cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust synthesis in /sub 1/: a globally optimal solution

In this paper, a method to synthesize controllers that achieve globally optimal robust performance within any prespecified tolerance, against structured norm-bounded time-varying and/or nonlinear uncertainty is developed. The performance measure considered is the infinity to infinity induced norm of a system's transfer function. The method developed utilizes linear relaxation techniques to solve the infinite dimensional nonconvex problem via finite dimensional linear programming problems.
A π-Basic Rhenium Center that Effects Cyclohexene Isomerization to a β-Agostic Carbene Ligand

The molecule (PNPR)Re(H)4 (PNPR = (R2PCH2SiMe2)2N, R = iPr or cyclohexyl) reacts at 20 °C with 2 mol of cyclohexene to form equimolar cyclohexane and (PNPR)Re(H)2[C(CH2)5]. This product is characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR and by X-ray diffraction as having one CH2 hydrogen (from a carbon located β to Re) donating to the metal (“agostic CH”). This interaction occurs in preference to PNPR amide nitrogen π-donation. DFT calculations confirm this agostic interaction, and show that the (PNPR)Re(H)2 fragment indeed reverses the greater stability of free olefin vs free carbene.
The Tombros and McWhirter Knowledge Commons at Penn State

This article describes the Tombros and McWhirter Knowledge Commons at the Penn State University Park campus and its use by library patrons. The Knowledge Commons required a major renovation of the first floor of the Pattee Library. In addition to providing attractive and inviting new spaces for students to study and collaborate, it includes library, tutoring, information technology, and multimedia support services. Many of these services existed prior to the Knowledge Commons but were not used to the extent they are now. As this article shows, increasing the accessibility of services and offering them in an attractive new setting will increase their use.
Accurate equation for determining resonator length in half-wavelength parallel-coupled bandpass filter

An accurate closed-form formula for calculating the resonator length of the half-wavelength parallel-coupled bandpass filter, taking into account the open-end effects, is presented for the first time. Using the resonator lengths determined from the derived equation results in filter responses which are very close to the design specifications without the need for iterating or foreshortening the resonators. Validation has been accomplished by comparing calculated results of various half-wavelength parallel-coupled bandpass filters, based on the new resonator lengths, with their design specifications.
Knowing the Results of One's Own Actions Without Visual or Auditory Feedback When Walking, Throwing, and Singing

People's actions in everyday life often occur in situations where they can see and hear the results of their actions. In this article we summarize studies where people walked without seeing, threw a ball without seeing, and sang a tune without hearing. In each case, people reported perceptual awareness of the temporally unfolding results of their actions and judged with varying degrees of accuracy how far they walked relative to their remembered surroundings, the ball's trajectory landing relative to their remembered surroundings, and how accurately they stayed in tune when singing without hearing.
The antirachitic value of irradiated evaporated milk in infants.

Summary A study is recorded of the antirachitic value of irradiated evaporated milk, containing 125 U.S.P. units of vitamin D per 14.5 ounce can, in twenty-three male negro infants. This milk appeared to be an adequate agent for the prevention of rickets in negro infants. It also appeared to be an unreliable agent for the cure of rickets in negro infants.
The determination of oxide surface charging parameters for a predictive metal adsorption model.

Abstract The procurement of oxide surface charging parameters has been a widely researched topic in recent years [1–30] . In this study, a one-site, two- pK surface charging mechanism is used in combination with a diffuse double-layer description of the electric double-layer to fit pH shift data over silica and alumina. From these fits of pH data, with no further adjustment of parameters, metal adsorption can be predicted over both supports to a reasonable degree of accuracy. A multi-dimensional optimization procedure employing a Nelder–Mead simplex algorithm is used to optimize the Δ pK ( pK 2 – pK 1 ) parameter to obtain a best fit of the pH shift data with fixed PZC and hydroxyl density ( N s ). The resulting set of parameters is then used with no adjustment in a purely electrostatic adsorption model (the Revised Physical Adsorption or RPA model) in order to predict anionic chloroplatinic acid (CPA, [PtCl 6 ] −2 ) adsorption on alumina and cationic platinum tetraammine (PTA, [Pt(NH 3 ) 4 ] +2 ) adsorption on alumina and silica. The optimization procedure developed in this study gives reasonable values of the Δ pK compared to other values reported in the literature, with fits to the pH shift data at various oxide loadings with relative errors below 2.8%.
Microsecond simulations of spontaneous methane hydrate nucleation and growth.

Despite the industrial implications and worldwide abundance of gas hydrates, the formation mechanism of these compounds remains poorly understood. We report direct molecular dynamics simulations of the spontaneous nucleation and growth of methane hydrate. The multiple-microsecond trajectories offer detailed insight into the process of hydrate nucleation. Cooperative organization is observed to lead to methane adsorption onto planar faces of water and the fluctuating formation and dissociation of early hydrate cages. The early cages are mostly face-sharing partial small cages, favoring structure II; however, larger cages subsequently appear as a result of steric constraints and thermodynamic preference for the structure I phase. The resulting structure after nucleation and growth is a combination of the two dominant types of hydrate crystals (structure I and structure II), which are linked by uncommon 5 12 6 3 cages that facilitate structure coexistence without an energetically unfavorable interface.
The synergistic effect of micro-topography and biochemical culture environment to promote angiogenesis and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Critical failures associated with current engineered bone grafts involve insufficient induction of osteogenesis of the implanted cells and lack of vascular integration between graft scaffold and host tissue. This study investigated the combined effects of surface microtextures and biochemical supplements to achieve osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and revascularization of the implants in vivo. Cells were cultured on 10μm micropost-textured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates in either proliferative basal medium (BM) or osteogenic medium (OM). In vitro data revealed that cells on microtextured substrates in OM had dense coverage of extracellular matrix, whereas cells in BM displayed more cell spreading and branching. Cells on microtextured substrates in OM demonstrated a higher gene expression of osteoblast-specific markers, namely collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin, accompanied by substantial amount of bone matrix formation and mineralization. To further investigate the osteogenic capacity, hMSCs on microtextured substrates under different biochemical stimuli were implanted into subcutaneous pockets on the dorsal aspect of immunocompromised mice to study capacity for ectopic bone formation. In vivo data revealed greater expression of osteoblast-specific markers coupled with increased vascular invasion on microtextured substrates with hMSCs cultured in OM. Together, these data represent a novel regenerative strategy that incorporates defined surface microtextures and biochemical stimuli to direct combined osteogenesis and re-vascularization of engineered bone scaffolds for musculoskeletal repair and relevant bone tissue engineering applications.
Preparation of fibrous cellulose 2,2,2-trichloroacetimidate

Abstract Cotton cellulose pretreated with alkali-metal hydroxides reacts with trichloroacetonitrile at room temperature to give cellulose 2,2,2-trichloroacetimidate, a new type of cellulose derivative. Cellulose trichloroacetate is also formed, but this is readily hydrolyzed under mild conditions. Elemental analysis and infrared spectra correlate well with the selective hydrolysis. Higher degrees of substitution are obtained by using equimolar amounts of cellulose and hydroxide ion, and they increase with increasing concentration of the nitrile. The tensile properties of the modified cellulose, both before and after hydrolysis, are described.
Flory theory for conductivity of random resistor networks

Theorie de Flory pour le probleme de la conductivite d'un reseau de resistances aleatoires de dimensions d. On montre que l'exposant t~ de la conductivite est relie a la dimension fractale «df» en accord avec la conjecture d'Alexander et d'Orbach t~=d−2+df/2 ou selon la theorie de Flory df=(d+2)/2 a pour la percolation et df=2(d+2)/5 pour «les animaux» sur reseau. L'accord entre cette theorie et les estimations numeriques de «t~» est excellent pour la percolation et satisfaisant pour les «animaux»
Design of a fieldable laser system for a sodium guide star

The design and background data for a sodium layer laser guide star system to be installed on the 3 meter telescope at Lick Observatory is presented. A 30 W dye laser at 589 nm and 10 kHz will be mounted on the telescope and will be pumped by fiber coupled, frequency doubled YAG laser located in a separate room.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Scattering of high-energy positrons and electrons, and large angle pair production, in lead

Abstract The absolute positron and electron fluxes from Pb targets irradiated by bremsstrahlung have been observed at angles between 21° and 74° and energies between 50 and 170 Mev. The fluxes from aluminum were observed at 29.2°, and shown to agree closely with theory when the (rather small) effects of finite nuclear size are accounted for. The positron to electron ratios of aluminum suggest a direction for improvements on the first Born approximation calculation of large angle pair production. By use of several target thicknesses the fluxes from Pb have been separated into (1) large angle pair production and (2) scattering of pair particles originally produced at 0°. The observed scattering of positrons and electrons is believed to be largely elastic, and on this assumption absolute scattering cross sections have been obtained. The pair flux and scattering cross sections vary much less rapidly with energy and angle for positrons than for electrons. The squared form factor for positron scattering also varies less rapidly than for electron scattering, indicating less nuclear screening for positrons than for electrons. A similar conclusion is reached for pair production. The Pb +/− ratios, when extended to low energy, are consistent with theoretical results.
Time-dependent Hartree-Fock calculations for 16O + 16O reactions

Abstract Head-on collisions between 16 O nuclei are treated in the Time-Dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) approximation. Reactions at center-of-mass bombarding energies of 2 and 8 MeV per nucleon result in fusion-fission processes with strong internal excitation of the fragments.
1.5°C or 2°C: a conduit’s view from the science-policy interface at COP20 in Lima, Peru

An average global 2°C warming compared to pre-industrial times is commonly understood as the most important target in climate policy negotiations. It is a temperature target indicative of a fiercely debated threshold between what some consider acceptable warming and warming that implies dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system and hence to be avoided. Although this 2°C target has been officially endorsed as scientifically sound and justified in the Copenhagen Report issued by the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2009, the large majority of countries (over two-thirds) that have signed and ratified the UNFCCC strongly object to this target as the core of the long-term goal of keeping temperatures below a certain danger level. Instead, they promote a 1.5°C target as a more adequate limit for dangerous interference. At COP16 in Cancun, parties to the convention recognized the need to consider strengthening the long-term global goal in the so-called 2013–2015 Review, given improved scientific knowledge, including the possible adoption of the 1.5°C target. In this perspective piece, I examine the discussions of a structured expert dialogue (SED) between selected Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) authors, myself included, and parties to the convention to assess the adequacy of the long-term goal. I pay particular attention to the uneven geographies and power differentials that lay behind the ongoing political debate regarding an adequate target for protecting ecosystems, food security, and sustainable development.
External smart microphone for mobile phones

Mobile phones are gaining popularity as sensing platforms. They already come with a set of built-in sensors, such as GPS, accelerometer, microphone and radio, enabling interesting applications. Furthermore, several systems exist where external sensors are interfaced with mobile phones to monitor medical conditions or support environmental sensing, for example. In this paper, we present an external acoustic sensor that interfaces with a mobile phone to support continuous monitoring of sounds in the environment. The on-board electronics samples the microphone, performs signal processing and detection tasks and sends the events of interest to the mobile phone via Bluetooth. The main reasons the built-in microphone is not able to support such an application is the high power usage of continuously sampling and processing the acoustic signal on the phone and the fact that the typical phone is carried in a pocket or bag shielding the microphone from the environment. Our particular motivating application is a mobile phone-based countersniper system which is also presented.
Chromosome number and classification in Hydrophyllaceae

A 20-year investigation of chromosome number in all 18 genera and more than 200 species (perhaps two-thirds of the total) of the plant family Hydrophyllaceae has not resulted in the discovery either of a single base-number for the family or of a primitive genus, and it has not settled the question as to whether or not the famliy is a strictly natural one. Chromosome number has confirmed the general grouping, earlier proposed by various authors on morphological grounds, of such genera asHydrophyllum, Pholistoma, Nemophila, andEllisia (Constance 1939a) ;Eriodictyon, Nama, Lemmonia, andTurricula; andHesperochiron andTricardia. It has also revealed the occurrence of several polyploid series, and has exposed certain trends in morphology, such as reduction in the number of ovules and the specialization of annual habit from perenniality. Within certain genera, especially the large genusPhacelia, chromosome number has been of considerable assistance both in permitting a more natural grouping of species, and in shedding some light on interrelationships of species and species-groups and their probable phylogeny.
Force-Commutated Reactive-Power Compensator

A reactive-power compensator (RPC) is a type of static var compensator (SVC) that is used to dynamically correct power factor to prevent voltage variation (flicker) in ac power sources due to large dynamic loads. It also minimizes total source current. Thus the application of an RPC or SVC to a load may allow addition of substantial new load to existing feeders or substations. A reactive-power compensator suited to industrial ratings (1.0-25 MVA) is described. It utilizes a force-commutated current-source bridge to provide both leading and lagging reactive power. The ability to operate both leading and lagging can reduce by 2:1 the ratings of the RPC itself and the capacitors and magnetics associated with it. The characteristics of the power circuit, the means used to control it, and the resulting dynamic performance is described. Speed of response compares favorably to the thyristor-controlled reactors now in common use as SVC's at higher MVA ratings. This RPC is suited to compensate any balanced three-phase dynamic load.
Nurse Staffing and Postsurgical Outcomes in Black Adults

Objectives: To determine the association between nurse staffing and postsurgical outcomes for older black adults, including 30-day mortality and failure to rescue. Design: A cross-sectional study of University of Pennsylvania Multi-State Nursing Care and Patient Safety Survey data, linked to 2006�2007 administrative patient discharge data from four states (CA, PA, NJ, FL), American Hospital Association Annual Survey data, and a U.S. Census-derived measure of socioeconomic status (SES). Risk-adjusted logistic regression models with correction for clustering were used for the analysis. Setting: Five hundred ninety-nine adult nonfederal acute care hospitals in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida Participants: Five hundred forty-eight thousand three hundred ninety-seven individuals ages 65 and older undergoing general, orthopedic, or vascular surgery (94% white, 6% black). Measurements: Thirty-day mortality and failure to rescue (death after a complication). Results: In models adjusting for sex and age, 30-day mortality was significantly higher for black than white participants (odds ratio (OR) = 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.32�1.52). In fully adjusted models that accounted for SES, surgery type, and comorbidities, as well as hospital characteristics, including nurse staffing, the odds of 30-day mortality were not significantly different for black and white participants. In the fully adjusted models, one additional patient in the average nurse's workload was associated with higher odds of 30-day mortality for all patients (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01�1.05). A significant interaction was found between race and nurse staffing for 30-day mortality, such that blacks experienced higher odds of death with each additional patient per nurse (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03�1.18) compared to whites (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01�1.06). Similar patterns were detected in failure-to-rescue models. Conclusion: Older surgical patients experience poorer postsurgical outcomes, including mortality and failure to rescue, when cared for by nurses with higher workloads. The effect of nurse staffing inadequacies is more significant in older black individuals.
Descriptions and durations of premolt setal stages in female Dungeness crabs, Cancer magister

For crustaceans with a well-defined annual molting season, such as adult female Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister Dana), setal molt staging can, in principle, be used to predict molting destiny of individual crabs. Size-specific predictions of molting probability could, in turn, be useful for estimating mortalities due to molting. Female Dungeness crabs were collected January–March 1997 at depths of 10–30 m off the California coast, USA (41°N). Intermolt stage A1–C4 and premolt stages D0, D1′, D1′′, D1′′′ and ≥D2 were described based on features of the branchial epipod. Laboratory experiments suggested that stage D1′ was the earliest stage beyond which eventual molting was inevitable so that molting destiny could be determined. Estimated mean number of days from the beginning of stage D1′ to molting was 85. Estimated individual stage durations, based on laboratory experiments, were 24, 51, −4, 18, and 20 days, respectively, for stages D0, D1′, D1′′, D1′′′, and >D2. The estimated −4 days for stage D1′′ suggests that this stage must be very brief and raises a question of its utility in designation of molt stages. Molt staging of three field samples, 300–600 crabs in each, collected prior to the 1997 annual molting season, indicated an increase in the size and frequency of crabs staged D1′ or later as the time to molt approached, although crabs of 150 mm carapace width and larger showed few signs of molt preparation. Because the duration of the molting season (approximately 120 days) for adult female C. magister in northern California exceeds the estimated maximum duration of reliable prediction of molting destiny (85 days), it does not appear that molt staging can be used to predict molting destiny in this population. However, the procedures that we have used in this paper for application to female C. magister might be used with success for other crustaceans if the duration of stages D1′ to molting exceeds the duration of the molting season, and furthermore may be used for describing temporal molting trends.
Induction of labor and cesarean delivery by gestational age

Objective Studies of cesarean delivery (CD) rates among women undergoing induction of labor (IOL) often compare such women to women experiencing spontaneous labor at similar gestational ages. We sought to examine the association between IOL at various gestational ages and CD, accounting for the effect of increased gestational age among the comparison group who were managed expectantly. Study design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all term, singleton, cephalic presentation pregnancies delivered at our institution over 15 years excluding cesarean deliveries before labor. For each gestational age of induction, we created a comparison group of women who were undelivered at that gestational age, and who experienced labor at some future gestational age. Results In women undergoing IOL at 38 weeks gestation, the CD rate was 11.9% as compared to 13.3% ( P = .42) of women beyond 38 weeks gestation. The CD rate for induction of labor compared to ongoing pregnancy was 14.3% versus 15.0% ( P = .62) at 39 weeks, 20.4% versus 19.0% ( P = .41) at 40 weeks, and 24.3% versus 26.0% ( P = .39) at 41 weeks. When controlling for potential confounding, there was a higher rate of CD among women with expectant management beyond 38 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.80; 95% CI 1.29-2.53), 39 weeks (1.39; 95% CI 1.08-1.80), and 40 weeks (AOR 1.27; 95% CI 1.00-1.62). Conclusion Our findings suggest that IOL may not increase a woman's risk of CD when compared to expectant management. While this question has been addressed prospectively at 41 weeks gestation, it requires further examination at earlier gestations and among various subgroups.
Implementation of a Referent Tracking System

Traditional database resources and semantic Web technology face problems when there is a need to keep track of individuals in reality as these individuals undergo changes of various sorts. We describe an application which implements the referent tracking paradigm in which each real world entity has its own unique ID. The application is designed to be able to store relationships between tracked instances and also to be extendable to very high orders of magnitude (in principle to accept numbers of entries in the billions). Our approach is based on ontologies grounded in realism, but it can be extended also to information that is captured using the terminologies or concept-based ontologies used in traditional knowledge representation systems. The repository uses resource description framework (RDF) as representation format, and it can thus be queried with query languages such as SPARQL, SeRQL, and RQL, thereby providing support for reasoning over multiple ontologies.
ESR spectra and structure of the CF3Cl−, CF3Br−, and CF3I− radical anions

Abstract The anisotropic ESR spectra of the CF 3 X − radical anions (X = Cl, Br, I) have been observed following γ irradiation at 77 K of solid solutions containing up to 5 mole % of the CF 3 X parent compound in tetramethylsilane (TMS), neopentane, and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran. The resolution of the line components in the TMS matrix allowed the spectra to be analyzed in detail, the parallel and perpendicular features showing clear evidence for axially symmetric hyperfine interactions with three equivalent fluorines and the unique halogen. On this basis, a matrix diagonalization program was used to calculate the line positions and the best-fit ESR parameters obtained. Confirmation of the CF 3 X − identification was achieved through chemical studies which showed that a similar ESR spectrum was generated by electron attachment to the parent molecule in a photoionization experiment. Also, the spectrum of the CF 3 radical was observed to grow in during the decay of the CF 3 X − spectrum in neopentane above 100 K. The spin density distributions calculated from the ESR parameters of these congeneric radical anions suggest that the unpaired electron resides in an a 1 (σ * ) antibonding orbital which is composed largely of the p orbitals from carbon and the unique halogen which lie along the C 3v symmetry axis of the radical anion. Consistent with this proposal, the spin densities in the s and p orbitals of the unique halogen increase along the series Cl, Br, I, which is the order expected for the effect of decreasing halogen electronegativity.
Impaired employees: Lessons learned from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Abstract This article highlights the ‘dark’ side of employee psychological, cognitive, and behavioral disorders that could prove harmful to other employees, to groups within the organization, or to the organization itself. Using The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as a backdrop, we relate the attitudes and behaviors of the book's characters to destructive tendencies and syndromes that employees may exhibit, and which may wreak havoc on the firm; a description of the characters, the definition and manifestation of the maladies, and critical dimensions of each are presented. Finally, strategic components for addressing the employees’ dysfunctional behavior are discussed.
Data Integrity Protocol for Sensor Networks

In this paper, we present a novel lightweight protocol for data integrity in wireless sensor networks. Our protocol is based on a leapfrog strategy in which each cluster head verifies if its previous node has preserved the integrity of the packet using the secret key it shares with two hop uptree nodes. The proposed protocol is simple. The analysis and simulation results show that the protocol needs very few header bits, as low as three bits, thus resulting in negligible bandwidth overhead; the protocol poses very low computational overhead, it needs to compute just a hash as compared to multiple complex operations required by any cryptographic implementation for verifying authenticity.
Nocturnal Behavior of the African False Vampire Bat (Cardioderma cor)

Nocturnal behavior of the African false vampire bat ( Cardioderma cor ) was studied in bushland in southern Kenya, East Africa. Observations were made with a night-viewing device, and work was concentrated on the foraging strategy. This bat roosts in hollow baobab trees in groups of up to some 80 individuals. At night each bat occupies an exclusive foraging area. Individuals spend considerable time singing and establishing their exclusive areas during the March–April wet season when food is abundant; these areas have greatest survival value toward the end of the long May–October dry season, when food is in short supply, foraging occupies nearly the entire night, and singing is infrequent. Nocturnal time budget is characterized by long periods spent perching in low vegetation and listening for terrestrial prey. Flights to capture prey and between perches are brief and short, usually lasting less than 5 seconds and covering less than 25 meters. Food is typically captured on the ground, and consists primarily of large, ground-dwelling beetles, but centipedes and scorpions, and on rare occasions small bats, are also taken. During parts of the rainy seasons leaf gleaning and aerial captures of insects are important; at these times katydids (Tettigoniidae), locusts (Locustidae), and sphinx moths (Sphingidae) are major food items. Pronounced seasonal shifts in foraging behavior associated with the bimodal pattern of rainfall are discussed, and the evolution of the bat's unusual style of foraging is considered.
Recombination via flanking direct repeats is a major cause of large-scale deletions of human mitochondrial DNA

Abstract Large-scale deletions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been described in patients with progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO) and ragged red fibers. We have determined the exact deletion breakpoint in 28 cases with PEO, including 12 patients already shown to harbor an identical deletion; the other patients had 16 different deletions. The deletions fell into two classes. In Class I (9 deletions; 71% of the patients), the deletion was flanked by perfect direct repeats, located (in normal mtDNA) at the edges of the deletion. In Class II (8 deletions; 29% of patients), the deletions were not flanked by any obviously unique repeat element, or they were flanked by repeat elements which were located imprecisely relative to the breakpoints. Computer analysis showed a correlation between the location of the deletion breakpoints and sequences in human mtDNA similar to the target sequence for Drosophila topoisomerase II. It is not known how these deletions originate, but both slipped mispairing and legitimate recombination could be mechanisms playing a major role in the generation of the large mtDNA deletions found in PEO.
MicroRNA-16 suppresses metastasis in an orthotopic, but not autochthonous, mouse model of soft tissue sarcoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate tumor cell invasion and metastasis in a tumor-specific manner. We recently demonstrated that global downregulation of miRNAs after deleting dicer can promote development of distant metastases in a mouse model of primary soft tissue sarcoma (STS). In this study, we identified miRNAs that are differentially downregulated in metastatic STS in both human and mouse, and investigated the role of these miRNAs in metastasis. miRNA- TaqMan PCR arrays showed a global downregulation of miRNAs in metastatic human sarcomas. Similar analysis in mouse metastatic sarcomas revealed overlap for several downregulated miRNAs including miR-16, miR-103, miR-146a, miR-223, miR-342 and miR-511. Restoration of these downregulated miRNAs in mouse primary sarcoma cell lines showed that miR-16, but not other downregulated miRNAs, was able to significantly suppress both migration and invasion in vitro, without altering cell proliferation. In addition, orthotopic transplantation of a sarcoma cell line stably expressing miR-16 into the muscle of immunocompromised mice revealed that restoration of miR-16 can significantly decrease lung metastasis in vivo. However, no change in the rate of lung metastasis was observed when miR-16 was deleted in mouse primary sarcomas at sarcoma initiation. Taken together, these results indicate that miR-16 can have metastasis-suppressing properties both in vitro and in vivo. However, the loss-of-function experiments in autochthonous tumors indicate that loss of miR-16 is not sufficient to promote metastasis in vivo.
Work-relatedness of selected chronic medical conditions and workers' compensation utilization: National health interview survey occupational health supplement data

Background An occupational health supplement (OHS) to the 1988 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) bypassed many limitations of traditional occupational health surveillance systems, but the data collected about chronic work-related conditions have not yet been reported. Methods We calculated the prevalence and proportion of cases related to work for the aggregation of 13 chronic conditions included in the NHIS-OHS, and for 11 conditions individually. For each of nine conditions, and for the aggregation of all conditions, we also calculated the prevalence of workers' compensation claims filed. Results The overall prevalence of work-related chronic conditions was 7.5% (SE = 0.16). The work-related conditions with the highest prevalence were repeated trouble with the back/neck/spine (4.91%; SE = 0.13) and trouble hearing (1.14%; SE = 0.06). Overall, workers' compensation claims were filed for 39.0% (SE = 1.00) of work-related cases. Conclusions The burden of work-related illnesses in the US is substantial, and the workers' compensation system is underutilized. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1252–1263, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Resource planning support system

An approach to facilitating the task of resource planning by using knowledge-based techniques is attempted and examined. Resources are taken to mean manpower, materials, tools, and money. It is assumed that plans are made for each year. The goal of this system is not to make plans automatically, but to do so with the deep understanding of a planner. To achieve this goal, a bidirectional calculation feature and a rule-based simulation feature with heuristics are adopted. These features make it possible to examine the side-effects of modifying a plan, and thus enable a planner to confirm his decisions. The system has been applied to resource planning in an IBM-Japan factory, and has been shown to be helpful in improving the quality of the plan. >
The Future of Manufacturing: The United States Stirs

A nation’s capacity to transform physical raw materials into products valued by end users all over the world has been the hallmark of economic development for more than two centuries. Although trade in intangibles and services has grown rapidly in recent decades, no country has yet been able to leapfrog successfully from exporting raw materials into the global information economy without “making stuff ” for international markets along the way. Export-led development among follower nations puts pressure on leading nations. If the leaders can continue to innovate and differentiate their output, mutually beneficial exchange of the sort typically described in economics textbooks may result. However, “hollowing out” of the leaders (that is, the sudden decline of their key sectors) is not an impossible outcome, either theoretically or in practice; global economic leadership has changed hands from time to time throughout the course of modern history. Where any particular historical episode comes out along the spectrum, from Pareto optimality to hollowing out, depends on many factors; one of the most important is the public policy response of the leading nation. The United States faces such a challenge today. As this paper describes, the U.S. manufacturing sector contracted severely in the 2000s, raising the prospect that important manufacturing industries—both high tech and low tech—might disappear from the country for good. The Great Recession that began in 2008, which was brought on by both domestic and international forces, punctuated this decline. The U.S. response to the recession staved off immediate disaster, and it has created momentum toward an effective response to the longer-term challenge. As I argue below, whether this momentum will be sustained is an open question, but if the United States does retain its leading position in manufacturing, the challenge may then be reversed. Export-led growth in follower countries could stall, thereby
Finite Element Simulations on Scaling Effects of 3D SiGe Thermoelectric Generators

We report 3D finite element simulations analyzing scaling effects on the performance of single Silicon Germanium thermoelectric generator with 170 μm tall metal contacts. Temperature dependent material parameters are included to accurately model device performance. Power density was extracted for a range of widths, heights, and operating temperature. Depending upon cross sectional area of the SiGe leg and operating temperature, height can be optimized for maximum power density.
Vacancies and the Chemical Trapping of Hydrogen in Silicon

The first evidence for Si${\mathrm{H}}_{1}$-like centers in crystalline Si ($c$-Si) is presented from infrared measurements of H (D) implanted at 80 K. In contrast to Si${\mathrm{H}}_{1}$ centers in amorphous Si ($a$-Si) which are stable to \ensuremath{\approx} 700 K, the crystalline band anneals below 300 K with an activation energy and illumination enhancement that are characteristic of the Si vacancy. These results relate specific defects for implanted H in $c$-Si to previous observations for H in $a$-Si.
Automatic Fortran to C++ conversion with FABLE

In scientific computing, Fortran was the dominant implementation language throughout most of the second part of the 20th century. The many tools accumulated during this time have been difficult to integrate with modern software, which is now dominated by object-oriented languages. Driven by the requirements of a large-scale scientific software project, we have developed a Fortran to C++ source-to-source conversion tool named FABLE. This enables the continued development of new methods even while switching languages. We report the application of FABLE in three major projects and present detailed comparisons of Fortran and C++ runtime performances. Our experience suggests that most Fortran 77 codes can be converted with an effort that is minor (measured in days) compared to the original development time (often measured in years). With FABLE it is possible to reuse and evolve legacy work in modern object-oriented environments, in a portable and maintainable way. FABLE is available under a nonrestrictive open source license. In FABLE the analysis of the Fortran sources is separated from the generation of the C++ sources. Therefore parts of FABLE could be reused for other target languages.
Simulation in RCM training

The author employed computer simulations during reliability centered maintenance (RCM) training to quickly improve the students' understanding of RCM and other maintenance strategy changes. These simulations allowed the trainee to modify maintenance tactics in the nonthreatening environment of the personal computer. The simulators displayed years of results in minutes, giving the trainees an unparalleled perspective. As a conclusion to RCM training, the simulations allowed the students to immediately practice what they learned in the classroom. The author developed simulations at three levels of maintenance strategy: component, plant, and enterprise-wide. The simulators quickly moved trainees' mindsets to a paradigm closer to one consistent with RCM. The computer models reinforced many of the RCM training objectives. The trainees saw the effects of different probability-of-failure curves on the choice of maintenance tactic. They saw how RCM optimized maintenance in the simulation runs and, by extension, could see that RCM was an affective strategy for their equipment. Finally, the enterprise-wide simulation demonstrated how longer-range maintenance decisions must be made carefully to prevent degradation of capital assets.
A Method for Determining Bulk Density, Material Density, and Porosity of Melter Feed During Nuclear Waste Vitrification

Abstract Glass making efficiency largely depends on heat transfer to reacting glass batch (melter feed), which in turn is influenced by the bulk density (ρb) and porosity (Φ) as functions of temperature (T). Neither b(T) nor Φ(T) functions are readily accessible to direct measurement, but they can be determined based on monitoring the profile area of heated glass batch pellets and material density of batches quenched at various stages of conversion via pycnometry. For the determination of Φb, the bulk volume must be calculated as a function of temperature. This is done via a program constructed in MATLAB which takes an image of a pellet profile at a given temperature and calculates the volume of said pellet. The quenched density measured by pycnometry must be converted to the density at heat treatment temperature. This is done by taking into account the volume change due to thermal expansion/contraction.
Behavior of Buff-Breasted Sandpipers (Tryngites subruficollis) during Migratory Stopover in Agricultural Fields

Background: Understanding the behavior of birds in agricultural habitats can be the first step in evaluating the conservation implications of birds’ use of landscapes shaped by modern agriculture. The existence and magnitude of risk from agricultural practices and the quality of resources agricultural lands provide will be determined largely by how birds use these habitats. Buff-breasted Sandpipers (Tryngites subruficollis) are a species of conservation concern. During spring migration large numbers of Buff-breasted Sandpipers stopover in row crop fields in the Rainwater Basin region of Nebraska. We used behavioral observations as a first step in evaluating how Buff-breasted Sandpipers use crop fields during migratory stopover. Methodology/Principal Findings: We measured behavior during migratory stopover using scan and focal individual sampling to determine how birds were using crop fields. Foraging was the most frequent behavior observed, but the intensity of foraging changed over the course of the day with a distinct mid-day low point. Relative to other migrating shorebirds, Buff-breasted Sandpipers spent a significant proportion of their time in social interactions including courtship displays. Conclusions/Significance: Our results show that the primary use of upland agricultural fields by migrating Buff-breasted Sandpipers is foraging while wetlands are used for maintenance and resting. The importance of foraging in row crop fields suggests that both the quality of food resources available in fields and the possible risks from dietary exposure to agricultural chemicals will be important to consider when developing conservation plans for Buff-breasted Sandpipers migrating through the Great Plains.
Creating Opportunities for Social Change in Women’s Sport Through Academic and Industry Collaborations: An Interview With Kate Fagan

A number of scholars have articulated the real and perceived benefits of engaging in collaborations with practitioners and have urged researchers to establish industry partnerships. Much of the discussion, however, stems from a researcher-perceptive and focuses on developing theory and scholarly advancements; less effort has been made to understand the potential advantages from a practitioner’s viewpoint. Therefore, this paper uses an expert interview methodology to explore the industry perspective. Through an interview with Kate Fagan, an espnW and ESPN.com journalist, this article sheds light on how academic researchers and sport industry professionals, particularly those working in women’s sports, can collaborate and produce rich data and stories supporting social change. In addition, the authors provide suggestions for establishing a productive relationship among the sport industry and academia.
Soluble epoxide hydrolase deficiency inhibits dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis and carcinogenesis in mice

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) hydrolyses/inactivates anti-inflammatory epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to their corresponding diols, and targeting sEH leads to strong anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, using a tissue microarray and immunohistochemical approach, a significant increase of sEH expression was identified in ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated dysplasia and adenocarcinoma. The effects of deficiency in the sEH gene were determined on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis-induced carcinogenesis. The effects of EETs on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages were analyzed in vitro. With extensive histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, compared to wild-type mice, sEH(-/-) mice exhibited a significant decrease in tumor incidence (13/20 vs. 6/19, p<0.05) and a markedly reduced average tumor size (59.62±20.91 mm(3) vs. 22.42±11.22 mm(3)), and a significant number of pre-cancerous dysplasia (3±1.18 vs. 2±0.83, p<0.01). The inflammatory activity, as measured by the extent/proportion of erosion/ulceration/dense lymphoplasmacytosis (called active colitis index) in the colon, was significantly lower in sEH(-/-) mice (44.7%±24.9% vs. 20.2%±16.2%, p<0.01). The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays demonstrated significantly low levels of cytokines/chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), vasopressin-activated calcium-mobilizing (VCAM-1), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In vitro, LPS-activated macrophages treated with 14,15-EET showed a significant reduction of LPS-triggered IL-1β and TNF-α expression. Eicosanoic acid metabolic profiling revealed a significant increase of the ratios of EETs/ dihydroeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) and epoxyoctadecennoic acid/dihydroxyoctadecenoic acid (EpOMEs/DiHOMEs). These results indicate that sEH plays an important role in the development of colitis and in inducing carcinogenesis.
Abortion Access and Risky Sex Among Teens: Parental Involvement Laws and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Laws requiring minors to seek parental consent or to notify a parent prior to obtaining an abortion raise the cost of risky sex for teenagers. Assuming choices to engage in risky sex are made rationally, parental involvement laws should lead to less risky sex among teens, either because of a reduction of sexual activity altogether or because teens will be more fastidious in the use of birth control ex ante. Using gonorrhea rates among older women to control for unobserved heterogeneity across states, our results indicate that the enactment of parental involvement laws significantly reduces risky sexual activity among teenage girls. We estimate reductions in gonorrhea rates of 20% for Hispanics and 12% for whites. Although we find a relatively small reduction in rates for black girls, it is not statistically significant. We speculate that the racial heterogeneity has to do with differences in family structure across races.
Elimination of Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation Does Not Alter Long-Term Left Ventricular Remodeling in the Ovine Model

Background The efficacy of annuloplasty for ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) has been difficult to establish. Using an established ovine model of IMR, we tested the ability of ring annuloplasty to durably relieve IMR and reverse or limit progression of left ventricular (LV) remodeling during a clinically relevant follow-up period. Methods A posterolateral infarction known to result in chronic IMR was initiated in 33 sheep. Echocardiography was used to assess LV end diastolic and systolic volumes and IMR (0 to 4 scale) before and 8 weeks after infarction. Eight weeks after infarction, 20 surviving animals with ≥2+ IMR were randomized (1:1) to no treatment or undersized, semi-rigid, complete ring annuloplasty placement. LV remodeling and IMR were assessed at 4 and 6 months after infarction. Results All animals had similarly sized LV volumes at baseline (end systolic, 27.8 ± 4.6 mL; end diastolic, 53.5 ± 6.4 mL). The 20 randomized animals survived to complete the study. The degree of IMR before randomization was similar in treatment (2.6 ± 0.4) and control (2.8 ± 0.3) groups. At the 6-month follow-up, the degree of IMR was significantly less in the annuloplasty group (0.3 ± 0.1 vs 3.4 ± 0.6); however, LV volumes in the treatment group were not significantly different from the control group (end systolic, 82.1 ± 15.6 vs 81.1 ± 8.6 mL; end diastolic, 110.4 ± 22.1 vs 111.1 ± 16.5 mL). Conclusions In a clinically relevant ovine model of IMR, annuloplasty provides durable relief from IMR during an extended follow-up period but does not significantly influence LV remodeling.