cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors determining the ultimate detection sensitivity of Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectrometers

Abstract An equation is derived which relates the peak detection sensitivity of Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectrometers to their efficiency, resolution and background interference. A figure-of-merit is derived which is directly related to the detector's sensitivity and a procedure is suggested for comparing the quality of various Ge(Li) spectrometers. These relations are discussed relative to state-of-the-art detector systems and applied to several detectors. A method for calculating the spectrometer's sensitivity from the detector's dimensional parameters is suggested.
Teaching embedded programming to electrical engineers, BioEngineers, and mechanical engineers via the escape platform

We report the development and initial deployment of the Escape Platform, a printed circuit board (PCB) and software base for instructional use in two engineering courses at Rice University: the capstone Senior Design course and the Introduction to Computer Engineering course. The capstone course includes interdisciplinary teams of seniors in Electrical, Mechanical and BioEngineering while the Computer Engineering course is targeted at freshman and sophomore Electrical Engineers and Computer Scientists. In this paper we describe hardware and software features of the Escape Platform and the related content in courses in which it will be used. The first deployment of the Escape Platform in these courses is currently underway; we provide some initial observations of the Escape Platform's utility.
Acetylene reduction (nitrogen fixation) in a Delaware, USA salt marsh.

Acetylene reduction (nitrogen fixation) was measured in several vegetational areas in a Delaware, USA salt marsh. Samples were collected for 1 yr and the results showed a seasonally variable pattern of acetylene reduction at all stations. Peak rates were generally recorded during the later summer and early fall (September–October). The seasonality was influenced mainly, although not exclusively, by the soil temperature. In addition, samples collected in short Spartina alterniflora stands exhibited rates which were up to 20-fold higher than those found in samples from tall S. alterniflora stands. Over 50% of the total yearly ethylene production occurred from mid-August until the beginning of December at the tall and short S. alterniflora stations. Maximum activity occurred at 5 cm depth for all stations. Surface activity accounted for only 3–4% of the total measured in the top 20 cm. Addition of glucose or mannitol resulted in considerable increases in activity, thus suggesting that heterotrophic acetylene reduction is carbon and/or energy limited. The results obtained in this study indicate that the measured rates are only potential rates and that considerable caution must be used in extrapolating from acetylene reduction rates to nitrogen fixation rates in situ.
Synthesis of isoacronycine and its pyranone analog

The Pechmann condensation of malic acid with 1,3-dihydroxy-10-methyl-9-acridanone (6), performed during the search for a synthetic approach to 5-methoxy-2,2,11-trimethyl-2H-pyrano[2,3-b]acridan-6-one (isoacronycine, 11a), afforded 5-hydroxy-11-methyl-2H-pyrano[2,3-b)acridan-2,6-dione (7). This is the first example of a new heterocyclic ring system in which an acridanone and a pyranone ring have been fused. Compound 7 served as the intermediate for the preparation of 11a and was readily converted into the pyranone analog 9 of isoacronycine by known procedures. Spectral and chemical evidence distinguishing 11a from acronycine (12a) is presented.
Computer program for the minimization of development costs for offshore oil and gas fields

Abstract This paper presents a computer program which can be used to determine the minimum development cost for an offshore oil or gas field. The program guarantees the optimality of the solution for a given problem by the use of zero-one integer programming. Previous attempts to solve this minimization problem have been unable to provide such a guarantee of optimality. In addition, the example problem discussed in the text proved to be one of the largest optimization problems ever to be solved by zero-one integer programming. The program allows for the definition of reservoir structure, sea-floor conditions, and available surface facilities. The factors thus specified combine to create a realistic description of the problem, leading to a meaningful solution.
Effects of Testosterone and of Testosterone Propionate on Protein Formation in Man1

THERE NOW is considerable evidence to show that the parenteral administration of testosterone or its propionate can induce a significant degree of nitrogen retention in normal individuals and in patients with various disorders (1). It has been assumed that the retained nitrogen is used for tissue-protein fabrication, but whether or not serum-protein formation is increased simultaneously has remained unknown. Should the administration of testosterone or testosterone propionate significantly increase the concentration of or amount of total circulating serum protein, then these steroids might prove of considerable clinical value in the prevention of the many complications consequent to hypoproteinemia. This would be especially desirable in patients subjected to intra-abdominal surgery who almost uniformly develop serious degrees of nitrogen loss and hypoproteinemia (2). CLINICAL MATERIAL AND METHODS The present study deals with five male subjects. Two of these were normal and three had carcinoma of the stoma...
Click fraud prevention in pay-per-click model: Learning through multi-model evidence fusion

Multi-sensor data fusion has been an area of intense recent research and development activity. This concept has been applied to numerous fields and new applications are being explored constantly. Multi-sensor based Collaborative Click Fraud Detection and Prevention (CCFDP) system can be viewed as a problem of evidence fusion. In this paper we detail the multi level data fusion mechanism used in CCFDP for real time click fraud detection and prevention. Prevention mechanisms are based on blocking suspicious traffic by IP, referrer, city, country, ISP, etc. Our system maintains an online database of these suspicious parameters. We have tested the system with real-world data from an actual ad campaign where the results show that use of multilevel data fusion improves the quality of click fraud analysis.
Parameters affecting the desorption of hydrophobic organic chemicals from suspended sediments

Recent work has demonstrated that both the adsorption and desorption of hydrophobic organic chemicals to sediments and soils can be quite slow and that chemical equilibrium may not be a good approximation in many real situations. By means of long-term batch experiments, this has been recently and clearly shown for the adsorption of hexachlorobenzene and three poly-chlorinated biphenyls to suspended sediments. In the present study, long-term desorption experiments are performed with three hydrophobic organic chemicals (hexachlorobenzene and two polychlorinated biphenyls) and suspended sediments. Desorption times are on the order of a month to several years. It is shown that the desorption rates are dependent on the particle/floc size and density distributions, the type of water, the amount of organic carbon in the sediments, the time of adsorption before desorption, and the chemical partition coefficient. It is also shown that a simple chemical diffusion model with an effective diffusion coefficient dependent on the porosity of the particle/floc, the organic content of the sediments, and the chemical partition coefficient, along with proper consideration of particle/floc size and density distributions is sufficient to explain the experimental results.
Neostigmine counteracts spinal clonidine-induced hypotension in sheep

Background Intraspinal clonidine injection produces analgesia free of respiratory depression, but also decreases blood pressure and causes sedation. Spinal neostigmine injection alone increases blood pressure in animals and enhances clonidine-induced analgesia. Methods To test whether neostigmine would alter clonidine-induced hypotension, nine chronically prepared sheep received intrathecal injections of saline or neostigmine (150, 300, 1,000 micrograms) followed in 15 min by 200 micrograms clonidine. Results Clonidine plus saline decreased mean arterial pressure by 12 +/- 3% associated with small, statistically nonsignificant decreases in heart rate, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance. Prior injection of neostigmine diminished hypotension 60 min after clonidine injection in a dose-dependent manner. To further define the time course and pharmacology of this interaction, seven other sheep received intrathecal saline, neostigmine (1,000 micrograms), or neostigmine plus methylatropine (1,000 micrograms) 75 min prior to 200 micrograms clonidine. With this longer interval between injections, neostigmine abolished clonidine-induced hypotension, and this protective effect was inhibited by methylatropine. To test whether rostral spread of neostigmine in cerebrospinal fluid would alter its hemodynamic effects, we injected intrathecal neostigmine into the upper cervical site. Intrathecal neostigmine increased mean arterial pressure and heart rate at this site to a degree similar to that in the thoracic area, with no effect on behavioral or arterial blood gas tensions. Conclusions These data are consistent with neostigmine's counteraction of clonidine-induced hypotension by a spinal muscarinic mechanism and support investigation of spinal alpha 2-adrenergic-cholinergic combinations for pain therapy.
Renal artery injury from a Fogarty balloon catheter

Abstract A variety of complications secondary to thromboembolectomy with balloon catheters have been described. The present report describes an unusual and previously unreported complication following retrograde thrombectomy of an occluded limb of an aortofemoral graft. The variety of arterial injuries and technical misadventures attributable to balloon catheters are briefly discussed, and suggestions are made for avoiding the particular problem encountered in the patient described. (J VASC SURG 1984;1:573-6.)
Endometrioma of the abdominal wall

We describe a case of a large endometrioma in an abdominal scar and the approach to evaluation and therapy.
Laser-induced fluorescence decay lifetimes of shock-heated NO ( A 2 Σ + )

Radiative emission in the NO γ-band system occurs when air at a few Torr initial pressure is shock-heated at sufficiently high temperatures of 3500–7000 K. Emission spectra of this system in shocks indicate that collisional quenching of the emitting A 2Σ+ state is a critical quantity controlling the intensity. Quenching of excited NO by NO itself has been measured using direct time decay of laser-induced fluorescence in the shock tube at 3500 K. The cross section (2−σ error) is 59±20 A2, compared to the room temperature value 37±8 A2. At 3500 K, N2 also quenches NO with a cross section ∼2 A2, much larger than the value at 300 K.
Market models, protest bids, and outliers in contingent valuation

Responses to willingness‐to‐pay questions in contingent valuation (CV) surveys are being used with increasing frequency to obtain estimates of the value of public goods, such as improved water quality, for use in benefit‐cost analyses. Analysts must decide whether the appropriate conceptual model for any particular application is a private or a political market. When estimating willingness‐to‐pay and total benefits, analysts must decide whether to censor outliers and certain zero responses, called protest bids, from data sets. Issues associated with identification of protest bids are reviewed, and alternate methods for the treatment of outliers are discussed. The significance of these methodological decisions is illustrated with an example involving willingness to pay for new storm water programs in Baltimore County, Md. to help achieve Chesapeake Bay nutrient‐reduction objectives. It is argued that decisions concerning analysis of troublesome responses should be consistent with the choice of market model...
Chronic kidney disease after acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Acute kidney injury may increase the risk for chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. In an attempt to summarize the literature and provide more compelling evidence, we conducted a systematic review comparing the risk for CKD, ESRD, and death in patients with and without AKI. From electronic databases, web search engines, and bibliographies, 13 cohort studies were selected, evaluating long-term renal outcomes and non-renal outcomes in patients with AKI. The pooled incidence of CKD and ESRD were 25.8 per 100 person-years and 8.6 per 100 person-years, respectively. Patients with AKI had higher risks for developing CKD (pooled adjusted hazard ratio 8.8, 95% CI 3.1–25.5), ESRD (pooled adjusted HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9–5.0), and mortality (pooled adjusted HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3–3.1) compared with patients without AKI. The relationship between AKI and CKD or ESRD was graded on the basis of the severity of AKI, and the effect size was dampened by decreased baseline glomerular filtration rate. Data were limited, but AKI was also independently associated with the risk for cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure, but not with hospitalization for stroke or all-cause hospitalizations. Meta-regression did not identify any study-level factors that were associated with the risk for CKD or ESRD. Our review identifies AKI as an independent risk factor for CKD, ESRD, death, and other important non-renal outcomes.
Comparison of a theory-based (AIDS Risk Reduction Model) cognitive behavioral intervention versus enhanced counseling for abused ethnic minority adolescent women on infection with sexually transmitted infection: Results of a randomized controlled trial ☆

Background Ethnic minority adolescent women with a history of sexual or physical abuse and sexually transmitted infections represent a vulnerable population at risk for HIV. Community-based interventions for behavior modification and subsequent risk reduction have not been effective among these women.
Differentiation-dependent Requirement of Tsix long non-coding RNA in Imprinted X-chromosome Inactivation

Imprinted X-inactivation is a paradigm of mammalian transgenerational epigenetic regulation resulting in silencing of genes on the paternally inherited X-chromosome. The preprogrammed fate of the X-chromosomes is thought to be controlled in cis by the parent-of-origin-specific expression of two opposing long non-coding RNAs, Tsix and Xist, in mice. Exclusive expression of Tsix from the maternal-X has implicated it as the instrument through which the maternal germline prevents inactivation of the maternal-X in the offspring. Here, we show that Tsix is dispensable for inhibiting Xist and X-inactivation in the early embryo and in cultured stem cells of extra-embryonic lineages. Tsix is instead required to prevent Xist expression as trophectodermal progenitor cells differentiate. Despite induction of wild-type Xist RNA and accumulation of histone H3-K27me3, many Tsix-mutant X-chromosomes fail to undergo ectopic X-inactivation. We propose a novel model of lncRNA function in imprinted X-inactivation that may also apply to other genomically imprinted loci.
A Seismic Refraction Line Along the Axis of The Southern Piedmont and Crustal Thicknesses in the Southeastern United States

Arrival times of Pn and Sn phases from southeastern United States earthquakes listed in the Earthquake Data Reports from July 1970 to June 1977 show a scatter of 2 seconds (one standard deviation). In contrast, the Pg phase arrivals show a scatter of only 0.5 seconds. The difference in scatter was interpreted as indicating variation in the depth to the Moho. In order to evaluate Moho depths, a detailed refraction line and crustal model were developed along the axis of the Southern Piedmont Province from Central Georgia across South Carolina. Accurately located recent earthquakes and explosions occurring and recorded along the axis of the Southern Piedmont Province were used to define the travel time curves. The resulting travel times for the Southern Piedmont are described by; P = x/(5.5 km/sec) Pg = 0.4 + x/(6.05 km/sec) and Pn = 7.6 + x/(8.2 km/sec) with a scatter of ±0.5 seconds. The Sg and Sn velocities were 3.5 and 4.5 km/sec respectively. The implied crustal structure consists of a 2.6 km thick surface layer over a 30.4 km thick crust. � No evidence for an intermediatelayer in the crust was observed in the traveltimes but a 6.7 km/sec layer less than 6 km thick could exist at the base of the crust. Crustal thicknesses in the southeastern United States were computed from Pn-Pg times by comparison to the Southern Piedmont crustal model. In the Coastal Plain Moho depths of 40 km shallow toward the southeast to 29 km near the coast. Moho depths of 36 to 54 km were measured for the mountains of north Georgia, eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.
Assessment of Adult Age differences in Task Engagement: The Utility of Systolic Blood Pressure.

The constructs of effort and engagement are central to many theoretical frameworks associated with the study of aging. Age differences in the effort associated with effortful cognitive operations have been hypothesized to account for aging effects in ability, and shifting goals and motivation have been hypothesized to be associated with differential levels of engagement across situations in younger and older adults. Unfortunately, the assessment of effort and engagement—constructs that we view as relatively synonymous—has suffered in the field of aging due to the lack of well-validated measures. We suggest that systolic blood pressure might provide an easy and valid means for examining age differences in mental effort, and present evidence in support of its usage. Existing findings clearly support its potential utility, but further empirical and theoretical work is necessary.
Bifurcation analysis of two continuous membrane fermentor configurations for producing ethanol

A detailed bifurcation/chaotic investigation of a single continuous fermentor using an experimentally verified model was published earlier by the authors (Chem. Eng. Sci. 58 (2003) 1479); the present paper is an extension of the earlier one. It uses the same biokinetic model to investigate the effects of continuous ethanol removal using permselective membranes, cell recycle with varying cell separation efficiencies and recycle of unused sugars for two configurations of fermentors. The rich static/dynamic bifurcation and chaotic behavior of two different configurations are investigated. The aim is to gain deeper understanding of the complex static/dynamic characteristics of this system as a prelude to a detailed experimental investigation. The emphasis is on achieving higher sugar conversion, ethanol yield and productivity through the exploitation of these characteristics and optimal manipulation of operating and design parameters within the bifurcation/chaotic regions.
Dioxygen Reactivity of Fully Reduced [LFeII···CuI]+ Complexes Utilizing Tethered Tetraarylporphyrinates: Active Site Models for Heme-Copper Oxidases

For O2-reactivity studies aimed at modeling aspects of heme-copper oxidase enzyme function, use of heterobinucleating ligands (6-pyridyl (6L) or 5-pyridyl (5L) connection) gives rise to iron(II) (with “empty-tether”), 2a and 2b, and [LFeII···CuI]+ complexes, 3a and 3b, respectively. Reduced complexes 2 and 3 can exist in high-, intermediate-, or low-spin iron(II) configurations, depending on the solvent employed. Reaction of dioxygen with both 3a and 3b leads to a biomimetic reductive O−O bond cleavage forming μ-oxo species [(L)FeIII−O−CuII]+ (4a, 4b). The X-ray structure of 4a is reported.
Endophyte symbiosis benefits a rare grass under low water availability

Summary 1. Symbiotic relationships with microbes may influence how plant species respond to environmental change. Here, we investigated how a fungal endophyte symbiosis affects the growth and survival of a rare, mid-western United States grass species under altered water availability. In a 12-week long greenhouse experiment, we compared the performance of endophyte-infected and endophytedisinfected grove bluegrass ( Poa alsodes , Poaceae) subjected to two levels of water availability. Gravimetric water measurements indicated that the low water treatment had 24% less soil moisture than the high water treatment. 2. In the high water treatment, the performance of endophyte-infected plants and disinfected plants was similar. However, under low water, endophyte-infected plants had 17% more total biomass than disinfected plants. Despite localization of the endophyte in above-ground plant tissues, effects of the endophyte were stronger below-ground: Under low water, endophyte-infected plants produced 24% more root biomass, but just 14% more shoot biomass than disinfected plants. When water-limited, disinfected plants had 29% greater leaf senescence than endophyte-infected plants. 3. We investigated several plant traits that may underlie benefits of symbiosis. Under low water, disinfected plants had significantly higher relative leaf water content than endophyte-infected plants, consistent with the hypothesis that endophytes cause plants to up-regulate water conservation mechanisms faster in response to drought. There were no strong differences between endophyteinfected and disinfected plants in root morphology, leaf area or water use efficiency, although plants with the endophyte had slightly shorter leaves. 4. Our results suggest that endophyte symbiosis may ameliorate the negative effects of drought stress for grove bluegrass. The heritable transmission of endophytes from plants to seeds provides opportunities for environmental change to influence selection on native grass-endophyte symbioses.
Communicating with stakeholders During a Crisis Evaluating Message Strategies

This study explores message strategies that are used by organizations during crises that involve technical details. Using the literature, the authors develop an integrative coding scheme that build...
Numerical Simulation and Experiments of Jets in Cross Flow

A numerical simulation was carried out to compute the penetration, mixing and turbulence structures of a jet injected perpendicular into a free stream through different circular nozzles. Six cases were studied, including 3 different jet diameters and 2 different blowing ratios. The formation of the Counter rotating Vortex Pair (CVP) and the interaction between the free stream and jet flow is discussed. The d, rd and r 2 d scaling parameters associated with the centerline jet trajectory shows bifurcation into two separate branches. The bifurcation was related to the different Reynolds numbers. Flow features related to mixing, centerline velocity decay, size and shape of the recirculation bubble formed behind the jet are discussed. Higher blowing ratios show higher velocity decay rate. Both time averaged flow field and turbulence are compared with 2D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data taken along the jet center plane. Good match between the experiments and computation was observed.
An Ultrastructural Study of Avian Synovium Infected With An Arthrotropic Mycoplasma, Mycoplasma synoviae

Live Mycoplusrnu synoviue cells in agar base medium were inoculated intrave- nously into 10 2-week-old chickens. Joint tissues were collected over a 3-week period for light and transmission electron microscopy. In infected chickcns. membrane-bound vacuoles of intact M. synoviae cclls were seen in the cytoplasm of adipose cells. Cytoplasmic lipid- containing inclusions had accumulated in enlargcd fibroblasts in tendon sheaths and loose connective tissue. Synovial cells had proliferated and containcd increased amounts of granular endoplasmic reticulum and lipid inclusions. No abnormalities were seen in control chickens. Infected chickens were positive and control chickens were negative for rheumatoid factor activity by two serological tests: tanned cell hemagglutination and latex agglutination tests.
Synthesizing the Experiments and Theories of Conservation Psychology

Within the field of environmental psychology, there are two distinct bodies of literature. First, there are experimental studies that have evaluated techniques for getting people to perform conservation behaviors. Second, there are theoretical studies that have surveyed people to create some type of theoretical model that explains conservation behaviors. These two types of research almost never overlap. This research project attempts to bridge these two literatures. Specifically, we coded over 100 environmental experiments for the type of treatment that each one employed and the effect size that was reported. Then we mapped the ten leading treatments on to the main components of six leading theoretical models. Our findings indicate that a moderate amount of variance in the effect sizes of the experimental literature is explained by the theoretical models and that one of the strongest predictors of conservation behavior is the situation or context. While we acknowledge the limitations of our method, this research raises a fundamentally important question: Why are our theories somewhat limited at predicting the behavior patterns that we see in our experiments? Are our theories built on the wrong set of psychological constructs, or are our experiments manipulating the wrong set of variables?
Estimation and Confidence Regions for Parameter Sets in Econometric Models

This paper develops a framework for performing estimation and inference in econometric models with partial identification, focusing particularly on models characterized by moment inequalities and equalities. Applications of this framework include the analysis of game-theoretic models, revealed preference restrictions, regressions with missing and corrupted data, auction models, structural quantile regressions, and asset pricing models. Specifically, we provide estimators and confidence regions for the set of minimizers Θ I of an econometric criterion function Q(θ). In applications, the criterion function embodies testable restrictions on economic models. A parameter value θ that describes an economic model satisfies these restrictions if Q(θ) attains its minimum at this value. Interest therefore focuses on the set of minimizers, called the identified set. We use the inversion of the sample analog, Q n (θ), of the population criterion, Q(θ), to construct estimators and confidence regions for the identified set, and develop consistency, rates of convergence, and inference results for these estimators and regions. To derive these results, we develop methods for analyzing the asymptotic properties of sample criterion functions under set identification.
Radar comparison of 2.66-MHz and 40.92-MHz signals scattered from the mesosphere

Comparisons have been made between 2.66-MHz and 40.92-MHz radar signals simultaneously scattered from the mesosphere. Echoes were generally received from the same height ranges, indicating that the same scattering mechanism operates at both radar frequencies. A comparison of the observed radar cross sections was made for data obtained during the spring of 1984. Indications are that these echoes are due to scattering from turbulent irregularities in the refractive index. It has been possible to estimate the inner scale of turbulence from these data. The inner scale was found to be close to that estimated from turbulence theory. A comparison of the reflection coefficients indicates that a specular reflection process cannot account for the relative signal strength observed in these data.
Abstract 3858: Implications of the downregulation of stemness/reprogramming factor expression by ibuprofen and biguanides

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to have the capacity to renew indefinitely, to initiate tumor formation, and to give rise to multiple non-tumorigenic progenies via asymmetric cell division. As a result of this phenotypic drift, an established tumor would consist of a mixture of CSC and non-CSC. Based on the current view, the CSC population is likely responsible for distant metastases, drug resistance and recurrence. However, the process by which this cell population is generated in a tumor mass has continued to be unclear. Based on our previous study (PNAS Vol. 110: 6097-6102, 2013), this process may involve nuclear reprogramming, namely the elevated expression of stemness/reprogramming factors (SOX2, OCT4, NANOG, LIN28, KLF4, MYC/MYCN, and those with equivalent functions). If so, it is conceivable that destabilization of these proteins would prevent or substantially slow down the generation of CSC compartment(s) within a tumor mass. Recently, we have reported that anti-inflammatory Ibuprofen and anti-diabetic biguanides destabilize MYC and MYCN in neuroblastoma cells. In this study, we have investigated the effects of Ibuprofen and Phenformin on stemness phenotypes of cancer cells (i.e., the expression of stemness factors) using the teratocarcinoma cell line NT2. NT2 cells were chosen as the experimental system because unlike many other cancer cell lines, they retain the expression of stemness/reprogramming factors. Furthermore, they express both MYC and MYCN proteins. Our data showed that high-dose/short-term treatment of NT2 cells with Phenformin and Ibuprofen significantly down-regulated the expression of MYC/MYCN, OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG. Moreover, the anti-stemness effect of Ibuprofen in the low-dose/long-term treatment was also evident (0.15 mM at Day 7 of the drug-treatment or 0.15 mM and 0.25 mM at Day 4). Experiments are underway to address the similar effect of low-dose/long-term treatment of Metformin and Phenformin in NT2 cells. We are also investigating a change in global gene expression in the drugs-treated NT2 cells, with the emphasis on stem cell-related genes and pathways. Results of these studies will help us better understand how these common drugs (anti-inflammation and diabetes medications) can be used in anti-cancer therapeutics, and more importantly, in cancer prevention, which is the key to eradication of this disease. Citation Format: Laura Grenlin, Tuan-Anh Tran, Sarah Lomahan, Naohiko Ikegaki, Xao X. Tang. Implications of the downregulation of stemness/reprogramming factor expression by ibuprofen and biguanides. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3858. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3858
Automated dynamic reconfiguration for high-performance regular expression searching

Dynamic reconfiguration can be necessary to produce fast and flexible FPGA-based applications. However, in practice very few developers actually use this capability. One reason for this is that it is very difficult to write and execute applications that are spread across multiple configurations. This paper uses the problem of regular expression searching for email spam filtering to illustrate the potential advantages of dynamic reconfiguration and the inherent development problems associated with the conventional design methodology. To solve these problems, we present a regular expression system compiler. This automated tool includes 1) a mechanism to split a large set of searches into multiple hardware configurations and 2) a control system to manage reconfiguration and I/O marshalling during execution. Even with very rudimentary reconfiguration support from the platform used in our testing, we are able to perform 3 to 4 orders of magnitude faster than software.
Technology options for developing manufacturable non-silicon nanoelectronics

The future of silicon based microelectronics in general and computing in particular often raises the question of what will come after silicon complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuits. We have examined all of the currently explored options and found that none of these options are suitable as silicon CMOS replacements. We propose a diamond based metal-insulator-field effect transistor (MISFET) on silicon substrate as the answer to the needs of future electronics. A novel processing scheme based on the direct writing of diamond in nano-dimensions (<100 nm) and heterogeneous integration of diamond with silicon substrates is also proposed in this paper.
Ground substrate affects activity budgets and hair loss in outdoor captive groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

How the captive environment influences the behavior of animals is relevant to the well-being of captive animals. Captivity diverges from the natural environment in many ways, and one goal of enrichment practices is to encourage species-typical behavior in these unnatural environments. This study investigated the influence of grass vs. gravel substrate on activity budgets and degree of hair loss in seven groups of captive rhesus macaques housed in outdoor enclosures at the California National Primate Research Center. Groups having grass substrate spent a greater proportion of their time foraging and a smaller proportion of time grooming compared with groups having gravel substrate. Increased time spent grooming in gravel enclosures may have contributed to significantly greater hair loss in those enclosures. A causal relationship between ground substrate on foraging and grooming, and therefore hair loss, is strengthened by similar changes in activity budgets and hair loss in a single group that was moved from gravel to grass substrate halfway through the study. These results add to growing evidence that substrate type in captivity is important to consider because it affects animal well-being. In particular, these results reveal that grass substrate is more effective than gravel in stimulating foraging and reducing allo-grooming to levels that are comparable to wild populations, and enable animals to maintain healthier coats.
Identification of the porosome complex in the hair cell

Porosomes are proposed to be the universal secretory machinery of the cell plasma membrane, where membrane-bound secretory vesicles transiently dock and fuse to expel their contents to the extracellular space during cell secretion. In neurons, porosomes are manifested as cup-shaped lipoprotein structures in the presynaptic membrane, 12-17 nm in diameter and possessing a central plug. Hair cells of hearing and balance secrete transmitter from synaptic vesicles in sensory signal transduction, but it has not previously been demonstrated that these mechanosensory cells possess porosome structures that could participate in the secretory process. In the current study, we provide, for the first time, evidence obtained using transmission electron microscopy that porosome structures indeed exist in the hair cell, suggesting a mechanism of hair-cell transmitter secretion markedly different from that of the exocytotic process currently proposed.
A unified approach to noniterative linear signal restoration

The main goal of this paper is to describe a unified framework for several noniterative algorithms for signal extrapolation reported in the literature. This unification is achieved through integral equation and Hilbert space theories. The importance of this unification is that we can bring to bear the vast body of techniques in these theories to the solution of the extrapolation problem. We will show that the so-called two-step procedures for extrapolation with different underlying models can be unified by means of noniterative algorithms for solving optimization problems in Hilbert spaces. In particular, we show that two-step procedures under a discrete-continuous model [1], [2] belong to a general class of well-known algorithms for solving linear integral equations of the first kind: given g(x), x \in A find f(t), t \in \Omega such that g(x) = \int\min{\Omega} K(x,t)f(t)dt, x \in A (1) In addition, we will show that the prolate spheroidal expansion technique is also a special case of the well-known Picard's eigenfunction procedure for the general integral problem (1). This theoretical unification, together with that presented in [3] for iterative least-squares algorithms, demonstrates that most of the well-known procedures for band-limited extrapolation can be considered as special cases of standard techniques in integral equations and operator theory.
A 2-&#181;m silicon-gate C-MOS/SOS technology

A 2-µm silicon gate deep-depletion C-MOS/SOS technology is described and characterized. The fabrication technology features all dry processing (ion milling and plasma etching) ion implanted source and drain, 2-µm features on all levels, phosphorous glass reflow for improved yield, and low-temperature processing (T ≤ 875°C). Characterization of the static electrical parameters as a function of channel length is presented. Circuit performance was characterized using a ring oscillator and a pattern generator. The ring oscillator exhibited stage delay as small as 220 ps at 5 V and an associated speed power product of less than 5 pJ. The pattern generator achieved an 80-MHz data rate. The potential of this technology for extension to submicrometer geometries was demonstrated by fabrication of discrete transistors with O.5-µm channel lengths.
Development of Novel Amyloid Imaging Agents Based Upon Thioflavin S

To date, small-molecule amyloid-imaging agents for in vivo detection and quantitation of amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been developed and successfully applied to human subjects. Preliminary studies have indicated that these amyloid-imaging agents were accumulated in the AD brains in a pattern that is relatively consistent with AD pathology, at least in the regions of amyloid-rich grey matter. These studies have also proven the concept that amyloid dyes, normally too hydrophilic to enter the brain, can be chemically modified to enhance brain permeability, binding affinity, as well as improve binding specificity for amyloid deposits. Related studies have suggested that structurally different agents can be developed that bind to different sites on amyloid deposits. In fact, in vivo cross-referencing studies based upon different amyloid-imaging agents may permit better characterization of AD pathology. But more importantly, novel amyloid imaging agents are required that will allow direct correlation between the results of animal models and human subjects based upon identical imaging modalities. Thus far, amyloid stains such as Congo red and thioflavin T have been extensively studied. However, another widely used amyloid dye, thioflavin S, has not been previously explored. This is in part due to the fact that thioflavin S exists as a mixture, not a pure chemical entity, albeit that the major component has been characterized. We hypothesized that neutral analogs, based upon the major component, could be developed as novel amyloid imaging agents, that exhibit complementary binding properties and pharmacokinetic profiles compatible with potential human studies.
Nectar yeasts in Delphinium nuttallianum (Ranunculaceae) and their effects on nectar quality

Abstract Microorganisms colonize the nectar of many angiosperms. Variable diversity and spatio-temporal dynamics of nectar-inhabiting microorganisms (e.g., yeasts) may drive variation in nectar sugar composition and subsequent plant–pollinator interactions. We assessed yeast frequency of occurrence and density in the nectar of the perennial herb, Delphinium nuttallianum , across multiple spatio-temporal scales, including flower lifetime and sex-phase transition, flowering season, populations, and years. We tested the hypothesis that pollinators vector yeasts by comparing densities between virgin flowers and those open to visitation. Finally, we identified yeasts using molecular methods and tested for an association between yeast density and nectar composition using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Yeasts were frequent colonists of Delphinium nectar, occurring in all populations and years sampled. Yeast frequency of occurrence and density varied across most spatio-temporal scales examined. Pollinators were vectors of yeast: virgin flowers remained yeast-free, while those open to visitation became inoculated. Nectar samples were species-poor, with a majority colonized by Metschnikowia reukaufii . Finally, increasing yeast density was correlated with a decrease in sucrose and an increase in monosaccharides. Our results document that yeasts form species-poor communities in populations of this hermaphroditic perennial, in addition to highlighting their spatio-temporal dynamics and effects on nectar quality. Spatio-temporal variation in frequency of occurrence, density, and changes in nectar may have important implications for the nature and strength of interactions between Delphinium and its pollinators.
Residual PM noise evaluation of radio frequency mixers

Direct observation of phase-modulation (PM) noise is often difficult due to the high dynamic range that exists between the carrier and the modulated sidebands. A common tool used to reduce the dynamic range is the phase detector, which removes the carrier and down-converts its noise sidebands to baseband. The double balanced mixer (DBM) is the most widely used phase detector for high-resolution PM noise detection at most carrier frequencies. For Fourier offset frequencies close to the carrier, the residual flicker phase noise of the DBM is often the limiting factor of a PM noise measurement system. Careful evaluation of the phase detector under various operating conditions can lead to the optimization of a PM noise measurement system's sensitivity. This paper describes a survey of residual PM noise measurements for a variety of DBMs at 5 MHz. In order to attain quality measurements, careful attention is devoted to the reduction of ground loops during PM noise measurements. The input powers to the local oscillator (LO) and reference frequency (RF) ports of the mixers are varied to determine the optimal operating point of these devices.
The objectivity of values : Invariance without explanation

This paper develops and motivates minimalism about the objectivity of values: the objectivity of values is no more, and no less, than invariance with respect to possible differences in attitudes. Thus the relation of invariance need not have any particular explanation, or, indeed, any explanation at all, for values to count as fully objective. Values need not be metaphysically real, simply in order to be objective, as according to traditional realist views. But we should not suppose, as some recent writers do, that there is no special issue of objectivity to consider: the issue of objectivity is the issue whether or how values vary with our attitudes.
Sensitivity of North American Numerical Weather Prediction to Initial State Uncertainty in Selected Upstream Subdomains

Abstract In this study the impact of initial uncertainty in localized regions on midrange forecast sensitivity over North America is studied. The local regions considered are the North American domain and two areas upstream, one covering the northeast Pacific and another extending farther west to include most of the North Pacific. The University of Utah Global Model and an estimate of initial uncertainty given by the differences between ECMWF and NCEP reanalyses are used. Control runs are performed with NCEP initial data globally. The effect of initial uncertainty on the control forecasts is simulated by a change of initial data from NCEP to ECMWF reanalysis first globally, and then only inside or only outside the selected domains. The impact of local initial uncertainty is quantified in comparison to the impact of initial uncertainty over the whole globe. Results from 17 cases show that regional state differences are less important than global state differences, unless the considered region covers most o...
Planning in factored action spaces with symbolic dynamic programming

We consider symbolic dynamic programming (SDP) for solving Markov Decision Processes (MDP) with factored state and action spaces, where both states and actions are described by sets of discrete variables. Prior work on SDP has considered only the case of factored states and ignored structure in the action space, causing them to scale poorly in terms of the number of action variables. Our main contribution is to present the first SDP-based planning algorithm for leveraging both state and action space structure in order to compute compactly represented value functions and policies. Since our new algorithm can potentially require more space than when action structure is ignored, our second contribution is to describe an approach for smoothly trading-off space versus time via recursive conditioning. Finally, our third contribution is to introduce a novel SDP approximation that often significantly reduces planning time with little loss in quality by exploiting action structure in weakly coupled MDPs. We present empirical results in three domains with factored action spaces that show that our algorithms scale much better with the number of action variables as compared to state-of-the-art SDP algorithms.
Operative correction of partial epiphyseal plate closure by osseous-bridge resection and silicone-rubber implant. An experimental study in dogs.

Partial closure of the distal femoral epiphyseal plate and a secondary varus deformity occurred consistently in twelve-week-old puppies after partial resection of the medial femoral condyle. After production of closure in the manner described, the resultant osseous bridges in sixty-four limbs were then resected and the cut surfaces (bone and growth plate) were covered with either silicone adhesive, isobutyl cyanoacrylate, or Silastic No. 382. With observation periods of up to twelve weeks, only the silicone-rubber implants consistently prevented osseous-bridge reformation and therefore prevented further angular deformities. It was essential that the silicone implant remain in direct contact with the entire plate during the period of observation.
Differential diagnosis of heavily pigmented melanocytic lesions: challenges and diagnostic approach.

The differential diagnosis of heavily pigmented melanocytic neoplasms includes melanoma (especially animal type), melanosis of partially or completely regressed melanoma, blue naevus (BN), pigmented Spitzoid lesions, recurrent naevus, combined naevus, pigmented spindle cell naevus, epithelioid blue naevus of the Carney complex/pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma, deep penetrating naevus, hyperpigmented scar after surgery of melanoma in which there are also melanophages and hyperpigmentation due to the minocycline, a tattoo or a hyperpigmented scar. Pathologists face challenges when evaluating a pigmented lesion, especially in a small superficial biopsy, because it is difficult to access important histopathological features to differentiate benign versus malignant melanocytic lesions. The histological features that favour a diagnosis of melanoma include dimension (>6 mm), asymmetry, poor circumscription, irregular confluent nests, confluent lentiginous junctional melanocytic proliferation, lack of maturation with descent in the dermis, suprabasal pagetoid melanocytes, asymmetrical distribution of melanin pigment, cytological atypia, dermal mitotic figures, asymmetrical dermal lymphocytic infiltrate and necrosis.
Calculating transition and reaction rates with nonequilibrium work measurements

By combining elements of the nonequilibrium work theorem with Transition Path Theory (TPT), we have developed a formalism for investigating transition pathways and probabilities that may effectively be implemented by means of Steered Molecular Dynamics (SMD) simulations. The workings of this formalism are illustrated by means a simple example based on a diproline peptide.
Understandable arithmetic

Since the floating-point operations form the "basic steps in our programs, the programmer has to understand the results that — will be produced by these operations. This paper discusses operations which have been or might be implemented in the hardware. The emphasis is on making the results easy for the user to understand.