cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Connectivity-Based Sensor Network Localization with Incremental Delaunay Refinement Method

We study the anchor-free localization problem for a large-scale sensor network with a complex shape, knowing network connectivity information only. The main idea follows from our previous work in which a subset of the nodes are selected as landmarks and the sensor field is partitioned into Voronoi cells with all the nodes closest to the same landmark grouped into the same cell. We extract the combinatorial Delaunay complex as the dual complex of the landmark Voronoi diagram and embed the combinatorial Delaunay complex as a structural skeleton. In this paper we develop a new landmark selection algorithm with incremental Delaunay refinement method. This algorithm does not assume any knowledge of the network boundary and runs in a distributed manner to select landmarks incrementally until both the global rigidity property (the Delaunay complex is globally rigid and thus can be embedded uniquely) and the coverage property (every node is not far from the embedded Delaunay complex) are met. The new algorithm substantially improves the robustness and applicability of the original localization algorithm, especially in networks with very low average degree (even non- rigid networks) and complex shapes.
Reassessing the People's Choice: Revisiting a Classic and Excavating Lessons for Research About Media and Voting

This article reassesses The People's Choice by Paul Lazarsfeld, Bernard Berelson, and Hazel Gaudet, one of the foundations of communication and voting behavior research. As with most classics, which are often cited but seldom read, we believe this book has much to teach contemporary social scientists. We return to the original context of the research and use voting data from the period with three broad goals: (a) to find ideas and lessons from this work that generally have been overlooked, (b) to suggest new ways of applying these ideas, and (c) to encourage scholars to engage more with this seminal work to understand ideas that are often overlooked when a complex piece of research is reduced to a brief discussion or passing citation.
The Influence of Engine Lubricating Oil on Diesel Nanoparticle Emissions and Kinetics of Oxidation

Earlier work [1] shows that kinetics of Diesel soot oxidation is different from that of ethylene diffusion flame soot oxidation [2], possibly due to metals from lube oil. This study investigates the influence of metals on soot oxidation and the exhaust particle emissions using lube oil dosed fuel (2 % by volume). This method does not simulate normal lube oil consumption, but is used as a means of adding metals to particles for oxidation studies. This study also provides insight into the effect of systems that mix lube oil with fuel to minimize oil change service. The HTO-TDMA (High Temperature Oxidation-Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer) technique [1] was used to measure the surface specific oxidation rate of Diesel particles over the temperature range 500-750 °C. Diesel particles sampled from the exhaust stream of a Diesel engine were size segregated by differential mobility and oxidized in situ in air in a heated flow tube of known residence time and temperature profile. The change in particle diameter after oxidation took place was measured and converted into the surface specific oxidation rate. The pre-exponential factors increased by about a factor of two, whereas the activation energy determined for the lubrication oil dosed Diesel particles was very close to that of undosed Diesel particles (108 kJ mol -1 , [1]). This suggests that the increase of active sites by the presence of Ca (and possibly by other metals included in the additive package of the lube oil) results in the faster oxidation rate. Particle size measurements show that particle volume emissions, which are roughly proportional to particle mass, decreased by about a factor of two, but that particle number emissions increased by an order of magnitude with lube oil dosed fuel.
Cross-Talk Between Metabolism and Reproduction: The Role of POMC and SF1 Neurons

Energy homeostasis and reproduction require tight coordination, but the mechanisms underlying their interaction are not fully understood. Two sets of hypothalamic neurons, namely pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, are emerging as critical nodes where metabolic and reproductive signals communicate. This view is supported by recent genetic studies showing that disruption of metabolic signals (e.g., leptin and insulin) or reproductive signals (e.g., estradiol) in these neurons leads to impaired regulation of both energy homeostasis and fertility. In this review, we will examine the potential mechanisms of neuronal communication between POMC, SF1, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the regulation of metabolism and reproduction.
Infection of immunocompetent mice with acid-water-pretreated Cryptosporidium parvum results in weight loss, and intestinal (structural and physiological) alterations

Cryptosporidiosis, caused by Cryptosporidium, causes self-limited diarrhea in normal hosts but may cause life-threatening diarrhea in immunocompromised persons. Cryptosporidium-induced manifestations, including weight-loss and intestinal physiological alterations are not noted in adult immunocompetent mice. So far, studies that have been used to test the therapeutic efficacy of drugs have been performed using various immunocompromised animal models. There is an urgent need of an immunocompetent small animal model that portrays Cryptosporidium-induced manifestations. In the current studies, we have compared two Cryptosporidium parvum pretreatment methods, we have hence used sodium hypochlorite or acidic water to treat Cryptosporidium parvum, followed by infection by oral gavage in adult immunocompetent C57BL6 mice. We demonstrated manifestations such as weight loss, intestinal structural and physiological alterations such as intestinal, villi blunting, and glucose malabsorption (as studied by the Ussing chamber technique) only in response to infection with C. parvum that has been treated with acidic water and not with sodium hypochlorite. These novel studies reveal that acidic water treatment of C. parvum results in manifestations of cryptosporidiosis in otherwise resistant immunocompetent mice. The current studies open up possibilities of using the normal immunocompetent mice model to test therapeutic drugs against cryptosporidiosis.
High prevalence of abnormal nocturnal oximetry in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Objectives We sought to determine the prevalence of nocturnal oxygen desaturation and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a population of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Background The coexistence of sleep apnea and HCM, 2 common cardiovascular conditions, has been largely unrecognized in the treatment of patients with HCM. The nocturnal hypoxia-induced hyperadrenergic state in OSA is expected to worsen hemodynamics and outcomes in HCM. Methods One hundred subjects with HCM between June 1, 2006, and July 14, 2008, were screened with nocturnal oximetry. Clinical variables were collected for statistical analysis. Oximetry was classified abnormal (suspicion of sleep-disordered breathing) in the presence of repetitive desaturation (≥5 events/h) followed by a rapid return to baseline oxygen saturation (SaO2) level with a decrease of ≥4% and threshold of 90%. Results Seventy-one (71%) patients with HCM had abnormal nocturnal oximetry (71 ± 9%, 95% confidence interval: 62% to 80%). Subjects with abnormal oximetry were older (age 59.5 ± 15.3 years) and more were hypertensive (n = 39 [55%]) than those with normal oximetry (age 45.8 ± 18.5 years, n = 9 [31%], p Conclusions Abnormal nocturnal oximetry is common in patients with HCM, suggesting that OSA is prevalent. OSA may impact hemodynamics and symptoms in HCM. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term benefit of OSA treatment on hemodynamics and disease progression in HCM.
The Role of Regional Institutions in Sustainable Development: A Review of the Mekong River Commission First 15 Years

The implementation of sustainable development principles often comes into conflict with government driven needs for greater economic growth. The richly diverse Mekong Region–which comprises the six riparian nations of China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam–is in the midst of a regional debate between development and ecological preservation. The Mekong River Commission (MRC), the sole organization in the region tasked with managing this delicate balance, is struggling to find a balance between utilizing the Mekong’s waterways for economic growth without undermining the vitality of the river for use by future generations. In its 15 year history, the organization has never truly defined its basic principles on sustainability and has instead shifted positions as its leadership has changed. The MRC is also trapped in a difficult balance with its upstream neighbors; due to its limited authority, the MRC has been unable to effectively manage water usage and development along the Mekong region.
Effects of chest wall on volume and strain patterns in canine lungs

Lobar functional residual capacity-to-total lung capacity ratios (FRC/TLC) and strains in five supine anesthetized dogs were determined from volumes and side lengths of tetrahedra formed by multiple intraparenchymal markers whose positions were determined roentgenographically. Strain is related to fractional changes in length of elements in a Cartesian coordinate system and was used to describe parenchymal distortion. Volumes and strain patterns were compared in three states: intact dogs, after transection of forelimb structures to relieve traction on the chest wall, and in dogs' excised lungs. Removing traction (NT) decreased the plethysmographically determined FRC and the upper-to-lower lobe ratio (UL/LL) for FRC/TLC. The ratio in the NT state was more like the ratio in the excised lungs (UL/LL approximately equal to 1) than in the intact dog (UL/LL greater than 1). Strain patterns were similar between the intact and the NT states, indicating no lobar shape change at FRC between these two states. Strain in the excised lungs differed greatly from strains in the intact and NT states. We conclude that forelimb traction alters volume distribution between lobes and that lung-chest wall interactions are important in determining volume and strain patterns.
Descriptors of Oxygen-Evolution Activity for Oxides: A Statistical Evaluation

Catalysts for oxygen electrochemical processes are critical for the commercial viability of renewable energy storage and conversion devices such as fuel cells, artificial photosynthesis, and metal-air batteries. Transition metal oxides are an excellent system for developing scalable, non-noble-metal-based catalysts, especially for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Central to the rational design of novel catalysts is the development of quantitative structure–activity relationships, which correlate the desired catalytic behavior to structural and/or elemental descriptors of materials. The ultimate goal is to use these relationships to guide materials design. In this study, 101 intrinsic OER activities of 51 perovskites were compiled from five studies in literature and additional measurements made for this work. We explored the behavior and performance of 14 descriptors of the metal–oxygen bond strength using a number of statistical approaches, including factor analysis and linear regression models. We fo...
Hexosamine Analysis of Renal Papillae in Diuretic and Antidiuretic Rats.

SummaryHexosamine analysis reflecting the content of mucopolysaccharides of the renal papillae of rats in varying states of diuresis and anti-diuresis was carried out. States of anti-diuresis were associated with low levels of hexosamine, while states of diuresis were associated with high levels of hexosamine. Hexosamine contents were correlated with physiologic and histochemical data.
Bactericidal effects of norfloxacin towards bacteria in urine

Norfloxacin produced a reliably bactericidal effect at concentrations from 3 to 90 mg/l against urine pathogens suspended in human urine. These included Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus faecalis and Staphylococci. Resistant mutants of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated on two occasions (out of 33 experiments). At high concentrations (c. 90 mg/l) the activity was less but this was probably due to the need for a low pH to dissolve the antibiotic. The pH for optimum activity of norfloxacin in urine was 7.5 to 8.0. Human blood had little effect on the bactericidal activity. Compared to other antibiotics, the rate of killing of cultures in urine was second only to gentamicin.
A Marketing Appraisal of the Robinson-Patman Act

The Robinson-Patman Act is the most basic statute affecting competitive pricing. Yet too few businessmen are aware of significant changes that have occurred in the interpretation and enforcement of...
Assessment of the Metallicity of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Ensembles at High Purities

The purity of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) ensembles is critical, but assessing the purity in terms of metal vs semiconductor content is challenging at high purities. We describe possible bulk Raman spectroscopy based procedures to assess this metallicity and compare it to absorption procedures. A simple metric for metallicity is the G+ band peak intensity ratio at two appropriate wavelengths. Related metallic G– band area derived metrics extend to higher purities. The G band signal scales linearly over orders of magnitude in concentration. However, the ratio-derived metrics may still be nonlinear because of resonance. Therefore, they break down if the tube diameter distributions differ greatly between samples, and other complications are possible. Additionally, the absolute Raman cross sections for each type of SWCNT can be estimated, and the abundance of semiconductors and metals can be tracked independently. Raman-derived metallicity figures of merit can meaningfully evaluate samples of purities...
Theory of Hydrostatic Lubrication for Polymer Hydrogel-Coated Surfaces with Excess Salt

It is argued on the basis of a solution of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation and scaling arguments that for arbitrary salt concentration, the overwhelming majority of the regions of contact of two hydrogel-coated surfaces should be separated by a thin fluid layer. This is likely to be one of the mechanisms responsible for their excellent lubricating capability.
39 SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM IN PREDOMINANTLY AFRICAN AMERICAN PATIENTS WITH UNTREATED AND TREATED CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE.

Purpose CHF with aldosteronism features a systemic illness that includes bone wasting. In rats with aldosteronism, secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) with bone resorption has been observed and can be prevented by parathyroidectomy. SHPT may accompany human CHF as a result of aldosteronism and furosemide-enhanced urinary Ca2+ and Mg2+ excretion. We hypothesized SHPT in patients who were hospitalized for their CHF and where secondary aldosteronism would be expected. Methods Nine consecutive patients (7 males, 2 females; 8 African Americans, 1 Caucasian; 33-60 yrs of age) were hospitalized during a 28-day period (February 2005) with chronic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (EF Results Serum PTH was elevated (normal range 12-65 pg/mL) in both untreated (204 6 12 pg/mL) and treated (143 6 5 pg/mL) patients. Albumin-corrected serum calcium was within the normal range (8.4-10.2 mg/dL) in both untreated (9.7 6 0.1 mg/dL) and treated (9.1 6 0.2 mg/dL) patients as were serum magnesium (2.02 6 0.52 and 2.47 6 0.67 mg/dL) and phosphorus (3.5 6 0.1 and 4.2 6 0.3 mg/dL), respectively. Calculated creatinine clearance did not differ significantly between untreated (74 6 15 mL/min) and treated (83 6 21 mL/min) patients. Conclusions In predominantly African American patients, consecutively hospitalized with CHF during February 2005, SHPT was found in 5 untreated patients, where furosemide was not a consideration, and 4 medically treated patients. Corrected serum calcium was normal while serum-ionized calcium was not measured. Because we did not monitor 25(OH)D levels, we cannot exclude hypovitaminosis D in these housebound patients with CHF. SHPT may contribute to the systemic illness that accompanies CHF, including bone wasting.
Analysis of chirped AM ladar based on Geiger-mode APD

The operating principle and simulation results for the photon counting chirped amplitude modulation(AM)ladar using Geiger Mode avalanche photodiode(Gm-APD)detector are introduced.The key parameters of the system and the recovery of the modulating signal are studied and simulated.The simulation result shows that,for our system to detect a 2 km target,the minimal emitting optical power is 6.4 W.It also shows that the wider the pulse width outputted by the Gm-APD is,the smaller the IF signal is,which is opposite to the SNR.On the other hand,the photon-counting chirp AM ladar has a good ability to control the modulating distortion and distinguish multi-target.
Spatial forest planning: To adopt, or not to adopt?

Habitat fragmentation, the size of harvest units, the cumulative effects of activities, and other forest management issues are prompting a new planning approach focusing on the spatial juxtaposition of forestry activities. Spatial forest planning involves mathematical programming techniques to incorporate both commodity and noncommodity goals with spatial aspects into a forest plan. Amongthe factors that encourage spatial forest planning are regulations and voluntary guidelines on the patterns of harvest units and wildlife habitat, the desirability of using forestland efficiently to meet various goals, and the need to evaluate and schedule activities across multiple ownerships in landscape-level plans. Factors that discourage its adoption include technological, financial, and personnel hurdles, as well as insufficient data with which to inform the models.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis: Atypical Presentation of a Rare Malignancy

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the renal pelvis is exceedingly rare and is associated with advanced stage at diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Diagnosis is often difficult due to vague presenting symptoms and nonspecific radiologic findings. The mainstay of treatment is nephrectomy, with cisplatin based chemotherapy and palliative radiation reserved for metastatic disease. We report a SCC of the renal pelvis in a 72 year-old female who presented with abdominal pain. To date, this is the largest SCC originating from the renal pelvis reported in the literature, made even more exceptional by the lack of antecedent risk factors.
The Views of Clergy Regarding Ethical Controversies in Care at the End of Life

Context While religion often informs ethical judgments, little is known about the views of American clergy regarding controversial end-of-life ethical issues including allowing to die and physician-aid in dying or physician-assisted suicide (PAD/PAS).
A Retrospective Study Analyzing the Appropriateness of Initial Treatment of Clostridium difficile in Patients with Active Malignancy.

Background. Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of hospital-associated gastrointestinal illness. Previous studies reported that patients with active malignancy are at high risk for CDIs, and yet they are still classified as nonsevere CDI and initially treated with metronidazole. Our aim is to investigate the need for the escalation of antibiotic therapy in patients with CDI and active cancer treated with oral metronidazole versus oral vancomycin. Methods. This is a retrospective study of adult patients admitted with CDI and any underlying active malignancy at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, from January 2008 to December 2014. Inclusion criteria included age > 18 years old, polymerase chain reaction- (PCR-) proven CDI, and active malignancy. Results. 197 patients were included in the final analysis. 44.8% of the metronidazole group required escalation of therapy compared to 15.2% in the vancomycin group ( value = 0.001). 29.8% of the combination group (metronidazole and vancomycin) underwent deescalation of antibiotics, which was significantly higher compared to 2.2% of patients in the vancomycin group ( value < 0.001). Discussion. Our results support the initial use of vancomycin or a combination (metronidazole and vancomycin) versus metronidazole in patients with CDI and active malignancy.
Trust in human-computer interactions as measured by frustration, surprise, and workload

We describe preliminary research that attempts to quantify the level of trust that exists in typical interactions between human users and their computer systems. We describe the cognitive and emotional states that are correlated to trust, and we present preliminary experiments using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) to measure these user states. Our long term goal is to run experiments that manipulate users' level of trust in their interactions with the computer and to measure these effects via non-invasive brain measurement.
3.1 Remote Sensing and GIScience in Geomorphology: Introduction and Overview

Geospatial technologies are having a profound effect on geomorphology. Remote sensing and geographic information system studies are now commonplace in Earth science investigations. Significant advances have occurred in sensors, geodesy, photogrammetry, geophysics, computer science, statistics, and pattern recognition. Consequently, it is now possible to quantify landscape morphology, investigate climate forcing, link process with patterns and form, and enhance our understanding of scale dependence and the polygenetic nature of landscape evolution. This chapter introduces current capabilities and new developments that are relevant to geomorphological investigations. The emphasis is on using data and new analysis approaches to better understand geomorphological systems and landforms.
The sustainable supply chain network competition with environmental tax policies

Abstract This paper captures different environmental tax policies in a multi-tiered supply chain network competition context. We derive the governing equilibrium conditions for the noncooperative game theory models for each firm and provide the equivalent variational inequality formulations. The numerical examples investigate the impacts of emission tax policies and product differentiation on the competing firms, and compare the effects of different environmental policies (flat emission tax rates, progressive emission taxes, and the government command-and-control regulations with emission standards) on equilibrium product demands, prices, total emissions, and overall profits. The computational results indicate that the implementation of environmental tax policies along with an increase in consumers’ environmental concerns can not only motivate the firms to perform sustainable operations, but also reduce the total carbon footprint. Furthermore, the low-cost progressive emission tax policies can be as effective as the high flat emission tax rate in terms of reduction in carbon footprint. Therefore, the model developed in this paper can be used by the policymakers and the firms to evaluate the effects of different environmental tax policies in a supply chain competition context.
Conversion of rat muscle fiber types. A time course study.

Rats were used in this study to determine the time course of conversion of muscle fiber types. The right or left gastrocnemius muscle was removed thereby causing an overload on the ipsilateral soleus and plantaris muscles. The contralateral limb served as a control. The type II to type I fiber conversion was followed histochemically in the soleus and plantaris muscles for one to six weeks following surgery. Muscle sections were stained for myofibrillar actomyosin ATPase and NADH tetrazolium reductase. The type I population in the soleus muscle was 99.3% six weeks after synergist removal. The plantaris muscle underwent a two fold increase in the percentage of type I fibers after six weeks. Transitional fibers were prominent in the plantaris muscle and reached their peak at 4% (P<0.05) of the total population, four weeks after surgery.
Continuation of trastuzumab beyond disease progression in patients with metastatic gastric cancer: A retrospective analysis of 25 cases—The MD Anderson experience.

e15560Background: Despite the widespread use of trastuzumab in the management of patients with Human Epidermal growth factor receptors (HER2) - overexpressing metastatic gastric cancer, its optimal...
The Clinical Use of N-Acetylcysteine in Cardiology

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may be best known for its role in the treatment for acetaminophen toxicity, but it’s well-documented antioxidant, antiplatelet, and vasodilatory effects have prompted multiple studies of its potential use in the treatment of several cardiac disease. The most prominent clinical application of NAC related to the cardiovascular diseases has been in the prevention of contrast-induced nephrotoxicity after coronary angiography/intervention (discussed in the chapter on applications of NAC in renal disease), but studies of its role as an adjunct to nitrate therapy and in the treatment of hypertension and acute myocardial infarction are significant and provocative. NAC has been studied for its potential protective effects after cardiac surgery regarding its potentially protective effects against acute postoperative renal failure and myocardial injury and in reducing postoperative atrial fibrillation. Studies of NAC use in hypertension and as an adjunct to nitrates for angina have focused on its ability to improve nitric oxide metabolism by potentiating its vasodilatory effects and limiting nitrate tolerance. Studies of its use in other cardiac conditions focus on its antioxidant effects, ability to be a free radical scavenger, and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite multiple individual studies showing positive results, NAC has yet to be established as a therapeutic agent for any of these cardiac conditions. Some of the issues limiting its widespread application are the variation in trial design and dosing schedules as well as failure of larger studies and meta-analysis to confirm its clinical utility. The limited benefits of NAC use that have been demonstrated in cardiac conditions need to be weighed against the potential for side effects and cost. Nevertheless, recent trials of its potential role in limiting infarct size and improving diastolic dysfunction hold promise and warrant further study. We believe that further well-designed larger controlled trials are needed to establish whether there is a clinical role for NAC therapy.
‘The Reason of Unreason’: Achille Mbembe and David Theo Goldberg in conversation about Critique of Black Reason:

David Theo Goldberg engages Achille Mbembe in a wide-ranging conversation on the key lines of analysis of Mbembe’s book, The Critique of Black Reason. The discussion ranges across a broad swath of ...
Organizational Properties of a Functional Mammalian Cis-Regulome

Mammalian genomic states are distinguished by their chromatin and transcription profiles. Most genomic analyses rely on chromatin profiling to infer cis-regulomes controlling distinctive cellular states. By coupling FAIRE-seq with STARR-seq and integrating Hi-C we assemble a functional cis-regulome for activated murine Bcells. Within 55,130 accessible chromatin regions we delineate 9,989 active enhancers communicating with 7,530 promoters. The cis-regulome is dominated by long range enhancer-promoter interactions (>100kb) and complex combinatorics, implying rapid evolvability. Genes with multiple enhancers display higher rates of transcription and multi-genic enhancers manifest graded levels of H3K4me1 and H3K27ac in poised and activated states, respectively. Motif analysis of pathway-specific enhancers reveals diverse transcription factor (TF) codes controlling discrete processes. The cis-regulome strikingly enriches for combinatorial DNA binding regions of lineage determining TFs. Their genomic binding patterns reveal that onset of chromatin accessibility is associated with binding of simpler combinations whereas enhancer function requires greater complexity.
Modeling and experimental verification of nonlinear behavior of cellulose nanocrystals reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites

Abstract In this paper, a constitutive modeling framework was introduced to characterize the time-dependent behavior in poly(lactic acid) reinforced by cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The mechanical properties of PLA and its corresponding nanocomposites were analyzed at three different extension rates (1, 5, 10 mm/min) using a stress relaxation test. Six hyperelastic strain energy functions were employed to describe the instantaneous mechanical behavior. The deviatoric and volumetric material constants were verified using Drucker stability criterion, and the instability limits of each model were reported. Furthermore, a hyper-viscoelastic model consisting of Neo-Hookean strain energy function and time-dependent Prony series was used to study the viscoelastic behavior of PLA and the corresponding nanocomposites. The model constants were determined using finite element (FE) simulations through an iterative process for the whole loading history of the relaxation test. Nelder–Mead Simplex method was applied to optimize the results of the FE simulations using the experimental data. The mechanical response observed for PLA and nanocomposites from model exhibited a good agreement with both short and long-term experimental data, suggesting the applicability of the estimated material parameters by this technique.
Measuring psychological inflexibility in adult and child hearing loss

AbstractObjective: Hearing loss is a chronic condition that impacts functioning among individuals with hearing loss and caregivers of children with hearing loss. Even though treatments for hearing ...
Model studies on the metal salt sensitization of chemically amplified photoresists (Conference Presentation)

As EUV approaches its insertion point into high volume manufacturing the semiconductor industry is increasingly focusing on photoresist performance. Recently metal containing resists have been proposed as alternatives to standard Chemically Amplified (CA) systems. Both approaches suffer from an incomplete knowledge of the EUV imaging mechanism. In particular the origin, number and fate of the secondary electrons believed to be active in the resist reactions is poorly understood. In this contribution we describe a study designed to try and characterize these processes and quantify the reactions that determine resist performances. We will describe experiments on a series of model CA systems doped with inorganic salts. Photoacid yields and relative rates of deprotection will be reported for metal salts that can be incorporated into polymer films at concentrations as high as 10 molal. In addition to comparing the relative performance at EUV we will also be characterizing the response at 248 nm and 100 KeV e beam. The results of these studies will be discussed in terms of the metal ion crossection, ionization potential and redox potential. In addition we will describe some unanticipated EUV reactivity of standard acid indicators that may impact the accepted electron yield/photospeed measurements that have been reported for EUV CA resists.
Photochemistry of (η3-allyl)Ru(CO)3X Precursors for Photoassisted Chemical Vapor Deposition

Quantum yields for loss of a single CO ligand in alkane solutions were determined for the (η3-allyl)Ru(CO)3X complexes, where X = Cl, Br, I. The three complexes had similar quantum yields at λexc =...
Model-Free Learning of Optimal Ergodic Policies in Wireless Systems

Learning optimal resource allocation policies in wireless systems can be effectively achieved by formulating finite dimensional constrained programs which depend on system configuration, as well as the adopted learning parameterization. The interest here is in cases where system models are unavailable, prompting methods that probe the wireless system with candidate policies, and then use observed performance to determine better policies. This generic procedure is difficult because of the need to cull accurate gradient estimates out of these limited system queries. This article constructs and exploits smoothed surrogates of constrained ergodic resource allocation problems, the gradients of the former being representable exactly as averages of finite differences that can be obtained through limited system probing. Leveraging this unique property, we develop a new model-free primal-dual algorithm for learning optimal ergodic resource allocations, while we rigorously analyze the relationships between original policy search problems and their surrogates, in both primal and dual domains. First, we show that both primal and dual domain surrogates are uniformly consistent approximations of their corresponding original finite dimensional counterparts. Upon further assuming the use of near-universal policy parameterizations, we also develop explicit bounds on the gap between optimal values of initial, infinite dimensional resource allocation problems, and dual values of their parameterized smoothed surrogates. In fact, we show that this duality gap decreases at a linear rate relative to smoothing and universality parameters. Thus, it can be made arbitrarily small at will, also justifying our proposed primal-dual algorithmic recipe. Numerical simulations confirm the effectiveness of our approach.
Understanding the Key Parameter Dependences Influencing the Soft-Error Susceptibility of Standard Combinational Logic

This article presents neutron radiation-induced soft error rate (SER) statistics and detailed analysis thereof, revealing a multitude of circuit parameters impacting the soft-error susceptibility of standard combinational logic in advanced CMOS nodes. A high-density array-based soft-error characterization vehicle is presented, featuring standard logic gate chains of varying lengths. Neutron irradiation data obtained from gate variants employing devices with distinct channel widths and threshold voltage flavors is analyzed at multiple supply voltages, ranging from nominal down to near-threshold. Supplemented with first-order simulations, measured SER cross-section results obtained from test structures implemented in a 65-nm planar CMOS technology node reveal the complex interplay between factors, such as supply voltage, node capacitance, restore current ( $I_{\mathrm {RESTORE}}$ ), gate topology, and logic chain length responsible in contributing toward the collective soft error susceptibility of a standard gate type, which constitutes the main focus of this article. In addition, the easy process portability of the proposed macro is demonstrated through implementation in a 16-nm FinFET process.
Current basis and future directions of zebrafish nutrigenomics

This review investigates the current state of nutrigenomics in the zebrafish animal models. The zebrafish animal model has been used extensively in the study of disease onset and progression and associated molecular changes. In this review, we provide a synopsis of nutrigenomics using the zebrafish animal model. Obesity and dyslipidemia studies describe the genomics of dietary-induced obesity in relation to high-fat/high-calorie diets. Inflammation and cardiovascular studies describe dietary effects on the expression of acute inflammatory markers and resulting chronic inflammatory issues including atherosclerosis. We also evaluated the genomic response to bioactive dietary compounds associated with metabolic disorders. Carbohydrate metabolism and β-cell function studies describe the impacts of high-carbohydrate dietary challenges on nutritional programming. We also report tumorigenesis in relation to dietary carcinogen exposure studies that can result in permanent genomic changes. Vitamin and mineral deficiency studies demonstrate transgenerational genomic impacts of micronutrients in the diet and temporal expression changes. Circadian rhythm studies describe the relation between metabolism and natural temporal cycles of gene expression that impacts health. Bone formation studies describe the role of dietary composition that influences bone reabsorption regulation. Finally, this review provides future directions in the use of the zebrafish model for nutrigenomic and nutrigenetic research.
Ultrabroadband Microresonators with Geometrically Nonlinear Stiffness and Dissipation

In the areas of micro- and nanoresonant sensing, energy harvesting, and signal processing, the ability to provide resonance over a broad frequency bandwidth is a persistent goal. One strategy for a broadband resonator that researchers focus on is to exploit the relatively large-amplitude response of micro- and nanoresonators operating in the geometrically nonlinear dynamic regime. Geometric nonlinearity is well known to have a hardening effect on the resonance curve, thereby generating a broadband resonance, the bandwidth of which is limited by the linearized resonant frequency (lower bound) and the drop-down bifurcation frequency (upper bound). With everything else kept constant, increasing the drop-down bifurcation frequency in the frequency response of a nonlinear resonator enhances the broadband resonance. Here, the ultrabroadband resonance of microresonators with geometrically nonlinear stiffness is investigated and validated experimentally. Specifically, a microresonator with a cubic stiffness nonlinearity is excited at its base and, as the excitation amplitude approaches a critical level, a sudden and significant increase in the resonant bandwidth of the fundamental bending mode is observed. The significant implications of this nonlinear phenomenon in sensing, signal processing, and other applications at the microscale are discussed.
A Hetero-functional Graph Analysis of Electric Power System Structural Resilience

As modern life and the world's services increasingly electrify, the resilience of the electric power grid is more important than ever. Current methods of studying electric power grid resilience generally fall in one of two categories: 1.) dynamic simulation methods and 2.) network science methods based upon graph connectedness. The latter use “lightweight” models while the former is considerably more computationally intensive. Though these methods provide valuable insights, there is a need for analytical tools that balance analytical insight with computational complexity. This paper demonstrates, for the first time, a structural resilience analysis based upon the application of hetero-functional graph theory to electric power systems. These measures are of particular relevance to the grid's architectural transformation as it comes to accommodate distributed generation and meshed networks. The paper concludes with a discussion of some of the key differences between existing resilience measures and those based upon a hetero-functional graph analysis.
Interobserver agreement in pathologic evaluation of bile duct biopsies.

Summary Intraductal biopsy is commonly used for preoperative evaluation of the etiology of biliary strictures. Interpretation of intraductal biopsies is frequently challenging. The diagnosis often suffers from interobserver disagreement, which has not been studied in the literature. We sought to assess interobserver concordance in the interpretation of intraductal biopsies. Eighty-five biopsies were retrieved, falling into five diagnostic categories: negative for dysplasia (NED), indefinite for dysplasia (IND), low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and carcinoma (CA). Eight gastrointestinal pathologists blindly reviewed all the slides. Agreement among pathologists was analyzed using Fleiss κ and weighted concordance coefficient S∗. A face-to-face consensus/training session was held to discuss the classification criteria, followed by a second round review. The overall interobserver agreement was fair in the first round review (κ = 0.39; S∗ = 0.56) and improved to moderate in the second round review (κ = 0.48; S∗ = 0.69). The agreement before and after consensus meeting was substantial to nearly perfect for CA (κ = 0.65, S∗ = 0.83; and κ = 0.80, S∗ = 0.91), fair for HGD (κ = 0.28, S∗ = 0.69; and κ = 0.40, S∗ = 0.63), and moderate for NED (κ = 0.47, S∗ = 0.50; and κ = 0.47, S∗ = 0.53). Agreement improved from fair to moderate for LGD (κ = 0.36, S∗ = 0.61; and κ = 0.49, S∗ = 0.71) and slight to fair for IND (κ = 0.16, S∗ = 0.51; and κ = 0.33, S∗ = 0.50). Compared with Hollande's fixed specimens, the agreement was higher in almost all diagnostic categories in formalin-fixed biopsies. Overall, interobserver concordance was improved after a consensus/training session. Interobserver reproducibility was high at the end of the diagnostic spectrum (CA) but fair to moderate for other diagnostic categories.
Organic solvates in the Cambridge Structural Database

Data informatics approaches were applied to the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) in an effort to discern fundamental trends related to the preparation, occurrence, and general properties of organic solvates. Foremost, the 50 most abundant solvate classes in the CSD were identified through SMILES string matching implemented through CSD Python API, and their relative occurrence rates were compared against data reported 20 years prior. These two sets of data suggest that solvate preparation methods have become less diverse over that time period with an increasing fraction derived from a smaller subset of solvents, though the relative abundance of hetero-solvates containing more than one type of solvent molecule simultaneously increased. A subsequent SMILES string matching facilitated the identification of ∼2700 pairs of solvate and solvent-free structures from the top 10 solvate classes. Data from the two related groups showed statistical differences in both the lattice symmetries and packing fractions. Solvates exhibited an inherent bias favoring triclinic lattice symmetry, which is likely related to the larger number of unique molecular components in the asymmetric unit. More surprising was the fact that solvates that do not exhibit disorder statistically had lower packing fractions than their solvent-free analogues. While solvate formation may in fact be a means to achieve phases with higher packing efficiency for some organic molecules, the data indicate this is not a general trend.
Amistad Research Center

Encyclopedia description of the Amistad Research Center at Tulane University in New Orleans Louisiana.
Tenure Security and Land-Related Investment : Evidence from Ethiopia

The authors use a large data set from Ethiopia that differentiates tenure security and transferability to explore determinants of different types of land-related investment and its possible impact on productivity. While they find some support for endogeneity of investment in trees, this is not the case for terraces. Transfer rights are unambiguously investment-enhancing. The large productivity effect of terracing implies that, even where households undertake investments to increase their tenure security, this may not be socially efficient. In Ethiopia, government action to increase tenure security and transferability of land rights can significantly enhance rural investment and productivity.
Disruption in the Dynamic Balance Between Transforming Growth Factor-β and Granulocyte/Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Signaling Within the Alveolar Space of the Alcoholic Lung: Impact on Epithelial and Macrophage Function

The mammalian lung is a remarkably complex and delicate organ that has evolved to serve the principal function of exchanging expired carbon dioxide for inspired oxygen to help fuel aerobic metabolism throughout the body. The fundamental gas exchange structure within the lung is the alveolus and its surrounding capillary network. Intrauterine lung development is exquisitely regulated and progresses through stages, with the formation of alveoli occurring at the end of gestation and in the immediate postnatal period. The signaling molecules that comprise the pluripotential superfamily that includes transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) are critically involved in the branching morphogenesis and later alveolarization that are vital for normal lung development, but their expression and activity wane rapidly in the postnatal period in the healthy state. In contradistinction, the relative influence of granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) emerges in the immediate prenatal period and throughout normal lung health as the dominant regulator of alveolar functions including the maintenance of the tight epithelial barrier, the formation and recycling of surfactant, and the maturation of the alveolar macrophage, which is the unique resident host immune cell within the lower airways. There is now abundant experimental evidence that chronic alcohol ingestion disrupts the dynamic balance between TGFβ1 and GM-CSF within the lung with profound consequences for alveolar epithelial and macrophage function. In fact, the aberrant expression and activity of TGFβ1 and the consequent dampening of GM-CSF signaling within the lower airways appears to be a fundamental factor that drives the “alcoholic lung phenotype.” This chapter reviews the fundamental roles of these two molecules and their signaling pathways and illustrates the evolving recognition that disruption of their dynamic balance by alcohol renders the lung susceptible to a wide range of pathologies.
A Transient Precursor of the HIV-1 Protease ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND KINETICS OF MATURATION

Recently, the mechanism of autoprocessing of the protease (PR) of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 from the model polyprotein, MBP-ΔTF-PR-ΔPol, which contains the protease linked to short native flanking sequences (ΔTF and ΔPol) fused to the maltose binding protein (MBP) of Escherichia coli, was reported (Louis, J. M., Nashed, N. T., Parris, K. D., Kimmel, A. R., and Jerina, D. M.(1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 91, 7970-7974). According to this mechanism, intramolecular cleavage of the N-terminal strands of the dimeric MBP-ΔTF-PR-ΔPol protein leads to the formation of the PR-ΔPol intermediate, which is subsequently converted to the mature protease by cleavage of the C-terminal strands. We now report the purification and characterization of the PR-ΔPol intermediate and the kinetics of its processing to the mature protease. Unlike the MBP-ΔTF-PR-ΔPol precursor, PR-ΔPol has proteolytic activity similar to that of the mature enzyme at pH 5.0. The pH rate profile for kcat/Km is similar to that of the mature protease above pH 4.0. Although the PR-ΔPol is more sensitive than the mature protease toward denaturing reagents, both the enzymatic activity and the intrinsic fluorescence of PR-ΔPol are linearly dependent on the protein concentration, indicating that the protein is largely in its dimeric form above 10 nM. In contrast to the first-order kinetics observed for the proteolytic reaction at the N terminus of the protease, the proteolytic reaction at the C terminus of the protease is second order in protein concentration. These results are discussed in terms of a mechanism in which the C-terminally located ΔPol peptide chains are cleaved intermolecularly to release the mature protease.