cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Thermal Processing on the Dissolution of Micro/Nano-Size Metal Particles in Lead-Free Composite Solders

The ever increasing miniaturization of electronic devices has pressed the need to find the alternate solders that can deliver the necessary strength and reliability of the solder joints. In this view the development of composite solders seems a promising option and has become the focus for many researchers in recent years. An assessment of terminal size of embedded metal particles in a composite solder after reflow process is critical to evaluate the quality and strength of the solder joint. During the actual reflow process the heating phase, holding time and cooling phase are parts of the necessary thermal cycle of the process. These thermal variations have critical effect on the terminal size of the particles and growth of intermetallic compound (IMC) around them during the process. This paper presents a mathematical model to simulate the dissolution behavior of metal particles in composite solders during reflow process. The mathematical model is based on basic mass diffusion process and involves the actual physical properties of various species (particle, IMC, solder etc) of the system. Thermal effects and related thermodynamic constraints together with the non-equilibrium interface kinetics of dissolving micro-size particles are also considered. Dissolution behavior of micro-size Cu particles in lead-free, Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) alloy solder was studied as a representative example. The growth of IMC and terminal size of embedded particles for various reflow conditions were analyzed using the model. The end particle size and the thickness of the IMC layer around the particles are presented for various reflow conditions. Effects of heating rate, holding time and cooling rate on the dissolution of copper particles and growth of IMC are also investigated. Results from the model show the interesting behavior of micron-size particle dissolution in liquid solders. In addition to the holding time, cooling rate of the solder was also seen to play an important role in the dissolution of copper particles.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Application of Gersh s ferrocyanide technique to the study of experimental renal disease.

SummaryGersh's ferrocyanide histochemical renal function technic, slightly modified, has been found useful in studying experimentally produced renal lesions. In contrast to the finding of Gersh that such preparations fade rapidly, these have shown no change after 9 months.
Stochastic Dynamic Programming and the Control of Queueing Systems

Optimization Criteria. Finite Horizon Optimization. Infinite Horizon Discounted Cost Optimization. An Inventory Model. Average Cost Optimization for Finite State Spaces. Average Cost Optimization Theory for Countable State Spaces. Computation of Average Cost Optimal Policies for Infinite State Spaces. Optimization Under Actions at Selected Epochs. Average Cost Optimization of Continuous Time Processes. Appendices. Bibliography. Index.
A Method for Calculating Transmission System Reliability

A method applying probability techniques is presented for analyzing the reliability of a transmission system. The method considers generation and transmission equipment performance, weather conditions, load cycles, generation dispatch, interconnections, and the effect of scheduled outages.
Continuously Evolving Management Concepts for Diabetic CKD and ESRD

During the past 50 years, a global pandemic of kidney failure attributed to diabetes mellitus provoked continuously changing treatment strategies based in the belief that micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes may be preventable. Both patient and physician have revised, and sometimes reversed drug regimens based on inferences extracted from prospective, controlled, properly populated trials. Illustrating this dilemma is a newly relaxed target for glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7%, introduced because of the greater rate of cardiovascular complications noted when striving to reduce attained HbA1c to < or = 6.5%. Our concept of the natural history of kidney disease in diabetes has repeatedly been modified by a rising mean age of those developing uremia (now 64.5 years). Underscoring the reality that the majority of diabetic kidney failure patients fall within the geriatric age group. An encouraging finding first reported in 2005 and continuing through 2009 is a declining incidence rate of irreversible advanced kidney failure in individuals known to have diabetes. That this "good news" results from appropriate renoprotective treatment is as yet unsubstantiated wishful thinking.
Production Testing Method For Wide-Angle Domes

AbstractSteep domes and nearly hemispherical shells are difficult to test from the center of cur-vature because of the very wide angle the test piece subtends from that position. To testthe whole piece at once would require exceedingly fast f# test optics. A mosaic picture ofthe whole element can be built up by sequentially looking at subaperture areas, but this isclearly not ideal and is not suited for large -volume production situations. This paper de- scribes a simple double -pass null test for wide -angle concentric domes and shells that greatly reduces the f# speed required of the test optics, and yet fills the whole aperturewhile giving a perfect null. The test involves an auxiliary Mangin mirror type of elementnearly in contact with the dome or shell, and makes use of the aplanatic points of the innersurface of the test piece.DiscussionA simple null test for a concentric dome or shell is to test the element in transmissionfrom its center of curvature with the aid of a retro- sphere (See Figure 1). This gives a
Occurrence of respiratory syncytial virus subtypes in hospitalized children in Cleveland, Ohio from 1985 to 1988

In order to determine the frequency of occurrence of the two respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subtypes in hospitalized children in Cleveland, Ohio, we analyzed clinical isolates obtained during three consecutive winter epidemic seasons between 1985 and 1988. RSV was recovered from the frozen clinical specimens of 197 patients: 176 subtype A, and 21 subtype B. Subtype A predominated during all three epidemic seasons, ranging from 83 to 94% of isolates. We surveyed the clinical records of 16 children with subtype B, and 101 children with subtype A infections, hospitalized at the University Hospitals of Cleveland during these winter epidemics and found no differences in age, sex, race, or clinical spectrum of severity of disease caused by the two subtypes. In contrast to previously reported data, subtype A predominated in each of the winter seasons studied within this community. We conclude that both subtypes circulate concurrently within the community during the winter. In hospitalized children both subtypes appear to cause a similar spectrum of disease. Both the concurrent circulation of RSV subtypes and the similar spectrum of illness pose for important considerations in the development of effective vaccines against this common respiratory agent in children.
Characterization of the DNA-Binding Property of Smad5

Activation of TGF-beta superfamily receptors leads to phosphorylation of Smad proteins which function as transcription factors to regulate gene expression. Previous studies have indicated that Smad5, together with Smad1 and Smad8, participates in signaling downstream of BMP receptors. To characterize the DNA-binding characteristics of Smad5, we used the GST-Smad5 N-terminal fusion protein to select for random oligonucleotide sequences that were able to binds the protein. As a result, we found that Smad5 is able to bind a consensus sequence TGTGC. We further used the Smad7 promoter sequence that contains a Smad-binding element (SBE), GTCTAGAC to determine how mutations in each nucleotide in the SBE affects the binding with Smad5, compared with the binding with Smad1, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad8. Interestingly, Smad5, but not Smad1 and Smad8, was able to bind the SBE, at a level similar to the binding by Smad3 and Smad4. However, mutations at the SBE had different effect on the binding with Smad5, compared to that with Smad3 and Smad4. These studies suggest that even though Smad5 falls into the same subfamily with Smad1 and Smad8 in mediating the signaling by BMP receptors, it has an unique DNA-binding property that is similar to Smad3, which specifically transduces signaling for TGF-beta and activin receptors.
Radiobiology of ultrasoft X rays. III. Normal human fibroblasts and the significance of terminal track structure in cell inactivation.

Ultrasoft characteristic X rays from carbon (0.28 keV) are severely attenuated as they pass through biological material, causing a nonuniform distribution of dose to cell nuclei. Complications of studying ultrasoft X rays can be minimized in this context by using cells with very thin cytoplasm and nuclei (e.g., less than the attenuation length of the X rays), and which exhibit a more nearly exponential dose response to cell killing, such as normal human fibroblasts compared with V79 cells. Using this cell system, we report the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of Al-K and C-K X rays to be near unity. Previous studies of cell inactivation by characteristic carbon X rays gave RBEs of 3 to 4, supporting the idea that localized energy depositions from secondary electrons and primary track ends represent the principal mode of biological action for other low-LET radiations. In part, the reported high RBEs result from the use of mean dose to describe energy deposited within the cell nuclei by these poorly ...
The role of hepatic insulin receptors in the regulation of glucose production

The inability of insulin to suppress hepatic glucose production (HGP) is a key defect found in type 2 diabetes. Insulin inhibits HGP through both direct and indirect means, the latter of which include inhibition of glucagon secretion, reduction in plasma nonesterified fatty acid level, decrease in the load of gluconeogenic substrates reaching the liver, and change in neural signaling to the liver. Two studies in this issue of the JCI demonstrate that selective changes in the expression of insulin receptors in mouse liver do not have a detectable effect on the ability of insulin to inhibit HGP (see the related articles beginning on pages 1306 and 1314). These provocative data suggest that the indirect effects of insulin on the liver are the primary determinant of HGP in mice.
The accuracy of the standard resistivity–concentration conversion practice estimated by measuring the segregation coefficient of boron and phosphorous in Cz‐Si

The effective segregation coefficient of boron and phosphorous has been extrapolated from resistivity data collected for a large number of commercial Cz-Si crystals, pulled in similar experimental conditions. A small solidified fraction of the Si melt volume and different initial concentrations of the doping species in the melt have been considered in this study. The dopant concentration in the solid phase has been estimated by converting the resistivity of the Si crystal to the corresponding dopant concentration, according to the standard conversion practice recommended by SEMI. A dependence of the effective segregation coefficient on the initial dopant concentration in the melt has been found experimentally for two specific ranges of concentration. A possible explanation for such dependence, including the effect of the crucible dissolution and the local inaccuracy of the standard resistivity–concentration conversion procedure, is suggested.
IS THE PRESSOR EFFECT OF GLYCERIN EXTRACT OF ADRENAL GLANDS DUE TO EPINEPHRINE

In previous publications from this Institution attention has been called to the fact that a large proportion of schizophrenic subjects and a smaller proportion of normal human beings give a pressor reaction to glycerin extract of adrenal glands administered by mouth (1, 2, 3). The nature of the pressor principle is largely unknown. The suggestion has been offered that it might be epinephrine. Several considerations militate against this suggestion. The extract previously reported upon was made from adrenal glands, the medullae of which were removed by trimming. In the process of extraction of the cortical substance thus secured, the manufacturer states that the only protection from the air for a period of two weeks is that afforded by the glycerin menstruum and the usual covered vessels. The amount of epinephrine therefore that might be obtained through this process from 6 gm. (90 grains) of raw cortex—the amount used as the standard dose—would presumably be negligibly small. In any case, however, the ext...
Preclinical validation of interleukin 6 as a therapeutic target in multiple myeloma

Studies on the biologic and molecular genetic underpinnings of multiple myeloma (MM) have identified the pleiotropic, pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), as a factor crucial to the growth, proliferation and survival of myeloma cells. IL-6 is also a potent stimulator of osteoclastogenesis and a sculptor of the tumor microenvironment in the bone marrow of patients with myeloma. This knowledge has engendered considerable interest in targeting IL-6 for therapeutic purposes, using a variety of antibody- and small-molecule-based therapies. However, despite the early recognition of the importance of IL-6 for myeloma and the steady progress in our knowledge of IL-6 in normal and malignant development of plasma cells, additional efforts will be required to translate the promise of IL-6 as a target for new myeloma therapies into significant clinical benefits for patients with myeloma. This review summarizes published research on the role of IL-6 in myeloma development and describes ongoing efforts by the University of Iowa Myeloma Multidisciplinary Oncology Group to develop new approaches to the design and testing of IL-6-targeted therapies and preventions of MM.
WILLIAM D. EHMANN, RADIOANALYTICAL CHEMIST AND RADIOCHEMISTRY EDUCATOR

The contributions of William D. Ehmann to radioanalytical chemistry and education in radiochemistry are summarized, and a selected bibliography of his publications is presented.
The Role of Caveolae and Membrane Conformation in Load-Induced Ventricular Conduction Slowing

Mechanical load has been shown to alter cardiac electrophysiology, but the underlying mechanisms are still not completely understood. Conduction slowing has been observed during increased ventricular load in the isolated heart and has been associated with changes in intercellular coupling and membrane capacitance. The goal of this work was to investigate the effect of increased ventricular pressure on cardiomyocyte membrane conformation and caveolar structure, and the role of these changes in conduction slowing associated with load. Murine hearts were isolated, retrogradely perfused, and pressure loaded through a cannula inserted into the left ventricular cavity. In the pressure loaded wild-type heart, electron microscopy revealed a tautening of excess membrane folds, fewer sub-sarcolemmal caveolae, and an apparent opening of the neck of sarcolemmal caveolae compared to the unloaded state. Optical mapping revealed a significant 15-18% slowing of conduction velocity with load in both the directions of fastest and slowest conduction (CVmax and CVmin, respectively). Hearts isolated from caveolin-3 deficient mice have no caveolae on the cardiomyocyte membranes, and control hearts treated with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) have a diminished number of caveolar structures, as assessed by electron microscopy. These hearts lacked changes in sub-sarcolemmal caveolae and caveolar structure with pressure load, and conduction slowing was attenuated. Cardiomyocyte caveolar localization and conformation change with increased ventricular load, and this alteration appears to play an important role in load-induced conduction slowing, possibly by contributing to changes in effective membrane capacitance.
Mental Computation and Language Breakdown: Clarifications, Extensions, and Responses

This paper is a response to commentaries on my target paper for Computational Intelligence, ‘‘Control and Cross-Domain Mental Computation: Evidence from Language Breakdown.’’ In this response, I acknowledge certain errors in my initial construal of control and dismiss unwarranted criticisms. I then reexamine both control and certain language disorders in light of the explicitness of cross-domain communication and the visibility of representations to each other. In the end, I reassert the validity of the logic/control (visibility) distinction in mental computation and argue that the contrasts between Specific Language Impairment and Williams syndrome parallel this distinction. In my target paper for this special issue, I make the following arguments. The distinction in computation between logic and control is relevant to mental computation, and empirical evidence for this difference can be found in the way two language disorders affect linguistic behavior. The language difficulties associated with Williams syndrome appear to be crossdomain and hence problems with control. In contrast, the disorders associated with Specific Language Impairment appear to be within-domain and hence problems of logic. These differences come through especially clearly in an analysis of morphological theory and experimental performance. Language loss thus cuts broadly across mental computation— disorders that affect within-domain data structures (logic) and those that affect cross-domain information management (control). The latter disorders, moreover, are not generalized performance difficulties but specific to the control aspect of mental computation. These claims dovetail with a variety of recent advances in cognitive science and linguistics—e.g., proposals about the explicitness of cross-domain information and the implicitness of withindomain information and theoretical arguments about the organization and interaction of linguistic modules. The careful and thoughtful responses of the commentators—even the critical ones, as I hope to show—suggest to me that the foregoing arguments withstand scrutiny. Indeed, I think the claims are strengthened by a number of corrections and clarifications that emerge in the commentaries. My responses fall into four categories: (1) acknowledgment of errors and direct responses to what I see as misguided criticisms; (2) modifications of and progress on the idea of control; (3) modifications of and progress on accounts of language disorders; and (4) incommensurables—points where the commentators and I are at potentially irresolvable odds—though I try to reach out on these points for common ground.
Effect of endovascular stenting of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit stenosis in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome on stage ii outcomes

There is growing awareness that the Norwood procedure with the Sano modification is prone to early right ventricular to pulmonary artery (RV–PA) conduit stenosis resulting in systemic oxygen desaturation, increased interstage morbidity, and death. We report our experience with endovascular stent placement for conduit stenosis and compare the outcomes at stage II surgery between stented and nonstented infants. The medical records of all patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who received an RV–PA conduit at Norwood palliation from May 2005 to January 2010 were reviewed. The preoperative anatomy, demographics, operative variables, and outcomes pertaining to the Norwood and subsequent stage II surgeries were obtained and compared between stented and nonstented infants. The pre- and post-stent oxygen saturation, stenosis location, type and number of stents implanted, concomitant interventions, procedure-related complications, and reinterventions were collected. Of the 66 infants who underwent the Norwood procedure with RV–PA conduit modification, 16 (24%) received stents. The anatomy, demographics, and outcome variables after the Norwood procedure were similar between the stented and nonstented infants. The age at catheterization was 93 ± 48 days, and the weight was 4.9 ± 1.2 kg. The oxygen saturation increased from 66 ± 9% before intervention to 82 ± 6% immediately after stenting (p
Phase fluctuations in a turbulent medium

General relationships are shown relating the log-amplitude and the phase fluctuations to the Rytov geometric optical solution for the phase fluctuation under the assumption of normal distribution for the log-amplitude and the phase fluctuations. In the weak fluctuation region, this general relationship reduces to the Rytov solution. In the strong fluctuation region, the phase correlation function is shown to approach the Rytov geometric optical solution.
Chronic disease: long-term outcomes of metabolic dysfunction

The nature of all cause mortality has changed over the past century from acute to chronic disease. This chapter uses the example of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) to illustrate the differences between acute and chronic disease. The ASCVD example is then used to identify strategic concepts needed to develop functional foods capable of effectively preventing chronic disease. Central to such strategy is the identification of multiple diet-responsive metabolic targets that underlie multifactorial chronic disease. Food developers should strive to apply metabolic information to create products or product lines that act through multiple targets.
Functionalized O-alkyldithiocarbonates: a new class of ligands designed for luminescent heterometallic materials.

The new ligand 4-PyCH2OCS2Na, that combines two different donor groups in one molecule (a soft −CS2− group and a hard pyridine moiety), has been synthesized. The ligand coordinates to a [(bipy)Re(C...
Separation of dipeptide diastereomers by high-resolution gas chromatography

Abstract Separation of trimethylsilylated diastereomers of dipeptides was achieved by high-resolution gas chromatography on a fused silica capillary column coated with an achiral (conventional) stationary phase. l , i and d , d forms (enantiomers) were separated from their diastereomers, l , d and d , l with excellent resolution. Enantionmers were not separable from each other ( l , l from d , d and l , d from d , l ) on this column. The nominal structures of the separated stereoisomers were confirmd by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry.
The Food and Drug Administration's role in promoting consistent labels for generic drugs.

The product information for a prescription drug— commonly called its label—is the full description of the drug’s indications for use, method of administration, warnings, contraindications, and potential adverse events. It is written by the manufacturer of the brandname drug, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and published when the drug initially is marketed. As new effectiveness or safety information becomes available during the period of marketing exclusivity, the manufacturer must update the label and maintain it as an accurate reference. Once a brand-name drug loses its market exclusivity, the manufacturers of generic versions must disseminate a label that mimics the safety information for the brand-name drug. The labels of generic drugs are important to public health; over 84% of all prescriptions that are filled in the United States are for generic drugs. 1 Frequently, serious new safety is
Issues in implementing a randomized experiment in a field setting

Because of the differential perspectives, needs, and interests that undergird clinical and research objectives, program staff may wittingly or unwittingly sabotage randomization. A case study of the New Orleans Homeless Substance Abusers Program amply documents this process.
Structural optimization of linear dynamical systems under stochastic excitation: a moving reliability database approach

A method to carry out structural synthesis of deterministic linear dynamical systems under stochastic excitation is introduced. The structural optimization problem is written as a nonlinear mathematical programming problem with reliability constraints. Probability that design conditions are satisfied within a given time period is used as a measure of system reliability. The solution of the original optimization problem is replaced by the solution of a sequence of approximate sub-optimization problems. An explicit approximation of the system reliability in terms of the design variables is constructed in each sub-optimization problem. The approximations are locally adjusted to a reliability database, which is obtained by an efficient importance sampling technique. Each approximate optimization problem is solved in an efficient manner due to the availability of the system reliability in explicit form. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the performance and efficiency of the proposed methodology.
Intrinsic heterogeneity in the multiple states of adsorbed hydrogen on polycrystalline platinum

Abstract The interaction of oxide formation and reduction with the adsorbed hydrogen in the “third anodic peak” on polycrystalline Pt is investigated in alkaline and acid solutions with and without specifically adsorbed ions. We identify a structural sensitivity which excludes “induced heterogeneity” explanations for the origin of this state.
Nucleotide release and associated conformational changes regulate function in the COOH-terminal Src kinase, Csk.

The COOH-terminal Src kinase (Csk) regulates a broad array of cellular processes via the specific phosphorylation and downregulation of Src family protein kinases. While Csk has been a topic for steady-state kinetic studies, the individual steps associated with substrate phosphorylation have not been investigated. To understand active-site phenomena, pre-steady-state and transient-state kinetic methods were applied to develop a catalytic pathway for substrate processing. Rapid quench flow techniques show that the phosphorylation of a substrate peptide, generated from a random library, occurs in two kinetic phases: a rapid, exponential “burst” phase followed by a slow, linear phase. The amplitude of the burst phase increases as a function of enzyme concentration, indicating that the biphasic kinetics are not the result of product inhibition. Analysis of the burst rate as a function of substrate concentration indicates that the phosphoryl transfer step is fast (k3 ≥ 140 s-1) and highly favorable (k3/k-3 ≥ ...
Offending Trajectories Among Native‐Born and Foreign‐Born Hispanics to Late Middle Age

Research on crime over the life-course has made considerable progress in the last several decades. Despite this growth, significantly less attention has been devoted to longitudinal examinations of Hispanic populations beyond one phase of the life-course, and/or examining differences between native-born and foreign-born Hispanics. Recognizing these limitations, this study offers an investigation of Hispanics in the United States focusing on offending and its relationship to immigration status. Using arrest data from a cohort of 375 Hispanic males from ages 18 to 50, trajectory analysis revealed four unique offending trajectories: very low-rate offenders, high-rate late-onset escalators, initially high-rate desisters, and high-rate chronic offenders. Multivariate regression models demonstrated that Hispanic immigrants were significantly less likely to be initially high-rate desisters or high-rate chronic offenders compared with their native-born counterparts, yet unmarried Hispanics were significantly more likely to be high-rate late-onset escalators. Study limitations and implications are also discussed.
The Natufian: Settlement variability and economic adaptations in the Levant at the end of the Pleistocene

The relationship between current interpretations of Natufian settlement and subsistence and available archaeological data are examined in light of recent research, particularly in Jordan. Regional variability in adaptive strategies is discernible, particularly between forest and coastal sites versus steppe and desert sites. Greater evidence of plant processing and more intensive occupation characterize settlement in the former, although year-round occupation has yet to be conclusively demonstrated. Patterned variability also exists between two classes of steppe and desert area settlements. One set of steppe and desert sites is characterized by a broad range of activities and moderate settlement permanence and activity intensity, while less permanent occupation and more specialized activities focused primarily on hunting typify the other set of sites. Evidence for food production in the Natufian is examined and, although the domestication process may have begun, no morphological evidence exists for the domestication of plants or herd animals. Finally, worthwhile areas for future research are outlined.
Cognition, commitment language, and behavioral change among cocaine-dependent patients

Patients' cognitive abilities and verbal expressions of commitment to behavioral change predict different aspects of substance abuse treatment outcome, but these 2 traits have never been examined conjointly. The authors therefore investigated patients' cognitive abilities and verbal expressions of commitment to behavioral change as predictors of retention and drug use outcomes in an outpatient cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) of adult cocaine-dependent patients. A neuropsychological battery was administered at baseline. Two independent raters used recordings of CBT sessions to code commitment language strength across the temporal segments (e.g., beginning, middle, and end) of 1 session per patient. Better cognitive abilities predicted treatment retention (p < .01) but not drug use, whereas mean commitment strength across the session segments predicted reduced drug use (p = .01). Results indicate that although commitment to behavioral changes such as abstinence may occur independently of patients' cognitive abilities, engagement in the behavioral intervention process appears to depend on cognitive abilities. Future clinical studies should further investigate the relations between cognition and commitment to change and their differential contributions to treatment processes and outcome.
Redox-Switched Exciton-Coupled Circular Dichroism: A Novel Strategy for Binary Molecular Switching

Intense chiroptical properties and efficient reversibility of the chemical redox cycle support the adaptability of the CuI/CuII complex system 1/2 for the development of a binary molecular device. Reduction proceeds with ascorbic acid, and oxidation with ammonium persulfate.
Search for MSSM Higgs Decaying to Tau Pairs

We present the results of a search for a neutral MSSM Higgs boson decaying to a pair of tau leptons. The analyzed data sample corresponds to integrated luminosity of approximately 200 pb-1 of $p \bar{p}$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 1.96~{\rm TeV}$. It was collected by the CDF detector during Run 2 of the Fermilab Tevatron. We select tau pairs in which one of the taus decays hadronically and the other to e or μ and neutrinos. We see no evidence of signal and perform a fit to the (partially) reconstructed di-tau mass to set limits on the product of Higgs production cross-section and its branching fraction to taus.
A Learning Approach to SQL Query Results Ranking Using Skyline and Users' Current Navigational Behavior

Users often find that their queries against a database return too many answers, many of them irrelevant. A common solution is to rank the query results. The effectiveness of a ranking function depends on how well it captures users' preferences. However, database systems often do not have the complete information about users' preferences and users' preferences are often heterogeneous (i.e., some preferences are static and common to all users while some are dynamic and diverse). Existing solutions do not address these two issues. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to address these shortcomings: 1) it addresses the heterogeneous issue by using skyline to capture users' static and common preferences and using users' current navigational behavior to capture users' dynamic and diverse preferences; 2) it addresses the incompleteness issue by using a machine learning technique to learn a ranking function based on training examples constructed from the above two types of information. Experimental results demonstrate the benefits of our approach.
Mobile Visual Analytics for Datacenter Power and Cooling Management

The demand for data center solutions with lower total cost of ownership and lower complexity of management is driving the creation of next generation datacenters. The information technology industry is in the midst of a transformation to lower the cost of operation through consolidation and better utilization of critical data center resources. Successful consolidation necessitates increasing utilization of capital intensive “always-on” data center infrastructure, reduction in the recurring cost of power and management of physical resources. In this paper, we describe a tool that allows the data center facility managers and administrators to view and analyze the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) associated with their data centers using pixel cell-based [10,11] visual analytics. The basic idea of our technique is to use the smallest element in the display to present the detailed information of the poser and thermal data records. Administrators can quickly recognize the patterns, trends, and anomalies. Furthermore, we discuss case studies of mobile visual analytics for energy and thermal state monitoring utilizing data from a rich sensor network.
Blockwise HMM computation for large-scale population genomic inference

Motivation: A promising class of methods for large-scale population genomic inference use the conditional sampling distribution (CSD), which approximates the probability of sampling an individual with a particular DNA sequence, given that a collection of sequences from the population has already been observed. The CSD has a wide range of applications, including imputing missing sequence data, estimating recombination rates, inferring human colonization history and identifying tracts of distinct ancestry in admixed populations. Most well-used CSDs are based on hidden Markov models (HMMs). Although computationally efficient in principle, methods resulting from the common implementation of the relevant HMM techniques remain intractable for large genomic datasets. Results: To address this issue, a set of algorithmic improvements for performing the exact HMM computation is introduced here, by exploiting the particular structure of the CSD and typical characteristics of genomic data. It is empirically demonstrated that these improvements result in a speedup of several orders of magnitude for large datasets and that the speedup continues to increase with the number of sequences. The optimized algorithms can be adopted in methods for various applications, including the ones mentioned above and make previously impracticable analyses possible. Availability: Software available upon request. Supplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. Contact: yss@eecs.berkeley.edu
Probing the molecular structure of antimicrobial peptide-mediated silica condensation using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The antimicrobial peptide KSL (KKVVFKVKFK) mediates the rapid condensation of tetramethyl orthosilicate to form silica nanoparticles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to identify the molecular interactions between protein and silica on the surface of nanoparticles containing antimicrobial peptide and silica. Comparative high resolution spectral analysis between KSL peptide and KSL-catalyzed silica nanoparticles revealed that imidates are present in the KSL peptide backbone after silica formation. Supporting evidence for the presence of an imidate is provided by FTIR spectroscopic analysis of the amide I and V bands. XPS analysis also shows that side-chain amines of lysine do not interact with the silica product and the lack of association is supported further by 15N-29Si REDOR NMR. Quantitative analysis of XPS elemental spectra determined the silica O:Si ratio is 3.6 : 1, suggesting that the nuclei (sol) particles are not highly condensed structures. Results were supported using 29Si CPMAS NMR to show that the majority of the silica is Q2 groups. A proposed mechanism of rapid silicification with involvement of a peptide imidate is presented.
Biomolecular committor probability calculation enabled by processing in network storage

Computationally complex and data intensive atomic scale biomolecular simulation is enabled via processing in network storage (PINS): a novel distributed system framework to overcome bandwidth, compute, storage, organizational, and security challenges inherent to the wide-area computation and storage grid. PINS is presented as an effective and scalable scientific simulation framework to meet the unbounded requirements of a 'user of infinite need'. The novel hybrid database-filesystem architecture enables the high throughput computation and data generation required by our scientific target. Biomolecular simulation methods are correlated with the primary PINS components, including: client tools, hybrid database/file management service (GEMS), computation engine (Condor), virtual file system adapter (Parrot), and local file servers (Chirp). Performance for the PINS prototype is reported for the committor probability calculation of a solvated protein domain requiring 500 independent simulations and the generation of over 1,000,000 output files.
When I’m 104: The Determinants of Healthy Longevity Among the Oldest-Old in China

This chapter uses the first wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey to investigate the health status of the oldest-old in China. We found that the different measures of health collected in the survey were only moderately related. That is, there is not a single construct called “health.” We found that work history was modestly related to some measures of health. We also found that childhood health and socioeconomic status were correlated with health even at advanced ages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine this connection in developing countries and at such advanced ages.
Obtaining Changes in Calibration‐Coil to Seismometer Output Constants Using Sine Waves

The midband sensitivity of a broadband seismometer is one of the most commonly used parameters from station metadata. Thus, it is critical for station operators to robustly estimate this quantity with a high degree of accuracy. We develop an in situ method for estimating changes in sensitivity using sine‐wave calibrations, assuming the calibration coil and its drive are stable over time and temperature. This approach has been used in the past for passive instruments (e.g., geophones) but has not been applied, to our knowledge, to derive sensitivities of modern force‐feedback broadband seismometers. We are able to detect changes in sensitivity to well within 1%, and our method is capable of detecting these sensitivity changes using any frequency of sine calibration within the passband of the instrument.
Significant wastage of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel head

Boric acid, used in pressurised water nuclear reactors, can be very corrosive under some conditions. A 2050 cubic cm corrosion pit was discovered on the Davis-Besse reactor head in 2002. Two engineers were criminally prosecuted for submitting false inspection records to US nuclear regulators.
Investigations of leg abnormalities in chicks consuming high tannin sorghum grain diets.

Studies were conducted into the etiology of leg abnormalities noted in chicks fed high tannin sorghum grain diets. These anomalies were characterized by a bowing of the legs with a swelling of the hock joints. The incidence of these leg problems was found to be markedly higher when the amino acids in the diet provided by soybean meal were replaced by crystalline amino acids. Supplemental vitamins and minerals had no alleviating effect on the leg problem. Bone mineralization was apparently not influenced by tannins as demonstrated by similar bone ash values for chicks fed high or low tannin sorghums. A possible alteration caused by tannin in the organic matrix of bone is discussed. High tannin sorghum depressed chick growth and feed conversion when compared with low tannin sorghum in both sorghum-soybean meal and sorghum-amino acid rations. This growth depression was overcome by supplementing the high tannin sorghum-soybean meal diet with .15% DL-methionine, but no growth response was observed from a similar supplementation of a high tannin sorghum-amino acid diet.
Porosity and Permeability in Sediment Mixtures

Porosity in sediments that contain a mix of coarser- and finer-grained components varies as a function of the porosity and volume fraction of each component. We considered sediment mixtures representing poorly sorted sands and gravely sands. We expanded an existing fractional-packing model for porosity to represent mixtures in which finer grains approach the size of the pores that would exist among the coarser grains alone. The model well represents the porosity measured in laboratory experiments in which grain sizes and volume fractions were systematically changed within sediment mixtures. Permeability values were determined for these sediment mixtures using a model based on grain-size statistics and the expanded fractional-packing porosity model. The permeability model well represents permeability measured in laboratory experiments using air- and water-based permeametry on the model sediment mixtures.
Multiple approaches to study color pattern evolution in butterflies

The myriad colors and patterns on butterfly wings have caught the attention of biologists for well over a century. Today, with the advent of more sophisticated genetic and developmental tools, it is possible to identify and study the evolution of genes, gene networks, and the effect of the environment on the networks underlying wing color patterning. In addition, using molecular phylogenies and the comparative approach, it is possible to infer ancestral wing patterns, direction of evolutionary change, and occurrence of parallelism and convergence. Finally, the driving forces behind wing pattern evolution can be estimated using bioassay studies such as predator‐prey and mate choice experiments. Here we review the different approaches to answer both proximate and ultimate questions about butterfly wing pattern evolution, and we highlight future research directions in a field that has the potential to become truly integrative.
Cytotoxicity of Photoactive Nanoparticles

This chapter describes the cytotoxicity of photoactive materials (specifically, quantum dots, noble metal nanoparticles (including gold and silver), and fluorescent silica nanoparticles). A thorough representation of in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies is presented. Since the toxicity on photoactive nanomaterials described in this chapter has developed rapidly and has attracted a great amount of interest, it is expected that many novel developments and applications of photoactive nanomaterials will ensue in the near future.
Phagocytosis of rod outer segments by retinal pigment epithelial cells requires αvβ5 integrin for binding but not for internalization

Phagocytosis of shed photoreceptor rod outer segments (ROS) by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for retinal function. Here, we demonstrate that this process requires alpha(v)beta5 integrin, rather than alpha(v)beta3 integrin utilized by systemic macrophages. Although adult rat RPE expressed both alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 integrins, only alpha(v)beta3 was expressed at birth, when the retina is immature and phagocytosis is absent. Expression of alpha(v)beta5 was first detected in RPE at PN7 and reached adult levels at PN11, just before onset of phagocytic activity. Interestingly, alpha(v)beta5 localized in vivo to the apical plasma membrane, facing the photoreceptors, and to intracellular vesicles, whereas alpha(v)beta3 was expressed basolaterally. Using quantitative fluorimaging to assess in vitro uptake of fluorescent particles by human (ARPE-19) and rat (RPE-J) cell lines, alpha(v)beta5 function-blocking antibodies were shown to reduce phagocytosis by drastically decreasing (85%) binding of ROS but not of latex beads. In agreement with a role for alpha(v)beta5 in phagocytosis, immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated codistribution of alpha(v)beta5 integrin with internalized ROS. Control experiments showed that blocking alpha(v)beta3 function with antibodies did not inhibit ROS phagocytosis and that alpha(v)beta3 did not colocalize with phagocytosed ROS. Taken together, our results indicate that the RPE requires the integrin receptor alpha(v)beta5 specifically for the binding of ROS and that phagocytosis involves internalization of a ROS-alpha(v)beta5 complex. Alpha(v)beta5 integrin does not participate in phagocytosis by other phagocytic cells and is the first of the RPE receptors involved in ROS phagocytosis that may be specific for this process.
Optically smart active antenna arrays

A prototype X-band active antenna array with adaptive optical processing is presented. The optical processor, referred to as an auto-tuning filter, is able to extract the strongest principal component in a two-signal space with up to 30 dB enhancement with respect to the other signals. The processor is compact (8 cm by 4 cm) and scalable to a large number of antenna elements and incident RF waves (sources). Three major components of this system are described in detail: (1) the lens antenna array front end with angle-of-arrival pre-processing; (2) the electrooptic modulation and optical carrier suppression stage; and (3) the smart optical processor (auto-tuning filter).
Improving the tolerance of Escherichia coli to medium-chain fatty acid production

Microbial fatty acids are an attractive source of precursors for a variety of renewable commodity chemicals such as alkanes, alcohols, and biofuels. Rerouting lipid biosynthesis into free fatty acid production can be toxic, however, due to alterations of membrane lipid composition. Here we find that membrane lipid composition can be altered by the direct incorporation of medium-chain fatty acids into lipids via the Aas pathway in cells expressing the medium-chain thioesterase from Umbellularia californica (BTE). We find that deletion of the aas gene and sequestering exported fatty acids reduces medium-chain fatty acid toxicity, partially restores normal lipid composition, and improves medium-chain fatty acid yields.
Exploring the Corporate Blogosphere: A Taxonomy for Research and Practice

Corporate blogs have received a great deal of attention recently in the practitioner literature and are gaining interest in the research community, although little is known about the uses and impacts of these blogs. We develop a taxonomy to describe and compare corporate blogs, and then apply it to companies listed on the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400, and S&P SmallCap 600 indices. Our findings revealed several main clusters of blogs that are currently being hosted by corporations as well as a few uncommon types of blogs that may represent emerging trends in corporate blogging practices. These findings also suggest that our taxonomy is indeed able to differentiate among different types of corporate blogs and will be a useful tool for future research.
Case Study of Reliability-Aware and Low-Power Design

Based on the proposed reliability characterization model, reliability-aware and low-power design is illustrated for the first time as a design methodology to balance reliability enhancement and power reduction. Low-power and reliable SRAM cell design, reliable dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) algorithm design, and voltage island partitioning and floorplanning for reliable system-on-a-chip (SOC) design are demonstrated as case studies of this new design methodology.