cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moving from the bench towards a large scale, industrial platform process for adeno-associated viral vector purification

In recent years, there has been a strong interest in the development and production of gene therapy products, especially those utilizing adeno-associated virus (AAV) particles. This is evident with the growing number of clinical successes and agency approvals for AAV therapeutics. Due to this increased investment in this technology, a need exists for scalable commercial production methods to ensure adequate product supply as research in AAV shifts from bench-scale development to clinical production. The purpose of this review is to summarize current scalable purification techniques that can be employed during the commercial manufacturing of AAV as well as highlight certain development considerations, such as adventitious agent removal and process development using the principals of quality by design.
Cerebro: a data system for optimized deep learning model selection

Deep neural networks (deep nets) are revolutionizing many machine learning (ML) applications. But there is a major bottleneck to wider adoption: the pain and resource intensiveness of model selection. This empirical process involves exploring deep net architectures and hyper-parameters, often requiring hundreds of trials. Alas, most ML systems focus on training one model at a time, reducing throughput and raising overall resource costs; some also sacrifice reproducibility. We present Cerebro, a new data system to raise deep net model selection throughput at scale without raising resource costs and without sacrificing reproducibility or accuracy. Cerebro uses a new parallel SGD execution strategy we call model hopper parallelism that hybridizes task- and data-parallelism to mitigate the cons of these prior paradigms and offer the best of both worlds. Experiments on large ML benchmark datasets show that Cerebro offers 3x to 10x runtime savings relative to data-parallel systems like Horovod and Parameter Server and up to 8x memory/storage savings or up to 100x network savings relative to task-parallel systems. Cerebro also supports heterogeneous resources and fault tolerance.
Fee-Based Loyalty Programs: An Empirical Investigation of Benefit Redemption Behavior and Its Effects on Loyalty

Loyalty program (LP) membership gives customers access to benefits such as free, discounted, or upgraded products or services; however, firms are increasingly charging customers enrollment fees for...
Enhancing Conservation of a Globally Imperiled Rockland Herb (Linum arenicola) through Assessments of Seed Functional Traits and Multi-Dimensional Germination Niche Breadths.

Humans currently face an extraordinary period of plant biodiversity loss. One strategy to stem further losses involves the development of species-level recovery plans that guide conservation actions. Seeds represent an important component in the life history of plants and are crucial for conservation activities. Yet, most recovery plans contain meager seed biology information. We set out to examine seed functional traits and germination niche breadth of Linum arenicola seeds exposed to a range of thermal, photoperiodic, and salinity gradients to gain perspectives on the seed biology of this endangered species that may inform conservation decision making and assist recovery plan development. We found that fresh seeds possess non-deep physiological dormancy, which may be alleviated via a four-week dry after-ripening treatment. The germination response of non-dormant seeds is subsequently promoted by constant rather than alternating temperatures. The optimum germination temperature range is 20–22 °C. Non-dormant seeds do not possess an absolute light requirement for germination, but are sensitive to low levels of salinity (EC50 = 6.34 ppth NaCl). The narrow thermal and salinity germination niche breadths reported here suggest a specialized reproductive strategy that may require careful consideration when planning ex and in situ conservation activities.
Reply to HEP‐20‐1597.R2

Our study showed equipoise between oral vancomycin therapy (OVT) at 1500mg/day in patients >30kg, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and untreated observation. Children with the mildest disease as measured by the Sclerosing Cholangitis Outcomes in PEdiatrics (SCOPE) index(1) demonstrated the highest rates of biochemical improvement, regardless of management strategy. These data challenge the assumption that biomarkers like GGT rise progressively from diagnosis until end stage liver disease, and improve only with medication.
Insulin Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

It can be argued that little has changed in treatment of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents for more than 80 years: there have been new ways to produce insulin, better ways to monitor insulin, and new devices to administer insulin. However, the treatment of type 1 diabetes in pediatrics is still solely based on administration of insulin. In this chapter, we will review the limitations of insulin extracted from animal pancreases and the impact of the ability to produce biosynthetic human insulin. This has led to the production of rapid- and long-acting insulin analogs and the further development of ultra-rapid and long-acting insulin preparations. Adjunctive therapies for type 1 diabetes are discussed in Chap. 13.
48218 Preclinical modeling of BRAF(V600E)/PTEN-/- melanoma leptomeningeal disease (LMD) to assess intrathecal checkpoint blockade

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Melanoma leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a devastating subtype of central nervous system (CNS) metastatic disease that is associated with limited treatment options and an extremely poor prognosis, thus requiring the development of preclinical models of LMD for therapeutic development. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: 1. Develop an immunocompetent murine model of melanoma LMD with tumors bearing genetic mutations commonly found in patients, specifically BRAF(V600E)/PTEN-/- 2. Assess the safety of intrathecal (IT) immunotherapy, specifically anti-PD1 antibody (aPD1) 3. Evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of IT aPD1 checkpoint blockade in murine melanoma LMD METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: To develop BRAF(V600E)/PTEN-/- LMD models, we acquired BP, D4M, and D4M-UV2 (irradiated) murine melanoma cell lines and luciferase-tagged them. 1.5x10^4 cells were suspended in 10 uL serum-free media and injected into the cisterna magna of female C57BL/6 mice. Brain and spinal cord were harvested for histologic assessment once mice were moribund. To assess safety of IT aPD1, we injected IT control IgG or IT aPD1 (13 ug, 26 ug, 39 ug) and monitored weights or harvested at days 7 or 14 for IHC staining of inflammation markers. To evaluate therapeutic efficacy of IT aPD1, BP cells were directly injected as above. After 3 days, mice underwent imaging to confirm tumor uptake and randomization to receive 13 ug IT control IgG or aPD1 once + 200 ug systemic (Sys) control IgG or aPD1 (days 0, 3, and 5), and then monitored for survival. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: For LMD development, all mice survived cisternal injection of BP, D4M, and D4M-UV2 cells and median survival was 17, 19, and 30 days, respectively. Presence of leptomeningeal deposits was confirmed for all tumor-bearing mice by IHC for MART1. For safety of IT aPD1, all mice survived the procedure and no mice displayed morbidity or >10% weight loss over 14 days of observation. IHC assessment of brain and spinal cord samples from mice treated with 13 ug aPD1 revealed focal ischemia related to injection site and no other signs of neurological damage or inflammation. IT aPD1 treatment of mice with BP leptomeningeal tumors demonstrated no significant survival advantage, although both IT aPD1 +/- Sys aPD1 had mice live up to days 29 and 26, respectively, compared to both IT control IgG +/- Sys aPD1, for which all mice died by day 22. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: We demonstrate that cisternal injection of murine BRAF(V600E)/PTEN-/- melanoma cell lines yield LMD with reproducible survival and that treatment with IT aPD1 in this model is feasible and safe. Together these findings establish a new model to facilitate the development of more effective immunotherapy strategies for melanoma patients with LMD.
Conclusion: Perceptions Matter

Affordable credit remains out of reach for many low-income households. Industry supporters have long argued that small loans serve borrowers overlooked by other financial institutions. Still, reformers have not let them cast off the predatory loan shark moniker. The core issue is little debated: poor people face a near-permanent shortage of money. The motivations to restrict the working poor’s access to high-cost credit have varied dramatically. Research reports and studies arrive at differing conclusions. Passionate spirits motivated a protective ethic. The entangled relationship between capitalism, poverty and the state’s response is complex. Since the private markets will continue to innovate, and the demand for loans will likely remain, applying some lessons from history can inform policymakers seeking economic fairness for the poor and vulnerable.
Improving forensics: Characterizing injuries among community-dwelling physically abused older adults

BACKGROUND Physical elder abuse affects a substantial number of older adults, leaving victims at increased risk for negative health outcomes. Improved detection of abuse-related injuries may increase victim access to professional support, but providers report difficulties distinguishing between accidental and abuse-related injuries, due in part to victims' pre-existing health conditions and medication use. OBJECTIVES To describe the spectrum and characteristics of injuries among physically abused older adults and identify injury characteristics associated with abuse. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Physically abused adult protective services clients were interviewed in their home; non-abused comparison group participants were interviewed in an outpatient geriatrics clinic. PARTICIPANTS Sample included 156 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older, including 57 physically abused and 99 non-abused individuals. Self-reported abuse history was confirmed through independent case assessment by a LEAD (Longitudinal, Expert All-Data) panel of clinicians with family violence expertise. MEASUREMENTS Full-body assessments were conducted, documenting injury incidence, diagnosis, and location. We also collected sociodemographic characteristics, level of social support, functional ability, medical history, and medication use. RESULTS Physically abused older adults were more likely to be injured upon assessment (79.0% vs 63.6%; p < 0.05) and have a greater number of injuries ( x¯=2.9 vs x¯=2.0 , p < 0.05). Injuries seen more often among abused individuals included: upper extremity ecchymoses (42.1% vs 26.3%; p < 0.05), abrasions (31.6% vs 11.1%; p < 0.01), and areas of tenderness (8.8% vs 0.0%; p < 0.01); and head/neck/maxillofacial ecchymoses (15.8% vs 2.0%; p < 0.01) and tenderness (15.8% vs 0.0%; p < 0.001). Lower extremity abrasions (12.3%) were common but unrelated to abuse status. CONCLUSION While physical abuse does not always result in physical injury, victims more commonly display head/neck/maxillofacial ecchymoses or tenderness and upper extremity abrasions, ecchymoses, or tenderness. Detection of these injuries among older adults warrants further interview and examination.
SDM Fibers and Devices: Design, Manufacturing, and Applications

We report recent advances in the fabrication of multicore and multimode fibers, amplifiers, and devices for space division multiplexing. Low-loss and low-crosstalk fibers and devices can be achieved by carefully optimizing the fabrication processes.
Aggressive CD5-Positive Primary Bone Marrow Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Leukemic Presentation

Primary bone marrow diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is an exceedingly rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It may demonstrate a leukemic presentation, and a proportion of cases have CD5 expression. The prognostic implications of this CD5-positivity remain unknown. Here, we present a 78-year-old man who presented with circulating peripheral blood lymphoma cells and a hypercellular marrow involved by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, germinal center B-cell subtype. The patient responded favorably to six cycles of etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab (EPOCH-R) and intrathecal methotrexate. He unfortunately relapsed in several enlarged inguinal lymph nodes and succumbed to the lymphoma approximately one year after diagnosis, demonstrating the particularly aggressive clinical course of his disease.
Agreement of Anterior Segment Measurements Between Four Diagnostic Imaging Devices in Myopic Patients.

PURPOSE To compare the inter-device agreement of anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT), flat keratometry (K1), steep keratometry (K2), corneal astigmatism (ΔK), and white-to-white (WTW) measurements. METHODS This is a retrospective study with 73 myopic patients (142 eyes). We extracted and compared anterior segment measurements (ACD, CCT, K1, K2, ΔK, and WTW) of four devices (OPD-Scan III, Pentacam HR, Lenstar LS 900, and Galilei G4), and performed pairwise agreement comparisons between them. RESULTS Agreement analyses revealed that the most agreement occurred: in Pentacam HR and Galilei G4 for ACD measurements, in Pentacam HR and Lenstar LS 900 for CCT measurements, in OPD-Scan III and Galilei G4 for WTW measurements, in OPD-Scan III and Pentacam HR for K1 and K2 measurements, and OPD-Scan III and Galilei G4 for ΔK measurements. CONCLUSION OPD-Scan III is interchangeable with both Galilei G4 and Lenstar LS 900 for WTW measurements. OPD-Scan III and the Pentacam-HR are interchangeable in K1, K2, and ΔK measurements. OPD-Scan III and Lenstar LS 900, and OPD-Scan III and Galilei G4 are interchangeable in K1 and ΔK measurements, respectively.
Electronic Cosmic Ray Monopole Searches

Searches for magnetic monopoles of the order of a few GeV in mass are well documented by Carrigan,1 Carrigan et al.,2 Craven et al.,3 and are reviewed by Longo.4 I will limit this paper to reviewing current and future searches for massive magnetic monopoles of the ’t Hooft5-Polyakov6 type with e/2α as the magnetic charge, an idea originated by Dirac.7
Integrated Arrival and Departure Schedule Optimization Under Uncertainty

In terminal airspace, integrating arrivals and departures with shared waypoints provides the potential of improving operational efficiency by allowing direct routes when possible. Incorporating stochastic evaluation as a post-analysis process of deterministic optimization, and imposing a safety buffer in deterministic optimization, are two ways to learn and alleviate the impact of uncertainty and to avoid unexpected outcomes. This work presents a third and direct way to take uncertainty into consideration during the optimization. The impact of uncertainty was incorporated into cost evaluations when searching for the optimal solutions. The controller intervention count was computed using a heuristic model and served as another stochastic cost besides total delay. Costs under uncertainty were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations. The Pareto fronts that contain a set of solutions were identified and the trade-off between delays and controller intervention count was shown. Solutions that shared similar delays but had different intervention counts were investigated. The results showed that optimization under uncertainty could identify compromise solutions on Pareto fonts, which is better than deterministic optimization with extra safety buffers. It helps decision-makers reduce controller intervention while achieving low delays.
Syntactic Ergativity in Balinese: An Argument Structure Based Theory

This paper argues that the alternation between syntactically accusative and ergative clauses in Balinese results from different mappings between argument structure and syntactic realization. Our version of argument structure, essentially the ARG-S feature of Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar, is the locus of anaphoric binding conditions. We further assume that passive, causative, and applicative are morpholexical operations on argument structure. This set of assumptions allows us to explain (i) why conditions on Balinese binding are generally ‘thematic’ and independent of ‘surface’ grammatical relations or phrase structure position; and (ii) the specific exceptions to such thematic conditions that arise with raised arguments, direct/oblique alternations, and passive by-phrases.
A selection combining scheme for RAKE receivers

A selection combining scheme for a RAKE receiver operating over a multipath fading channel is introduced, by which the m largest channel outputs are selected instead of only the largest one, as in the conventional selection combining receiver. Expressions for the error probability of this scheme for an exponential multipath intensity profile (MIP) with arbitrary decay constant are found by first deriving the joint density function of the m ordered channel outputs, then averaging the conditional error probability over the joint density function. The performance is compared with that of maximal ratio combining in both an interference-limited and a noise-limited environment. The interference-limited environment chosen is a multicell CDMA system. Numerical results show that the performance of the selection combining scheme is superior to that of conventional selection combining, and can be very close to that of maximal ratio combining, depending upon the value of m and the rate of decay of the MIP.
Relaxation times and mass diffusion in superfluid dilute3He-4He mixtures

Relaxation times τ are reported from the transients observed during thermal conductivity κeff and thermal diffusionkT* measurements in superfluid mixtures of3He in4He with a layer thickness of 1.81 mm. The experiments extend from 1.7 K toTλ and over a3He concentration range 10−6≤X 10−3 but deteriorates for smaller3He concentrations. This situation is similar to that for κeff andkT* results and indicates that the transport properties in very dilute mixtures with layers of finite thickness are not well understood. ForX>10−3, the mass diffusion coefficientDiso for isolated3He in4He has been determined from τ and from κeff measurements. There is an inconsistency by a constant numerical factor between these determinations. This problem might be related to the observations that in the superfluid phase, the relaxation times for different cell heightsh do not scale withh2. FromDiso derived via the κeff data, the3He impurity-roton scattering cross section is determined. Comparisons with previous work are made.
The mechanism of vortex connection at a free surface

Vortex connections at the surface are fundamental and prominent features in free-surface vortical flows. To understand the detailed mechanism of such connection, we consider, as a canonical problem, the laminar vortex connections at a free surface when an oblique vortex ring impinges upon that surface. We perform numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations with viscous free-surface boundary conditions. It is found that the key to understanding the mechanism of vortex connection at a free surface is the surface layers: a viscous layer resulting from the dynamic zero-stress boundary conditions at the free surface, and a thicker blockage layer which is due to the kinematic boundary condition at the surface. In the blockage layer, the vertical vorticity component increases due to vortex stretching and vortex turning (from the transverse vorticity component). The vertical vorticity is then transported to the free surface through viscous diffusion and vortex stretching in the viscous layer leading to increased surface-normal vorticity. These mechanisms take place at the aft-shoulder regions of the vortex ring. Connection at the free surface is different from that at a free-slip wall owing to the generation of surface secondary vorticity. We study the components of this surface vorticity in detail and find that the presence of a free surface accelerates the connection process. We investigate the connection time scale and its dependence on initial incidence angle, Froude and Reynolds numbers. It is found that a criterion based on the streamline topology provides a precise definition for connection time, and may be preferred over existing definitions, e.g. those based on free-surface elevation or net circulation.
Three-Dimensional Motor Neuron Morphology Estimation in the Drosophila Ventral Nerve Cord

Type-specific dendritic arborization patterns dictate synaptic connectivity and are fundamental determinants of neuronal function. We exploit the morphological stereotypy and relative simplicity of the Drosophila nervous system to model the diverse neuronal morphologies of individual motor neurons (MNs) and understand underlying principles of synaptic connectivity in a motor circuit. Our computational approach aims at the reconstruction of the neuron morphology, namely the robust segmentation of the neuron volumes from their surroundings with the simultaneous partitioning into their compartments, namely the soma, axon, and dendrites. We use the idea of cosegmentation, where every image along the z -axis (depth) is segmented using information from “neighboring” depths. We use 3-D Haar-like features to model appearance. Because soma and axon are determined by their distinctive shapes, we define an implicit shape representation of the 2-D segmentation sets to drive cosegmentation and achieve the desired partitioning. We validate our method using image stacks depicting single neurons labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and serially imaged with laser scanning confocal microscopy.
Prothrombotic activation of pulmonary arterial endothelial cells in a patient with tuberculosis

Activation of endothelial cells occurs in response to numerous physiological stimuli and results in the concerted expression of endothelial cell proteins that change the nonthrombogenic intimal surface of a vessel into a thrombogenic surface, with the subsequent development of local thrombosis. For example, both type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor and tissue factor expression are mediated by endothelial cell stimulation in vitro; however, in contrast to type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor, it has been difficult to detect tissue factor associated with endothelial cells in vivo. This case study describes the presence of both type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor and tissue factor antigen associated with pulmonary arterial endothelial cells of a patient exhibiting a mycobacterial infection. The disease was associated with chronic hemoptysis and characterized by extensive tissue destruction and local thrombosis within the pulmonary artery. The data show that conditions occur in vivo in which local thrombosis is associated with increased levels of type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor and tissue factor.
Liver transplantation for primary hepatic cancer

Although early survival following transplantation for primary hepatic cancer is excellent, previously reported high recurrence rates have generally discouraged liver replacement for this indication. Since the inception of the Boston Center for Liver Transplantation (BCLT) in 1983, 33 of 383 (8.6%) liver allograft recipients have undergone orthotopic transplantation as definitive treatment for otherwise unresectable cancer. Diagnoses included hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCA) in 24 patients (73%), and cholangiocarcinoma (CHCA) in 9 patients (27%). Actuarial survival rates for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were 71%, 56%, and 42% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The actuarial survival rates for patients with cholangiocarcinoma were 89% at 6 months, and 56% at 1, 2, and 3 years. Of the nine patients with cholangiocarcinoma, 56% (5/9) developed recurrent disease. Although this recurrence rate is disheartening, because of the lack of other morbidity, long-term survival in these patients is comparable to patients with HCCA. In contrast, recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma developed in 25% of recipients (5/20) who survived longer than 3 months posttransplantation. Other causes of death in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma included perioperative complications, 16.6% (4/24); sepsis, 8.3% (2/24); coronary artery disease, 4.2% (1/24); and lymphoma, 4.2% (1/24). Favorable prognostic factors included: primary tumor less than 3 cm in size and absence of associated cirrhosis. These results emphasize that orthotopic liver transplantation can provide a long-term cure for approximately 50% of patients whose primary hepatic malignancy is unresectable by conventional procedures.
Evidence for confinement of low-energy cosmic rays ahead of interplanetary shock waves

Short-lived (about 15 min), low-energy proton increases associated with the passage of interplanetary shock waves have been previously reported. In the present paper, we have examined in a fine time scale (about 1 min) the concurrent particle and magnetic field data, taken by detectors on Explorer 34, for four of these events. Our results further support the view that these impulsive events are due to confinement of the solar cosmic-ray particles in the region just ahead (about 1,000,000 km) of the advancing shock front.
Second-Order Langevin Equation in Quantized Hamilton Dynamics

We derive a semi-classical Langevin equation that, in conjuction with a quantum fluctuation–dissipation theorem, can be used to run canonical dynamics and to determine thermal averages in the second-order quantized Hamilton dynamics (QHD-2). In contrast to our earlier work [J. Chem. Phys. 122 (2005) 234109], the bath is no longer treated classically, and the friction is represented at the second-order. As a result, the quantum fluctuation variables are kept close to their optimal values, similarly to the recently developed phase-space canonical averaging for QHD-2 [J. Chem. Phys. 126 (2007) 204108]. The theory is exact for the quantum harmonic oscillator and the free particle, and gives good agreement with the quantum answer for a variety of quartic potentials.
A generalized variational formulation for convective heat transfer

The Scope of this paper is to develop the basic equations for a variational formulation which can be used to solve problems related to convection and/or diffusion dominated flows. The formulation is based on the introduction of a generalized quantity defined as the hear displacement. The governing equation is expressed in terms of this quantity and a variational formulation is developed which leads to a system of equations similar in form to Lagrange's equations of mechanics. These equations can be used for obtaining approximate solutions, though they are of particular interest for application of the finite element method. As an example of the formulation two finite element models are derived for solving convectiondiffusion boundary value problems. The performance of the two models is investigated and numerical results are given for different cases of convection and diffusion with two types of boundary conditions. The applications of the developed formulations are not limited to convection-diffusion problems but can also be applied to other types of problems such as mass transfer, hydrodynamics and wave propagation.
Segmented electrode excitation of aluminum nitride contour mode resonators to optimize the device figure of merit

This paper presents a new electrode configuration for a more efficient excitation of mechanical vibrations in aluminum nitride contour-mode MEMS resonators. We call this technique the segmented electrode excitation. This excitation method results in up to 40% improvement in the figure of merit (FoM) of the resonator, nominally the product of the electromechanical coupling coefficient, kt2, and quality factor, Q. The segmented electrode configuration is based on the idea of implementing efficient sampling of the charge developed during vibrations, while reducing the electrode coverage. The reduction in electrode coverage ensures that the resonator exhibits a higher Q as interfacial losses are reduced. The efficient sampling enables attaining a kt2 comparable to a conventional metal coverage design.
The structure of the Uranian atmosphere - Constraints from the geometric albedo spectrum and H2 and CH4 line profiles

Recent high quality spectral observations have allowed the derivation of constraints on the atmospheric structure of Uranus. The present analysis, which is based on the detailed modeling of a broadband geometric albedo spectrum and high resolution observations of the H2 4-0 quadrupole and 6818.9-A CH4 features, yields (1) a family of models which parameterize an upper tropospheric haze layer, (2) a lower, optically infinite cloud at a given pressure level, (3) the cloud-level methane molar fraction, and (4) the mean ortho/para ratio in the visible atmosphere. The single scattering albedo of atmospheric aerosols exhibits a steep darkening between 5890 and 6040 A.
The functional integral constructed directly from the hamiltonian

Abstract Starting with any Hamiltonian and a countable basis we construct a functional integral for the matrix elements of the time evolution operator of the quantum system. Our functional integral consists of a real measure on continuous time paths along with a complex weighting function of the paths. The paths spend time at points corresponding to elements of the basis. We show directly, by cancelling paths, that the functional integral gives rise to unitary time evolution. We illustrate our general construction with a number of examples including the quantum mechanics of the Schrodinger and Dirac particles in one space dimension.
Arbitrarily Configurable Optical Interconnect Fabric for Intrachip Global Communication

Optical interconnections at the chip level may provide solutions to the limitations of metal interconnect technology, which is not keeping pace with the progress of device integration density. In this paper we undertake a quantitative analysis of on-chip metal interconnect performance as CMOS device technology scales into the nanometer regime. The results of this analysis motivates the use of optical interconnects as a replacement for global wires on the chip. We propose a new architecture, in which a 3-D optoelectronic Application Specific Interconnection Fabric (ASIF) is coupled to a conventional Silicon integrated circuit to alleviate the performance-limiting aspects of long metal interconnects. The overall goal of the ASIF concept is to overcome the limitations of conventional metal interconnects in a manner that can be seamlessly integrated according to current VLSI design constraints and practices.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Paper Pellets as a Mulch for Dryland Grain Sorghum Production

Some landfills no longer accept waste paper for disposal; thus, alternative means are needed. One would be to apply pelleted paper to cropland as a mulch. This field study was conducted to determine effects of a paper pellet mulch on soil water storage and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] yield. Mulch rates were 0 (check), 5,10, and 15 Mg ha -1 , Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residue condition (retained or removed) and tillage (sweep or no-tillage) treatments were included. Pellet applications did not affect water storage or sorghum yields, apparently because pellets absorbed precipitation, which resulted in similar evaporation from bare and mulched soils. Residue and tillage treatments had little effect on water storage and sorghum yield. Soil C concentrations were greater in mulched than bare soil in one case, but some pellet material remained, suggesting further decomposition could increase soil C. Pellet applications resulted in greater aggregate mean weight diameters and lower percentages of small aggregates. These improved conditions could improve the soil's long-term productivity. Because crop productivity was not harmed, waste paper (e.g., pellets as used in this study) can be disposed of on cropland. However, shallow paper incorporation may be a better practice than surface applications because it should hasten its decomposition and, thereby, more rapidly improve soil conditions.
Energy removed by delta rays from finite volumes in passage of charged particles

Abstract In the passage of a charged particle through matter, the energy lost by the particle, in general, will not be the same as the energy retained by the material. Calculations of the differences caused by escaping electrons (delta rays) are presented for two experimental situations, but the methods used can be generally applied. E.g. 50 MeV protons in a carbon foil 1 mg/cm 2 thick would lose 11 keV. 10% of this energy loss would escape from the foil in the form of kinetic energy of delta rays. An escaping delta ray would appear only for about 1 in 25 protons. In a rough approximation, for protons in light elements, on the average, an energy amounting to 50 eV per MeV of initial proton energy is removed by delta rays.
It may be “easier to approximate” decentralized infinite-horizon LQG problems

We consider scalar decentralized average-cost infinite-horizon LQG problems with two controllers. It is shown that when two controllers are asymmetric, the linear controller performance can be an arbitrary factor worse than the optimal performance. To fix this problem, we propose a set of nonlinear controllers parameterized by only a few variables, and prove that the proposed set contains an approximately optimal solution that achieves within a constant ratio of the optimal cost. This insight is conveyed using bit-oriented deterministic models that elucidate the nature of the ongoing implicit communication that must occur.
First-principles calculational methods for surface-vacancy formation energies, heats of segregation, and surface core-level shifts.

The matrix Green's-function version of the self-consistent scattering theory of surface-point-defect energetics is extended to the cases of vacancy formation, substitutional adsorption, and surface core-level shifts. Vacancies are treated by zeroing Hamiltonian and overlap matrix elements involving orbitals of atoms being removed and crystal orbitals or the crystal potential. Substitutional adsorption is treated as ordinary adsorption in a vacancy, a treatment which permits use of an arbitrary number of substitutional-atom basis orbitals. Surface core-level shifts, including final-state relaxation effects, are obtained from substitutional adsorption calculations via the Born-Haber-cycle argument of Rosengren and Johansson. In a first comparison with experiment, the surface core-level shift for Al(001) is predicted to be -97 meV, modeling this system as a five-layer film, while different experimental groups report values ranging from 0 to -120 meV, respectively, for the Al(2p) level. Earlier calculations, which neglected final-state relaxation, predict a shift of -94 meV for the Al(1s) and about -120 meV for the Al(2s) and Al(2p) core levels. Comparison with the present result indicates that relaxation effects are small in the Al(001) surface core-level shift.
Carbon deposition over transition metal alloys—I. Generation of 〈NiCo〉, 〈FeNi〉, and 〈CoFe〉 phase diagrams

Abstract The non-equilibrium phase diagram approach uses thermodynamic principles to predict the formation of various solid phases under reaction conditions. This approach attempts to systematically control the phases in-situ by controlling the gas-phase potentials and has been applied successfully to investigating carbon deposition over Fe, Co and Ni. In order to maintain the same gas-phase composition and driving force for carbon deposition over the solid phases, this approach is extended to binary alloys of these metals. The thermodynamic metal activities are determined using excess Gibbs free energy of mixing for the 〈NiCo〉, 〈FeNi〉 and 〈CoFe〉 alloy systems and the lattice stability parameters for Fe, Co and Ni reported by Kaufman and co-workers. The non-equilibrium phase diagrams for the 〈NiCo〉, 〈FeNi〉, and 〈CoFe〉 alloy systems have been generated. By varying the alloy composition, the catalytic activity of the various thermodynamically favored solid phases can be studied under identical gas phase conditions.
The extent of interorganizational resource sharing among local health departments: the association with organizational characteristics and institutional factors.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE Resource sharing, arrangements between local health departments (LHDs) for joint programs or to share staff, is a growing occurrence. The post-9/11 influx of federal funding and new public health preparedness responsibilities dramatically increased the occurrence of these inter-LHD relationships, and several states have pursed more intrastate collaboration. This article describes the current state of resource sharing among LHDs and identifies the factors associated with resource sharing. DESIGN AND SETTING Using the National Association of County & City Health Officials' 2010 Profile Survey, we determined the self-reported number of shared programmatic activities and the number of shared organizational functions for a sample of LHDs. Negative binomial regression models described the relationships between factors suggested by interorganizational theory and the counts of sharing activities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We examined the extent of resource sharing using 2 different count variables: (1) number of shared programmatic activities and (2) number of shared organizational functions. RESULTS About one-half of all LHDs are engaged in resource sharing. The extent of sharing was lower for those serving larger populations, with city jurisdictions, or of larger size. Sharing was more extensive for state-governed LHDs, those covering multiple jurisdictions, states with centralized governance, and in instances of financial constraint. CONCLUSIONS Many LHDs are engaged in a greater extent of resource sharing than others. Leaders of LHDs can work within the context of these factors to leverage resource sharing to meet their organizational needs.
Impact of surgically induced weight loss on cardiovascular autonomic function: one-year follow-up.

Objective: To determine the impact of surgically induced weight loss on cardiovascular autonomic function in subjects with severe obesity and examine whether the effect was comparable for persons with and without diabetes. Research Methods and Procedures: Twenty-six severely obese individuals (BMI = 48 ± 7 kg/m2) underwent bariatric surgery (laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, n = 21; laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, n = 5). Cardiovascular autonomic function (heart rate variation during deep breathing and the Valsalva maneuver) was assessed before and 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results: Twelve months after bariatric surgery, there was a 28% decrease in BMI. There was an increase in all parasympathetic indices of autonomic function (all assessment modalities, p < 0.05) with weight loss. The amount of improvement from baseline for all measures of autonomic function did not differ for those with or without diabetes. Discussion: Surgically induced weight loss 12 months after surgery has a favorable effect on cardiovascular autonomic function in severely obese individuals with and without diabetes.
A Thermal Method of Standardizing Dielectric Power Loss Measuring Equipment

After a brief review of the need for reference standards in dielectric power-loss measurements at high voltage and commercial power frequencies, this paper describes a thermal method for measuring dielectric power loss in cable, utilizing the sheath temperature rise associated with the flow of heat due to the power loss within the sheath. Sources of error are discussed briefly, and results are given in comparison with measurements of dielectric power loss by the reflecting astatic electrodynamometer wattmeter using an air capacitor for phase-angle compensation. In connection with the investigation, certain possible errors in dynamometer measurements are noted, particularly the effect of humidity on power loss in the air capacitor.
The feeding biology of the gymnoblastic hydroid, Pennaria tiarella

The role in food capture of the nematocysts on the filiform and capitate tentacles of Pennaria tiarella is discussed. The feeding response of Pennaria tiarella to Artemia extracts consists of cone bending and mouth opening. A similar feeding response has been demonstrated to be induced by proline at concentration as low as 10−6M. Pipecolic acid, a proline analog, also elicits a feeding response. Proline causes the head of the capitate tentacles to shrink, thereby causing the cnidocils of the large stenoteles to be prominent.
Application of a validated gasification model to determine the impact of coal particle grinding size on carbon conversion

In this paper, we describe the implementation of a comprehensive, previously validated multiscale model of entrained flow gasification to examine the impact of particle size on the gasification process in two different gasifier designs; the MHI and the GE gasifier. We show that the impact of the particle size depends on whether the char conversion process is kinetically limited or boundary layer diffusion-limited. Fine grinding helps accelerate char conversion under diffusion-control conditions, whereas the impact is not as noticeable under kinetic-control operation. The availability of particular gasification agents, namely O2 in the earlier sections of the gasifier or CO2 and H2O in the latter sections, as well as the temperature, are shown to have an impact on the relative importance of kinetics versus diffusion limitation.
Anisotropic superconducting phase diagram of C6Ca

Abstract We present a study of the anisotropic superconducting phase diagram of the new carbon intercalation superconductor C 6 Ca using magnetization and specific heat measurements. We observe an onset of superconductivity at 11.3 K and a transition width of about 1 K from heat capacity and low-field magnetization measurements. A clear step in the heat capacity confirms the bulk nature of the superconducting state. We determined an in-plane coherence length of ξ ab ≈ 36 nm and an anisotropy parameter of the coherence length of Γ ≈ 3.5–4.
The Mathematical and Physical Theory of Rational Human Intelligence: Complete Empirical-Digital Properties; Full Electrochemical-Mechanical Model (Part I: Mathematical Foundations)

The design of this paper is to present the first installment of a complete and final theory of rational human intelligence. The theory is mathematical in the strictest possible sense. The mathematics involved is strictly digital—not quantitative in the manner that what is usually thought of as mathematics is quantitative. It is anticipated at this time that the exclusively digital nature of rational human intelligence exhibits four flavors of digitality, apparently no more, and that each flavor will require a lengthy study in its own right. (For more information,please refer to the PDF.)
The Application of HPLC Chiral Stationary Phases to Stereochemical Problems of Pharmaceutical Interest: A General Method for the Resolution of Enantiomeric Amines as β-Naphthylcarbamate Derivatives

Abstract The enantiomers of primary, secondary and some tertiary amines are resolved as carbamate derivatives formed by reaction with β-naphthylchloroformate. The enantiomeric carbamates are resolved on a commercially available Pirkle-type HPLC chiral stationary phase (CSP), consisting of (R)-N-(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl)-phenylglycine covalently bonded to silica, by using a mobile phase consisting of mixtures of isopropanol in hexane. In this manner, 12 amines structurally related to amphetamine were resolved, including such pharmacologically important compounds as methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine, neither of which had been previously resolved on Pirkle-type CSPs. Reaction of the haloformate with phenolic amines may be controlled to give either mono- or bis-derivatives; both gave useful resolutions. Simple aliphatic amines such as sec-butylamine were also resolved. The order of elution of the carbamates was consistently R,S; this elution pattern is discussed in terms of specific interactions between the carb...
Sublingual Immunotherapy for Aeroallergens: Optimal Patient Dosing, Regimen and Duration

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a proven effective treatment for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. It can be disease-modifying: preventing the development of new sensitivities in monosensitized patients, preventing progression from allergic rhinitis to asthma, and providing long-lasting benefit after discontinuation of a successful course of treatment. The efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy, like that of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), is dependent on proper administration. This includes appropriate dosing, frequency, and duration of therapy. The current evidence for SLIT tablets is that daily administration of a dose equivalent to the monthly SCIT maintenance dose is appropriate. The appropriate doses for SLIT drops have not been adequately defined and may be the same or more than SLIT tablets. The optimal frequency of administration of SLIT appears to be daily. The optimal duration of SLIT for insuring disease modification appears to be 3 or 4 years. The initiation of SLIT at the maintenance dose appears safe if performed under physician observation. Preliminary evidence supports administration of pollen extracts only before and during the season, but further long-term follow-up is needed to ensure adequate disease modification. There are no studies to support the simultaneous administration of more than two non-cross-reacting allergens by SLIT.
ATP-dependent nucleosome reconfiguration and transcriptional activation from preassembled chromatin templates

GAL4-VP16-mediated nucleosome reconfiguration and transcriptional activation were observed with preassembled chromatin templates that contained regular and physiological nucleosome spacing. Both processes were dependent on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), although binding of GAL4-VP16 to the chromatin was ATP-independent. Factor-mediated nucleosome reconfiguration was not, however, sufficient for transcriptional activation. These experiments recreate in vitro the active participation of nucleosomal cores in the regulation of transcription that occurs in vivo, and they suggest a multistep pathway for transcriptional activation in which factor- and ATP-dependent nucleosome reconfiguration is followed by facilitation by the DNA-bound activator of transcription from the repressed chromatin template.
Inter-gender differentials between college students' earnings expectations and the experience of recent graduates

Abstract Earnings reported by 219 recent college graduates and earnings expected by 248 college seniors are estimated separately for men and women as functions of labor input, grade point average, age, type of employer, type of job, location, and ethnicity. The empirical evidence reveals that, while students' expectations generally accord with the prevalent trends of recent graduates' marketplace experiences, they are only partially aware of what the market bears. The model seems to describe better the behavior of men than the behavior of women.
Preparative separation of taxol in normal- and reversed-phase operations

Abstract A method is described that separates taxane compounds from crude extracts under either reversed- or normal-phase conditions using a Zorbax-based bonded material, “SW-Taxane”. A crude plant extract of Taxus canadensis and five standard taxane compounds were separated. The method provides high selectivity and recoveries of compounds from a taxol extract in the isocratic mode. Under normal-phase conditions, the packing material has shown significantly greater selectivity of taxol-related compounds than bare silica and most other commercially available silica-based bonded materials. Reversed-phase separations on the column, are also superior compared to typical C 8 separations. In addition, a loading study demonstrates that this phase has a high taxol saturation capacity due to its large surface area.
Boosting our brains

The advanced cognitive capacity of humans is largely attributed to increased size and function of the brain. In particular, the size and cell density of the human neocortex is greater than that of chimpanzees—our closest great ape relative. Whereas humans share at least 95% of their genetic