cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atom-by-atom construction of a cyclic artificial molecule in silicon

Hydrogen atoms on a silicon surface, H-Si (100), behave as a resist that can be patterned with perfect atomic precision using a scanning tunneling microscope. When a hydrogen atom is removed in this manner, the underlying silicon presents a chemically active site, commonly referred to as a dangling bond. It has been predicted that individual dangling bonds function as artificial atoms, which, if grouped together, can form designer molecules on the H-Si (100) surface. Here, we present an artificial ring structure molecule spanning three dimer rows, constructed from dangling bonds, and verified by spectroscopic measurement of its molecular orbitals. We found that removing 8 hydrogen atoms resulted in a molecular analog to 1,4-disilylene-hexasilabenzene (Si8H8). Scanning tunneling spectroscopic measurements reveal molecular π and π* orbitals that agree with those expected for the same molecule in a vacuum; this is validated by density functional theory calculations of the dangling bond system on a silicon slab that show direct links both to the experimental results and to calculations for the isolated molecule. We believe the unique electronic structure of artificial molecules constructed in this manner can be engineered to enable future molecule-based electronics, surface catalytic functionality, and templating for subsequent site-selective deposition.
A Double-Blind, Cross-Over Study to Examine the Effects of Maritime Pine Extract on Exercise Performance and Postexercise Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Muscle Soreness, and Damage

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether 14 days of supplementation with maritime pine extract leading up to and following an exercise test would increase performance and reduce biom...
AutoRARE: An Automated Tool For Generating FPGA-Based Multi-Memory Hardware Accelerators For Compute-Intensive Applications

In this paper, we present AutoRARE, a Java-based automated design tool for generating Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based hardware accelerators. AutoRARE automatically generates all VHDL models needed to build/synthesize a processor specifically tailored for each application. The user needs only provide the VHDL description of a special-purpose floating point Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) or function core. The tool generates the VHDL description for the memory interface, memory controller, host processor interface, and the application specific processor. We also present details of the FPGA-based multi-memory hardware accelerator for accelerating computationally intensive applications, generated using AutoRARE. The multi-memory hardware accelerator is highly pipelined and able to simultaneously read and write multiple floating point values from multiple memories. The multi-memory architecture is the key to providing hardware accelerators that execute 10X-100X faster than typical multi-core processors. The Taylor Series expansion of the sine/cosine function is used as an application to demonstrate the merits of the multi-memory hardware accelerator. In our experiments, we executed the Taylor Series in software and compared execution times with an FPGA-based hardware implementation. Our experiments show that the FPGA-based multi-memory Taylor Series hardware accelerator is 481X faster than software executing the Taylor Series on a typical server.
Revisiting the dark photon explanation of the muon anomalous magnetic moment

A massive $U(1{)}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ gauge boson known as a ``dark photon'' or ${A}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, has long been proposed as a potential explanation for the discrepancy observed between the experimental measurement and theoretical determination of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon (${g}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{-}2$) anomaly. Recently, experimental results have excluded this possibility for a dark photon exhibiting exclusively visible or invisible decays. In this work, we revisit this idea and consider a model where ${A}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ couples inelastically to dark matter and an excited dark sector state, leading to a more exotic decay topology we refer to as a semivisible decay. We show that for large mass splittings between the dark sector states this decay mode is enhanced, weakening the previous invisibly decaying dark photon bounds. As a consequence, ${A}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ resolves the ${g}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{-}2$ anomaly in a region of parameter space the thermal dark matter component of the Universe is readily explained. Interestingly, it is possible that the semivisible events we discuss may have been vetoed by experiments searching for invisible dark photon decays. A reanalysis of the data and future searches may be crucial in uncovering this exotic decay mode or closing the window on the dark photon explanation of the ${g}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{-}2$ anomaly.
Abstract 4346: PI3K pathway mediated splicing defects in ER+ breast cancers

Activating mutations in PIK3CA, the gene encoding for the catalytic subunit (p100a), are the most common oncogenic alterations in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+). The majority of PIK3CA mutations occur within two hot spots; exons 9 and exon 20 which encode the helical (E545K) and kinase domains (H1047R), respectively. These mutations result in hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and provide the rationale for the development of inhibitors targeting the PI3K pathway. To this end, PI3K α-specific inhibitors are showing antitumor activity in patients with PIK3CA-mutant, ER-positive breast cancer. Evidence of alternative mRNA regulation and splicing in various cancers has been described in the literature. Although, the majority of events appear to have unknown clinical significance, there is evidence alternative splicing can lead to drug resistance. The role of the PI3K pathway on transcriptional regulation and mRNA processing is not well studied. Through transcriptome analysis and cell assays in mouse MEF and human MCF10A cells we demonstrate splicing defects accrue as a result of the PI3K pathway activation by the PIK3CA H1047R mutation. PI3Ka pathway inhibitors were able to restore wildtype exon inclusion levels in these mutants, suggesting a potential clinical benefit. We propose that PIK3CA H1047R imposes mRNA differential isoform regulation by acting through the most commonly mutated PI3K pathway in ER+ breast cancers and that such mutations are targetable with PI3K pathway inhibitors. Citation Format: Erik Ladewig, Lauren Fairchild, Maurizio Scaltriti, Christina Leslie, Eneda Toska, Jose Baselga. PI3K pathway mediated splicing defects in ER+ breast cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4346.
The American Parliamentary Debate Association (APDA)

WHAT IS APDA? The American Parliamentary Debate Association (APDA) is a national non-profit association of debate societies and departments at over fifty American colleges and universities. Membership is open to any community college, junior college, and four-year college or university in the United States. Most APDA member schools participate primarily in parliamentary debate. Some, however, participate in parliamentary debate as well as other forms of collegiate debate, as part of a larger program in speech and forensics. While APDA is primarily an undergraduate organization, faculty-led or coached programs are welcome. Annual membership dues are $100.00; however, fees are often waived for those programs which demonstrate financial need. WHAT DOES APDA *DO*? APDA schedules weekly debate tournaments throughout the year, serves as a clearinghouse for debate-related information, produces a monthly newsletter, and organizes the annual APDA Novice Tournament and the APDA National Debate Championship. In addition, APDA represents the United States on the World Council of Debate which convenes each January at the World Championship Tournament. WHAT IS "PARLIAMENTARY" DEBATE? Parliamentary debate is an extemporaneous form of debate loosely modeled after the debates which occur in the British Parliament. It is patterned after the style of platform debate first made famous at Oxford University. Although its style differs from nation to nation, parliamentary debate is the most common form of debate worldwide. Illustrative of this fact, the Word Championship Tournament is attended by participants from over thirty nations including England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Greece, Malaysia, the Philippines, New Zealand, and South Africa. In the United States, the format pits two two-person teams against each other in a contest of argument, wit and rhetoric. The Government (proposing) team prepares and presents a case for debate based on a topic or resolution announced ten minutes before the beginning of the round. Resolutions are chosen from a wide variety of political, philosophical, economic, cultural and humorous topics, and debaters often have a broad scope in which to define the specific case for debate which is drawn from the resolution. A different resolution is debated in every parliamentary debate round. Examples of some different types of resolutions follow: * This house believes that the blood of East Timor is on Australia's hands. * This house believes that the government should not legislate morality. * This house believes that American culture is an oxymoron. * This house believes that morality has no place in foreign affairs. PURPOSE APDA was created over fifteen years ago in order to foster Parliamentary Debate in the United States. It was conceived as an alternative to some of the more technical and researched based forms of debate which were already prevalent in the United States. Undergraduate run and undergraduate centered, we seek to promote a competitive and social environment that keeps debate exciting, worthwhile, and fun for students. …
Changing Wealth Accumulation Patterns: Evidence and Determinants

The patterns and determinants of household wealth accumulation have long been of interest to economists. Using the 1989 and 2016 Surveys of Consumer Finance, we examine the determinants of changes in mean and median wealth of households of given ages across different birth cohorts. While the Great Recession reduced wealth in all age groups, longer-term trends show that wealth of older age groups has increased while the wealth of younger age groups has declined. We show that a substantial share of these changes, in both directions, can be explained by the evolution of household demographic and economic characteristics.
Crime clock – Analytical studies for approximating time since deposition of bloodstains

Abstract Bloodstains discovered at crime scenes can provide crucial information to an investigation. By obtaining a DNA-profile from the bloodstain, it can be used to link someone to a crime scene, which can corroborate or dispute a witnesses’ statement. However, the analysis of bloodstains is still not able to answer a key question to investigators; how much time has passed since the criminal event occurred? In addition, an equally important aspect of crime reconstruction is the ability to determine which bloodstains are relevant to the crime based on time since deposition. Despite the extensive research that has been done over the last century, there is still no definitive answer to this question. This review gives an overview of the work that has been done to tackle this momentous issue, from the first attempt in 1907 to the use of smartphones for bloodstain analysis in recent years. Emerging new techniques that are rapid, non-contact, and non-destructive show the most promise for being implemented into forensic casework. However, there are still hurdles that must be overcome before methods for estimating time since deposition of bloodstains will be accepted in the court system.
A Tale of Two Universities: Electronic Resources Troubleshooting Comparisons

This article presents findings from a comparison of electronic resources troubleshooting tickets submitted during a one-year period at Texas A&M University and University of Tennessee Knoxville. Th...
Mothers' Perceptions of the Climate of Their Children's Schools: Covariations With Children's Academic Adjustment in Families of Mexican Origin.

Although Latinx parents' perceptions of the climate of their children's schools may play a role in their children's academic adjustment, research examining this idea is sparse. Every 2 years beginning when children were in fifth grade (Mage = 10.86 years) until they were in 11th grade, Mexican-origin mothers (N = 674) reported on their perceptions of the climate of their children's schools; information on children's academic adjustment was collected from children and mothers. Multilevel modeling indicated that when mothers had more positive school climate perceptions, their children valued school more and performed better in school, but did not necessarily hold higher educational expectations. The findings suggest the importance of schools in creating welcoming environments for Mexican-origin parents.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Mandatory GMO Disclosure with Existing Voluntary Non-GMO Labeling

In 2022, all foods for sale in the US will be required to carry disclosure labels if they contain ingredients with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While this is a significant change to labeling requirements, voluntary non-GMO labels already exist to facilitate consumer choice. Past legislative and voter-initiated measures in several states have proposed mandatory GMO labeling, with Vermont being the only state to successfully pass and implement such a law. We leverage a novel dataset from the Non-GMO Project to examine the direct effect of mandatory GMO labeling and the indirect effect of the associated legislative process on demand for voluntarily-labeled non-GMO products. We show that the legislative process heightened consumer awareness of GMO topics and increased adoption of products with voluntary non-GMO labels, even absent actual implementation of mandatory GMO labeling: about one-third of new non-GMO product adoption is explained by the local information environment. We then utilize implementation of the mandatory GMO labeling law in Vermont as a quasi-experiment to show that in the presence of existing voluntary non-GMO labels, mandatory labeling did not have any additional effect on demand. Our findings suggest that voluntary non-GMO labels may already provide an efficient disclosure mechanism without mandatory GMO labels.
How fluoroquinolone preauthorization affects third- and fourth-generation cephalosporin use and resistance in a large academic hospital.

OBJECTIVE We observed an overall increase in the use of third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins after fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented. We examined the change in specific third- and fourth-generation cephalosporin use, and we sought to determine whether there was a consequent change in non-susceptibility of select Gram-negative bacterial isolates to these antibiotics. DESIGN Retrospective quasi-experimental study. SETTING Academic hospital. INTERVENTION Fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented in the hospital in October 2005. We used interrupted time series (ITS) Poisson regression models to examine trends in monthly rates of ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and cefepime use and trends in yearly rates of nonsusceptible isolates (NSIs) of select Gram-negative bacteria before (1998-2004) and after (2006-2016) fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented. RESULTS Rates of use of ceftriaxone and cefepime increased after fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented (ceftriaxone RR, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.002-1.003; P < .0001; cefepime RR, 1.003; 95% CI, 1.001-1.004; P = .0006), but ceftazidime use continued to decline (RR, 0.991, 95% CI, 0.990-0.992; P < .0001). Rates of ceftazidime and cefepime NSIs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ceftazidime RR, 0.937; 95% CI, 0.910-0.965, P < .0001; cefepime RR, 0.937; 95% CI, 0.912-0.963; P < .0001) declined after fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented. Rates of ceftazidime and cefepime NSIs of Enterobacter cloacae (ceftazidime RR, 1.116; 95% CI, 1.078-1.154; P < .0001; cefepime RR, 1.198; 95% CI, 1.112-1.291; P < .0001) and cefepime NSI of Acinetobacter baumannii (RR, 1.169; 95% CI, 1.081-1.263; P < .0001) were increasing before fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented but became stable thereafter: E. cloacae (ceftazidime RR, 0.987; 95% CI, 0.948-1.028; P = .531; cefepime RR, 0.990; 95% CI, 0.962-1.018; P = .461) and A. baumannii (cefepime RR, 0.972; 95% CI, 0.939-1.006; P = .100). CONCLUSIONS Fluoroquinolone preauthorization may increase use of unrestricted third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins; however, we did not observe increased antimicrobial resistance to these agents, especially among clinically important Gram-negative bacteria known for hospital-acquired infections.
Hidden conformations differentiate day and night in a circadian pacemaker

Abstract The AAA+ protein KaiC is the central pacemaker for cyanobacterial circadian rhythms. Composed of two hexameric rings with tightly coupled activities, KaiC undergoes changes in autophosphorylation on its C-terminal (CII) domain that restrict binding of of clock proteins on its N-terminal (CI) domain to the evening. Here, we use cryo-electron microscopy to investigate how daytime and nighttime states of CII regulate KaiB binding to CI. We find that the CII hexamer is destabilized during the day but takes on a rigidified C2-symmetric state at night,concomitant with ring-ring compression. Residues at the CI-CII interface are required for phospho-dependent KaiB association, coupling ATPase activity on CI to cooperative KaiB recruitment. Together these studies reveal how daily changes in KaiC phosphorylation regulate cyanobacterial circadian rhythms. One-Sentence Summary Cryo-EM structures of KaiC in its day and night states reveal the structural basis for assembly of clock regulatory complexes.
Exploring the Activism of Immigrant Muslim Women in Chicago: Continued Frontiers of Engagement

When viewing immigration, it is often perceived that women had little role in or contribution to immigration. This is partially due to the fact that men historically initiated and led the immigration of the family to the new land. However, women participated immensely in all aspects of immigration both at home and in the new land migrated. While in early periods, men generally were the ones to immigrate and settle first, and bring the family later. This, too, has changed in our modern times due to the role of women in today’s global society and workforce. One of the largest immigrant communities in the world are Muslims. Considering the perception of women in Islam, it is not implausible to think how little Muslim women might have contributed to immigration of Muslim families throughout history. There is a general conception that Muslim women are restricted to their homes and have no role or contribution to the public sphere. This chapter focuses on the historical role of Muslim women migrants in the U.S. from 1952 to the present, and the role and contributions these women made in the Chicago Muslim community as well as their empowerment to excel to a higher level of status through active participation in the family, workplace, and society at large. Using a qualitative study on immigrant Muslim women activists in Chicago, the findings are discussed from a feminist perspective.
Testing a "content meets process" model of depression vulnerability and rumination: Exploring the moderating role of set-shifting deficits.

Abstract Background and objectives MacCoon and Newman's (2006) “content meets process” model posits that deficits in cognitive control make it difficult to disengage from negative cognitions caused by a negative cognitive style (NCS). The present study examined if the interactive effect of cognitive set-shifting abilities and NCS predicts rumination and past history of depression. Methods Participants were 90 previously depressed individuals and 95 never depressed individuals. We administered three laboratory tasks that assess set-shifting: the Wisconsin Card-Sorting Task, the Emotional Card-Sorting Task, and the Internal Switch Task, and self-report measures of NCS and rumination. Results Shifting ability in the context of emotional distractors moderated the association between NCS and depressive rumination. Although previously depressed individuals had more NCS and higher trait rumination relative to never depressed individuals, shifting ability did not moderate the association between NCS and depression history. Limitations The cross-sectional correlational design cannot address the causal direction of effects. It is also not clear whether findings will generalize beyond college students. Conclusions NCS was elevated in previously depressed individuals consistent with its theoretical role as trait vulnerability to the disorder. Furthermore, NCS may be particularly likely to trigger rumination among individuals with poor capacity for cognitive control in the context of emotional distraction.
Artifacts and Technical Problems in Cardiac Imaging

When interpreting nuclear cardiology images, one should always consider the possibility of artifacts or other technical problems that may interfere with image quality. Artifacts are not unexpected in conventional SPECT imaging. During the process of external detection of relatively low-energy photons emanating from inside the body, tissue attenuation, noncardiac uptake, and motion may distort images.
The Urban Mathematics Collaborative Project

In a three-year junior high school of 800 students — grades 7 (age 12), 8 (age 13), and 9 (age 14) — located south of the automobile bypass around Memphis, Tennessee, a mathematics teacher in a large classroom moves among her students as they work in groups of four. Her students sit at clusters of desks, and the walls are covered with numerical charts and mathematics slogans. Over the past 10 years, this teacher has made a significant transformation from conducting a very controlled classroom dominated by her lecturing. Now her students are much more actively engaged in learning mathematics by working and interacting with each other. She spends much less time standing in front of her classroom telling her students what to do. Her students are doing projects and writing about their thinking, individually and — especially — in groups. She has become very active professionally in writing grants to fund projects, attending professional meetings and institutes, making presentations at national meetings, and field testing a new mathematics curriculum.
Inherited Renal Tubular Disorders

A number of clinical syndromes have been described that have as their basic foundation a defect in some transport function of the renal tubule (Table 1). Using this paradigm, one can define conditions in which single or multiple substances are lost, in which ions or organic solutes are lost, and in which the whole body pools of these substances are altered because of excessive urinary excretion. The basic pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these transport disorders are described elsewhere (1–4). The purpose of this chapter is to describe the current form of therapy in these conditions.
Nitric oxide attenuates vascular smooth muscle cell activation by interferon-gamma. The role of constitutive NF-kappa B activity.

Atherogenesis involves cellular immune responses and altered vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) function. Cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1α and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) may contribute to this process by activating SMC. To determine whether the anti-atherogenic mediator, nitric oxide (•NO), can modulate cytokine-induced SMC activation, we investigated the effects of various •NO-generating compounds on the expression of intercellular and vascular cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1). Induction of ICAM-1 expression by IL-1α and VCAM-1 expression by IFN-γ was attenuated by •NO donors but not by cGMP analogues. Nuclear run-on assays and transfection studies using various VCAM-1 promoter constructs linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene showed that •NO repressed IFN-γ-induced VCAM-1 gene transcription, in part, through inhibition of nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that SMC possess basal constitutive NF-κB activity, which was augmented by treatment with IL-1α. In contrast, IFN-γ induced and activated interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1 but had little effect on basal constitutive NF-κB activity. •NO donors had no inhibitory effect on IRF-1 activation but did inhibit basal and IL-1α-stimulated NF-κB activation. These findings suggest that the induction of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression requires NF-κB activation and that •NO attenuates IFN-γ-induced VCAM-1 expression primarily by inhibiting basal constitutive NF-κB activity in SMC.
Double ergodicity of nonsingular transformations and infinite measure-preserving staircase transformations

A nonsingular transformation is said to be doubly ergodic if for all sets A and B of positive measure there exists an integer n > 0 such that (T n(A) \ A) > 0 and (T n(A) \ B) > 0. While double ergodicity is equivalent to weak mixing for nite measure-preserving transformations, we show that this is not the case for in nite measure preserving transformations. We show that all measure-preserving tower staircase rank one constructions are doubly ergodic, but that there exist tower staircase transformations with non-ergodic Cartesian square. We also show that double ergodicity implies weak mixing but that there are weakly mixing skyscraper constructions that are not doubly ergodic. Thus, for in nite measure-preserving transformations, double ergodicity lies properly between weak mixing and ergodic Cartesian square. In addition we study some properties of double ergodicity. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classi cation. Primary 37A40. Secondary 28D yNew College of the University of South Florida, 5700 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota, FL 34243, USA. abowles@virtu.sar.usf.edu Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA. dkowsk@post.harvard.edu Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA. aem@sccs.swarthmore.edu {Department of Mathematics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA 01267, USA. csilva@williams.edu
Taxonomic implications of spore fine structure in Clostridium bifermentans.

Abstract Thirty-five strains of Clostridium bifermentans were, in most part, culturally homogeneous by conventional taxonomic criteria but were heterogeneous with respect to spore fine structure. Fourteen of the strains produced spores with appendages, distributed among four distinct ultrastructural types. No consistent correlation existed between spore type and other variable properties of these strains. It is proposed, therefore, that these spore appendage-type strains be considered as “varieties” of C. bifermentans and that they should not be designated as new species.
Markedly elevated creatinine phosphokinase, cotton wool spots, and pericarditis in a patient with leptospirosis

Abstract We are reporting a patient with acute leptospirosis whose creatinine phosphokinase was markedly elevated secondary to an associated myositis. In patients presenting with acute hepatitis, an elevated creatinine phosphokinase should suggest the diagnosis of leptospirosis. Our patient's course of illness was made unusual by the appearance of cotton wool spots, previously unreported in leptospirosis as well as by pericarditis in the absence of uremia. This illustrates our ever widening recognition of the clinical manifestations of leptospirosis.
Making Arbitrarily Small Black Holes: Experiences with AMR in Numerical Relativity

I present an overview of the study of a model problem in gravitational collapse where the use of the Berger & Oliger AMR algorithm was instrumental in the discovery of new phenomenology. The exposition focuses on the basic physics of the process which, in several ways, is ideally suited to treatment using AMR techniques.
On the irrelevance of financial policy under market incompleteness and trading constraints

Abstract We study the Modigliani and Miller Theorem under portfolio constraints. We show that there exist state-dependent trading limits under which financial policy is irrelevant. In addition, a no short-selling constraint on equity is innocuous in spite of being state-independent.
Genetics and Aging in Protozoa

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the genetics of aging in protozoa. Protozoa can exhibit a finite growth potential and can escape extinction by fertilization and formation of successive generations. Aging in ciliates exhibits predictable, progressive, species-specific rates of decline in function and, finally, death. In the absence of fertilization, the cells undergo repeated cell divisions and produce cells that are progressively less vigorous than the progenitor cell. Fertilization in ciliates represents a risk that can result in immediate death, reduced life span, or resetting the age clock to zero. The outcome of the process is dependent on breeding behavior, individuals participating in the cross, and their ages. Protozoa present an untapped reservoir for an evolutionary approach to the identification of fundamental mechanisms that are utilized in the assurance of longevity. Similarities between age-associated changes in protozoa and multicellular organisms are discussed, and the similarities among unicells and multicells are described. Molecular mechanisms that can direct the determinations of gene function are emerging rapidly. The presence of repressors or derepressors in the cytoplasmic environment of the developing nucleus can turn on or off certain genes, and, once activated or repressed, perpetuate that state.
Probabilistic falsification of prior geologic uncertainty with seismic amplitude data: Application to a turbidite reservoir case

ABSTRACTGeophysical subsurface modeling is often highly uncertain due to limited data resolution. At the same time, a wealth of geologic information, often from databases and outcrop studies, is available to state prior uncertainty on key geologic modeling parameters. In most inversion procedures, these uncertainties are ignored and only a limited number of geologic scenarios are considered. We have developed a workflow, inspired by a Popper-Bayes philosophy that aims at probabilistically updating prior geologic parameters uncertainty with data without the need for inversion or iterative data conditioning. Our approach consists of stating a wide prior model of uncertainty (in rock physics and facies), and generating a set of facies models and their corresponding geophysical responses (here the seismic response) by forward simulation. Then, a global measure of similarity is defined between any two generated seismic responses and the field data. The proposed measure, based on the wavelet transform decomposi...
Autonomous virtual humans and lower animals: from biomechanics to intelligence

The confluence of virtual reality and artificial life, an emerging discipline that spans the computational and biological sciences, has yielded synthetic worlds inhabited by realistic artificial flora and fauna. Artificial animals are complex synthetic organisms that have functional, biomechanical bodies, perceptual sensors, and brains with locomotion, perception, behavior, learning, and cognition centers. Virtual humans and lower animals are of interest in computer graphics because they are self-animating graphical characters poised to dramatically advance the interactive game and motion picture industries even more so than have physics-based simulation technologies. More broadly, these biomimetic autonomous agents in their realistic virtual worlds also foster deeper computationally-oriented insights into natural living systems. Furthermore, they engender interesting applications in computer vision, sensor networks, archaeology, and other domains.
EEG-based control for human-computer interaction

An interface whereby brain responses can control machines has been developed by the Armstrong Laboratory. This EEG-based control uses the magnitude of the steady-state visual evoked response (SSVER) as a control signal. The SSVER is identified and monitored using non-invasive scalp electrodes and advanced signal processing technology. With biofeedback, users learn to increase or decrease the magnitude of the VSYER to an evoking stimulus. These responses are translated into commands that control the operation of a physical device or computer program. After further development this innovative interface could revolutionize human interaction with complex systems.
Sociologic perspectives on juvenile violence.

To an important degree, a nation's level of juvenile violence is a reflection of social and political choices it has made, or failed to make. The devastating levels of violence that persist among America's youth signal that, so far, we have not made those choices well. But the record of many other countries tells us that the choices we have made are not the only ones available to us.
Luminescence as an indication of distortion in A3+2 B4+2 O7 type pyrochlores

Abstract The Eu 3+ luminescent emission spectra of rare-earth titanate, titanate-stannate, stannate, hafnate and zirconate pyrochlores, A 3+ 2 B 4+ 2 O 7 , indicated that a linear relationship existed between the splitting of the 5 D 0 → 7 F 1 magnetic-dipole transition and the size of the cation present. Small A 3+ cations and larger B 4+ cations both produced a lattice with a lesser degree of deviation from O h symmetry.
3-D flow analysis of non-newtonian viscous fluids using “enriched” finite elements

Enriched element, Q + 1 P 0 , and standard element,Q 1 P 0 , are compared for the simulation of 3-dimensional flow of non-Newtonien fluids. Several 3-dimensional polymer flow problems are analysed. The pressure field obtained by using Q 1 P 0 elements suffers from spurious pressure modes. For complex flows, depending upon the flow geometry and the boundary conditionsused, Q 1 P 0 elementsmay fail to simulateeveb the velocity field. Q + 1 P 0 elements, which satisfy the Babuska-Brezzi condition, give accurate velocity and pressure distribution for allthe problems analyzed here.
Time costs associated with informal caregiving for cancer survivors

BACKGROUND: To the authors' knowledge, little work has been done to estimate the time costs associated with informal caregiving for cancer survivors. METHODS: Data from a national survey of caregivers of cancer patients in 2003 to 2006 were used to estimate the time associated with informal caregiving in the 2 years after patient diagnosis with bladder, breast, colorectal, kidney, lung, melanoma of the skin, ovarian, prostate, or uterine cancer, or non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL). Caregivers reported the duration and daily intensity of caregiving as well as the types and frequency of support provided. The median wage rate in 2006 ($16.28) was used to value caregiver time, and other methods to value time were evaluated with sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: On average, caregivers provided care for 8.3 hours per day for 13.7 months. The number of months and daily hours spent caregiving were the highest for cancer survivors diagnosed with distant disease compared with survivors with regional or localized disease (P < .05). Approximately half of caregivers provided emotional, instrumental, tangible, or medical support, although the frequency varied dramatically. Informal caregiver time costs over the 2-year period after diagnosis were the highest for caregivers of patients diagnosed with lung ($72,702; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], $56,814-$88,590) and ovarian ($66,210; 95% CI, $40,750-$91,670) cancers and NHL ($59,613; 95% CI, $43,423-$75,803) and the lowest for caregivers of patients with breast cancer ($38,334; 95% CI, $31,442-$45,226). CONCLUSIONS: Time spent by informal caregivers was substantial and was an important component of the burden of cancer care. Incorporation of the value of informal caregiver time will be important when evaluating the costs and benefits of cancer control interventions. Cancer 2009;115(18 suppl):4362–73. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Constant-Temperature Embossing of Amorphous Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Films

In the standard hot embossing process for thermoplastic polymers, thermal cycling is needed in order to soften and subsequently cool and solidify the polymer. This thermal cycling, however, not only results in long cycle times but also deteriorates the quality of embossed features. A new embossing method based on slowly crystallizing polymers was investigated to eliminate thermal cycling. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) was used as a model system for demonstration. Due to its slow crystallization, amorphous PET film can be made by casting a PET melt onto a chill roll. The amorphous PET film was embossed at a constant temperature of 180°C for a period of time comparable to or longer than PET’s half-time of crystallization. During constant-temperature embossing, the film first liquefies, caused by rubber softening of the amorphous phase, and then solidifies, resulting from the crystallization of the amorphous phase. Since the embossed film is hardened under the constant mold temperature, no cooling is needed. Selected micro features, including circular microchannels and high aspect ratio rectangular microchannels, were successfully embossed using a total cycle time about 40 s.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Denturism in the 1980s: An Irony of History?

I n November 1978, Oregonians voted to make that state th e first in the n ation to p erm it d ental technicians to deal directly with the public, inde­ pendent of dentists’ supervision, in the fitting and dispensing of complete dentures. The denturism law was approved by 78% of the voters regardless of age, level of incom e, or occupation.1 The analysis of the election results by the American Dental A ssocia­ tion succinctly presented the different perceptions of the profession and the general public.
A Parametric Analysis Microcomputer Model for Evaluating the Thermodynamic Performance of a Reciprocating Brayton Cycle Engine

A Brayton open-cycle engine is under development. It operates similarly to a gas turbine engine, but uses reciprocating piston compressor and expander components. The design appears to have a number of advantages, including multifuel capability, the potential for lower cost, and the ability to be scaled to small sizes without significant loss in efficiency. An interactive microcomputer model has been developed that analyzes the thermodynamic performance of the engine. The model incorporates all the important irreversibilities found in piston devices, including heat transfer, mechanical friction, pressure losses, and mass loss and recirculation. There are 38 input parameters to the model. Key independent operating parameters are maximum temperature, compressor rpm, and pressure ratio. The development of the model and its assumptions are outlined in this paper. The emphasis is on model applications.
A machine-vision-based wrist sensor for direct measurement of three degrees-of-freedom orientation

Abstract This paper presents an interesting design of an optical wrist sensor for direct measurement of three degrees-of-freedom (DOF) orientation. The design concept was motivated by the recent development of a ball-joint-like variable-reluctance (VR) spherical motor which offers some attractive features by combining pitch, roll and yaw in a single joint. The use of single-axis encoders for measuring three DOF orientation often requires a mechanism to house the encoder, which introduces friction and stiction. The three DOF optical wrist sensor eliminates frictions and thus has potential applications, such as a spherical wrist for plasma and laser cutting, and a teleoperated joystick, where smooth isotropic manipulation is required.
Preoperative inflammatory biomarkers and neurovegetative symptoms in peritoneal carcinomatosis patients.

Background Inflammation plays a central role in peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) etiology and progression, and circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers prior to surgery predict progression-free and overall survival in PC patients. Depression and fatigue are prevalent among PC patients, and experimental research shows that these symptoms may be mediated by proinflammatory cytokines. As yet unstudied is the possibility that the heightened levels of inflammatory markers in PC patients may contribute to their experience of common neurovegetative symptoms.
The effect of escape responses on immobility in bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus)

Bobwhite quail tested for the immobility response to manual restraint were more susceptible to immobility and remained immobile longer under conditions which elicited escape responses prior to immobility than under a condition which prevented escape responses. The results, discussed in terms of a defensive-distance model, suggest a relationship between immobility and other responses to predators such as escape.
1298 THE DNA-MODIFYING ACTIVITY OF PHOTOTHERAPY AND RIBOFLAVIN

Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrating the intracellular DNA-modifying activity of phototherapy with and without physiologic photosensitizing agents (e.g. vitamins, amino acids) have generated concern since many carcinogens and/or teratogens derive their activity from a similar ability to modify DNA. The present study extends these observations and characterizes the DNA-modifying activity of light-activated riboflavin, a coenzyme ubiquitous to living cells. More specifically, we have demonstrated that among the four naturally occurring deoxyribonucleotides, light-activated riboflavin induces a photochemical change only in deoxyguanosine. Utilizing scavengers and promoters of singlet oxygen (1O2) we have determined that this reaction, although oxygen dependent, does not involve 1O2. In addition, experiments with purified DNA have identified a second, oxygen-independent, photochemical reaction which results in the formation of a covalent adduct between riboflavin and the biopolymer. Moreover, when synthetic copolymers [poly (dA•dT); poly (dG•dC)] are substituted for DNA, covalent binding is observed only with the poly (dA•dT). Therefore, this latter photochemical reaction is independent of deoxyguanosine. The relevance of these two distinct in vitro photochemical reactions to the jaundiced infant receiving phototherapy is under investigation. Our results suggest that phototherapy is a complex process with an inherent potential for serious long-term sequellae.
The effects of lapsed time since feeding upon the toxicity of zinc to fish.

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of elapsed time from feeding to exposure upon the tolerance of goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) to zinc. Methods followed those in the 24 hour static bioassay of the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (SMITHet al., 1973). Fish were fed for 25 minutes and at specific times after feeding (0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 72 hours) groups of 10 fish were placed into 18 liters of water containing a lethal concentration (100 mg/l) of zinc as ZnSO4. Time until death was recorded for individual fish. A total of 420 fish (excluding controls) were exposed to zinc in the course of seven experimental runs. Statistical analysis revealed a slight but non-significant increase in survival time as the interval between feeding and exposure to zinc increased. These variations in survival time do not appear to be of sufficient magnitude to support the standard acute bioassay requirement that fish not be fed for 24 or 48 hours prior to their exposure to a toxicant.
Mixed convection in straight and curved channels with buoyancy orthogonal to the forced flow

Abstract Mixed convection in straight and curved channels is investigated when buoyant forces are perpendicular to the bulk flow direction. Grashof numbers are based on temperature difference range from 0 to 50 × 10 6 , and Reynolds numbers are based on channel width range from 343 to 2057 which gives laminar and transitional forced flow. Four difference regimes of behavior are apparent: pure natural convection, mixed convection with strong buoyancy, mixed convection with weak buoyancy and pure forced convection. Differences in behavior between these different regimes are discussed, along with curvature influences, the effects of buoyancy on forced flow behavior, and Nusselt number correlations for the two mixed convection regimes.
The use of carry-save representation in joint module selection and retiming

Joint module selection and retiming is a powerful technique to optimize the implementation cost and the speed of a circuit specified using a synchronous data-flow graph (DFG). In implementing high-speed circuits, the use of carry-save signal representation is also a powerful technique to optimize the implementation cost and the speed of arithmetic circuits. This paper is the first to combine these two techniques to solve the joint module selection and retiming problem while allowing the use of carry-save representation. To solve this problem efficiently, we first propose a mixed-representation data-flow graph (MFG) that allows signals to be expressed in carry-save representation. We also propose techniques to accurately model the costs associated with different signal representations. In addition, we propose a solution-space pruning technique that significantly reduces the run-time of our algorithm. Our algorithm, by allowing carry-save representation, can produce a wider range of solutions. In our experiments, our fastest implementation is 28% faster and our smallest implementation is 47% smaller, in comparison to solutions obtained using the previously known joint module selection and retiming technique.
Ser/Arg-rich Protein-mediated Communication between U1 and U2 Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Particles

Previous work demonstrated that U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP), bound to a downstream 5' splice site, can positively influence utilization of an upstream 3' splice site via exon definition in both trans- and cis-splicing systems. Although exon definition results in the enhancement of splicing of an upstream intron, the nature of the factors involved has remained elusive. We assayed the interaction of U1 snRNP as well as the positive effect of a downstream 5' splice site on trans-splicing in nematode extracts containing either inactive (early in development) or active (later in development) serine/arginine-rich splicing factors (SR proteins). We have determined that U1 snRNP interacts with the 5' splice site in the downstream exon even in the absence of active SR proteins. In addition, we determined that U1 snRNP-directed loading of U2 snRNP onto the branch site as well as efficient trans-splicing in these inactive extracts could be rescued upon the addition of active SR proteins. Identical results were obtained when we examined the interaction of U1 snRNP as well as the requirement for SR proteins in communication across a cis-spliced intron. Weakening of the 3' splice site uncovered distinct differences, however, in the ability of U1 snRNP to promote U2 addition, dependent upon its position relative to the branch site. These results demonstrate that SR proteins are required for communication between U1 and U2 snRNPs whether this interaction is across introns or exons.