipient patients. No immunosuppressive drugs were administered after operation. Mean follow-up was 9.5 months (range, 6.0 to 14.0 months). One patient died 5 weeks after operation with a patent graft. Two grafts occluded during follow-up; in one graft, patency was restored with thrombectomy alone. The remaining seven arterial reconstructions continue to be patent with no evidence of aneurysmal dilation with complete eradication of the primary infection. These preliminary findings suggest that cryopreserved saphenous vein allogenic homografts can serve as interim conduits for lower extremity arterial reconstruction to preserve limb viability when autogenous conduits are unsatisfactory or unavailable. Further definitive reconstruction may thereafter be necessary once sepsis is eradicated and sufficient wound healing is achieved. (J Vasc Surg 1992;15:519–26.)
Clinico-pathological profile of sinonasal masses: An experience in tertiary care hospital of Uttarakhand.

Background: The purpose of this study was to classify various types of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions presenting as sinonasal mass and characterize their clinico-pathological profile in a tertiary care center in the state of Uttarakhand. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study where 110 cases of sinonasal masses were included over a period of 12 months. Clinico-pathological study was carried out in these cases. A provisional diagnosis was made after clinical assessment and radiologic investigations, but final diagnosis was made after histopathologic examination. Observations: The number of non-neoplastic lesions were more than the neoplastic lesion, 60% versus 40% respectively. In the neoplastic group, 19.8% and 23.76% patients presented with benign and malignant lesion, respectively. The incidence was more predominant in the age group of 11-20 years (22.72%) with male to female ratio of 1.08:1. In our study, among non-neoplastic lesions the occurrence of sinonasal polyps was highest seen in 80.30% cases. In neoplastic lesions, angiofibroma was most common benign lesion seen in 35% cases. Carcinoma nasal cavity was the commonest malignant lesion seen in 45.83% cases. In 3.63% patients, clinical and radiologic diagnosis was not correlated with histopathologic diagnosis. Only two cases required immuno-histocytochemistry to confirm the final diagnosis. Conclusion: We concluded that for proper evaluation of a sinonasal mass, clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic evaluation should be carried out conjointly in all the cases. Histopathology always gives a confirmatory diagnosis but in few cases immuno-histocytochemistry becomes the ultimate diagnostic technique for correct and timely intervention.
Direct binding of TUBB3 with DCC couples netrin-1 signaling to intracellular microtubule dynamics in axon outgrowth and guidance

The coupling of axon guidance cues, such as netrin-1, to microtubule (MT) dynamics is essential for growth cone navigation in the developing nervous system. However, whether axon guidance signaling regulates MT dynamics directly or indirectly is unclear. Here, we report that TUBB3, the most dynamic β-tubulin isoform in neurons, directly interacts with the netrin receptor DCC, and that netrin-1 induces this interaction in primary neurons. TUBB3 colocalizes with DCC in the growth cones of primary neurons and MT dynamics is required for netrin-1-promoted association of TUBB3 with DCC. Netrin-1 not only increases co-sedimentation of DCC with polymerized MT, but also promotes MT dynamics in the growth cone. Knocking down TUBB3 inhibits netrin-1-induced MT dynamics, axon outgrowth and attraction in vitro and causes defects in commissural axon projection in the embryo. These results indicate that TUBB3 directly links netrin signaling pathways to MT dynamics and plays an important role in guiding commissural axons in vivo.
Present‐day plate motions

A data set comprising 110 spreading rates, 78 transform fault azimuths and 142 earthquake slip vectors was inverted to yield a new instantaneous plate motion model, designated RM2. The mean averaging interval for the relative motion data was reduced to less than 3 My. A detailed comparison of RM2 with angular velocity vectors which best fit the data along individual plate boundaries indicates that RM2 performs close to optimally in most regions, with several notable exceptions. On the other hand, a previous estimate (RM1) failed to satisfy an extensive set of new data collected in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is shown that RM1 incorrectly predicts the plate kinematics in the South Atlantic because the presently available data are inconsistent with the plate geometry assumed in deriving RM1. It is demonstrated that this inconsistency can be remedied by postulating the existence of internal deformation with the Indian plate, although alternate explanations are possible.
Atmospheric collection of debris from the Revelstoke and Allende fireballs

Abstract In two separate events, Revelstoke and Allende, the air through which a fireball had been observed to pass was sampled for meteoritic debris. Particulate matter was collected on fibrous filters, which were mounted on aircraft and flown downwind from the site of the meteorite fall at altitudes of 10,000–12,000 m. From Revelstoke, a highly distinctive assemblage of particles was collected. Included were large numbers of magnetite spherules, transparent siliceous spherules, and several types of irregular nickel-bearing particles. The Allende collections yielded only slightly more magnetite and siliceous spherules than background and no nickel-bearing particles. Revelstoke and Allende are believed to be representative of two different types of events. In the Revelstoke type, large amounts of meteoritic debris are left in the atmosphere and little reaches the ground in large coherent fragments; in the Allende type, little material remains in the atmosphere but large fragments reach the ground in the fall area.
A new fixed point approach for stable networks stable marriages

In a network stability problem, the aim is to find stable configurations for a given network of Boolean gates. For general networks, the problem is known to be computationally hard. Mayr and Subramanian [22,23] introduced an interesting class of networks by imposing fanout restrictions at each gate, and showed that network stability on this class of networks is still sufficiently rich to express as special cases the well-known stable marriage and stable roommate problems.In this paper we study the sequential and parallel complexity of network stability on networks with restricted fanout. Our approach builds on structural properties of these networks, and exposes close ties with the theory of retracts and isometric embeddings for product graphs. This structure gives then new efficient algorithms for questions of representation, enumeration and optimality in stable matching.
Dioxins and furans in the ambient atmosphere: A baseline study

Abstract A method of analyzing ambient air for PCDD/F in the femtogram per cubic meter range has been developed. In ambient air, there is a consistency in the isomer pattern within a chloro-homolog group, but overall levels of the various groups have somewhat more variation. A portion of this variation is related to the atmospheric temperature; for example, more of the lower chloro-homologs are found in the vapor phase at higher atmospheric temperatures. In addition, the atmospheric data are consistent with previously measured environmental fluxes. These atmospheric PCDD/F data are important baseline information which can be used to evaluate the impact of a planned incinerator once it starts operating.
Plane Wave Discontinuous Galerkin Method with Lagrange Multipliers for Solving Time-Harmonic Maxwell's Equations in Three Dimensions

AbstractA discontinuous Galerkin method is formulated with plane wave basis functions and Lagrange multipliers, and it is investigated for solving vector curl-curl equations derived from Maxwell's equations. This method was previously developed for solving the scalar Helmholtz equation in both two and three dimensions. By defining vector plane waves and vector Lagrange multipliers within tetrahedral elements and on element boundaries, this algorithm is extended to solve three-dimensional vector problems for electromagnetic analysis. Numerical results for wave propagation in free space and scattering by a perfectly electrically conducting sphere are presented to validate the proposed method and evaluate its potential capability.
A Comparative Study of Test Coverage-Based Software Reliability Growth Models

Test coverage plays an important role in evaluating the quality of software under test, and serves as a guideline to decide when to stop testing once the desired level of coverage has been achieved. Furthermore, researchers utilized test coverage information by incorporating it in reliability growth modeling to predict software reliability. A number of software reliability growth models that incorporate test coverage has been proposed and developed during the past years. In this paper, we survey, analyze and classify the existing test coverage-based software reliability growth models. We are motivated by the increasing attention paid to incorporate test coverage in reliability modeling, the increasing use of computer systems that requires high reliability and the existence of several test coverage tools. The paper compares the models based on four criteria: (i) metrics used to assess reliability, (ii) coverage criteria used to predict reliability, (iii) the way authors evaluate their model and the evidence they provide to show that the approach achieves its intended goal, and (iv) limitations of the model. Finally, open problems are identified and discussed.
Experimental Probability in Elementary School

Summary Concepts in probability can be more readily understood if students are first exposed to probability via experiment. Performing probability experiments encourages students to develop understandings of probability grounded in real events, as opposed to merely computing answers based on formulae.
Predator demand for clupeid prey in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Abstract Bioenergetics modeling and estimated population densities were utilized to derive the mean annual food consumption of striped bass Morone saxatilis and largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Mean annual standing stock of striped bass and largemouth bass was determined to be 18 and 19 kg/ha, respectively. The striped bass population consumed an average of 48 kg/ha of alewife and 30 kg/ha of gizzard shad annually. Largemouth bass on average ate 9.5 kg/ha of alewife and 17 kg/ha of gizzard shad each year. Conversion efficiency for the largemouth bass population was 21% and 16% for striped bass. Largemouth bass and striped bass populations both realized 35% of their maximum consumptive rate during their growth seasons.